MuSR / Who is the most likely murderer?

question

Who is the most likely murderer?

narrative

Inside the buzzing hubbub of the city's most popular recording studio, Ivan's death by snake venom sends shockwaves through the music realm, forcing the indomitable Detective Winston to pierce the veil of sound and silence, suspects, Timothy and Ricky, echoing in his ears.

The flashing lights and the police tape painted a macabre picture outside the recording studio where Ivan was pronounced dead. Detective Winston stared at the dispatch report and heaved a weary sigh. Highlighted information spelled out a sad tale of love, jealousy, and secrets; especially the ones contained in Timothy's silent confession of an argument where Ivan confronted him about the affair with his girlfriend.

As he entered the studio, a peculiar detail stood out – it was empty when the victim was found. The police had taken the usual preliminary measures, clearing the premises as they went. That detail played a repetitive note in Winston's mind. There was only one name that matched the time of death, Timothy.

Begrudgingly, he agreed to interview Timothy, the victim’s friend and also a surfing instructor by trade. Timothy's van was a shrine to waxed boards of all sizes, shapes, and colors, almost like weapons of battle against the waves. When Winston had asked him about it, Timothy fondly explained that every board had its unique purpose, for each wave and beach condition. His job demanded him to know places, waves, and beaches in intimate detail. One could even notice the envy tinged bitterness in Timothy's voice when he shared his love for discovering new surfing spots and how Ivan’s musical success overshadowed his own aspirations.

“What brings you here, detective?” Timothy's voice cut through Winston's thoughts. “Well, you were last seen here with Ivan. You guys…"

“Yeah, we were working on a music project together,” Timothy finished Winston's half-spoken question. His face turned a shade darker as he added, “That was our thing, you know. He did the music, I brought the vibe. But everyone always loved Ivan more, even my own girlfriend.”

There was a certain restlessness in Timothy's manner. His eyes kept darting towards the door, his van in sight. It was always packed and ready; 'to chase the waves,' Timothy had shared during the friendly chit-chat. His resentment towards Ivan had resurfaced, amplified by the fact that Ivan's girlfriend was now in love with him.

When Winston mentioned Ivan's girlfriend, Timothy's smile tightened. Yet when he asked about the argument where Ivan had confronted him about the affair, the smile faded away completely. He didn't want to expose sharper edges of their relationship; the complex, fraught friendship woven with threads of rivalry and jealousy. Most of all, there was a looming fear of Ivan revealing their secret affair to the world.

Winston slowly stood up, giving Timothy a knowing look. He thanked him for his time and walked away, leaving an unsettling silence behind him as Timothy sat, staring at the spot where Ivan used to create music. His secret was a festering wound he had no idea how to treat, and the fear of exposure was a haunting melody he couldn't escape.

At the end of a long day, Winston found himself standing on the bridge, gazing at the dark and unyielding ocean. The carefully collected facts played on repeat, like a song stuck in a loop. He couldn't help but think of Timothy, his passions, his secrets, his fear, his jealousy, and his time at the studio which eerily aligned with the irrevocable end of Ivan's life. A hazy picture began to take form in his mind, but he knew it was far from complete...There were still missing notes in this haunting symphony of death.

Detective Winston stepped out of his car and straightened his tie as he made his way towards the pet shop. An older man stood at the entrance, a look of potential fear and regret on his face. 

"Ricky?" Winston asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Depends who's asking," Ricky responded, eyeing Winston over. 

"Detective Winston," he introduced himself and showed his badge. He noticed a change in Ricky's demeanor. "Might we have a word regarding your business?"

Ricky, swallowing hard, nodded and gestured to the back room of the pet shop. It was filled with a variety of animals, among them a large, intimidating venomous snake settled in a glass tank, aptly showcased as the shop's specialty.

"You seem to have quite a variety of pets here, and appropriate paperwork on display. You do legally own this place, don't you?" Winston asked, pointing at the legal documents hanging on the wall.

Ricky, still unsettled, nodded, "Yes. I also know a bit about venom extraction, which makes this business unique," he added with an attempt at lightheartedness. 

"You know, the police got a tip-off about some illegal activity regarding this pet shop," Winston continued. Ricky's eyes widened.

"Why, I've no idea what you're insinuating detective," Ricky stuttered, looking like a man who feared impending financial and legal repercussions.

"Your financial situation hasn't been the best we've heard," Winston said, "and someone named Ivan has been feeding us some rather interesting information regarding your debts."

"Ivan." Ricky whispered under his breath.

"It seems you had a private meeting with Ivan in an empty recording studio," Winston revealed, seeing Ricky's surprise at this information. "That's where he recorded your conversation, and you confessed to some illegal activities, didn't you?"

Ricky looked down and then glanced up, resignation in his eyes. He nodded somberly, "Yes, Ivan was the only one who knew about the illegal activities... He recorded me talking about the illegal sales and has been blackmailing me with the recording."

Winston thanked Ricky for his time and walked out of the pet shop with much to ponder about this case. One thing was certain - the recording studio where Ricky made his confession was going to be his next stop.

choices

• Timothy
• Ricky