At the opera theater, Basil, Dawson, and Rosa got front row seats at the stage to get a good view. A whole crowd was in the theater, all of them came to see the lovely Miss Relda perform.
Rosa: Doctor, who is this Relda?
Dawson: She's a famous singer and actress, and the most beautiful lady in the world. Eh, I mean, as pretty as you, uh, what I mean is-
Basil: Shh! It's starting.
The curtains parted, and there standing on stage was a white lady mouse, wearing a blue evening gown with a feather on her head, long dark blue gloves, and a blue choker. Strikingly beautiful, slender and refined, with large, dark, pretty eyes. She began to sing Art Thou Troubled.
Relda: Art thou troubled, music will calm thee
Art thou weary, rest shall be thine
Music, source of all gladness
Heals thy sadness at her shrine
Music, music, ever divine
Music music calleth with voice divine
When the welcome spring is smiling
All the earth will flowers beguiling
After winter's dreary reign
Sweetest music doth attend her
Heavenly harmonies doth lend her
Chanting praises in her train
When it was done, everyone clapped and cheered loudly, shouting BRAVO! BRAVO! Rosa had noticed that during the song, Basil and Dawson seemed enchanted by Relda's voice. She couldn't help but feel a bit jealous of this pretty American singer. Relda had noticed Basil and Dawson in the crowd, and she motioned them to come meet her backstage.
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Backstage, Basil, Dawson, and Rosa entered the dressing room while Relda sat by her mirror. Rosa had seen Basil sweep his hair back and fix his tie when they entered the room.
Relda: (grins) Ah, Mr. Basil. It's so good to see you again. I haven't seen you in a long time.
Basil: (smirks) Nor I, my dear.
Relda: And to you, Doctor.
Dawson: Eh, yes.
Relda: I'm surprised to see you two at the theater. I didn't know you were interested in opera.
As she spoke, she rose from her seat and approached Basil.
Basil: Opera does seem to have fascinated me.
Relda: I noticed that you were sweeping your hair back and fixing your tie when you entered the room. How sweet of you to make yourself look nice for a lady.
Basil: You are more than that, Miss Relda.
They both stood silently face to face for some minutes, their faces extremely close. It was as if there was a bit of antagonism in their eyes, but clearly there was an attraction between them. Rosa cleared her throat loudly to interrupt. She was getting jealous of the interaction between Basil and Relda.
Relda: Oh. And you must be-
Rosa: (agitated) Miss Rosa Spellcove.
Relda: Delighted to meet you, dear.
She shook Rosa's hand. Dawson couldn't help but compare Rosa's beauty to Relda's. They were both the prettiest mice in London, but he couldn't judge which one was the best.
Rosa: And how do you these gentlemen?
Basil: We were acquainted with her on a case.
Rosa: Oh, I see. You're the woman who outwitted Mr. Basil.
Basil: (alarmed) H-How did you about that?!
Rosa: I overheard you and the Doctor talking.
Basil: Well, that explains your sudden dislike for men, calling them arrogant, highly insensitive –
Relda: (chuckles) Your client has quite a strong spirit, Basil. And what is it that brings you Basil's service?
Dawson: Miss Spellcove's portrait of Lady Caroline was stolen from the Royal Gallery, as well as the necklace of the Duchess of Mousemouth's necklace, and the mace from the House of Commons.
Suddenly, Relda's eyes grew wide with shock when she heard this.
Relda: And where did you hear this from?
Dawson: Basil's brother, Clifford. He sent us the letter.
Basil had noticed Relda's surprised expression, but he played along with it.
Basil: Well, it was good to see you again, Relda. We shan't keep you any longer. Good day!
He quickly ushered Dawson and Rosa out of the room and he shut the door behind him. Once along, Relda changed into her casual everyday dress, a black hat with a red feather on her head, a black choker, and black gloves. She opened her drawer and took out a wrapped package that she hid, and left the room.
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Somewhere out on the streets, Relda was walking quickly and silently through an area where there were merchants and loungers. As she turned a corner, a gypsy stood in her way. It was Basil in disguise.
Basil: And where do you think you're going in such a hurry, my dear? Are you working for the postal service?
Relda: And since did when you become a gypsy?
