The clock struck midnight, echoing ominously through the empty hallways of the grand old mansion, shrouded in secrets and shadows. A chilling wind rustled the curtains, whispering untold stories, while rain beat steadily against the windowpanes outside the dim room. Detective Harris surveyed the scene, his sharp eyes taking in every detail, searching for clues amid the chaos surrounding him. In the center of the room, a lifeless body lay sprawled, gripping a bloodied note clutched tightly in cold fingers. The flickering candlelight danced across the walls, casting eerie shadows that seemed to mock the gravity of the situation unfolding. Footsteps echoed in the distance, creating a sense of urgency, as the detectives gathered to unravel the sinister mystery ahead.