Polly grabs her bag and heads for the front door upon hearing the doorbell. She greets the exhausted looking Liz Rawton.

DC Rawton:

Good morning, you ready?

PC Page:

Yeah, I guess. You all right? You look dead.

DC Rawton:

That's one way of putting it. So how are you this morning? Do you feel ill?

Polly chuckles.

PC Page:

Give me time, it�s only five-thirty. Ask me again at about nine, yeah?

Liz glances with a wry smile at Polly.

DC Rawton:

Stupid question, hey?

PC Page:

Nah, it's okay. I woulda asked someone the same thing couple of months ago.

Polly and Liz head over towards the car.

DC Rawton:

Hop in, we'll talk on the way.

Polly slips into the passenger seat, as they head off. Liz looks sideways at Polly, trying to ascertain her mood.

DC Rawton:

So, what do you think you'll do about the baby?

Polly sighs.

PC Page:

I dunno, Liz. I guess I'll go through with it. I mean, just cause it wasn't planned, doesn't mean I don't want it.

DC Rawton:

Well, it can't be that bad, can it? Are you worried of what people will think of you when you tell them you don't know who the father is?

Polly scoffs.

PC Page:

I wasn't planning on having to put it quite like that, I guess.

DC Rawton:

Or are you just worried about Dave's reaction?

PC Page:

Well, I can hardly tell him, can I? I mean, I want to, but what if, what if it's not his. Then what?

DC Rawton:

Would it be easier if he just found out 'accidentally'?

PC Page:

Yeah, perhaps, I dunno. I'm not exactly relishing the thought of having to break it to him.

Liz smiles wryly.

DC Rawton:

I must admit I don't envy you.

PC Page:

It's stupid, really. I mean, I shouldn't have let this all happen in the first place.

DC Rawton:

Come on, it can't be all your fault.

PC Page:

Well, I mean, when it comes down to it, it is sure. But, well, I was pretty far gone after that night out with Vicky and all them. I wasn't exactly about to refuse, ya know how it gets.

DC Rawton:

I know, but it won't do you any good to keep beating up on yourself about it.

PC Page:

I just don't know what I'm meant to do. I can hardly just wait around for it to all go away, can I?

DC Rawton:

Well, I think the first step is telling June.

PC Page:

Yeah, but you know what she'll be like. She'll keep it all professional at work and all, but she'll wanna know the whole story.

DC Rawton:

Well, just tell her the bits that are most important and attempt to convince her that that's all there is.

PC Page:

I suppose so, but then it won't be long �til the whole relief catch on, and then what!

DC Rawton:

At least you will have had time to decide what you want to do about it.

PC Page:

Liz, I think I've pretty much made up me mind to go through with this, whatever the outcome.

DC Rawton:

If that's what you want, then stick with that. People will judge you less harshly if you remain firm in your decision.

PC Page:

I guess. I mean, Vicky's probably already done enough damage. But it's Dave. He'll be so hurt if I don't say anything.

DC Rawton:

But would you tell him it's possibly his? Or would you let him assume it's someone else's?

Polly cringes.

DC Rawton:

I'm sorry, I know it's difficult.

PC Page:

I'd wanna assume it's his, but I couldn't lie to him, Liz.

DC Rawton:

No, of course not. I think he'd appreciate being told the truth.

Polly raises an eyebrow.

PC Page:

You reckon?

DC Rawton:

Well, he might be uncomfortable with it, but he'd probably prefer to know, rather than hear rumours.

PC Page:

Yeah, I guess so.

DC Rawton:

But don't tell him until you're ready. Timing is always important with intricate conversations.

PC Page:

Don't worry, it'll take me six months to work up the courage!

Polly tries to lighten up the conversation as they pull into the station.

PC Page:

Thanks for this, Liz.

DC Rawton:

Don't worry so much, you'll be fine. Remember to speak to June.

Polly rolls her eyes.

DC Rawton:

You know it's for the best.

PC Page:

Yeah, another highlight of me day.

DC Rawton:

Well, just think of it this way, someone else you won't have to tell later.

