Comprehension: The Vanishing of Captain Reed
The small town of Maple Ridge was shaken when Captain Reed, a retired military officer, was
found dead in his study. The door was locked from the inside, and there were no signs of forced
entry. The only clue was a letter on the desk, addressed to his niece, Amelia. The letter read, “I
know who did it. They’re close, and they’re coming for me.”
The police quickly questioned the people closest to Captain Reed: his wife, son, and Amelia. His
wife, Mrs. Reed, was in the kitchen preparing dinner when the incident occurred and had heard
nothing unusual. His son, Derek, claimed he had been out for a walk, but no one could confirm
his whereabouts. Amelia, who had been staying with her uncle for a week, seemed the most
distraught, though she insisted she had no idea who could be responsible.
Detective Larson examined the scene and noticed that Captain Reed’s safe, which was usually
locked, had been left open. Inside, a stack of documents related to a long-lost military secret was
missing. Detective Larson soon deduced that the murder was not just a random act. Captain Reed
had been involved in something far more dangerous than anyone knew, and his death was likely
connected to those secrets.
Questions:
1. Where was Captain Reed found dead?
2. In Maple Ridge, in his study.
3. What was unusual about the door to Captain Reed’s study?
4. It was locked from the inside.
5. What was the content of the letter found on Captain Reed’s desk?
6. “I know who did it, They’re close, and they’re coming for me”
7. Who was the letter addressed to?
8. Amelia.
9. What was Mrs. Reed doing when the incident occurred?
10. She was preparing dinner.
11. Why was Derek's alibi questioned?
12. No one could confirm it.
13. How did Amelia react when questioned by the police?
14. Distraught.
15. What was unusual about Captain Reed’s safe?
16. It was open.
17. What was missing from the safe?
18. A pile of long lost military documents.
19. What did Detective Larson conclude about the nature of Captain Reed’s death?
20. That Captain Reed was involved in something far more dangerous than anyone could
foresee.
Implicit Questions:
11. Why do you think the door was locked from the inside?
12. How might the missing documents be related to Captain Reed’s death?
13. What can we infer about Derek’s potential involvement based on the lack of alibi?
14. Why would Captain Reed’s death be linked to military secrets?
15. How did Amelia's reaction contribute to the investigation’s outcome?
