SUN HILL CANTEEN - 4:30 PM

Eddie, George, Tony, Vicky, Jamila and Luke sat around a table, trying to decide what to talk about during refs, no-one game enough to bring up the most popular subject.

"So Tone, what's that chilli salt like on the chips?" George asked, as Tony picked reluctantly at his food.

"Hot," Tony whispered back in a completely separate world.

Luke couldn't stand it any longer; he slowly began dissecting his foam cup, throwing the pieces angrily into the center of the table.

"Luke, grow up," Eddie sneered at him.

Luke just looked up at him, tossed the cup on the floor and hurried back to the locker room.

"Nice one, Ed. The poor kid's confused enough by all this," Tony criticized.

"Ackland said we're to leave it alone," he replied mockingly.

"No, she actually said she didn't want to hear us talking about it," Vicky put in.

"I just can't believe it, you know," Jamila whispered.

"We think we're invincible until something like this happens," Vicky replied, trying to clean up Luke's cup.

"If only Dave and I hadn't been out of the car, we could've got there sooner," Tony contributed.

"Tone, don't put yourself through this," George muttered.

"Why did Liz and Rod split up though, that was stupid. They knew that SOD worked with a gang," Vicky ventured.

"Well, it's not as if he came from nowhere," Eddie insinuated.

"What are you saying?" Tony sat up and looked over at him.

"Just that. I mean, Polly did go down that alley without back up. She didn't wait for Liz or Rod." He trailed off as Tony's face took on a look of sheer disbelief.

"Come off it! The kid just took off. What was she meant to do!" Vicky defended.

"She knew that guy's history," Eddie continued.

"Where the hell are you going with that?" Tony stood up and approached Eddie.

"Nowhere, just throwing some ideas around. I mean, it was kind of irresponsible of her to just go running down a dark alley. She was asking for -" Eddie didn't get to finish his sentence as Tony had picked him up by the collar.

"You wanna rephrase that?" Tony growled.

"Vicks, would you have been that naïve?" Eddie's chuckling was soon cut off as Tony's fist collided with his nose, resulting in blood dripping from it.

"Stay out of my sight," Tony whispered as he dropped the bleeding man to the floor, and went off in search of Luke, followed by the rest of them.

Approaching the locker room, Tony motioned for everyone to stay outside.

"Just let me talk to him." He had calmed down, and proceeded to slip through the door.

Luke was sitting there, head in hands, crying. Tony didn't waste any time in going across to him and placing an arm supportively around him back.

"Luke, let's hear it," Tony whispered.

It took a few minutes for Luke to collect himself enough to speak.

"It's just, what's the point? We go out there everyday, under this false belief that this uniform protects us," he murmured as Tony thought about how he would respond.

"It usually does, Luke. We usually manage, as a force to protect each-other." Tony didn't have any simple answers for him.

"Polly was always so strong, able to look after not just herself, but, me and anyone she was with. She never let anyone double cross her. So if this can happen to her, then why do we bother?" he sighed.

Tony considered everything the Luke had just said before answering.

"First, she is strong, Luke. She'll get through this. Second, we can't always help other people's actions, if they're determined to go through with them. We try to give them alternate options, and to restrain them, but it's not always possible. We bother because ninety percent of the time we succeed. There are always going to be those times when we fail, and when that happens, all we can do is try to get on with our lives, and take measures to ensure they don't happen again." Tony was pleased that Luke appeared to be calming down.

"It's worse when it's someone you know. I've attended murders, assaults, and you detach yourself from it. You're not affected by it. It almost becomes routine. You don't think about the pain and emotion involved," Luke concluded and watched Tony reflect on everything he'd said.

"I know. This is by far the worst incident I've ever known, and I've heard about hundreds of police assaults." Tony didn't know what else to say.

"Where does Eddie get off?" Luke asked, not yet knowing about Eddie's later remarks.

"I'm going to Sergeant Ackland about him," Tony answered, still furious.

