Rain lashed the grimy windowpane, blurring the gaslight's faint glow. Detective Harding surveyed the scene with grim, weary determination. A pale corpse lay sprawled across the ornate Persian rug. Blood stained the silk fabric in a shocking, dark crimson. The victim's eyes stared, wide with a final, silent terror. A single, silver letter opener gleamed near his outstretched hand. Who would commit such a brutal, swift act tonight? The drawing-room felt suffocating, thick with unanswered questions. Harding knelt, his gaze meticulously scanning every detail. This night promised a long and agonizing investigation.