TAKES
PLACE IN THE YEAR 1985
1.INT.
FOREROOM OF A MIDDLE-CLASS COTTAGE – DAY – MORNING
The room is tidy, well-furnished, the things are arranged in
perfect order. In a word, it appears methodical.
The voices of a couple are heard from the adjoining room.
MALE VOICE
Make it quick honey, getting late. Better pack slices of
bread , I’ll have it on the way. Wheat ones please.
FEMALE VOICE
I’m done. I’m done. Take it easy.
The 1983 model landline phone, placed in the living room and
ON WHICH THE CAMERA IS BEING FOCUSED, rings.
MALE VOICE
And there’s one more to add to this hurry. Can you just…
FEMALE VOICE
Yeah, I’ll see darling.
A lady in her mid-thirties rushes towards the phone and picks
it up.
ELENA
Hello.
Hello, I said.
(After a short pause)
Hellooo…
on spur of moment, her face turns blue, she starts
sweating, the receiver falls off her hand and in seconds, she faints.
Matt comes running to her. He kneels down to hold her on his
lap, presses her cheeks nimbly in an attempt to wake her up.
MATT
What was that honey, are you alright?? Honey.. Look up. Who
was that??
Matt holds the receiver to his ear, appears dazed with his
hands trembling.
MATT(CONTD)
Who’s that over there?? Hello..
2.INT-
HOSPITAL WARD - DAY
Elena is on her ward-bed, Matt sitting on her side.Doctor and
nurse are just around them,standing.
She slowly opens her eyes.
MATT
Oh dear dear. Good gracious God you are fine.
Are you alright honey now? How you feeling?
She tries to sit down, leaning over the end-support of the
bed.
She just nods her head positively, as if saying 'fine'.
MATT(CONTD)
What happened to you dear? What was that?? Who was on the
line?
Ok, I’m probably disturbing you needlessly this soon. Take rest dear.
After a brief pause.
ELENA
(Haltingly) No that’s fine. I want to recall, want to share
it or it haunts me.
MATT
If it’s really not tiring for you..
ELENA
(Slowly, sobbing and in a low tone) No. That was a strange
instance. I can say that was a horrible one.
I picked the phone up that day and for a few moments, there was no voice from
the other end.
Then I suddenly felt something bizarre, some strange thing happened to my mind.
I felt my head turning, turning and turning.
But I don’t remember anyone speaking over from that side. Just random bizarre
sounds. Or perhaps, I have forgotten, or I couldn't make out.
It was more or less like .. like my head started twirling.
And that’s all I can remember at the moment, honey.
She holds Matt's arms tight and couches her face over his
chest.
MATT
Oh, that’s fine dear. Take rest, you need it.
May be a coincidence. Of the phone ringing and yourself falling off.
No worries, so have the doctors said. My love will be normal soon.
3.INT-
BASKIN ROBBINS’ SHOP –DAY - NYC
(After a couple of days, as shown in the movie through
calendar dates...)
The shop is moderately crowded. Has two rooms, a sitting
longue and a preparation counter attached bill counter.
Phone rings in the counter. Picked up off the cuff by the owner of the shop, a
chubby guy with white-brown, who's in his continental clothing.
JOE
Hello, Baskin Robbins
Baskin Robbins, Hello.
Baskin, ….. hello Robbins. [in a confused tone]
No response from the other end.
In seconds, his face appears anxious, the receiver slips off his hand, he
faints.
As he falls, thuds against the sharp edges of the glass showcase and suffers a
minor injury.
His assistants rush to him for help.
ASSISTANT-1
What happened Fatty?? Seems there’s something serious here.
ASSISTANT -2
Appears someone shot him with a bullet through the phone!
ASSISTANT -3
To the hospital , *NOW*.
ASSISTANT-3 calls few customers too, waving his hand, to lift
the hefty body of Joe.
4.INT-
HOSPITAL WARD - day
Joe sleeping on his bed. Few of his assistants are around
him. He opens his eyes sluggishly.
ASSISTANT -1
Good good, into his senses. Fatty, Fatty, how u now?? Alright?
JOE
(Pausing between the words) Quite so. All three of
you, here I can see. Who’s at the shop??
And they all laugh.
ASSISTANT -2
What happened that day Fatty?? You fell off so horribly? I
heard your eighth wife left you for her twelfth man?
In mild laughter, all of them.
joe
Well naa. I wouldn't had cared much then. (Joe cracks up) I
don’t remember the after events of mine picking the phone exactly.
It was a kind of shock. But I can say, nobody spoke from the other end, or I
don’t remember exactly.
But some strange sounds were evident.
I was holding the receiver and felt some sort of shock in my brain. It wasn’t
that normal. Serious.
And then, I don’t know what happened, when I opened my eyes, all three of you
f***ing bastards are here.
They once again cackle at the last line.
ASSISTANT – 1
Strange. Very. Shall we report the incident to the cops??
joe
Better we. May be we can. But what shall I say them?? That
what I felt??
ASSISTANT -1
They will laugh their as* out , if you describe to them, what
you just said.
Best will be, leave it ignored. Shall see if it recurs.
5.INT. MIT
LAB – MASSACHUSSETTS - day
The well organized higher-physics laboratory at MIT, Boston,
looks teeming with students that day which give a notion that laboratory exam
is ongoing.
Students are conducting various experiments, both alone and in groups.
PROFESSOR STEVE
Time’s running out. Half an hour more. Special relativity in
picture.
Time seems to run faster and faster, than Ben Hur’s chariot during exam, isn’t
it??
Silence.
The laboratory phone rings, supposed to be an intercom.
Professor Steve picks the phone.
PROFESSOR STEVE
Hello, Physics lab division, Arthur Steve here.
Hello. Who’s that.
Can you hear me. Helloooo.
And suddenly, he’s appears shocked. His eyes gradually close
and he faints.The receiver slips off.
Students start whispering and their noise grows louder.
Some of them hesitate to, but a few drop their experiments off and rush towards
Steve.
STUDENT -1
Sir, are you ok?
Professor Steve, you are fine??
Most students have now left their experiments, some silently
watching the ongoing scene, some murmering, some as still as a mouse.
RANDOM STUDENT -1
Common, the professor is dead. The lab exam is called off due
to his sudden unexpected demise. Ha ha ha.
RANDOM STUDENT -2
Can you please f***ing stop it. It’s no time for joking.
RANDOM STUDENT -1
It isn’t no joke.
RANDOM STUDENT -3
Will you shut the hell up?
Lab assistants enter and take Professor Steve to a nearby
hospital. (The ambulance siren is HEARD).
6. INT.
MEETING ROOM – MIT – DAY
The meeting room appears to have a strong suffocating
ambience. Few top heads of the institution and security experts are seated
around the round table.
HOD-PHYSICS DEPT
Gentlemen, this is not one of those accustomed meetings where
we assemble and discuss the trends, student interests and other academic stuffs.
I have called this meeting to confabulate and come to an accord about the
future of our advanced Physics lab. As you know Professor Arthur Steve is still
down for the count and we don’t know when he's gonna be fine.
Moreover, this is exam time and university examinations are just up ahead. Its
already been three days now and Steve is still in hospital, unconscious. He
might be needing some days more to recover. So, in the absence of our beloved
professor, I would like to promote, temporarily, Professor Clarke Jose to the
post of Advanced Physics lab in-charge.
Professor Clark Jose's face is shown CLOSE-UP.
His face casts off profound emotions.
He nods, multiple times.
HOD gets up and starts walking slowly around the table,
popping the paper-weight out of and into his hands.
HOD-PHYSICS DEPT(CONTD)
That was one part of it. But this meeting also has something
more serious to offer.
The telephone incident , you should be knowing by now, was very strange,
bizarre and mystifying.
No one knows what happened. It was an intercom call connected to Physics lab
from the main reception.
The receptionist mentions of some Jerald Butler as the caller, but no more
details of him are on hand.
Nobody knows what happened to Steve, and if it was some personal stuff, none
could help out.
Nonetheless, we would demand the security department to launch an internal
investigation on this.
(He looks at the security chief and)
Would that be triggered??
They nod.
7. INT.
MACHHACHUSETTS STATE HOSPITAL SPECIAL WARD – DAY
Professor Arthur Steve is recovering. He slowly opens his
eyes. Nurse is around him, watching his actions keenly.
NURSE
(To the doctor who is attending a neighboring patient)
Doctor, professor has woken up, good news.
DOCTOR
(turns back and)
In a minute.
He concludes prescribing his current patient and comes to
Steve’s bed.
DOCTOR(CONTD)
Professor, professor. Good morning. How *ARE*
you?
Don’t bother replying, I just told you you are awake.
PROFESSOR STEVE
Doctor (a brief pause) …How am I??
DOCTOR
Well, you are fine. No issues. All the reports, your brain
scans, ECG and everything are super normal.
There doesn’t seem to be anything wrong. You will be discharged soon and you
can continue your E = mc
PROFESSOR STEVE
square.
DOCTOR
Aah, that’s excusable. I’m a doctor, isn’t it!!
PROFESSOR STEVE
Indeed. But if every report of mine was normal, why am I
here?? I was supposed to be at the Physics lab.
DOCTOR
Infact, that was a question, I am supposed to ask and you are
expected to answer Professor. Why *are* you here?
Tell me professor, if it doesn’t drain you, tell me. Tell me, why are you here.
What happened?
Your students told me of some strange phone stories that more sounded akin to
1960 horrors. (He laughs)
PROFESSOR STEVE
(Speaking bit by
bit) Oh
yeah. Yeah. They were right. I can hardly remember that now. But yes, I summon
up.
(Remembering things and events)
I got a call while invigilating an exam. And I picked.
Hah. (Sighs)
For a minute or less than that, nothing happened, but I heard some odd words in
a male voice from the other end, could not de-code what were those.
They were so eccentric. They were… kind of threatening.
But out of the blue, it was all over me. I was baffled by what was going on, I
lost my senses, control over me. Just fell off, fainted.
And the very next event that’s recorded in my memory is what I saw when I woke
up a few minutes ago.
DOCTOR
Mmmm. Very strange. Anyways, you will be discharged
soon. This has more to deal with the police than a doctor, perhaps.
Well, take rest. You need it. See you.
8.INT. MIT
PHYSICS LAB- DAY
Professor Arthur Steve returns to the college. He is entering
the main campus amidst numerous wishes from the students on his way.
RANDOM STUDENT-1
Good Morning Mr.Steve, nice to see you back.
PROFESSOR STEVE
Good to come back. To you all.
RANDOM STUDENT-1
So, how was it Mr.Steve? People here say of some
strange stories?
PROFESSOR STEVE
I have hardly any idea on what you might have heard from them
, but trust me, it was one ghastly occurrence.
I never wish to feel it again.
RANDOM STUDENT-1 is compelled to depart as Steve
enters the Dean’s office.
PROFESSOR STEVE(CONTD)
Good morning Mr.Eric.
DEAN ERIC SALDANA
Aah. There he is. Very good morning Mr.Steve. So glad to see
you again.
How are you now? Allright??
PROFESSOR STEVE
Yeah, now almost fine.
DEAN ERIC SALDANA
Good. As you might be aware of, your episode has caused quite
a controversy. And is rumored baselessly inside the campus.
PROFESSOR STEVE
Quite expected that. The rate of spreading of a rumor
is exponential. [They laugh]
DEAN ERIC SALDANA
In the wake of it, can you please report to the security
in-charge and assist them in the investigation?
Not an order, I request you.
PROFESSOR STEVE
Well, not a problem. Not a problem.
DEAN ERIC SALDANA
That would be great.
9. INT. MIT
SECURITY DEPARTMENT CAMPUS - DAY
Professor Steve walks through the hallway of the Security
division and enters Mr.Jack Pebble's room. While entering, he gazes at the
nameplate on the door that read " JACK PEBBLE -- HOD. CAMPUS SECURITY"
JACK PEBBLE
Welcome. Welcome Mr.Steve. Dean Eric had informed about your
arrival here today. Be seated please.
PROFESSOR STEVE
Thanks eh. Aah. Yeah, Mr.Eric asked me to assist you in the
internal investigation, he informed, you of having launched.
Steve pulls the chair and sits down with crossed legs. Jack
Pebble takes out a file and reads something
JACK PEBBLE
So.. well.. Mr.Steve, we have heard from the witnesses, your
students, that it was all about a mere phone call. And its surrounding rumors.
But would wish to listen to all of it from you??
PROFESSOR STEVE
Yeah, yeah. True. It was indeed a mere phone call. But, not a
usual one. It was (he halds between the words, stressing them aptly)terrible,
bizarre and unanticipated. I picked it up, and was saying hello... hello for
times till some strange, weird words I heard from the other end. It was not
English. Probably not any language at all, but was terrific, shrill, growling.
Within seconds, I felt an acute pain in my head, as if someone penetrated your
the soft part around your skull with a sharp needle. That was it, I fell down.
JACK PEBBLE
I see. Very mysterious. First of its kind. And by the way,
the receptionist who linked the call to you has mentioned of some Jerald Butler
as the caller. You know this Jerald Butler?
PROFESSOR STEVE
No. Absolutely no idea who this Jerald Butler is.
JACK PEBBLE
Ok. Now we have one thing to do. From the meager details what
we have with us, we will lodge an official complaint with the police. Dean
wants to have it resolved any way.
PROFESSOR STEVE
That's pretty advisable.
JACK PEBBLE
Well then, nice to have you back in the physics lab. Good day
Mr.Steve.