PC Page:

No, Vicky'll take care of the relief with my luck.

DC Rawton:

Come on, ready for a day at work?

Polly replies in a monotone voice:

PC Page:

Can't wait.

Liz laughs as she gets out of the car.

DC Rawton:

Come on, it can't be as bad as you expect.

Polly exits the car and heads into the station with Liz.

Polly knocks hesitantly on the door. June looks up and sees Polly waiting.

Sgt. Ackland:

Come on in, Poll.

Polly steps into the office, closing the door behind her.

Sgt. Ackland:

Are you still feeling unwell?

PC Page:

Ah, Sarge, um, that is what I wanted to talk to you about.

Sgt. Ackland:

Go on.

PC Page:

Right, well, the thing is�

Polly pauses, gazing awkwardly at her senior officer.

Sgt. Ackland:

Polly?

PC Page:

Well, Sarge, you see, I, I'm pregnant.

June is shocked.

Sgt. Ackland:

Are you sure?

PC Page:

Ah, yes.

Sgt. Ackland:

I didn't know you were in a relationship, Polly. Are congratulations in order?

PC Page:

Not exactly, Sarge. Liz talked me into to telling you, so I thought it best if I did.

June stands up.

Sgt. Ackland:

Well, this is quite serious. It is up to you what happens, Polly. I take it you're not feeling too great at the moment? That was the food poisoning?

PC Page:

Yes, Sarge.

Sgt. Ackland:

I mean, once that subsides you can stay on duty until you are almost full term. Am I the only one at work who knows?

PC Page:

Um, not really, Sarge. Both Liz and Vicky are aware too.

June raises an eyebrow.

Sgt. Ackland:

Vicky? Vicky Hagen?

PC Page:

Yes, Sarge, why?

Sgt. Ackland:

So the relief will be aware of it in the near future?

PC Page:

I very much doubt that, Sarge and I'd prefer to keep this quiet for the time being.

Sgt. Ackland:

Does Vicky know that? She is hardly the type to keep a secret.

PC Page:

Don't worry, she'll keep it to herself.

June sighs.

Sgt. Ackland:

If you're sure. So what do you want to do about it?

PC Page:

I'm still working on that one. What's the procedure from here? Will I be able to return to normal duties in a few weeks?

Sgt. Ackland:

It depends on how you are feeling. Perhaps if you give me an update at the start of each week and we can figure out your roster from there?

PC Page:

Sure, Sarge.

Sgt. Ackland:

So we are keeping this to ourselves?

PC Page:

I'd appreciate it for the time being.

Sgt. Ackland:

Have you considered all the options? I take it that this wasn't planned?

Polly scoffs.

PC Page:

No, Sarge, that's one way of putting it, I guess.

Sgt. Ackland:

Well, if you are considering termination, then I guess I can hold off from telling the senior officers for a few weeks at the most. So you have food poisoning?

PC Page:

Right, I suppose so.

Sgt. Ackland:

And you will be on light duties for the rest of the week, or until it subsides?

PC Page:

Yeah, I'm already thirteen weeks, so hopefully it won't be for much longer.

Sgt. Ackland:

Thirteen weeks? I take it you know who the father is? Polly?

PC Page:

Oh yeah, no-one special, a one night thing, after a night out with Vicky and the gang.

June raises an eyebrow.

Sgt. Ackland:

Oh, that explains it. Just as long as it's no-one from the relief!

June smiles.

PC Page:

Sarge, I'd really prefer not to get into this. I came because Liz convinced me it was the right thing to do.

June's grin fades.

Sgt. Ackland:

Oh, I was making light of it. Sorry, it isn't appropriate given the circumstances.

June looks down at the clipboard on her desk, making a quick amendment.

Sgt. Ackland:

Well, you can either help out Marion in Mr Brownlow's office, or run errands for CID. What do you fancy?

Polly sighs, and looks very gloomy.

PC Page:

Better take CID, I guess.

Sgt. Ackland:

Cheer up, Polly. It is not the end of the world!

Polly raises an eyebrow.

