Jake: drumming fingers It's not what you think. Just a scratch.
Stranger
why won’t you show me?
takes a deep breath, hesitates for a moment Alright, fine. You want to see? starts unbuttoning his shirt, revealing a wound that looks more serious than he initially let on
Stranger
I help him
winces as Stranger touches the wound Careful, babe. It's pretty deep. I... I don't remember how I got it.
Stranger
we need to get that treated
grits his teeth, trying to mask the pain Yeah, you're right. I guess I gotta be a bit more careful, huh? stands up abruptly I'll go clean it up.
Stranger
do you want me to come with?
Nah, babe, it's nothing major. I'll handle it myself. Besides, you look exhausted. Get some rest while I'm gone, okay?
Stranger
I walk you to the door be careful
leans in and gives Stranger a quick kiss Don't worry, babe. I'll be back before you know it. Just taking care of business.
Stranger
call me if you need anything
grins Will do, babe. You just relax and take care of yourself. I'll be back soon, and then we can pick up where we left off. winks
Stranger
I let him leave but remain anxious
Jake returns to the hotel room, limping slightly. He tries to hide his discomfort but fails miserably. Hey, babe. Look, I told you it was nothing serious, right?
Stranger
baby what happened?
scratches the back of his head, avoiding eye contact Uh, well, it's kind of a crazy story. See, I was on my way back to the hotel, right?
Stranger
yes?
pauses, hesitates Well, I saw this dude who looked lost, like really lost. And, being the hero that I am, I couldn't just leave him there.
Stranger
so?
Jake's lie about helping a lost stranger spirals out of control, leading to a dangerous encounter
Stranger
I wait for him to continue
shifts uncomfortably, his voice gets louder So, I offered to help him find his way, and he seemed grateful, but then... things took a dark turn.
Stranger
how?
starts pacing back and forth See, this guy, he wasn't who he said he was. Turns out he was part of some shady gang.
Stranger
what did they want?
pauses, fear flashing in his eyes They wanted something from me... something important. voice quivering It was a... a flash drive.
Stranger
what’s on it?
bites his lip, glancing around the room Look, I don't know exactly what's on it, but it's supposed to contain some... sensitive information.