LIFE SET TO MUSIC: PART SIX
INT. MR BANNON’S RESIDENCE - EVENING
Ariel calls to the house of the music teacher
ARIEL: Hi Mr Bannon. I don’t know if you remember me. My name is..
SAM BANNON: Ariel, how could I forget. You were part of the worst music class in history (with a smile)
ARIEL: It’s just that I’d like to talk and I have nobody to turn to?
Cut to – Music teacher seated at the kitchen table with Ariel
SAM BANNON: So you’re wondering whether you should testify or not and you’re afraid that Dieter will not walk again. Did you go to the police?
ARIEL: I’m afraid that Scott and his family own the police. It’s my word against his after all
SAM BANNON: In situations like this, there is no easy answer. It seems to me that if you don’t testify or if you go to the police you will be doing so because you care about Dieter. If you go, they may question why you are changing your story.
ARIEL: I guess I was hoping that someone like you who is about ten times smarter than me might have the solution.
SAM BANNON: I don’t think I’ll ever make an agony aunt. My skills are in music. I can turn a talentless group of kids into the worst band ever.
ARIEL: I don’t think we were the worst band ever. Have you seen the Whirlwinds?
SAM BANNON: Speaking of music. I still have that old ipod if you would like it back? I’m on my fourth one at this stage.
INT. COURTROOM - MORNING
JUDGE FIDELSTEIN: FIVE FEET ELEVEN INCHES, 48 YEARS OLD, THINNING HAIR WITH FLECKS OF GREY, FOUR STONE OVERWEIGHT
JUDGE: Mr Rosenwood, how do you plead?
Dieter stands up
DIETER: Not guilty your owner
JUDGE: Is the defendant prepared to proceed?
DUNCAN OXBRIDGE: Yes, your honour
JUDGE: And the prosecution?
MR CRUICKSHANK (PROSECUTOR): Six Feet one inch tall, very thin with a large pointy nose, 52 years old
MR CRUICKSHANK: Yes your honour
JUDGE: The case will commence on the 27th of next month
INT. COURTROOM - DAY OF TRIAL (MORNING)
Mr Cruickshank addresses Scott Thorrnton in the witness box
MR CRUICKSHANK: Mr Thornton, will you explain to the court, what happened on the night of the 6th?
SCOTT THORNTON: I was on my way down the street having done some charity work, helping out at the orphanage, when I saw the defendant walking towards me. He looked angry and mean and I feared for my life. He said he had split myself and Ariel apart and now he was going to finish me off. I told him that I didn’t want to fight and that I would get over him taking Ariel from me. I’m 27 and I’ve never been in a fight in my life. It’s not in my nature. He got me in a chokehold, then he pushed me away and then he punched me three or four times until I collapsed on the ground.
MR CRUICKSHANK: Did you fear for your life Mr Thornton
SCOTT THORNTON:Most definitely. He deserves to be put behind bars.
MR CRUICKSHANK : What did he do to split yourself and Ariel up?
SCOTT THORNTON: He told her that I was having an affair with a fifty eight year old woman.
MR CRUICKSHANK: Was this true?
SCOTT THORNTON: Of course not. I believe that he also seduced Ariel in a moment of weakness. He did everything he could to tear us apart. He has destroyed my life and now I don’t know what to do.
MR CRUICKSHANK: What did you do after you were fighting for your life?
SCOTT THORNTON: I went to the hospital and saw Dr Doddy. He said I was lucky to be alive and my injuries were consistent with a car crash. My recovery has been miraculous. Without Cuddles I don’t think I would know what to do. Cuddles was my childhood friend.
Scott removes a teddy bear previously concealed.
SCOTT THORNTON: I had nobody else to turn to. My wife left me for that ogre and Cuddles was the only person who, was there for me. He has been my saviour. I hope that one day someone would replace Cuddles in my life and I could go out into the big bad world again.
The prosecutor approaches the witness stand with a box of tissues
Scott takes one and dries his tears
SCOTT THORNTON: Thank you. Thank you so much.
Mr Oxbridge stands up and takes a moment before reaching for a glass of water. He swallows it and then waits a few more seconds before his first question.
DUNCAN OXBRIDGE: Mr Thornton do you play golf?
SCOTT THORNTON: Yes
DUNCAN OXBRIDGE: What is your handicap?