PC Page:

With all due respect, Sarge, care to trade places?

Sgt. Ackland:

CID it is then.

PC Page:

Yes, Sarge.

June returns to the stack of paperwork on her desk. Polly promptly turns and makes her way from the office.

Sam, Dave and Vicky are sitting around a table during refs.

PC Hagen:

Where's Polly today?

Vicky sips her tea.

PC Harker:

Dunno, something about CID. I passed her in custody.

PC Quinnan:

Wonder what she�s doing up there? I thought we were the only ones working for CID at the moment.

PC Hagen:

I shouldn't worry about it, Dave. She is probably just skiving!

PC Harker:

Yeah, she didn't exactly looked rushed off her feet when I ran into her.

PC Hagen:

That'd be like her, leaving all the hard work to us!

PC Harker:

Too right.

PC Quinnan:

Give it a rest, you two.

Vicky suddenly realises exactly why Polly is on light duties.

PC Hagen:

I bet there is something going on. Probably been brown-nosing to the Sarge to get her way out of things again!

PC Harker:

I dunno, Vicky. She didn't exactly look well.

PC Quinnan:

Exactly. So just leave her alone.

PC Hagen:

Dave, I thought you'd be the last person willing to stand up for her after the way she treated you.

PC Quinnan:

Vicky?

Sam is intrigued.

PC Harker:

What's this?

PC Hagen:

Oh, sorry, I shouldn't have said anything!

PC Harker:

Nah, come on, out with it!

PC Hagen:

Forget it, Sam. It's my and Dave's little secret!

PC Harker:

That's it, now you gotta tell me!

PC Hagen:

Sorry Sam, my lips are sealed

PC Harker:

Oh, come on, guys. What it is? Is she sick or something?

PC Hagen:

Sick in the head, perhaps!

Vicky laughs. Sam is slightly annoyed by Vicky.

PC Harker:

What is with you lately, anyway?

PC Hagen:

Me? Nothing. Same old me!

Vicky smiles sweetly at Sam, who raises an eyebrow at Dave.

PC Harker:

Come on guys, don't keep me in the dark here. You're both in on something!

PC Hagen:

Honestly, Sam, there is nothing going on. If there was, I'd make sure you were the first to know about it, yeah?

Polly pushes open the door to the canteen, grabs a cup of tea and joins the group.

PC Hagen:

Polly, we were just talking about you!

Vicky smiles superficially.

PC Hagen:

Don't worry, all nice things!

PC Page:

So, how's it been going?

PC Hagen:

Oh, you know. Blooming!

Dave looks at Vicky puzzled.

PC Page:

Sounds pretty busy out there. Something about a gang of drunken youths? Any bother?

PC Hagen:

No. Not that you'd know about, stuck in CID all day.

Vicky stirs her tea.

PC Hagen:

So, as I was saying, I was doing this quiz in Cleo the other day about relationships and got this question about pregnancy. What you would do if you didn't know who the father was? I'd have it adopted, what about you, Poll?

Vicky smiles innocently, as Polly contemplates her answer.

PC Page:

Oh, I dunno, depends. In a spot of bother are we Vicks?

PC Quinnan:

What are you on about, Vicks?

PC Hagen:

No, not me actually, a friend of mine.

Vicky sneaks a glance at Polly.

PC Page:

Oh, well, I'm sure you'll think of something. You know all about tricky relationships, don't ya!

Polly smirks back at her. Vicky is taken aback.

PC Hagen:

Pardon? I thought you were the expert!

PC Quinnan:

Vicky, calm down, yeah?

PC Page:

Oh really? Well, I dunno. It's very easy to misjudge people, isn't it?

Vicky snorts.

PC Hagen:

What are you implying, Polly?

PC Page:

Oh, nothing.

Polly smiles at her innocently.

PC Hagen:

I thought as much. I mean, it's your life that is in tatters at the moment! Come on, Dave. Unlike some others around here, we have work to do!

Sam looks confused between the two women. Vicky storms out of the canteen leaving the others gobsmacked.

