funny how secrets travel...

We're floating down an old two-lane highway through a desolate, desert landscape. This gliding, eerie POV continues as credits roll. when the credits end, the headlights seem to dim and soon we're moving through BLACKNESS.

In the blackness, a man, FRED, is sitting on a bed smoking a cigarette.

Face in the mirror - Blank expression - face somewhat obscured or distorted by smoke from the cigarette.

Fred's actual face - Unshaven, haggard look, eyes seem empty, glazed over. Fred is 32 years old, with dark hair.

THE DOORBELL RINGS. Fred looks up, startled by the noise.

FRED STANDS, goes to an INTERCOM on the wall next to the mirror. He pushes a button.

A voice comes over the intercom:
Dick Laurent is dead.

Fred leaves the bedroom and goes through the house. He is on the upstairs level. He looks through a narrow slot window, but can't see the front door below. He goes further in the house to a picture window that overlooks the street below. There is NOBODY there.