Dave pulls quickly into the car park, making his way through the automatic doors, June meeting him in the waiting room.

Sgt. Ackland:

Dave!

Dave is hesitant.

PC Quinnan:

What's this all about, Sarge?

June takes a deep breath.

Sgt. Ackland:

Dave, I know about the baby. The thing is, in the accident, Polly, well, the shock�.

Dave looks intriguingly at her.

Sgt. Ackland:

Dave, take a seat.

June motions to the seats and the pair seat down.

Sgt. Ackland:

Polly has lost the child. Your child, from what Vicky Hagen mentioned.

Dave looks down at the floor.

PC Quinnan:

I see. Is she okay?

Sgt. Ackland:

Well, understandably, she is very upset. I think she is still in shock. Are you all right, Dave?

Dave nods slowly.

PC Quinnan:

I only found out this morning. I hadn't had time to really take it in yet.

Sgt. Ackland:

Perhaps you could talk to her? I understand that things haven't been easy for you, but I think this might help Polly.

Dave looks doubtful.

PC Quinnan:

I don't know, Sarge. We haven't really said more then two words to each other lately.

Sgt. Ackland:

If you don't want to speak with her, I understand. But I think that both she and Vicky need all the support that they can get at the moment.

PC Quinnan:

If you think it's for the best, Sarge, it's all right with me. I just don't wanna make things worse.

Sgt. Ackland:

Think it over, Dave. I also wanted to ask your opinion on what exactly the rest of the relief should be told about this whole incident.

PC Quinnan:

That's up to Polly, Sarge. Are they physically okay, though? We didn't hear much.

Sgt. Ackland:

Well, other than the miscarriage, which seems to have been a combination of impact and trauma, Polly seems okay. Vicky is still in a pretty bad way, but her injuries are only minor too.

PC Quinnan:

I see.

Dave pauses.

PC Quinnan:

I'll speak with Poll if it's okay with her.

Sgt. Ackland:

I can't see it posing a problem, do you want me to check?

PC Quinnan:

I think it'd be best.

June makes her way to Polly's ward. After a few moments, she indicates for Dave to follow her. Dave stands and scuffs along nervously after June.

Sgt. Ackland:

She says it's all right.

PC Quinnan:

Right, Sarge.

Dave takes a deep breath and heads into Polly's room.

PC Quinnan:

Polly?

Polly turns across to look at him slowly.

PC Page:

Did June get you down here?

PC Quinnan:

Yes, she thought it would be for the best. I really am sorry about what happened, Poll.

Polly nods at his words, turning away from him.

PC Quinnan:

Polly? Do you want to talk? I mean, despite what has happened lately, you are one of my oldest mates, and I'll always be here for you.

Polly nods slowly, still not looking at him.

PC Quinnan:

It's just that I feel guilty because I don't feel anything for this baby. I only found out it was mine today and, well, I just don't feel anything for it, but I do feel for you, Poll. You have my support, you know?

Polly turns to him, quickly, murmuring sharply under her breath.

PC Page:

Well, it's irrelevant now, isn't it.

PC Quinnan:

I guess, I mean the important thing is to get on with our lives now. Get back to it?

Polly looks at him in disbelief.

PC Page:

That'd be the best for all concerned, wouldn't it?

PC Quinnan:

Well, I don't know, Poll. What do you think?

Polly mumbles softly:

PC Page:

If that's what you want.

PC Quinnan:

Well, I don't think we could work out, if that is what you mean. Look at what happened after, well, you know. And now this. We are going to be the talk of the station as it is, I think that we should stay as we were. Friends.

Polly narrows her eyes, in disbelief.

PC Page:

You really think that's what I want? Just to act like nothing's happened! Just forget it all!

PC Quinnan:

I'm just saying that it's probably for your own good. I mean, that baby will always be part of you, but you, we both have to get on with our lives.

Polly sighs.

PC Page:

You don't get it, do you?

PC Quinnan:

I, I don't understand, Polly. I'm trying to help you.

PC Page:

Look, forget it, yeah.

PC Quinnan:

Polly, I guess, what I am trying to say is not coming out too well. I will always be here for you, as a friend. I respect that you are in shock, but I am only trying to help you. Let you get this off your mind.

PC Page:

It's not that simple, Dave.

PC Quinnan:

Well, I don't know what to say, then. I'm trying to give you a hand. All I can give you is a shoulder to cry on!

PC Page:

Leave it out, Dave, I don't need you! I don't need anybody!

PC Quinnan:

If you keep acting like this, no-one will want you to need them, Poll.

Dave shakes his head sadly.

PC Page:

You bastard! You don't care, do you? Vicky was right!

