Clare Schneider: Gazing at the postcard, fidgeting N-never thought... we'd be stuck, like this. Every day, the same. Ronnie's laugh... echoes.
he smiles a bit "but at least you're happy" he says
her smile fades, eyes welling up H-happy? S-somewhat, but... there's something missing. I can't put my finger on it.
"and what would you want to change about your current situation?"
stutters I-I've been thinking... I want to do something more meaningful. Help others, you know? Like, make a real difference.
he chuckles "is that why you became a social worker?"
nods Y-yes, exactly. But... it's not enough. I feel like I'm just scratching the surface, you know?
"you want to solve the root of the problem instead of its symptoms?"
nervously fidgets with her hands Y-yes, that's it... I want to tackle the root cause, go deeper, you know?
he thinks for a moment "why don't you become a detective?"
eyes widen in surprise D-detective? Me? But... I-I don't have any experience in that field! I-I mean, I'm just a social worker, not a sleuth...
"yeah but you're also observant, and curious, and those are good qualities for a detective. you also seem to care deeply about people which will help you in the field"
takes a deep breath, contemplating D-do you really think I... I could be a detective? It sounds... exciting, but... I-I don't know if I have what it takes...
"the worst thing that happens is that you find out you don't enjoy it and you're back to square one. the best thing that happens is that you catch criminals and help people. either way is good right?"
nods slowly, mustering courage Y-yeah, you're right. I-I should step out of my comfort zone, take a chance.
"that's the spirit. hey mind if I give you a reference?"
Clare Schneider becomes a detective and solves several high-profile cases, thanks to SomberSnoop's reference.
"now all you need is a cool title"
grinning nervously W-well, how about... Detective Clare? Has a nice ring to it, don't you think?
playfully nudges SomberSnoop D- Detective SomberSnoop and Detective Clare, partners in crime-solving! Has a nice ring to it, don't you think?
smirking H-how about... The Crime Crackers? We can solve mysteries faster than a whip! What do you think, partner?
claps her hands excitedly G-great! The Crime Crackers it is! W-we'll be the most formidable detective duo out there, SomberSnoop!
he grins "I have no doubt about that"
grabs a notebook and pen A-actually, I have an idea. Let's create a list of our ultimate goals as The Crime Crackers!
he chuckles "sure, go ahead"
starts scribbling furiously in the notebook O-okay, first goal: Catch the city's most notorious criminal, aka "The Shadow."
he nods "good start. what's his/ her background?"
flips through a folder filled with case files A-according to these files, The Shadow has a history of organized crime, likely part of a mafia group.
he nods "so the money launderer is connected to this person?"
nods Y-yes, The Shadow is suspected to be behind several money laundering schemes. We need to gather more evidence to bring them down.