"Tony, it was only-"

Tony cut him off. "No, after you left, he wouldn't let it go. Kept trying to imply Polly was at fault," Tony became louder just remembering it.

"He's got a nerve," Luke whispered.

"Not anymore, he hasn't." Tony pictured the blood dripping from Eddie's nose.

"Thanks Tone, I appreciate the talk." Luke sighed and stood up, redoing he tie slowly.

"Sure thing. Anytime you wanna have a chat." He straightened himself out, and checked in the mirror.

"Is Polly going to keep the baby?" Luke had heard all the rumours, but wanted to be sure.

"Yeah, looks that way." Tony smiled, remembering Dave's chuffed face.

Luke smiled thankfully once again, before opening the locker room door to about five faces all suddenly busying themselves out of embarrassment.

ST HUGH'S - 5:45 PM

Dave was quietly browsing through a magazine, when he heard Polly stir. Looking across, she appeared to be sleeping quite peacefully, until her face tightened up, and she clenched her fists.

Closing the magazine, he gently tried to take her hand, in an effort to slowly awaken her.

"No..stop..don't...Lisa!" Polly murmured loudly, as another nightmare returned.

Reaching across and taking her other hand, Dave gently called her name, trying to wake her.

"Don't hurt her!" Polly screamed as her eyes flew open, and she pulled her hands away. Immediately realising it was all a dream, she broke down in Dave's arms for the first time that day.

"It's okay, Poll." He tried to comfort her, but knew that getting her to face it was the only way she'd work through it emotionally. Dave decided to ask her about this.

"Poll, talk to me," he spoke non-threateningly.

Polly didn't let go of him, as she thought about how she was going to explain the emotion.

"I don't understand it, Dave. For years I've talked people through this. I've always thought I was putting myself in their shoes, but you can't. Not really. I've learnt about the emotion involved, but never understood it. It's not the act, Dave, it's the control. It's the humiliation. I couldn't take that. It's precisely the reason I became a police officer. To be able to exercise a degree of authority over people. When it turns on you, you realise how alone you are. How vulnerable. It's exactly how these animals want you to feel. It's for that reason that I want to get back to work. Before I become so wracked with paranoia that I can't function. To prove to people that it's not impossible to get back to your life." Polly waited for Dave to respond. He had been able to understand all of that. He realised that it wasn't that Poll was denying that it had happened, she'd just moved past it quicker than he had intended.

"It makes perfect sense, Poll." Dave took her hands, as Dr Hampton knocked and entered the room.

Quickly drying her eyes, Polly looked up at her.

"Good to see you're working through everything." Katherine encouraged and carefully examined her nose, forehead and lip. "You up for a little walk?" she asked casually.

"I think so," Polly answered curiously.

"I'd like to check out the repair work, back in the exam room," she informed the two.

Carefully detaching the drip, Katherine helped Polly out of the bed, as Dave grabbed her dressing gown and slippers.

Realising that she hadn't walked for two days, Polly wasn't as sure on her feet as she'd like to have been. Dave was immediately by her side as she took a few steps towards the door, trying not to show her discomfort.

"Sore?" Katherine asked concerned.

"It's not too bad, just stings a bit," Polly gritted her teeth and continued hobbling along.

"You sure you don't want a wheelchair?" Katherine double-checked.

"I'm fine." Poll pulled herself together and made it out into the corridor and down towards the exam room.

Noticing Dave's hesitation, she squeezed his hand and motioned for him to go in with her.

The exam took about five minutes, and Dr Hampton seemed very happy with the way things were progressing.

"It'll be a bit sore for a few weeks, but should be completely healed within two months or so. Have you had time to talk about the baby?' Katherine asked as she cleared everything away.

"We're going to go through with it." Polly smiled and looked over at Dave.

"I'm glad. This will be fine by delivery time, so you don't have to worry about that," Katherine concluded cheerfully, as she helped Polly down off the table.

"I'm having a hard enough time feeling pregnant let alone thinking about deliveries,'' Polly chuckled as she put her slippers back on.

"It takes a while to settle in, believe me," Katherine spoke, as they made their way back to the room.

