THE PATH YOU CHOOSE

APRIL 9TH
ST HUGH'S - 12:30 PM

Debbie eagerly walked through the sliding doors, turning right towards the maternity ward. She juggled the flowers and teddy bear awkwardly, as she approached a young nurse.

"Polly Quinnan?" Deb spoke, expecting a quick, numerical reply. Instead, the woman carefully closed the folder she had been studying and looked up at her.

"If you�d like to have a seat, I�ll be right back." The nurse spoke simply, leaving a confused Debbie standing in the middle of the room. After a few moments, Dave walked up the hallway towards her. Approaching him hastily, she was thrown by the serious expression on his face.

"Deb, thanks for coming. It hasn�t been the easiest of nights." He motioned for them to sit down.

"Dave, has something happened, is there a problem?" She asked, immediately worried.

"No, no, not really. Come meet Sammy." He spoke, getting to his feet, continuing the conversation as they walked.

"I�m glad you showed up. You�re about my last resort. Quite a few people showed up earlier this morning. Well, you know how people are about births. All bright and cheerful. It didn�t go down too well." He stopped momentarily as they arrived at the nursery, Debbie scanning the little cots, for a head of dark brown hair, the smile not escaping Dave�s attention.

"Kinda sticks out, doesn�t she?" He boasted proudly, tapping on the glass, a nurse soon bringing little pink cot labelled Samantha Chloe Quinnan out. Debbie bent over the child, waving the teddy bear playfully at the attentive infant.

"As you can see, she�s perfect." He picked the child up, and led Debbie down another hallway, sitting down on the same chairs he had last night.

"Last night, you were there more of the time than I was, Deb. Can you tell me how it all happened?" He asked softly.

"Dave, the first I knew of anything, was when nobody was answering in custody. It was just Matt there by that time, Polly was still in the front office. I wasn�t worried, thinking he�d just popped to his office or something, even though he shouldn�t have, but, well, you know Sergeant Boyden." She paused, receiving a small smile from Dave.

"After about fifteen minutes I became concerned, so Sergeant Cryer had me go check it out. I got to the female cells, and June and Polly were locked in cell six. June told me about some gunman up in CID, and that�s when Poll went into labour. I went back to get Sergeant Cryer, but he wanted to take a quiet look upstairs first. It was all my fault, Dave, I accidentally bumped against the door and we got found out. I was locked in with Poll and June. Liz begged the guy to help Poll, but he wouldn�t listen. I found out that he�d come into front office with the gun, and dragged Polly through to the custody suite looking for Liz. It was after June came bursting through the doors, that he locked them up. Anyway, it was about nine-thirty when the contractions started. I didn�t know much about this, I was just timing. June did all the work. Well, Poll too." She smiled, looking down at the sleeping baby. Dave smoothly transferred the child into her arms as she picked up where she had left off.

"It was just after ten when you two showed up. Everything was just going much faster than I thought it was meant to. Polly was pretty freaked out, Dave. I mean, I would�ve passed out had it been me, but she was petrified. None of us knew what was happening and why it was all so quick. The shots that we heard from CID didn�t help either. Poll was convinced you�d been hurt. Finally Liz convinced him to let us move up to Deakin�s office. Once we were settled up there, which wasn�t easy, none of us had a chance to calm each other down. June was scared that something would go wrong, I�m not very good at watching other people in pain. I can take it myself, but when it's someone I care about, and there was nothing I could do to stop it, I felt helpless. Also, the knowledge that there�s a gun waving maniac a thin glass windows away doesn�t help. I was terrified Polly was going to pass out or something. Finally, all you guys ran in, and I knew it was over." Debbie repositioned the baby in her arms, waiting for Dave to respond.

"Debbie, Polly hasn�t been herself since last night. I suspected that the events of last night were extremely traumatic, which goes a long way to explaining her behaviour." Deb raised an eyebrow curiously.

