Moonlight shimmered on empty street. Shadows stretched across silent pavement. A solitary figure drifted forward. Distant scream cut through darkness. Footsteps echoed along deserted alleyways. Bloodstained doorway beneath flickering bulbs. Cold wind carried ominous whispers. Detective Cole approached crime scene. Yellow tape trembled in breeze. Crimson footprints led into mansion. Inside, body lay on marble. Silver dagger protruded from chest. Broken glass shattered evening calm. Footprints vanished beyond window sill. Mystery began under midnight sky.