Dave is finishing changing, checking his reflection in the mirror as he clips on his tie. He turns upon hearing a knock at the door.

PC Quinnan:

Yeah?

PC Hagen:

Hi Dave, you busy?

PC Quinnan:

No, well just finishing. What can I do for you?

PC Hagen:

I was just wondering, how are things between you and Polly lately? You seem a bit awkward. Is there anything I can do?

PC Quinnan:

Ah, I don't think so, Vicks. I think you've done enough lately, don't you?

PC Hagen:

Have you spoken with her about it? I think it would be advisable to clear the air, don't you? What with the possibility of it being yours and everything, wouldn't you want to be supportive of her during this difficult time?

Dave raises an eyebrow.

PC Quinnan:

You're a fine one to talk about support. Anyway, she hasn't mentioned anything to me yet, so I can't really bring it up, can I? Anyway, why are you so interested?

PC Hagen:

It's just, well, if it did turn out to be yours, then I wouldn't want you to feel guilty about having made the wrong choice. And perhaps Polly is too embarrassed to bring it up. Maybe she's just afraid of you, afraid of your reaction.

Dave continues combing what little hair he has.

PC Hagen:

I mean, if it was me, I'd certainly be embarrassed.

PC Quinnan:

Vicky, I'm not about to just bring it up in conversation, am I? And anyway, I don't wanna put pressure on her. When she's sorted out what she wants to do, she'll have words. Until then, I'm leaving it alone.

Vicky looks sideways at Dave with a superior smirk.

PC Hagen:

And if you knew for certain it was yours? What would you do then?

PC Quinnan:

Well, if there wasn't all this confusion, sure, I'd be rather chuffed, and when she finds out, she'll let me know.

Dave closes his locker door, rather cheerfully.

PC Hagen:

But what if she isn't the first to know?

Dave glances at her strangely.

PC Quinnan:

Vicky, I appreciate the support but I could do without the unsubstantiated assumptions. Anyway, why are you so interested in all this?

PC Hagen:

It's just um, no, I don't think I should tell you.

PC Quinnan:

Vicky, give it a rest, yeah? Stop this beating around the bush.

PC Hagen:

But I think you'd want to know. I'm just not sure I have the right.

PC Quinnan:

Vicky, for heaven's sake, we've got parade in a few minutes, yeah?

Dave heads across the room, reaching for the door handle. Vicky looks across at him innocently.

PC Quinnan:

You coming or what?

Dave opens the door quickly.

PC Hagen:

Oh, I guess it's nothing really. I just discovered that Jerry is sterile.

Vicky grins triumphantly. Dave blinks and slowly closes the door again, turning to Vicky.

PC Quinnan:

What was that?

PC Hagen:

I found a letter in his things. I guess that makes you the father then.

Dave pauses, taking in Vicky's words.

PC Quinnan:

Vicky, you sure about all this?

Vicky shrugs casually.

PC Hagen:

I can show you the letter if you like.

PC Quinnan:

Ah, no, I'll take your word for it.

Dave pauses.

PC Quinnan:

So, why are I hearing this from you and not Poll?

PC Hagen:

I thought it would be better coming from you. I mean, I didn't want her to think I was just, um, fabricating.

PC Quinnan:

I can't believe you! Did it ever cross your tiny brain that Polly may have wanted to tell me about this herself?

PC Hagen:

Don't blame me. I'm just the messenger.

PC Quinnan:

No, you're not! You chose to tell me first and not Poll. What is wrong with you, Vicky!

PC Hagen:

If you don't want to know the details, I'll be off then. I suggest you find a time to talk to Polly. I'll leave it to you to break the good news.

PC Quinnan:

Vicky, all right, sorry. You can understand this is a bit of a shock for me though, yeah?

Vicky says far too sweetly:

PC Hagen:

Of course I understand. Now what were you saying about parade?

PC Quinnan:

Vicky, you know sometimes, I really don't know what goes through your head! You wanna tell me honestly why you didn't take this to Polly first?

PC Hagen:

Well I saw you first, didn't I?

Dave is surprised.

PC Quinnan:

What, you came to work in full uniform, did ya?

PC Hagen:

No, but I didn't see Polly. Besides, it might be a bit of a shock. I think she'd handle it better hearing it from such a kind and supportive person like you.

PC Quinnan:

Don't give me that bullshit, Vicky! You planned this, you�

Sergeant Ackland sticks her head into the room upon hearing all the shouting.

