The mansion loomed in darkness. Rain pelted the leaded windows. Thunder cracked across the sky. Inside, guests mingled and laughed. Champagne flowed freely that night. No one noticed her absence. The clock struck twelve ominously. Suddenly, a piercing scream echoed. Silence fell over the party. Detective James arrived at one. He surveyed the grisly scene. A body lay on marble. Blood stained her evening gown. The murder weapon was missing. Suspects gathered in the parlor. Each face masked dark secrets. The investigation had just begun.