SCOTT THORNTON: I play off eighteen
The lawyer takes his time again
DUNCAN OXBRIDGE: No more questions your honour
MR CRUICKSHANK: The defence would like to call Dr Elvis T Doddy
Dr Doddy approaches the witness stand. He is dressed like an Elvis impersonator.
MR CRUICKSHANK: Dr Doddy, on the night of the attack you assessed the victim. Is that right?
DR DODDY: That is correct
MR CRUICKSHANK: What was your asessment of the victim’s injuries?
DR DODDY: Well, he suffered injuries to the face and body. He was still dazed when he arrived into my care.
MR CRUICKSHANK: Were his injuries as bad as a car crash
DR DODDY: In some cases, I’ve seen victims of car crashes with less serious injuries. I even took photographs and scans as evidence.
MR CRUICKSHANK: Your honour, we would like to submit these pieces of evidence as exhibit A.
The prosecutor holds the photographs and displays them to the judge and jury.
MR CRUICKSHANK: Dr Doddy, you are a reputable Doctor. Please explain to the court about your background in medicine.
DR DODDY: Well I have operated out of the Graceland clinic for fifteen years now. Before that I had graduated from the Colonel Tom Parker school of medicine, where I spent three years. When I was a kid growing up in Rhinestone, I always dreamed of being a Doctor. Before every operation I perform a little ditty. It relaxes the hell out of them. Whether, it’s an amputation or a quadruple bypass, I’m able to put the patients mind at ease. I’ve also written a number of books from Viva Las Vegas to Heartbreak Hotel.
MR CRUICKSHANK: Can you illustrate for the court what this scan of the victims skull shows?
DR DODDY: Well, these scans show damage to the victims chin and this here shows damage to the victims nose and forehead
MR CRUICKSHANK: No more questions your honour
DR DODDY: Thank you very much
Duncan Oxbridge stands up and slowly sips some water, before slowly addressing the witness.
DUNCAN OXBRIDGE: Dr Doddy, do you love music?
DR DODDY: Why yes sir I do?
DUNCAN OXBRIDGE: More than medicine?
DR DODDY: Why that’s like asking which of your children you like best or which song you like best
DUNCAN OXBRIDGE: No more questions your honour
DR DODDY: Thank you very much
MR CRUICKSHANK: Your honour, I would like to call Professor Hoffenheim to the witness stand.
Professor Hoffenheim takes his seat in the witness box
MR CRUICKSHANK: Professor Hoffenheim, I understand that you have carried out an assessment of the witness. Is that correct?
PROFESSOR HOFFENHEIM:Yes.Mr Thornton has been badly affected by the assault. He suffers from agoraphobia, claustrophobia and hemophobia as a result. Just about any other phobia you can mention, he has it as a result of the trauma. He has sought comfort in Cuddles and Cuddles has sought comfort in him. I am hopeful with the right treatment that Mr Thornton will be able to go out into the big bad world without his closest friend. Already I see an improvement in him. The first time I saw the victim, he was heavily traumatised. He was repeating sentences, crying and disassociating himself from me and anyone else around him. You see now that he is engaging with you as prosecutor and that he is able to answer questions. That is a world away from where he was several weeks ago.
MR CRUICKSHANK: Professor Hoffenheim, what is your background in psychiatry and psychology?
PROFESSOR HOFFENHEIM: I am a qualified professor for more than twenty years. I have read all the books from Catcher in the Rye to One flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest to Psychology for Dummies. My brain is like a vast encyclopaedia of knowledge.
MR CRUICKSHANK :Thank you Professor Hoffenheim.
Duncan Oxbridge is nervous. Once more he stands up an takes his time, before sipping from a glass of water.
DUNCAN OXBRIDGE: Have you seen the film of One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest Professor?
PROFESSOR HOFFENHEIM: Yes.It was quite a good film.
DUNCAN OXBRIDGE: Yes, Quite. No more questions your honour
JUDGE: It is approaching lunch time. Let us take a break and resume at 2:30
DIETER: (in a low voice to Duncan oxbridge) Aren’t you going to ask any appropriate questions? (in frustration)
DUNCAN OXBRIDGE: I thought that went well. I normally don’t ask any questions.
INT. LOCAL DINER - LUNCH TIME
Dieter returns to the Diner for Lunch
HANK: I’m sorry Dieter, I couldn’t make it to the trial. Carter backed out at the last minute and left me minding the shop.
DIETER: That’s all right, Hank
HANK: How did it go?
DIETER: Not so good.
