Run: 2026-03-03-01KJTYFBRXNXQ0CQM4R1P6S976

# VOICE SHEET: CAFE INTERVIEW, ALBORN MN **[ACTION: Sun-faded Midwest cafe booth, mid-afternoon post-apple festival. Selvi, 30, sits hunched over her DSLR camera, knuckles white around the grip, a half-empty chai mug left untouched beside it. Hunter, 35, ex-marine turned detective, clipboard tucked under one arm, approaches and slides into the empty opposite seat.]** Hunter: (holding up a worn police badge, low and steady) Excuse me, ma’am. I’m Detective Hunter with the Alborn Police Department. I’m investigating the disappearance of Lila Mae Carter from the orchard grounds last night. Did you see anything out of the ordinary there? **[Selvi freezes, then jumps, her face draining pale. She starts speaking rapidly, voice trembling, completely unaware he doesn’t understand a word.]** Selvi: (tears pricking her eyes, rapid, broken Hindi) Oh please, please I saw it. I was taking photos of the sunset. A man, black truck, he took her—dragged her into the woods. I hid, I didn’t know who to tell, I thought— **[Hunter blinks, brow furrowed deeply, confused by the unintelligible rapid speech.]** Hunter: (holding up his hands, slowing his tone) Whoa, I don’t speak Hindi, friend. Can you slow down? I don’t understand. **[Selvi panics, fumbling for her smartphone propped next to her camera, pulling up a real-time Hindi-English translation app. She taps the mic, gesturing for Hunter to speak.]** Hunter: (leaning in, clear and slow) I said, I’m Detective Hunter, investigating Lila Carter’s disappearance. Did you witness anything near the apple orchard last night? **[The phone’s speaker buzzes, translating his words to flat, robotic Hindi.]** Selvi: (gasping, voice cracking again, Hindi) Yes! She was screaming, fighting him. I didn’t report it because I’m a study abroad student, I thought no one would believe a foreigner. I’m so sorry I didn’t come forward sooner. **[Phone translates her line aloud.]** Hunter: (nodding, scribbling furiously in his notebook) No need to apologize, this is critical. Can you describe the man? Any details on the truck? Selvi: (shaking her head, wiping at her cheeks, Hindi) Hood over his head, license plate I couldn’t see. The truck was dark, no markings. I have the photos—wait, let me show you. **[Selvi scrolls through her camera roll, pulls up a blurry shot of a black pickup parked by the orchard tree line. Hunter leans in, eyes narrowing.]** Hunter: (staring at the screen) That’s perfect. Thank you, thank you for coming forward. **[Hunter’s cell phone blares a loud, sharp ringtone. He answers on the first ring, the no-nonsense edge of his marine training cutting through.]** Hunter: (into phone, gruff) Hunter here. What’s the status? **[He listens for 10 seconds, then claps his notebook shut, standing abruptly.]** Hunter: (turning back to Selvi, grave) I’ve got to move out now. They found Lila’s backpack at the orchard. I’ll have an officer stop by your hostel first thing tomorrow for your formal statement. This footage is going to help a lot. Selvi: (whispering, shaky, Hindi) Please find her. Please don’t let her be— Hunter: (cutting himself off, solemn nod) I’ll do everything I can. Take care, ma’am. **[Hunter grabs his clipboard and hurries out of the cafe, leaving Selvi alone with her camera, hands shaking again.]**