MuSR / Who is the most likely murderer?

question

Who is the most likely murderer?

narrative

When fitness enthusiast Uma is ominously murdered with a vial of acid at her local gym, it's up to seasoned Detective Winston to unravel the mystery between the two prime suspects, Irving and Addison.

Detective Winston was indoors on another stifling California afternoon. His attention was fixed on the Irving case, a case that kept him on his toes for several days now. A screenwriter suspected in the murder of a fellow gym goer. He couldn’t help but feel the increasing pressure of the time crunch.

Irving was not an ordinary man. Winston had discovered from the interviews and police records that the guy particularly had some weird habits. Irving, it seemed, was battling insomnia and was unable to sleep in his own home at night. During these restless nights, he would busy himself with his notebooks. Often, he was seen at the fitness center, sketching intriguing symbols into his notebook, which he always carried along with his pencil. He would leave home with these immediately after sunset.

One specific detail that struck the detective was Irving's fascination with themes and symbols of the past, particularly those formed by ancient gravestones. These ancient symbols were found in notations and sketches strewn across his notebooks. It was curious to Winston how an old world art found a home in the hands of a modern screenwriter.

His insomniac late-night habits weren't the only thing that raised suspicions, though. Irving also was a member at the same fitness center Uma frequented, spotted regularly training late into the night. The very same fitness center that was the scene of the crime. The records substantiated his presence late on the night of the murder. Like the deceased Uma, he seemed to utilized the solitude that the near-empty gym provided, allowing him ample time alone.

The lines on Winston's forehead became more pronounced as he read on. He found a strange connection between both Uma's and Irving's lives. Not only did they work out at the same gym, but they also shared a professional conflict. Reports indicated that Uma had discovered Irving's success was largely built on her own work which he'd plagiarized. Fearing public humiliation and the definite demise of his screenwriting career, Irving had a lot to lose. To make matters worse for Irving, Uma, the aggrieved, had threatened to expose his deceit to the public.

The tension of the case was truly weighing on Winston. He sighed, leaning back from his desk. Questions in his mind demanded answers that weren't there yet. So, he decided to continue with the investigation, waiting for the breakthrough that would add some clarity to the clouded picture. He had a late-night meeting with the prime suspect, Irving, in the pipeline. It was indeed time to probe further and extract some answers from the silence of the night.

Detective Winston admired the modern glow of the fitness center that served as his next stop in the investigation. The thudding of footfalls on running machines, the humming of weight machines, and the faint scent of sweat and disinfectant whispered of a place that had teetered on the edge of life and death.

"Lookin' to join?" came a voice from behind him. He languidly turned to find Addison, the local trainer.

"No. Detective Winston, on official police business," he presented his badge.

The sour taste of surprise was evident on Addison's face, "We're an excellent gym with a friendly vibe; it's a shame. You don't say, a detective?"

"I've checked the fitness center security cameras," Winston watched as Addison pressed his lips together, "Noticed you were entering the gym shortly before time of Uma's death."

Addison placed a hand on a weight machine, lowering his gaze to his feet. "Uma? You mean my client, Uma? We were scheduled for a training session that day."

Winston opened his notebook, scanning his notes, "You have a background in chemistry, is that right?"

Addison looked up from his shoes, "Yeah, I even teach it at the high school. Possess a chemistry degree and recently purchased a chemistry set for demonstration."

"Interesting. The set contains vials of acid, science class protocol?" Winston asked, his brow furrowing.

"Absolutely, controlled experiments to teach risk and safety," Addison said, transported into the world of academia. The detective noticed a flicker in Addison’s expression as he continued to speak but brushed it off, it meant nothing yet.

A few people from the gym had crowded around now. They watched as Winston asked, "Can you recall Uma saying anything about the honesty of the staff or maybe about any missing equipment?"

"Well," Addison began, rubbing his neck, "Uma did once vouch for me, said I was honest and commendable, a good character, you know." He looked around the room and swallowed. "And yes, she did mention once about missing equipment. Unfortunately, she also stumbled upon some CCTV footage of me taking some expensive equipment. I had intended to return it, it was a mistake. "

As Winston watched the gym members disperse, he looked back at Addison. "So, Uma caught you stealing from the fitness center. That must've been uncomfortable for you. It surfaced in the investigation that fitness equipment has been reported missing recently. Uma seemed to have discovered the theft."

Addison suddenly seemed to find the floor tiles fascinating. "Uma was a good woman," he said quietly. "It's a shame what happened to her."

"Agreed," Winston replied, closing his notebook. "Keep a clear schedule, Addison. We'll be in touch."

As Winston exited the gym he took one more glance at Addison through the large glass panes. Cold air nipped at his face and Winston pondered the car ride back to the station.

choices

• Irving
• Addison