Sgt Ackland:

You two quite finished? There's a briefing about to commence, in case you'd forgotten.

Dave looks slowly from Vicky to June.

PC Hagen:

Oh, yes, we're coming.

PC Quinnan:

Sorry, Sarge, just a minor disagreement.

Dave glares at Vicky as he follows June towards the briefing room.

Polly glances across at Vicky, who doesn't seem in a very talkative mood.

PC Page:

Thanks for dropping me off, yeah?

PC Hagen:

Yeah, well, no problem. I always do things for my friends.

PC Page:

After the last few days, I wasn't sure if I still fit into that category.

PC Hagen:

Of course you do. You know, I think that Dave was wanting to speak to you.

Polly is curious.

PC Page:

Oh, yeah? What's up?

PC Hagen:

Well, I'm not really sure, but, I think it was to do with the baby. I mean, he mentioned something about knowing that he was the father.

Polly swallows.

PC Page:

He, he what? How would he though?

PC Hagen:

I'm not too sure. He really didn't say much on the issue to me. I mean, I think he was really wanting to discuss it with you.

Polly is extremely confused.

PC Page:

I don't get it, how could he know? I tried doing the math and it's hopeless!

PC Hagen:

Well, I don't know. I just thought I'd mention it to you before he said anything. That way you'd have some time to think about it.

PC Page:

But, there's no way of him knowing that! Vicky, what did he actually say?

PC Hagen:

I wasn't really listening. He was just asking had I seen you lately.

PC Rickman:

Sierra One from Sierra Oscar, receiving?

PC Page:

Go ahead, Cass.

PC Rickman:

Report of a DUI, heading west on Hoxton Road. Can you deal?

Polly glances at Vicky who nods in response.

PC Page:

Sierra Oscar from Sierra One, all received, on way.

Vicky turns onto the road in question.

PC Page:

Gaw'd, what's that guy on?

Polly notices the speeding vehicle sliding from one side of the road to the other. Vicky turns the blues and twos on and speeds after the other car.

PC Page:

Vicky, what the hell were you saying back there anyway?

PC Hagen:

Just that I think you should think about what to say to Dave.

PC Page:

So how the hell does he know? I mean, I don't even know for crying out loud!

PC Hagen:

Perhaps he found out something about Jerry, I don't know, don't yell at me.

PC Page:

Oh, come off it. He barely knew Jerry!

PC Hagen:

Yeah, hang on, this guy up ahead is mad. As if you take a corner that fast.

PC Page:

Well, just watch it, you nearly ended up in the gutter with that last one!

PC Hagen:

Don't get snippy, just because you're having a hard time.

PC Page:

And stop trying to change the subject too! You know something you're not saying!

PC Hagen:

Ask him yourself if you want to know that badly. Although if you ask me, he's probably just making it up.

PC Page:

Somehow I don't think I have to go that far! Out with it, Vicky, what's going on!

PC Hagen:

I don't know! Make up your mind what you want to believe, doesn't bother me!

PC Page:

Vicky, for once in your life tell the truth, will ya? What do you know that I don't?

PC Hagen:

All right, if you're that desperate. I know it's Dave's. See, I found out that Jerry's sterile.

PC Page:

You what! And you told him? Vicky, how could you do that!

They close in on the other car. Vicky turns defensively to Polly, not paying enough attention to her driving.

PC Hagen:

I thought he had a right to know!

Polly turns, noticing that the other car has stopped.

PC Page:

Vicky, look out!

Vicky brakes, bringing the car to an abrupt halt, but not soon enough. The Area Car skids into the one in front with a sickening thud. The officers are thrown forwards, both airbags inflating, knocking Vicky unconscious. Polly slowly pushes herself back in her seat and out of the car and makes her way around to Vicky's side.

PC Page:

Vicky? Vicky?

Polly notices that Vicky isn't responding. She calls for urgent assistance, trying to bring Vicky around.

PC Page:

Vicks, Vicky?

Still not managing to bring Vicky around, Polly runs across to the other car, the teenage driver slumped sideways across the front two seats, bleeding profusely. Checking his pulse, Polly determines that he has already died, and upon seeing a panda approach, runs back towards the Area Car. She is about five feet away when she doubles over in pain, clutching her stomach as the panda draws closer. Polly gasps and manages to drag herself over to Vicky's side. June, inside the panda, notices Polly and pulls up quickly. June gets out and hurries over to her.

