Run: 2026-02-25-01KJBDF9K3ZEWVEPMXJR4A06V7

SCENE: A quiet corner of a rustic cafe in Alborn, MN. An apple festival banner hangs partially visible in the background. Marie (30) sits alone, examining photos on a digital camera screen. HUNTER (35) approaches, wearing a trench coat, looking tired. Marie: "Excusez-moi, madame? Vous avez vu quelque chose... près du verger? [Excuse me, ma'am? Did you see something... near the orchard?]" Marie: (Looking shaken, clutching her camera) "Non, je n'ai pas dit que je savais. Mais l'ombre était trop rapide." [No, I'm not saying I knew. But the shadow was too fast.] Hunter: (Frowning, leaning in to listen closer) "Shadow? Fast? Ma'am, I need to know who was near the tree line when the girl vanished." Marie: (Shaking her head in French) "Je ne peux rien dire, c'est dangereux. Ils regardent toujours." [I can say nothing, it is dangerous. They always watch.] Hunter: (Rubbing his temples) "Look, I get it. You're scared. Just point, or write it down. Did you see a vehicle? A truck?" Marie: (Handing him the camera, tapping the screen to show a blurred landscape photo) "Le véhicule. Dans la neige. Regardez l'ombre." [The vehicle. In the snow. Look at the shadow.] Hunter: (Squinting at the screen, confused by the lack of detail) "It's just trees, lady. There's nothing here. Are you telling me you're the only other witness?" Marie: "L'orchestre de pommiers. La pluie cache les pieds. [The orchard. The rain hides the feet.]" (She gestures to the wet window, then back to the photos). Hunter: "Right. Rain hides things. Okay. I appreciate it. But I can't work with a language I don't speak." Marie: "C'est bien. Allez. [That's good. Go.] (She pushes the camera slightly toward him, then points to her notebook). Je note tout. [I write it all down.] Hunter: (Looking at her notebook, then shaking his head gently) "I don't read French. But you're right. The trail goes cold." Marie: (Hesitates, then speaks slowly in French) "Gardez le téléphone. Il sonne." (She holds her hand out toward his pocket). [Keep the phone. It rings.] Hunter: (His phone buzzes in his pocket; he looks at Marie with a mix of frustration and gratitude) "Okay. You stay here. Be careful." Marie: "Non, je prendrai cette photo. Je vais voir. [No, I'll take this photo. I'm going to look.]" Hunter: (Interrupting, phone already up to his ear) "You're not going anywhere. That's a dead order." Hunter: "Hello? Yes. I'm on the way. We have a lead. Maybe." (He stands up, backing away toward the door). "Stay put." Marie: (Watching him leave) "Je vous ai dit. [I told you.] (She returns to the camera, focused on the window)." Hunter: (At the exit, pausing briefly) "If you see anything... in the snow... just call." (He exits. The door chimes).