Steve departs
10.INT. An
NGO OFFICE IN KANSAS -DAY
The office is teeming at that peak hour, with people moving
briskly with files in their hands, some for approval, some for verification and
some for reviews. Ten clerks are sitting in line, at the counter, processing
the files, advising profusely. Phone at one of their counters rings. The clerk
is so busy that he hardly minds it. The phone keeps ringing. The busy clerk is
all occupied in ordering the papers, signing a few of them and it continues.
The ringing stops.
And starts again.
But he is all adamant and committed to his files. The
annoyed peon pick the receiver up.
PEON
Hello, what can I do for you? Hello. Hello.
CLERK
Still going through the files.
Keep the phone down, they are supposed to answer at once, we
can't give them so much time.
The receiver slips off from the peon's hand as he falls down
on the desk. Chaos at the place, clerk, at once places the files away and tries
to wake up the peon.
CLERK
Neil, Neil. What happened. Who was that? Oh come on, get up.
What happened all of a sudden? Please give us some place to breath in, please.
Stay away. Oh he's gone unconscious. Can someone call the doctor RIGHT NOW??
People watching this start murmuring. They start explaining
others what had just happened. The noise grows louder and louder until the peon
is taken away in the stretcher.
CLERK
[In a low tone, angrily] That's why I don't give a damn to
the customers who call me. Let them tear their shoes off and come visit me.
11.INT.
ELENA'S HOUSE - DAY
Elena is sitting in the balcony, reading newspaper, slurping
coffee. A pen is lazily held rolling between her index and middle fingers, as
her eye-balls are shown hovering over the clues of the daily-crossword.
And she shouts.
ELENA
Honeeeeyyyyy... can you come here. Now.. To the balcony.
ELENA's HUSBAND (Voice Over)
dear.. What happened ?? I'm coming.
He comes running to the balcony, panting.
Stops beside her, bends down putting palms of his knees,as he
tries to collect himself.
ELENA'S HUSBAND
What happened?? What happened now?
ELENA
Did you look at this??
She hands him the newspaper over.
ELENA'S HUSBAND
Looks at the impeccably filled-up crossword.
(Angrily, in a menacing tone)
Holy God.. This is ridiculous of you. Was there any need to
yell so loud like a siren just to show me your filled and f***ed up crossword??
ELENA
Honey, relax. Relax. Come sit down. That was not I meant.
Look at the news adjacent to the crossword. This one.
She points to the news article. They read on, together,
silently.
The newspaper news had this headline published besides the
crossword section.
"Mysterious telephone call in Kansas: Peon gone unconscious".
ELENA'S HUSBAND
Holy God, this is very uncanny. This is exactly what had
happened to you, isn't it?? Precisely same, everything.
ELENA
Yes, every piece of it. For a moment I thought I was reading
my own hell.
ELENA'S HUSBAND
Lucky you, you recovered just in a day. This guy has taken
almost three days to get back.
ELENA
(Romantically)
Lucky you.
They throw the paper away and kiss each other. Fall down on
the chair lazily.
12.INT.
POLICE COMMISSIONER'S CABIN - DAY
The cabin is silent and austere with an alarming aura. The
commissioner and his two subordinates are sitting in their places, silently,
till the commissioner speaks up.
COMMISSIONER
I'm quite disturbed with this. And want you take it
seriously, before something dangerous happens out of it. Atleast, I need to
have the basic investigation reports on this mysterious phone call cases. There
are many already. I don't want anymore of them. I don't expect...(a brief
pause) You may go now.
They nod and leave.
13.INT
Mediclaim hospital- washington dc -day
Dr.Thomas Herguson is busy treating his patient, checking
something inside his mouth, Thomas being a dentist.
Nurse enters.
NURSE
Doctor you have a STD call, at the floor reception.
THOMAS HERGUSON
Yeah ? Can you please take care of him for a while, while I
attend it.
NURSE
Not a problem.
Thomas exits from his shop-space and comes to the floor
reception. Picks the phone up.
THOMAS HERGUSON
Hello. Hello. Who's that??
And he faints, plops down onto the floor and receptionist and
a couple of others rush at him.
CUTAWAY:
14.INT
JAMES and james constructors' office - INDIANAPOLIS day
The office is small but tidy. A man in his mid-thirties with
a yellow helmet and a pencil in his hand is sitting on his chair, looking at,
cutting off, drawing lines on the broad drawing sheet spread across the table
in his front.
The phone just besides the table rings. He picks it.
MAN
yeah!! Who ??
In seconds, he faints, thuds down.
ZOOM IN:
The watchman of the complex where James and James
Constructors office bunks out enters in to give him the pizza delivery. Looks
at the man lying down, walks towards him.
CUTAWAY:
15.INT.
GOOD MORNING US NEWSPAPER OFFICE - NYC DAY
The hall is a big one, tables with loads of files can be
found throughout. The sound of printing paper is evident. People are walking
fervently, randomly in their own paths. A reporter in high heels, holding a
file is walking hurriedly. While so, she opens the file, glances at the papers
and observes something and closes the file, keeping it back within her locked
hands clutched to her breasts.
RANDOM GUY-1
(In a low tone) What is that she is holding there??
Seems to be a top sercet, tomorrow's breaking news?
RANDOM GUY-2
That contains the details about the precise location of the
holy grail.
And a giggling sound is heard. But she moves on. She is
walking towards the chief editor's cabin. The nameplate on the door says so.
She's almost panting, thanks to her pace with which she came walking along. She
knocks the door.
REPORTER MARy JENNINGS
May I come in , Sir?
CHIEF EDITOR DEVON COLE(VOICE over)
Come in.
REPORTER MARY JENNINGS
Sir, this is quite strange. May be something at which we
should dive into, creating special reports and opinions. Its booming.
CHIEF EDITOR DEVON COLE
And that is?
REPORTER MARY JENNINGS
The mysterious phone call incidents. They are everywhere now.
Just for tomorrow, we have three reports of them, across states. They are
something needing special attention. Could be profitable with special page
news. Look at this, in the past week, we have four incidents of it, and three
this week. People are afraid even to pick their phone up. So, how about a
special report on these mystifying cases?
CHIEF EDITOR DEVON COLE
Sounds promising. What do you think? Will you be able to
investigate that? Consider duly the risks involved.
REPORTER MARY JENNINGS
Oh, I'll consider myself lucky if you assign it to me sir.
Devon Cole approves as he indicates it through a sturdy
thumbs-up.
16.INT.
TOM HATTEN's office - NYC -Day
The office is luxurious, unconventional. Richness in it is
evident through the granite finishing, precious woodwork, decorative light
lamps, marble showcases amongst others. Tom Hatten is sitting on his chair
infront of a shining table, on which, numerous papers are laid down. He is in
his expensive trousers, long hat and a cigar casting off thick fumes is held in
his mouth. His secretary is seen sitting just few steps away typing something.
Two persons are sitting against him, discussing.
TOM HATTEN
That's unacceptable gentlemen. Six million dollars is really
a big bargain, which is unaffordable. I can even risk pulling off from the
deal, but no to your numbers.
Tom Hatten writes an X mark in air, swiftly and in the
process gazes at his diamond studded watch, to check the time.
Meanwhile, the phone rings. The secretary gets up from his
place and moves towards the phone to pick up. But Tom Hatten picks it up before
him.
TOM HATTEN
Hello!! Hello.
He removes his hat slowly. But looks confused, afraid , his
head randomly twirls away, his eyes gradually close and the receiver falls off,
hung loosely, moving to and fro down under the table. The secretary comes
running towards him, while the two men with whom Tom Hatten was talking also
join to assist him. Tom Hatten is unconscious.
SECRETARY
Anyone there, call the doctors. Now. RIGHT NOW. Right away.
Doctors arrive in minutes, running.
DOCTOR-1
Checking Tom Hatten's pulse and performing some physical
tests on him.
What was it?? Precisely??
SECRETARY
Aah, there was a phone call. He picked it..
DOCTOR-1
Oh, you mean that mysterious phone call case?? Affected even
Tom Hatten??
SECRETARY
Yes, unfortunately.
Doctors feel bad, shake their head in disgust.
They call for a stretcher and take Tom Hatten to a
super-specialty hospital.
17. INT
POlice commissioner's cabin - day
This time, the cabin was even more pensive. The ambiance was
a deadpan, even the calmest would start sweating in the AC chamber, just at the
sight of the Commissioner. There were six police officers sitting around him,
everyone waiting for the commissioner's words. After almost half a minute of
suffocating silence, in which the commissioner seemed to be thinking very
deeply, he speaks up.
COMMISSIONER
Gentlemen, I had warned you about this. But in vain, as I
feel now. All your investigation reports say the same old story of an
unanticipated call, fainting episodes, the same blah blah blah. Anything more??
Anything unknown to me? This is unacceptable, you have failed miserably in this
task. What am I going go say to the people, to the higher officers, to the
government?
POlice officer-1
Infact Sir, we are trying. The problem lies in the fact that
the call everytime comes from different numbers, from different geographical
areas and to very random people. Its highly improbable to ask everyone to
install a caller-identity device with their phones. That will take time. Even
to tap the call, its very intricate, as it lasts just few seconds, according to
the victims.
COMMISSIONER
Yes I agree. But does that mean I can take it from you that
cannot solve it using the existing resources? Well, don't say. To add to the
burning fuel, the call-attack on millionaire Tom Hatten has become viral. Every
newspaper has made that their headlines. Wild fire would have been slower than
this news. That was even discussed in assembly, you know of it?? So now, FBI
has sent their agent Mr.Robert Preisly for this investigation. He will be
working with you all and you are expected to assist him in all the viable ways.
Shall I count your silence for 'agreed'?
They all nod their heads.
COMMISSIONER
You may disperse. We will meet again with some good news in
hand.
POLICE OFFICER-1
I wish so.
[At the same time]
POLICE OFFICER-2
I hope so.
Just after those colliding words.
COMMISSIONER
I think so.
18.INT.
house of thomas ferguson, the dentist at medicalaim hospital - night
The house looked very modern, not very big though, with
garden in the front and a parking space. Reporter Mary Jennings of Good Morning
US newspaper is walking towards its front door and she rings the bell.
The door is opened by the house maid.
REPORTER MARY JENNINGS
Good evening, this is Mary Jennings from GoodMorning US
newspaper.
MAID
Good evening madam. What can I do for you?
REPORTER MARY JENNINGS
Mr.Thomas Ferguson?? Is there?? I had called him
yesterday and had got this appointment.
MAID
Please come in. Be seated.
Maid goes inside. Mary Jennings sits on the cosy sofa and
looks at the walls, full of empty photo-frames save a few clocks.
And there enters Mr.Thomas Ferguson
THOMAS HERGUSON
Good evening Miss.Jennings. How do you do?
She stands up. He waves his palm down asking her to sit down.
They both sit
REPORTER MARY JENNINGS
Doing good sir. How have you been now??
THOMAS HERGUSON
Yeah, no problem. Going on well. But I’m scared of using
telephones now. I have surrendered my landline infact. [He laughs]
REPORTER MARY JENNINGS
Yeah, I can understand sir. May I take a bit of your precious
time, interviewing you regarding the same episode?
THOMAS HERGUSON
Ofcourse, ofcourse. But I already have said enough about
whatever I know on that. You want to write it all over again? Guess, you
wouldn’t want to irritate your readers. Would you?
REPORTER MARY JENNINGS
Absolutely not sir. This is not going to be a news article.
This is infact an inside story. What might, what could have caused this is
going to be the main line of discussion.
THOMAS HERGUSON
Aah, I can more relate it to a police investigation rather?
[He laughs]
REPORTER MARY JENNINGS
Not at all, sir. It’s very casual. More of just opinion
exchange.
THOMAS HERGUSON
Go ahead, shoot.
REPORTER MARY JENNINGS
Thank you sir. Well, I won’t rub it the wrong way again
perturbing you with the incident. I’ll sum up for you. From the pieces of
interviews and newspapers, I could collect that you were in the hospital,
attending a patient when you got the call. You went and attended, leaving your
nurse in the shop. You held the phone to your ear, heard strange noises, some
strange words of a language unrecognizable, in a harsh tone. Then, you started
losing control over your mind. Within seconds, you fell unconscious on the
floor. And then, you woke up, to find yourself in the hospital.
THOMAS HERGUSON
You have hit the bull’s eye in its accuracy.
REPORTER MARY JENNINGS
Indeed, that’s a trait of orthodox journalists. Kept that
aside, sir, may I ask you if you were really expecting some call that day?
THOMAS HERGUSON
I must say no. Clear *no*. Because I’m a widower and the only
one who could call me personally to my office number is my maid. And she never
does that. She knows the number, ofcourse, but she won’t call. Investigations
from the state reveal the call was from a public phone booth. But I don’t know
who on earth would call to my office reception and summon me while in office.
All I can say is that probably I was just one of those thenty- twenty five odd
fated victims, randomly picked.
REPORTER MARY JENNINGS
You kind of suspect someone?? Or what do you think why would
someone do all this?
THOMAS HERGUSON
I have no clue absolutely. Not a small speck of it. I’m so
sorry I have no more data to assist you. This interview might not be of any
value to you, I'm so sorry on that.
REPORTER MARY JENNINGS
Well… that’s ok. Glad I met you all the same. Will visit you
again, when required ?
THOMAS HERGUSON
Door’s always open.
REPORTER MARY JENNINGS
Thank you sir. I should leave now.
She departs.
