The grand library stood silent in the pale moonlight. Detective Morgan stepped carefully across the polished marble floor below. Professor Blackwood lay motionless beside his overturned mahogany writing desk. Blood pooled around his gray head like dark crimson paint. His fountain pen remained clutched tightly within his cold fingers. The massive oak door had been locked securely from inside. No windows were open despite the suffocating heat that evening. Morgan noticed the leather-bound manuscript scattered across the expensive carpet. Chapter thirteen appeared to be missing from the typed pages. A single red rose lay placed deliberately upon the body.