Dave is getting angry.

PC Quinnan:

Vicky has nothing to do with this!

PC Page:

Oh no, of course not! She was only driving the car!

PC Quinnan:

So it is her fault now?

PC Page:

She was driving the car!

PC Quinnan:

The word going round the nick was that she was distracted because she was fighting with you! Polly, there is no-one to blame. It was meant to happen.

PC Page:

Yeah, it was meant to happen. Fine.

PC Quinnan:

That's not what I meant! It was fate, Polly. What kind of upbringing would this child have? You probably wouldn't have wanted me to be a part of it's life!

PC Page:

You telling me that you would have wanted to be! Come off it!

PC Quinnan:

Well, it was mine too! At least we have ascertained that!

PC Page:

I suppose so. Thanks to Miss Hagen.

PC Quinnan:

Well, I wasn't the only option, was I?

PC Page:

That wasn't my fault!

PC Quinnan:

What, you fell into bed with Vicky's boyfriend.

PC Page:

He wasn't her boyfriend!

PC Quinnan:

Well, it didn't stop you, and to think I feel for your sob story! I am such a fool!

Polly looks up amazed.

PC Page:

You think I'm lying!

PC Quinnan:

Not lying, but you certainly led me up the garden path with all your regretful bullshit!

PC Page:

I did not! I'd never do that!

PC Quinnan:

Well, you made me think you cared!

Dave storms out of the room, running his hands through his hair. Dave walks quickly out of Polly's ward into the corridor and kicks the wall in front of him angrily.

PC Quinnan:

I'm sorry, Sarge. I screwed up!

Sgt. Ackland:

What happened?

PC Quinnan:

I, I just messed it up, Sarge. I tried to help, she didn't want to have a bar of it, I'm sorry!

Sgt. Ackland:

Dave, don't beat yourself up about it, she's probably not in the best state of mind at the moment.

PC Quinnan:

Yeah, but Sarge, we have always been there for each other. I mean, when I got stabbed she was the only one who knew what to say, and I can't help her.

Sgt. Ackland:

It'll sort itself out, Dave.

PC Quinnan:

I don't know, Sarge, I have never seen her like this!

Sgt. Ackland:

Dave, she's never been in a situation like this before. Trust me, she'll come around. Just give her a while to collect herself.

PC Quinnan:

I, I just�

Dave thumps the wall, hard.

PC Quinnan:

I haven't not been able to help her before, you know, talk things through. She blames everyone, even herself.

Sgt. Ackland:

Dave, that's normal.

PC Quinnan:

How can it be normal, we used to be friends. She knows I don't feel anything for that kid. I mean, how can I, she knows!

Andrew makes his way over to the pair. He looks between the officers, waiting for an explanation.

PC Quinnan:

I screwed up, sir. I'm sorry, I suppose you know all about it.

Andrew looks sympathetically at him.

Insp. Monroe:

June, could you grab us a couple of drinks, please?

Sgt. Ackland:

Certainly, sir.

Andrew leads Dave to a pair of seats and they sit down.

Insp. Monroe:

What happened?

Dave runs his hands through his hair.

PC Quinnan:

She just doesn't want to know, sir.

Insp. Monroe:

Want to know what?

PC Quinnan:

About any of it. I don't know whether she hates me, or whether she is just in denial!

Insp. Monroe:

She's probably very confused right now. Try not to take it personally, yeah?

PC Quinnan:

It's hard, sir. I mean, you know it is, was, mine.

June returns with the drinks. Andrew takes his drink and nods gratefully at June, who disappears back to the ward.

Insp. Monroe:

Yeah, I did.

PC Quinnan:

What am I going to do about it then?

Andrew pauses, considering his response.

Insp. Monroe:

Well, maybe try and leave it for a few days. I know it's hard, but you need to work through it all first, deal with it for yourself and then try and talk with Polly.

Dave sighs.

PC Quinnan:

She probably wouldn't want to talk to me now anyway, sir.

Insp. Monroe:

She'll come around in a few days. Try not to take anything that was said earlier to heart too much. You're both wound up.

PC Quinnan:

It's just that I've never seen her like that before.

Insp. Monroe:

How do you mean?

PC Quinnan:

Whenever she's upset or seems to be upset about something, she doesn't blow up the way she did before.

Insp. Monroe:

This is different to most situations you lot deal with. She's going to react differently.

PC Quinnan:

Yeah, I just wish I knew how to react!

Andrew sighs.

Insp. Monroe:

You have to be honest with yourself. How do you feel about it?

PC Quinnan:

I don't feel anything. I am just glad that Polly is okay!

Andrew considers this.

Insp. Monroe:

So, this wasn't planned?

