Bernstein's Death?

A dark figure appeared before him without any notice, blocking his way.

The man stood in front of the doorway, dressed in all black, his face hidden beneath the hat that was pulled low.

Before Bernstein could even register who the man was, the man's hand shot out, striking him hard in the throat.

"Argh!" Bernstein choked as he held his throat.

A sharp pain erupted in Bernstein's neck.

"Huff, puff."

Gasping for air, his body crumpled backwards as he struggled to remain conscious.

The room spun violently around him, the walls blurred as his vision started to reduce significantly.

He stumbled, crashing into the table behind him, the tape nearly slipping from his pocket.

The man closed the door behind him with a thud, trapping Bernstein inside the small, dimly lit room.

Bernstein's mind raced, barely able to process what had just happened. He tried to push himself up, his arms tumbling beneath him.

"Who—"