Sherlock & Co. - The Disappearance of Lady Frances Carfax - Part Two

Episode Date: April 8, 2025

PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS - Sherlock had chosen to remain in London to investigate the backstory of Penny Montgomery. The last movements of Penny were being tracked by Mariana and myself. We headed out to Lausanne in Switzerland; where she first headed to after leaving the UK.. Part 2 of 3 This episode contains swearing, references to abduction and coercive behaviour, violence. Listener discretion is advised. For merchandise and transcripts go to: www.sherlockandco.co.uk For ad-free, early access to adventures in full go to www.patreon.com/sherlockandco To get in touch via email: [e-mail] Follow me @DocJWatsonMD on twitter and BlueSky, or sherlockandcopod on TikTok, instagram and YouTube.  This podcast is property of Goalhanger Podcasts. Copyright 2025. SHERLOCK AND CO. Based on the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Paul Waggott as Dr. John Watson Harry Attwell as Sherlock Holmes Marta da Silva as Mariana Ametxazurra Jasmine Kerr as Lady Frances Carfax Adam Jarrell as Wilton Additional voices Denis Michallet Lukas Weschler Thomas Mitchells Thomas-Lee Kidd Written by Joel Emery Directed by Adam Jarrell Editing and Sound Design by Holy Smokes Audio Produced by Neil Fearn and Jon Gill Executive Producer Tony Pastor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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...starring Tom Hardy, Pierce Brosnan, and Helen Mirren. We've got everyone where we want them. Mob Lad, new series now streaming on Paramount+. Okay Martin, let's try one. Remember, big. You got it. The Ford It's a Big Deal event is on. How's that? A little bigger. The Ford It's a Big Deal event. Nice. Now the offer? Lease a 2025 Escape Active All-Wheel Drive from 198 bi-weekly at 1.99% APR for 36 months with $27.55 down. Wow, that's like $99 a week. Yeah, it's a big deal.

The Ford, it's a big deal event. Visit your Toronto area Ford store or Ford.ca today. Come join the Patreon. It's a huge community now with loads of extra cool stuff. Patreon.com forward slash Sherlock and co. Previously on Sherlock and Co. Penny Montgomery, known for her iconic role as Lady Frances Carfax in the long-running detective series The Lady Doth Investigate has been reported missing.

No. Miss Montgomery was last seen aboard the cruise line at the Montpellier, which is due to dock in the port of Alexandria in northern Egypt at 3pm today. How does a woman go missing on a ship? There's innumerable answers to that question, Watson. Well, maybe if you have a think and actually come up with something we could help the investigation. Search for Penny Montgomery, assistant. And before you ask why, it's because that is how the observations present themselves. So you might want to ask her why she has recently

parted company with Miss Montgomery shortly before her disappearance. It's been going on for a couple of years, but I was suddenly this man in a life. This guy started to...what's the word? Harass? No, nothing like that. He started to infringe. That's it, infringe on my responsibilities with Penny. Visual description? Um, short, stocky, very like, sun-kissed, sun-worn kinda, you know what I mean? He had quite a lot of jewellery on him.

Bracelets, necklace, rings? Yeah. Watch? Mmm, and a gold tooth. Earrings? Earring, single. The other ear was damaged. Like, uh, like cauliflower here from rugby or boxing?

No, it was kind of torn. The low barrier was kind of torn off. I've seen plenty of investigations in my time, believe me. And you guys seem to really care about how you conduct them. So here. Oh, what's what? What is that It's a key... to her flat. Oh, she wants to quit the show and live a normal life. Yes. Yes. And she just wants some normal, slobby guy in some little cottage or something. Maybe in Europe.

Yeah, completely. What absolute bollocks. Ornaments, sculptures, artworks, an antique mirror from this wall, two bronze figures that stood just here, porcelain collectibles along that shelf, a gilded candelabra by the window, three rather ugly Louis XVI style chairs, silk embroidered cushions from that couch, a large enamel vase that should have been by that door there, a marble chess set and a custom perfumed acanthoset that was on this surface here, I believe. All gone. So she sold it off? Indeed.