PC Quinnan:

Planned? You have to be joking! We didn't even know this kid was mine until Vicky found out her boyfriend was infertile!

Andrew does his best to conceal his surprise.

Insp. Monroe:

Oh, right. So, this isn't a long term arrangement?

PC Quinnan:

It wasn't even an arrangement.

Insp. Monroe:

I see. Dave, you sure you're okay? I mean, it's been an eventful day.

Dave scratches his head.

PC Quinnan:

Yeah, I think I'm all right.

Andrew is a little surprised that Dave is taking this so calmly.

Insp. Monroe:

So, there's nothing you need?

PC Quinnan:

I think I'd like to see Vicky too. I mean, if that is okay?

Andrew hesitates.

Insp. Monroe:

I'll have to check.

Andrew makes his way to June, whispering quietly, and after a few minutes returns to Dave.

Insp. Monroe:

That should be okay but she's in a pretty bad way, so don't be too long.

Dave sighs, relieved.

PC Quinnan:

Thanks, sir.

Andrew directs Dave towards Vicky's room, nodding as Dave quickly enters. He makes his way across to the bed, Vicky stirring from her sleep.

PC Hagen:

Oh, Dave?

Dave swallows, raising an eyebrow.

PC Quinnan:

What happened?

Vicky is surprised.

PC Hagen:

I crashed the car, Dave, what did you think?

PC Quinnan:

Yeah, funny, I got that much out of everyone else out there! What caused you to crash the car!

PC Hagen:

Polly and I had an argument, if you must know. I don't want to discus it!

PC Quinnan:

That's too bad, Vicky! I want an explanation!

PC Hagen:

An explanation. Why do I owe you that?

Dave scoffs.

PC Quinnan:

Out with it, Vicky!

PC Hagen:

It wasn't my fault, Dave! It wasn't!

PC Quinnan:

You were the one behind the wheel, Vicky! You, the advanced driver, as you keep reminding us all!

PC Hagen:

Well, Dave, you should know as well as anybody that accidents happen!

Dave whispers under his breath.

PC Quinnan:

You're treading on very thin ice, Vicky. I wouldn't push it if I were you. I want an explanation and I want it now!

PC Hagen:

Correct me if I'm wrong, Dave, but I think the ice is well and truly broken by now!

Dave looks at her oddly and shakes his head slowly.

PC Quinnan:

Don't you feel any responsibility for what has happened today?

PC Hagen:

Are you kidding? Don't hold me responsible! It was me that crashed the car, hell, it was even my fault we were arguing in the first place, but I can't take responsibility for your feelings, Dave.

Dave is taken aback by Vicky's words.

PC Hagen:

Dave, I crashed the car, I admit it, but we do all make mistakes. Face it, you aren't here because you are concerned for my welfare, or even Polly's. You just don't know how to come to terms with your own feelings. You are taking your own inadequacies out on me. I crashed, but it isn't my fault this happened and you know that, Dave!

Dave is left with his mouth hanging open.

PC Quinnan:

Vicky, I, I'm sorry.

Dave turns quickly and makes his way towards the door.

PC Quinnan:

I'll leave you to rest.

Vicky leans back against her bed-head and sighs shakily. Dave leaves the room, brushing past June and Andrew, heading for the nearest bathroom.

Vicky takes her hair out of a tight plait and begins to change into her civvies. Polly makes her way into the room silently, opening her locker and beginning to change. Vicky sighs as she folds her clothes and places them in a bag.

PC Hagen:

So?

Polly slips her jumper over her head, placing her utility belt into her locker.

PC Page:

So what?

Polly glances briefly at Vicky.

PC Hagen:

Are you going to the Grapes with the rest of them?

PC Page:

No, Tone's forcing me into a long overdue curry. You gonna join them?

PC Hagen:

I, I doubt it. I don't really, you know, fit in there anymore. I just don't feel comfortable, you know?

Polly raises an eyebrow.

PC Page:

You surprise me. Look, I've been wanting to say this for awhile, but with everything that�s been going on, I'm sorry if you were made the scapegoat.

Vicky considers Polly's statement.

PC Hagen:

It's all right, really. It was down to me. The accident, anyway.

PC Page:

Not entirely. I shouldn't have pressured you into the conversation during pursuit.

Polly pauses, before continuing.

PC Page:

Go down with the others, yeah?

PC Hagen:

I guess. You know how sorry I am about how this all turned out.

PC Page:

I know. Really, it's not down to you.

Vicky closes her locker and makes her way to the door.

PC Hagen:

Thanks, Poll.

Vicky slips through the door, leaving Polly alone in the room.

PC Page:

It was down to me.