With the security checks required, Cinda's finally got someone cleared to be her partner.
Detective Nest gave her the news and her partner's contact information after a briefing at his new house, under the disguise of a 'party.'
He'd recently moved from his girlfriend, widow Beverly Jones' house, to a much larger one as they're planning to start a family together soon, though Ms. Jones has older children from her previous marriage.
Cinda was so excited about finally having a partner that she called her as soon as she left the party, from outside on the sidewalk, despite the ambiance of nature.
"Officer Brink? This is Officer Frio. Detective Nest just gave me the good news about you being assigned as my partner. I can't wait to meet you and get you up to speed on our case."
"Oh, I'm so glad you called Officer Frio, please call me Tyra. I'm thrilled to be part of Detective Nest's team and to have another woman as my partner. I've been putting up with a lot of testosterone during my training and I could use a break! If one more Officer says he'll take it easy on me in defense training, I'm gonna scream."
"I prefer Cinda, no reason to stand on ceremony with a partner! And I know what you mean, some of them acting like we're not as well trained as them or inferior because we're women. But Detective Nest isn't like that, he realizes that we have our own skills and talents to bring to the team. So you enjoyed the defense training classes? I'm heavily into martial arts myself and passed the defense trials with flying colors, so I didn't have to endure the entire class."
"Lucky you! I love athletics and I'm quite disciplined so martial arts holds the same appeal, but I had to take both classes as I'm just a beginner. But I'm still struggling a bit with my weight. In fact, I'm only on the team on a trial basis. I have to steadily drop this weight and get in shape or I won't be allowed to stay on it."
"Well, I'm not planning on losing my new partner that easily so I could help you out with some athletic training and I'd love a sparring partner. I have a feeling we're going to get along just fine and you'll be a welcome addition to the Guard as well as our little unit."
"Oh, I will definitely be taking you up on that offer! I've wanted to be in law enforcement as long as I can remember. My favorite line is 'Just the facts ma'am' from that old TV show I watched with my grandpa. He'd be so proud to know I got through the Police Academy. He always told me I could do anything I wanted."
"My Great-grandfather was my inspiration. I actually 'borrowed' his old police cruiser for my first driving lesson. Boy, did I get some flack for that! But I'm thinking it was actually one of the reasons I wanted to follow in his footsteps as being in the driver's seat of that cruiser gave me the best feeling. Just like you said that I could do anything, anything and everything to keep sims safe! But it's getting late and I'm sure you need to get settled in, so I'll see you first thing Monday morning. If you can get their early, we can get started on your physical training."
"I'm so excited I can barely wait for Monday. But you're right, I need to get some sleep, today's been a long and busy day. Is 7 o'clock too early for you? That would give us a couple of hours of training before our shift actually starts."
"That sounds perfect! With three toddlers in the house, we're all up early in the Frio house. Speaking of toddlers, I should get home and help with the bedtime routine. See you early Monday Tyra!"
When Cinda gets home she finds Odette, already bathed and ready for bed, playing a new tune on her xylophone.
She's interrupted her enough with basic toddler skills and since Odette's completed all three of those, she leaves her tapping away, content with her music.
With Odette busy, she checks on the twins and finds Lorelei teaching Eric a few more words.
He's all ready for bed too, and Cinda realizes she's one lucky mom, free to go out to parties and get back to work with Rory and her parents always willing and eager to take care of the toddlers.
She listens for a moment, and hears Eric parrot word after word.
And then max his talking skill with the word 'cookbook'.
Lorelei claps happily and says to Eric, "One more toddler skill completed for you young man. Soon you'll be free to chat and play with your sisters."
Then she turns to Cinda and says, "I've got him all ready for bed and he's getting sleepy so I'll rock with him for a bit and that should do it for this little guy."
Cinda nods, smiles, and says, "Thanks mom. You, dad, and Rory do so much, I'm not sure I thank you enough. But I do want you to know I really appreciate all that you do for the children, spending so much time with them. I know it stops you from indulging in your own hobbies."
Lorelei laughs and says, "With four days off a week, even I was getting bored with daytime television. Spending that time with my grandchildren has been wonderful, though I'm looking forward to the end of the toddler years. I know I'm still fairly young but my knees are protesting
this Indian-style sitting position more and more each time."
Cinda gives her a concerned look and says, "Mom, I neve even thought of that! I could always teach you some simple stretches and…"
Lorelei gives her a wry look and says, "I'll stick to a soak in the hot tub and massages at Flawless Expressions Day Spa, thank you very much. Giving up my couch potato time for my grandchildren is one thing, but exercise? I'm not going that far!"
They both laugh at that and Lorelei picks up Eric to find a free rocker.
With Eric spending time with his Gramlei, Cinda checks on Ella, and finds her fast asleep in her bed, so she decides to call it a night herself.
