The storm rattled shutters as lightning revealed the corpse’s outline. Detective Marlowe surveyed the room, noticing footprints leading toward fireplace. Blood smeared wallpaper suggested victim struggled desperately before ultimate demise. An eerie ticking clock echoed louder with each suspended second. Outside, rain washed blood traces into midnight drains along sidewalks. A solitary raven perched on windowsill, observing murder’s grim aftermath.