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The Academic Murder

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March 15, 1925. Wellington Academy.

11:45 AM. Rainy.

The prestigious headmaster, Professor Blackwood, has been found dead in his office. As the academy's most trusted detective, you've been called to solve this perplexing case.

Four suspects are at the academy: Dr. Elizabeth Thornhill (Deputy Headmistress), James Morton (Groundskeeper), Miss Penelope Clarke (Librarian), and Thomas Reed (Star Student).

The Crime Scene: Headmaster's Office

12:10 PM. The rain continues to fall.

Professor Blackwood is slumped over his desk, his complexion ashen. A porcelain cup of tea lies spilled nearby, leaving a dark stain on important documents. The window is slightly open despite the cold weather, a thin curtain dancing in the breeze.

Tea Cup: Examine the tea cup closely.

Papers: Look through the papers on the desk.

Window: Inspect the partially open window.

Strange Book: Examine the ornate book on the shelf.

Evidence Collected:

Interview Suspects

1:30 PM. Thunder rumbles outside.

The suspects wait nervously in separate rooms. Who would you like to interview?

Dr. Elizabeth Thornhill

Interview Room A. 1:45 PM.

A stern woman with wire-rimmed glasses, she seems flustered, continuously adjusting her collar.

"I found the body when I came to discuss next semester's curriculum. The headmaster and I had... professional disagreements about the direction of the academy."

Ask about her whereabouts

Ask about her relationship with the headmaster

Ask if she suspects anyone

James Morton

Interview Room B. 2:00 PM.

The elderly groundskeeper with soil-stained hands and a weathered face. His eyes dart to the window frequently.

"I was tendin' to the gardens all mornin'. Didn't see nothin' unusual except Miss Clarke rushing out of the building looking pale as a ghost."

Ask about his whereabouts

Ask about the open window

Ask about his opinion of the headmaster

Miss Penelope Clarke

Interview Room C. 2:15 PM.

The quiet librarian with trembling hands and downcast eyes. She keeps fidgeting with an old brooch on her collar.

"I brought the headmaster his usual morning tea. He was alive when I left. That book shouldn't be there... it belongs in the restricted section."

Ask about the tea

Ask about the book

Ask why she was rushing from the building

Thomas Reed

Interview Room D. 2:30 PM.

The academy's brightest student, unusually calm with calculating eyes. His uniform is immaculate.

"I was in the library studying all morning. The headmaster approved my research project last week on rare botanical compounds."

Ask about his whereabouts

Ask about his research

Ask about Miss Clarke

Make Your Accusation

4:00 PM. The storm has intensified.

Based on your investigation, who killed Professor Blackwood?

Case Conclusion

Case File #1925-03-15

Detective's Notes

Detective's Intuition: