*** FEMALE TOILETS - 10:10 AM ***

Polly is crying her heart out in a cubicle. Viv slowly pushes open the door leading into the toilets, hesitating before going in and leaning thoughtfully up against the sink. Polly's sobs can he heard echoing around the room. Viv sighs, heading for the occupied cubicle, knocking lightly.

WDC Martella:

Polly?

Polly stops crying and chokes out a few words between sobs.

WPC Page:

Go away, just leave me alone!

Viv nods to herself.

WDC Martella:

Fine.

Viv turns and heads back towards the bathroom door. Polly continues to cry softly.

WPC Page:

Viv.. wait.

Viv stops and turns back. Polly slowly comes out of the cubicle, drying her cheeks.

WDC Martella:

Look, Prior's a prat, everyone knows it, just ignore him.

WPC Page:

I'm sorry for snapping at you. And you don't have to tell me that he's a prat, I'd already figured that out for meself.

Polly doesn't say a word, she just keeps sobbing helplessly into her hands.

WDC Martella:

Look, the first few weeks are always the worst, new procedures, new people, everything. And my being here probably doesn't help.

WPC Page:

Yeah but you don't know the half of it.

Viv looks intrigued.

WDC Martella:

Chances are I do. What, what's the problem?

Polly turns away from Viv and stares sadly at her reflection in the mirror.

WPC Page:

It's nothing, forget it.

WDC Martella:

Whatever it is, if it's making you feel this miserable, it's worth talking about.

WPC Page:

Yeah, I guess.

Polly takes a deep breath.

WPC Page:

But you won't believe me, it's too awful.

Viv speaks delicately.

WDC Martella:

Well, I've always believed you before, haven't I?

Polly looks up, tears streaming down her face.

WPC Page:

This is.. like before.

Polly looks uncomfortable.

WDC Martella:

What is?

Polly begins to speak in a low voice.

WPC Page:

Well, just before I left the station last night, I was getting changed in the locker room..

Polly composes herself and keeps talking.

WPC Page:

All of a sudden PC Prior walked into the room. I was half-naked and he, he..

Polly is struggling for words. Viv tilts her head slightly, her voice deep and succinct.

WDC Martella:

He what?

Polly looks resolute.

WPC Page:

He came up to me.. I don't really remember what he said. I think it was something sleazy..

Polly continues, the emotion evident in her voice. Viv looks at her supportively.

WPC Page:

He walked up to me and started fondling me. He tried to kiss me and all I could feel was his hands, touching me.

Viv replies very matter-of-factly:

WDC Martella:

Then what?

WPC Page:

He pushed me to the floor and he started caressing me roughly.. I felt his hands on my breasts and.. down below.. He tore off my shirt and he was groping me there on the ground.. I could feel his legs pressing against my body and he was just so.. so hungry. Then I felt his hands moving downwards..

Polly's voice trails off into a hoarse croak. Viv draws a breath softly, the completely silent.

WDC Martella:

Look, if you, I mean, you don't have to be telling me this..

Polly looks directly into Viv's eyes.

WPC Page:

But you're the only one I trust enough to tell.

Viv nods enquiringly.

WDC Martella:

Go on..

WPC Page:

I can't. Can I ask you something Viv?

Viv is taken off-guard.

WDC Martella:

Of course.

WPC Page:

Has this ever happened to you? With one of your colleagues?

Viv hesitates.

WDC Martella:

Well, I, I've had my share of experiences, some I'd rather forget but well, you haven't told me everything.

Polly hesitates.

WPC Page:

How do you mean?

WDC Martella:

You didn't finish telling me about last night.

WPC Page:

What do you want to know?

Polly looks apprehensive. Viv shifts her glance across the room.

WDC Martella:

You said he forced you onto the ground, that he assaulted you. What happened next?

Polly looks nervous.

WPC Page:

Well he was trying to get his hand into my..

Polly gulps.

WPC Page:

He tore my knickers off and his hands were.. touching me.. He was really rough..

Polly stops. Viv narrows her eyebrows.

WDC Martella:

What happened?

Polly looks up, blinking her eyes quickly, her expression blank.

WPC Page:

I kicked him in the groin. He fell down and I got the hell outta there.

Viv take a long, thoughtful breath.

WDC Martella:

And what about today? You've been paired with Prior?

