MuSR / Who is the most likely murderer?

When the grisly sight of Hugo's lifeless body, axed to death at a campground, meets Detective Winston's eyes, he finds himself entangled in an unnerving hunt for the truth between two suspects - Salvador and Wade.

Detective Winston sat busily in his office, perusing online photos of mountain climbing adventures typical of suspect Wade. Eyeing the images, it became immediately apparent among the ropes, carabiners, and pitons that Wade always had one particular piece of gear with him - an axe. Along with the axe, a curious detail drew his attention - a blue bead bracelet that Wade wore on every climb.

As Winston was engrossed in his photographic search, his assistant entered the room, her eyes teary. "Detective, I confronted Wade about my bracelet, the one he keeps wearing," she said, noticeably upset. "He brushed me off, claiming that it became a necessary memento from an infamous climbing adventure with him." 

Scratchy phone recorded deductions hung in the air as a woman's voice filled the room, "Hugo was said to have checked into the campground... the same day as Wade."

Winston tapped the ash from his cigarette into an old coffee mug and decided it was time to have a little chat with Mr. Wade. 

Pulling up to the nearby climbing spot, which was also a well-known campground, he found Wade wiping the sweat off his brow as he examined a climbing route, axe handle sticking out from his backpack. The seasoned detective noted that they were at the plot adjacent to where Hugo had camped.

Wade looked up, seeing Winston step out of his car. "Hey, detective... what brings you out here?"

Winston crossed his arms, gaze lingering on the axe handle. "Thought it was time we had a chat."

Wade chuckled, adjusting the strap of the blue bead bracelet that was hanging loosely on his wrist, "Alright then, shoot."

Winston observed the bracelet, recognizing it from the pictures. Wade had worn the same bracelet during many of his climbs since their unfortunate expedition, even calling it his “lucky charm.” So much so, that it garnered attention on social media.

"My understanding is you venture here quite often for your climbing escapades," Winston inquired.

"That's right," Wade answered casually, seemingly unaware of the implications of Winston’s words.

"And these climbs you embark on... they always need an axe, I presume?" Winston pointed at the tool that held such relevance.

“Depends on the route, detective. Good to have it with me though,” Wade replied, clearly more interested in his climbing equipment than the conversation.

Noting the piece of jewelry, Winston decided the conversation had run its course. "You were camping here the same day as Hugo, weren’t you?"

“Yeah,” Wade replied, losing his grin, “I believe so. We were actually just a few plots apart. Didn’t know him well though.”

“Hmm, alright…” Winston muttered, tipping his hat in goodbye as he got back into his car. His assistant’s bracelet glinted in the sunlight as Wade prepared for his climb. One step in the investigation was over, but many were still left to climb.

Winston was sitting alone in his office, pouring over the sparse details he had on Hugo's murder. The crime scene, a picturesque campground, had been a haven for families just hours before. Winston rubbed his temples, knowing full well that these types of cases took delicate maneuvering, careful data collection. His lead suspect, a man named Salvador, was Hugo's driving instructor. This connection alone might not mean much, but it was a start. 

Winston took a deep breath, called up the local police and made an appointment to subtly interview Salvador. 

Winston found him at the driving school, hands deftly managing a hairpin turn while teaching a student. After the driving lesson ended, Winston introduced himself. 

"Salvador?" 

"Yeah, that's me," he replied, wiping sweat from his brow.

Winston motioned to a nearby bench. "Do you mind if we chat for a few moments?"

Salvador glanced at his watch. "Sure, I've got a few minutes."

They sat. 

"Nice day out, isn't it?" Canvasing the area, Winston's eyes landed on a small poster. The image was of a verdant campground, similar to the one where Hugo was killed. "You like camping, Salvador?"

Salvador, caught off guard, blinked. "Yes, I do. I go regularly, whenever I can... even to that campground over there". 

They chatted about the great outdoors, the joy of being connected with nature, and the complexities of their camping hobbies. Salvador didn’t seem aware that Winston’s questions were leading to anything in particular.

After a few minutes of casual conversation, Winston stood up from the bench. "Thanks for talking with me, Salvador. Nice day, isn't it?" 

"Yes, indeed," Salvador replied, stretching his arms. He watched Winston drove away curiously, before shaking his head and walking back to his car.

Winston's next stop was Salvador's house; he observed from a safe distance as Salvador fiddled with something in his garage. Later, when Salvador had retreated into his house, Winston took a closer look under the cover of darkness. He could see an array of axes, various sizes and shapes, displayed proudly on a wall. He saw newly chopped wood stacked neatly in the corner of his backyard, evidence of Salvador’s recent chopping endeavours.

Winston shared his observations with the local police but stepped back after providing his input. They would carry out any necessary searches with legal authorisations while Winston handled the interviews, suspicions and evidence collecting. It was a symbiotic relationship of professional respect.

The puzzling thing nagging at Winston's mind was Hugo's recent decision to stop supplying Salvador with drugs. Something provoked him to cut off Salvador, who was heavily addicted and relied on those supplies. His need was increasing, the gaps between his fixes shortening. Salvador owed Hugo a considerable sum, standing out amidst all the other jumbled pieces. 

Whenever Winston asked him about the night of the murder, Salvador always shrugged, a feeble excuse always at the ready, nothing concrete or credible. He didn’t provide any strong alibi for where he was that night. He admitted that he was in the vicinity, at that campground where he regularly camped, but no one witnessed him there. It was clear that Salvador knew how to handle an axe, and there was one found at his place that matched the murder weapon.

Winston knew convictions weren't made on this sort of circumstantial evidence, but there were threads that linked Salvador to the crime scene. There was more groundwork to be done. One thing was certain; Winston wouldn’t stop until justice was served.