The Evening Curtain

Detective Penny Scoop adjusted her beige trench coat as she approached the Golden Peacock Theater. The grand building sparkled in the evening light, its turquoise curtains billowing at the entrance. Golden lights twinkled across the peacock-shaped structure like scattered stars.

"Another theft case," Penny muttered, checking her notepad. Three golden peacock feathers had been stolen from different theaters across the city this month. All valuable props, all taken during evening performances.

She pushed through the entrance doors. The lobby buzzed with theater-goers chatting excitedly before the show. Red velvet seats filled the main hall, and ornate golden decorations adorned every surface. Penny noticed the security cameras positioned around the room.

"Excuse me, are you Detective Scoop?" A nervous usher hurried over. "The theater manager is waiting for you backstage. We're worried the thief might strike again tonight."

Penny nodded and followed him toward the stage area. The show would begin soon, and somewhere in this beautiful theater, a thief might already be planning their next move.

The Chase Above

Backstage, the theater manager pointed toward the prop room. "The golden feather display is right through there," he whispered. "Security spotted someone suspicious near the stage exit ten minutes ago."

Penny crept toward the prop room, her detective instincts alert. Through the dimly lit hallway, she heard footsteps above her head. The sounds came from the theater's upper levels.

"The roof access," she muttered, remembering the building's layout. She climbed the narrow staircase two steps at a time.

On the rooftop, the city lights twinkled below. A figure in dark clothes clutched something shiny—a golden peacock feather. The thief spotted Penny and bolted across the roof.

"Stop! Police!" Penny shouted, chasing after him.

The thief leaped between rooftop sections with surprising skill. Penny followed, her trench coat billowing in the wind. Near the building's edge, the thief spun around and shoved Penny hard.

She stumbled backward, her head hitting a ventilation unit with a sharp crack. Everything went dizzy, then black.

When darkness took over, Penny felt strong arms catching her as she fell.