19. INT-
reporter MARY JENNING'S HOUSE – NIGHT
Mary Jennings is sitting leaned forward supporting her chin,
in her room, smoking, dozens of draft-papers laid across infront of her, on the
bed. She is found marking and underlining and rounding off some words here and
there, in different drafts and writing something, that looks more like a
flowchart, in a separate paper. The heading on that draft says “The missing
link” and the CAMERA SHOWS THE HEADING ON other drafts spread over there, which
bear the headings – “Interview with Lei Menu – Victim 6” , “Interview with
Marian – Victim 8” , “Interview with Thomas Ferguson – Victim - 5” and some
more are quickly hovered upon.
She collects all the papers, sorts them and stows them in a file. Gets up from
the bed, walks toward her wardrobe, opens it to grab a small electronic
instrument which is then revealed to be a caller identity device. She slowly,
as if in a thought process, walks toward her phone, tries to connect this
instrument to the phone's cable notch. She gazes at the A4 sized paper sheet
and a pen that's neatly tied to a thread, hung upon a nail holder just above
the telephone table. The paper shows the heading – “in case I get a call” and a
few checkboxes that show few of the descriptions mentioned by most victims like
– “Was it English?” , “ Male voice ?” and some more.
CUT-AWAY
20. INT-
POLICE STATION CAMPUS- DAY
The main building is huge, crowded and brimful, with police
officers and junior cops spread out everywhere, most in their uniforms, save a
few exceptions. A man walks in, from the main entrance. (CAMERA ZOOMED-IN TO
SHOW HIS BOOTS) He is walking with utmost seriousness, is wearing a pair of
mirror-polished jet black shoes. The click of his footsteps are unmistakable,
that even made a few turn back to know who he was. He is in his black suit and
is holding a briefcase in his right hand- swinging it in a way a scout cadet
does. (THE CAMERA MOVES UP NOW TO SHOW HIS FACE) From face, he appears to be a
genuine top cop, sharp glowing eyes, unsullied cheeks, beaky nose and an
evident mustache. He is walking swiftly towards the Chief Officer’s cabin. He
doesn’t seem to be bothered about knocking the door of the cabin, as he pushes
the door and enters directly, swiping his security cards at the machines and
showing the same to the watchman of the cabin, who lets in him without a word.
The chief officer is taken by surprise by the entry of this unsolicited person,
but he is calm the very next moment, as he recognizes the guy in black suit as
the FBI agent, Mr.Robert Preisly.
CHIEF OFFICER
Aah, welcome, welcome Mr.Priesly. I was quite expecting you.
Have your seat.
ROBERT PRIESLY
Thank you [He sits down]. Coming straight to the point, which
is always my way of dealing things, I must say I’m quite aware of the situation
and have gone through the initial police reports, none of which are profound
enough though. Anyway, I ll start my investigation from this noon and would
like to have required assistance from your people.
CHIEF OFFICER
Sure. You will be endowed with the necessary support.
Without another word, Robert Priesly gets up and leaves the
chief officer’s cabin. The chief officer is taken aback by the air of
seriousness in his conduct and sincerity in Priesly’s words and attitude and he
keeps gazing at the closed door even after he departs.
21.
EXT/INT. ELENA’S HOUSE – DAY
A black car drives in towards Elena’s house and is seen
parked gently just in front of the gate. Robert Priesly opens the back door of
it and steps down. He’s holding the usual briefcase and enters the front garden
of Elena’s house. He rings the door bell, while his eyes are trying their best,
rolling over, to gain whatever information if at all around them.
In seconds, the door is opened. Elena is standing inside
ELENA
Yes?
ROBERT PRIESLY
This is Roberst Priesly, from Police Dept. [He shows his ID]
ELENA
[Out of frustration] Look at this. Police. Police again.
Guess you are here for the same mysterious phone call case investigation. Oh
come on, I’m sick of your department now. More than ten investigations already
here, but no result. You are again gonna ask me the same old questions or you
have anything new?
ROBERT PRIESLY
As a matter of fact, I would like to remind you that I’m here
to question and you are to answer. Other way round, I’m not bothered.
He enters in, Elena could just keep watching him enter her
house.
As he walks in, he is relentless in looking for any minor details that could be
of some help for him. He enters her living room, she follows.
ROBERT PRIESLY(CONTD)
So, you were its very first victim. Isn’t that?
ELENA
I don’t know. Police say so.
ROBERT PRIESLY
Mmm. Isn't enthralling to become the very first victim of a
mystery of this scale?
He is examining the room, the place where phone was kept and
all, as well asking questions without looking at her, face to face.
ELENA
You ask weird questions, in a rather irritating way. It irks.
ROBERT PRIESLY
I liked your answer, which was *TO THE POINT.* Can you try to
recall what words were uttered by the man from the other end?
ELENA
Oh, they were not decipherable. Something like “rache,
horra.. horra”… Sounded like a ghost’s agony and lasted for just a second or
two.
ROBERT PRIESLY
And when your husband listened to it?
ELENA
He mentioned it was already cut.
ROBERT PRIESLY
Well, well.
ELENA
Same old questions, same old answers. Aren’t they dying at
all? Are there nothing new??
ROBERT PRIESLY
New things emerge out of shadows. But there’s hardly
any light here. Haven’t you heard, every winter of despair is followed by a
spring of hope. Well, keep the door open for me. I might come up with *NEW*
things any day.
He goes towards the stairway , indicating he’s about to leave.
22. INT-
THOMAS HERGUSON'S HOUSE – NIGHT
(The scene is seen through the big open window, located
just besides the broad door )
Robert Priesly and Thomas Ferguson are sitting on the settee
of the living room, facing each other, necks turned. Priesly is seen asking
questions upon questions to which Ferguson is answering composedly. At one
instant, Priesly is seen losing his calm, getting up and walking out, as Thomas
Ferguson is unmoved.
23.INT.NGO
Peon's house (neil's house)- day
The house looks bitty and things are spread throughout. It
rather would give one the notion of a big garbage dump. Dozens of empty beer
bottles lying on the floor, cigarette butts offering them the needed company.
Amidst these,the peon is sleeping, on the floor, in a position so awkward and
unconventional that no Yoga style could match it. One of his hands still holds
an opened beer can, out of which drops of beer have spilled and left their
marks beneath.
Knocking sound is heard. Heard again. And then the door
opens. Robert Priesly enters in and looks at the door latch which was left
unlocked. He gives a daunting look at the ambiance of that small, stuffy room
that was stinking to high heaven. He walks on, pushing the empty and half-empty
bottles off his boots on the way, and sits astride on a cylindrical pillow
besides the sleeping peon.
He then gently touches the peon's back, mildly pushes him in
an attempt to wake him up. Then suddenly gives a harsh, unexpected jolt that
wakes him up off guard.
Peon gets up, looks around, looks at Robert Priesly and in
utter frustration...
PEON
Who the f***ing hell...
The words out of his mouth abruptly stop as Robert Priesly slops at him, the water from a jug lying besides. The force of the splash makes him churn his head repeatedly.
ROBERT PRIEsly
Look, I'm from police. Regarding the phone call you picked up
the other day, that apparently made you world famous, I wanted some information.
PEON
Oh no. Not again. Probably I can record it over a tape and
play it to whoever officer that comes for it.
ROBERT PRIESLY
Means, you are back with your senses. Splash worked. No
apologies though. And I have some more questions.
PEON
Yes??
ROBERT PRIESLY
Why did *YOU* pick the phone that day? Why didn't that clerk
who was supposed to? Is that a regular practice?
PEON
Not always. That day, he was so busy he couldn't pop his eyes
off the files. He had skipped his breakfast too. He never had time to pick any
call. Moreover, he hated customers who called him, wished they come directly to
office which would make things easier to process.
ROBERT PRIESLY
I see. But why did you pick? were you supposed to?
PEON
No, I wasn't. But it was ringing without any break. It cut
and started ringing again. Annoyed everyone around so much, but he was all
adamant. Finally, I had to succumb.
ROBERT PRIESLY
He was adamant!! *Adamant* !! To the extent of not picking a
call that rang for more than 20 cycles, in high volume! Strange. Fishy.
PEON
Upto you. But the NGO was well equipped with caller
identities and the reports said it was from a public phone booth??
ROBERT PRIESLY
It was. It was. And you are Sherlock Holmes. Anyways, keep
the door open for me, just like it was today. I might come again [pauses] and
we shall booze together.
He gets up and walks slowly out of the house. Peon keeps
looking at the pathway that is visible trough the door.
24.EXT.
garden area of lewis hotel - day
The hotel is crowded and most tables are occupied, some are
left with "RESERVED" boards over them. Servers are briskly walking to their
customers. In a distant table, Robert Priesly is seen sitting with a woman, in
her thirties, slurping. CAMERA CLOSES-IN.
ROBERT PRIESLY
So Mrs.Harper, you disappointed me. I really had expected
something more interesting from you, apart from the usual story I've been
accustomed to listen from other victims.
Mrs.Harper
Stories can be tweaked to make interesting or boring, not
facts. They are as they are, you like it or not.
ROBERT PRIESLY
In that case, its time to leave for me. Bill is mine, no to
no.
MRS.HARPER
Ok. Nice I met you all the same.
And CAMERA-PULLED BACK. They are seen shaking hands and then
walking on against the camera.
25.int-
POLICE STATION CAMPUS - day
The chief-officer's cabin had the same composure of
seriousness, sedateness and complexity. It was silent, impeccably ordered and
dared to question the solidity of any honest cop.
The chief-officer is sitting on his chair. A rectangular
table separates it from Robert Priesly, who is sitting with his legs crossed,
on the other side of the table.
ROBERT PRIESLY
Yes sir. Thats right. Inspite of all the support from your
department, from victims and technology, I regret to tell you that you are
right in pointing me at my miserable failure in resolving this mystery. I must
admit, not enough clues in hand to come to any conclusion. But yes, we are
closing in.
CHIEF OFFICER
Mmmm. I know, I'm not questioning the solidarity of an FBI
agent, but its already been a week and no progress to show at all. On contrary,
the incidents are still occurring, seamlessly. Did you meet the victims? What
do they have to say?
ROBERT PRIESLY
Yes I did, almost all of them, including Tom Hatten, the
millionnaire. But no proper evidence or clues anywhere. Yet to meet a few of
them and I shall send out a detailed report to you once I'm done.
Chief-officer nods his head. Robert Priesly gets up to leave.
And as he exits,
CHIEF OFFICER
This is called human psychology. The same guy was so strong
in words and his manners just a week ago, is now so pale, yet pretends to admit
it not. 'Defeat' leaves you handicapped.
In next to no time, Robert Priesly enters back, to the shock
of the chief-officer.
ROBERT PRIESLY
I'm not yet defeated, "SIR"
And he exits. Commissioner is traumatized and keeps gazing at
the door... as the CAMERA IS PULLED OUT.
26.EXT/INT
OUT OF POLICE STATION CAMPUS / inside car -day
Robert Priesly is walking out
of the police-station-campus, but this time, he is slow, deeply contemplating
as he removes the spectacles, puts one of its ear-ends in his mouth, wears it
back, removes it again, as he walks on. The solidity and vibrance he had
portrayed during his last visit to the police main campus is missing evidently.
He is blanched, depressed, but just before he comes out of the main entrance,
he nods his head as if he just planned his next task. He opens the back door of
the car, gets in and shuts it up. The car moves on. He is seen analyzing some
papers and taking note of something. But his face says, he's still absolutely
clueless.
27.INT
Inside MIT physics lab - day
The physics lab is ongoing and is presided by the same
Professor Arthur Steve. He is as enthusiastic as he was then, is as jovial as
before and looks he has recovered from the shock completely, both physically
and mentally. He is interacting with his students, assisting them in setting up
their apparatus, moving on to the next group, amending their readings and on
and on.
The phone rings. In its second tone, third, fourth.
Arthur Steve is bewildered again, his face can be assumed to
tell the tale of a minor anxiousness he's facing. Students many, stop their
experiments and give an appalling glance at the telephone.
PROFESSOR STEVE
Relax. Every call can't be anonymous and deathly. (in a
jovial tone)
He laughs, students laugh mildly, but still are excited.
Steve calmly walks towards the phone and picks it.
PROFESSOR STEVE
Hello
VOICE OVER
Hello Steve, this is Robert Priesly from Police Dept.
PROFESSOR STEVE
Hello.. Who's there??
VOICE OVER
Hello, this is Robert. Robert Priesly from police. Can you
hear me??
PROFESSOR STEVE
Hello!! Hello!!.
Arthur Steve's eyes are gradually closing. His head mildly
twirling. Students who are watching this are shocked again and many run towards
him for his rescue.
VOICE OVER
Mr.Steve?? Are you listening?? Do you hear me??
PROFESSOR STEVE
Oh yeah yeah, (in a laughing tone), I can. Yes, I do. I just
wanted to create some sensation here with my students (he laughs), they were
watching keenly and I never wished to disappoint them. (He is speaking with a
tinge of humour in his words).
The students laugh all. And they go back to their places.
RANDOM STUdent-1
No 'No classes' this time.
Some giggle.
ROBERT PRIESLY
Oh. Guess we have something more important and serious to
talk about. I would like to meet you.
PROFESSOR STEVE
Sure. You may come to my college, we have lots of vacant
rooms here. (laughingly)
ROBERT PRIESLY
Ok. But private.
Arthur Steve keeps the phone down, turns toward the students.
PROFESSOR STEVE
Newton's third law grows a bit lame when it comes to police
investigations.
They all laugh again.
28.int- a
vacant room in mit campus - day
The room is a big one, with lot of benches lying vacant. The
three boards, a table and a chair all render it a typical-university classroom
look.