Basil: I saw your face when Dawson mentioned the stolen panting, necklace, and mace. You know about the theft because you're involved in this. I presume that the Duchess' necklace is in that package, and you're about to make your delivery to Doran or an accomplice.
Relda: How long have you have you known about Doran?
Basil: Since the prison break. He organized the thefts, didn't he?
Relda: (hesitates) Yes, but I didn't ask for this. Doran came to me and offered me to join his crime ring. He asked me to hide the necklace right after that creepy little bat stole the necklace.
Basil: And did you-
Relda: No! I said no to Doran when he asked me to work for him! There's something about this crime ring that bothers me.
Basil: What about it?
Relda: I don't know. Doran said he won't tell me unless I joined him.
Basil: You made a wise decision in not working for that fiend, which is unlike you.
Relda: Tell me about it.
She kissed Basil right on the lips. Basil returned the kiss, but he secretly took the parcel she held. Relda broke the kiss when she felt the package being taken out of her possession.
Relda: Hey! I need that!
Basil: I have to return this to its rightful owner. You better go home. And if you know anything else about this crime ring or Doran's plans, you let me know.
Relda opened her mouth to object, but her feelings for Basil were much stronger, and she nodded to Basil's request. Then Basil left to catch up with Dawson and Rosa. Relda walked in the other direction for home, unaware of being watched by Fidget. The bat turned and left to inform his boss of the news.
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Alone out in the dark, foggy, cold streets, Relda was nearly close to home when a large shadow appeared before her. It was Doran.
Doran: Well, well, Miss Relda. I see you're on your way home after a long day of singing and acting. Have you delivered that necklace yet to my employer?
Relda: It…was…taken.
Doran: So I've heard. That is bad news. My employer will be most disappointed to hear this.
Relda: You never mentioned your employer's name.
Doran: It is best to be kept secret unless you join our league.
Relda: And I have refused because-
Doran: You love that imbecile detective, don't you?!
Relda: Face it, Captain! I'm not the girl who's for hire to do get rid of Basil of Baker Street!
Doran: Oh, but we already have a girl who's been asked to do that job. You probably met her already.
Relda was puzzled at first, until she realized who Doran was talking about. Rosa Spellcove.
Doran: But you know too much. And we can't have you rat us out to the police or that idiot detective.
He glanced behind him to the shadows. A mysterious figure wearing a hood and cloak held up a whistle and blew on it. A few moments later, there was a hissing sound, like steam escaping from a kettle. Relda looked around worried as to where the sound was coming from. Then, all of a sudden, another shadow, much bigger, appeared behind Relda. She looked behind her, and her eyes grew wide and her jaw dropped as she gazed with horror at the creature behind her.
Nearby, mice civilians were walking around minding their own business, when they heard Relda's scream echo throughout the streets.
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At Baker Street, Basil went upstairs to look for disguises for the trip to the East End. Dawson and Rosa were downstairs talking.
Rosa: So are Mr. Basil and Miss Relda a couple?
Dawson: Well sometimes. She's the only woman Basil ever cared for, despite her being a thief. She even showed that she cares for him as well. Why do you ask? Are you jealous of Miss Relda?
Rosa: What? No! I'm not jealous of her!
Basil, who had heard the conversation, came downstairs with some clothes, grinning.
Basil: When you first met her, you had an expression of jealousy on your face as you watched her talk to me.
Rosa: I just don't trust her, that's all.
There was a knock at the door. Dawson opened it and there was Higgins. He looked upset.
Dawson: What's wrong, young Higgins?
Higgins sorrowfully gave Dawson a pink handkerchief to him, and then whispered in his ear. Dawson looked shocked. Higgins left soon after.
Basil: Was that Higgins? What did he want?
Dawson: (sadly) Basil, I'm afraid I have some bad news. It's…its Miss Relda.
Basil: What happened?
Dawson: Higgins heard her screams and went to investigate. He said he saw something that looked like a reptile leaving the scene of the crime. This was all that's left of her.
He held out the handkerchief for Basil to see. Basil felt his heart drop as he stared at the handkerchief. He took the handkerchief and held it close to him, as if something dear to him. He inhaled the scent of the perfume that was on the handkerchief. Then, his eyes flashed fire, as he clutched the handkerchief in his grip.
Basil: Dawson! Rosa! Get changed! We're leaving for the East End, right now! The sooner we find Doran, the sooner we'll have him behind bars yet!