HANK: Well I’m sure life on the inside isn’t as bad as it seems
DIETER: Gee thanks Hank. I’m sure you mean well by it
Ariel enters
ARIEL: I’m sorry Dieter. I wish there was something I could do
DIETER: Right now Ariel, I feel like a bear with a sore head
SYLVESTER: Maybe there’s something I can do
Dieter turns his head round to observe Sylvester standing there
SYLVESTER: Let me represent you Dieter. I can’t do any worse
DIETER: That all depends on how much a hot shot like you is going to charge
SYLVESTER: Not a penny more than your current Attorney
ARIEL: Go on Dieter give him a chance
DIETER: Why would a big shot like you help out a humble low life like me?
SYLVESTER: There are many things I regret. You helped me a number of times and I was ungrateful and arrogant.
DIETER: That’s a way of putting it. Well, when it comes down to it I’d rather scrub floors for the rest of my life than be somebody’s bitch
SYLVESTER: You accept then
DIETER: I would have thought that you’d be fighting billion dollar lawsuits rather than defending some bum from your local town. What happened?
SYLVESTER: It hasn’t always been about the money Dieter
INT. COURTROOM - AFTERNOON
Dieter stands up in the courtroom
DIETER: Your honour, I would like to change my defence lawyer
DUNCAN OXBRIDGE: (in a startled manner) Oh
JUDGE: Who is going to represent you Mr Rosenwood?
DIETER: Sylvester Gordon
JUDGE: Is he suitably qualified?
SYLVESTER: Yes I am your honour
JUDGE: Mr Cruickshank do you have any more witnesses
MR CRUICKSHANK: I would like to call Mrs Zara Snuffelbottom
Mrs Snuffelbottom makes her way to the witness box
MR CRUICKSHANK: Mrs Snuffelbottom, you were a witness at the time of the incident were you not?
MRS SNUFFELBOTTOM: Yes, that is correct?
MR CRUICKSHANK: Will you tell the court what it was that you saw?
MRS SNUFFELBOTTOM: Well, Mr Cruickshank, I was watering flowers on my window when I saw Mr Thornton and Mr Rosenwood in an altercation. A short time later I saw Mr Rosenwood strike Mr Thornton on the chin and nose. Mr Thornton was in great distress and that is the moment I went out onto the street to help him
MR CRUICKSHANK: What happened when you went to the street to help Mr Thornton?
MRS SNUFFELBOTTOM: I passed by Mr Rosenwood who still had steam coming out of his ears and then I asked Mr Thornton if he was ok and if he wanted me to phone for an ambulance.
MR CRUICKSHANK : And what was his response?
MRS SNUFFELBOTTOM: He was in great distress but said he didn’t want to get Mr Rosenwood into any trouble. He didn’t want to go to the police or call an ambulance. He said he would soldier on. I guess that the extent of his injuries may have caused him to have a rethink.
MR CRUICKSHANK: Was there blood, streaming down Mr Thornton’s face?
MRS SNUFFELBOTTOM: Yes sir there was
SYLVESTER: Mrs Snuffelbottom. What time did this incident take place?
MRS SNUFFELBOTTOM: It was a little after 8:30pm
SYLVESTER: Are you sure?
MRS SNUFFELBOTTOM: Yes
SYLVESTER: How do you know?
MRS SNUFFELBOTTOM: I remember checking my watch just before 8:30. I wanted to watch a television programme at 8:40
SYLVESTER: How, then do you explain that Mr Doddy saw him at 8:25 the same evening?
MRS SNUFFELBOTTOM: Well it must have been a mistake
SYLVESTER: Whose mistake, Mrs Snuffelbottom?
MRS SNUFFELBOTTOM: I don’t know
SYLVESTER: No more questions
JUDGE: Mr Cruickshank, do you have any more witnesses
MR CRUICKSHANK: No your honour
JUDGE: Very well then, Mr Gordon you may call your first witness
SYLVESTER: Miss Mary Beth Haverson your honour
Miss Mary Beth Haverson approaches the witness box
SYLVESTER: Miss Haverson, are you acquainted with Mr Thornton?
MS HAVERSON: Well, I was one of his bits on the side shall we say for eighteen months or so?
SYLVESTER: Are you alledging that he cheated on his wife?
MS HAVERSON: Well, therewere at least three of us. He paid good money too, but eventually he got bored of me and moved on to someone else.