Sgt. Ackland:

Polly, what happened? Are you okay?

Polly gasps through, still crouched next to Vicky's door.

PC Page:

Sarge, Vicky's unconscious, the other driver's dead.

Sgt. Ackland:

Right, are you okay?

Polly has tears streaming down her cheeks.

PC Page:

Sarge, I, I don't feel well.

Sgt. Ackland:

It is just the shock, that's all!

Polly looks up at her terrified. June takes off her jacket and places it, folded on the road.

Sgt. Ackland:

Polly, just lay back here, okay. We'll sort it all out.

June walks around and checks on Vicky.

Sgt. Ackland:

Vicky? Vicky? Can you hear me? The ambulance is on its way. Just hold on!

June walks back to where Polly is lying.

Sgt. Ackland:

Polly? What exactly happened here?

PC Page:

Sarge, it was all my fault! Vicky, well, we got into an argument and then when we turned the corner, he'd just stopped and she couldn't stop in time.

Sgt. Ackland:

Settle down, Polly, this doesn't look like it could have been avoided at any cost. It is definitely not your fault. How are you feeling now?

Polly sobs.

PC Page:

It's all my fault. Vicky was right, I shoulda told him the truth. It's my fault, and now I'm gonna lose Dave's baby.

Sgt. Ackland:

Polly, you don't know what you are saying! Dave's baby?

Polly sobs harder.

PC Page:

He doesn't even know and now it's too late!

Sgt. Ackland:

Polly?

PC Page:

It's all my fault, Sarge, it is.

June strokes Polly's forehead

Sgt. Ackland:

You aren't going to lose your baby. Just relax and wait for the ambulance. Polly, it'll be okay.

PC Page:

It's not, June, it's not. I've made a right mess of everything. Vicky, Dave, everything!

Polly is suddenly worried.

PC Page:

Vicky, is she okay?

Sgt. Ackland:

She is unconscious at the moment, Polly. I can't really say until the ambulance gets here.

PC Page:

It's my fault. We were arguing, and she wasn't concentrating, because I was yelling at her.

Sgt. Ackland:

Polly, it's no-one's fault! I can hear the sirens, they're almost here.

PC Page:

Vicky, she has to be okay. She has to.

June looks down the road to see the ambulance arriving. A paramedic makes his way across to the Sergeant, as his partner grabs medical bags.

Paramedic:

What's the story?

The paramedic looks around at the two injured policewomen, and the disfigured Area Car. Polly sighs.

PC Page:

We were pursuing the vehicle and turned a sharp corner. He braked suddenly, and Vicky couldn't stop in time.

Paramedic:

What's the problem here?

The paramedic bends down next to Polly and June, opening his bag.

PC Page:

It's my fault. It's all my fault.

The paramedic looks up at the Sergeant, expecting an explanation.

Sgt. Ackland:

I think that the driver lost control of the vehicle, both of them are hurt.

The paramedic looks across as his partner checks on Vicky. He goes back to Polly, and checks her forehead.

Sgt. Ackland:

The passenger, PC Page, is also pregnant.

Paramedic:

Right, how many weeks?

Sgt. Ackland:

I'm not really sure, I think about thirteen weeks at this stage.

Paramedic:

Right, let's get you in the ambulance.

Sgt. Ackland:

I think that PC Hagen has hit her head pretty badly. She may have concussion.

Paramedic:

Okay, you stay with her, I'll be right back.

The paramedic goes back over to his partner, as they load Vicky onto the stretcher. He and the other officer return quickly, loading Polly into the second ambulance, as June waits for the Accident Investigation Team to arrive.

June enters the hospital, making her way to the accident and emergency department, approaching a young dark haired Doctor.

Dr. Taylor:

Are you here for the officers in the car accident?

Sgt. Ackland:

Yes, PC's Hagen and Page. How are they doing?

Dr. Taylor:

They are both going to be fine. PC Hagen has suffered a serious blow to the head and suffering from slight concussion. She also has a sprained wrist and a couple of bruised ribs. PC Page on the other hand�

June raises an eyebrow.

Dr. Taylor:

She unfortunately miscarried, either due to shock or the force of the impact. I'm afraid we couldn't do anything for the baby. She will be fine though. Other than that, it is just a few bruises.

June looks dismayed.

Dr. Taylor:

Is there anyone we can call for her? Or the other officer?

June sighs.

Sgt. Ackland:

I'm not sure at this stage, Doctor. Am I able to speak with them?

