## Scene: Cafe in Alborn, MN **INT. CAFE - DAY** Melanie sits at a table by the window, sunlight streaming onto her camera. She carefully examines a photo on the LCD, her brow furrowed. A gruff figure enters the cafe and approaches her table. It's HUNTER, a detective with a tired expression and a badge clipped to his belt. **HUNTER** (In a thick Midwestern accent) Excuse me, ma’am. Melanie startles and looks up, her eyes wide. She recognizes the badge, but her face remains unreadable. **HUNTER** (Speaking slowly, as if choosing his words carefully) I’m Detective Hunter. I’m investigating some recent events here in town. You seem to have a camera. Have you seen anything… unusual? Melanie stares at him, her face growing troubled. **MELANIE** (In German, her voice trembling) Ich habe nichts gesehen! Aber ich... ich habe so viel Angst! Hunter looks at her, bemused. He doesn’t understand a word. **HUNTER** (Confused) I’m sorry, I don’t speak German. You can just point and… He pauses, gesturing towards her camera. **HUNTER** (Continues) Show me what you saw. **MELANIE** (Shaking her head) Nein, das ist nicht... She stops, her face pale. **MELANIE** (Whispering) Ich kann Ihnen nicht helfen. Ich muss gehen. Melanie gathers her belongings, her hands shaking. She grabs her backpack and stands up, backing away from Hunter. **HUNTER** (Reaching out) Wait! Please, I just... Melanie turns and rushes out of the cafe, leaving Hunter standing alone at the table. He pulls out his phone and dials a number. **HUNTER** (Into the phone) This is Hunter. I need backup. And a German translator. I think I’m starting to get a lead. It just… it’s not what I expected. *(End Scene)*