Robert Priesly and Arthur Steve are sitting astride a bench.
ROBERT PRIESLY
Thats right. But, do you have anyone to suspect? Any distant
one , as distant as a polar star why not be?
PROFESSOR STEVE
Perhaps Mr.Priesly, I'm a professor. As part of my
profession, I would have sent many out of the classrooms, out of the exam
halls, out of the college itself. Would have scolded, would have mocked many.
But from very next moment after the incidents, they were still my students, not
my foes, atleast that's how I'm. Personally, if you care, I have no enemies
too, which would just leave you clueless again.
ROBERT PRIESLY
Mmm. Thats fine. (Pauses, as he analyzes something) Ok then,
nice meeting you professor. Time I leave.
PROFESSOR STEVE
Glad I met you. And uncertainty principle is in action in
this case, is what I see. Don't worry, it gains momentum.
He laughs. And so does Robert Priesly as he turns back to
leave.
PROFESSOR STEVE
Mr. Priesly .
Priesly turns back, stands still at where he was.
PROFESSOR STEVE
There's one important thing. For your information.
29.INT
exam hall - mit campus -day
The exam hall is echoing-large, holding innumerable desks.
Well-lit and an examination is going on. Two students on a bench, tens of such.
Professor Steve is invigilating. He's standing down at the middle of the room,
turning his head as he monitors the students. Looks at the watch, looks up.
PROFESSOR STEVE
An hour more.
He looks at a distant bench, suspects some weird activity and
walks briskly towards it. Stands just besides the bench.
PROFESSOR STEVE
Mr.Jerome can you please stand up.
A student, who has a geeky feature all over his face, stands
up. He is thin, bearded, spectacled and looks shabby.
PROFESSOR STEVE
May I ask you what are you doing here, in addition to writing
exam?
Jerome
Was just...
PROFESSOR STEVE
Were just writing exam, copying from the chits you have at
various places inside !! Before I ask you to strip and disclose all the chits,
I advise you get the hell out of here.
JEROME
No sir, but..
PROFESSOR STEVE
That's it. And I don't wish to disturb others from writing
their exams. Please..
JEROME
But on what..
Professor Steve is now furious
PROFESSOR STEVE
Enough is enough. You desperately want others see your
tattooed body eh?
Professor Steve strips his shirt down and then his pant. A
number of tattoos could be seen on his body, many have exam answers concealed
cleverly in them.
PROFESSOR STEVE
I saw you plucking your head inside your tees many a times
and then down. Don't argue any further. Before I rip off your innerware and
make you stand fully naked infront of a 200 strong room, get yourself out of
here. Out of the hall. You have lost your senses.
Jerome steps out of the bench and starts walking off. Steve
walks with him till the door. While on the way, Jerome wears his tee and jeans.
Students many looking at him, but Steve is signaling them to concentrate on
paper, as they walk on.
As they both reach out, professor Steve, in a friendly
manner, puts his hand over Jerome's shoulders, but he pushes it off in rage.
PROFESSOR STEVE
Look Jerome, keep that aside, I was an invigilator there and
it was my duty. But I still gave you, the chances that you fancied foolishly.
But tell me Jerome, tell me why you do these?? Everybody knows you are a geek.
You are a genius. Radio labs and UV labs are almost your slaves and you are
their master. You have a bright future, which you might not have realized, but
I do. Why did you do this?? Why you always do this?
JEROME
Because I hate this subject. I hate to read it, its f***ing
disgusting, but its my third attempt. If I fail, I get f***ing detained. I hate
that too.
PROFESSOR STEVE
Oh come on. Holding on, of a college degree upon you won't
obstruct from pursuing your interest, will it?? You are talented and you don't
need a college degree to prove it you know??
JEROME
I don't f***ing know it. I hate philosophy too, do don't damn
lecture me now. But I'll show you a day the effect of what you did moments
back. I'll make you feel it. FEEELLL IT.
PROFESSOR STEVE
Listen.
Jerome walks off, frustrated, furious and Steve goes back to
exam hall.
30. INT
The vacant room at mit
After listening to this, Robert Priesly, who was standing
stiff walks towards Professor Steve, who is still sitting astride a bench.
ROBERT PRIESLY
So, any chances he's...
PROFESSOR STEVE
I don't know. Just told about a distant star. But believe me,
he was a genius. A master in radio physics and high frequency wave labs.
ROBERT PRIESLY
Radio physics, high frequency!! Is that so!! Telephone,
waves, frequency, effecting brains.. Is the link visible??
PROFESSOR STEVE
I can't accuse anyone. That's your job.
ROBERT PRIESLY
Well, that was a nice piece of information anyway, thank you
on that.
Professor Steve just smiles coyly and nods. Robert Priesly
departs.
31.ext/int
inside robert's car and jerome's house -day
Robert Priesly is sitting in his car with tipped fingers,
kicking around something mentally. In minutes, the car stops in front of a
small house in a modest locality. Robert Priesly alights.
He opens the gate of the house and enters in. Rings the bell
to no response. Rings again, walks a bit towards left and peeps through the
window. He gets a view of a small room, a bunch of desktop computers, wires and
all.
A neighbourer is standing outside the next house, watching
Robert's movements.
NEIGHBOR
He's not here. Almost from a month. Or more than that.
ROBERT PRIESLY
Really?? Any clue to where he has left??
NEIGHBOR
No idea, Jerome was a born gypsy. Noone knew of his
movements.
ROBERT PRIESLY
Well, thanks.
Robert Priesly leaves the place and enters his car again. He
asks driver to drive towards police station.
32.INT -
Police station - day
The station is as hot as it
usually will be. Robert Priesly is sitting in a chair, around him are a bunch
of cops, sitting anxiously
ROBERT PRIESLY
There finally seems to be a
silver lining. A ray of hope. A student from MIT, whom I suspected , is
absconding. From more than a month according to sources. First task now would
be to find him to get some clue on this. Remember, he's pretty dangerous.
May I expect some clue about
his whereabouts in a couple of days, given, this is his photo that I collected
from his Uni which you could circulate suitably. But don't make it too big an
issue, by broadcasting it over TV and all unless you won't find him by any
other easy means. TV gonna be the final option.
33.int
hall of a small house - night
The hall is neither too large nor tiny, and is arranged well.
Things look pretty clean and fresh. In the hall, a TV is being watched by a
couple sitting on a couch. The faces of the couple remain off-screen throughout
the scene. On TV, news is being broadcast.
NEWS Reader ON TV
(continued from previous news) And in an interesting
breakthrough related to the much mesmerized Mysterious-phone-call case, the
police department has released the photo of the prime suspect in the case, a
student (his photo is now shown) from MIT, named Jerome Perrie, who is now
absconding. Also attached to his head is $10000 to whoever provides accurate or
near accurate information about his whereabouts.
Suddenly, the guy turns the TV off.
34.
int/ext a small Phone booth counter -evening
The phone booth shop is a very small one, with a counter at
one end, where the shopkeeper sits and a small glassed cuboid cabin for
telephone.
The shopkeeper is looking at the person who is making a call now from his booth. He picks the other lined phone and dials a number.
35. int
work cubicle of Mary jennings at good morning usa press - evening
Mary Jennings looks very busy and tired after having a long
day there. She is seen wiping her forehead off with her index finger and her
eyes are apparently collapsing.
The phone rings at her place.
She picks it after a couple of ringings.
REPORTER MARY JENNINGS
Good Morning USA, Mary Jennings here.
36.int the
same phone booth counter -
EDDO
Good evening madam, this is Eddo. From Little Rock.
VOICE OVER
From Little Rock?? What can I do for you Eddo?
EDDO
Well, this is a bit in secrecy what i'm speaking, so expect a
low voice and a change of topic anytime.
( Mary Jennings is shown now)
REPORTER MARY JENNINGS
Aah. You are interesting. And intelligent. I'm ready, go
ahead.
(Eddo is shown)
EDDO
I have read all the article of you, over the private
investigation of the mysterious call case. And I remember somewhere you had
urged phone booth owners to inform at your number if they suspect any weird
person carrying unknown instruments and making short spanned calls, right??
(Mary Jennings is shown )
She stands up slowly, excited, hopeful.
REPORTER MARY JENNINGS
Yes, I had. So..
(Eddo's place is shown now)
EDDO
I see a similar act now, in my phone booth, going on.
Eddo looks toward his shop's phone booth. Inside phone booth,
through its glass walls, a young man could be seen , a long-bearded man with a
big circular wrist watch, a bag to his back is making a phone call.
REPORTER MARY JENNINGS
Wow.. wow.. hold on. Can you quickly take his pic secretly.
He shouldn't , by any chance know, as he's really tough and formidable to deal
with, going by the reports.
EDDO
Well, I'll try, can't assure you, though, of it.
REPORTER MARY JENNINGS
But then, please do me a favor. You can really solve this
case if you make up your mind now.
EDDO
Well, 10000 dollars. I'm in. Tell me.
REPORTER MARY JENNINGS
Please follow him once he leaves and let me know where he
goes. And I'll join you, maybe tomorrow, I'm a little far away from that place
now, but will come. I've noted your number.
EDDO
Done.
Eddo keeps the phone down and waits for the man to come out.
The young man comes out of the booth in a minute and arrives
at the counter to pay the bill.
EDDO
Two calls?? Within minutes?? You speak so little eh?? (in a
casual tone, pretending)
YOUNG Man
Sometimes. The first was a wrong number though.
Eddo shows him the bill and he pays and leaves instantly.
Eddo quickly notes down the numbers to which he just had
called and gets up to dog him.
And sits down again,swiftly, as if he remembered something.
Picks the phone and dials a number.
(Mary Jennings is shown now)
REPORTER MARY JENNINGS
Eddo, tell me Mary Jennings here. What's the update?
EDDO
Quickly note these tow numbers that he called now.
456... and 376...
REPORTER MARY JENNINGS
Well, thats great. You are impressive. Could you take his pic?
EDDO
Couldn't. He left instantly, shot from the hip.
REPORTER MARY JENNINGS
Ok, no problem. Write this number down, this is my house
phone number. Call me later. 2676... Follow him, NOW.
Eddo keeps the phone down hurriedly, but it doesn't hold back
at the receiver, making it "engaged". He never observes that.
Mary Jennings dials another number.
REPORTER MARY JENNINGS
Hello, telephone exchange?? This is reporter from Good Morning USA and I ....
CUTAWAY:
37.ext
road-pathways - evening-night
The young man is walking down the lane, leisurely initially
and he then paces up. Eddo is spying him, following him atleast twenty yards
behind, now and then turning back or hiding behind some walls. But the young
man is walking tall, briskly now.. and with much higher speed - but walking...
oh he can compete in world walking races now.
Eddo could not walk that fast and starts to run behind,
ceasing down here and there, running up again.
Suddenly, the young man slows down, a move that makes Eddo
feel he's at his destination. He slows down further. And comes to normal pace.
And slower than a snail now, slow- but walking.
Eddo closes up, now just a feet or two behind the young man.
Or even closer.
Unanticipated, the young man stops abruptly, removes the
heavy bag at his back and waves it powerfully at Eddo in a jiffy. The blow was
unexpected and fatal that jolts Eddo down, bleeding on forehead and nose, eyes
closed.
In next to no time, the young man runs faster and faster than
a train till he disappears at the brushing mud.
38. MARY
jennings' house -night
Mary Jennings is seen walking slowly to and from , toward the
phone .. and away from it. Toward, back. Toward. She looks at the phone that is
rock-still.
REPORTER MARY JENNINGS
Common, ring ring. (in a low tone)
Waits for a minute or so again, looking at some papers and a
photograph of the suspect what police had published.
She looks at the phone, which is still damn still and she
picks the receiver up and dials a number from her mini-notepad.
VOICE OVER
Engage sound is heard.
(THE DISRUPTED PHONE AT EDDO'S PLACE IS SHOWN NOW)
She hangs the phone down, quickly goes to her wardrobe, takes
out a few clothes, comes back to the hall. The clothes and a couple of diaries
are plunked into a small bag. She comes down the stairs and locks the door.
Walks on, comes to the road and is seen waving her hands
REPORTER MARY JENNINGS
Cab... Cab...
And there it comes. She gets in.
39. Int -
a train -night
Mary Jennings is sitting in the compartment of a high speed
train and is reading one of her diaries, the other one kept besides her. She is
seen holding the photo of the suspect for a few seconds. Opens her bag, takes
out few photo-copies of the photo and tries to draw mustache on one of them,
draws hat on the other and smiles.
40. ext -
CAB, roadways - day
Mary Jennings alights at a place from the train and rushes
toward the cab stand. She is evidently in a hurry.
She shows a small paper chit to the cab driver, on which
something is written.
REPORTER MARY JENNINGS
This address.
CAB DRIVEr
A bit far. Might cost..
REPORTER MARY JENNINGS
Never care.
She sits inside the cab and it is seen driven for quite
sometime in that small neighborhood before it stops at a sparse locality and
she alights handing over the bill amount in a single note, not bothering about
change, if any.
The neighborhood appears calm, clean and small houses and
shops here and there, sparsely. Not crowded AT ALL.
She walks a few yards gazing at the surroundings and comes to
the phone-booth "Tele Booth".
The phone booth is surprisingly open but none inside. She
looks at the nameplate "Eddo Mervin" and confirms the place. She looks around
but could find none. She then leers at the telephone and observes that the
receiver was not in place and recalls the yesterday's engage sound. (A QUICK
FLASHBACK SHOWN).
