MuSR / Who is the most likely murderer?

question

Who is the most likely murderer?

narrative

In the grim spectacle of the wrestling ring stained with blood, Detective Winston embarks on a chilling manhunt for Serenity's chainsaw-wielding murderer, revolving around two main suspects: Terrance and Nelson.

Winston mused over his coffee cup, squinting at his notes from last night's wrestling match. Serenity, the star wrestler, had publicly threatened her opponent, Terrance. And Terrance, poor lad, was found pale and trembling after their match. Terrance was no stranger to the grit and physicality of ranch life, but the wrestling ring was another story entirely. He had been in the losing end of a previous matchup with Serenity. 

Finally placated by the caffeine and recalling his purpose, Winston trudged to the boots and scruff leather of the local ranch. He was greeted by the sight of Terrance coordinating his ranch work, his sun-worn skin a testament to long hours under the warm Texan sun. "You're Terrance I suppose?" Winston asked, as he gestured to the flourishing land around them.

"That'd be me, Detective," Terrance replied in a thick southern drawl. "This land's been around longer than I have. Been a rancher all my life."

There was an odd sense of hitched anxiety when Winston brought up the chainsaw classes he'd heard Terrance attended. "Gotta know how to operatin' it," Terrance replied. "Helps keepin' the place run smooth."

Winston hustled over to where the recent wrestling match had taken place. It was a local tradition in the town and Terrance was no stranger to it, being a regular sponsor. It was a sweltering evening when he found himself at the scene, their wrestling ring splattered with the remnants of what occurred.

Returning to the station under the glow of disjointed neon lights, Winston on a hunch asked a few local attendees about the particular wrestling match where Serenity was killed. Terrance was in the crowd that night, cheering heatedly during the match.

In a more relaxed visit to the local bar, Terrance appeared more forthright. "She was strong, Detective. Really strong," Terrance eased into his confession after a few sips of his drink. At another instance, in a low murmured admission to some friends, Terrance had been heard saying he felt threatened by Serenity. There were rumors around of Terrance being seen frequently repairing a chainsaw. The very same chainsaw Terrance learned to operate, and the chilling instrument that ended Serenity's life.

For now, this was the puzzle Winston had to unravel. He gave Terrance a long, discerning look over the rim of his beer glass before leaving the lightly crowded bar. On his way out, the words of a recent reports echoed in his head, “A chainsaw is essential in ranch work…”

Winston had been downing cups of coffee all day, trying to make sense of the pieces of what seemed like a nonsensical puzzle. He made a decision to visit the place it all transpired – an old, grimy wrestling ring where Serenity had met her horrific end.

The image of the chainsaw used as the murder weapon kept coming back to him. So brutal was it that Winston found it hard to shake off. He had heard that Nelson, the painter and prime suspect in the case, had been seen training with a chainsaw - a tool that he directly employed in his painting procedures, forming part of his job. The oddity seemed to strengthen the potential motive Nelson had for this grim act and Winston felt compelled to pursue this lead.

After a quick tour to the local gallery, Winston visited an exhibition where Nelson's pieces were showcased. It was evident that his chainsaw artwork had amassed some level of local attention, owing to their exceptional detailing accomplished with a chainsaw. Nelson adored wood, especially intricate shapes created out of it. He would often proclaim that shaping wood using his chainsaw was an integral part of his painting role. His proficiency seemed uncanny, almost eerie, but the public admired his work for its notable woodsiness.

From the gallery, Winston travelled to the correction facility where Nelson used to work. The officers seemed reluctant to speak about the past events which led to Nelson's termination and the painter's complete obliteration from the collective memory. Winston found no records of Nelson in the personnel files. His data seemed to have been deliberately wiped out, prompting Winston to question their collective avoidance in discussing Nelson.

Winston then moved to his final stop, Nelson's quaint bungalow. Unusually quiet and still with the curtains tightly drawn; not the usual sight, as reported by neighbors who mentioned Nelson's affection for painting under natural light. Winston learned that Nelson had ceased attending the weekly game nights at the local pub, coinciding with his new preference for drawn curtains.

As Winston introspected leaning against his car, he realized the significance of the patterns in the changing behaviors of the painter. Winston was now confident that Nelson indeed had a strong motive in Serenity's demise – albeit, this was supported by an eerie amalgamation of evidence: the drawn curtains, the nonattendance at the pub, the wiped data, the unusual termination, and finally, his habitual, ominous use of chainsaws. 

Time was ticking away, and Winston was now more determined than ever. He drove away from Nelson’s bungalow, deep in thoughts about the painter and his last works that haunted his thoughts. The presentiment of the forthcoming day, the hunt for more truths and the justice for Serenity, was overwhelming. Each passing hour made the air heavier with unspoken truths, and Winston was resolute to unthread them all.

choices

• Terrance
• Nelson