Speaker 1: 0:00

Episode 3. The Great Cheese Heist A Perlock Holmes Adventure. The warm, buttery smell of baking cheese filled the small flat that Perlock Holmes and Watson called home. Watson, wearing a tiny chef's hat, stood proudly at the kitchen counter placing the finishing touches on a steaming casserole dish of Granny Gouda's famous triple cream cheese souffle. There we are, watson said, puffing out his chest. This recipe has been in my family for generations and no one and I mean no one makes cheese like the Watsons. No one and I mean no one makes cheese like the Watsons". Purlock leaned back in his chair, smirking "'Your culinary talents are admirable, watson. I dare say the soufflé could solve more mysteries than I ever could'. Just as Watson was about to dig into his creation, the door to their flat burst open and a dishevelled messenger pigeon stumbled inside, clutching a rolled-up note A message for Mr Watson. The pigeon squawked, dropping the letter before collapsing onto the floor.

Speaker 1: 1:23

Watson picked up the note, his whiskers twitching nervously as he read aloud the Watson cheese recipe now belongs to us. If you want it back, meet us in the sewers of Catropolis by midnight. Come alone. Signed the Rat Pack. Watson's tiny paws trembled as he held the note. Purlock, this isn't just a recipe. It's my family's legacy. If those scoundrels get their paws on it, they'll flood the city with counterfeit cheese. Purlock stood his expression serious. Then we must retrieve it before they do any damage. The Rat Pack is no ordinary gang. They're notorious for their cunning and their elaborate schemes. We'll need to be careful. Watson nodded, determination replacing his initial fear. I'll do whatever it takes Good, perlock said, donning his coat and adjusting his multi-tool collar, because tonight we venture into the depths of Catropolis.

Speaker 1: 2:39

The city's sewer system was a labyrinth of narrow tunnels, dimly lit by the occasional flicker of a rusty bulb. Perlok and Watson moved silently, their paw-steps echoing off the damp walls. Remind me again why I'm the one carrying the bait, watson grumbled, holding a block of pungent gouta. This stuff reeks Because, my dear Watson. Perlock replied you're the cheese expert. Besides, it's the perfect distraction if things go awry.

Speaker 1: 3:18

They followed the faint sound of voices until they reached a large, open chamber. A group of rats, led by the infamous Don Ratato, stood around a makeshift table piled high with cheese wheels. At the centre of the table sat an ornate recipe book Watson's Family Heirloom Tonight. Don Ratato declared, his voice dripping with bravado we take the Watson recipe and corner the city's cheese market. No one will resist the allure of Rat Pack Reserve. Watson bristled. Rat Pack Reserve. They're going to ruin it, perloc, not if we stop them. Perloc whispered. But we'll need a diversion.

Speaker 1: 4:10

Perlok handed Watson a small gadget resembling a ball of yarn. This is a yarn bomb. Roll it into the crowd. When I give the signal, watson hesitated. And what are you going to do? Perlok smirked. Create a bit of chaos. With feline grace, perlok crept along the shadows, climbing to a vantage point above the rats. He activated his sonic whisker earpiece, tuning it to a frequency that caused the overhead lights to flicker wildly. The sudden dimming of the chamber startled the rats. What's going on? One of them squeaked. That's your cue, perlok murmured.

Speaker 1: 5:01

Watson rolled the yarn bomb into the centre of the room. It detonated with a puff of harmless glitter and string, sending the rats scrambling in confusion. Who's there? Don Ratato shouted, his beady eyes scanning the chaos. Find them In the commotion. Purlock swung down from his perch using his grappling collar and landed silently by the table. He grabbed the recipe book and slipped it into his coat, just as Watson joined him. Got it? Watson whispered. Got it, perlock confirmed. Perlok confirmed Now let's leave before the glitter settles.

Speaker 1: 5:47

Their escape was cut short when Don Rattato and his gang blocked their path. You think you can just waltz in here and take what's ours? Rattato sneered Nobody steals from the Rat Pack. Watson glared it's not yours. That recipe belongs to my family. Purlock stepped forward, his voice calm but commanding Stand down, ratatou, you're outmatched. Ratatou smirked oh, I don't think so. He snapped his claws and the gang surrounded Perlok and Watson. The pair backed into a corner, their options dwindling Watson. Perlok said quietly remember the cheese grenade? Watson grinned I thought you'd never ask. He pulled the cheese grenade from his pocket and hurled it into the crowd. The device exploded with a deafening pop, releasing a noxious cloud of concentrated cheese fumes. The rats gagged and scattered their keen noses, overwhelmed. Time to go. Perlock shouted, grabbing Watson as they sprinted toward the exit.