She picks the same phone and dials a number.
41.int
good morning usa press -day
The office is as teeming as it always is. A phone ring's at an employee's desk which he picks.
PRESS REPORTER-2
Hello, who's on line?
(Mary Jennings is shown)
REPORTER MARY JENNINGS
Mary here Lobes. I'm in a hurry now, wanted to ask, did you
check the two numbers I gave you yesterday?? Any info on those??
PRESS REPORTER-2
Mary, believe me, you have hit the jackpot. The two numbers
you told yesterday have been reported to have become the victims of
Mysterious-phone-call case. You got that?? !!
REPORTER MARY JENNINGS
*Fantastic*. We are closing in. Keep that with you, please.
Will call you back and note this number too.
She keeps the phone down. Picks it up again. Dials 911.
VOICE OVER
Yes.
REPORTER MARY JENNINGS
This is Mary Jennings, reporter from Good Morning US,
from (the address is read). Immediate, a man is missing and is of utmost
importance.
Hangs the receiver back and checks if its kept properly,
which shows her anxiety.
She sits on a chair, opens her bag and takes out her dairy.
In minutes, the sound of police vehicle is heard and she gets
up, to it. She pulls the drawer, then another one and another and finds a
photo. Takes that.
A police car stops at the place and a cop is seen walking in.
Mary Jennings voluntarily runs toward him.
REPORTER MARY JENNINGS
Well, I'm Mary Jennings, the one who called you.
COP
Oh, good. Whats' it?
REPORTER MARY JENNINGS
Look at this photo. Most probably , his name is Eddo and he's
the shopkeeper of his Tele-booth and is currently missing. (she's almost out of
breath).
cop
Aah. All of a sudden? Let us check out then. Let's confirm if
he's really Eddo at all.
The cop goes to a neighboring shop.
COP
Do you see this guy in the photo, his name you know??
Neighboring shopkeeper
I do, he's Eddo. What happened to him?
COP
Well, tell me, when did you last see him??
NEIGHBORING SHOPKEEPER
Mmmm, yesterday evening, he was here. But morning, I haven't
goota see him. But his shop is opened, don't know who did it!
COP
Yeah, I can see that. Either someone opened it or no one
closed it at all yesterday.
The cop comes back to Mary Jennings.
REPORTER MARY JENNINGS
Alright, Miss.Jennings, we will send a scout to find him. But
you would have to give us more details and how do you relate to him? Come on
in, we shall go to the station.
REPORTER MARY JENNINGS
Sure, let's ...
They both sit inside the car and it starts.
43. INT -
inside car - police station - day
COP
So tell me, Miss.Jennings, tell me all about it.
REPORTER MARY JENNINGS
Need to. Its of national importance now!
COP
National importance?? really?? (he gives a sarcastic look)
REPORTER MARY JENNINGS
Indeed it is. If I tell you why he its vital, you'll be
shocked.
COp
In that case, miss Jennings, tell me *NOW*!!
REPORTER MARY JENNINGS
This Eddo knows who's behind Mysterious-phone-call case. He's
has seen him!!
On listening to this very statement, he shoves the car-break abruptly, so sharp that it makes the car come to a stand still in just a jiffy, making a strident sound of engine friction.
The cop turns toward her and in a startled tone,
COP
What !! No kidding in this or consequences.
REPORTER MARY JENNINGS
No. I'm serious. Its a fact.
(THEN, QUICK REWIND OF FLASH-SCREENS OF THE PREVIOUS DAY FROM
THE INSTANT EDDO CALLED HER TILL SHE CALLED THE COP IS SHOWN).
COP
Fantastic. Thats the biggest breakthrough. This is not a
news, its the holy grail of the moment.
The station comes and they both get down and head towards the
station.
44.int
police station -day
Both the cop and Mary Jennings enter the station, which was
surprisingly calm, silent and with a very few subordinates.
The cop walks in toward his table, throws his cap off onto
the table and hurriedly sits on the chair, correcting its position. Signals
through his hand asking Mary Jennings to sit as well and she sits against him,
on the loose-back chair.
COP
This is a serious one and we are supposed to inform FBI agent
working on this, Mr.Robert Priesly.
He picks up the phone and dials a number.
REPORTER MARY JENNINGS
Mr.Priesly?
COP
You heard it right? Hello. Police Main Campus?? This is Allan
Lemaire from Jessen county...
(his voice is cut)
Mary is again looking at her diaries, trying to link things.
Meanwhile, the cop is off the phone.
COP
Miss.Jennings I have informed them and they would be here
quite soon.
He turns toward his subordinates and call them to his table.
They all obey.
COP
Send scouts to find this guy (showing Eddo's photograph),
he's gone missing from yesterday evening.. probably. His full name and details,
I've written behind this. Take it as the highest priority task and I'd rather
expect some good news soon.
He hands over the photograph to one of them and they move on
to take photocopies of it.
They are seen (from outside the police station)going in their
police vehicles, in groups of two or three, taking different ways, in search of
Eddo.
The cop and Mary Jennings are talking about the case,
her investigations and report on the mysterious call-case. And she has
been offered some food, she's having.
45.ext
roadways - day
Mr.Robert Priesly is driving his car, FOR THE FIRST TIME IN
MOVIE, and he is in all haste. He drives it faster, and faster and faster with
sharp turns and near edges and it abruptly stops in front of a massive gate.
Priesly opens the car door from inside and Professor Arthur Steve enters and
sits beside Priesly and the car moves, while the CAMERA SHOWS THE GATE TO BE OF
MIT.
ROBERT PRIESLY
Professor Steve, your distant star proved very precious for
us.
PROFESSOR STEVE
Really?? I don't believe my student doing it?
ROBERT PRIESLY
Still?? Even NOW?? Matter of another day or two and you will
turn the words.
PROFESSOR STEVE
Well, I'm not sure. But why do you want me on the
investigation now?
ROBERT PRIESLY
As you know him very well.
PROFESSOR STEVE
Well... (pauses)well..
They both alight from the car when they come to a strange
isolated place.
PROFESSOR STEVE
Where are we??
ROBERT PRIESLY
Its pretty far from here. FBI copter to take us there.
A mini- 4 seater copter is seen waiting at a distance, its
blade starts revolving, slowly picking up the momentum.
Professor Steve and Robert Priesly are seen going towards the
helicopter as the CAMERA PULLS OFF.
46.int
police station jessen county - day
The station is as immobile as a steady rock on the hills.
Just two of them, the cop and Mary Jennings are sitting over and he's looking
at her diaries.
And two subordinate cops enter the station, they are calm but
happy.
The cop looks upto them and Mary Jennings turns around.
And they both get up.
SUBORDINATE COP -1
sir, we got him. Was pretty easy.
Cop
Thats remarkable. And?
SUBORDINATE COP -1
Eddo was found lying over the street Messier, and suffered
injuries over the head and near his nose. Now he's been shifted to the hospital
and is out of danger, although is injured severely. We need to go to the
hospital.
COP
Now!!.
The cop, the subordinate cop-1 and Mary Jennings all sit in
the car and the cop drives it toward the hospital.
47.int
hospital - day
They are seen alighting near the hospital and hurriedly
walk-in, towards the ward as shown by the subordinate cop-1.
In the ward, Eddo is sleeping on his bed while doctor and two
other subordinate cops are standing around him.
COP
How's him doctor?? He's very important now, mind you.
DOCTOR
well, he should be all right. Soon, he'll wake up. He has got
injuries near his nose and his forehead was bleeding, but no serious fractures.
COP
Great.
They sit around him, waiting for him to get up.
In another half-an-hour, he wakes up, slowly opens his eyes.
COP
Call the doctor
The doctor comes up to Eddo.
DOCTOR
Hello Eddo.
Eddo tries to get up and sit down.
DOCTOR
No no, relax. You still need rest. You ought to lie on bed.
Some more time.
Doctor assists Eddo to lie flat on bed, but eyes are opened.
DOCTOR
So, how are you now?? Already many people waiting for you?? A
VIP patient eh?? (he remarks casually, smiling)
EDDO
Mmmm.
DOCTOR
Indeed, you are. But you have been operated. So, you *HAVE*
to be under rest for a couple of days more. You can't talk much, infact not
even a little. I'm gonna make these cops wait, on the behest of my patient.
COP
Oh, thats almost there. We are not gonna ask many questions.
A few, very... very.. few.
DOCTOR
But understand Mr. , he can't talk. His physical conditions
won't allow him to speak up. all investigations postponed !!
REPORTER MARY JENNINGS
Well, I know the story, to its entirety. I am not gonna make
him speak up answering, he could just do a favor for us, just by nodding his
head, yes or no ? That should be feasible?? doctor??
DOCTOR
Great idea. We are having a dumb charades here !! But, just a
few questions understand.
Mary Jennings kneels down on the floor, her mouth close to
Eddo's ears.
REPORTER MARY JENNINGS
Eddo, Eddo. Listen. Was he the one who you followed
yesterday, the reason for this fate of yours?? Did he hit you??
Eddo slowly nods his head.
REPORTER MARY JENNINGS
Ok. And do you know where he went after that?? Any clue??
Eddo?
Eddo, after a brief pause, lifts his hand a bit and puts his
thumbs- down.
REPORTER MARY JENNINGS
Thts's ok. You took any picture of him? Or, he looked any
similar to the photo what's published, supposed to be of him??
Eddo keeps his thumbs down and never moves.
REPORTER MARY JENNINGS
Fine. No problems. Take rest. Inspector, the very fact that
he hit Eddo and the reports of Mysterious-call cases happened in houses to
which that young man had called from Eddo's booth yesterday are solid proofs to
believe he's the one responsible. He's should somewhere be here, around this
city.. Or could have just left. Its high time we searched for him.
COP
I've already dispatched my team to stop all outgoing vehicles across the county looking for this man as well as in most motels around. We'll get the results soon.
He turns to Eddo.
COP
Eddo, thank you so much for the precious information. Get
well soon and probably, we will meet again.
They all start walking off the ward.
CAMERA ZOOMS-IN AT EDDO.
In seconds, the sound of the cars started are heard, and it
dies down slowly.
48.ext/int
roadways / police station -day
The cars drop in near the police station. Cops and Mary
Jennings get down and enter the station.
To their surprise, there are two strangers sitting over there
already.
As the cop approaches the table, the person sitting on the
cop's chair gets up and introduces himself.
ROBERT PRIESLY
Hello inspector, this is Robert Priesly. From ..
COP
Oh, yeah yeah, I know. Glad to meet you Mr.Priesly.
ROBERT PRIESLY
So am I and this is Professor Steve, the guy who knows that
young man very well. And if I'm not mistaken, you are Mary Jennings, the
reporter ?? (he is looking at Mary Jennings)
REPORTER MARY JENNINGS
You've got me right.
ROBERT PRIESLY
Good then, whats the update on this??
COP
We are almost there, sir. Eddo has identified the young man,
who did two phone calls yesterday from his booth and both of those calls have
added to the growing list of Mysterious-phone-call case victims. Eddo even
mentioned of some instruments the young man carried.
ROBERT PRIESLY
We are just around the bull's eye. May be a day more or two
and we answer all. Are we searching for that young man, who probably would be
under disguise, around the town and neighborhoods?? Don't say no and surprise
me!!
COp
We are. The team has been already dispatched. Can expect some
good news anytime.
ROBERT PRIESLY
You sound promising.
CUTAWAY:
49.INT -
WASHINGTON MUTUAL –DAY
The bank is unusually busy with customers queued up for their
turn. A glass-cabin is shown where the divisional manager is going through a
file.
The cabin appears near-soundproof.
The CAMERA IS OUTSIDE THE CABIN, AT A DISTANCE. NOISE OF CUSTOMERS, MIXED AND
UNRECOGNIZABLE INDIVIDUALLY, IS HEARD.
The manager is seen picking the phone. His lip movements suggest that he
uttered “hello” a couple of times, with a brief pause in between.
IN SLOW_MOTION
He’s seen sweating a bit, then gradually closes the eyes, the receiver falls
down to gravity, he thuds his face onto the table top.
The peon and few attendees are seen running towards the cabin, pushing the door
off and helping the manager, splashing water on his face, but in vain.
One of the rescuers is seen waving his hand as a call for help.
CUT-AWAY
50.INT.
- POLICE STATION – JESSEN COUNTY – DAY
The station
is in a heated discussion. Loud noises are heard of Mr. Robert Priesly, the
cop, Mary Jennings and Professor Arthur Steve who are trying in their own lines
to resolve the case theoretically.
Robert Priesly is sitting on the chair while others are standing around
him, except Professor Steve, who is walking to and fro slowly.
Words like [No no, It has to be… I don’t believe .. etc, none of which could be
individually made out are being heard].
And the phone kept over the table, rings.
Everyone of them , instantly look at the phone. The cop hurries to pick it, but
is picked up by Robert Priesly before him.
The cop stares at Priesly for a second.
ROBERT
PRIESLY
Hello.
(Brief pause)
Yes. (A bit longer pause)
Fantastic.
And the winner is… (short pause)
Good. Please.
He keeps the phone down. Gets up, his face clearly shows some
good news in his swanking smile.
Everyone’s eagerly waiting for his update on the call.
ROBERT PRIESLY(CONTD)
Professor Steve, you were wrong.
Your student is not of that genius intellect, I must say.
He has been surrounded now, and a matter of a few hours more before we arrest
him !!
PROFESSOR STEVE
Make it clear, Mr.Priesly, what happened?? He has been
tracked down??