"She didn�t talk much in the ambulance, not that I expected her to. I was to blame to a large degree. All I was going on about was how happy and excited I was about Sammy. I didn�t think about Poll. She didn�t talk at all after she was admitted, hasn�t even held Sammy yet. I tried asking her about it, and she started crying. I haven�t seen her cry like that since�. since the last time. She kept saying �sorry� and how it was all her fault. I didn�t understand. I still don�t fully." He watched as Debbie thought carefully about what she was going to say.

"Dave, I think this has very little to do with Samantha." Deb spoke plainly, remembering Liz�s words in Deakin�s office.

"I must admit to not paying much attention to her at the time." He muttered, feeling guilty.

"Liz spoke to us just after you left. I�d say she saw this coming in a way. She explained about it being to do with relived emotions: fear, pain, shock, uncertainty. How�s Poll been this morning?" Deb ventured.

"Quiet mainly. She still doesn�t respond to Samantha, which is worrying me a bit. She's detaching herself from it all. This morning our families were all in, and she didn't say much. I was worried about the Sun Hill mob, I'm glad you're the first." He stood up, indicating the room opposite them.

"It'll be alright, Dave." Deb answered, continuing when Dave motioned to take the baby.

"I'd like to take her in with me. You never know, might help." Deb responded, Dave nodded in agreement, sitting back down as Deb gently pushed open the bright green door, nervously entering the small room.

"Polly?" She whispered softly, taking the seat next to the bed. Looking across at her colleague and friend, she felt saddened. Polly blinked a few times, turning to look at her, her expression remaining blank.

"Sorry about last night. You shouldn't have had to go through all that." Polly spoke simply, her expression remaining fixed.

"I dunno, amazingly enough, it wasn't the worst shift I've ever had." Deb smiled, understanding why Dave was concerned.

"Same here." Polly spoke, her voice dropping. Deb was stumped. She didn't know which way to take the conversation. Deciding against following Dave's previous route, and bringing up Samantha, Debbie thought it better to focus on Poll.

"You'd better get out of here soon, the shifts will fall apart being two officers down." It was the first remote attempt at a smile Debbie had seen so far.

"But I can't. Not yet. Maybe never." Polly muttered miserably, looking down at the child.

"Don't be silly. Dave doesn't expect you to leave completely." Debbie answered, happy they were making some progress.

"I don't mean Samantha, Deb. I just don't think I could handle the job at the moment." Polly took the baby's hand affectionately.

"Tell me about it. It'll be a nightmare today after last night. I know which I'd rather prefer." She looked down at the sleeping child.

"Dave's pretty chuffed about her hair." Polly ran her hand delicately across the child's head.

"Here." Deb whispered, leaning over to place the child in Polly's arms, relieved when she didn't protest.

"She's pretty heavy, isn't she?" Polly smiled, Samantha opening her eyes sleepily.

"Yeah, and to think you were carrying that around each day!" They both giggled, turning when Dave and June quietly entered the room. Dave had picked up a vase, and put Debbie's flowers delicately on a shelf, as June took a seat next to Deb.

"How are you doing, Poll?" June smiled, settling down.

"Not bad. Tired is probably a good word." She smiled weakly, Dave beaming upon noticing that she was holding Sammy.

"I'm not surprised. Pretty hectic night." June leaned in to have a good look at the child she'd delivered.

"Takes after you in the hair department I see, Dave." June giggled, for Samantha's hair was truly something amazing.

"Let's just hope she doesn't lose it all by the time she's forty." He smiled back, trying to make eye contact with Debbie. Finally managing to catch his eye, he smiled gratefully at her.

 SUN HILL POLICE STATION - 1:55 PM

"Bob, are all those people out there who I think they are?" June asked, as she peered through the blinds in the front foyer.

"Press. About last night." He sighed, as Andrew Monroe strode briskly up to their sides.

