A thick fog hung low over the quaint town of Oakhaven, shrouding the cobblestone streets in an eerie silence. Detective Inspector Mallory stepped out of his car, his trench coat billowing behind him like a dark cloud. The air was heavy with the scent of rain and damp earth, a grim premonition settling in his gut. He approached the imposing manor house at the end of the lane, its silhouette outlined against the bruise-colored sky. A single flickering light emanated from an upstairs window, casting long, dancing shadows on the overgrown lawn. The mournful howl of a distant dog pierced the stillness, echoing through the desolate landscape. A sense of foreboding pressed upon him as he reached for the wrought iron gate, its rusted hinges groaning in protest.