sand storm

[Scene: Beach – Daytime | Peaceful, sunny, lively]

Families relax under umbrellas. Kids laugh, splash in the waves. Ice cream melts faster than it's eaten. The warmth is soft. The air tastes like salt and sunscreen.

A man in his 20s, shirtless with sunglasses, strolls across the beach with a cocky grin, checking people out, drink in hand.

Man (grinning to himself):

"Damn, look at that one. Summer really be a blessing."

He's about to pass by a strange mound in the sand — a head sticking out like a tourist in a burial prank. He chuckles, amused.

Man (chuckling):

"Oh! Classic beach prank.

What's up, Sandman? You alive down there or just chilling?"

He kneels and taps the head softly. No response. He leans in slightly, playful curiosity turning into slight concern.

Man (more nervous):

"…Yo? Master of sand? That game where the body's under the bucket, right?"

He starts brushing away some sand near the neck… until his hand touches something wet. He looks down. Blood. Soaks beneath the sand. Soaks his palm.

Man (horrified, stumbling back):

"What the—AHHHH!"

He screams. His drink spills. Children nearby stop playing. One kid drops a shovel and begins crying. Adults rush toward the scene. Lifeguards blow their whistles, sprinting over.

---

[Cut to: Later — the area is taped off, police sirens in the distance, the beach now tense and quiet]

Lucas and James arrive. Lucas wears sunglasses, unreadable. James looks tired, but focused. Caution tape flutters in the breeze.

Lucas (stern):

"Another body.

This wasn't a prank—this was staged."

James (angrily):

"These killers… turning the beach into a graveyard now.

Like it's a fucking joke to them."

Lucas kneels near the body, examining the position, the sand displacement, and the wound.

Lucas (analyzing):

"Positioned to be found.

Fresh blood. No rigor yet.

This body was planted hours ago, tops."

James (tense):

"So… he's back?"

Lucas (quietly, clenching his fist):

"No.

This isn't Martin's style."

James:

"Then who the hell is it?"

Lucas stands, watching the ocean like it might answer him.

Lucas:

"Someone new.

Someone who wants to be seen.

And fast."