Early the next morning, she practices her martial arts, bowing her head and meditating to get herself focused.
In the middle of her routine, focused though she is, her fairy hearing detects toddlers awake upstairs, her youngest daughter by the sounds of it.
She hurries upstairs to let the other adults sleep since they did all of the bedtime rituals the night before.
Ella is wide-awake, and after a diaper change and a bottle, Cinda continues teaching her how to talk.
And Ella surpasses her expectations by copying her brother and repeating every word she hears.
"Dig. In the springtime Gramlei will dig up the earth and plant seeds."
"Seeds. Gramlei dig. Dig. Dig. Dig! Me help?"
"Oh, when you get a little bigger, I'm sure Gramlei would love your help sweetie!"
But as she thinks about outside and what's in the garden dirt and before she can stop herself she blurts out in disgust, "But won't you be afraid of icky bugs outside?"
Ella pipes up, "Bugs not icky. Me no 'fraid of bugs."
And Cinda smiles in relief, saying, "Of course you're not! You're Brave just like your Gramlei!"
Like her twin, Ella eagerly repeats word after word, and masters talking.
"Daddy just finished his latest book, 'H is for Horse', he can read it to you when he gets a copy."
"Book, book, daddy read book!", Ella repeats all excited.
I check on Rory and realize that Cinda's right, he did complete his latest children's book, and yet I find him busy starting another one.
"What's this one called?" I ask him.
"I'm sticking with my theme, my 'H' book is finished, so it's time for 'I', not a lot of kiddie things starting with that letter. But…I think 'I is for Iguana' will work just fine!"
"It will certainly be different from the more traditional ones you've used, like 'A is for Apple' and 'E is for Elephant'."
"It is a bit different but that gives me a chance to work on some really unique sketches and illustrations for the book. My publisher and editor think that it's my strong artistic bent that keeps my books flying of the shelves."
"And I'd have to agree, most children's books use very basic and nondescript pictures, but your books are on par with authors like Beatrix Potter and Dr. Seuss. The illustrations are just wonderful, so alive, they appeal to the parents as well as the children."
"Why thanks Watcher! Those were some of my favorite books to read when I was a kid. But I never thought I'd ever be writing books that would compare to them. I never thought I'd be writing or painting at all actually, so getting this opportunity is a dream come true!"
"One you've earned Rory, just like your sister Tia. You've both worked hard on building up your skills. You've already maxed painting and you've only got a couple of more skill points to max writing. It won't be long before you'll actually complete your lifetime wish!"
And with that thought providing even more impetus, Rory begins typing rapidly to get his story outline in place so he can begin his favorite part, the illustrations.
After a quick shower in the nursery bathroom, Cinda takes Ella to the potty, and she masters that too.
With two more toddler skills under her belt, Cinda gives her a chance to play with her toys.
As Cinda steps into the hallway she sees Odette happily banging away on a drum from the Golden Ticket Toy Shop.
One that Grandpa Samuel ordered soon after discovering Odette's love of music and her natural aptitude with the xylophone.
It doesn’t' add to her musical skill but being a budding Virtuoso, she loves having another toy instrument to play.
Cinda grabs some breakfast and then goes to say goodbye to Odette before she heads off to work.
But Odette's now at the blocks table and she's been joined by her siblings.
Cinda smiles and waves good morning to her father, who's heading off to work.
"Thanks for helping with the kids dad, have a good day at work."
"It's a pleasure Cinda, our grandchildren are a joy. You have a good day too sweetheart. I'm sure you're eager to get back to the job now that your maternity leave's over."
"I am dad. I've loved spending this time with the kids, it's a special time their toddler years. But I am anxious to get back to my case and I've finally got a partner! In fact, I'm heading in early to meet her in the workout room. She needs some extra physical training and I thought it would help her out plus help us to get acquainted as partners."
"Now that sounds right up your alley. See you later, and Cinda?"
"Yeah dad?'
"Be careful out there, please!" Samuel adds with more than just a touch of worry in his voice.
Taking a deep breathe and giving her father a searching look, she replies, "I'll do my best, dad. After all, it's not just these city streets I'm keeping safe, it's my family."
With that they both look at the three toddlers happily playing, not a care in the world.
Then they share another look and know that there's a lot a stake here in Roaring Heights.
And with the bedroom free, Rory works on his first illustration.
"Rory, that's beautiful! I always thought of iguana's as ugly green lizards, but that sketch shows them in a totally different light."
"Well, there are a lot of green iguanas out there, solid blue ones too. But iguana's can be anything from solid greens, blues, and browns, to others that sport every color of the rainbow. I did this one in a mosaic of green, blue, and purples. And since it's for a children's book, I decided ugly wasn't the way to go and kept it on the lighter, more whimsical side."
