Am I Dead?

Chapter 4

At Mr. Beans Café

Michael, pointing towards the nearby Brunos Hotel, his eyes narrowed with suspicion.

Michael: (Pointing towards the hotel) "The sniper might have taken the shot from one of those balconies. We need to check every room."

Chris: "Let's go... But I still don't get why Sarthak sent you with me. He's been tight-lipped about the case, too-probably busy charming some ladies somewhere." (Chris smirks, trying to lighten the mood.)

They both enter Brunos, walking past a young, beautiful woman in a brown leather jacket, happily wheeling herself out in a wheelchair. Michael's gaze lingers on her for a moment, a flicker of recognition crossing his face.

Michael: (Quietly, to himself, still looking at the woman) "I think I've seen her before... never mind."
At the reception desk, a young, professional woman greets them with a practiced smile.
Receptionist: "Welcome to Brunos, gentlemen. How can I assist you today?"

Chris: "FBI. We're here for an investigation. We need access to all the rooms on the east side."
The receptionist's smile falters for a moment, but she quickly recovers, nodding politely.

Receptionist: "Of course, Sir. Aliana, take the keys and show them the rooms they need."
Aliana steps forward-she's strikingly beautiful, with piercing blue eyes and long blonde hair, dressed sharply in a manager's uniform. There's a brief exchange of glances between her and Michael, almost like an unspoken recognition.

Aliana: "Follow me, gentlemen."
They start inspecting the rooms on the east side, Aliana leading them efficiently. As they reach one door, Aliana suddenly skips it.

Aliana: "Let's check this next one-"
Michael: (Interrupting, sternly) "Hold on. Why did you skip that room?"
Aliana: (Hesitant) "It's just a paralyzed woman's room. Nothing to worry about."
Michael: "We can't skip any room, no matter what. Let's take a look."

They enter the room, which appears ordinary at first glance-no obvious signs of anything unusual.

Chris: "Who was taking care of her?"
Aliana: "She was alone. Checked out just before you arrived."
Michael: "Chris, isn't it odd for a disabled woman to stay alone in a hotel, managing on her own?"
Chris: (Nodding, suspiciously) "Aliana, was she really alone?"

Aliana: (Firmly) "Yes, Sir. I'm sure."
Chris: "What's her name?"
Aliana pulls out her phone, scrolling through a list with an unsettling calm.

Aliana: "Her name is Emma Bush."
Michael: (Pausing) "Chris, we're focusing on the guests, but what about the staff? They should be on our list of suspects too."

Chris: "Good point. Aliana, where were you when you heard the gunshot?"
Aliana's demeanor suddenly shifts, a sly smile spreading across her face as she looks up from her phone.

Aliana: "I was right here, with Miss Bush... discussing the shot. You know, I'm a pretty good sniper myself." (She chuckles darkly, her eyes gleaming.) "In fact, I'm the one who nailed that shot-right between the eyes. Impressive, don't you think?"

Chris's eyes widen in shock as Michael calmly but swiftly loads his gun, aiming it at her.
Chris: "So, you're one of them."

Aliana slowly reaches into her pocket, pulling out a sleek mask. As she puts it on, a hiss fills the room-gas starts seeping in from hidden vents. Chris and Michael, caught off guard, begin to cough, their vision blurring as the gas takes hold.

Aliana: (Speaking into an earpiece, her voice cool and collected) "I've got one FBI agent and Michael. What's next?"

Suddenly, the door bursts open, revealing Sarthak Borse standing there, his presence commanding attention.

Sarthak: (Calmly) "Aliana, what's your move now?"
Aliana looks at him, her expression unreadable.
Aliana: "I'm not foolish enough to challenge you."

Sarthak: "I know, then why don't you run?"
Aliana: (Laughing bitterly) "Look who's talking. And by the way, have you found Siddharth yet? No? Your 'prime suspect'? How fitting." (She smirks.)

Sarthak: "That's none of your concern. Remember who has the upper hand here."
Aliana: (Leaning forward, her voice barely above a whisper) "I know who you really are, Master"

Without warning, she leaps out the window, landing on a passing truck. Sarthak's gun fires, and she clutches her bleeding leg but doesn't stop, disappearing into the distance.

Sarthak: (Turning back to Chris and Michael, who are slowly regaining consciousness) "Wake up, gentlemen. This isn't the time for a nap."
Chris groggily gets to his feet, rubbing his head.
Michael: "Sarthak, Sir? What happened?"
Sarthak: "She got away."

Michael looks frustrated, a mixture of anger and disappointment on his face.
Michael: "Do you know her?"
Sarthak: "Yes, she's one of them."
Michael: (Groaning in frustration) "This is a mess."

Chris: "I'm getting tired of these cryptic conversations. I'm in charge of this case too. You need to involve me."

Sarthak: "Do you know what happened to Sophia?"
Chris: (Softly) "Yes... but I'm still an FBI agent."

Sarthak: "And you think Sophia was a criminal? I'll tell you everything when the time is right. But for now, let me handle this."
Chris: (Reluctantly) "Okay, Sir."

Elsewhere...

In a dim, abandoned warehouse, the rope that once bound Siddharth lies discarded on the floor. The three captors who were supposed to keep him secured are now tied to the same pole, their mouths stuffed with dead rats. One of them is Priyadeep, eyes wide with terror. The door creaks open, and a man steps inside-his face obscured by a black hat, brown jacket, black mask, and dark goggles.
Man: (Surveying the scene, amused) "Siddharth... you certainly are an interesting guy."
He pulls out his phone, dialing a number.
Man: "Follow my instructions... America's going to turn into hell in a few days."

To be continued...