Deadline by Fern Michaels

“Okay, Bud, you be good.”
    She knew Chester was in good hands. Her mother and the three Gs were safe. Now, if she could only locate Chris, her life would be close to perfect.

Chapter 8
    T oots, Sophie, and Mavis had just finished a light breakfast when they heard a car door slam. “The queen of cosmetics has returned,” Sophie said.
    Coming to Ida’s defense, Mavis piped up, “Stop it, Sophie. She’s doing a wonderful job. The customers love her.”
    â€œThey’re dead, Mavis. Of course they love her,” Sophie teased.
    â€œThe morticians,” Mavis explained. “She has a way with them.”
    â€œBoth of you stop,” Toots interjected.
    No one uttered a single word when Ida entered the kitchen. All three women stared at their friend, looked at each other, then doubled over with laughter. Ida glared at them, her eyes practically bulging out of her head, her breathing as rapid as if she were hyperventilating.
    â€œYou!” she accused, pointing at Sophie. “I know you had something to do with this! Look at me, I am ruined! It will be weeks before I’m able to show my face in public! How could you?”
    The three women looked at Ida, their mouths hanging open like three treasure chests. Her normally perfectly coiffed pageboy had been replaced by a pixie cut, and her formerly platinum-dyed hair was bright pink.
    They giggled, pointing at her magenta-colored hair.
    Between their wild hooting and laughter, Toots managed to say, “It wasn’t Sophie.”
    The old cliché about a picture being worth a thousand words didn’t begin to do justice to the expression that came across Ida’s face.
    Ida’s complexion went from white to an ashen gray . Not a good match for her new hair color , Toots thought, as she struggled mightily to keep a straight face. “I did it, Ida. It was me. Sophie had absolutely nothing to do with it.” Toots risked a glance at Sophie, whose ear-to-ear grin displayed her glee at Ida’s plight.
    Truly at a loss for words, Ida stood gaping at them, her mouth an angry red slash. “Exactly what is that supposed to mean?”
    â€œJust what I said. I called Neil George Salon and told them to give you the latest Hollywood hairstyle, my treat. How could I know they were going to turn you into one of those little pink baby chicks we used to get at the carnival?” Toots looked again at Sophie and Mavis and tried to get her bearings so she wouldn’t burst out laughing again. “No, I did not. How could I?”
    Ida threw her hands up in the air. “I don’t believe you. I know you too well.”
    Toots aimed her index finger at Ida. “That’s your choice. I simply asked they give you the latest, most popular hairstyle. I didn’t specify your age, which I suppose I should have, given the circumstances. I will call the salon and tell them they’ve made an awful mistake. As a matter of fact, if they can, I’ll see if we can drop you off when we leave for the airport.”
    â€œAnd miss Goebel’s arrival? I don’t think so,” Ida said, before stomping upstairs. “And don’t talk about me behind my back. My hearing is quite good,” she tossed over her shoulder.
    Toots turned to the others, whispering. “She’s up to something. And it isn’t good.”
    â€œIf she thinks she’s got a chance with Goebel, she’d better think again. He is not impressed with her kind. Told me so himself. He’d rather date ... Bernice than Ida,” Sophie said forcefully. “I don’t understand where she thinks she can just move in on someone’s territory! She’s a true slut.”
    â€œBernice wouldn’t give Goebel a second look, just so you know. She’s had the hots for Malcolm Moretti for over twenty years. He owns the butcher shop she frequents. Says he gives her his best cuts of meat,” Toots said, wiggling her