PC Harker:

What's with her?

PC Quinnan:

Who knows? It's always something with Vicky. Probably her hormones!

PC Harker:

Yeah, PMS probably.

Dave laughs.

PC Harker:

Could be anything!

PC Quinnan:

It's probably her that's been knocked up, eh Poll?

PC Page:

Huh?

Polly is rather preoccupied.

PC Quinnan:

Just saying that it was probably Vicky that is pregnant, the way she has been acting lately.

PC Page:

Oh, yeah, well, you never know, do ya!

PC Quinnan:

I guess not!

Polly pushes her hair back behind her ear, not sure what to say next. Dave looks uncomfortable.

PC Quinnan:

Well, I'll be going! Better find Vicky and all that!

Polly tries to avoid looking at him.

PC Page:

I guess so.

PC Quinnan:

Um, yeah. Bye then, Sam, Polly.

PC Harker:

See ya tonight, yeah?

PC Quinnan:

Yeah, sure.

Dave gets up from the table and pushes his chair in before leaving for the door. Polly turns to Sam.

PC Page:

Tonight?

PC Harker:

Yeah, we're heading to the Pike's Head at about seven. You're welcome to come along, Poll.

PC Page:

Oh, thanks, but I think I'll give it a miss.

PC Harker:

Oh, no worries. Anyway, better get back out there.

Sam smiles as he stands and leaves the canteen.

Dave and Vicky are pacing down the quiet street.

PC Quinnan:

Vicky, what's going on with you and Poll? What was all that stuff back in the canteen?

PC Hagen:

Oh that? Nothing. Just a difference in opinion really!

PC Quinnan:

Coulda fooled me. Looked rather serious. I mean, I've never seen you guys at each other like this.

Vicky raises an eyebrow.

PC Hagen:

I think she has a lot on her mind at the moment.

PC Quinnan:

Yeah? What's going on, Vicks? You seem to be one up on the rest of us.

PC Hagen:

Well, it's not exactly common knowledge, and I doubt I'd make the situation any better if I told you.

PC Quinnan:

Judging by the little display in the canteen earlier, it couldn't get much worse, could it? Come on, I won't take this any further.

PC Hagen:

Oh, Dave, it�s such a mess. I mean, I wish I could just get things back to normal. The last thing she needs is me on her back in her situation!

Dave is thoroughly confused.

PC Quinnan:

What is going on?

Vicky sighs.

PC Hagen:

I can't really talk about it, Dave. It's just too complicated!

Dave raises an eyebrow curiously.

PC Quinnan:

Oh, come off it. Nothing's that complicated. Never know, I might be able to throw a fresh angle on it all.

PC Hagen:

Believe me, I don't think you can fix this, Dave. Short of turning back time.

PC Quinnan:

Sounds serious.

PC Hagen:

Serious isn't the word for it. Now disaster maybe.

Vicky forces a smile.

PC Quinnan:

Vicky, it can't be all that bad. What's going on?

PC Hagen:

Look, Dave, I can't say anything, least of all to you!

PC Quinnan:

Why me? What's this got to do with me?

Vicky sighs.

PC Hagen:

It can't go any further than us two, and you can't let on, you know.

PC Quinnan:

I won't say a word.

Dave looks at her encouragingly.

PC Hagen:

Promise? Because your mind may change after you hear this.

Dave sighs and answers impatiently.

PC Quinnan:

Yeah, yeah, out with it.

PC Hagen:

Well, it�s Polly, she, um..

Dave raises an eyebrow impatiently.

PC Hagen:

She�s pregnant, Dave!

Dave is rather put off.

PC Quinnan:

Vicky, that's not funny.

PC Hagen:

Do I look like I'm joking?

PC Quinnan:

Um, but well, you sure?

Vicky puts her hands on her hips.

PC Hagen:

It wasn't me that did the actual physical, but yeah, we have got pretty conclusive evidence!

PC Quinnan:

Ah well, um.

Dave is rather lost for words.

PC Hagen:

I told you that you wouldn't want to hear this!

