Dark clouds loomed ominously overhead. Raindrops whispered on cobblestones. Streetlamps flickered, casting shadows. Detective Blake strode briskly. His trench coat flapped. Whispers buzzed in alleyways. Gossip mingled with fear. A scream pierced the night. Blake's heart raced fast. He turned sharply left. A figure lay lifeless. Blood pooled on pavement. Murder's stench filled air. Blake knelt by corpse. Details etched in mind. A clue lay nearby. He pocketed it discreetly. Night cloaked secrets well. Blake rose, eyes sharp. Mystery's threads began weave.