Dr. Taylor checks his notebook.

Dr. Taylor:

I don't think that should be a problem, but obviously they have been through a lot and if I have any cause to believe that they are becoming distressed, I will have to ask you to leave. This is outside of normal visiting hours.

Sgt. Ackland:

I understand, Doctor. Thank you.

Dr. Taylor:

Not a problem, don't be too long. Follow me.

Dr. Taylor leads Sgt Ackland to a private ward.

Sgt. Ackland:

May I speak with PC Hagen first?

Dr. Taylor:

Certainly, she is through here.

Dr. Taylor draws back the curtain around Vicky's bed.

Sgt. Ackland:

Thank you.

June smiles warmly at the Doctor, as he leaves.

Sgt. Ackland:

Vicky, how are you doing?

Vicky opens her eyes.

PC Hagen:

Not too bad, considering. Polly, how is she? Is she all right?

June sighs.

Sgt. Ackland:

She's all right, she lost her baby though, I'm afraid.

PC Hagen:

Oh God! Sarge, it is all my fault, I, I have killed it! I crashed and because of me, Polly's lost her baby. Oh God!

Vicky starts to cry silently.

Sgt. Ackland:

It's all right, it's not your fault. These things happen. Vicky, are you okay to tell me the full story?

PC Hagen:

I just can't believe it! She was fine. I told her about Jerry and Dave and then she went mad at me. I lost it and I, I can't remember.

Sgt. Ackland:

What do you mean, Vicky? You lost control of the car?

PC Hagen:

I guess I must have, but we were fighting. I don't know what happened!

Sgt. Ackland:

Vicky, you know this is important. What happened after you responded to the DUI on Hoxton Road?

PC Hagen:

Well, I, I just can't think, Sarge. I'm sorry.

Sgt. Ackland:

It's okay, Vicky, that's all right, but you know I need to talk to you again about this. I'll leave you to rest for now. Is there anything you need? Anyone you want me to contact?

PC Hagen:

No, I'll be fine, I guess. Can you let Polly know that I am sorry, really sorry?

Sgt. Ackland:

It'll be all right, Vicky, don't blame yourself.

Vicky grabs June's hand.

PC Hagen:

But Sarge, it was all my fault!

June sighs.

Sgt. Ackland:

Vicky, it's not really. It could have happened in any case.

PC Hagen:

But it happened because of me, didn't it? I was driving and ultimately I am responsible.

Sgt. Ackland:

Vicky, don't do this to yourself. It may not have been the accident that caused it.

PC Hagen:

I, I think I need to sleep.

Sgt. Ackland:

Try and get some rest, yeah?

June smiles consolingly, as she makes her way from the room. She takes a deep breath and heads for Polly's room, tentatively opening the door. Polly looks over slowly as June enters the room.

Sgt. Ackland:

Polly? How are you feeling?

PC Page:

How's Vicky? The Doctors wouldn't tell me anything.

Sgt. Ackland:

Vicky will be fine, Polly. Like me, she is more concerned for your wellbeing.

Polly sighs.

PC Page:

I'll be fine.

Sgt. Ackland:

Polly, you can talk to me, you know.

PC Page:

No, I can't. You don't have any idea how I feel right now.

Sgt. Ackland:

You're right, but could you tell me?

Polly draws a deep breathe.

PC Page:

I know the accident wasn't anyone's fault, it just happened. That's not why I feel so bad. It's because I never wanted the baby in the first place. Then when I finally did want it, this went and happened.

June places her hand over Polly's.

Sgt. Ackland:

It wasn't meant to be, Polly. I mean, the important thing is, even though it was initially a shock, you wanted it in the end. At my age, children aren't so much an option as retirement. If you want children, you can try again.

PC Page:

I guess so, but it's not like that. There was something special about it. No matter how bad I felt some days, it was worth it. And now, it's all been for nothing. I was selfish. You, Liz, were right. I shouldn't have stayed at work. It was a selfish thing to do, and that baby, Dave's baby, paid for my selfish actions. I'll never get over that guilt. Ever.

Sgt. Ackland:

Dave's baby?

Polly nods slowly.

PC Page:

He only found out this morning. Vicky told him.

Sgt. Ackland:

Vicky? Why Vicky?

PC Page:

It�s a long story. But she found out that it was Dave's before I did.

Sgt. Ackland:

I don't know how she could have possibly have known that... don't think I want to know, but are you sure? There isn't any reason that she would just say that, is there?

