The morning fog hung heavy, shrouding the village. Inspector Reed stepped from the train, brisk. His trench coat flapped, a dark silhouette. Whispers of a murder reached his ears. The local constable, Thompson, approached, nervous. "A body found," Thompson said, grave. "Where?" Reed asked, eyes scanning the crowd. "Old Mill Lane," Thompson replied, hesitant. Reed nodded, motioning to follow. Together, they walked, footsteps muffled by mist.