Cartel Cats: Know Your Rights
Chapter One: The Case of the Missing Catnip (Extended Edition)
Opening Scene: Rooftop Rendezvous
The golden sun dips behind the rooftops of Pawloma, painting the city in hues of orange and pink. On the highest roof, Barbara Sanders sits tall, her green eyes scanning the bustling streets below. Around her, the Cartel Cats lounge in their usual spots—Sleepy Sal snoozing on a warm vent, Sneezy Lila balancing on the ledge, and Diego, the Llama Kitty, brushing his tail with a dramatic flair.
Barbara (voiceover):
In Pawloma, you learn to watch, to listen, and—most importantly—to know your rights. Because here, justice isn't always black and white.
A distant commotion catches their attention. Down below, Ms. Ramirez, their beloved neighbor, rushes out of the pet store, waving her arms.
Ms. Ramirez (shouting):
My catnip! Someone's stolen my special catnip!
The cats exchange glances.
Diego (grinning):
Looks like we've got ourselves a midnight mystery, amigos.
Barbara:
Let's move. Pawloma needs us.
Scene 2: Gathering Clues at the Pet Store
The Cartel Cats slip silently from the rooftop, landing one by one in the alley behind Pawloma Pet Supplies. They peer through the back door, which stands slightly ajar.
Sleepy Sal (stretching):
Why do all the good mysteries happen after nap time?
Inside, the store is a mess. Catnip tins are scattered, shelves knocked askew. Barbara leads the team in, careful not to disturb the scene.
Barbara:
Remember, don't touch anything. We're here to observe, not interfere.
Sneezy Lila sniffs around, her nose twitching.
Sneezy Lila:
Paw prints—small, nimble. Not a dog. Smells like… raccoon.
Diego finds a tuft of gray fur near the window.
Diego:
Our suspect's a furry one. But why steal catnip?
Barbara jots notes in her tiny notebook.
Barbara:
Let's follow the clues, but keep your whiskers clean. If anyone asks, we're just curious cats.
Scene 3: Detective Barker Arrives
The next morning, Detective Barker, the golden retriever in a shiny badge, arrives at the scene. Ms. Ramirez explains the situation, wringing her hands.
Detective Barker:
Don't worry, ma'am. I'll sniff out the culprit. No one escapes the long paw of the law.
Barbara and her crew watch from the shadows.
Barbara (whispering):
Sometimes, being accused is just bad luck. That's why it's important to know your rights—so you don't get blamed for something you didn't do.
Sleepy Sal:
Or sleep through your own trial…
The detective questions a group of alley cats nearby. One, a nervous tabby, stammers defensively.
Nervous Tabby:
I didn't do anything! I was just looking for scraps!
Detective Barker:
We'll see about that.
Barbara's eyes narrow.
Barbara:
We can't let an innocent cat take the fall. Let's clear this up—by the book.
Scene 4: The Trail Grows Cold
The Cartel Cats split up to search for more clues. Sneezy Lila follows the scent trail out the back window and into the alley, where she sneezes violently.
Sneezy Lila:
Achoo! Raccoon tracks—heading toward the park!
Diego, ever the daredevil, vaults onto his llama and gallops ahead.
Diego:
I'll scout the park. Meet me by the old oak tree!
Barbara and Sal check the security cameras with Ms. Ramirez's help. They spot a shadowy raccoon slipping through the window, carrying a bag of catnip.
Barbara:
There's our thief. Now we just need to find him.
Scene 5: The Park Stakeout
At the park, Diego and his llama blend in with a group of picnickers. Sneezy Lila and Sleepy Sal hide in the bushes, watching as the raccoon scurries from trash can to trash can.
Diego (whispering):
He's clever—uses the crowds as cover.
Barbara joins them, pulling out a map of the park.
Barbara:
Let's box him in, but remember—no claws unless absolutely necessary. We're here to help, not to hurt.
The cats coordinate a silent pounce. Sneezy Lila creates a distraction with a dramatic sneeze, sending a flock of birds into the air. The raccoon freezes, startled, and Diego's llama blocks his escape route.
Barbara (approaching calmly):
We just want to talk. Why'd you take the catnip?
The raccoon, trembling, explains.
Raccoon:
My family's hungry. The dumpsters are empty this week. I didn't mean any harm.
Barbara's expression softens.
Barbara:
Sometimes, desperate times call for desperate measures. But stealing isn't the answer. Let's see if we can help another way.
Scene 6: Knowing Your Rights
As they walk the raccoon back to the pet store, Barbara explains the importance of knowing your rights.
Barbara:
If you ever get in trouble, remember:
You have the right to remain silent.
You have the right to ask for help.
No one can search your things without a good reason.
Sleepy Sal (murmuring):
And you have the right to a nap… right?
Sneezy Lila (smiling):
And a sneeze!
The group laughs, easing the tension.
Scene 7: Justice, Pawloma Style
Back at the store, Ms. Ramirez listens to the raccoon's story. She decides not to press charges, instead offering to share leftover food with the raccoon's family.
Ms. Ramirez:
Everyone deserves a second chance. But next time, just ask.
Detective Barker, impressed by the Cartel Cats' detective work, nods.
Detective Barker:
Looks like you cats know a thing or two about justice.
Barbara grins.
Barbara:
We know our rights. And we help others know theirs, too.
Closing Scene: Rooftop Reflections
That evening, the Cartel Cats gather on their rooftop as the city glows beneath the stars.
Barbara (voiceover):
Every day brings a new challenge. But as long as we know our rights, and stand up for what's fair, Pawloma will always be home.
The cats curl up together, tails entwined, ready for whatever tomorrow brings.
End-of-Chapter Rights Recap Song
🎶
If you're ever blamed for something you didn't do,
Remember your rights—they'll help you through!
Stay calm, stay smart, don't be afraid,
With Cartel Cats, justice is always made!
🎶