MuSR / Who is the most likely murderer?

question

Who is the most likely murderer?

narrative

In the heart of bustling Times Square, Johnny's life was abruptly ended with an unlikely weapon—a trident—and now, Detective Winston must unravel the murky truths hidden behind suspects Jay and Karl.

Winston immersed himself in the bustle of Times Square. The lights always seemed brighter after such a grim event. This used to be where Johnny, a legally adopted son of Jay, and Jay himself celebrated New Year's. However, tonight, their anticipated joint celebration was tarnished with tragedy. Jay was meant to accompany his son tonight, as he always did in previous years. Yet, today, the gaiety was marred by the spilt blood of young Johnny.

Taking silent inventory of the night's events, Winston departed Times Square and headed towards the residence of his unsuspecting suspect, Jay. He received curious glances from the neighbors as he passed by. His presence was quite striking given they were accustomed to seeing the irregular delivery trucks from far-flung places, implying Jay's suspected illegal fishery.

Reaching Jay's estate, Winston was greeted with a spectacle bizarre yet beautiful. Carefully arranged insects, like war trophies, were displayed for all. The place breathed less like an extermination spot and more like an entomologists’ gallery. In their conversation, Jay fervently talked of insects' idiosyncrasies reminiscing often about his entomology degree he pursued in college. It was a knowledge accumulated over the years, he claimed.

Despite such peculiar oddities, something else caught Winston’s attention. Jay's demeanor exhibited an aura of a grieving father who had just lost his child. Every word, every gesture towards Johnny was drenched in fatherly affection. This he observed as he subtly probed into Jay's Times Square hotel booking from that very night shared over their New Year's plans discussion.

Jay confidently produced the confirmation for his hotel reservation, confirming his presence at Times Square, booked for the very night of the murder taking place. He seemed unbothered, almost casual like discussing an ordinary routine, even when Johnny's intention to report his illegal fishery was disclosed. Winston found this revelation stirring. Johnny had confessed to him, and unbelievably, Jay happened to overhear their private conversation revealing Johnny's turn of trust.

The conversation took a turn towards Jay's unusual hobbies, including the exotic delivery trucks that catered to his needs, and the display cases filled with nicely arranged insects. Jay, light-hearted in his response, flirted with anecdotes trailing from his college days.

The air was thick with grief as they remembered Johnny. Loaded with information, Winston pieced together a clear perspective of the suspect. Yet the investigation was far from over. Something hung unanswered, unfinished. As Winston exited Jay's house, silence echoed the unspoken truths left to be discovered.

Winston scrutinized the surroundings of Times Square. It was almost surreal that amidst the clamor and hustle, a murder had taken place here, Johnny's murder. The murder weapon was peculiar, a trident.

Despite the city's innumerable faces, battalions of CCTV cameras, incessantly flashing screens surrounding the quadrant, a witness had spotted Karl here.

Clearing his throat, Winston began his interrogation. "You've been spotted here today Karl, can you explain that?"

The reply came quick, "Yeah, I was here, detective. I come here often."

"You and Johnny had an argument?"

"Yes," Karl nodded, then his face grew grave. "He threatened to go to the police about some documents he'd found. I tried to reason with him,” said Karl, his voice trembling slightly. “But we argued. We argued often. He had a hot temper, and I suspect, mad as hell he was."

People swarmed around like an ongoing carnival, but Winston kept his gaze unwavered on Karl. "You have a soft spot for history, don't you?" Winston ventured.

"Yeah, I love historical weaponry. I've got a nice collection at home," Karl stated somewhat proudly.

Winston knew, his suspicion was correct. The house search had revealed a Trident among Karl's collection of ancient weapons, now confiscated.

"Interesting," he observed. "Used any of them? For fighting or such."

"Tridents... I took some trident fighting lessons last summer," Karl admitted with an awkward laugh.

Strange coincidence, or just an indication of motives, Winston thought. Besides, the trident and Times Square; there was also that heated argument over some documents about his financial misdemeanors.

"Financial misdemeanors," Winston probed.

The look in Karl's eyes revealed something, but he simply shrugged, "Stock market’s a tricky business, detective. Johnny didn't fully understand it."

Winston thanked him for his time and left. City lights illuminated the square. Karl, now successful in stock manipulation, hoped to remain unseen by the police. But Johnny knew, and had discovered evidence of Karl’s illegal activities. Winston had a feeling, the city that never slept would soon reveal its hidden truths.

choices

• Jay
• Karl