WPC Page:

Yeah.

WDC Martella:

Well, what did he say? What was he like?

WPC Page:

It's odd, Viv. He's been really strange today, pretending that nothing happened.

Viv nods.

WDC Martella:

That's normal. The question is, what do you want to do about it?

Polly looks confused.

WPC Page:

What do you mean?

Viv speaks very professionally.

WDC Martella:

Well, are you making this official?

WPC Page:

I dunno. Should I?

Viv takes a step backwards.

WDC Martella:

That's up to you Polly. I can't tell you what to do.

Polly looks desperately at Viv with a pleading look in her eyes.

WPC Page:

Please help me Viv.

Viv sighs.

WDC Martella:

I can't Poll, you're on your own. If you wanna make it official, you have to go a senior officer and report the incident. Strictly speaking, we never had this conversation.

Polly looks crestfallen.

WPC Page:

But Viv, I thought, I thought could rely on you?

Viv is torn between those familiar blue eyes and professionalism.

WDC Martella:

Look, the past is just that: past. You're in the job now and you have to look after yourself. You're all grown up, the choice is down to you.

Polly looks shattered and indecisive.

WPC Page:

But can't you help me decide? Give me advice?

Viv speaks very sharply:

WDC Martella:

You have two options: either forget about it and get on with your life, or speak with your superior officer and file criminal charges. There are positives and negatives to both decisions but it's your decision; justice or anonymity.

WPC Page:

But, but I can't decide!

Viv turns towards the door leading back out into the station. Polly looks abjectly miserable.

WDC Martella:

You're the only one who can, Polly.

Polly crumbles and watches forlornly as Viv leaves her alone.

*** CORRIDOR LEADING TO THE YARD - 12:30 PM ***

Polly is walking down the corridor drying her eyes when she spots Tony coming in the opposite direction. Tony isn't concentrating and literally walks straight into her.

PC Stamp:

Sorry, sorry, Polly.

Tony is extremely embarrassed and steps backwards.

WPC Page:

Oh hi.

PC Stamp:

Polly, I..

Tony trails off. Polly replies in a dead voice.

WPC Page:

What is it?

Polly looks up into Tony's concerned eyes.

PC Stamp:

About last night, Polly. What happened?

Polly's mouth drops open.

WPC Page:

You know about that?

Tony looks at her strangely, scoffing slightly.

PC Stamp:

Well, we did arrange it.

Polly looks even more shocked.

WPC Page:

Huh? So you were all in on it? I suppose you approve?

Polly looks cynical. Tony looks offended.

WPC Page:

Just something that the lads get up to, eh?

PC Stamp:

Polly, is there some sort of problem? I mean, if you had second thoughts, you could have just told me.

Polly is confused.

WPC Page:

Huh? What are you talking about?

PC Stamp:

Last night? You and me? I thought..

Polly looks into Tony's dark blue eyes.

WPC Page:

Oh, the date. I'm sorry, I was.. busy.

Tony nods slowly.

PC Stamp:

I, erm see.

Tony looks very hurt.

WPC Page:

Yeah, Ben Prior held me up, so to speak.

Polly's voice is pretty bitter. Ben bursts through the custody doors, making his way over to the pair.

PC Prior:

What's this Tone? Loitering outside the ladies? You'll get a reputation if you're not careful.

Ben chuckles superficially. Polly looks up in shock.

PC Stamp:

Very funny. Shouldn't you two be out there?

Tony is not amused. Ben grins teasingly.

PC Prior:

Probably. You coming Poll?

Ben glances at her daringly.

WPC Page:

Yeah, I guess.

Polly looks uncomfortable as she starts walking towards the yard. Ben nods at Tony briefly, before heading off after Polly, placing an arm on her shoulder. Polly is too shocked to do anything but turn her head slightly with an expression of disgust. Tony observes the couple for a few moments, a shattered look crossing his face as he heads back to CAD.

*** THE YARD - 12:35 PM ***

Ben walks through the door with his arm still around Polly's shoulders. He is grinning at assorted PCs who pass them but Polly looks very uncomfortable. Polly waits until they are alone, before brushing his arm away.

WPC Page:

Piss off!

Ben has a silly smile of his face but he reluctantly lets go of her.

