The cold wind howled through the broken stained glass windows of the old abandoned manor on the edge of town. A single pale hand lay motionless upon the expensive Persian rug that was slowly soaking up the dark crimson stain. The heavy scent of bitter almonds hung thickly in the air, masking the metallic smell of fresh blood and fear. Detective Miller stepped cautiously over the shattered porcelain vase, his sharp eyes scanning the dim room for a living soul. He knew instantly that the silent figure in the chair would never speak another word of truth to anyone again.