SYLVESTER: Does Mr Thornton strike you as the shy, timid type?
MS HAVERSON: Not at all. He threatened me on a number of occasions that there would be repercussions if I ever spoke about our affair.
SYLVESTER: What did he say?
MS HAVERSON: Well he threatened to break both of my legs.
SYLVESTER: No more questions your honour
MR CRUICKSHANK: Ms Haverson, what is your background?
MS HAVERSON: I guess you could say that I’m unemployed
PROSECUTOR: So your a prostitute without any academic qualifications who lives off the money of others
MS HAVERSON: Aren’t we all prostitutes in some form or another?
MR CRUICKSHANK: No Ms Haverson we are not
MS HAVERSON: Well Mr Cruickshank it occurs to me that you effectively represent Mr Thornton despite the vile, nasty creature that he is, and you do it for the money.
MR CRUICKSHANK: That is enough Ms Haverson. No more questions your honour
SYLVESTER: Your honour, I would like to call Emerson Da Silva
Emerson approaches the witness box
SYLVESTER: Mr Da Silva, how long have you known Mr Rosenwood?
EMERSON: Almost ten years
SYLVESTER: Was he a bully in the time you knew him?
EMERSON: Not at all. He never offended or upset anyone
SYLVESTER: Did he ever stand up for anyone?
EMERSON: There were a number of times in school when bullies would be intimidating some and he would intervene to protect the victim
Cut to
MR CRUICKSHANK : Mr Da Silva, what do you work at?
EMERSON: I’m a taxi driver
MR CRUICKSHANK: How much do you earn a year?
EMERSON: I don’t know exactly. It’s up and down
MR CRUICKSHANK : Would you say $30,000 a year?
EMERSON: Somewhere around there
MR CRUICKSHANK: So how much is Mr Rosenwood paying you? Five bucks?
EMERSON: Dieter is a friend and a good one at that
MR CRUICKSHANK: Friends in low places Mr Da Silva. Mr Thornton earns more than $100,000 per year. He can’t be bought.
SYLVESTER: The state would like to call Mr Thornton
Scott takes to the witness stand
SYLVESTER: Mr Thornton, in your earlier testimony, you claimed that Cuddles was your childhood friend. Is this correct?
SCOTT THORNTON: Yes
SYLVESTER: When did you buy Cuddles
SCOTT THORNTON: He was given to me when I was three years old
SYLVESTER: May I examine Cuddles
SCOTT THORNTON: No. Myself and Cuddles are inseparable. I couldn’t bear to lose him.
SYLVESTER: Not even for a second
JUDGE: Mr Thornton, you will allow Mr Gordon to examine the item
SCOTT THORNTON: Cuddles is no item
Reluctantly Scott hands the toy over
SYLVESTER: It says that this Cuddly Toy was made by Walborne Toys. Are you familiar with Walborne Toys Mr Thornton?
SCOTT THORNTON: I’m more familiar with Cuddles than anyone
SYLVESTER: Walborne Toysis only eight years old. This toy could not possibly be your childhood friend. I put it to you Mr Thornton that you bought this toy a mere seven days ago and decided to use it as a ploy to win over the hearts and minds of the jury.
SCOTT THORNTON: I don’t lie, Mr Gordon
SYLVESTER: No more questions your honour
Cut to
JUDGE: Now that we’ve heard all the evidence from the witnesses, it is now time to hear the closing statements. Mr Cruickshank
MR CRUICKSHANK: This case is about bullying. Let us make no mistake about that. Mr Thornton is the timid and vulnerable victim of Dieter Rosenwood. He wasn’t happy about stealing his wife, he wanted him to experience physical pain as well. The testimony of the prosecution experts confirms this. Scott Thornton was beaten to a pulp and left for dead. His wounds are there to see and his psychological scars are beyond doubt.
Cut to
SYLVESTER: Mr Cruickshank said that this case was about bullying, but it is about more than that. It is about the privileged and the under-privileged. One man, Scott Thornton, believes that his upbringing with a silver spoon in his mouth will count for much more than Dieter Rosenwood, a waiter from a diner. Mr Rosenwood has no record. He has never been in trouble. What we have is the Rich bullying the poor, on the basis that the rich man will carry more credibility and more clout than a guy who works in a diner.
Cut to:
JUDGE: Have the jury reached a decision
FOREMAN: Yes sir
JUDGE: How do you find the defendant?
FOREMAN: Guilty your honour