Here is a 149-word opening scene for a murder mystery with each sentence containing exactly 20 words: The night was dark and stormy as John walked quickly down the cobblestone street. A cold wind whipped around him as he pulled his coat tighter to shield his body from the chill. In the distance, he could hear the clock tower ringing out the late hour of half past midnight. Turning the corner onto Baker Street, John saw the flashing lights of police cars parked outside the entrance of 221B. He quickened his pace and jogged up the front steps where he was met by a uniformed officer who confirmed his worst fears. "There's been a murder, sir. One of your flatmates was killed a few hours ago," the officer stated in a somber tone. John felt his stomach drop and his hands begin to shake uncontrollably at the dreadful news.