MuSR / Who is the most likely murderer?

question

Who is the most likely murderer?

narrative

In the hushed sanctity of an ancient temple, the seemingly innocuous corkscrew turns deadly, plunging Detective Winston into a maze of deceit with only two suspects - Xochitl and Martin.

Winston found himself outside the temple where Olivia's body was discovered. He was there to have another interview with Martin who, under more normal circumstances, would be found reading alone during his breaks at work.

Martin, equally known for his solitary nature and his keen avoidance of social gatherings after office hours, was already waiting at the meeting point. His previous interactions with law enforcement had accustomed him to this type of meeting. Indeed, Martin was a suspected serial killer, having been investigated in several similar cases, none of which were ever concluded definitively.

Standing just inside the entrance, Winston looked at Martin, the solitude seeking man currently immersed in a book, a common sight both at the temple during his regular visits for deliveries and at his workplace. Martin, preferring solitary tasks at work and overlapping his lunch hours with the team's break time, seemed at ease with the solitude. 

Clearing his throat, Winston begun, "Martin, I understand you've been working as a delivery driver for quite some time now. On the day of Olivia's murder, you were making a delivery to the temple." 

"Yes, that's true," Martin lowered his book and met the detective's gaze. “Olivia’s package was in my load," he admitted, his voice controlled and steady.

A silence fell upon the room, underscored by the emptiness of the temple. It started to sink in for Winston that Martin was the only person here at the temple when Olivia was murdered, and the circumstances made him look like more than just a delivery man due to do his rounds. 

The silence was finally broken as Martin returned to his solitary activity, unfazed by the heavy atmosphere. His continuous composure, even in face of a murder investigation, gave cause to unease. Olivia bore a striking resemblance to his previous victims, which made Winston wonder if this was indeed the work of the same suspect. With a heavy heart, Winston retreated, leaving Martin with his quiet solitude and an unresolved suspicion.

Detective Winston strolled into the ancient temple, a hallowed ground gone silent. The only room disturbed was the small, private chamber, where Xochitl conducted her tarot readings. The place was still thick with incense and wine, the latter spilled and sour.

Olivia attended Xochitl's tarot reading the day she was murdered. Olivia had always been a consistent presence, never missing a session, always there, purposefully disturbing Xochitl and her sister... a fact which Winston had been made aware of. 

Appointment with Xochitl for an interview was set. Petite woman with a weathered yet kind face greeted him at the entrance. She was regarded as the temple's best tarot reader and she wore it like a badge, conducting her readings with sincerity and attention to detail.

"Detective, Olivia did always say she'd ruin my sister's life..." Xochitl said her voice barely above the whisper.

Heard about the threats. Even more, Xochitl had found evidence of Olivia's plans. Yet Xochitl loved her sister deeply. Wouldn’t let anything hurt her sister. Her protector, her safe harbor, her friend.

"I thought she was bluffing... just harassment. But I found her notebook... she was actually planning to destroy my sister," said Xochitl, her voice sullen.

The day Olivia was murdered, Xochitl and her sister had had an argument with Olivia. At the temple. Spiteful words thrown around like daggers. A disturbing element in the peaceful temple environment. Wine helped, they said; it added an element of relaxation to the readings. There was always a corkscrew on the table. It was just... there.

"Today was like any other day. The tarot reading was going well, till Olivia showed up. Always tried to disturb us, hurt my sister," her voice filled with sorrow and worry. 

"The tarot did warn of a danger... I didn't know it would be this way," she said looking away, eyes filled with horror and regret.

Winston thanked her for her time and left the temple grounds. This case was far from clear, and every fact had to be combed ain. How had it come to this? Traces of threat, a protective sister, an uncompromising victim… he had a long analysis ahead.

choices

• Xochitl
• Martin