Title: The Mysterious Case of the Stolen Diamond

Once upon a time in the bustling city of Metropolis, a priceless diamond known as the “Star of Metropolis” was stolen from the city’s renowned museum. The diamond, said to bring good fortune to its owner, had been on display for the public to admire. The theft had left the entire city in shock and the police department determined to solve the case.

Detective James Anderson, a seasoned investigator known for his sharp instincts, was assigned to the case. He began by examining the crime scene, searching for any clues left behind by the cunning thief. The museum’s security footage revealed a masked figure sneaking into the exhibit room during the early hours of the morning. The thief seemed to know exactly where the diamond was kept, suggesting an inside job.

Detective Anderson interviewed the museum staff, focusing on those who had access to the exhibit room. He discovered that only three individuals had the necessary clearance: the curator, Mr. Johnson, the security guard, Ms. Ramirez, and the janitor, Mr. Peterson. Each of them had an alibi for the night of the theft, making it difficult for the detective to pinpoint the culprit.

As Detective Anderson delved deeper into the investigation, he stumbled upon an interesting lead. A local art dealer, Mr. Thompson, had recently expressed interest in purchasing the stolen diamond. The detective decided to pay him a visit, hoping to gather more information. Mr. Thompson claimed innocence, stating that he had only heard rumors about the stolen diamond and had no involvement in the crime.

Undeterred, Detective Anderson continued his search for evidence. He discovered that the museum’s security system had been tampered with on the night of the theft. The detective suspected that the thief had inside knowledge of the system, further strengthening the theory of an inside job.

Days turned into weeks, and the investigation seemed to reach a dead end. However, Detective Anderson’s persistence paid off when he received an anonymous tip. The tipster claimed to have witnessed a suspicious interaction between Mr. Peterson, the janitor, and a mysterious individual near the museum on the night of the theft.

With this new lead, Detective Anderson confronted Mr. Peterson, who initially denied any involvement. However, faced with the mounting evidence, Mr. Peterson confessed to his role in the crime. He revealed that he had been blackmailed by an unknown person who had threatened to harm his family if he didn’t assist in the theft.

The detective’s relentless pursuit of the truth had finally paid off. The stolen diamond was recovered, and Mr. Peterson’s cooperation led to the arrest of the mastermind behind the crime. The city of Metropolis breathed a sigh of relief, grateful for Detective Anderson’s dedication and skill in solving the mysterious case of the stolen diamond.

Comprehension Questions:

1. What was the name of the stolen diamond?
2. Who was assigned to investigate the case?
3. What was the occupation of the three individuals with access to the exhibit room?
4. What lead did Detective Anderson find during his investigation?
5. How did Detective Anderson solve the case?
6. Why did Mr. Peterson assist in the theft?
7. What was the outcome of the investigation?

Note: These questions are designed to test reading comprehension and critical thinking skills. The answers can be found within the text.