Rain pounded pavement, echoing in the alleyway. A single streetlamp flickered, casting eerie shadows. Footsteps echoed briefly before abruptly stopping. A chilling scream pierced the silence, then silence returned. In the distance, a cat howled mournfully. A body lay crumpled beside a rusty dumpster. Blood pooled around it, creating a grim halo. A detective appeared, squinting at the scene. He sighed heavily, recognizing the victim's face. Another long night ahead, he thought grimly.