Speaker 1: 7:15

Back at their flat, watson carefully placed the recipe book on the kitchen counter, his eyes gleaming with relief. Granny Gowda would be proud, he said softly Thank you, purlock, I couldn't have done it without you. Purlock smiled it was a team effort, watson. Besides, I couldn't let Catropolis fall victim to subpar cheese. Watson chuckled, speaking of cheese, I think we deserve a celebratory snack as the pair sat down to enjoy a freshly baked souffle. Perlock's expression turned thoughtful. What's on your mind, watson asked? Perlock's eyes glinted. The Rat Pack was bold. But they weren't working alone. Someone else was funding their operation, someone bigger, watson groaned. Can't we just have one quiet night? Purlock smirked, raising his cup of feline roast In Catropolis. Watson, the game is never over.

Speaker 1: 8:39

The following morning Watson was happily flipping through the pages of the recovered recipe book in the kitchen. The flat was calm for the first time in days and the smell of freshly brewed feline roast mingled with the buttery aroma of Watson's cheese pastries. But Purlock's sharp eyes remained fixed on the notes he'd taken the night before. He had sketched a rough map of the sewer system and marked the Rat Pack's chamber with a red pawprint. Beneath it he'd scribbled one word Funding Watson.

Speaker 1: 9:22

Perlok said, breaking the silence. Something about this heist doesn't add up. Watson sighed, looking up from his pastries. We got the recipe back, perlok. The Rat Pack's plans were ruined. What more is there? Perlok tapped his pen against the map.

Speaker 1: 9:48

The Rat Pack couldn't have pulled off a scheme of this scale on their own. The resources, the equipment, the bombastic theatrics it all points to a bigger player funding their operation. Watson frowned. You think there's someone above Don Rattato. Not think, perlock said, standing abruptly. I know and I intend to find out who.

Speaker 1: 10:24

Perlock retrieved the empty envelope the ransom note had arrived in. He turned it over, revealing a faint embossed symbol in the corner a coiled snake wrapped around a wheel of cheese. Recognize this? Perlock asked, holding it up. Watson squinted that's the cheese cartel. They're an underground syndicate that controls the illegal cheese trade. But they've been quiet for years. You think they're back. It's not a coincidence. Perloc said. If the Cheese Cartel funded the Rat Pack, it means they're planning something far bigger than a single recipe theft. Just then their communication device buzzed. Director Eleanor Hawke's holographic image flickered to life. Holmes Watson, she said curtly. Holmes Watson, she said curtly.

Speaker 1: 11:29

We've received reports of illegal cheese flooding the markets in the northern districts of Catropolis. It's creating chaos. Counterfeit cheese has been linked to illnesses across the city. Perlocke's eyes narrowed. The cheese cartel, the Cheese Cartel Exactly. Hawk replied we need you to investigate their operation and shut it down before it spreads any further. We've traced one of their distribution hubs to an abandoned dairy factory on the city's outskirts. Consider it done, perlock said.

Speaker 1: 12:06

The factory was a sprawling, decrepit building covered in rust and ivy, the faint smell of sour milk lingered in the air as Perlock and Watson crept through the shadows. Inside, the machinery was still operational, churning out counterfeit cheese wheels at an alarming rate. Workers mostly rats and mice under the cartel's control moved quickly, packing the cheese into crates marked with fake labels. At the centre of the operation stood a tall, imposing figure, madame Camembert, the cunning leader of the cheese cartel. Her silky white fur and sharp green eyes made her look elegant, but her presence radiated danger. This city has grown complacent. Madame Camembert purred, addressing her workers With this counterfeit cheese we'll corner the market and cripple every legitimate producer. Soon all cheese will belong to us. Watson's whiskers twitched in fury. That's my family's recipe they're using. Perlock placed a paw on Watson's shoulder Patience, my friend, we'll stop her. But we need to be strategic.

Speaker 1: 13:37

Perlock and Watson observed the factory formulating a plan. They needed to gather evidence to expose the cartel's operation while sabotaging the factory to halt production. Here. Perlock said, handing Watson a tiny camera disguised as a button Get close to the packing line and photograph the crates, I'll handle the machinery. Got it? Watson said, slipping into the shadows. As Watson crept toward the packing line, perlock climbed onto the catwalks above the machinery. Using his collar-grappling hook, he swung down to the main control panel. He inspected the settings and planted a small EMP device rigged to disable the factory's equipment. Watson meanwhile snapped pictures of the fake cheese crates, each labelled with fraudulent branding. He overheard a worker muttering about a shipment heading to the city's largest cheese market.

