INT. HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT

The room is dimly lit, shadows dancing across the modest furnishings — a reflection of a mid-range hotel. The air feels heavy with silence.

RICHARD, late 30s, dishevelled and tense, stumbles in. His shirt is wrinkled, stained with sweat, and his jeans are torn at the hem. His face is pale, eyes darting around as if he's fleeing from something.

He slams the door shut behind him, locking it with a trembling hand. He presses his back against the door, breathing heavily, trying to steady himself.

RICHARD

(whispering to himself)

Just a moment... just a moment.

He glances around the room, eyes flickering with suspicion. Then, with a quick, shaky exhale, he drops onto the bed, eyes fluttering shut — relief momentarily washing over him.

Just when he is about to shut his eyes, there’s a KNOCK on the door. Richard’s eyes snap open. His body stiffens. He sits up straight, tense, listening.

The knock comes again — firm, deliberate.

RICHARD

(voice trembling)

Who’s there?

He hesitates, then slowly approaches the door, cautious. He presses his ear to the door, trying to discern any sounds.

He peers through the peephole. Outside stands JAMES, late 20s, smiling cheerfully, holding a shiny silver tray containing a black coffee jug, a smaller milk jug and a mug.

Richard’s brow furrows in confusion. He hadn’t ordered coffee. His fingers tremble as he reaches for the latch.

He unlatches the door, cautiously opening it just a crack.

ANGLE ON:

James, holding the coffee jug, grins warmly.

JAMES

(cheerfully)

Good evening, sir. Here’s your coffee — freshly ground, just like you asked.

Before Richard can respond, James steps inside smoothly, placing the contents of the tray on the small table. He gives a quick nod, then turns and exits swiftly, closing the door behind him.

Richard stands frozen for a beat, then slowly approaches the table, eyes narrowing. His gaze falls on the coffee jug.

He notices a small, folded YELLOW PAPER tucked beside the mug. His brow furrows as he cautiously picks it up.

He glances nervously at the door, then quickly slides the latch to secure it again.

He unfolds the note with trembling fingers, eyes darting over the handwritten message.

CLOSE UP:

The note reads:

NOTE

Leave now through the window. Leave everything behind — your phone, your wallet. Carry cash if you have it.

They’re watching you.

A blue Land Rover is waiting outside. If you want to live, don’t waste time.

Destroy this note before you leave.

Richard’s face drains of colour. His eyes widen as the gravity of the message sinks in.

RICHARD

(whispering, panicked)

What... what is this?

He looks frantically toward the window, then back at the note.

He glances around the room, searching for an escape. His fingers clench the note tightly as he prepares to act.

FADE OUT.