PC Quinnan:

No, I, I'm just a little stunned. I mean, I didn't expect to hear this from you of all people.

PC Hagen:

Why not!

PC Quinnan:

Come on, Vicky, you and Poll haven't exactly been on the best speaking terms lately. You coulda been a bit more supportive, ya know!

Vicky sighs.

PC Hagen:

I know, but she has made it so difficult. The way she has taken it and all. She is probably reacting worse because she doesn't know whose it is and oh, it's all just a huge mess!

Dave is caught off-guard.

PC Quinnan:

She what? Oh, yeah, that, er, probably wouldn't help.

PC Hagen:

That�s where you come into it.

Dave pauses.

PC Quinnan:

That would explain a few things though, come to think of it.

PC Hagen:

See what I mean? I know I shouldn't have told you! Now she is going to find out that I have been shooting my mouth off again and she is going to hate me even more!

Vicky looks at Dave through lowered lashes.

PC Quinnan:

Vicky, calm down, yeah? I won't let on that you told.

PC Hagen:

Thanks, Dave. I really appreciate that!

PC Quinnan:

Sure, but you do manage to get into these awkward situations quite a bit, don't ya?

PC Hagen:

Me! I'd say you were the one in a, um, awkward position. Pardon the expression!

Dave sighs.

PC Quinnan:

Yeah, I mean, hell, I thought it was all over and done with.

Vicky takes Dave's hand supportively.

PC Hagen:

What are you going to do?

PC Quinnan:

I dunno. I can't do anything for the moment, we're not exactly overdoing the conversation or anything.

Vicky considers this.

PC Hagen:

Perhaps I can talk to her?

PC Quinnan:

Yeah, she's probably feeling pretty confused.

PC Hagen:

I mean, it could be well, anybody's, the way she has been acting lately. You don't want to step in and look like an idiot!

Dave mumbles under his breath:

PC Quinnan:

Right.

PC Hagen:

Perhaps I should try and patch things up. She has heaps to think about, some major decisions to be made in the next few weeks and all that!

PC Quinnan:

Yeah, try a be a bit more supportive and all that. Has she told June? Is that was all this light duties is about?

PC Hagen:

I imagine that would have something to do with it!

PC Quinnan:

Well, what did June say?

PC Hagen:

How would I know, Polly isn't exactly speaking with me. Remember?

PC Quinnan:

Oh, yeah, sorry, I just�

Sgt. Ackland:

361 from Sierra Oscar receiving?

Vicky grabs her radio.

PC Hagen:

Go ahead.

Sgt. Ackland:

Disturbance twenty-seven, that's two-seven Malpitt Road. Can you deal?

Vicky looks at Dave inquiringly. Dave nods vaguely.

PC Hagen:

Show us dealing, Sarge.

Sgt. Ackland:

All received.

Vicky replaces her radio.

PC Hagen:

Come on, Dave and try and look a little surprised when Poll works up the courage to tell you!

PC Quinnan:

Thanks for that, Vicky!

Dave heads for Malpitt Road with Vicky trailing behind him.

Vicky returns from the bar to where Dave is standing.

PC Hagen:

You look like you need a drink!

PC Quinnan:

Yeah, pity we're working.

Dave forces a cheesy grin.

PC Hagen:

That shouldn't stop you, drink up!

PC Quinnan:

Nah, best not. Anyway, we're due to make the deal at ten, right?

PC Hagen:

Call it Dutch courage, then!

Jerry appears from across the room and ushers them into an adjoining corridor.

PC Hagen:

Look, there's Jerry!

Jerry waits until the three of them are alone. Liz smiles.

Jerry Granger:

Right Dave, you got the cash? We gota sort this out straight away, not loose ends, ya know.

PC Hagen:

I thought we were talking to your boss, Jerry?

Jerry Granger:

Yeah, yeah we are. Just had to make sure we're sorted first.

PC Hagen:

Of course we�re sorted! We're hardly amateurs!

Jerry Granger:

Fine, well through here then.

Jerry leads Vicky and Dave into a small room, where a balding man in his late forties is waiting. Vicky smiles at Jerry as she follows his lead.

