Cold rain battered the ancient mansion. Detective Reed frowned deeply. Footsteps echoed hollowly in the foyer. An ornate chandelier cast dim light. A grand clock struck midnight. Silence hung heavy, oppressive. Suddenly, a scream pierced the night. Guests gathered in the ballroom, whispers abound. A body lay sprawled, velvet gown askew. Blood pooled around a silver dagger. The air reeked of fear and perfume. Reed surveyed the scene, calculating. Everyone's a suspect, he mused. The game of whodunit commenced.