As midnight approaches in Howler's Row, Benny and Griff position themselves in the central square for their stakeout. The district falls eerily silent before a haunting howl breaks the quiet, growing into an unnatural sound powerful enough to rattle windows. Benny records the noise while Griff stares in amazement, his sandwich forgotten. The detectives determine the sound is somewhat mechanical and seems to originate from the old clock tower. Investigating further, they discover a small metal gear with unusual markings—their first tangible clue in this mysterious case.