Run: 2026-09-23-01M36P10W6HCK8KDT6N09KQ9EX

The clock stopped at midnight, though nobody heard it strike. Inspector Vale found the study door locked tightly from inside. The victim’s teacup sat untouched beside a freshly extinguished candle. Rain tapped windows while guests rehearsed their carefully practiced grief. Only the housekeeper noticed mud beneath the murdered man’s chair. She said the garden remained dry throughout that stormy evening. Vale stared at the mud, then noticed something stranger nearby. Someone had polished the victim’s shoes shortly before he died.