Run: 2026-02-19-01KHVPB7F9QSRKMTWJ9657QMK7

**Melanie:** (Looking up from her camera screen, eyes wide with distress) "Entschuldigung? Ich... ich spreche kein Englisch. Ich verstehe Sie nicht." **Hunter:** (Frowning, pulling out his badge) "Detective Hunter, Alborn Police. I'm investigating the disappearances from the woods near the edge of town. A witness said they saw a woman with a camera around there yesterday. Was that you?" **Melanie:** (Her hands trembling slightly as she clutches the camera strap) "Polizei? Oh, Gott sei Dank. Bitte, ich habe solche Angst. Ich war draußen bei den Apfelbaumplantagen, um die Landschaft zu fotografieren, und da war... da war etwas Schreckliches." **Hunter:** (Rubbing the back of his neck in frustration) "Look, lady, I don't speak a lick of German. Not one word. Just tell me—did you see the missing couple? Yes or no?" **Melanie:** (Shaking her head frantically, pointing to the screen of her camera) "Ich weiß nicht, was Sie sagen! Aber schauen Sie hier. Ich bin für mein Auslandsstudium hierhergekommen, ich wollte nur die Natur für mein Portfolio aufnehmen. Und dann habe ich diesen Schatten gesehen." **Hunter:** (Leaning in to look at the small digital screen, squinting) "Okay, you're pointing at the camera. Let's see... That's the banner for the Alborn Apple Festival. Trees... dirt... Wait. Is that a shoe? Half-buried in the mud there?" **Melanie:** (Gesturing to the screen with a shaking finger, her voice cracking) "Sehen Sie das? Da lag eine zerrissene Jacke, und dann habe ich ein Geräusch gehört. Wie ein Schreien. Ich bin sofort weggerannt. Es war grauenhaft." **Hunter:** (Sighing heavily, his professional patience wearing thin) "I can see you're shaken up, but I have no idea what you're trying to tell me. I need details. Did you see a face? A vehicle?" **Melanie:** (Looking at him pleadingly) "Verstehen Sie denn gar nichts? Der Mann der dort stand... er hat mich direkt angesehen!" **Hunter:** (Reaching into his pocket as his cell phone rings sharply) "Hold that thought—or whatever it is you're saying." (Answers phone) "Hunter. ... Yeah. ... You're kidding. Another one? By the north orchards? ... Lock down the perimeter, I'm headed there now." (Hangs up, looking back at Melanie) "I have to step out. An emergency." **Melanie:** (Standing up slightly, looking panicked as he steps away) "Warten Sie! Was ist mit den Fotos? Wo gehen Sie hin?" **Hunter:** (Pointing firmly at the table, using his command voice) "Stay. Sit. I will send a deputy who actually parlez-vous German or whatever. Keep the camera safe. Do. Not. Leave. This. Cafe." **Melanie:** (Sinking back into her chair, hugging the camera to her chest, whispering shakily) "Ich... ich bleibe hier. Bitte beeilen Sie sich."