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MuSR / Who is the most likely murderer?

Problem

Answer published by the source. Consult the official source to check your work against its answer.

question

Who is the most likely murderer?

narrative

In the wake of a gruesome flamethrower murder at a local soccer field, seasoned detective Winston steps up to investigate, with suspects Sophia and Larry under his watchful eye.


Winston was staring at Savannah's campaign poster — the one with her promising smile and eyes full of assurance. Savannah, who was leading in the polls, was clearly the people's choice for the election. The upcoming political rally had been plastered about town for weeks, making it an inevitability known to all.

Winston scratched at an internal itch and trudged onto another stakeout. Larry, the man he was looking to question, was apparently active in a local survivalist group. Flipping open his notebook, Winston noted that Larry was a war veteran who had gone to significant lengths campaigning himself. Posters of Larry bearing the tagline "Whatever it takes" dotted the town too.

Winston watched as Larry scrutinized each one with such intensity that it seemed like his entire identity was tied to the outcome of this election. The survivalist meetings took place in Larry's private property, which he had converted into a fortified camp after pumping his entire fortune into his campaign.

Winston decided to pay a visit to Larry to know more about him and his involvement in the race. They met at Larry's camp, a spit-and-polish place that reflected Larry's military background. Crisp flags snapped in the wind and the entire setting was punctuated by the distinct scent of gun oil.

"Thank you for your service," Winston began, extending a handshake to Larry who returned it with an iron grip. It's well-known that war veterans like Larry are experienced with various forms of weaponry, including flamethrowers. True to this, an errant flamethrower was left out in the open at his camp, catching Winston's eye. A flame thrower, not entirely strange for a survivalist's camp, was an interesting detail, considering the bizarre circumstances of Savannah's death.

As they chatted, Winston learned that Larry and Savannah were political rivals. Larry preferred to attend every rally personally. In fact, even though they stood on opposing political platforms, Larry never missed any of Savannah's rallies.

"I respect my opponent," said Larry, his gaze distant. "It's her policies I have a problem with."

Winston wrapped up the brief visit with a polite nod. As he left Larry's camp, the veteran-turned-politician watched with a grim smile that left Winston looking back at Savannah's campaign poster with a different perspective.

Under the harsh whiteness of the police station lights, Winston eyed the smartly dressed woman with a critical gaze. Sophia, they called her. A journalist. She was a fine-boned woman, older, maybe late forties, with a reputation for relentless pursuit of stories. And not just that, she had a remarkable reputation of not lying or hiding truths, even under the most severe pressures.

"Sophia, you worked on coverage of the military exhibition last month, right?" he started, watching her eyes carefully for subtle reactions.

"Yes, I did," she said coolly. She looked him directly in the eyes, without a hint of evasion. "I am entrusted with sometimes sensitive information. I don't lie or hide truths, detective. I take my job quite seriously."

Seeing her intensity, Winston was not surprised. She was invested in her career, in truth-seeking, more than most. But her career, it seemed to Winston, was teetering on the edge. His notes said something about job stability issues.

"I heard from various sources that your job as a journalist could be at risk, Sophia."

A flicker of annoyance crossed Sophia's eyes. "Every job carries elements of risk and taking risks is crucial for growth, detective," she replied firmly.

Winston took note of that and moved on to another point. "Is it true that you managed to keep a flamethrower from the exhibition?"

A pause. Then a nod. "I did keep a flamethrower... to study it further for my report. Is that a crime?" she asked pointedly, her reputation for truthfulness evident. A defiant posture, not backing down easily, but then that's what made her good at her job, the detective reasoned.

"Well... does the name Savannah ring a bell?" Winston asked, trying not to flinch at the sudden stiffness that came over Sophia's features. "She knew you had a secret source, didn't she, Sophia?"

Again, a pause, then a pointed glance before she finally said, "Yes, she did... and she threatened to jeopardize the whole thing by revealing it publicly." The bitterness in her voice betrayed the gravity of that threat.

Just as he was about to dive into that area further, he was reminded of a peculiar bit of information he'd acquired. "Sophia, you were asked about some... scars? At a dinner party?"

Suddenly, all of Sophia's poise seemed to wither away. "If you’re referring to the dinner at the mayor's house, yes, I was asked about them," she answered evasively. Then she stood up in alarm, eyes flashing with a mix of fear, defiance and something Winston couldn't quite place.

"I think this conversation is over, detective. Thank you for your time," were her words before she exited the room hastily.

Winston sighed, shoving his hands in his pockets. The chapter with Sophia wasn't over yet. Not by a long shot. He admired her relentless pursuit of the truth, of not dodging or lying.

choices

  • Sophia
  • Larry

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Source and history

task_id
cf3d42f3-5e59-5e5f-999a-315a730d893b
task_key
default--murder~5fmysteries--cf3d42f3-5e59-5e5f-999a-315a730d893b
task_revision_id
1
config / split
default / murder_mysteries

Official source

initial import