ROBERT PRIESLY
Almost. I guess he doesn’t even know we have almost got him.
After Those two calls from Eddo’s booth, he has called a bank manager,
who picked the phone, to faint. But to Jerome’s luck that has run out, the bank
was well equipped with caller identities that soon revealed the number of a
public
booth.
And the twist is, the booth was so close to a police station at McLaren county
who went down the track and are searching around.
PROFESSOR STEVE
(stressing each word, deliberately)
Meaning, he hasn’t been tracked down yet.
ROBERT PRIESLY
Mr.Steve, I don’t understand why you derive so much pleasure
from our minor letdowns!
We are almost there.
PROFESSOR STEVE
Let’s see. Its not final yet.
Robert Priesly turns toward Steve, faces him eye on eye and
stares for a couple of seconds.
Steve is all calm, eyes unblinking.
51.
EXT/INT AROUND THE PHONE BOOTH IN MCLAREN COUNTY – DAY
The road is not too busy, neither too confined. Vehicles can
be seen driven-on quite often over the pathways.
A phone booth is seen now, around which, two cops are standing and another is
inside the booth, possibly looking for some evidence.
COP-MCLAREN-1
Seems, he’s clever. Has used gloves (elaborates the first
syllable ‘glo’), managed to wash off all clues.
Nothing seems to be here. Did the guys check for the young man in nearby inns,
motels or under-stairs or any under-construction buildings??
Going by the reports obtained so far, he carries a huge set of instruments
aided with still bigger ones kept within radius of few meters to amplify the
signals.
COP-MCLAREN-2
Roger and Lendl are backing up.
52.INT – A
MOTEL – DAY
The board of a motel is shown, neither big nor too congested.
The pathway is narrow, dimly lit, has rooms on either sides as doors are seen
at fixed distances.
Two cops are walking TOWARDS THE CAMERA talking.
WALKING COP 1
May be some luck here, or we are wasting time.
WALKING COP 2
Sometimes, you talk sense.
They laugh. As they walk on, they reach a counter where a
person is sitting with his accounts-book.
WALKING COP 1
Hi. (Sowing their ids), we needed some information.
RECEPTIONIST
Yeah?? On what?
WALKING COP 1
Can you look into your records and hint us if there was
anyone who checked-in in last- 20 30 hours,who carried probably, a large
baggage or many smaller ones?
receptionist
At least, I don’t remember.. but let meeeee.. (keeps saying
the last syllable ‘e’ as he goes through the record-book, his pen marking down
each entry)
No. There isn’t any. Infact, no check-ins from last 3 days.
walking cop 1
I told you.
Both the cops turn back and start walking against.
RECEPTIONIST
Hey, but yeah.
They turn back again, towards, walk on.
RECEPTIONIST(contd)
Yeah. There’s this guy Lou Wallace who had booked the room
last week, but arrived just yesterday !
WALKING COP 1
Is that so??? What does he look like?? He carried any
luggage??
receptionist
He’s shabby, looks aged. Bearded. Pale. A bit dark.
walking cop 1
That all can be tricked. How tall he was??
receptionist
Normal. Not too much on either ways. But yeah, I've seen him
carrying a college-bag with him and sometimes plastic handbags too.
WALKING COP 1
Sounds suspicious. Is he here?? What’s his room number??
RECEPTIONIST
Morning I saw him go out and hasn’t probably returned. His
room is down there, third on first left. Number 32.
(He points in the direction of the room)
walking cop 1
Can you give us the master key of the room?? Incase he’s not
inside.
Receptionist hesitates for a while.
The other cop shows his id again, holds it infront of receptionist’s eye, close
to it and commanding.
Receptionist gives the master key , taking it out from the drawer.
WALKING COP 1
Thank you on that. And I don’t want you giving even a
speck of clue on this if he comes here.
The cops start walking in the direction of the room, as
showed by the receptionist.
Light is dim and they FADE OFF.
53.INT
MOTEL –DAY
The two cops are standing in front of the room-32 door . They
look at it, look up above that, look around, each in opposite directions and
find none.
One of the cops signals something by tapping his index finger twice in the air,
upon which the other cop pulls out his weapon and takes position just behind.
The other cop gently knocks the door. No response. There’s
pin drop silence. Its dark and ambiance is sickly sweet.
He knocks the door again, to no response.
Again. No.
He takes out the master-key and slowly inserts it into the key-hole, making no
noise in the process.
Rotates the key, a small metallic noise is heard. He stops. Then rotates again.
And the door is opened.
They slowly push the door, opening it through a small angle, peeping in …
pushing it a bit more and then fully opening it.
They find no one inside, and both enter in.
WALKING COP 1
Oh my holy God. What am I seeing now??
WALKING COP 2
Holy shi*.
CUT-AWAY
54.EXT/INT
OUTSIDE THE MOTEL / INSIDE IT – DAY
A man, who looks similar to what the receptionist had
conveyed the image of ,is walking in, TOWARDS THE CAMERA.
He is in his tee, jeans holding two canvas-bags in both his hands and has
another bag upon his shoulders.
He is walking really fast and is humming the pop – ‘ tap that feet right this
mo...ment ’
He comes to the pathway, glances at the receptionist, but doesn’t stop by.
The receptionist looks at him back, stares at him, but dares not opening his
mouth, least to say.
The man moves on, towards his room.
He stands against the door, keeps the bag down, looks for the
key in his left pant pocket as he fiddles his fingers in, no, then in the right
pocket and all this while singing 'tap that feet right this mo...ment'. There
he gets it, the key. Unlocks the door, pushes it hard to rhyme it with the song.
The cops barge at once, on him from inside, he's traumatized,
runs for his life. One of the cops holds his hand and they crash down, but he's
breakneck quick, gets up in a jiffy, bangs the cop's head with his bag and
starts running for life like a sprinter. The other cop dives over the fallen
cop and his bag and the chase begins. The narrow pathway is now heated up, the
receptionist has no clue on what's going on. The young man is running, followed
by two cops, one by one and are armed. The man jumps over minor obstacles on
his way, close doors wherever they are once he's passed making it hard for the
dogging cops. One of the cops crashes into a glass door closed by the man, but
the other survives and forges ahead in chase.
They all come out of the motel, onto the road now. The young
man looks left, then right and runs fleeting on a dime, before one of the
running cops shouts at him.
WALKING-COP-1
Stop there. You. Stop now. Or I fire.
He never seemed to have listened to what the cop said and
keeps bolting.
The cop opens a round of firing in air. The sound is blaring
and echoed.
The man, upon hearing the sound of the gunshot, stops
running, almost instantly and comes to a stand still.
The cops run towards him, he's facing away from them.
He holds his hands up and shouts.
YOUNG-MAN
No gunshots. Please. (he's panting.) I surrender.
He's weary ,exhausted and gasping for air.
The cops slowly and carefully walk towards him.
WALKING-cop-1
No tricks be upon, or I fire.
There's silence everywhere. Absolute order.
People are appalled and gazing at the ongoing scene more like
a drama.
The two cops finally reach out to him and one of them puts
his gun-end to his head.
Walking-cop-2
Move. Move.
They all are moving towards the police car, very very
cautiously.
55.INT
POLICE STATION - JESSEN COUNTY - DAY
The station is surprisingly
calm, appears more like the morning sea. No one's talking, no sound. Robert
Priesly is sitting on the chair and the cop and Mary Jennings are sitting
against him.
The phone
rings.
Robert
Priesly picks it up off the cuff, not even allowing it ring for a single cycle.
ROBERT
PRIESLY
Yes!!
(pauses)
He stands up. Puts his cap on.
Excellent. There it is. We will be there soon.
He keeps the phone down. By the very tinge of triumph in his
words, others sense what it could be.
REPORTER MARY JENNINGS
They got him?
ROBERT PRIESLY
Not "HIM" anymore, they got (looking at Professor Steve),
"JEROME".
Professor Steve shakes his head in dissent.
ROBERT PRIESLY
We need to go there. We have the copter. Make it quick,
Miss.Mary Jennings and Professor Arthur Steve. Mystery is now just 'History'.
They all are seen going towards the copter that has landed
few meters away from the station.
56.
ext/int pathway - night
Robert Priesly, Mary Jennings and Professor Steve all alight
at Mclaren and walk hurriedly towards the bus that was waiting to pick them up
to the station. The bus is seen turning, as it moves on to fade in the dark.
57. int -
police station mclaren county - night
The McLaren station has now become a hotspot, as it holds the
key to America's most talked about, hyped up mystery.
The station is, inspite of this, calm, but its security
boosted up with additional cops. Inside one of the cells, a man has been
chained around his legs, handcuffed, stripped and masked with black clothes and
is made to sit astride a reverted chair. Two armed cops are around him,
monitoring.
The chief cop is sitting outside the cell and is in some
discussion with another cop.
Robert Priesly, Mary Jennings and Professor Steve enter
inside and walk straight to the chief cop's table. The chief cop recognizes
Robert Priesly and stands up.
CHIEF cop
Good evening , Mr.Priesly. (after a brief pause)Finally. (He
gives a sigh of relief).
ROBERT PRIESLY
Well done. Excellent job and is appreciable. May I know where
he is?
CHIEF COP
Right inside that cell.
ROBERT PRIESLY
Good. Wish to see him. This is Mary Jennings, reporter and
this, is Professor Arthur Steve and I would like both of them to be with me,
while I interrogate.
CHIEF COP
But Sir.
ROBERT PRIESLY
No worries, only upto an extent. Till we make sure he's
indeed the one we suspected (he looks at Professor Steve).
CHIEF COP
Yes Sir. (Pointing towards the cell) that way.
Mary Jennings and Professor Steve follow Robert Priesly, as
he walks toward the cell.
As they reach the cell, one of the cops who was standing
inside comes up to open the cell door. And the three enter the cell.
ROBERT PRIESLY
Can we have a moment with him, (he turns to look at both the
cops) gentlemen??
The cops first hesitate, but then walk out of the cell.
ROBERT PRIESLY
Well well. Who is this masked gentleman, who made the entire
nation wait with eyes wide open to know his name??
Robert Priesly slowly bends down, now close to the young
man's face and slowly reaches out his hand to the MASKED-MAN's neck.
Pauses for a second.
Then, all of a sudden, pulls up the mask at once, exposing
his face.
PROFESSOR STEVE
Jerome !!! Jerome !! Its you?? Really?? I never believed you
could..
ROBERT PRIESLY
Aah. Jerome it is. Beloved student of Professor Arthur Steve.
Jerome is gasping for air, breathing loud, drops of saliva
dip onto the floor. He appears shabby, bearded, with drooped eyes and exhausted.
PROFESSOR STEVE
Why did you do it Jerome? I never meant what I did to you,
I'd made it clear that very day.
ROBERT PRIESLY
Mr.Steve and Miss.Jennings, can you leave us please, so I can
talk to him, some perrrsooonalll things. Will you?
They stand unmoved.
ROBERT PRIESLY
This time I don't request. I order. Leave, now.
They hesitate, but leave the cell.
ROBERT PRIESLY
Take your time, Jerome. Breathe. Have some water.
He dolls out a bottle of water, that was placed on one of the
stands beside.
Jerome opens his mouth and ups his head, Robert pours in.
Jerome closes his mouth and turns his head leftwards. Robert
keeps the bottle down.
ROBERT PRIESLY
Now tell me Jerome, why did you do all these ??
Jerome doesn't speak.
ROBERT PRIESLY
Look up, Jerome. Speak. Why you did it? Accept.
He's still silent.
Robert grapples his hair and turns his head up. He's panting.
ROBERT PRIESLY
Test not my patience. Its pretty bad. Speak up. Tell me why?
Jerome is clammed up.
He looks at the water bottle.
ROBERT PRIESLY
More of it?
Jerome nods his head , slowly. Robert pours some water into
his mouth again.
Jerome gargles it for a while, and suddenly, spits on
Robert's face with force.
Upon this bullish move, the cops who were watching this from
outside the cell try to enter in, for possible support.
Robert signals them to stop, holding his palm against them.
He then takes out his hand-kerchief, wipes his face off.
He is all serious and looks terrifying.
Both of them are staring at each other, their eyes unblinking
and hard.
Robert turns a ring he had in his middle-finger and opens up
its sharp notch, from its concealed top.
On the spur of moment, he punches Jerome on his face with his
notched-up ringed fist, multiple times, on his left and then right and again
and again.The sharp notch opened up on the ring makes him bleed each time as he
shouts at Robert to stop. Robert stops punching him after four trials that has
already made Jerome's face, almost completely red, of blood.
ROBERT PRIESLY
I warned about my patience. You could have avoided some of
them. Now, speak up or (he lifts his fist )
JEROME
Noooo. No.. Enough. I can't bear more of it. Not one more of
it.
ROBERT PRIESLY
So tell me. Why?? Why the f*** you did it?
JEROME
I'll tell you. I 'll. I'll.
(Flashes of scenes (already explained above), showing
professor Steve throwing him out of the exam hall and its consequences are
shown )
To begin with, I'm so random in whatever I do. I'm stubborn,
adamant and challenging. I had studied these electromagnetics to their core and
I consider myself an expert on that subject. (Pause) And then happened this
incident, he threw me out of the exams, stripped me in front of my very
costudents, more than a hundred eyes were scornfully fixed on my naked body. It
was such a shame. (quite a long pause). And I chanted vengeance.
