MuSR / Who is the most likely murderer?

question

Who is the most likely murderer?

narrative

In the shimmering depths of a popular scuba diving site, Julian's life was brutally extinguished with a crowbar; now, it's up to Detective Winston to dive into the murky secrets of suspects Lucy and Clara.

While examining the photos from the murder scene, Detective Winston couldn't help but feel a chill crawl up his spine. Beneath the bubbles, the crime scene lay at the bottom of the ocean, a place that was supposed to be a sanctuary for divers like Julian. 

His train of thought was interrupted by his partner who handed him a pile of interview transcripts and surveillance files to go through. He was about to dive into the world of their main suspect, Clara.

Coming from a workstation that was perpetually cluttered with stacks of serial killer novels, Clara no doubt had a keen interest in the subject matter. She was frequently engrossed in conversations about infamous serial killers, delving into their modus operandi with unsettling accuracy without any need for references. During her lunch breaks, she could always be found pouring over one of her many true crime books.

Clara, a skilled metal worker, had a specific niche in crafting a variety of unique crowbars, which had become her signature work. Her craftsmanship was distinct and always earned her respect amongst her peers. Going through a surveillance tape, he watched as Clara loaded her uniquely crafted crowbar into her vehicle before heading out to the diving site. The crowbar didn't seem out of place, what with her being a metal worker and competitively acknowledged for her unique metalwork.

Her performance at work had been nothing short of outstanding, and she had been putting in long, overtime hours. She was highly dedicated to her work and never missed an opportunity to express her ambition for a promotion.

Julian and Clara both worked at the same company, and both had been in the running for the same promotion. During the office water cooler chats, he'd heard Clara express her keen interest in the promotion, and her evident disappointment when Julian became a potential contender.

The evidence was laid in front of him: a woman with an enthusiastic interest in killers, always reading her crime books even on her lunch breaks, a craftsman with a signature touch on uniquely crafted crowbars, and seen with one on the day of Julian's infamous dive. A metal worker who had been putting in long hours for an impressive performance. All that tied with the delicate balance of coworkers both competing for the same promotion. 

One piece of evidence caught his eye. Clara was also a part of the diving team on the day Julian was murdered. With that, Winston pushed back his chair, stood up, and prepared to pay Clara a visit. He had a feeling there would be more to dig up from her perpetually stacked workspace, files and statements during her interrogation.

Winston stood overlooking the gentle sway of the ocean, the sun reflecting a glaring path of light towards the spot where Julian's body had been found. The dive was a secluded affair, intended just for a small, close-knit group of divers which included Lucy and Julian, often dive partners.

Derailing his thoughts, he flicked through his notes, focusing on Lucy's background - the woman had a varied history, from construction sites to docks, her hand attending to many trades. She'd even taken a boat maintenance course somewhere along the way. A crowbar tool was commonly used in both professions. 

"Detective Winston, Miss Lucy is ready to see you," a uniformed officer approached him. 

"Thank you, officer," he responded, shaking his head in dismissal, his eyes still on the open files in his hand.

He walked into the impromptu interview room, eyes finding Lucy easily. She looked out of place in the cold, steel-colored room, her complexion still holding on to the sun-kissed hue from the sail.

"Lucy," Winston began, his tone neutral. "You and Julian. I've been told you two dive together frequently," he watched her face for any signs of reaction.

"Yes," she confirmed curtly. "Julian and I...we were friends," she added before a tight swallow. "He betrayed my trust though, caused me significant trouble."

That drew his attention. He decided to delve into the more intimate details, "You were managing the tools for this trip?"

Caught off guard, Lucy straightened. "Yes...yes, that's correct. I've always taken care of the gear, packed the crowbar too. Just a precaution..."

"I see. Just a precaution," he repeated.

Catching her eye, he questioned further, "Lucy, did you overhear Julian discussing this betrayal?"

A flicker of shock passed over her face. "Yes...with someone I didn't recognize," she admitted. 

Another clue. He asked, "Lucy, did you find any evidence in Julian's belongings?"

"I... I found some documents in his gear locker...which I always thought only I could access," she confessed.

"Interesting. Very interesting," he nodded before standing up, preparing to leave but not before confirming one last detail.

"You shared the same boat, is that correct?" 

"Yes," Lucy admitted, looking rather bewildered by the question. 

"Very well," said Winston, concluding his interview and leaving Lucy to her thoughts, his mind buzzing with the new information and the unfolding mystery.

choices

• Lucy
• Clara