But why? For that, we must depart for another destination. We must track her last known movements. But that would involve going to Switzerland, Sherlock. Then we shall go to Switzerland, Watson. Chop Chop! Two, one, hello, it's me! And it's you! And together we make the perfect podcasting team.

Me the maker, you the listener. Dream team. Dream team. The adventure continues. Trigger warnings in description but that's the usual shit let's be honest. Contains swearing. Enjoy. You're not coming?

No. Why not? Because my time would be better spent on the road. Ha! Contains swearing. Enjoy. You're not coming? No. Why not? Because my time would be better spent tracking the financial demise of Penny Montgomery right here in London. Plus, I have meetings. Meetings? You have meetings? Yes. Regarding my spider. And I don't wish to forgo them for the sake of some celebrity scandal.

Sherlock, you just pointed out how bad we are at deducing. Then you could do with the practice. Your destination is the Hotel National in Lausanne. Good luck. You will need it in abundance. Yep, thanks. Keep in touch. Only if I must.

Bye bye. Yeah, bye mate. Great. Any ideas on where we start? Gate 35, eh? No, I meant... Right, yes. Maybe book us in for a night at the Hotel National?

Oh yeah, yeah, I'll do that. And also, I think it's best for the investigation if I have the window seat on the flight. Oh you think that? I do yeah yeah I just want to make sure that you know we find her and I really feel that the window seat... Shut up! Ow don't poke me! You! You deserve it! Lady Francis, I'm not so sure about this.

Oh Wilton, you fret over nothing. I fret over this giant pitch black cave, ma'am. Mystery thrives in the shadows, Wilton. Yes, that is my concern, Lady Francis. The only thing you should concern yourself with is the truth. Oh, drat! Merciful heavens! What? What is it, Wilton? Oh, I've stepped right into this foul-smelling puddle. My new loafers! Ruined!

Oh, Wilton! This guy, honestly, is an absolute div. You have orange juice all down your shirt. It was the turbulence I said this. Uh-huh. Do you reckon I could get a refund? On the orange juice. I meant on the flight.

No, John, I don't. Well, that is enough the lady doth investigate for me. Better you out there anyway. Woah. Oh yeah, wow. That's beautiful. Hey, did I say you could use my window? Do you want to get poked in the ribs again?

You know, I was expecting the Alps, but... I'll take that. Lakes and forests. You'll see the Alps from Lausanne. But they're to the south. Cool. And we are right on the lake. Lake Geneva. Yeah. Look. On the booking here, Switzerland on one side,

France on the other. Oh nice. So nice. Super romantic. Ah yeah, yeah, we can finally be romantic with each other. Yeah, you're pretty irresistible with your orange juice shirt. Yeah, that's what I was going for. Sure. My plan, by the way, might involve something a little risque. Okay. I got myself some of these bad boys at the airport. Yeah, so I saw this come up on the Business Account app. Why do you have 300 truce francs in cash? Because I would very much like to speak to the manager.

If you know what I mean. No, I don't know. Get a few answers to a few questions. Is that a wink? Is it not working? Let me try it with the other eye. Do you realise? Actually, I may take a picture. Do you realise how stupid you look right now? Listen, if you can't read between lines, that's your problem, okay?

Cash plus questions equals answers. Oh, you want to bribe the manager of the Hôtel National? Yes. With money from our business account? Yeah. What? What's that face for? It's not illegal, it's our money. It absolutely is illegal. What? They're not government officials, they run a hotel. That is a business account.

Yeah. You and I could get arrested for not stopping you in the act of bribing the manager. What offence is that, exactly? There. You see, you don't even know. A commercial organisation failing to prevent bribery by an associated person. That is an offence. Really? Since 2010, yes. Fine.

