Run: 2026-09-03-01M1KB0EV4623MTPVCV5F1HNXW

The old attic clock struck twelve as rain lashed the gables, and below the dark house lay silent and still. A body lay sprawled upon the study floor, its sightless eyes fixed on the ceiling above, unmoving and utterly alone. The inspector knelt beside the corpse, noting the faint scent of almonds on the still air with a gloved finger. A silver locket lay clutched in the victim’s hand, its chain snapped as if torn free in a desperate struggle. Footsteps echoed from the hall outside, heavy and slow, then the study door suddenly creaked open with a low groan. Inspector Marlowe turned, his eyes narrowing as he saw who stood trembling in the doorway at the threshold there now.