(Flashes of scenes that show Jerome working on his radio
instruments, as well as those incidents where he calls people are shown,
between the actual narration scene)
(Also shown is the scene where the two McLaren cops who enter
his room in motel who witness his large instruments, complex network of wires,
telephone connectors and other such hazardous instruments along with a broken
glass, spread on the bed. REFER: Scene: 53)
I created a wave amplifier, that would step-up the frequency
of electromag radiations and then a powerful battery powered transmitter, which
could go on through these lines, just like your voice does, but at far higher
damaging frequency. Proven fatal, but not deadly. No one dies from this, I can
assure, but severely fatal. (pauses for a second or two, breathes deep). But I
wanted to test it, before I made this f***ing Steve it's victim. I picked a
random number, went to a random booth, connected them secretly and dialed a
housewife. And it worked. She was in hospital for a day or two. I was glad my
experiment was successful, but nonetheless wished to test again, and picked
another random number from the directory. Then, I did this to Steve, with a
still higher frequency!! And he suffered, I enjoyed.
ROBERt PRIESLY
What a fetish !!
JEROME
You might term it whatever you feel best, but for me, it was
vengeance, retaliation. I evened the score.
ROBert priesly
The part till here was fine and pardonable, but why next??
What the f***ing sin had they done, the others?
JEROME
Nothing. But I was quite excited by the phenomenon. It was
sensational, grabbed headlines of almost all newspapers, was thrilling and I
enjoyed knocking one's socks off. So, I continued doi..
ROBERT PRIESLY
Till you were here.
They just look at each other.
Stare. Keep it that way. And still.
A while later, Robert Priesly walks out of the cell.
58. EXT -
OUtside world- press- police station - commissioner's chamber - day
The newspapers of the next morning are shown carrying the
headlines - "Mysterious phone case resolved" , "MIT hacker behind deadly phone
calls" , " Phones no more dangerous " amongst others. Murmering noise is heard,
of the people, in public places, in metros, banks and organizations about the
mysterious case being resolved. This one-minute scene ends inside Police Main
Campus Commissioner's chamber where he's seen proudly punching the seal on a
file, in front of Robert Priesly and few other cops. The seal on the file is
then shown to be, " CASE CLOSED ". He looks up, smiles and casually throws the
file into an open wardrobe.
59.ext -
big function hall - day
The hall is large, unimaginably huge, but is jam packed.
CAMERA IS SET TO SHOW THE TOP VIEW of people, some taking
photographs, some looking at the stage.
From far off, the stage can be seen vaguely, a big one
though, on which few people are seen sitting in line, on their chairs.
A person is standing near the mike and he announces,
(the speaker's loud sound is being heard , rather than the
actual sound)
"In commemorating their precious and invaluable contribution
towards solving the nation's most talked-about mystery, the phone-call case,
the Government is conferring special honors to these people. The nation
appreciates their work, their courage and endurance in tracking down one of the
America's most sought-after cases. I would request them to receive the honors
from Honorable Secratory of State, Mr.Dan Nicolls. Please welcome, Miss.Mary
Jennings, reportor from GoodMorning USA."
A lady is seen (THE CAMERA IS FAR AWAY) going towards the
left end of the stage and receives the medal of honor.
" Mr.Eddo Mervin, the shopkeeper from 'Little Rock'".
A fat man is seen receiving the medal of honor.
"Mr.Arthur Steve, the professor from MIT", a thin bald man is
seen receiving the medal of honor.
The stage is seen brightly lit, not just by the light
arrangements, but also, or even more from the flashes of the 1980's camera
audience are using.
"Thank you. Thank you. Now I'd request the Honorable
Secretary of State to share his thoughts on the subject. "
The secretary is seen coming towards the mike.
"Ladies and gentlemen, "
(the sound level decreases)
"this day is prominent",
(and comes down to almost nil as we CUT AWAY).
60.int-
fbi office- robert priesly's CHAMBER- day
Robert Priesly is sitting on his chair, going through several
files, in parallel. His eyes are hastily rolling around.
Abruptly, he looks up, stopping whatever he was doing at once, as if he evoked
something, damn imperative.
ROBERT PRIESLY
Lansen, would you mind putting me on line with Mr.Tom
Hatten.
He would be very glad to hear from me personally about the closure of the
mysterious-phone case.
Lansen, the assistant cop to Priesly, nods and walks toward
the phone.
LANSEN
In a minute sir.
He looks up a list and dials a number.
LANSen(contd)
On line, sir.
Passes it to Priesly.
ROBERT PRIESLY
Hello. May I speak to Mr.Tom Hatten?
(VOICE OVER)
Boss is unavailable right now. May I know who’s this?
ROBERT PRIESLY
This is Robert Priesly, from Police. Nothing serious, just
sought to convey him the niceties of the closed mysterious case.
(VOICE OVER)
Right then. You may come tomorrow straight to his office.
Evening.
ROBERT PRIESLY
That should be fine.
He cuts the phone down.
He looks at the horizon, keeps gawking at it. Appears that something did strike
his mind.
He is in some deep contemplation.
61. INT-
TOM HATTEN’S LUXURIOUS CHAMBER – NIGHT
The room is as sumptuous as it was DESCRIBED EARLIER. (in
Scene numbered )
Tom Hatten is on his chair, smoking cigar, wearing that snobbish long hat,
matched trousers.
The phone rings. The assistant picks up.
(VOICE OVER)
From the entrance-security. Mr.Robert Priesly is here.
The tone of voice was so piercing, Tom Hatten could directly
heed it.
TOM HATTEN
Ask them to send him in.
Robert Priesly enters the room with the same air of poise
we’d seen in him when he took over the investigation.
TOM HATTEN
Welcome, welcome Mr.Priesly. Congratulations on successfully
solving the case.
Tom Hatten signals him to sit down, and he does.
ROBERT PRIESLY
Thank you Mr.Hatten. Finally, it was.
TOM HATTEN
If truth be told, it was indeed noteworthy. Heard it was some
cheap undergraduate?
ROBERT PRIESLY
It was, it was. An MIT geek, did it, primarily for
retribution, but then for fun.
TOM HATTEN
Stupid kid turned the whole nation into chaos with his waves,
literally.
ROBERT PRIESLY
(sniggers) Unbelievable.
TOM HATTEN
Anyhow, its all done now and we are relieved, thanks to your
efforts.
ROBERT PRIESLY
Sense of duty.
He swiftly leans forward as if he recalled something entirely
off the note.
ROBERT PRIESLY(CONTD)
But tell me one thing, Mr.Hatten. You are such a busy
man and have lot of assistants here.
So why did you pick the phone yourself directly that day??
Wasn’t it supposed to be received by your secretary first and then connected?
Tom Hatten is taken aback by the sudden blow of this
suspicious question.
Robert Priesly observes tiny pearls of sweat on Hatten’s forehead.
ROBERT PRIESLY
Nothing, it was nothing more than a casual question Mr.Hatten.
TOM HATTEN
Yes yes. I was thinking why I picked it that day.
(a brief pause)
Probably, he wasn’t there.
(pauses again) (says each word at a snail's pace, stressing them)
Probably it was destined to happen to me. It was fated.
Tom Hatten removes his hat and keeps it on the table.
ROBERT PRIESLY
(After a minute of silence)
May be. (Pause) All the same, it was nice meeting you Mr.Hatten.
I guess I should leave now.
TOM HATTEN
How about a dinner some night?
ROBERT PRIESLY
Sure. Pleasure is mine.
Robert Priesly gets up, slowly turns around and walks toward
the door.
62. INT –
PRIESLY’S CAR – NIGHT
Robert Priesly is sitting in the backseat of his car, as he
mulls over something with tipped fingers, him being a fan of Sherlock Holmes.
He then takes out a diary from his briefcase and flips the pages on till he
stops on a particular one.
The page he’s looking into, IS REVEALED TO contain the text – “ M-O-M with Tom
Hatten – Investigation details ”
and it shows an older date . Many things are seen written under that
heading, but is imprecise and hazy.
The car halts down in a mud road, surrounded by an isolated barren land.
A helicopter is seen waiting for Robert.
Robert Priesly gets down from the car and walks toward the copter.
63. INT –
POLICE STATION MCLAREN COUNTY – DAY
Robert Priesly enters the station and hurriedly walks toward
the main cop.
The cop stands up and ogles at Robert Priesly.
ROBERT PRIESLY
I want to see Jerome. Now.
COP
Sir ??
ROBERT PRIESLY
Yes. *Now.*
COP
I'm so utterly surprised to know the matter hasn't reached
you yet??
ROBERT PRIESLY
What matter?
COP
Jerome was released on bail, this morning.
Robert Priesly is in shock, he leans forward toward the cop,
his palms have firmly vacuumed the table surface, his eyebrows flinched in.
ROBERT PRIESLY
Hey. Look. Tell me you were joking. weren't you?
COP
I'm more than serious. He was released on bail from his
advocates who even tried to prove that Jerome wasn't a criminal, but insane.
They defended that he was mentally ill and needs medical attention, in the
rapid-court session. He was let go on bail. Ofcourse, he would have to come to
the court hearings again, in another few days. But for now, he's in hospital,
undergoing a kind of rehabilitation.
ROBERT PRIESLY
The entire scene is (in a loud tone) f***ing crazy. Not him,
I'm going mad at it.
He, in sheer anger, wipes off the table surface with force
that throws off a set of files, pen holder and few sheets of paper onto the
floor.
Robert Priesly turns around, keeps his hands over his nape,
then lifts the hands with locked fingers up.
ROBERT PRIESLY
Ok. Ok. I'll set it all. Every single f***er involved in it.
He turns around again, looks at the cop.
ROBERT PRIESLY
Tell me who bailed him out??
COP
Someone by the name Sinclaire.
ROBERT PRIESLY
Sinclaire?? Sin .... Claire (he repeats the name, and again.)
He walks back, reverted till the door, looking at the cop all
through.He turns around and is seen exiting the door.
The cop sits down, calmly, as if nothing at all had happened.
64.INT -
hospital/ward - night
Robert Priesly is hysterically angry, as is evident from his
very walking style, that long strides, the hard boot clicks, the clock pace
everything say his mood is pretty bad, infact, severely bad. He is walking down
the hospital pathway now, stairs up to the first floor, moves through the
waiting hall and enters the ward where Jerome is admitted.
He paces down as he enters the ward, is cautious about his
footstep sound and walks toward the bed.
Jerome is sleeping on the bed, while three of his companions
are around him, sitting, either reading a book or eating apple or simply
rolling their eyes around.
They all see the approaching Robert and stand up.
Robert signals them to sit down, as he waves down his right
palm.
ROBERT PRIESLY
Can I wake him up??
COMPANION-1
No. Doctor advised rest.
As if he never bothered what the answer would be, Robert
Priesly sits by Jerome's side, gently taps his cheeks, then a bit harder. And a
mild slap that makes Jerome wake up.
JEROME
Holy f***ing God.. You?? I dont speak with you anymore. Talk
to my lawyers.
ROBERT PRIESLY
I don't give a f***ing goddamn to your lawyers.
A nurse who was treating an adjacent patient turns at this
scene, which was firesome, blaring and offensive.
NURSE
Excuse me !! I'd like to remind you this is a hospital ward.
Care to mind??
ROBERT PRIESLY
(in a very low tone, almost whispering)
Look Jerome. Don't make me f***ing mad by resisting to
answer.
Robert Priesly turns his middle-finger ring and opens its
notch up. Jerome looks at that and recalls its sharp piercing punches, now
stitched. (Scene flash of the punching cut is shown on the screen, that lasts
for three-four secs max).
JEROME
Mr.Priesly, This is not your investigation room and I'm not
that arrested convict this moment. You own no right on me, whatsoever.
ROBERT PRIESLY
Oh yeah?? (He gets up)You have invited a raging bull. Expect
the worst.
Robert Priesly walks off, so fast he almost disappears in
seconds.
65. Int -
hospital ward - day
It is fresh in the morning. A nurse comes monitoring the ward
as she turns the lights off and whooshes the window curtains to allow the
sunlight enter in.
Jerome is asleep on his bed, while his comapanions are awake.
Jerome is seen waking up, as he opens his eyes slowly, turns
around and gets up to support his spines over the bent pillow.
NURSE-1
Good morning everyone. Fresh it is. How do you feel.
JEROME
Yeah. Bright and bouncy.
NURSE-1
Good. If you are fully awake, we'd better go for the daily
check-up now. Or I'll come back and take you.
JErome
No. Thats's ok. I'm done with my sleep, more than that
frankly. We can go.
NURSE-1
You are a super active kid. Common, get up, get going.
She laughs as she helps him get up and they together walk towards the attached lab.
66.int -
lab in the hospital - just after the previous scene
The lab is a small one and is congested. Most glassed
wardrobes are seen stuffed completely by various tablet packs and ointment
tubes.
The lab is dimly lit and is soundproof (so convinced by the
symbol on its door).
Jerome sits on a stool and keeps staring at the nurse.
Nurse, meanwhile is looking for something as she opens a
glass almeira, scans it, closes it to go back to another one of them, has a
cursory look and then up above it is a small chiffonier which she opens. Takes
out something from there, that is revealed to be an injection tube.
Turns back to Jerome.
Jerome is still having his eyeballs fixed on her, gawking at
her sensually, unblinking. He grazes his long hairs that had fallen in front
over his forehead to set them back in place.
He's daring in his lewd stare, which is shifting its focus
from her face to her neck to curves.
Nurse seems to sense what Jerome is thinking about.
NURSE-1
(She hems , faking it) Ahem, ahem. Well, office hours.
Jerome smiles.
Nurse advances to give him the injection, she's so close now.
Jerome holds her on her waist with his wrapping long arms.
