Run: 2026-09-23-01M36P3938V9X9XP9NRTS7PVJZ

Marie: "Cette lumière était magnifique hier soir… juste avant que tout disparaisse." [The light was beautiful last night… just before everything disappeared.] She sat by the café window, turning her camera over in her hands. Hunter: "Marie?" Marie: "Oui?" She looked up, startled. Hunter: "Detective Hunter. I’m investigating the disappearance from the apple festival. You were there last night, weren’t you?" Marie: "Je ne comprends pas. Vous êtes de la police?" [I don’t understand. Are you with the police?] Hunter: "The festival. Last night." He pointed toward the camera, then made a small gesture as if taking a picture. Marie: "Ah. Oui, j’y étais. Je prenais des photos du verger." [Ah. Yes, I was there. I was taking pictures of the orchard.] Hunter: "You saw something?" Marie: "J’ai entendu un bruit. Quelqu’un criait, je crois. Puis j’ai vu une silhouette près des pommiers." [I heard a noise. Someone was shouting, I think. Then I saw a figure near the apple trees.] Hunter: "I’m sorry. I don’t understand you." Marie: "Non, non—regardez." Her fingers trembled as she switched on the camera and turned the screen toward him. Hunter: "A photograph?" Marie: "Oui. Là. C’était juste avant la fermeture." [Yes. There. It was just before closing.] Hunter: "Can you show me?" Marie: "La femme était près de cette rangée. Je ne l’ai pas vue partir. Quand je suis revenue, elle avait disparu." [The woman was near this row. I didn’t see her leave. When I came back, she was gone.] Hunter: "This is the orchard behind the festival grounds." He leaned closer to the screen. "And that’s someone by the trees." Marie: "Je crois que c’est elle. Regardez son manteau." [I think that’s her. Look at her coat.] Hunter: "The missing woman’s coat?" Marie: "Je ne sais pas. J’ai peur de me tromper." [I don’t know. I’m afraid I’m mistaken.] Hunter: "You’re doing fine. Can I take a closer look?" Marie: "Bien sûr." [Of course.] She passed him the camera, then watched his face anxiously as he enlarged the image. Hunter: "There’s another person behind her." Marie: "Quoi?" [What?] Hunter: "Someone in the shadows. Do you know who it is?" Marie: "Non. Je n’ai jamais vu cette personne." [No. I’ve never seen that person.] Hunter: "Did you notice anyone following you? Anyone watching you take pictures?" Marie: "Je ne sais pas ce que vous me demandez." [I don’t know what you’re asking me.] Hunter: "Right. Sorry." He pointed to the shadow in the image, then to Marie, then made a questioning gesture. Marie: "Non, personne. Je vous le promets." [No, nobody. I promise.] Hunter: "All right. I believe you." Marie: "Vous allez la retrouver?" [Will you find her?] Hunter: "I’m going to try." Marie: "Alors, prenez la photo. S’il vous plaît." [Then take the photograph. Please.] Hunter: "I can’t take your camera. But I can get someone to help us understand what’s on it." Marie: "Merci." Her eyes stayed on the photograph. "J’espère qu’elle n’est pas seule." [Thank you. I hope she isn’t alone.] Hunter: "I hope so too." Hunter’s phone rang. He checked the screen and stood. Hunter: "I have to go. Don’t delete anything, and don’t leave town. Someone will come by who can translate." Marie: "Attendez—vous partez déjà?" [Wait—you’re leaving already?] Hunter: "I’m sorry. It’s the case." Marie: "Faites attention." [Be careful.] Hunter: "You too, Marie." Marie: "Je ne comprends toujours pas." [I still don’t understand.] Hunter: "I know." He gave her a brief, apologetic nod and hurried out, already answering the call.