Rain tapped the window like fingers on glass. The clock struck midnight, its chime sharp and cold. A man stood frozen, staring at the body. Blood pooled slowly beneath the victim’s still head. The room smelled of copper and burnt coffee beans. One shoe lay overturned near the doorway’s edge. A single rose rested on the dining room table. Footsteps echoed faintly in the empty hallway beyond. The phone rang once, then fell into silence. He realized too late—he was not alone downstairs.