Chapter 1

Ethan Baughman entered Captain Hoganmeier's office. He had been informed that the captain had wanted to see him. Ethan couldn't imagine what the captain would want with him. Ethan had rarely a meaningful conversation with the lieutenant, let alone the captain.

Ethan was an exemplary officer and couldn't imagine anything wrong with his performance. His career began several years ago, before he could get his figurative feet wet. Ethan was chosen right out of the academy for a special undercover assignment. His young looks made him the perfect choice to play the teenage son in a family of four (all undercover police officers) which were investigating a man posing as a family therapist which was doing some very bizarre things with his patients. At first, they thought he was a real therapist, but by the time the man disappeared, the truth was determined that he had never been a psychologist at all. Whether the faux family therapist had gone to college or not, he certainly didn't have any degrees or training in therapy.

The 'family' considered of himself, two older detectives who were posing as his parents and another office directly out of the academy who posed as his younger sister.

At five foot seven and relatively slight of build, Ethan could pass at that time as a seventeen-year-old boy for the operation. The other younger officer, Fiona, was five foot three and posed as his fifteen-year-old sister.

The undercover assignment went on for some months. During which time, Ethan and Fiona got to know each other very well. Even though the doctor got away, and Fiona decided she didn't have the stuff to be a police officer, the one good thing to come of this was that Ethan and Fiona got married. They are still married today.

"Yes, Sir," Ethan stood at attention in the Captain's presence.

"At ease, Ethan," the Captain said indicating that he should take a seat.

Ethan sat down.

"Ethan, there has been trouble in the Fillmore district and I want you to go undercover."

"Me, Sir?" Ethan was surprised at the request. he wasn't a detective and the Fillmore district wasn't even in his precinct. The Fillmore district was also notorious for its homosexual prostitution problem.

"Yes, we suspect there might be police officers involved and we need a fresh face to go undercover and see what is happening. The victims, transsexual prostitutes, won't talk to us. Getting inside and gaining their trust is the only way..."

Ethan couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"...We want you to go there undercover as a transsexual. Get to know the people, establish friendships and gain their trust. You'll tell them, you have a secret life from your wife, that you like dressing up, things like that. You have to make them believe you are one of them. You won't ask about what is going on, you'll just keep your eyes and ears open and let the information come to you."

"You want me in drag?"

"Well, yes. You have to make them believe you. When you first go there, I don't expect you to even talk to anyone. Just walk around and be seen. This assignment could take months, but we don't think we have any other alternatives."

Ethan tried to process what he was hearing.

"You, of course, will be promoted to detective with a raise in salary. The salary will begin immediately, although the actual promotion won't be recorded until after the assignment is over. It's important that no one at the department knows about any of this. Actually, you will be listed as on suspension during this assignment."

"Can I tell my wife?"

"Of course, but you have to let him know she can't tell anyone. You really couldn't keep it from her anyway. As officially you will be on suspension, you can't come here to change into your costume. You will have to do all of that at your home. There won't be any way to keep Fiona from knowing. She can probably help you out."

"How so?"

"We don't expect you to pass as a woman immediately, but you will have to make progress as time continues. If you don't they will get suspicious and the undercover won't work. She can help you pass as a woman."

"Can I think about it?"

"Sure, go home. Talk to your wife. See what she has to say."

"OK."

"One other thing," the Captain said as he handed Ethan a piece of paper with an official seal on it. "This is your letter of reprimand."

"My what?"

"I told you we are going to officially suspend you during the time of the undercover. Anyone who checks the records will see your status as suspended. It all has to look completely legitimate. It starts with this. A copy of which has been put into your file. We'll remove all records of the reprimands and suspension if you don't take the assignment or when the assignment is over."

Ethan took the paper.

"It'll be fine. Don't worry about it."

Ethan looked over the paper. It looked official. It had all the appropriate legalese. Ethan read through it.

"....on such and such day, Officer Ethan Baughman was out of uniform when while performing his duties. Under his uniform jacket, instead of wearing a regulation shirt, Officer Baughman had on instead a woman's white bodysuit. (Let it also be known that he was also wearing a bra, but that isn't against department policy.) The penalty of this infraction is that Officer Baughman is officially reprimanded and a letter of this reprimand will be placed in his official folder. If another infraction is noted within three months, a temporary suspension could result."

"It looks real."

"As far as anyone outside this room is concerned, it is real. Please sign it on the line where you agree not to contest the reprimand and accept the official penalty. To wit, me talking to you and placing this form in your office file. To be official, consider yourself 'talked to'."

There was a second like on the reprimand. The one where Ethan could contest the findings. Ethan liked the idea of the promotion and becoming a detective. He was about to sign the form on the appropriate line.

"One second," The captain stated.

Ethan looked up.

The Captain used his intercom to summon his secretary into his office and a second officer.

When all three were in the office, The Captain said to Ethan, "Raise you hand."

He did.

Continuing, "Do you swear that what is contained in this form is true?"

"Yes."

"Please read it then and then sign in."

Ethan signed the reprimand.

"OK, you two sign in the space for witness's signatures."

Ethan trusted the Captain. But signing an official reprimand he was acknowledging that everything in the form had happened. From now on he would have an official record stating that he worn women's apparel. He had signed the form in front of witnesses he couldn't deny that fact later.

Chapter 2

Ethan was given the rest of the day off to make up his mind. On the way home, Ethan had already decided, he would take the assignment. He wanted to be a detective so badly he could taste it. Then there was the bump in salary and the promotion too.