The rain lashed against the manor windows. Candles flickered, casting long, eerie shadows. Inside, Lord Ashworth lay sprawled on the library floor. A single bullet wound marred his pristine forehead. Inspector Davies shivered, adjusting his coat collar. The detective eyed the ornate silver letter opener. The scent of gunpowder lingered in the air. His mind raced, thoughts swirling like the storm outside. He gently lifted the lifeless hand from the floor. The book clutched by the victim had a single leaf.