PC Prior:

What's the matter darling? You were enjoying last night!

Polly frowns, very confused.

WPC Page:

You bastard, how can you say that!

Ben grins.

PC Prior:

'Cause I was there. If you hadn't left so soon we could have had some real fun.

Polly narrows her eyebrows, lowering her voice.

WPC Page:

Stay away from me, I mean it. Or you could be in a lot of trouble.

Ben raises his hands and smirks.

PC Prior:

What will you do, Blondie? Arrest me?

Polly steps closer to him.

WPC Page:

Is that a request or a threat?

Ben leans towards Polly and softly breathes his hot voice into her ear.

PC Prior:

It's a warning, sweetie.

Polly chews on her bottom lip, before turning from his cold stare and quickly getting settled in the van. Ben follows suit and winks at Polly as soon as he is seated in the drivers seat. Ben starts the van and they drive off.

** APRIL 15TH **

*** SUN HILL POLICE STATION - 8:50 AM ***

Reg is proudly showing off his crèche to Polly and Norika but they don't appear to be paying much attention.

PC Hollis:

And I even have an entire collection of care bears I found in me Mum's attic..

Reg playfully picks up sleepy bear and throws it towards Polly.

PC Hollis:

Catch, Poll!

Polly looks up as the big blue bear comes flying towards her.

WPC Page:

Oh, cheers Reg!

Polly places it back on the table slowly. Reg grins and continues with his lecture.

PC Hollis:

There's balls, blocks and Lego here. Also pens and paper for drawing and more stuffed animals over in the corner.

Reg wanders off muttering to himself leaving Polly and Nori alone together. Polly raises an eyebrow to Norika.

WPC Page:

You ready for this?

Norika is hesitant to speak at first.

WPC Datta:

Yes. You?

WPC Page:

I suppose.

Polly is not convinced. Norika lapses into silence again. Reg finishes his inspection of the crèche and dusts his hands off, satisfied that all is well.

PC Hollis:

Well ladies, I'll leave you to it. Make sure you take proper care of the kids and I'll be back when it's time to do the little magic show that I've prepared.

Reg walks out of the room with his head held high. Polly raises an eyebrow nervously.

WPC Page:

Magic show?

Norika gives her a small smile.

WPC Datta:

Our Reg is a bit of an amateur magician, I'm afraid.

Polly rolls her eyes.

WPC Page:

Great, rabbits out of hats, yeah?

WPC Datta:

Knowing Reg, it's more likely to be hats out of rabbits!

Norika smiles. Polly chuckles.

WPC Page:

So, we're stuck baby-sitting all day?

Norika looks glum.

WPC Datta:

We are. Mind you, it's nothing I'm not used to.

WPC Page:

Oh, you got kids?

Norika looks faintly amused.

WPC Datta:

No. Not from want of trying, though. I came from a big family, so I have lots of experience looking after little brothers and sisters.

Polly nods.

WPC Page:

Ah, I see.

WPC Datta:

Little terrors.

Norika smiles. Polly cringes as the first few kids burst into the room.

WPC Datta:

Ahhh well, we were all kids once.

Norika turns to face the onslaught. Jacqui rushes into the room ahead of the others.

Jacqui Monroe:

It's mine! All mine I tell ya!

Jacqui dashes to the Nintendo and grabs the controls. Polly is left open-mouthed by the dominant child. Jamie is standing next to Jacqui and is fighting with her for the controls.

Jamie Burnside:

Give it to me, I'm the boss round here!

Jacqui knocks Jamie on the head with the controls.

Jacqui Monroe:

Yeah, it shows.

Jamie falls over and starts to cry. Norika rolls her eyes and rushes over to sort things out.

Jamie Burnside:

She hit me! That nasty ugly girl hit me!

Jacqui knocks Jamie on the head again and a fresh wave of tears starts flowing. Norika separates the two and gives Polly a helpless look. Polly heads over to assist Norika, pulling Jacqui off the little boy.

WPC Page:

Just what do ya fink you're doing?

Jamie lashes out and kicks Polly in the ankle. Polly steps backwards, with a slight gasp.

WPC Page:

Oi! Watch it!

Jamie lashes out again, hitting Polly in the same spot.

Jamie Burnside:

All girls are nasty things that crawl out from under rocks!