PC Hagen:

So? You have some stuff for us?

Dave glances at Vicky.

Jerry Granger:

Bob, I spoke to you about Dave. Said you'd sort him out.

Dave watches as the older man silently moves across the room to a filing cabinet and removes a little brown box.

PC Hagen:

We haven't got all night!

Vicky puts her hands on her hips.

Jerry Granger:

Yeah, yeah. Right, we've said a hundred, given you're a mate and all.

Jerry takes the plastic bags from Bob, and passes them to Dave.

PC Quinnan:

No problem.

Dave reaches into his pocket, handing over the money to the elder man.

PC Hagen:

And what do you want in return for these mates rates?

Jerry grins across at Vicky evilly.

Jerry Granger:

Oh no, nothing, really. We've already settled out payment plan, haven't we?

PC Hagen:

Well Jerry, you may have settled yours, but I�m sure your boss would like to have some assurance that this is, and always will be, a secure venue?

Jerry Granger:

Oh, that's fine, really. But we'll keep the offer in mind, none the less, eh?

Jerry winks at her. Vicky looks around her to see CID and uniform back-up ready for the arrest.

PC Hagen:

I'm sure you'll get lots of offers in your cell, Jerry. Some of those blokes can't resist a pretty face!

Vicky moves in to arrest a startled Jerry, reading him his rights.

Jerry Granger:

Hey, you bitch! What the hell!

PC Hagen:

Jerry, I�m a police officer. Relax, you're sorted!

Jerry Granger:

This was all a set-up, wasn't it!

Dave heads across the room to arrest the elder man, both he and Vicky leading their prisoners outside to the awaiting troops.

PC Hagen:

Well, that was worth it. Just to see the look on his face!

PC Quinnan:

Yeah, I guess. So, what was all that about back there? Payment?

Vicky smiles.

PC Hagen:

What are you on about?

PC Quinnan:

You know what. The winks, the smiles, the innuendo.

PC Hagen:

He was probably just trying it on. We used to see each other you know, ages back!

PC Quinnan:

Coulda fooled me. Although I hear he has a habit of that, doesn't he?

PC Hagen:

Hmm?

Dave looks closely at Vicky.

PC Quinnan:

You're still involved with him, aren't ya? Aren't you!

PC Hagen:

Me? Not really.

Dave raises an eyebrow.

PC Quinnan:

Oh, even you can do better than that! Out with it!

PC Hagen:

Well, I'm obviously not. He may have some feelings for me, but I imagine that after tonight they consist of pretty much negative ones!

Liz walks behind Vicky and Dave slowly trying to catch the conversation.

PC Quinnan:

Yeah, but the other night. The kiss, the 'see ya at home' stuff.

PC Hagen:

You saw that?

PC Quinnan:

You bet I did, Vicky. Now out with it, what's going on?

PC Hagen:

Well, I didn't want to mention it, because of the obbo, but I was seeing Jerry �til quite recently, but when I found out what he and Miss Page had been up to behind my back, it kinda fizzled!

PC Quinnan:

Come off it. He kissed you not two nights ago! You're gonna have to do better then that, Vicky!

PC Hagen:

I found about him being the possible father of Polly's baby little more than two days ago! I have no feelings whatsoever for him, Dave. It was merely a relationship of well, convenience.

Dave leans closer to her, hissing:

PC Quinnan:

Will you shut up about all that? You want the whole nick to know!

PC Hagen:

Give or take a few months and I think they might have the general idea!

PC Quinnan:

You think any of that's news to me? Look, Vicky, I may not be able to prove it, but I'm certain your relationship with that guy is much more than professional.

PC Hagen:

I'm not denying that it isn't, Dave, but what I am denying is that it was well and truly over before tonight and I had no idea that he was involved in drugs or anything like that!

PC Quinnan:

Fine, whatever.

Dave and Vicky get into the back of the van, realising Liz was close behind them the whole time. Liz smiles.

DC Rawton:

Don't mind me!

Dave glances angrily at Vicky.