The mansion stood completely silent. Rain pelted the dark windows. Detective Mars arrived at eight. Her coat dripped on marble. A body lay upstairs cold. The butler opened the door. His hands were visibly shaking. "She's in the master bedroom." Mars climbed the grand staircase. Blood stained the white carpet. Lady Ashworth wouldn't wake again. A knife gleamed beside her. No signs of forced entry. Someone here killed this woman. Mars pulled out her notebook. Every guest became a suspect. The clock struck nine times. This night would be long.