PC Page:

Sarge, it's a long, complicated story. But yeah, she had reason to know before me.

Sgt. Ackland:

I see, but it was definitely Dave's? Have you spoken, I mean, he mustn't even know that.

PC Page:

I didn't know until a few hours ago. Vicky only told him this morning.

Sgt. Ackland:

Do you want me to call him?

Polly bites her bottom lip.

PC Page:

Sarge, I wouldn't know what to say to him.

Sgt. Ackland:

You don't have to talk, Polly, but I think he has a right to know. Do you remember anything about the accident?

Polly pauses.

PC Page:

Just that when we turned the corner the car had stopped. I called out to Vicky, but she couldn't stop in time.

Sgt. Ackland:

Was she distracted at all? She seems to think it was all her fault. She's taken it rather badly.

PC Page:

It wasn't all her fault, Sarge. We were arguing, she told me she'd told Dave.

Sgt. Ackland:

I see. Shall I talk to Dave? I don't mind you know.

PC Page:

Could you? I mean, I don't expect you to, it's my responsibility and all. It's just I don't think I could bear to see his expression. From what Vicky said, he was rather happy about it.

Sgt. Ackland:

I don't find it a problem. What if he wants to see you? Do you feel up to it?

PC Page:

Yeah, it's okay. Although, it'd probably be better if we kept this as quiet as possible. For Dave's sake, I don't want him copping a lot of flack from the guys and all.

Sgt. Ackland:

I can understand your concern. I will let him know, as soon as I can get him away from the rest of that lot, without drawing too much attention to it.

June smiles reassuringly at Polly.

PC Page:

Thanks, June. I owe you for all this.

Sgt. Ackland:

Forget about it. You just look after yourself.

PC Page:

Yeah, they said I'll be fit for duty in a week or so.

Sgt. Ackland:

I don't even want you thinking about that just yet. Take your time.

Polly pauses, drawing a breath.

PC Page:

Sarge, could you apologise to Vicky for me? I've said some things over that past few weeks that I probably shouldn't have. Is she really okay?

Sgt. Ackland:

Physically, she will be fine, but I think the realisation that she is not invincible has come as a bit of a shock to her. I'll pass the message on.

PC Page:

Thanks.

Sgt. Ackland:

Get some sleep, Polly.

June smiles and makes her way out of the room.

Andrew Monroe makes his way briskly into the front foyer, being directed to Accident and Emergency. Turning the corner, he notices June by a coffee machine. He quickly approaches her.

Insp. Monroe:

June?

June turns around.

Sgt. Ackland:

Yes, sir?

Insp. Monroe:

What's the situation?

Sgt. Ackland:

They're both going to be fine, sir. Vicky has concussion, a sprained wrist and a few bruises. Polly just has a few bruises.

Insp. Monroe:

I see. Have you spoken with them?

Sgt. Ackland:

With Vicky, yes.

Insp. Monroe:

And what did she say? What caused this?

Sgt. Ackland:

They were responding to a DUI on Hoxton Road. The other car stopped suddenly and Vicky couldn't stop in time.

Insp. Monroe:

I see. The other driver?

Sgt. Ackland:

Dead, sir.

Insp. Monroe:

Right, there will have to be an investigation into this, but given the circumstances, it shouldn't be too serious. Have you spoken with Polly yet?

Sgt. Ackland:

Not yet, sir.

Insp. Monroe:

Right, well, might as well confirm the events. Shall we?

Sgt. Ackland:

With all due respect, sir, I think it'd be best to leave it until later.

Insp. Monroe:

If you think it's for the best, June. I'd imagine she'd be in shock.

Sgt. Ackland:

It should be okay to talk to Vicky though.

Insp. Monroe:

Fine.

June leads Andrew towards Vicky's ward, the pair entering slowly.

Insp. Monroe:

Vicky?

Vicky blinks, slightly confused.

PC Hagen:

Sir?

Insp. Monroe:

How are you holding up?

Vicky smiles weakly.

PC Hagen:

I'm getting there, I think.

Insp. Monroe:

You understand that given the nature of this incident, I need to ascertain the facts.

PC Hagen:

I don't really remember too much, sir.

Insp. Monroe:

Well, just a brief outline. You responded to a DUI on Hoxton Road. What took place after that?

PC Hagen:

It is a bit unclear.

Insp. Monroe:

Vicky, you know this is important. Anything you can give us on this.