Fine? Fine and imprisonment. No, I'm saying fine. Like fine. I won't do it. Okay. Good. No, I'm saying fine like fine. I won't do it. Okay good Ladies and gentlemen, this is Captain Henshaw from the flight deck We're now starting our descent into Geneva with an expected landing in about 15 minutes

Weather on the ground is clear and rather warm at 19 degrees centigrade If you're sitting by a window If you're sitting by a window, you might catch a glimpse of the Alps on the right hand side for those lucky enough with the expense of Lake Geneva below. Definitely a sight to enjoy as we make our approach. As we get close to landing, please make sure your seatbelt is securely fastened, your seatback is upright and any larger devices are stowed in the seats in front of you. For those heading to Lausanne, there are easy connections from Geneva airport to the city taking around three quarters of an hour.

If this is your final stop we hope you have a lovely time here in Switzerland and if you're catching another flight we wish you a smooth onward journey. On behalf of myself and the whole crew on board, thanks for flying with us today cabin crew prepare for landing. 45 minutes to Lausanne. Yeah. Now we get in their train? Well I figured with Sherlock not joining us we could afford to be a little more adventurous. Cheers. adventurous. Jizz. Hello everyone. Hello everyone! Hello! We are bobbing along on our little ferry across the absolutely stunning Lake Geneva.

I feel like Captain Corelli's mandolin. Well, I don't feel like his mandolin. I feel like Captain Corelli. That's Italian. Alright, I feel like what's her name in the sound of music? Can you maybe pick something that doesn't involve war? Well no, probably not. Yeah I thought as much. You join us lovely listeners as we head across Lake Geneva to investigate the disappearance of Lady... No! Good lord, nearly called a Lady Frances Carfax. The disappearance of Penny Montgomery. The water is so clear and still just...

On our right you can see France showing off the Alps Mountains with snow glistening on their sharp peaks. With the beautiful forests and woodlands clambering at their foot. It's Switzerland on the left and the ancient stone spires and Meccano-like wooden piers protruding out from the city of Lausanne that has this incredible front row seat over this lake that's mounted. It is... wow, there's nothing more beautiful than this. Nothing even comes close.

Actually, this is the most beautiful thing. That is a pint of beer. Yes it is. Yeah, yeah. What is that again? A Matterhorn. Which is? Vodka, crème de cacao, cream.

Right, so vodka, cream and more cream. And then this little Swiss chocolate garnish. Can I try a sip? I told you to get something that wasn't just beer. All you drink is beer. I told you to get something different and you didn't. So no. I'm recording all this. Obviously. So what? So the listeners all think you're great and now you're exposing

your true self? Sure. Yeah. Um. Hi listeners. This is my true self. Hi. Got this guy. Have you ever seen a richer looking guy in your life? about. Look how many waitstaff he's got buzzing around him. Oh god, he's doing the wine tasting thing. That's what people do, John. Yeah, but not like that. Okay, let's maybe not get you annoyed. Cheers? Yeah.

Cheers to Lake Geneva and finding Penny. Cheers to Penny. Oh, and to Sherlock. Oh yeah, that guy. Cheers to Penny. Oh and to Sherlock. Oh yeah that guy. Cheers. Nice. Oh shit. Oh sorry that was um yeah that was I'm genuinely sorry about that that uh genuinely sorry that was an insult to the people of Switzerland and um Genuinely sorry, that was an insult to the people of Switzerland and erm...

Oh, the rich guy is daring! Is everything alright, sir? Madam? Sorry, yeah. Ask him to keep his stupid behavior for his room. Oh yes, I will of course. My apologies, sir. My name is Mr. Moser. I am the director of The National here in Lausanne. Ah, Mr. Moser? We are looking for you. Really? I'm flattered. Can I just...

We are helping the relatives of Miss Penny Montgomery. Oh yes, very sad. Very worrying. Yes, absolutely. Yes. And we wanted to talk to you about her stay here. Tyvald's information about our guests. This is Penny, right? Penny Montgomery? Enjoy your time here. Enjoy your drinks. But wait, wait, you remember her being here? She was here for a sufficient period of time, yes. How long?

Monsieur, please. Monsieur Mosseur, this is Dr. John Watson, and I am Mariana Mechazura. We are investigators from London. It is a pleasure to meet you and to have you at our hotel, but I cannot reveal further information regarding a guest at this hotel. But we are investigators. With the greatest respect, I have rejected many journalists today, and I'm sure I will

reject many tomorrow. We're not journalists. Please, I cannot. Everybody knows our onward journey. It is public record. The police mentioned Baden-Baden in Germany, and then the sheep, the Vaisselle Montpellier. This is in the report I read today. The hotel divulges none of this. You understand? Was she here with somebody, or was she alone?

