## Scene: The Cozy Corner Cafe, Alborn MN. **[Melanie sits at a small table in the corner of "The Cosy Coffee Pot", her brow furrowed as she reviews photos on camera screen.] ** **(Hunter enters and scans for potential suspects before spotting Melanie) He approaches cautiously.** <br> * HUNTER: Excuse me, miss? I'm Detective Hunter. Mind if we chat a moment?" **[Melanie looks up sharply startled by the interruption]**. * MELANIE (in German): *"Entschuldigung...?" *(Her eyes widen with alarm.) *"Was wollen Sie von mir?“* **(Hunter blinks, tilting his head in confusion)** <br> ** HUNTER: “Uh... I'm sorry? English?" **[Melanie looks down at her camera and shakes it slightly]** * MELANIE (in German): *"Nein. Ich spreche nicht Englisch."* *(She whispers softly)* "Ich bin Melanie." *(Her voice trembles). "*Was ist los?”* **(Hunter frowns, realizing the language barrier.) ** HUNTER: “Right… Sorry.” He pulls out a notepad and pen * MELANIE (in German): *"Verstanden.*" **[Melanie points at herself then gestures to him.** *(In broken English) " Melanie. You?"* <br> **(Hunter writes down 'Malanie' with an arrow pointing back, smiling slightly)** * HUNTER: “Detective Hunter.” (He shows her the notepad.) **[Melanie nods slowly]** <font size="-1"> *(She looks nervous and unsure) *"Entschuldigung. Ich verstehe nicht."*( <br> *HUNTER:* "I need to ask you a few questions about last week’s festival, okay? About what happened at the cider press…" **(Melanie' s face turns pale)** * MELANIE (in German): *"Der Ciderpresse...? Ach... oh Gott."* *(She covers her mouth with trembling hands.)*"Das war..."* **[Hunter leans closer. Melanie looks around anxiously, trying to swallow but unable.] <br> ** HUNTER: “What? What happened?” **(Melanie struggles for words)** * MELANIE (in German): *"Es ist... Es… Ich kann nicht sprechen."* *(She whispers frantically)* "Ich muss..." **[Just as Melanie begins to explain, Hunter's phone rings. He pulls it out and answers.] <br> *HUNTER:* “Hunter here.” **(He looks at the caller ID then sighs.) *“Yeah… I’m in a little pickle right now…” ** [Melanie shrinks back into her seat as if waiting for an accusation] **[The scene fades out. ]