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Good evening, Detective...
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“Hello, Detective. Thank you for coming so quickly. There has been a suspected murder at a local casino. One of their VIPs has been found dead by a patron; seemingly, the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the back of the head, but the lab is still running tests. I’ve left my files here for you — have a look through, and see what you think. There seems to be three key suspects; I’ll see you at the crime scene later for their interviews. Good luck, Detective.”
The Constable
In the small hours of this morning, just before closing time, The VIP was killed inside the casino. The scene was sealed as soon as police arrived, and the three key suspect have been held for questioning. There is no obvious murder weapon, but the are some pieces of evidence that may be of interest. Remember: this is all confidential. As Detective Inspector for this case, you must not discuss the details with anyone; not even your subordinate officers. Can you help solve this mystery —or will the killer manage to escape?
Your Suspects
The Bartender
The Dealer
The Regular
The Royale Casino stands proudly at the corner of Regent’s Street, attracting a number of prestigious patrons who often elect for anonymity: The VIP will, regrettably, be known to you by no other name. As you cross the threshold, you are greeted by the aroma of whiskey and cigars. A quiet hush falls as you enter, and all eyes turn to face you. The silence is almost eerie; the central chandelier casts a dim, smoke-yellow wash over you as you survey your surroundings. Sat at the bar, with a uniformed officer between each one, are the three suspects. You make direct eye contact with them in turn: The Bartender meets your stare in a steely return; The Regular’s tear-streaked face and smudged makeup paint a picture of desperation; The Dealer appears disgruntled, while nervously thumbing a deck of cards. You look to The Constable to introduce you.
“Thank you for getting here so quickly, Detective. This is our first suspect: Christie, The Bartender. Between you and me, I don’t think she has anything to do with it; but perhaps she can help you with the investigation.”
You begin your conversation with the bartender by asking about her relationship with The VIP.
“I can’t say I was particularly fond of The VIP; but then again, who can? He didn’t make many friends here. He drank too much, and he crossed too many boundaries. I’ve had to flash my engagement ring at him on numerous occasions, because, apparently, saying “no” just isn’t enough. It wasn’t just me though — he flirted with all the girls here. No one liked him. But I don’t think that’s enough motivation to kill him: we get loads of guys like it, he was just one of the worst.”
She shrugs as she finishes her sentence. Is her nonchalance evidence of someone being overconfident? Or is she speaking the truth? Her story does give a motive, but as she was working at the bar, how hard would it have been for her to slip away? She continues…
“I was working the night of the murder, yes. Behind the bar the whole night. It was fairly busy, not much time to myself. I don’t tend to get a break on busy nights, but I managed to slip away to use the bathroom at around eleven o’clock — check the cameras if you want to make sure.”
“Our next suspect is Jane, The Dealer. If you want my advice — and don’t take this as gospel — but I’d bet it’s her. A couple of the patrons I spoke to earlier said she caught the VIP trying some sleight-of-hand a few weeks back. And — you didn’t hear it from me — but I’ve heard she has a shady past. Something about dealing substances other than cards…”
Based on The Constable’s insight, you decide to approach this interview slightly differently: you begin more directly, hoping to catch her off guard, questioning her interactions with The VIP in the moments leading up to the murder.
“I have a past; who doesn’t? That isn’t what’s on trial here. The VIP was a wealthy man, and he offered to pay highly if I let some particular activities fly under the radar. I’ll admit that, once or twice, I may have let some things slide. But he owed me a lot of money, and not just from the Poker table. He was refusing to pay up. That doesn’t give me a motive to murder him though — how am I going to get what he owed me now? No — I had planned to take from him what I was owed, but I never went through with it. I never planned to get anyone hurt. I didn’t leave the table once last night, and he only played one game before I told him to move on. We didn’t speak other than that.”
You are shocked by her willingness to cooperate. Looking at your notes, you realise that you don’t even need to ask her any more questions, at least for now. You thank The Dealer for her time, and move on.
“Last, but by no means least, is Dana, The Regular. She was a little shaken up when I first arrived, but she was also definitely inebriated, so watch out for any easy slip-ups. She’s had more alcohol-induced issues than anyone else in this place. She has a quick temper and has been escorted out twice in the last month.”
You approach the young woman, softly crying. In her hand is a glass of dark red liquid, the remnants of which ghost her upper lip. After a few moments, she places the wine at the bar, wipes her face, and leans in to speak with you.
“I know that everyone thinks I did it. I know that we had an argument last night, but that didn’t give me any cause to kill him. He was a piece of work, make no mistake of that — always trying to get me thrown out — and I don’t regret spilling… perhaps deliberately… my drink on him, but I would never do anything more. I left after the incident, anyway. I don’t think I was even in the building when he was killed. I’d just come back in to try and make my peace with the security guard who’d had to try and put a stop to the situation when I was suddenly confronted with murder accusations! I promise you, Detective, I didn’t kill him; but I can’t say he’ll be missed.”
You almost feel bad for the crying woman in front of you, rambling on. But, you have to remind yourself, she does have a clear motive and a documented short temper. She is clearly a borderline alcoholic, and is accustomed to confrontations. But do you think she is capable of murder?
“So, Detective, you have now spoken to all three suspects, I imagine you’ll have some thinking to do. I’ll leave you for a while to muse over your notes, and have a look at some evidence. Remember, as much as I would like to be as involved as possible, you must not show this evidence to anyone, nor discuss it — not even with me. Come back to me once you’ve had some time to think, and we can make an arrest.”
EXHIBIT A: A lady’s handbag, containing nondescript painkillers, found behind the bar.
EXHIBIT B: A broken glass, found on the floor next to the victim’s body.
​EXHIBIT C: A wad of cash, found in a duffle bag by the poker table.
“It’s time, Detective, who will it be?”
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