MuSR / Who is the most likely murderer?

question

Who is the most likely murderer?

narrative

When the silver screen flickered with an unexpected explosion, claiming the life of innocent Chloe, seasoned Detective Winston stepped in to unravel the deadly scandal entwining suspects Ruby and Roscoe.

Stepping through the bustling crime scene of a movie theater, Winston drew deeply on his cigarette, turning over the few facts he had. It was a terrible scene involving a grenade explosion, a midnight movie, and a tragedy. Winston ran a hand over his tired face as he recollected the events of the night. The victim, Chloe, had invited Ruby, a local psychic with a unique talent of foreseeing dangerous situations in her visions, to the movies. In the past, these visions had often involved violent scenes where weapons like grenades were used, a dangerous gift she suspected was influenced by her military background.

They'd stayed until the late night showing ended, and witnesses mentioned they were the last to leave. They also confirmed that none other individuals were seen entering or exiting the theater. 

Winston made his way to the torn-up cinema, stooping to look at the grenaded remains. The air was still heavy with the acrid residue of the explosion. Ruby, the psychic. Ruby, the military veteran. He suppressed a shudder as he thought about the fatalities she might have presaged in her past, with the shadow of a grenade always lingering in her visions, all too accurate.

In situations like these, she could have known how to handle a grenade, her service in the military would have ensured that. He had heard about this psychic's history. Ruby's accuracy was unsettling... Her record of predicting family tragedies had created an odd mix of fear and respect amongst her kin. They were a superstitious lot, some even believed that her visions were causing the very catastrophes she prophesied.

Winston beckoned an officer over, borrowing his notepad and pen to jot down some reminders. Ruby was last seen with Chloe. Ruby went to her brother’s house after the movie - The brother, who also happens to be an arms dealer.

Winston made his way to Ruby's apartment for an interview. Ruby had a feral look about her - her argument with her mother had clearly shaken her. She had decided to break off contact with her family after that blowout. Both of them seemed to be quite stubborn.

"Ruby," Winston began, "Can you tell me about the last time you saw Chloe?" He asked, his steely gaze fixing on her. 

"Yes, Detective. We watched a movie together. It ran late, we both stayed until the end." Ruby replied.

"And after the movie?" Winston probed.

"I... I went to visit my brother. He sells... various products. I remember when we played with toy soldiers as children..." Ruby’s voice trailed off, an odd glint in her eyes. 

Keeping his inquisitive gaze steady, Winston made his leave, leaving Ruby and her prophecies, often echoing with the sound of pin-pulled grenades, alone with the evening shadows.

Winston rubbed his temples as he sifted through the mountain of paperwork on his desk. What a way to spend his Sunday, pouring over case files and suspect lists. He moved onto the next file on his desk: Roscoe, an astrophysicist by day, apparent drug addict by night. 

His astrophysics job had Roscoe planted in a military base, which was known to have an arsenal that included grenades, for research purposes. Here, he utilized his broad scientific background including physics and chemistry. Although he normally processed information in a meticulous and scientific manner, witness testimonies painted a different picture altogether. Apparently, Roscoe had been acting erratically lately. Having a quick look at his employee records, Winston saw a slew of complaints piled up within the last few weeks. 

Roscoe's troubles found their way outside of the workplace, into a small apartment where he was the tenant. When the police were called for a noise complaint, they found drug paraphernalia scattered across the living room. Surely, his military career would see its last days if word got out. 

Winston sighed, leaning back in his chair, skimming through his notes. He paused at the mention of a late-night movie. Chloe, the unfortunate victim, had been Roscoe's unsuspecting companion in the dark theater. Just as the opening credits rolled, her life had been cut short by a grenade. 

Witness statements gathered at the scene confirmed that Roscoe had purchased a ticket for the same movie screening just moments before it began. Someone had seen him enter the theater, seemingly in a hurry. 

"These cases just keep getting trickier," Winston muttered to himself, downing another cup of coffee. His eyes moved to another statement, this time by one of Chloe's friends. It seemed that Chloe was about to report Roscoe's drug addiction to his superiors.

Winston called Roscoe's workplace. "Is that Roscoe's current position?" he asked the person on the other end. "Have you noticed anything... odd about his behavior lately?" He listened carefully to the responses, his face impassive.

"No further questions," Winston said as he bid goodbye and hung up the office phone. He then picked up another folder from the desk, ready to tackle the next round of information.

choices

• Ruby
• Roscoe