"And the surgery wouldn't have affected the baby?" Polly asked.

"There's no way of knowing yet. Unfortunately, there wasn't much of a choice, and we didn't have any way of knowing. I'd say if everything's all right within the next week or so, then it'll be okay. You'd be better off talking with an obstetrician though, at some point." Katherine updated Polly's chart and smiled briefly as she left.

SUN HILL POLICE STATION: FRONT DESK - 6:48 PM

Reg looked up surprised as Dave made he way through the front entrance.

"Dave, good to see you," Reg smiled as he unlocked the door.

"Thanks Reg, I'll be back for a chat in a minute," Dave spoke as he determinedly found his way to Sergeant Ackland's office.

"Come in," she beckoned as he entered. "Dave, have a seat." June smiled warmly as she sat down behind her desk.

"It's about Poll, Sarge. I'm not sure what to make of it, but she's talking of coming back." He waited for a reply.

"I had heard that, Dave," June responded.

"It's just, I thought it would take her longer, but she wants to get back within a month," he stated worriedly.

"What has she said about coming back?" June was concerned, this seemed unusual.

"Just that she wants to prove that she's able to put all this behind her. Able to get on with her life. Also that she wants to make the most of it before she has to leave again," he concluded.

June paused, as she put herself in Polly's shoes. "I can't refuse it, but I'm not having her back on the beat for a few months. Not alone, anyway. She can come back when she's ready, on office duties for awhile, until she feels ready to go back to a panda or Area Car." June had at first objected to the idea, but could understand what Poll was going through as well.

"But, Sarge, surely.." Dave trailed off. He'd been hoping for her support in not allowing Polly back so soon.

"Dave, I know you're only looking out for her. Perfectly understandable under the circumstances. But Poll's been counselling rape victims for years. It's believable that she'd be able to get through it a lot quicker than most. That's how they train you for the counselling; by making you work through it as if it were you for several months. You do essays, presentations, journals." June knew about the rape counselling course, and imagined that Poll had prepared herself for this situation a long time ago.

"I don't understand this, Sarge, I really don't...." Dave trailed off, head in hands.

"Dave, talk to Polly about how you're feeling. Not that we're not all here for you anytime. I'm just sure she'll want to know," June spoke supportively.

"Sarge, I can't help but blame myself. There are so many what ifs flying around," he sighed and waited for a response.

"Dave, you can't listen to them. What has happened, has happened. You have to look ahead." She spoke softly, not wanting to sound as though she was ordering him to do something.

"I know, Sarge. Thanks. I'd better be getting back, I suppose. I just wanted to talk to you about it." He collected himself and left the office, stopping to check for Tony in the canteen and locker rooms. Nothing. All he found was a very angry Eddie Santini, with an ice pack over his nose.

"What happened to you?" Dave chuckled innocently.

"Your best mate went off the deep end. You've gotta tell him not to take his frustrations out on people, Dave. He could end up in a lot of trouble," Eddie spoke slyly.

"What, Tony did that?" Dave couldn't believe it.

"No kidding," Eddie snarled, as Dave left him. Tony walked in a few minutes later, Eddie looking at him angrily.

"You just missed Dave," he muttered.

Tony didn't respond, and gave him a dirty look.

"Look, Tone, I'm sorry for going off like that. I wasn't thinking ya know?" Eddie mumbled sincerely.

"Too right you weren't," Tony spoke back, accepting his apology. This was the first time he'd heard Eddie apologise for anything. He must have been serious.

OCTOBER 5TH (SEVEN WEEKS LATER)
SUN HILL

While it appeared for several weeks that everything had resumed order, June Ackland prepared herself for chaos, as she began this afternoon's briefing.

"Alright, you lot, settle down." She waited while Debbie playfully threw the doll back at Tony, and Dave took the parenting magazine back from Luke.

"You're too young," he scolded cheerfully, as Luke looked up in disappointment.

June read out the postings, before getting onto the heavier news. "Now, I've got a serious announcement to make here, that I'm sure none of you are going to like." She waited for everyone to give her his or her full attention.