Speaker 1: 14:46

That evening Watson's cover was blown when he accidentally bumped into a crate, sending it crashing to the floor. The noise alerted Madame Camembert who turned sharply, her green eyes narrowing her green eyes, narrowing. Well, well, she said, stalking toward him. A little mouse in the wrong place and judging by that bowtie, you're no ordinary rodent. Watson tried to flee, but the cartel's guards cornered him Before they could grab him.

Speaker 1: 15:24

Perlocke's voice echoed from above. Let him go, madame Camembert, he said, leaping down from the catwalk or face the consequences. Camembert laughed her tail swishing Holmes, I was wondering when you'd turn up. You always have a way of sticking your nose where it doesn't belong. I could say the same about you. Perloc replied, flooding the city with counterfeit cheese. Hardly your style. Desperate times call for desperate measures, she said, her voice cold. But you won't live to see the cartel's success. She snapped her claws and her guards lunged at Perlock.

Speaker 1: 16:20

The fight was chaotic. Perlock used his agility to evade the attackers, while Watson scrambled to disable the guards' weapons using his gadgets. In the chaos, purlock activated the EMP device, causing the factory's machinery to grind to a halt. Sparks flew as conveyor belts jammed and the counterfeit cheese operation ground to a halt. Madame Camembert snarled, realising she was losing. This isn't over, holmes, she hissed, retreating toward a hidden exit. Perloc pursued her, cornering her at the edge of the factory floor. It's over, camembert, the cartel ends here. Before she could respond, gaia agents stormed the factory, arresting Camembert and her workers. The counterfeit cheese crates were confiscated and the operation was dismantled.

Speaker 1: 17:23

Back at their flat, perlock and Watson celebrated with a plate of genuine cheese pastries. The city's markets had returned to normal and the cartel's influence was no more. You know, watson said, savouring a bite. I think Granny Gouda would be proud. I think Granny Gouda would be proud. Perlock smiled. Indeed, your family's recipe is safe, watson and Catropolis can rest easy, at least for now. Watson chuckled, here's hoping the next case doesn't involve cheese. Perlock's eyes glinted. I wouldn't count on it. In this city, the game is never truly over.

Speaker 1: 18:16

The first rays of sunlight pierced through the curtains of Perlock's flat, the city of Catropolis hummed with early morning activity, but inside the small home, watson was already bustling about preparing breakfast. Perlock, however, sat at his desk deep in thought, reviewing the reports from the previous night's case against Madame Camembert. Ace against Madame Camembert, I must say Perlocke. Watson called from the kitchen. I think we deserve a slow day after dismantling the cheese cartel. Maybe we could try a puzzle or a game of chess. But Perlocke didn't respond.

Speaker 1: 19:00

His amber eyes remained fixed on a headline in that morning's newspaper. World-renowned Ferrari museum robbed, spy detective Perlock Holmes suspected. Watson spotted the headline and froze his whiskers, twitching in disbelief. What Perlock? This has to be some sort of joke. Perlok pushed the paper toward Watson, his expression calm, but his tone grave. Hardly a joke, watson. Someone has gone to great lengths to frame me. Someone has gone to great lengths to frame me. Watson scanned the article. They're claiming you stole the Nightclaw diamond. But that's impossible. You were at the dairy factory last night. Impossible, yes, but cleverly orchestrated.

Speaker 1: 20:04

Perloch said leaning back in his chair the panther strikes again. Watson's ears perked up. The panther. I've heard stories about him. An international thief. Right, not just a thief. Perlock replied. An espionage expert with a knack for disguise and deception. He's infamous for leaving chaos in his wake while remaining untouchable. Watson frowned why frame you Perlock's eyes narrowed Reputation by discrediting me? He eliminates a potential threat while simultaneously distracting Gaea with my supposed guilt. It's a brilliant strategy. Watson jumped onto the desk. Well, we're not going to let him get away with it, are we? Purlock smirked? Of course not Watson. We're going to catch him and clear my name in the process.