Enjoy your drinks. Monsieur Mosa, my friend enjoyed his beer very much and he would enjoy answers to our questions even more. Which is why he wants to tip the waiter of this table 300 Swiss francs. In the meantime, we would like to be shown to our room. Madame. Merci, Monsieur Mosaure au revoir just gonna leave that right there great beer you what it was your idea yeah and you told me it was illegal hey if it works and we find her it will balance out yeah that's how the law works oh for once I would just like him to leave voice notes. I just get messages

from him saying busy can't message well leave a bloody voice note. I think he's done like one voice note to me the whole time I've known him. Anyway you lot sorry just whinging about Sherlock. Some extra special shout outs from a hotel room balcony overlooking Lake Geneva and the Alps. G'day to Esther and their dad Simon, who listen in Australia. And also to Dan in Australia, who thinks we should do this as a TV show. I agree, Dan. I agree, thanks mate.

Shout out to Marlene in New York, who likes to laugh at me when I try and speak Spanish. Gracias Marlene. Shout out to Betty and their dad too. To Jasper in Brazil. Quick sip of beer here. Apologies. Oh my god.

Oh my god. Wait, what's your oh my god? Look, this just came through our door. What does it say? Brûler après avoir lu. Meaning? Meaning burn after reading. Well, open it then.

Wait, what's your Oh My God? Oh, yeah, I'll go first. Sure. Okay, this is like a shout out, but... Like a... You will see what I mean. Rathen in Minnesota has been in touch and he listened while driving cross country from San Jose to Minneapolis where he and his partner Abigail moved back home. Sure, okay. They recently bought their first home. Rathlin goes on to say that Abigail is the most

kind, supportive, thoughtful partner anyone could ask for. Oh. And he feels lucky to have her by his side every day. Oh. And he cannot wait to spend the rest of his life with her. So Abigail, will you marry Raffyn? Oh I'm silent because I'm giddy but also because I'm waiting like for her reply? Yeah I mean she can't answer it's a podcast so yeah anyway there you go keep in touch Rathen and Abigail and unless she says no in which case yeah don't don't don't tell us if that happens Cheers! Cheers! See? Told you the trip could be romantic. You were right. Right, let me get matches for the letter.

Two six. Ta-da! Matches, courtesy of Hotel National. Okay. Ah, ah, ah, ah. We burn it after reading. Dumbass. Oh, what is wrong with me? That marriage proposal has completely thrown me. Maybe it's the three beers. Who knows?

Yeah, who knows? Right, let's read. Miss Montgomery was booked to stay for three weeks. Blimey. Okay. At the end of the second week, a tall bearded man arrived on our lakefront dining space. He sat at her table and following a very heated conversation, our staff intervened. She left shortly after.

We have no contact from her since. Her room remained unused for the duration of her booking. That's the end. A tall bearded man. Yes. What do we think? I think... We have our kidnapper.

English Court, Baden-Baden. Good day. Hi there. Is Brackensey English? Yes sir, of course. My name is... He said he speaks English. Yeah, name is... sorry, name is Dr John Watson. I'm inquiring after Penny Montgomery. Do you have the guest's room number? I don't. No, she left. She's vacated the room. I'm actually a doctor. It's some very, very important medical information. Oh, okay. Yeah, really quite urgent. I don't know if there's much I can do. If she's no longer in the hotel, sir, I do apologize. What if, do you have a... Like a database of guests. Yes, yeah, did you, can you search her on your system? See if she left a number or anything at all?

Let me see. Okay, so she is still booked to stay with us. She left before, before her booking expired? That's right, yes. Did she check out with anyone? I don't have that kind of information. Of course, yeah. I have a phone number for her if this is a medical emergency.

