Rain lashed against the windows, a steady drumbeat in the night. The air hung heavy with the scent of wet earth and something else, metallic. A bloodcurdling scream shattered the darkness, echoing off the ancient oaks. Detective Inspector Mallory groaned, pushing himself from his chair. His world view wasn't built for screams, especially not at three in the morning. He threw on his trench coat and stalked towards the door. The fog outside was thick, swallowing the cobblestone street whole.