"Well, I have to say it's very cute, and I'm sure it will appeal to children and parents alike. And your explanation is very scholarly, you don't sound like an absent-minded professor at all!"
Pausing a moment in his drawing, Rory nods slowly and replies, "I don't feel as absent-minded either. I guess all my research and focus on my painting and writing has helped keep me on track. That along with helping the toddlers with their skills. It's so satisfying to see their little eyes light up when they repeat words. And humbling too, to see there wide innocent eyes full of love for you, trusting you to keep them safe."
"Children are a big responsibility that's for sure. But one I'm sure you and Cinda are up to Rory."
"I hope so, Watcher. I hope so."
Cinda meets Tyra for the first time in person and shows her around their office.
"It's not much, but Detective Nest has some pull and was able to get us a couple of computers. RH models itself after the 1920's, but they haven't got a ban on technology. Unfortunately, that works both ways and the criminal element has access to even better stuff than ours!"
"And I saw a coffee maker and snack machine in the outer room, so at least we've got those for any late work nights."
"And to perk us up after workouts. But remember to drink water first and grab a protein shake or bar first. A steady diet of snack machine drinks and candy is one sure way to sabotage your training routine! Ready to get started on some physical training?"
"You bet. But please take it easy on me. Like I said, I'm just a beginner and barely passed those classes at the Police Academy. It's this darn extra weight, I try to diet but that just leaves me starving!"
"It's not a diet you need, those are fads, and as you're finding out, they don't work. What you need to do is eat more meals…"
"Eat more!?! How is that going to help me?" Tyra asks astonished.
With a laugh, Cinda says, "Let me finish. Eat more meals, smaller ones, with less carbs and more protein, keeping your body full and hydrated, especially hydrated. And of course, adding exercise, moderate at first, of course. Let's get going cadet!"
And Tyra soon finds out just what her new partner thinks is 'moderate' exercise!
She thought they'd just work out together, keeping each other company and getting to know each other.
But boy was she in for a shock. Cinda wasn't kidding when she said she'd help Tyra train.
First it was an easy pace on the treadmill which started off okay.
But with each completed cycle, Cinda ramped up the machine, screaming at her non-stop.
"That's it cadet. Step up the pace, get your heart pumping!"
And she didn't let up until Tyra nearly collapsed and fell on the treadmill.
"Okay, that's enough of that for today."
Tyra sighed with relief, shut the machine off, and stumbled on wobbly legs.
But her relief was short-lived as Cinda then moved over to the weight bench.
"Your legs need a bit of a rest, but we'll work on some upper body strength training now."
Tyra wasn't sure she could even take another breathe without keeling over, but she followed her instructors direction and sank down gratefully on the bench.
It was a relief to get off her legs, but soon her arms were screaming with just as much pain as her legs.
But with a few more reps, Tyra's gained another athletic skill point and Cinda thankfully has her stop.
Tyra's really proud of her itself and impressed with how far she's come in just this one workout.
True, probably the most intense workout of her life, but her new partner's skill as a trainer is amazing.
Once she can take in a full breathe she says, "Wow, you're good! I would never have dreamed I could gain so much skill in just one session."
Cinda gives her a look and says, "Oh, we're not done yet cadet! I wanna see some defense moves."
Tyra stares at her in shock and says, "You're actually enjoying this!"
But when she sees a hint of a smile on Cinda's face, she narrows her eyes and says, "Well, partner, I'm game. And I'm really looking forward to being able to spar with a woman. Though I have the feeling that you're going to be a tougher opponent than those guys in the Police Academy!"
"That's the spirit!"
Then Cinda's smile turns to one of delighted glee as she remarks, "Take a moment Tyra because this is going to hurt!"
And it does! Tyra has aches and pains in places she didn't even know could hurt.
She would have liked to complain, but she didn't for two reasons.
One, she didn't want to look like a wimp in front of her new partner.
And two, she really didn't have the breathe or the energy to do it!
It was taking every effort she possessed as well as all her focus to stay away from those wicked training dummy bars.
But her perseverance pays off twofold, she earns her first belt and the praise of her trainer.
"That'll do cadet. You're showing some definite progress and promise in both athletic and defense skills. Now hit the shower and grab some water and a protein bar, and I'll track down a uniform for you."
With Tyra now in a uniform, looking quite trim, she says, "So what's next partner? Bringing me up to speed on the case and then heading out to track down more evidence?"
As they walk into their office, Cinda says, "I'll let you look over the evidence board while I check on a few leads on my computer."
And with a frown Cinda adds, "As far as the residents are concerned we're meter maids! It keeps our brains and brawn safely under wraps, and makes us seem harmless."
"Harmless!?!" Tyra shrieks, "After that workout you just put me through? I sure wouldn't want to meet you in a dark alley!"
