The rain fell hard on the cobblestone streets below. A single streetlamp flickered weakly in the cold night air. Detective Clara Voss adjusted her gloves with a quiet sigh. Her breath misted faintly as she stepped into the alley’s shadow. A crumpled figure lay sprawled near the damp, glistening bricks. Blood pooled darkly beneath the victim’s outstretched, pale hand. Clara knelt carefully, her sharp eyes scanning every detail. The victim’s coat was torn, revealing a silver pocket watch. Its face was shattered, the hands frozen at precisely midnight. A whisper of movement made her turn toward the alley’s end.