The old mansion loomed ominously against the stormy sky as Detective Sarah Morgan approached the iron gates with trepidation. Lightning flashed, illuminating the weathered stone facade and casting eerie shadows across the overgrown garden before her. She hesitated, her hand hovering over the rusty intercom, knowing that beyond lay a gruesome crime scene awaiting her. A crack of thunder startled her into action, and she pressed the button, hearing a faint buzzing from within. Moments passed, filled only with the patter of rain and the distant rumble of the retreating storm clouds overhead. Suddenly, the gates creaked open, seemingly of their own accord, inviting the detective into the estate's dark embrace. Sarah stepped forward, her shoes crunching on the gravel driveway as she made her way towards the grand entrance. The heavy wooden door swung open before she could knock, revealing a pale, nervous-looking butler in a crisp uniform. "Good evening, Detective," he said softly, his voice barely audible above the wind. "We've been expecting you, please come in." Sarah nodded grimly, steeling herself for the horrors that awaited her as she crossed the threshold into the mansion.