Cool Down
- Peter K F Cheung SBS
- Jun 8, 2021
- 3 min read
FADE IN.
Act 1
INT. STUDY - 5:30am
PETER is studying thick files.
PETER (V.O.): No preparation is ever enough.
EXT. STREET - 7:45am
Cloudy. Carrying a bulged brief case, Peter walks towards a bus terminus.
PETER (V.O.): Well, I've forgotten to bring an umbrella.
INT. PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE - 9:00am
STAFF#1 is helping Peter to do some photocopying.
PETER: I didn't know it isn't you who should be helping me.
STAFF#1 smiles as he takes a look of STAFF#2 who is enjoying her breakfast.
Act 2
INT. COURT ROOM - 9:40am
Staring at papers on the table, Peter looks disturbed.
PETER (V.O.): Oh, I've forgotten to make copies of the Brief Facts of this case!
Peter looks frustrated.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Some investigation teams prepare well and I don't have to bother with that.
Having sought the Court's indulgence, Peter passes the document to Staff#2 to make copies. At the end of the proceedings, a young MAN is taken to the cell.
INT. COURT ROOM - 10.00am
Peter is making an application to the Court.
PETER: The vital witness in this case is overseas and begs to adjourn the case to 2023 when the pandemic quarantines may ease...I invite the Court to consider adjourning the case for 6 months.
We hear the other side objects on ground of fairness and asks the Court to stay the proceedings permanently.
COURT: As this is the prosecution's first application, the Court would reluctantly adjourn the case to Dec 2021.
Peter looks relieved.
PETER (V.O.): Well, I've got what I sought to achieve, learning something in the process too.
INT. COURT ROOM - 10.30am
Some exchanges. Then, Staff#2 discreetly talks to Peter.
STAFF#2: For this case, the first witness hasn't shown up and the 3rd witness would only arrive in half an hour.
Peter nods, looking very frustrated.
PETER (V.O.): They should be here well before 9:30am!
Peter looks anxious.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): The trial can't proceed... I've to bring this to the Court's attention...Should I apply for a warrant of arrest?
As Peter addresses the Court, SOMEONE stands up in the audience.
SOMEONE: I'm here!
ALL look shocked.
COURT: You've been inside court before you're called in!
When all eyes focus on him, Peter asks the Court to stand down for awhile.
INT. PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE - LATER
A few unhappy FACES meet and discuss,
PETER (V.O.): Such shouldn't have happened.
PETER: Well, I'll exercise my best endeavour to salvage the operation.
INT. COURT - 11.00am
The trial proceeds as usual.
PETER (V.O.): I think the standing down helps all to cool down. I believe my job is done if I can secure a prima facie case.
As he does his examination in chief, he searches his papers on the table.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I instructed staff#1 this morning to make sufficient copies of this original photo. But I can't find any of them.
Multitasking, Peter discreetly instructs Staff#2 to do that.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I've to hang on with my examination until her return.
Soon, Staff#2 returns and passes Peter some copies. Peter immediately checks them.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): OMG, she passes me some photocopied blank papers!
Seeing Peter's reaction and the blank papers, Staff#2 snatches them back and rushes away.
Act 3
EXT. ROAD - 5.15pm
At a mini bus stop, Peter's waiting.
PETER (V.O.): It's so hot today.
EXT. SWIMMING POOL - 6:15pm
Peter swims leisurely.
PETER (V.O.): I really need to cool down.
INT. STUDY - 7:45pm
We hear from the radio a 1966 song by the Reynettes called: Kowloon, Hong Kong.
DJ (From radio): There's no mention of New Territories. Was it undeveloped?
.PETER (V.O.): Yes, it has been hard for people living in NT to make a difference.
Peter takes a deep breath.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Life is like butter. When we cool down, we can be reshaped.
FADE OUT.
THE END
Comments