Rain drummed against the glass while Arthur poured his drink. One single bullet hole shattered the center of his portrait. Dark crimson blood leaked onto the white silk Persian carpet. He clutched the heavy iron fire poker with shaking hands. A shadow moved across the hallway behind the library door. The clock struck midnight just as the heavy lights flickered. Someone breathed softly within the silence of the cold room. He turned around but found only the empty leather chair. The scent of bitter almonds filled the thick humid air. He knew the hunter had finally arrived for the kill.