PC Hagen:

I know, sir, but what I remember doesn't really make much sense to me.

Insp. Monroe:

What's that?

PC Hagen:

It's hard, sir. I mean, it was all my fault. Polly and I had a fight about the baby and that is all I seem to remember before I hit�

June glares at Vicky sharply, Andrew looking puzzled.

Insp. Monroe:

Baby?

Sgt. Ackland:

Sir, Vicky is obviously still in shock, perhaps we should wait a while?

Insp. Monroe:

You're all right to continue aren't you, Vicky? What's this about a fight?

PC Hagen:

We had an argument. I told Polly that, that�

Insp. Monroe:

That what, Vicky?

PC Hagen:

That, that it was Dave's, not Jerry's and I had let Dave know, but she didn't understand.

Insp. Monroe:

Vicky, I'm not sure I'm following you here? What's Dave's and who's Jerry?

Sgt. Ackland:

Sir, I don't think is a good idea.

PC Hagen:

No, Sarge, he has a right to know.

Insp. Monroe:

June, she obviously wants to talk about it, and the sooner the better. Go on, Vicky.

PC Hagen:

I mean, it's best to let it all out? Right?

June takes Monroe aside.

Sgt. Ackland:

Sir, I don't think this is a good idea!

Andrew raises an eyebrow curiously.

Insp. Monroe:

What's this all about, June?

Sgt. Ackland:

It's a long story, not one you should be hearing from the mouth of Vicky Hagen.

Insp. Monroe:

Well, I don't much care who I hear it from, but Vicky seems to want to talk about it, so why don't we see what she has to say?

June sighs.

Sgt. Ackland:

If you insist, but I wouldn't take what she has to say at face value, considering the circumstances.

Insp. Monroe:

She seems to be making perfect sense at the moment, June.

Sgt. Ackland:

Look, sir, you are welcome to listen to her, but let me warn you, it is long and complicated and something you don't want to drag yourself into!

Andrew gets his back up.

Insp. Monroe:

Why don't you let me be the judge of that?

Andrew returns to Vicky's bedside.

Insp. Monroe:

Sorry, please go on, Vicky. Something about a fight?

PC Hagen:

It was just an argument really. I mean, I told Dave about the baby before I even let Polly know it was his and then she found out. It doesn't matter now, anyway.

Andrew looks suspiciously over at June.

Insp. Monroe:

What's this about a baby?

Sgt. Ackland:

Look, sir, this can be dealt with later.

Andrew raises an eyebrow at Vicky.

Insp. Monroe:

Vicky?

PC Hagen:

It's not mine, sir.

Andrew still looks lost, his confusion slowly melting into frustration.

Insp. Monroe:

What's not!

Vicky is confused, thinking Monroe knows about the situation.

PC Hagen:

The baby, of course! It's Polly's and Dave's. Or way, anyway.

June sighs, shaking her head. Andrew scowls, completely thrown.

Insp. Monroe:

June?

June shrugs, speechless.

Sgt. Ackland:

I, I tried to warn you, sir.

Insp. Monroe:

And how does this relate to the POLACC?

PC Hagen:

It's a long story, sir.

Insp. Monroe:

I'm not going anywhere, Vicky.

PC Hagen:

Well, it's quite personal, that's all.

Insp. Monroe:

Given the circumstances, I think it'd be best if you filled me in.

PC Hagen:

In a nutshell, I found out that Polly was pregnant, but she didn't know who the father was, either Dave or this other lad, but the problem was that I was seeing that other bloke at the time, and well, I was understandably upset, but I found out that it had to be Dave's and told him and Polly.

Andrew swallows slowly and turns to June.

Insp. Monroe:

June, a word outside?

Sgt. Ackland:

Sir.

Andrew steps outside with June.

Insp. Monroe:

Right, what's going on here?

Sgt. Ackland:

I thought it would blow over, sir. It was personal, I didn't want to get senior officers involved.

Andrew grunts.

Insp. Monroe:

Pregnancies don't usually 'blow over' do they? At least not in my experience.

Sgt. Ackland:

No, I mean the tension between PCs Hagen and Page. Obviously I would have let you know about the pregnancy.

Insp. Monroe:

You knew, June? And just when were you planning on letting me in on this? You're fully aware of policy!

June sighs.