"Bob, it's been decided that I give a full statement, and I'd appreciate it if either you or June would accompany me." Andrew spoke, his face remaining in a fixed expression of seriousness.

"I've got parade in a few minutes. June, do you mind?" Sergeant Cryer raised an eyebrow curiously.

"Not at all. It'd probably make more sense as I got more of the action." She replied, checking her uniform.

"You're right, June, but let me get the official statement out first. Better to see what they know." Andrew warned as they proceeded out the front doors.

They were instantly bombarded with photo cameras, tape recorders and demanding journalists. Sighing at each other, they stood their ground as Andrew cleared his throat.

"I'm Inspector Andrew Monroe and I'm here to enlighten you all of the events that took place here at Sun Hill Police Station between the hours of 8:30 PM and 12 AM last night, the 8th of April." He swallowed, giving the reporters time to settle down.

"At approximately 8:30 PM last night Alan Rogers entered Sun Hill Police Station via the front office, armed with a revolver. His demands were simple: an audience with a female detective constable. Upon entering the station he seized a P.C. as a hostage, taking her through to the Custody Suite where the D.C. was located. After locating the desired D.C., the P.C. and two Sergeants were locked in a cell. During the course of the night, another four P.C.s and a third Sergeant were also held in cells, until, at approximately 12 AM, the offender relinquished his weapon and was arrested. Nobody was injured during the event, and Mr Rogers will be prosecuted." Andrew concluded his statement, well aware of the facts he had omitted. Area Press Office had advised him to minimise details, for fear of personal information being disclosed. He looked over at June, her lips pursed in silence as the wave of questions and accusations commenced.

"Inspector Monroe, isn't it true that the female officer originally confronted in the front office was pregnant, and that the course of the events resulted in the unexpected delivery of a baby, during the hostage situation?" Clive, a well-known reporter boldly demanded.

Andrew glanced across slowly at June before replying.

"Yes. That is correct." He spoke simply. The bustling commotion of people began commencing, their voices rising.

"Didn't that pose a risk to the safety of your officer, as well as the child?" A young woman stepped forward, a judgemental expression on her face.

"Fortunately, there were no complications, and the baby was delivered in the station at approximately 11:50 PM last night." Andrew didn't like where this was going. He could just see the headlines 'Pregnant W.P.C. gives birth in hostage situation'.

"Fortunately indeed. Am I to assume that your officers undertake medical degrees in order to prepare them for the job?" Clive commented sarcastically.

"Sergeant Ackland has undertaken extensive first-aid training, and has dealt with a similar situation before." Andrew gestured towards June, desperate to throw the press off the path of blame.

"Sergeant Ackland, you were present during the hostage situation?" The female reporter took over from Clive.

"I was, yes." June spoke shortly, not wanting to cross the line and place the service in a tight position.

"Are you able to give us the details of the events as they took place?" June looked across at Andrew questioningly. He nodded discreetly. June proceeded, informing them of the progression of events.

"Weren't you under pressure? You didn't know what this man was capable of." Another question was asked, this time emotional. June took a deep breath before responding.

"There wasn't much of an option. I just had to make the best of it. After the initial altercation, we had very little to do with Mr Rogers for the next two hours or so." She kept an eye on the expression on Andrew's face.

"So, yourself and two P.C.'s were locked in a small cell. One of whom was in an advanced stage of labour. That would have been frightening for the officer, surely?" Deborah Harrison, the young reporter continued, her voice softening.

"It was. We just had to do our best to support her." June swallowed, remembering the petrified look on Polly's face.

"Sun Hill seems to be having more than it's fair share of disturbing situations lately. Why, it's less than a year since the horrific assault of one of your officers, isn't it?" Clive spoke to Andrew, Deborah flipping her notebook back, suspiciously.

"A little under nine months to be exact." She informed Clive intriguingly. Andrew shifted his weight uneasily, the conversation going down a path he wanted blocked off immediately.

