Darkness blanketed the old mansion. Clock struck midnight, silence shattered suddenly. A scream tore through cold night. Footsteps fled, carpet soaked crimson. Gun clattered down marble staircase, echoing. Wind howled through cracked library window. Candle flickered, revealing body sprawled. Blood pooled slowly, forming dark halo. Portrait watched, eyes seeming judgmental. Rain began, masking distant siren call. Butler approached, face pale, trembling. He dropped key, whispered one name. Everyone gathered, secrets hidden thinly. Detective arrived, hat low, observing. Case began, truth buried deeply.