MuSR / Who is the most likely murderer?

question

Who is the most likely murderer?

narrative

In the deafening silence of an unexpectedly deserted fitness center, Detective Winston finds himself staring at a chilling scene - Isaac's lifeless body riddled with shotgun pellets, leaving Milton and Alice as his primary suspects.

It was one of those sweltering afternoons, the humidity thick and relentless, as Detective Winston walked into the buzzing energy of the local fitness center. Remnants of police tape lingered in corners, while somber-touches reminders of what had happened to Isaac still hung in the air.

He was here to interview Milton, a well-known landlord in the vicinity and interestingly enough, an aficionado of funeral practices. As a testament to the latter, he often locked himself away to watch documentaries about funeral practices, a behavior reported by several tenants. Milton's fascination was no secret.

Winston stepped into Milton's office, spotting a wall lined with framed contents. Among them was a gun license, recently issued by the local authorities - a fitting addition, given that Milton had passed all mandatory firearms training courses.

Oddly enough, Milton was seated behind his desk clad in a sharp, well-cut black suit. This wasn't out of character though; this was a man known for appearing overdressed for simple occasions. In fact, a tenant had once mentioned that Milton regularly shops for coats and ties at funeral shops.

Winston spotted a shotgun in a corner, a disturbing sight considering it was the same type specified in the coroner's report for Isaac's death. It was an intriguing piece of evidence, considering Milton owns the shotgun.

Their conversation veered into various topics, with Milton highlighting his passion for reading. His bookshelf was lined with an extensive collection of books on death rituals from around the world - yet another proof of his peculiar interests. 

In the midst of their conversation, Isaac's name came up. Following reliable sources, Winston knew something crucial - Isaac had stumbled upon evidence directly implicating Milton in a tax evasion scheme. Isaac, the ever-vigilant whistleblower, was preparing to expose Milton's scandalous scheme - a revelation that could land Milton in prison.

As Winston left the fitness center, he pondered on his findings. Milton's tax evasion scheme, his interest in funeral practices, the shotgun license, the matching murder weapon... it all seemed to connect. He was confident that the tax evasion evidence would be enough to send Milton to jail, but for now, only time would tell. It was just another day on the job for Winston. As for Milton, his fate hung in the balance.

Detective Winston studied the scene: shattered glass, blood splatter, and scattered workout equipment telling a silent story. The fitness center wasn't the usual type of crime scene he found himself in. He sighed deeply and headed over to his prime suspect: Alice.

Alice was just a stone's throw away from the crime scene. Staring blankly with pale, emotionless eyes. In her hand, a shotgun; paperwork indicating a fresh purchase tucked within its case, valid purchase documents all checked out at the base.

Winston approached Alice cautiously and asked, "You know Isaac's workout routine, correct? The list of Isaac's routines you've given us earlier... it matches the information we gathered. You both were here all the time." 

Shocked by the sudden personal query, Alice confessed, "We workout together, Winston. At least... we used to."

Winston's eyes flickered to the shotgun slackly rested in Alice's lap. "Been a while since I've seen a lady with a new piece like this."

Alice was quick to correct him, "Not to boast, Winston, but I've been handling such arms ever since my military days."

Despite the grim predicament, Winston could tell Alice was trying to be cooperative. She was calm, composed; despite the whole flare-up. He moved on to the next line of questioning, "Your son... he interacted often with Isaac?"

Alice appeared apprehensive before finally admitting, "Recently, yes... He told me Isaac threatened him. Isaac... he acted aggressively towards my boy often."

"Interesting," Winston stammered, not wanting to press Alice too hard. He asked a softer question to lighten the mood, "You often workout together then?"

Alice looked surprised and retorted mockingly, "Is it that weird? We were the members of the same fitness center after all."

Before Winston could continue his questioning, he was handed a document by one of his officers. It read Isaac’s name and the note of a restraining order filed against him by a previous ex-partner. It seemed complicating factors always came in multiples in cases such as this.

Without keeping Alice in the dark, he disclosed the information with her, “A restraining order, and a school expulsion due to fighting incidents... Isaac seemed to have some rough patches in the past, huh?”

Alice turned her head and acknowledged Winston's statement with a slight nod, her lips sealed shut.

Winston wasn't sure why, but he felt the need to reassure her and said, "We're in this together, Alice. We'll figure it out. If Isaac was threatening your son, then we can't overlook any facet of the situation."

Seeing Alice with a newly purchased shotgun in her possession and catching onto bits of their relationship, Winston tried to figure out the puzzle, leaving no stone unturned. The interview with Alice wasn't offering any easy solutions, but Winston knew the case was anything but such.

choices

• Milton
• Alice