1. A cold autumn breeze rustled through the deserted streets. 2. Shadows crept across the pale moonlit pavement. 3. An eerie silence hung heavy in the still night air. 4. Suddenly, piercing siren wails shattered the calm. 5. Police cars screeched to a halt outside an old brick house. 6. Officers fanned out, flashlights probing every dark corner. 7. The oaken front door stood ajar, slightly ajar. 8. From the shadows emerged Detective Sandra Bishop, her eyes narrowed.