MuSR / Who is the most likely murderer?

question

Who is the most likely murderer?

narrative

In the heart of a bewildering labyrinth, Isabella met her untimely death from a lethal frog poison; now, it's up to the sharp-witted Detective Winston to unravel a deadly mystery, with Russell and Travis at the centre of his investigation.

Winston propped his boots up on his desk, his face a mask of focus as he surveyed the case files before him. He finally allowed himself a sigh, memories of his recent argument with Isabella echoing in his mind. It was in that argument she had threatened to go to the police with Russell's secrets. Picking up his hat from the rack, he fastened it low on his brow before stepping out onto the streets. It was time to meet Russell.

Russell's colleagues had mentioned seeing his car fully loaded earlier when he was leaving. Russell had animatedly talked with them about his big shopping for the trip. Winston’s rendezvous took him to a quaint little house tucked away down the street. As he pulled up, he could indeed see the station wagon parked outside, already loaded up for a trip. As he approached Russell, who was furiously packing more supplies into the car - products of his extensive shopping, he noted, Winston called out.

"Russell?" Winston inquired.

"Detective," Russell acknowledged him, distress etching his features. Russell had seemed similarly distressed after their argument over Isabella, a thin man, with spectacles which gave an almost scholarly texture to his otherwise weary face.

"Seems you're setting up for a long journey" Winston gestured towards the packed car, recalling what his colleagues had told him, "Three weeks of no work, off to a camping trip, I've heard."

Russell paused, nodding his head in agreement, "Yes, I am. And I’m aware the campground will be out of cell service for the entire three weeks but I just need some time alone."

Winston could recall Isabella's threats during their heated argument before her untimely death. She had expressed concern about Russell's exotic interests and had even threatened to reveal Russell's secrets, potentially to the police.

"Mighty fine creatures you got here" Winston pointed to the cage of poison-arrow frogs, his piercing gaze fixed at Russell. "I've heard they pack quite a punch. Isabella mentioned something about you researching how to extract poison from them?"

Russell stuttered, his eyes darting away nervously, "Yes... uh... I... I have learned from my past mistakes, shared some with Isabella... But, I... I have been researching about poison... you know, for my poetry..."

"The diversity this world offers, there's nothing like it, detective," Russell replied as if finding his footing again, "Plenty of inspiration for my work during my extensive travels... And a few rare species for my collection too."

As Winston took his leave, he reiterated, "I see you're off to a pretty isolated campsite. Remember, the constant peace comes at the cost of no cell service for the entirety of the trip."

Russell accompanied the detective out, his face looking slightly more worn, "Yes, I am prepared... just need some time alone."

Vexation etched across Winston’s face. The puzzling connection between Russell and Isabella's death only grew stronger with every passing moment.

The scent of sterilization filled his airways as Winston walked into the buzzing tattoo parlor. The hum of the tattoo gun was constant and hypnotic, his eyes drawn to the swarming rainbow of ink bottles across the counter - Travis's impressive collection of exotic animal-based inks. One bottle stood out in particular to Winston, a cloudy toxin from a poison dart frog - Travis's signature choice. 

"Quite an unusual choice of ink," Winston noted, garnering a shrug from Travis, the famous tattooist known for using such exotic substances.

"Delivers a unique color tone" Travis replied with a nonchalant air. 

Detective Winston glanced over at the meticulously drawn out labyrinth on the parlor's wall, an intricacy of lines and curves. 

Noticing his gaze, Travis stated proudly, "I helped build that masterpiece, used to wander around in it during construction, you know. I always make sure to go whenever it's open and am either seen entering or leaving it with Isabella."

A factoid which piqued Detective Winston's interest. "Quite the sightseeing, I suppose." 

"Quite." Travis retorted, cleaning his workstation in preparation for the next client.

The parlor was indeed quieter than usual, he noted, only a couple of dedicated patrons waiting their turn. 

"Business been slow lately, Travis?" Winston asked, eyeing the worrying lack of customers in the parlor.

Travis shot a glance at him and put his tattoo machine down, "That nosy lady Isabella, she was digging too deep into my affairs, even had the guts to expose some illegal activities" Travis sighed harshly, "Gave my shop a bad rep among straightlaced customers."

Winston’s brow arched at the mention of Isabella's name. Travis continued to pack away his ink vials, "She was revealing stuff about those 'activities' that put my reputation on the line." 

Not wanting her to dig up more dirty secrets, Travis spoke more cautiously. "If it wasn't for her, you wouldn't see me here."

"But here you are, and where was you the day Isabella met her unfortunate end, Travis?"

"The labyrinth...I was there most of the day, nobody else but me," Travis admitted, going back to his work on his next client. "And Isabella was there too."

"That day...were you close to her, by any chance?" Detective Winston asked, trying his best to mask his tone of curiosity.

"You could say that," Travis replied, "We were pretty much the only ones around."

Winston thanked Travis for his time and left, the hum of the tattoo gun, fueled by exotic animal inks, echoing behind him as he headed towards the labyrinth, feeling as if he were descending deeper and deeper into a mystery.

choices

• Russell
• Travis