Lightning flashed across the sky. Thunder rumbled, a distant roar. I nodded, pouring another drink. The room felt unusually cold. My friend James was late. Suddenly, the doorbell sharply rang. I opened it; no one. Just a mysterious, sealed envelope. I tore it open swiftly. Inside, a cryptic, chilling message. "Meet me at the pier." No name, no other clue. My heart raced with curiosity. James's favorite spot, the pier. Panic set in; something's wrong. Grabbing my coat, I left. The storm grew worse outside.