"Mr Monroe, I'm no expert here, but there wouldn't be a connection of any kind would there?" Clive's voice dropped eagerly.

"I think this meeting is well and truly over. You've been updated on the events of last night, now if you'll all excuse us- " Andrew began to turn, June walking ahead of him.

"It's the same officer, isn't it, Sergeant Ackland!" Deborah called, the group on their heels.

"That's not for me to comment on." June answered, opening the doors into the station hurriedly, Andrew slipping in behind her. They were quickly buzzed through and proceeded to his office.

"I should've prepared for someone to come to that conclusion." He grumbled, the two of the them sitting down on either sides of the neatly organised table.

"Sir, you weren't to expect that. I didn't expect that!" June replied, worked up.

"It's funny, isn't it. There's no reason for them to assume it's the same officer, but naturally they do. It's like hammering in the dark, and managing to hit the nail squarely on the head." Andrew calmed down.

"You know, they'll assume it is though." June whispered, loathing the idea of this being publicised across London.

"Well then, you know what else they'll assume. Given the time factor." Andrew muttered, June's eyebrow's raising and mouth dropping open in horror.

"We can't have that propaganda going around. Think what it'll do to Polly and Dave, not to mention their families and this lot. We have to make the facts clear." She demanded.

"I know. It's not up to us though. I'll have to speak with Dave first." Andrew rose form his chair, escorting June out.

"Sir, this must be handled tactfully. I've spoken with Debbie, and the last twenty-four hours has reopened enough wounds. We don't want the media pouring salt on them." She whispered softly, but sternly.

"Leave it with me, June." He consoled, closing the door, and returning to his chair, his right hand massaging his temple, as he reached for the phone:

"Derek, we need to talk."

ST HUGH'S - 2:45 PM

"No sir, absolutely not. This is none of their goddamn business. I don't give a shit how it reflects on the metropolitan police. Polly's been to hell and back the last nine months, forget it." Dave bellowed into the phone, slamming it down hard.

Dropping down into the chair next to the phone, he let his eyes fall closed for the first time in over twenty-four hours. He just couldn't believe the nerve of those blood-hounds. Why did the rest of the world have to know about this? Was it that interesting? He thought back to his stabbing.

The press are definitely attracted to violent incidents, aren't they? No. There was no way that his child's birth were going to be tarred with the same brush as Polly's assault.

SUN HILL POLICE STATION - 4:50 PM

"Oh, Luke?" P.C. Sam Harker called to the young officer as he proceeded quickly down the hallway.

"Sam?" Luke turned, annoyed. He was late getting back, and wanted to grab a snack from the canteen.

"If you get a chance to see Vicky, let her know Henry Johnson's got a previous for GBH." He spoke plainly, not waiting for Luke's response.

"Yeah." Luke muttered, pushing it to the back of his mind as he continued on his way.

ST HUGH'S - 5:00 PM

"I suppose I owe you an explanation." Polly muttered, after everyone had left. Dave paused, before placing himself next to her on the bed, wrapping his left arm around her back, pulling her into a warm embrace.

"No you don't. It was a horrible experience to go through, and I fully understand." He whispered into her hair.

"Dave, no really, it wasn't that. I mean, last night wasn't what scared me." Polly looked up at him, expecting a response. He didn't say anything, knowing that by admitting it to him, she would admit it to herself.

"We're trained to harden ourselves to violent situations. Block them out. Detach ourselves from the emotional element. I'm good at that. Too good. I detached meself from meself. There was no victim. No pain or humiliation. I never dealt with it." Polly stopped to take a breath, sniffling her tears back.

"But last night, it happened again didn't it? Another situation beyond my control. No matter how wrong what he was doing was, no matter how badly I wanted to take charge, I couldn't. I couldn't, and nobody else could either." She cried into Dave's shoulder, relieved that she'd finally told him the truth. He could say nothing, but merely snuggled up closer to her, stroking the back of her head.

