Detective Kate Matthews stood at the edge of the crime scene, gazing out into the rain-soaked night. The streets of New Haven were always dark, but tonight they seemed to swallow her whole. The neon lights of the city's bars and clubs reflected off the wet pavement, casting a gaudy glow over the scene.
Kate's eyes narrowed as she surveyed the area. A young woman, early twenties, lay on the ground, her eyes frozen in a permanent stare. The victim's clothes were torn, her body battered beyond recognition.
"Kate, we've got something here," her partner, Detective Jack Harris, called out from across the scene.
Kate's gut tightened as she approached him. "What is it?"
Jack held up a small, intricately carved box. "This was next to the body. Looks like our killer left a calling card."
Kate's eyes locked onto the box, her mind racing with possibilities. This was no ordinary murder. This was a message, a warning, a threat.
And Kate knew she was the target.
