Am I Dead?

Chapter 2

Chris: What's the matter, Siddharth? What is he talking about?

Siddharth: It's nothing. This guy has completely lost his mind. I was scared for a moment, but now I'm fine.

Chris: Are you sure?

Siddharth: Hmm.

Chris: Let's head to headquarters. We need to report this.

At FBI Headquarters...

Benjamin Smith (The Director of FBI): Congratulations, Siddharth, you've solved the case. I wish you a bright future ahead. Reporters are waiting outside; go ahead.

Siddharth: Thanks, Sir, but this case isn't solved yet. I want to investigate further.

Chris: But we've already solved the case.

Benjamin Smith: If you don't want to attend the press conference, that's fine. Chris will handle it.

Siddharth: Sir, think about it-who would admit to being a killer so easily? And he was talking nonsense about illusions and death. Do you really believe he's the one who killed John?

Benjamin Smith: Don't overthink it. We'll tell the public that we've solved the case, and that's the end of it. Just go and do as I say-that's an order.

Siddharth: But, Sir...

Benjamin Smith: It's your first day. I don't want to spoil it, so let Chris handle the press conference. Go home and rest.

(Benjamin Smith departs with Chris for the conference. A beautiful young woman approaches Siddharth.)

Sophia: Hey, I heard your conversation. I know he's a selfish jerk-don't mind him.

Siddharth: Yeah, I can see it in his eyes.

Sophia: By the way, I'm Sophia Libert. You?

Siddharth: Siddharth.

Sophia: You seem like you're not in a good mood. Let me cheer you up. I'm going out for dinner-want to join me?

Siddharth: I'm tired today, maybe tomorrow.

Sophia: I thought it would make you happy. But if you want to go home, I won't stop you.

Siddharth: Fine, we'll go today. Which café?

Sophia: Mr. Beans.

Siddharth: Fine.

(As Siddharth drives with Sophia beside him...)

Sophia: You're new in Washington, right?

Siddharth: Yup. But how do you know?

Sophia: You're going in the wrong direction. The café is the other way.

Siddharth: Oh, sorry.

Sophia: No need to apologize. It's not your fault.

Siddharth: Look! We're finally here.

(They arrive at Mr. Beans Café.)

Siddharth: So, tell me something about yourself. Why do you want to date a stranger?

Sophia: It's not like I love or like you, don't misunderstand. I wanted to tell you something.

Siddharth: What?

Sophia: It's about your first case... You're absolutely right-the case isn't solved yet.

Siddharth: Yeah, I know that much. If you have more information, go ahead. (said Siddharth, irritated)

Sophia: I know you're frustrated about the case, but that doesn't give you the right to yell at me.

Siddharth: Okay, ma'am, see you later... Bye.

(Siddharth gets up from his chair, but suddenly, Sophia is shot in the forehead. Siddharth's face turns pale as she collapses. Chaos erupts in Mr. Beans Café, and the power goes out. When the lights return, Siddharth is gone. The only thing left is Sophia's lifeless body, her head resting on the table, blood pooling around her.)

(The manager immediately reports the incident to the police.)

(Cops arrive on the crime scene.)

(Michael Smith, the famous cop of New York, arrives with Emma Smith. Together, they have solved 90 cases and are considered the best couple in New York.)

Emma Smith: Jeez! This is the work of a sniper-probably from the balcony of that building over there. She was an FBI agent, judging by her uniform. (she points to the building across the street)

Michael: With whom was she sitting? The food and plates on the table suggest she wasn't alone.

Manager: Sir, I have no idea, but you can check the CCTV footage.

(They all head to the reception to check the CCTV footage.)

(They see Siddharth and Sophia entering the café.)

Michael: Pause it. Zoom in on that guy.

Emma (looks scared): Michael, he's...

Michael: Emma, inform the FBI headquarters immediately. Things aren't looking good. I'm glad we're in charge of this case. (laughs loudly) Emma, can you see the darkness slowly taking over the light? (It starts raining outside.) Nature sure is beautiful...

To Be Continued...