Murder. A word not heard in Equestria in a long, long time. Perhaps not since the Princesses ended ancient conflicts and brought the three pony races together in harmony.

But there is a new race in Equestria now, one not so unaccustomed to violence. The terrible task of unraveling a horrible crime falls to Shining Armor, and against his wishes, finds Twilight volunteering her help. All the resources of the Royal Guard are available to them, but will that be enough to keep anyone else from dying?

Rated and tagged as such to be on the safe side.

(Several chapters edited and re-written.)