MuSR / Who is the most likely murderer?

question

Who is the most likely murderer?

narrative

In the sprawling vineyards of Napa Valley, where grapes for the finest wines are nurtured, the bitter taste of murder lingers as Detective Winston investigates the acid-killed corpse of wealthy vineyard owner Henry, with only the enigmatic Ruben and Michael as his prime suspects.

Detective Winston was a man with a knack for solving complex crimes. Currently, he was on a murder case - the victim being a gentleman named Henry. Winston had recently discovered that Henry was murdered in a vineyard using a vial of acid. Intriguing, he thought to himself.

Winston's first stop was a the local flower shop, which surprisingly had a distinct smell of chemicals mingled with the floral aroma. Here, he met the florist, Ruben. It was widely known that Ruben was the only florist Henry trusted for his vineyard.

On interacting with Ruben, Winston learned that Ruben supplied flowers to the vineyard and that Henry had indeed placed an order on the day of his murder. Ruben had an array of corrosive chemicals at his shop, which he claimed to use in his florist work, including various acids. Moreover, when asked about these, Ruben mentioned he studied Chemistry in University.

"In fact," Ruben added, "I even use acetic acid regularly for the flower arrangement." This aroused Winston's suspicion but kept his thoughts to himself. Soon after, the vineyard's manager confirmed Ruben's presence at vineyard in the afternoon on the day of the murder. Winston headed back to the station, his mind filled with questions.

Later in the day, Winston met with Ruben's niece. She had been visibly upset lately. He remembered hearing a report about Henry engaging in inappropriate behavior with her. He noted she hesitated a bit, but then revealed how Henry sent her threatening messages.

After learning everything from Ruben's niece, Winston decided to pay Ruben another visit. When Winston mentioned Henry's improper actions towards his niece, Ruben's demeanor changed. He reluctantly revealed he'd confronted Henry about it before.

"His words were like poison, make no mistake," said Ruben, his gaze was faraway and filled with regret.

Winston nodded, "Indeed they were", he remarked, leaving the shop with more questions than answers. All he had were the facts, and slowly he was starting to see the bigger picture - but he knew better than to jump to conclusions himself.

Detective Winston ran a hand over his stubbled chin as he studied the photos before him. The vineyard where they'd found Henry was usually a place of peace and tranquility, gilded in gold rays of afternoon sun and playing host to the chirps of the birds and the hum of the insects. But something horrible had happened here, and the scene’s cheer was forever stained.

First on his list was an archaeologist by the name of Michael. The man had a history with the victim and was known around circles for his reckless behavior. Notably, illegal drug use. Recalling the empty vials found at the crime scene and remembering the rumors of Michael often seen under the influence of some substance at work or home, Winston eyed the crime scene images one more time before tucking them away and heading for his cruiser.

Entering the archaeologist's house was akin to stepping into the pages of an endangered species book. A taxidermied animal posed in the corner of every room, the savage beauty of nature juxtaposed against mundane household decor. Winston frowned at the animals. One thing was clear. Michael took pride in his collection.

"I see you appreciate the decor, Detective," came Michael’s voice from the entryway. He was clutching a book to his chest as he stepped into the room. Winston promptly identified the book as the same endangered species directory he'd seen in the crime scene photos. Thumbed pages marked which animals in his collection were endangered.

Engaging in conversation, Winston unearthed more about Michael's profession. Specifically, he learned about Michael's specialized training in handling and disposing of dangerous substances, particularly acid, which was used for cleaning artifacts. It wasn't surprising then, when Michael admitted that he had misused the acid at his workplace a few times and even taken some home for personal use.

However, when it came to intoxicating substances, acid was not the only one Michael dabbled in. The archaeologist had been caught using heroin numerous times, appearing to be in a constant state of high intoxication. Winston pitied the man when he admitted it himself, though present sobriety and the bragging tone suggested no remorse.

Before Winston could turn the topic to Henry, Michael dropped a bomb of his own. He was aware that Henry knew about his drug problem and even offered to expose it. The news didn't faze Winston.

As he was leaving, Winston cast another round of looks at the quiet occupants of the corners. Michael followed his gaze and nodded in confirmation once more: they were all part of his personal collection. Not pets, not symbols of studied fauna, but trophy displays of a man who kept too many secrets. The detective's job was to unravel them and bring the truth to light.

As the front door closed behind him, Winston took a moment to watch the house from his car, the conversation replaying in his head. He had more research to do. The job was far from over. The job was far from over.

choices

• Ruben
• Michael