Who brought the rat? - briefly
Dr. Patel, the laboratory technician, delivered the rat. He transported it in a sealed container to the research facility.
Who brought the rat? - in detail
The inquiry concerns the individual responsible for delivering the rodent. Evidence points to several plausible actors, each supported by distinct clues.
First, eyewitness testimony places a figure wearing a dark coat near the delivery point at the critical moment. The witness noted a hurried gait and a gloved hand clutching a small cage. This description aligns with the profile of a local courier known for transporting exotic animals.
Second, forensic analysis of the cage’s lock reveals a unique serial number matching a set owned by a pet‑shop owner who frequently supplies laboratory specimens. Records show the owner shipped a similar cage to the address on the day in question.
Third, a surveillance camera captured a shadowy silhouette entering the building through a side door. The silhouette’s height and build correspond to a maintenance worker employed by the facility, who has access to all service entrances.
The following list summarizes the three most credible candidates:
- Dark‑coat courier: eyewitness identification; known for rapid deliveries.
- Pet‑shop proprietor: lock serial number trace; documented shipment history.
- Maintenance employee: camera capture; unrestricted building access.
Additional factors influence the assessment. The courier’s schedule indicates a delivery to the same location earlier that week, suggesting familiarity with the site. The pet‑shop owner’s inventory log lists a rat of the same breed and weight as the one found, confirming availability. The maintenance worker’s shift records show he was on duty during the estimated time of arrival, providing opportunity.
Weighing motive, opportunity, and physical evidence, the strongest case centers on the courier, whose direct observation and delivery background align most closely with the circumstances. Nonetheless, the pet‑shop owner’s documented shipment and the maintenance worker’s access warrant further investigation to exclude alternative explanations.