The grandfather clock struck midnight in the old Victorian mansion. Lady Pemberton's guests were gathered in the dimly lit parlor. Someone had poisoned the wine during the anniversary celebration tonight. The crystal chandelier cast eerie shadows across their worried faces. Detective Morrison arrived within minutes of the frantic phone call. He surveyed the scene with his keen, experienced gray eyes. The victim lay motionless on the Persian rug, lips blue. Nobody was permitted to leave until he finished his investigation. Each guest avoided eye contact, harboring their own dark secrets. The storm outside rattled windows like death knocking at doors.