Second Vows

A Break the Suspect case. Original fiction, no spoilers here.

One last toast. One long drop.

Victor Amsel renews his vows at a lakeside tent party. At 11:20pm he says he's checking the boat lines. At 1:10am he's at the bottom of the boathouse stairs. Three people had a reason to be near the water, and nobody has a clean hour.

The victim

Victor Amsel, 63. Boat builder, owner of Amsel Wooden Boats.

The people you will question

Paul Amsel, Marine surveyor — **Paul Amsel**, 58. Brother, best man. Gave the toast. Says he stepped out for air.

Lena Amsel, Owner of a picture-framing shop — **Lena Amsel**, 55. Wife of 35 years. Found him. Says she was greeting guests.

Imani Reyes, Caterer, owner of a two-person catering company — **Imani Reyes**, 26. Caterer. Ran the kitchen annexe behind the house. Wants her equipment back.

The scene

**Boathouse Overview**. Wide shot of the boathouse area

**Toast Card**. Paul's handwritten toast

**Lena's Packed Car**. Suitcase in the car

What does not add up

11:20pm: last sighting, heading for the boathouse
Balcony stairs: no rail on the lake side
Who bruises both arms in a fall?

How you play this case

Break the Suspect is a detective game you play with your voice. The squad briefs you, then you question each suspect in your own words, slide evidence across the table and catch the contradictions. Only a full confession closes the case.

The interview room is open. The briefing and your first questions are free.

Take the case