"CID have informed us that Jacob Davidson is to be released from custody due to mental illness. He will still stand trial, but as of nine this morning has been out on bail.'' She sighed as the swearing and cursing came flying, and noticed Dave discreetly leave the room.

"We all know the sick bastard is mentally unwell, that's the whole point!" Vicky bellowed in anger.

"So, what now? He's back on the streets until trial?" Luke asked, not believing it.

"He's having to report to Broadmore Institution each day for treatment. But apart from that, I'm afraid so, Luke," Sergeant Ackland informed him reluctantly. She shrugged helplessly as everyone continued carrying on for five minutes or so, and then thought it best to check on Dave. Finding him in the P.C.'s Locker Room on his mobile phone, she waited for him to finish.

"Sorry, Sarge," he sighed as he slipped the phone back into his pocket, and made his way back to the briefing room. Entering together, everyone decided to change the subject. There was a long pause as everyone looked from side to side and to the floor. As they filed out, Tony approached him.

"So when's Poll coming back?" he asked.

"Next week. Look Tone, you don't have to walk on eggshells around me," he replied in frustration.

"Sorry, I just, didn't know how you felt about this," Tone continued apologetically.

"I'm as pissed as you are, but there isn't a lot we can do. Although it does bear thinking about." Dave let his mind trail off, Tony immediately reading his thoughts.

"Don't do anything stupid, Dave," Tony warned as they left in opposite directions towards their beats.

LATER THAT DAY - CID OFFICE

Liz and Rod were furious about the development. Liz was snarling at anyone who came within ten feet of her.

"Liz, you've got to calm down. What's done is done. They're nothing we can do," Rod tried to talk to her.

"Just shut up Rod! Okay?" Liz bit his head off, as she returned to the stack of previous cases, trying to tie as many of them as she could to Davidson. Rod stepped backwards and tried a different angle.

"So, how many you come up with so far?'' he asked, referring to the rape cases.

"Three for sure, another possible," she continued reading, a particular assault coming to her attention.

"Here. This one. Eleven year old Sophia Hagley. She was able to identify Davidson, but the case was dropped due to lack of evidence." She pointed to the relevant notes in the folder.

"Yeah, be an idea to put some pressure on the family. Maybe add it to his charges," Rod agreed.

AREA CAR - 4:55 PM

Tony and Jamila had been driving around for hours, no one was particularly interested in committing any crime today.

"So, Poll's really coming back next week?" Jamila asked.

"Yeah, looks that way," Tony smiled.

"What's Dave said?" she continued.

"Well, I was round there the other day as it happens. You do know he's moved in with her?" he informed Jamila with a cheeky grin.

"No! Well, I guess it's to be expected. How's she going?" Jamila asked out of interest. No-one had really heard much from Poll in the last couple of months.

"Almost back to her normal self, actually. I was surprised." Tony reflected on the evening he'd spent with them.

"I'm glad she's worked through it all," Jamila smiled pleasantly.

"There's still the trial though," Tony put in.

"That's so unfair. Just when she manages to put it all behind her." Jamila sighed as they went in pursuit of a speeding vehicle.

HAGLEY RESIDENCE

Liz and Rod approached the large house, knocking on the door.

"Yes?'" A young girl answered.

"I'm D.C. Rawton, this is D.C. Skase from Sun Hill, are you Sophia Hagley?" Liz asked slowly. By that time, Sophia's mother was at her side.

"What do you want?'' the woman spoke impatiently.

"We would like to speak with your daughter about a sexual assault." Liz tried to sound as sympathetic as she could.

"Oh, so you're interested now? Funny how when the police want something, they're at your doorstep, but when you need their help, nothing," the woman replied coolly.

"Please, Mrs Hagley. There is an upcoming trial against Jacob Davidson, and we are reopening your daughter's case.''

"So after two years, she has to dig it all up again!" the woman answered back.

"Please, Mrs Hagley," Liz reiterated.