Cinda's flashes a wicked smile and replies, "And neither will Spinelli or any of her cronies. And honestly, I'm hoping it's not dark, as I can't wait to see the looks on their faces when I do it!"
Tyra looks at Cinda intently and whispers, "Boy, I'm glad I'm on the good guy side!"
After that she takes Tyra for a short run outside.
Stopping in an empty field covered with remnants of the last snow fall, though patchy bare spots are showing with the rising temperatures.
Roaring Heights is still getting the occasional snow flurry, but spring is definitely in the air.
"It's not my favorite place, but you have to do what the job demands" Cinda tells her, wrinkling up her nose as Tyra catches up, a bit winded.
"You don't like the park?" Tyra asks.
"I don't like any place outside, really. It's one of the crosses I bear since I can't stay in the office all day and actually do my job. My twin brother, Lucas, feels the same way, which is why he's hoping to work in the lab full time once this case is done."
Tyra thinks about that for a moment and says, "Why didn't you choose a more indoor oriented career, one that would let you stay inside most of the time?"
"It wasn't an option for me. And I really like the idea of being a spy, bringing down local and, eventually, international crime rings. Using my martial arts skill and law enforcement training to keep the streets safe for the town's residents and my family. But I actually like this park a little more than others."
"Why's that?" Tyra asks looking around, "It doesn't look like any place special to me."
"That's because you're looking in the wrong direction. If you turn around, you'll see a residence across the street. A house that belongs to none other than Donia Spinelli, the crime boss at the top of our very short list!"
As the two stroll across the street and idle on the sidewalk in front of Spinelli's house, Cinda says
with enthusiasm, "If we can crack this case Tyra, we'll both get promotions for sure!"
"But that's not going to happen standing around her gawking at Spinelli's house. She's one of the ones that thinks I'm a brainless bimbo, and I'm not planning of disabusing her of that notion until the timing is right!"
Then she walks quickly down the street, occasionally taking flight as her wings catch a passing breeze, with her new partner running behind as they head back to the Guard.
Once back at the station, she grabs a cruiser and settles down in the relative safety of the driver's seat.
Cinda says, "Now let me show you the layout of our fair town, so you can get your bearings. You live on the river side of town which is across the bridge. The Guard and Spinelli's house are closer to the heart of downtown. My family's house is cattycorner to the Guard being on this side of the bridge, just on the outskirts of the city. With me so far?"
Tyra closes her eyes and pictures what Cinda's saying in her mind, in relationship to the map inside on the wall of the main precinct.
"I think so. Which would make the building we suspect is the criminal warehouse, one you're calling Clyde's Hideout" she says with a smirk, "on the opposite side of town from me, near the ocean farthest down on the end of the strip with Oceanfront Beach and The Boardwalk on the other end."
"Very good! You'll definitely beat me when it comes to geography and map tests. Just the fact that they exist outside puts me off!"
They drive across the bridge but instead of turning right towards Tyra's new home, they make a left and head to some of the wealthiest properties Tyra's ever seen.
Tyra whistles as they get out of the car and stand by the roadside, looking up, up, up, at the mansion on the hill.
"Wow, now that place sure took some investment money! Who lives there?"
Cinda says, "That's the other crime boss's house, Michael Dandy, a known master thief but one whom no one has ever been able to pin an actual theft on. He's just that good! But he teamed up with Clyde Reeves and Bonnie Davis a few weeks ago. Though rumor has it that there's trouble in paradise and the three criminals can barely stand each other now. Which is a step in the right direction as far as we're concerned."
"Why would the criminals not getting along help us?" Tyra asks perplexed.
"Because there's no honor among thieves, Tyra. And once they realize their days are numbered, it's only a matter of time before one or more of them decides to turn on the others to save their own hide!"
Cinda's finally got a partner, Tyra Brink.
A cadet fresh out of the Police Academy, who ended up on Nest's team for three important reasons. She's a woman that he can pair up with Cinda; one who's eager to learn martial arts; and most importantly, she's an unknown face in Roaring Heights.
With Tyra's help, Cinda's hoping that it won't be long before they can break this case wide open, especially with rumors of dissension among the criminal ranks!
But which criminal will be the one who rats out his cronies?
*Michael Dandy, the master thief, who currently owns the town and is trying to keep it from Spinelli's grasping evil claws?
*Clyde Reeves, a thief aspiring to Dandy's title, who is evil to the core and has no conscious, and is secretly in league with Donia Spinelli?
*Bonnie Davis, evil like Clyde, but an unknown quantity in the criminal's hierarchy?
*Or maybe Spinelli will give Dandy up to them since he so ruthlessly gave her up years ago? Then no one would be standing in her way to become the Empress of Evil and she could attain her lifelong goal!
Let's find out in Chapter 176: The Plot Thickens
Coming soon.