Speaker 1: 21:10

The Ferrari Museum stood as one of the most prestigious institutions in Catropolis, known for its rare gemstones and ancient artifacts ancient artifacts. Perlok and Watson arrived early, slipping past the swarm of reporters gathered outside. Inside the museum was a scene of chaos. The shattered display case that once housed the Nightclaw Diamond was cordoned off and security guards whispered anxiously among themselves. Purlock approached the museum curator, a nervous meerkat named Mr Fitzwilliam who was pacing near the exhibit. Mr Holmes, fitzwilliam exclaimed how dare you show your face here after what you've done? I assure you, mr Fitzwilliam, I had nothing to do with this theft. Perlock said calmly but if you allow me to investigate, I can prove my innocence and recover the diamond. Fitzwilliam hesitated then nodded reluctantly. Fitz William hesitated then nodded reluctantly. Very well, but if you're lying, I'll personally see to it that you're arrested.

Speaker 1: 22:34

Perlocke and Watson began their investigation. At the crime scene, the display case's glass had been shattered outward, suggesting the thief had used an explosive device to stage a dramatic entry Classic Panther theatrics. Perlok muttered, examining the edges of the glass. He wanted this to look chaotic. Watson pointed to a small black claw mark etched into the floor near the display case. Perlok, look at this, it's deliberate His calling card. Perlok said the panther always leaves a mark to claim credit.

Speaker 1: 23:21

Nearby, perlok found a scrap of fabric caught on a jagged piece of glass. He held it up to the light, revealing its deep purple colour Silk. He observed this isn't just any fabric. It's from the luxury tailor Pawson and Clawson, known for outfitting Catropolis's elite. Then that's where we're headed, watson asked. Perlok nodded If the panther was here, he left more than just his mark. Let's see what else we can uncover.

Speaker 1: 24:05

The upscale boutique of Pawson and Clausen exuded wealth and refinement. Perlock and Watson entered their eyes immediately drawn to the opulent displays of tailored suits and gowns. A sleek Siamese cat greeted them at the counter "'Welcome to Pawson and Clausen. How may I assist you'. Perlok held up the scrap of fabric. We're looking for the customer who purchased a suit made from this material.

Speaker 1: 24:39

The Siamese's smile faltered. I'm afraid our client information is confidential. Not anymore. Perlok said, his voice firm. A crime has been committed and this fabric is our lead. The Siamese hesitated, then gestured for them to follow. She led them to the back room where she pulled up a record on her computer. This fabric was part of an order placed last week, she said. The client's name was Mr Panthera. Watson snorted, not exactly subtle.

Speaker 1: 25:30

Before they could inquire further, the lights suddenly cut out, the room was plunged into darkness and a voice echoed from the shadows Holmes, holmes, holmes, I expected you to follow the breadcrumbs, but I didn't think you'd come so quickly. Purlock's fur bristled. The panther. The lights flickered back on and there he was, a tall black panther dressed in a tailored suit, his emerald eyes gleaming with mischief. You've played your part beautifully, holmes. The panther said, circling them, the authorities are already convinced you're guilty and by the time they catch you here I'll be long gone. Watson growled. We're not letting you get away. The panther smirked, pulling a smoke bomb from his pocket. Oh, but I already have. With a flash of smoke, the panther disappeared, leaving chaos in his wake. The boutique erupted into chaos as police arrived moments later, the Siamese cat explained the situation and while the officers were sceptical, perlock managed to talk his way out of immediate arrest.

Speaker 1: 27:01

Back at their flat, perlock and Watson analysed everything they'd learned. He's taunting me, perlock said. This was never about the diamond. Framing me is part of something larger. Watson frowned. So what's the next move? We wait, perloc said, a gleam of determination in his eyes. The panther thrives on games, but he's underestimated his opponent. He'll make a mistake and when he does we'll be ready.

Speaker 1: 27:38

As the city buzzed with news of the panther and the missing diamond, purlock prepared for the battle ahead. He knew the panther wouldn't stop until he'd completed his sinister plan. But neither would Purlock sinister plan, but neither would Perlock. For every shadow there was light and Perlock Holmes was determined to shine brighter than ever. Perlock Holmes paced in front of the fireplace, his tail flicking with impatience. Watson sat nearby scanning a stack of reports from the museum and boutique. So let me get this straight. Watson said, nibbling on a cracker. The panther framed you, left behind enough clues to taunt you and now he's just waiting for you to act. Precisely. Perlock replied, his amber eyes narrowing. It's a game to him. He doesn't want to simply escape. He wants to prove he's smarter than me. That's his fatal flaw. Watson frowned. So how do we turn the tables? Perlocke smiled faintly. We let him think he's won.

