The night was cold, with fog rolling in from the bay. Detective Morgan arrived at the scene, notebook clutched in hand. Yellow police tape fluttered across the entrance to the mansion. Inside, officers whispered as they circled around something unseen. A crystal chandelier cast eerie shadows throughout the grand foyer. The victim lay sprawled at the bottom of marble stairs. Her evening gown shimmered crimson, both from design and blood. A single high-heeled shoe had fallen several steps above her. Morgan knelt beside the body, studying the woman's pale face. "Time of death was approximately three hours ago," said forensics. The detective noticed a crumpled note clutched in her hand. Five distinct fingerprints marked the banister near the upper landing. "The guests are waiting in the study," an officer reported. Each one had reason to want Victoria Blackwood permanently silenced.