The grandfather clock struck midnight, echoing through the empty hall. Shadows danced eerily on walls, concealing secrets from prying eyes. A sudden thud interrupted the silence, tension instantly thickened. Blood pooled beneath the velvet drapes, staining their crimson hue. Detective Claire Hastings arrived, her mind racing with possible scenarios imagined. The butler stood nearby, trembling under her piercing, investigative gaze. Rain pelted the windows, adding to the ominous atmosphere outside. Claire's flashlight flickered across the room, revealing puzzling, enigmatic clues. An overturned chair hinted at a struggle, chaos left behind. She sighed deeply, determined to unravel this sinister, intricate mystery.