Jamie is grinning at the injured Polly. Polly pulls him across the room and plonks him down into a chair, placing a colouring book in front of him.

WPC Page:

Here, do something constructive! Who do you belong to anyway?

Jamie Burnside:

I don't belong to no one. Let go of me, you cow!

Polly reaches for a tin of crayons, dragging them over.

WPC Page:

I meant, who are your parents?

Jamie ignores Polly and starts biting the heads of the crayons. Polly rolls her eyes and limps back to Norika.

WPC Page:

Can we sue for damages?

WPC Datta:

With Burnside as the father? Not a chance.

WPC Page:

That's the DI's kid? Figures!

WPC Datta:

Well this one ain't much better!

Norika is struggling to keep Jacqui away from the chocolate biscuits.

WPC Page:

And just how many more hours do we have of this?

Norika looks at her watch.

WPC Datta:

Only seven more hours. If we haven't been slaughtered by then!

WPC Page:

And just why did we get burdened with this again?

WPC Datta:

Because we're WPCs. Equality seems to have gone out the window.

Renee walks into the room, holding her little daughter Sophie by the hand.

Renee Prior:

Just come in here and meet the nice women who work with Daddy, all right Sophie?

Polly notices that Norika still has her hands full with Jacqui and makes her way over. Renee looks up and smiles at Polly.

Renee Prior:

Hi, I'm Renee Prior and this is my little girl Sophie.

Polly nods slowly, glancing from the little girl to her mother.

WPC Page:

Oh, right, well, she'll be fine here.

Polly bends down to the child.

WPC Page:

You can go play with the others, yeah?

Sophie clings onto her mother's skirt, not budging. Renee shakes her leg and Sophie drops off.

Renee Prior:

Go and play with the other kids, love.

Sophie sticks her thumb in her mouth and wanders over to the little boy systematically snapping the crayons in half. Jamie glares at Sophie and gets on with his demolition. Polly turns back to Renee, forcing a small grin.

WPC Page:

She'll be fine.

Renee gives Polly a curt smile.

Renee Prior:

I hope so.

Donna makes her way into the room, leading her toddler by the hand.

WPC Harris:

Amanda, slow down!

Donna is dragged towards the two other women, letting the child roam free.

WPC Harris:

Sorry about that. She's been looking forward to today.

Donna smiles at each of the women. Renee groans. Polly nods as the youngster amuses herself with the Lego.

WPC Page:

Not a problem? You're with A relief, right?

WPC Harris:

That's right, I'm Donna. Donna Harris.

WPC Page:

Polly Page, B relief.

WPC Harris:

So, you and Nori got stuck with this lot, eh?

WPC Page:

Yeah, it's not that bad though.

WPC Harris:

Anyway, I'll head off but that one's Amanda and she twenty-eight months. Good luck girls!

Polly chuckles.

WPC Page:

We'll need it!

Donna smiles as she turns and leaves the room. Jacqui examines Donna's daughter with interest.

Jacqui Monroe:

Awwww, can we dress her up in doll's clothes, missus?

Jacqui turns her expectant eyes towards Polly. Polly stifles a giggle.

WPC Page:

Forget it Jacqui! Go amuse yourself with a game or something!

Jacqui turns away sullenly and knocks over a pile of building blocks. Polly sighs softly and heads towards Norika.

WPC Page:

So, now what? Just let them run riot?

Norika looks helpless.

WPC Datta:

I guess so. Hey, quieten down kids!

Norika gives her WPC's hat to Jacqui to amuse her. Polly stands next to Norika and raises her voice to the group of children.

WPC Page:

Right! Now, I'm Polly and this is Norika and we're looking after you all today. Now, there's lots and things for you to do to keep busy and we'll organise some lunch in a few hours, until then, be nice to each other and if you have any problems, just let one of us know.

Polly looks questioningly over at Norika.

WPC Datta:

Hi everyone.

Sophie looks up nervously, chewing on a care bear that was left on the floor. Jamie is too busy biting Jacqui's fingers to pay attention. Jacqui kicks Jamie in the stomach and another fight breaks out. Norika and Polly rush towards the affray. It's going to be a long day. Polly grumbles under her breath.

WPC Page:

You sure there ain't a female cell free?

WPC Datta:

Believe me, if there was I'd be hiding in it at this very moment.

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