"Come in," she murmured reluctantly and showed them into the lounge room. "So what poor girl has fallen prey to that bastard this time?' she asked, as they sat down.

"You've heard about other cases?" Liz asked, curiously.

"When Sophia made her statement, we found out there was a number of previous accusations against him, but none were followed through." The woman sat beside her daughter, who miserably let her mind drift back to the incident.

"Well, we've got solid evidence against him, for the rape of a female officer. It goes to trial in about three months, and we wanted to add any other charges to it that we could," Liz informed the woman slowly.

"What do you want to know?" Sophia spoke up with a dull face.

"Sophia, we know this must be hard for you, but if you could just tell us what happened those years ago." Liz spoke softly, trying to gain the girl's trust.

Sophia sighed and focused on the vase in the centre of the table.

"It was a Friday. I was walking home from school. I'd just said good bye to two of my friends, and was turning down Emily way, when he came out of an alley, with two other men. They just grabbed me and pulled me down it. I was screaming, and kicking at them, but it didn't do any good." Sophia had almost gone into a hypnotic state, she seemed completely detached from what she was saying.

"He just tore my stockings off and pushed up my skirt while the other ones held my legs and arms. I thought they were all going to- but I managed to kick him, and they let me go. I ran home, and luckily Mum was there," Sophia concluded, and looked up at Liz in expectation.

"I realise that was hard for you, Sophia. We appreciate your help. I understand you were shown a collection of mug shots at the police station?'' Liz asked.

"Yes. I picked Davidson out," Sophia answered.

"Yes. I'm sorry that we couldn't take your case further then, but now that we have other attacks, I need to know if you would be willing to appear in court with that statement?" Liz asked cautiously.

"I'd have to look at him?'' the girl asked nervously.

"Yes, I'm afraid. But if you agree, we will punish him for this," Liz continued.

"I'll go to court," the girl sighed miserably.

"Thank you," Liz smiled comfortingly, as she addressed Mrs Hagley. "We really do appreciate your daughter's help here. We'll contact you soon with information regarding the trial." Liz and Rod stood and made their way out.

Outside, Liz looked at Rod questioningly.

"Poor kid. To live with that memory all her life," Rod muttered.

"At least we'll get him this time," Liz spoke as they reached the car.

POLLY AND DAVE'S FLAT - 10:30 PM

"Hi honey, I'm home!" Dave sang as he strolled in; he just couldn't resist the temptation.

"I've warned you about that one before!" Polly teased as she came in to greet him from the lounge.

"How was your day?" he asked, trying to avoid discussing his phone conversation with her earlier.

"Expensive. Karina and I started baby shopping!" She squealed delightedly, as she dragged Dave into the spare room.

He nearly had a fit when he noticed the car seat, high chair, and stroller.

"Couldn't wait?" he asked affectionately, as Polly explained to him all the different features of each.

Finally managing to drag her to bed, Dave decided he should bring up the subject.

"How have you been since I rang?'' he whispered, trying to gauge Poll's reaction.

She closed the book she was reading and cuddled up next to him. "There's not much I can do about it, is there?" Poll sighed hopelessly.

"No, but I just wanted to make sure you're handling it." He wrapped his arms around her protectively.

"It's all right. I mean, I'm just worried about every other woman out there," Poll explained.

"You still all right to go back next Wednesday?" Dave was just double-checking.

"Can't wait. How's everyone?" she smiled excitedly.

"Tony's giving me grief as usual. I never realised you had two fathers! Luke, well, he's being his young self as usual," Dave smiled.

"How's Deb?" Poll continued.

"Looking forward to you coming back, I think." He paused and continued. "Poll, are you sure you're really prepared for this." He could predict the answer, but felt he had to ask.

"I'm bored silly around here. What would you rather? Me back at work, or full credit cards?" she teased.

"Ah, you pressed your shirt yet?" Dave joked, settling down to sleep.

"Got three of em ready to go!" Polly laughed as she turned over on her pillow and switched out the bedside light.

Hosted by www.Geocities.ws