April, Round 1- mini update (featuring Checo Ramirez and Penny Roseland, as well as non playables Herbert Goodie and Lydia Miller.)

One afternoon, over at the Kayton Square Police Precinct, Sergeant Goodie had a dilemma on his hands.

“Well, Mr. Ramirez, it seems that today is your lucky day.”

Checo was visibly shaken. This whole ordeal had been very stressful already, and it was just beginning. “Why?”

“After questioning you for hours, and conducting a thorough search of your residence in Charleston and the home of Carmen Karlington, we have not found any physical evidence that implicates that you had anything to do with the deaths of your wife and daughter.”

Checo didn’t dare to believe his ears.

“When the toxicology reports came back from the lab saying that Lisa and Tessa had died of poisoning, I assumed you were guilty as hell. I still do.”

“However,” Sergeant Goodie continued, “We have not established a motive or any reason why you would harm your family. Other than your questionable actions, we have not been able to determine that you had any hand in this terrible ordeal.”

Checo was on the edge of his seat. “So… what are you saying?”

“You’re free to go, Mr. Ramirez.” Herbert said bitterly. “But make no mistake… I’m watching you.” He turned around and stalked out of the questioning room.

“Thank you! Thank you!” Checo shouted joyfully to the retreating back of Sergeant Goodie.

And with that, Checo Ramirez was free.

* * * *

That same day, Penny Roseland visited Kayton Square Town Hall.

She had received a call from her boss that morning, urgently asking her to come for a meeting as soon as possible. And as Penny was on maternity leave for the next six months, she figured her boss meant business.

She walked through the grand front doors and across the polished wood floor lobby to the elevator and made her way up.

Penny knocked curtly.

“Lydia?” Penny called out. “It’s Penny Roseland, here for the meeting you requested.”

“Ah, come on in!” Penny entered the magnificent office. “It’s good to see you back. You look great! Please, take a seat.”

“Thank you.” Penny touched her growing belly. “So what did you want to see me about?”

Lydia hesitated. “Where should I begin… well, I was wondering if you knew anything about the news surrounding Lisa Ramirez?”

Penny stared. So it really was true. She had believed Florence, of course, but that girl had always been a bit of a drama queen. “What about her?” Penny asked quickly.

Lydia’s face fell. “I was deeply shocked and saddened this morning when I was informed that Lisa passed away, about two and a half months ago. Apparently the police were trying to find her husband before they released any more information.”

“Oh no, I feel terrible.” Penny was not feeling terrible in the least. In fact, she was starting to have an idea of where this meeting was going.

“Yes. Lisa was… a great woman, a kind neighbor, and a wonderful state assembly person.” Lydia wiped a tear. “However, there are some issues that need to be taken care of.”

“As you know,” Lydia continued, “Lisa has been missing for the past few months, and everyone here at work was very concerned. Because Lisa was such a dedicated member, we were holding her job, hoping for some further information. And now… with this recent turn of events…” Lisa began to sob quietly. “Excuse me, you must be just as sad as I am.”

“Oh, Lydia, don’t worry about me.” Penny patted her hand. “You were saying?”

“I hate to do this, but I’ve been thinking it over, and I’d like to offer you Lisa’s position. It’s a very esteemed honor, and you will get a bonus, an office to yourself, and a high pay raise.”

“Oh my goodness! Lydia, I don’t know what to say… thank you!”

“We are happy to offer it to you. I figured, besides your general performance, this would be an incentive for you to return to us when your maternity leave is over. There is no person better than you.”

“Of course! My husband is going to stay home with the baby.” Penny said excitedly. “Thank you so much!”

“You’re welcome.” Lydia said. “And once again, I’m sorry I had to tell you about Lisa so abruptly. I’m sure you are devastated as well.”

“Oh yes, I’m extremely distraught.” Penny paused. “Well anyway, see you soon, and once again, I’m so sorry for your loss.” 

But as Penny left the office, it was clear that she wasn’t sorry at all.

Not one bit.

* * * *

And so for now, Checo is cleared. For now, lol! And Penny… well… take what you want from this post. She could be a suspect, or she could not. So many questions!

This was inspired  by Penny getting promoted right before her maternity leave…  to the same position Lisa held! It was very creepy. This was supposed to be part of the Ryan / Roseland update, but I broke it off since it was running long. And I like it better that way, because the tone of the other update is much lighter, especially with Flo and Ben. This is much darker, lol.

Thanks for reading!