Yeah, no, that's not working anyway. She... I... hold on one moment. My colleague tells me another doctor came to see her. Came to see her when? Wann war der Doktor hier? Wann war der Doktor hier? Again. After she had already left. What was his name? Dr Schlesinger.

Did... okay, erm, do you have... He left her telephone number to be contacted if she returned. He did? Schlesinger, yes. I have the number here. Oh, fantastic. Lifesaver. Literal lifesaver.

Can I send it to the number you're calling on? Yes, please do. Anything else on him? Yeah, anything else you have on him? You know, like where is he headed? Just in case I can't get hold of him. He provided no identification. Like yourself, sir, he was concerned over her health.

Yeah, yes, of course. There's a note on the system for the same inquiry, actually. Oh, what does that mean? A note? It says a man called yesterday asking for the description of Dr. Schlesinger. Who called? What was the name of the person who asked for his description?

I can see the call log. It says the caller was... it was you. What? Er... what? The caller. You. You gave the name Dr. John Watson. You then asked for a visual description of Schlesinger. No, I didn't. My colleague provided the description and then you interrupted my colleague.

It wasn't me. Like you are interrupting me now. And you asked about his ear. His ear? Is this some sort of amusing prank? Well, apparently yes, and I seem to be the target. I hope. I have provided you with some entertainment. No, look, I'm not trying to wind you up, okay?

Thank you for the number, I appreciate that. Hello? Oh, I appreciate that. Hello? Hello? Oh great. Great. Don't start. John, you called them. I did not call them! It's just some bloke taking the piss out of us as he drags this poor woman across Europe and then chucks her off a cruise ship from the sounds of it.

Give me your phone, calm down. I'm gonna call this guy. Yeah, yeah, well tell him he's impersonating a doctor. Well, he's impersonating a different doctor than the doctor that he... Just tell him to fuck off. Oh wow, hot phone. Yeah, I'm not surprised. No, no, you're getting loads of notifications.

Oh no, that's Discord and Twitter. It'll be the fans. They like to get in touch, chat with me, send abuse. It's a whole thing. There's a news link they keep sending. Um, let me check. Oh. Oh no. What? Look.

My name is Penny Montgomery. I am being held. No. Against my will, please. Please help me. There is a 24-hour window to save the life of Penny Montgomery. Oh my god. The holy pirates hold her captive. She will remain alive until that window closes. The ransom is 5 million US dollars. And that disturbing video has just come to us now with regards to the disappearance... There's a Telegram account in the top corner. Look, look.

Oh, I have that app. I have that. Can I get you any more drinks? No. I'll come back. Okay, okay. I can message. What shall I say? Say, um, we are investigators from London. Okay, investigators from London. We are private, we have substantial financial backing.

Yes, John, that's good, that's good. And we want to use this opportunity to... for... Oh, for marketing, right? Exactly. To boost our profile, we can pay the ransom in full. Send. Oh, it's been read. Mm-hmm. Okay.

Oh, typing, typing. What is it? A phone number. Note it down. Are you, are you noting it down? Stop, wait, that's the same one. Schlesinger? Same. Look, see?

Holy shit! Well, Schlesinger doesn't really sound like the name of a North African pirate. Is this our bearded man? Well, he's wearing a balaclava, so... Who knows at this point. We know, John. We know. You can see, right? He found her right here in Lausanne, and she fled.

He almost found her in Baden-Baden, and she fled, but he was right behind her, and then he finally caught up with her on the Montpellier cruise ship. And he... takes her. He takes her. The bearded man. The bearded man. I'm calling it, it's happening, it's go time.

Oh crap. Oh crap, oh crap, oh crap. You have the money? We do. Yep, we have it. Proof? Proof. Yep, we have it. Proof? Proof. Proof. Proof. I know what to do.

Two seconds, please. Excuse me. Hello. Hi, Rich Whiskey Man. Can I help? Yes, you can. A big help. To a woman being held captive.

What? Not her? Oh no. No, no, no. Not me, not me. Another girl. Um, would you, please, take a screenshot of your bank account for me? Ha ha! No, I'm not falling for that. Because you don't have a lot? I have plenty.

