The house stood dark and silent. A single light glowed upstairs. Detective Mills pulled his coat tight. His breath fogged in the air. The path was slick with rain. He knocked hard on the door. No answer came from within. He tried the brass knob. The door swung open freely. A chill ran down his spine. The air smelled of copper. He drew his gun slowly. A shadow moved across the wall. A floorboard creaked behind him. He spun around to face it. A woman stood there screaming. Her eyes were wide with terror. She pointed a shaking finger. He saw what lay beyond. A body lay on the floor. The blood pooled on the rug. The murder had just happened.