The rain poured down in heavy sheets, obscuring the streetlights' glow. Detective Lila Grant stepped out of her car, pulling her jacket hood up. The crime scene awaited her, a small crowd gathering nearby. Blue and red lights flashed from the police cruisers lining the curb. A uniformed officer approached Lila, his expression grim beneath the rain-streaked visor. "Detective Grant, we've got a real mess in there," he said, gesturing towards a narrow alley. Lila nodded, her heart sinking as she followed him. The body lay sprawled on the wet pavement, a young woman in a crimson dress. Her eyes stared upwards, lifeless and glassy, as the rain continued to fall.