Look, you can black everything you want to out. All of it. Just, please. She's given you a chance to show off your knob. Just do it. Show us how loaded you are. God's sake. Fine. Hold... just hold on. Michael, you really don't have to do this. They don't believe me. I've worked damn hard for this money and I won't have people thinking I'm some try-hard waxing out his credit card. Give me an air drop or a Bluetooth. Okay, you can connect to me here. Marimo.

Alright. Or... Send. There. See? Told you. I bloody told you. I have a yacht on the lake as well if you want to see that. Michael! Enough, Audrey. Alright. I heard you. Share that if you want.

It goes viral, I really don't mind. Sure. Yeah, okay. You got it, John? Yeah, hello. Just sending you a screenshot of our account now. We are currently surveying our Vault Bank vault we have here Alexandria in Egypt yep we can do that Yes, okay, okay, thank you. Just, you just look after her.

Make sure she has lots of fluids. Is in the video, she looks... Hello? We have to go, now. Yeah. ["Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy"] Maurice, I know this is fast, but can it go faster? You have the money for the fuel?

If that's what it takes. Ha ha ha, hell yeah. Whoa! I know this is fast, but can it go faster? You have the money for the fuel? If that's what it takes. Hell yeah! Bloody hell! We have to make this flight. It will get us to Istanbul in three hours and it's due to Alexander. Okay, okay, just keep running. I don't need to hear the itinerary, I believe you. Wait! No, no, wait, wait, wait, wait, don't close it!

It went for us! We're passengers, passengers! Oh god, my legs. You okay? Yeah, yeah, just, you know, sprinting between gates and then sitting still for three hours and sprinting again and sitting. I could do with like, an ice bath I think, because the muscles, you know, particularly my calves. John. Hm? Could we maybe call the kidnapper now, you know,

and rescue the famous actress? Yeah, sure. We, uh, uh, what was that? That was, uh, some port workers, I think. Uh-huh. Oh, see? That guy there. And, uh, that guy.

OK. Let me just ask this bloke if we're at the right gateway. I think. Uh-huh. Oh, see? That guy there. And that guy. Okay. Let me just ask this bloke if we're at the right gateway. Excuse me. Hmm? Is this the only gateway for the port, the port of Alexandria? Yes. Gateway...

Yeah, but does the... Okay. Lovely. Is this the place? Apparently. Okay. Make the call. Now, John, please. We need the proof we're here. You take a picture of us with the gateway to the Alexandria port behind us.

Uh-huh, right. Selfie mode, okay. Okay, she... oh no wait, do we smile? I... oh yeah, that's weird. I feel like we should smile. Yeah, because if we don't smile, is that like... You know, grisly face we're coming to get you? But then, if we do smile, he will think we're not taking it seriously.

Yeah, but what if I come across as too threatening? I don't think that's something we need to worry about. I have quite a cold stare without a smile. Dick the damn picture. Okay, okay, here we go. Uh, yeah. Yeah, okay, that'll do. Um, right, I'll share this image in... Oh, no, actually, I need to send to you so then you can share into your telegrammer. Hey. What? What, Mariana, what are you doing?

Shh. What? In the picture. The picture? The one we just took. Look. are you doing? Shhh! What? In the picture. The... picture? The one we just took, look. Can you see? In the background, behind us. Oh shit. Bearded man. Hello?

John, I don't like this now. Just... Wait, this is... This is what we're here for. No, no. We're here to rescue a woman not get beat up and thrown in the water by pirates. Actual pirates. It could be police. You don't know.

Hello? Hello? Stop! He's there. Oh my god. I'm going over. John. John! Alright, listen mate. I don't recall seeing a gun in that video and it looks to me like you're all alone now. Get back!

Yeah, you know what? I don't think I will. Get away now or face the consequences! The consequences are you rotting in a prison cell, mate. Who are you? Huh? Who are you? Have that! I'm Dr. John Watson. Ow! You bastard! John, no!

John! Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait! Please, please! Off him! Bring it to me! Bring it to me! No! Do it! Run, Mariana!

John! Run! To binge this adventure in full and without ads, go to patreon.com forward slash Sherlock and co. I'm going to be a good boy. You