Monster Read Online Free PDF

the crime-scene technicians didn’t find any fingerprints they could establish as belonging to a perpetrator.
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    BRIGGS
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    Isn’t it true that what you did in this case was to skip the investigation and run to your stoolies?
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    KARYL
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    We treat each case carefully. We don’t just go through the motions.
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    BRIGGS
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    The cash register was handled, but you didn’t find fingerprints, is that right?
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    KARYL
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    Not clear prints.
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    BRIGGS
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    How about the counter—was that dusted for fingerprints?
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    KARYL
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    Nothing clear enough to use.
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    BRIGGS
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    And it really isn’t that hard to find people who are in jail or whom you arrest to swear that somebody else is a bad guy? Isn’t that right?
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    KARYL
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    We check every story. We give everybody the benefit of the doubt.
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    BRIGGS
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    But you don’t check fingerprints?
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    KARYL
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    We check them when we find them.
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    BRIGGS
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    Right. Nothing further.
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    CUT TO: INTERIOR: JAIL. An OLDER PRISONER sits on the john, his pants around his ankles.
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    OLDER PRISONER
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    They got to give you some time. A guy dies and you get time. That’s the deal. Why the hell should you walk? And don’t give me young. Young don’t count when a guy dies. Why should you walk?
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    STEVE
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    â€™Cause I’m a human being. I want a life too! What’s wrong with that?
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    OLDER PRISONER
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    Nothing. But there’s rules you got to follow. You do the crime, you do the time. You act like garbage, they treat you like garbage.
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    PRISONER 2
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    Yo, man. You acting like you a preacher or something—but guess where you at? This ain’t no hotel.
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    OLDER PRISONER
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    But I ain’t complaining.
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    PRISONER 2
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    But suppose he innocent?
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    OLDER PRISONER
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    You innocent?
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    STEVE
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    Yes.
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    OLDER PRISONER
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    Yeah, well, somebody got to do some time. They’re going to lock somebody up.
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    PRISONER 3
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    How’s he gonna say he’s innocent? That’s why they holding the trial—so the jury can say if he’s innocent or not. What he says now don’t even count.
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    OLDER PRISONER
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    Whatever. Anyone got a newspaper?
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    FADE OUT
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    FADE IN: INTERIOR: WAITING ROOM. O’BRIEN enters and sits on bench with STEVE. STEVE’s wrist is handcuffed to bench.
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    O’BRIEN (indicating cuffs)
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    This wasn’t necessary.
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    STEVE
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    They just like to show they’re in charge. How do you think the trial is going?
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    O’BRIEN
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    It could be going better.
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    STEVE (surprised)
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    What’s wrong?
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    O’BRIEN
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    Well, frankly, nothing is happening that speaks to your being innocent. Half of those jurors, no matter what they said when we questioned them when we picked the jury, believed you were guilty the moment they laid eyes onyou. You’re young, you’re Black, and you’re on trial. What else do they need to know?
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    STEVE
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    I thought you’re supposed to be innocent until you’re proven guilty?
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    O’BRIEN
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    That’s true, but in reality it depends on how the jury sees the case. If they see it as a contest between the defense and the prosecution as to who’s lying, they’ll vote for the prosecution. The prosecutor walks around looking very important. No one is accusing her of being a bad person. They’re accusing you of being a monster. The jury can ask itself, Why should the prosecutor lie? Our job is to show that she’s not lying, but she’s simply made a mistake. How are you feeling? Is your stomach still upset?
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    STEVE
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    A little better.
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    O’BRIEN
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    This afternoon we have an important witness scheduled. This Osvaldo Cruz character. What do you know about him?
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    CUT TO: EXTERIOR: NEIGHBORHOOD STOOP. Fourteen-year-old