What is it this time," Mrs. Peel sighed. She had been tricked into taking a lift in Steed's Bentley, by the debonair Steed. "Well, there's been a murder," Steed explained. "Only one? Aren't we usually called in when there is a series of strange happenings," Mrs. Peel questioned irritatedley. If it weren't for this case, then she would be able to find a present for Steed, the hardest man to buy a gift for. "This one is a bit.unusual," Steed explained. Mrs. Peel arched one eyebrow, as if she didn't believe him. "I'll show you." He pulled over, off the road, into a small alley. "This is the crime scene." He jumped out of the car, helped Mrs. Peel out, and then went over to a small bundle by the side of the back street. He lifted up the coat with the tip of his brolly, revealing a pile of bones and clothing. "How long has she been dead," Mrs. Peel questioned. "Mrs. Peel, you amaze me! How did you know that the victim was a she?" "Very simple," she answered dryly. "The victim is wearing a skirt, and carrying a purse. Now answer my question, please." "That's where the variation occurs." "Variation?" "The medical examiner says that the woman must have been dead for at least twenty years. However, no one who disappeared twenty years ago would have been wearing these fashions, nor would they have been able to decompose in this alley, without someone noticing the foul stench." "So," Mrs. Peel prodded. "When did this murder occur?" "Yesterday," Steed replied. "Steed, that's impossible," Mrs. Peel replied. "A body can't just decompose entirely in twenty-four hours, especially not when it's this cold." Steed smiled wryly. "Now you know why we have been called in."