Finally, a Crime
    
I surveyed the surrounding area, but unfortunately, all was quiet. Shocking, it being a seventh-grade classroom. Nothing interesting ever happened. I wanted a real case to work, not a “who put the thumbtack on the teacher’s chair?”
    
Why couldn’t there be a murder, or just one little grand larceny? I buried my nose back in my Sherlock Holmes book and thought about how unfair it was that no one committed arson in my small town.
    
As soon as the bell rang, I headed home so I could investigate who broke Mrs. Reed’s lawn gnome. I passed the shops and restaurants, until I passed the grocery store and saw something yellow out front.
    
Was it, could it be? Police tape! It even said: “Do Not Cross!”
    
I ran home to grab my crime-fighting sidekick, the best border collie in the world, named Watson, of course. Then we ducked under the tape (they would make an exception for me) and took note of everything we saw.
    
The store’s owner, Mr. Bixby, was in tears. Merchandise was strewn everywhere, and the cash register was empty. I was about to ask him some questions, when I was stopped by Officer Clarkson.
    
“Annabel Jones, how many times have I told you to stay away from crime scenes?”
    
“Thirty-six and a half times,” I replied matter-of-factly. “You were halfway through reminding me when Watson bit you. Would you like that to happen again?”
    
“I could arrest you for this.”
    
“Fine, come on, Watson.”
    
Watson yipped at Officer Clarkson, who flinched. I did leave, but I wouldn’t give up. I went to Mr. Bixby’s house and, while hiding under the porch so Mrs. Bixby wouldn’t see me, I saw something incredible. Everything that was stolen!

Watson on my heels, I ran to the police department. Officer Clarkson was interviewing Mr. Bixby.

“Mr. Bixby robbed his own store for the insurance money!” Grabbing Officer Clarkson’s arm, I dragged him to see all the stolen items.

He smiled at me and said, “Good job--”

“I know what you’re gonna say. Now where’s my badge and gun?”