She almost falls on him, literally.
JEROME
(whispers) After hours??
NURSE-1
(She smiles too, then winks.)Conditions apply.
They laugh. She holds his right arm, ups the sleeves and
slowly injects the medicinal needle. His eyes are seen closing sharply,
involuntarily.
She retreats once she's done and he opens his eyes. They
smile.
She continues to smile, then giggles.
JEROME
What happened??
She's laughing.
JEROME
What?? What, all of a sudden??
No sooner than he finished his question, than his eyes slowly
droop, then close as he clouts the table besides him.
A man, WHO REMAINS OFF SCREEN THROUGHOUT, enters the lab.
Just his boots are shown, they are jet-black.
67.int -
hospital pathway - direct continuation of the previous scene
In the hospital pathway, the nurse and the JET-BLACK-BOOTS
man are seen WALKING AWAY FROM THE CAMERA with Jerome compelled to hop low
between them, although unconscious, as they hold both of his shoulders upon
each of their own, giving the look of two aides assisting a person who's
injured his legs, to the onlookers.
As the final flash of the scene, Jerome's face is shown to be
covered by his forwardly combed long hairs, as a measure of safely concealing
his closed eyes.
As they walk off the CAMERA, IT MOVES BEHIND, UNTIL IT SHOWS
a door that's opened on the other side of the lab where Jerome was jabbed.
68.int - a
small deserted underconstruction building - day
The ambiance is dim, imprecise and hazy. WE ARE IN THE MIDDLE
of a small open-walled room of an underconstructed building. The sight of the
tree branches which could be seen outside at a distance say it's not definitely
the ground floor of that building.
The walls are not present, save a few cemented pillars
erected around to support the ceiling. Bricks and mortar are spread throughout,
irregular and sporadic.
At one of the corners of it, are two wooden chairs placed
opposite to each other. On one of them, Jerome is seen, tied in his hands and
chest clamped to the chair with a thick rope.
Water is splashed with force on his face by a person, who is,
UPON MOVING THE CAMERA SLOWLY UP TO HIS FACE, revealed to be Mr.Robert Priesly.
The sudden, unanticipated splash of hot water makes Jerome
wake up instantly.
He opens his eyes, tries to get up but finds he's chained
everywhere.
He's terrified and is out of breath. Water is dripping from
his face.
JEROME
Again you!! F***ing goddamn hell...
Jerome hadn't even finished, but Robert Priesly giving the
time absolutely no time this time, punches his face off with his notched up
ring in his middle finger.
Jerome bleeds severely on his cheeks, he screams.
And one more of its kind, intense, but on the other cheek.
The latter punch makes Jerome turn rightside, where he sees
the nurse and another man standing.
The man standing besides her is shown to be the
MAN-WITH-JET-BLACK-BOOTS as the CAMERA GLIDES DOWN.
The nurse looks at him pitifully and offers him a flying kiss.
ROBERT PRIESLY
Before I punch you the third time..
JEROME
(in a screaming tone, stressing each word loudly, as
if he strongly means it) Nooo. Please. ... You win. No more blood, please.
ROBERT PRIESLY
In that case, you would have to answer me, not just to the
best of YOUR knowledge, but on behalf of whoever it's related to. Positive?
JEROME
I do, I do. Please, but no more of them. (he looks at
Robert's shining ring, firmly worn on his middle finger).
ROBERT PRIESLY
Miss.Agathe and Picoll, thanks a lot for your assistance. I
will ever be grateful to you, and this one...
He takes out an envolope from his shirt pocket and hands it
to the nurse.
ROBERT PRIESLY(contd)
's for you. For him (looking at Jerome.)
Nurse receives the envolope, shakes out the money, drops it
inside and nods. Then the nurse and the jet-black-boots-man (Picoll) are seen
leaving the place.
Robert Priesly turns back to Jerome.
ROBERT PRIESLY(CONTD)
And now. All attention on you.
JEROME
Mmmm. Tell me what you want to know now? Why this? What's for?
ROBERT PRIESLY
I want to know THE TRUTH. The (stressing each syllable)
REALITY
JEROME
Which you already know??
ROBERT PRIESLY
I already know? Really? Really?
Robert Priesly looks at his middle finger and turns the ring,
to open up its notch.
Jerome looks at it, terrified again.
JEROME
No, no. Hold on.
Not bothering his answers or pleas, Robert Priesly punches
his face, for the one last time.
Jerome shrieks in acute pain.
JEROME
(Utters each word slowly, pausing between each of
them. In low tone, as he suffers)Please stop that. I'm no criminal to use your
third degree punishment.
ROBERT PRIESLY
So I know the truth still?
JEROME
Nooo. You don't.
ROBERT PRIESLY
Then let me know it, *NOW*
CAMERA CLOSE-UP TO JEROME'S FACE
JEROME
(Slowly, stressing each word, pausing briefly very
often)
The whole thing what the world believes about this is
(pause)a piece of f***ing shi*. It's a game,(pause) played against the nation,
against (pause)the telephone.
ROBERT PRIESLY
Against the telophone ??
JEROME
You heard it right. (Stressing each word, loudly) *against
the telephone*. And many are involved in it, even so. Its a *conspiracy*. It's
a *sedition*.
ROBERT PRIESLY
What conspiracy? Whose?? I know a thing for sure, Tom
Hatten's involved in it. Isn't he?
JEROME
Involved?? (Jerome laughs hard, despite his pains). He's not
just *involved*, but is the f***ing mastermind behind this.
ROBERT PRIESLY
Care to elaborate?
JEROME
Mr.Tom Hatten, the Norwells kingpin, you know his worth has
increased by 120% in last three f***ing months?? You believe it can happen
uprightly, all of a sudden, out of the blue??? Well, guess not. There's the
conspiracy.
ROBERT PRIESLY
And more.
JEROME
Mr.Tom Hatten as you know runs Norwell, the conglomerate. Of
late, these cellular phones are in scene, of whose, he took the contract.
Invested in it, but to no avail, as people dint respond positively to it when
it all began. Not that it was bad or not upto the mark, but the cellular phone
really needed some time to get into the households, some time, which Hatten
never had. He wanted them be popular right away, down the pike. He promoted, by
various means, but it lacked public attention, as public was so much obsessed
with the cable landlines. (pauses, then utters each word stresses) *And he
resorted to this con..spi..racy *.
ROBERT PRIESLY
Interesting. Then?
JEROME
He hatched a plot. He picked people randomly, lured them to
act as he said. And assured complete protection. Money and incentives involved
were simply huge, none could deny his offer.
ROBERT PRIESLY
What acting?
CUTAWAY:
69.INT –
ELENA’S HOUSE – DAY
The house is neat, silent and things are in order.
On the settee of the veranda, Elena is sitting with a stranger.
They are facing each other.
It appears that there’s no one else in the house that moment, as it is utterly
quiet.
The strange man is in his suits, is having a briefcase by his side.
He is bald, cleanly shaven and is wearing an eye-mask.
STRANGER
Yes, you heard it right. You need not have to do anything.
Absolutely nothing.
ELENA
So, what you are saying is you pay me such a huge amount,
(pauses) for doing nothing?? (sarcastically)
You are kinda philanthropist or such? (She laughs)
STRANGER
No, we are not. Infact, we are damn opposite to it. We are
hardcore businessmen.
ELENA
So it’s a business ? It’s a deal. Isn’t it?
STRANGER
You may think so.
ELENA
That’s *soothing*(she stresses upon that word) to hear, more
of. Tell me what it is.
STRANGER
I’ll put in plain words. But this is a top secret.
Should keep it with yourself.
Not even your husband should know.
Infact he’s the one who should never know this, till its done.
ELENA
Specially my husband be oblivious of this??
Are you serious?? I can’t cheat him, sorry.
STRANGER
This is no cheating. Or if you are so adamant, let it go,
America is not really under-populous.
He gets up to go.
She holds his hands and pulls him to sit back.
ELENA
No, hold on, sit down.
STRANGER
Now that’s really *soothing* (now, he stresses upon that
word). So listen carefully.
Two days hence, at sharp 10:13 in the morning, I hope your husband would be
here in house that time, eh??
ELENA
Yeah. He‘ll be.
STRANGER
You shall get a phone call. Make sure you pick it yourself.
Hold on for few seconds.
No one actually speaks from the other end. No one.
You keep saying “hello” a few times and then just fall down on the floor.
As if, some high frequency wave hit you off through it, traumatizing you.
Minor injuries while you thud, if possible to bear, would add to the effect.
(he laughs).
ELENA
And then?
STRANGER
Post this, the things are not really in our hands. If your
husband really loves you, (in a joking manner)
(in a really really fast accent, no break in between he gives, till the end of
this whole sentence and it’s next.)
he probably will rush to you, help you get up, which you shouldn’t and he’ll
hospitalize you.
There you’ll wake up in day and tell them you remember nothing except some call
where a male voice uttering unrecognizable words
was heard and abruptly, a flush of wave-like sensation was felt that made you
faint.
And then, we’ll take care of the rest of the things, (after a brief
pause) including your payment.
ELENA
Doesn’t seem that tough. But why are you doing this
after all?
STRANGER
For money. (he casually ups his shoulders)
STRANGER
That’s why *‘I AM’* doing this for, but I’m asking why ‘YOU’
want me do this.
STRANGER
No change in the answer.
Elena looks confused as her eyebrows droop.
int.70 -
SCEne 68 continued
JEROME
In similar ways, he bewitched lots of people, of various
places, age-groups, of both sexes, occupations and culture. They were all paid
for doing nothing more than a brief cameo act.
(SCENES ARE FLASHED ON SCREEN, AS HE NARRATES, WHERE SOME
STRANGER IS SITTING WITH PROFESSOR.STEVE DISCUSSING SOMETHING AND OPENING A
BRIEFCASE; ANOTHER STRANGER IN DISCUSSION WITH THE ARCHITECT WHOM WE SAW
BECOMING THE VICTIM IN SCENE- 14 ; AND THEN THAT NGO PEON, IN TALKS WITH YET
ANOTHER STRANGER AND IT FLIPS FAST).
JEROME(contd)
Things pretty much worked in Tom Hatten's favour soon. As
people got a valid reason, infact, a threatening,a terrifying reason to switch
to cellular, either casting off their landlines or keeping them as the second
options. Soon, there were thousands of cellular users throughout, the trigger
what it needed was got. The conspiracy was a grand-success. But, it never
really needed it continued, cellular has it's own implicit advantages over
landlines that can make them the game-changers. But the initial push , the much
needed timely trigger for the cellular adaption was (stresses) *given by this
con...spi..racy*. And in a very short span of time, which was what Tom Hatten
all expected.
Not just this made Mr.Hatten a billionaire from being just a
millionaire, but it completely turned the fortunes of almost fifty victims
involved in this, including mine. Go check now. * They are all damn f***ing
rich.*
Not just us commoners, even some top heads are involved in
this, although I just know about them as much as you do now.
Then, Hatten wished the conspiracy ended. He made me call two
victims inspite of knowing that I was being dogged, closely tracked. Or else,
do you see me a fool to hit that f***ing phonebooth owner hard and still stay
around, calling again? He made me do so, so you could catch me and I fool you
impressively using my dummy gigantic instruments. In a day, he bailed me out.
Thing by thing happened as he just expected. (pauses, a brief one)
(speaking really slowly, but is clear)
With the exception of a set of sharp potent punches I
received from you, the con...spi...racy hasn't harmed me in anyway. All is well
that ends well.
(Jerome laughs)
THE CAMERA PULLS BACK - CUT-AWAY
71. EXT –
OUTSIDE ELENA’S HOUSE – DAY
Robert Priesly gets down from his car and enters a gate.
The house he is heading towards is soon revealed to be Elena’s.
He stumbles on the door that is locked.
He looks besides, turns around, then to his left to notice a small hand-written
board hung slackly on the window.
On the board is written – “Shifted to No.87 ,Larsen County , Plumbough.”
He holds the board stiffly between his thumb and the index, stare at it
intently for a moment AS WE FADE AWAY.
72.EXT -
NO.87 , LARSEN COUNTY , PLUMBOUGH – DAY
Robert Priesly’s car halts at a place as we hear the incisive
sound of breaks being applied.
The door is slowly opened and he unhurriedly gets out.
THE ENTIRE SCENE MOVES VERY SLOWLY
From Robert Priesly’s POV, we witness in front of him , an immense plot of
land, too big to predict its dimension on the go, compounded with
not-so-high walls.
A big iron gate leads him into it, as he gently opens the
gate from outside.
Besides it, he notices a letter-box fixed to the gate and a
nameplate affixed to side-piller of the it which reads- “ MATT n ELENA”,
in a trendy font.
As he push opens the big-gate, we can see a vast,
really huge lawn, neatly grafted and with lofty trees here and there.
And we see a cozy looking house at a distance, a car that
appears imposing.
Robert Priesly’s face is shown CLOSE UP, he remembers Jerome’s words.
VOICE OVER (JEROME’S VOICE)
Go check now. They are all damn f***ing rich.
He keeps gazing at the house, eyes focused at a distant
object.
FADE AWAY
73. FADE
TO BLACKNESS
VOICE OVER
(A brawny voice, slow pace, stressing each word)
Robert Priesly could not bring everyone concerned in this
gargantuan scam under the scanner.
There were simply too many of them, affluent , authoritative and
influential.
But rather he was contented, (pause) about solving the
mystery till *the heart of it*.
74. BLACK
SCREEN
Credits start rolling up.
Music on.
--------------END------------