MuSR / Who is the most likely murderer?

question

Who is the most likely murderer?

narrative

In the cold echo of a deserted hockey rink, Otis was found dead from a grenade explosion, and now Detective Winston must decipher the clues, suspecting Ervin and Andrew are somehow involved.

Detective Winston rubbed his temples while the facts flickered across his computer screen. Otis, the victim, would most definitely be missed. His usual vibrant energy that filled the hockey rink was replaced by cold, solemn silence.

Some contradictions needed to be resolved. The crime scene at the hockey rink was empty, both at the time of the murder and throughout the investigation. Winston's only lead was Andrew, who was an old military pal of Otis. Winston heard that Andrew had recently switched his career to become a solo hiking guide. Indeed, a remarkable part of his solo hikes was his ability to help hikers they came across on the way overcome environmental dangers—a way of applying his skills acquired from his military service. It was an unusual practice in the industry but allowed due to his military expertise in bomb disposal—an odd career choice for a man of such skills.

Winston drove to the outskirts of the town, where Andrew lived in a remote cabin. Andrew's solo job didn't always welcome company, but that didn't seem to bother him. Rumor had it that he uses his military skills to help strangers on the trails overcome environmental dangers—detonating falling rocks, perhaps?

Once in the cabin, Winston noticed several hiking supplies meticulously arranged. He inspected them and found, hidden strategically among the normal hiking necessities—food, water, emergency kit—were several small explosives. Chills ran down his spine as he remembered a recent break-in at a military base.

"I see you have explosives mixed with your hiking guide supplies,” Winston said, trying to evoke a reaction.

Andrew replied calmly, “Those are just for emergencies.”

Listening to Andrew, Winston remembered that Otis had been friendly with him. Otis was always open with Andrew about his daily habits, even shared his calendar with him. Andrew was the only person who knew Otis would be alone at the hockey rink that evening.

On his way out, Winston remembered Andrew's frank words, "I don't like to hang out after work.”

It seemed somewhat true, living far from town, working alone, and being prone to avoid after-work hangouts. Winston thought to himself: Andrew did like to be alone. It all seemed so strange, the grenade murder, the empty hockey rink, Andrew’s distant demeanor. However, he couldn't draw any obvious conclusions just yet. He needed more.

Detective Winston sat on the chilly bleachers of the local hockey rink, a place as familiar to him as it was to Ervin, the mild-mannered Rabbi who had never missed a game. The rink was still splattered with telltale signs of the merciless violence that had taken place there. Otis had been killed during a game, a seemingly jovial event turned nightmarish by the unexpected detonation of a grenade.

Taking his eyes off the crime scene momentarily, he scanned his surroundings and spotted his next person of interest: Ervin, a massive hockey fan, and a staunch supporter of their local team. His presence at the game had been expected, as his dedicated attendance was part of the everyday routine. Some of the spectators had mentioned Ervin stepping out of the stadium briefly, interestingly around the same time Otis was killed.

Not missing his beat, Winston approached Rabbi Ervin, who was still in deep shock at the loss of a fellow spectator and friend, “Rabbi Ervin?”

The Rabbi looked up to meet the detective's prying eyes, “I am Ervin, indeed. And you are?”

“I am Detective Winston, investigating the recent unfortunate event.”

Observing Ervin's face closely, Winston began: "The strangest thing happened a few days ago. Otis came to me and told me he was planning to go to the authorities. He knew something was off, dangerous even. I guess we didn't react quickly enough. He mentioned your name, Ervin, and something about another life before the synagogue…”

Ervin was quiet, his gaze distant but thoughtful. "Yes, Otis did confront me. He saw me moving some funds around. He saw, Detective, he saw me committing the crime which I've regretted every day since," Ervin confessed.

Winston let the confession sink in before shifting the subject subtly. "I heard you were in the military?"

Ervin smiled, just barely, nodding with a touch of pride. "Yes, I am a former military officer. Had a special training in demolitions you see, before I found my calling in religion."

Winston returned his smile, "I suppose it's a bit of a leap from demolitions to the pulpit."

"Just a tad," Ervin's laughter is soft. "But the old life stays with you in ways you wouldn't expect. I've got a collection of war memorabilia back home. host some of my friends over sometimes, they marvel at these artifacts. I even got grenades in there. Nothing active, of course. They tend to catch the eye.”

Winston excused himself, leaving Ervin to mourn at the crash of their sanctuary of play turned battleground.

choices

• Ervin
• Andrew