Speaker 1: 28:59

Perlocke had spent the entire day crafting an intricate plan. It began with an announcement in the morning paper Perlocke homes to publicly defend his name tonight at Ferrari Museum Gala. The headline was bold and the subtext clear the perfect opportunity for the Panther to strike again. The Museum Gala, with its high-profile guests and priceless artifacts, would be irresistible to a master thief. That evening, perlock and Watson arrived at the gala under the watchful eyes of dozens of reporters and police officers. The museum had agreed to host the event to lure the panther, with Gaia agents stationed discreetly throughout the venue. This is risky, perlocke. Watson whispered as they entered. If he doesn't show up, you'll still be under suspicion. He'll come, perlocke said confidently. He can't resist the spotlight.

Speaker 1: 30:17

The gala was a spectacle of luxury and grandeur. Guests milled about in dazzling attire, sipping champagne and admiring the museum's newest exhibit, the Celestial Crown, a jewel-encrusted artefact rumoured to be worth millions. As Perlocke mingled with the crowd, he kept his ears tuned to every sound, his eyes scanning every shadow. Watson, meanwhile, scurried between the guests keeping an eye out for anything unusual. It didn't take long, the lights flickered and a hush fell over the room.

Speaker 1: 30:56

From the balcony above, a deep, smooth voice echoed Ladies and gentlemen, the panther announced stepping into view. I hope you're enjoying the festivities, but I'm afraid I'll have to cut them short. Festivities, but I'm afraid I'll have to cut them short. Gasps filled the room as the panther leapt down. Landing gracefully beside the celestial crown, he held up a small device, pressing a button that caused the room's security systems to short circuit. Thank you for gathering such a lovely audience, holmes, the panther said, locking eyes with Purlok. But this performance ends with my curtain call. Purlok smirked, don't be so sure.

Speaker 1: 31:49

As the panther reached for the celestial crown, purlock sprang into action, launching himself across the room with his collar-grappling hook. The panther dodged, his emerald eyes gleaming with amusement. Quick as ever, holmes, the panther said, darting toward the exit, but not quick enough. Watson emerged from the crowd tossing a smoke grenade to block the panther's path. Not so fast the panther swerved, leaping onto a display case and disappearing into the upper floors of the museum. Perlok and Watson gave chase. The sound of their pursuit echoing through the empty halls, sound of their pursuit echoing through the empty halls.

Speaker 1: 32:38

The chase ended in the museum's grand observatory, where the panther stood by a skylight, the celestial crown in his grasp. Clever as always, holmes, the panther said his voice, calm, despite his predicament. Said his voice, calm, despite his predicament, but this is where our game ends. Indeed, perlok replied, his tone equally composed You've played well, but you made one mistake. The panther raised an eyebrow. Oh and what's that? Perlock gestured subtly and the panther's eyes widened as Gaea agents stepped out of the shadows surrounding the room. You underestimated me.

Speaker 1: 33:30

Purlock said his voice, cool, I knew you'd target the gala. All of this was a trap. The panther smirked even as the agents closed in. Well played, holmes, but you should know I never lose. With a flick of his wrist, the panther triggered a concealed grappling device, launching himself toward the skylight. Purlock reacted instantly, firing his own grappling collar to intercept him. The two collided mid-air, tumbling back into the observatory, pinned beneath Purlock, the panther let out a low growl You're good, holmes, I'll give you that and you're predictable. Purlock replied, retrieving the celestial crown. Your theatrics were your undoing. Gaia agents moved in to secure the panther, placing him in cuffs. Watson emerged from the shadows, panting. Well, that was intense. Please tell me. This is finally over. Perlocke handed the celestial crown to the lead agent. Turning to Watson with a rare smile For now, watson, for now.

Speaker 1: 34:56

The following morning headlines across Catropolis cleared Purlock's name. Purlock Holmes foils infamous panther heist At their flat. Watson read the papers aloud while Perlock sipped his feline roast. Looks like you're a hero again, watson said with a grin. What's next? Perlock's eyes gleamed with anticipation. There's always another mystery, watson, but for now I'll enjoy the quiet. The two shared a rare moment of peace, knowing that even in the shadows of Catropolis, justice would always prevail. Join us every week for thrilling new episodes of Perlok Holmes Spy Extraordinaire. Follow Perlok and Watson as they unravel high-stakes mysteries, outsmart cunning villains and dive poor first into daring adventures around the world. The game is always afoot, don't miss it.