The rain hammered down on the old mansion’s creaking roof. Inside, shadows flickered as thunder shook the fragile glass windows. Detective Marlowe arrived just as the clock struck midnight sharp. A chilling scream echoed from the grand staircase above the hall. He stepped cautiously forward, heart pounding beneath his heavy trench coat. The lifeless body lay sprawled near the shattered antique vase. Blood pooled slowly beneath the victim’s pale, motionless, trembling hand. Marlowe knelt to observe, searching for clues in the darkness. Whispers floated through the air, secrets tangled within the silent room. Outside, the storm raged on, hiding truths beneath its roaring.