The subplot thickens

You can’t swing a line-drawn cat in Masq without hitting a subplot or four, and the biggest plot twist has nothing to do with your quest to save the fashion show.

The new girl
The new assistant at your fashion emporium, Nikki, flirts with you shamelessly. She’s easier than Max Payne 2, but a tumble in the hay with her isn’t quite the no-strings fling you might be hoping for. What, frankly, is her deal? And why does she keep reminding you of someone?

The wife’s boss
Williams is the superintendent at the school where your wife works, and he’s got a job for you that’ll raise the money you need to make your show a success. But he’s on the take, and he seems to have a finger in every pie. A powerful man, but are you prepared to kowtow to him to succeed?

The banker
The elusive, simpering Mr. Rogers is inexplicably denying you the loan your entire career depends on, and refusing to speak to you. Luckily you’ll have the opportunity to confront him, break into his office and/or spy on his shady dealings, and he’s a meek man when challenged. Or throttled.

The cheater
Your friend Carlos is cheating on his wife (who isn’t, in the fashion industry, according to Masq?). And she’s a colleague of yours. Whether you cover for him or not, their story takes a sudden and brutal turn very early on, and it’s one of the many mysteries we’ve never managed to unravel.

The wife
Susan’s been working late a lot, and she’s pressuring you into taking a job from her boss. Why does she care so much how you get the money? And why is she so quick to divorce you if your career takes a downward turn? Living happily ever after might mean failing to unearth something nasty.

The gumshoe
Detective Falk - presumably a tribute to Columbo actor Peter Falk - has a silvery mop of hair and a job to do. The murder he’s investigating is one of the few crimes you’ll remain innocent of to the end of Masq, but if you get on his bad side he will electrocute you in the penis with a power cable.