After the tears had ceased, Polly looked up at him and spoke: "I should've dealt with this the first time, instead of being so eager to put it all behind me. I just didn't know how to. I know the steps I'm meant to pass through, but not when. I can't work like this. I don't wanna go back there like nothing's happened, just get on with the day to day routine until something else pops up to remind me of these feelings." Polly finished, amazed at what she'd just uncovered.

"Take as long as you need to, Poll. The most important thing to me is that you're comfortable. There's no need for you to feel like you have to go back until your ready." Dave finished, wishing they'd had this discussion eight months ago.

SUN HILL POLICE STATION: CANTEEN - 5:28 PM

"I hope Vicky and George don't have any problems with that Johnson guy." Tony spoke, sipping his tea.

"How do ya mean?" Luke answered, suddenly remembering the message he was supposed to pass on from Sam.

"They're pulling him in for burglary. Vicky said there was nothing on him though." Tony continued, watching as Luke's face turned a pale colour.

"He's got previous for GBH though." Luke stuttered, suddenly realising that that message may have been rather important.

"What's that, Luke?" Tony asked, slightly concerned.

"Well, Sam told me to tell her, but I didn't-" He was cut off by Tony leaping from his chair heading for the CAD room.

5 BEVAN HOUSE - 5:30 PM

Vicky hesitated before knocking on the door, just long enough to hear the radio call.

"Go ahead." She whispered, her hand dropping from the door.

"Johnson has a previous for GBH, repeat, previous for GBH. Be careful." Sergeant Cryer spoke tensely into the headset.

Vicky's stomach wound in knots, why hadn't she been informed earlier? George stood beside her, shaking his head angrily.

"Received." She whispered shakily, before taking a deep breath and looking over at George.

"Another minute and we�d been confronted with him." She spoke, George containing his rage.

"Gotta love the level of communication we have here." He concluded, knocking firmly on the door. It wasn't long before it was opened, Johnson's heavily built frame filling the doorway. Setting her jaw firmly, Vicky met his eyes.

"Mr Johnson, I'm P.C. Hagen from Sun Hill, this is P.C. Garfield. We're arresting you on suspicion of burglary." She stated, preparing for him to bolt at any moment. Criminals were so predictable, she thought, as George managed to take control of Johnson on his attempt to push past them.

Reading him his rights, they wasted no time in getting him back to the station, wanting to tear into shreds the person responsible for not passing on the PNC check information.

SUN HILL POLICE STATION - 5:50 PM

"Luke, didn't I tell you to let Vicky know!" Sam bellowed, having been called to Monroe's office.

"You brushed it off. How was I to know it was urgent?" Luke retorted.

"That's enough, the pair of you!" Andrew stepped in, calming them down. He waited until they had both caught their breath before continuing:

"Luke, let's hear your side." Andrew was furious over the complete and utter disregard for team support, but displaying this to Ashton wouldn't accomplish anything.

"Well, yes, he did, sir. About an hour ago, he mentioned it in passing. I didn't end up running into her during refs." Luke explained, knowing that it wasn't entirely his fault, but still feeling guilty.

Andrew demanded Sam's explanation by a simple raising of his left eyebrow.

"Sir, I was given the message from CAD when they couldn't get onto her. Luke was heading for refs, and I was due back out. I told him to pass the message on, and assumed he would." Sam presented his argument.

Andrew paced a few more steps to the back of his desk, shaking his head; this had been a nightmare of a shift.

"This is totally unacceptable, despite the fact that I cannot place the blame on either one of you. Sam, it was irresponsible of you to not make the urgency of the message clear and also not to check that it had been delivered. Luke, when someone gives you a message that you believe may have disastrous consequences if not conveyed, then you damn well pass it on! Understood?" He hollered at the two officers, upon receiving definite nods, concluded with a very sharp, "Dismissed!"

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