Sgt. Ackland:

Yes, sir, but as I said, I was waiting for the tension between PC's Hagen and Page to blow over. I didn't exactly want to release the news that Polly could be pregnant to Vicky's current boyfriend, who happens to deal in class A drugs! The relief would have a field day!

Andrew considers this.

Insp. Monroe:

I see. That's no excuse, June. I'm perfectly capable of keeping a sensitive issue to myself. Now, what is the complete background here?

Sgt. Ackland:

Well, it is basically what Vicky said, sir.

Insp. Monroe:

I see. In case you didn't notice here, a man is dead! Now I have to try to explain that to his family and at this stage, all I can attribute it to is an argument between two female officers!

Sgt. Ackland:

Sir, they were in pursuit.

Insp. Monroe:

I've never known Vicky Hagen to lose control of the Area Car before. She admitted herself that she lost concentration.

Sgt. Ackland:

Sir, I honestly would have told you about it and I admit I made a mistake.

June sighs.

Insp. Monroe:

I'm going to need to get Polly's side on all this, as I'm going to have to work out an explanation for this mess.

Sgt. Ackland:

Sir, no offence, but you don't seem to care that we have two seriously injured officers to look out for as well. Vicky is still in shock, both physically and emotionally and Polly has lost the child she was only just coming to terms with having!

Andrew sighs awkwardly.

Insp. Monroe:

I'm sorry to hear that, June. You can understand that I do need to speak with her though.

Sgt. Ackland:

I understand that, sir, but I think you should take the welfare of your own officers more seriously than the PR surrounding the death of the other crash victim!

Insp. Monroe:

You're out of order, June! Of course I am concerned for Vicky and Polly, but may I remind you, a man is dead!

Sgt. Ackland:

So is Polly and Dave's child!

Andrew takes a deep breath, calming down.

Insp. Monroe:

How long have you known about this?

Sgt. Ackland:

Not long, I wasn't even sure that Polly was keeping the child, and then there was the whole paternity issue. I just thought it would be easier to keep it under wraps until she knew what she was going to do.

Insp. Monroe:

I do appreciate your intentions. However, I should have been made aware of the situation before it came to this.

Sgt. Ackland:

Yes, sir.

Insp. Monroe:

How is Polly fairing?

Sgt. Ackland:

As well as can be expected, under the circumstances. She is still in shock. I think it would be a good idea to get Dave Quinnan down here.

Insp. Monroe:

Right. We need to clear up this POLACC though.

Sgt. Ackland:

Of course, sir, but I think Dave needs to know about this!

Insp. Monroe:

I'm not disputing that, June. I need to talk with Polly about the accident.

June pauses.

Sgt. Ackland:

She has the right to talk to Dave first. Shall you get the message to him, or should I?

Insp. Monroe:

I think it'd be better coming from you.

Sgt. Ackland:

Yes, sir. I don't think they will be too long, but perhaps the visit will help bring Polly around a bit? She seemed a bit subdued, understandably.

Andrew raises an eyebrow.

Insp. Monroe:

Oh, so you have spoken with her?

Sgt. Ackland:

Only briefly, and off the record at that.

Insp. Monroe:

I see. What did she say?

Sgt. Ackland:

We actually just discussed the pregnancy, sir. I wouldn't really feel too comfortable disclosing the information.

Insp. Monroe:

No, that's quite all right, June. You want to get Dave over here?

Sgt. Ackland:

I'll give him a call. Sir, I think it'd be best if we used our discretion about the child's paternity. I mean, the majority of the relief didn't know Polly was pregnant in the first place.

Insp. Monroe:

I understand, June. I'll keep this to myself as much as I can.

June heads towards the nearest phone and dials Sun Hill.

PC Hollis:

Sun Hill Police, how can I help?

Sgt. Ackland:

Reg, it's Sergeant Ackland here. Is Dave available at the moment?

PC Hollis:

Ah, yes, Sarge. He's in custody. I'll put you through.

Sgt. Ackland:

Thank you, Reg.

Reg transfers the call through.

PC Quinnan:

Custody Suite.

Sgt. Ackland:

Dave, it's Sergeant Ackland. I think you should come down to St Hugh's as soon as possible. Tell Sergeant Boyden that it has been cleared by me.

PC Quinnan:

Ah, right, Sarge. What's this about?

Sgt. Ackland:

It's about Polly, Dave. I think it'd be best that you get down here.

Dave sighs awkwardly.

PC Quinnan:

Right, I'm on my way, Sarge.

Dave hangs up the phone and heads towards the yard.