*** POLLY'S ROOM - SECTION HOUSE - 1:45 AM ***

Matthews is towering above Polly, his mouth open and gasping sounds can be heard.

Greg Matthews:

Come on Polly, you know I like it when you do it like this!

Polly coughs, struggling for breath, pinned down hard against the cold floor. Matthews looks at her scornfully.

Greg Matthews:

You're nothing, you only exist to give me pleasure! So do your job!

Polly pulls herself from him, her voice thin.

Polly Page:

I didn't do nuffink wrong, thtop it, you're hurting me!

Greg Matthews:

I haven't even started yet! You really want me to hurt you, eh?

Matthews roughly grabs Polly's hair and pulls her towards him again. Polly stares up as the man's brown hair slowly lightens, his eyes darkening and face narrowing. She sees the crisp white shirt and the numbers shinning on his epaulettes.

WPC Page:

No, I don't want you to hurt me! Get off!

PC Prior:

You double-crossing slut! I'll give you something to complain about!

Polly struggles with the heavy man crushing her.

WPC Page:

I'm gonna complain about you, that's for sure! Get your filthy hands off me!

Polly fights futilely as Ben's hands slide down her waist and approach her legs. Ben plants a hand firmly over her mouth, his other hand fastening to the waistband of her underwear, pulling downwards. Polly bites Ben's hand in an attempt to make him stop.

PC Prior:

You think you can prance around all day and then nothing! You're getting what you deserve!

Ben slides his hand into Polly's knickers. He stares as the blonde haired WPC slowly shrinks before his eyes until he finds himself looking at the pretty face of his own daughter.

Sophie Prior:

Daddy, that feels funny. I'm tired, I wanna go to sleep.

PC Prior:

Bedtime's not until later Sophie. This is just like a bedtime story.

Sophie tries to wriggle away from his strong grip.

Sophie Prior:

I don't like it Daddy, stop it.

Ben slowly rubs his hands along his daughter's legs and looks at her hungrily.

PC Prior:

We can stop in a minute, sugar. Just one more minute and I'll be finished!

Sophie begins to sob quietly.

Sophie Prior:

But Daddy, you're hurting me.

Sophie sees her chance and pushes him away, getting to her feet.

Sophie Prior:

I said stop!

Sophie turns and notices the blonde policewoman in the doorway.

PC Prior:

Get back here, you little slut!

Polly gives Ben a cold look. Sophie runs quickly into the woman's arms.

Sophie Prior:

You have to stop him, please stop him!

Sophie stares helpless up at the woman. Viv bends down to the little girl, her hair lightening.

WPC Martella:

Don't listen to him Polly. He'll be locked away now. He'll never touch you again.

Polly looks up at the strong woman holding her in her arms.

Polly Page:

You pwomise?

WPC Martella:

I promise Polly.

Polly shudders violently, drenched with sweat.

WPC Page:

Stop it Greg, stop it!

Polly sits up suddenly, her bed similarly drenched. Polly shakes her head, confused by the conflicting images in the dream. Polly pulls herself out of bed, sipping a glass of water to slowly settle her thoughts.

WPC Page:

Sophie?

Polly remembers the little girl's voice on the tape that she listened to last night, as well as the graphic picture she'd drawn earlier that day. Polly slowly shakes her head disbelivingly.

WPC Page:

Not again. It won't happen again.

** APRIL 16TH **

*** BRIEFING ROOM - 2:00 PM ***

Polly is trying to conceal her third yawn for the morning, as she listens to the Sergeant finish the briefing. Tony rolls his eyes as the Sergeant grinds to a halt and directs them to leave. Tony walks over towards Polly with a small smile on his face. Polly blinks, yawning again and turning confused to him.

PC Stamp:

Long night?

Polly sighs.

WPC Page:

I guess you could say that.

Polly reaches for her handbag and follows Tony out of the room.

PC Stamp:

Well we're paired together today. In the Area Car. I just wanted to say that there's no hard feelings.

Tony stops speaking at the unconcerned look on Polly's face. Polly nods automatically, not paying any attention.

PC Stamp:

Yeah, so shall we get out there amongst the lowlife?

WPC Page:

I guess we'd better.

Tony and Polly walk stiffly out of the room into the corridor. Viv is heading out towards the yard and spies the officers.

WDC Martella:

Ah, Tones, I'm coming with you. You're giving me a lift.

Polly cringes, still not entirely comfortable with Viv being around.

PC Stamp:

I am?

Viv nods with a light smile.

WDC Martella:

Yeah, it's all squared with Monroe. I've got to nick a guy for assault and you're the back-up.

Tony grunts.

PC Stamp:

As usual. Oh well, I suppose if you've got the muscle you need to use it.

Tony grins sheepishly at Viv and Polly as they give him disparaging looks. Viv flashes her eyes cheekily.

WDC Martella:

Too right!

Tony puts his arm around Viv's shoulders in a friendly way as the threesome make their way out to the yard and hop into the Area Car.

*** HOWARD RESIDENCE - 2:30 PM ***

Tony drives up to the side of the road and parks the Area Car carefully. The street is deserted, calm and strangely tranquil.

PC Stamp:

So what's this man done to deserve all this, Viv?

Viv replies in a deadpan voice:

WDC Martella:

Oh, just rearranged some kid's face with a beer bottle, nothing major.

Tony looks grim.

PC Stamp:

Castration's too good for 'em if you ask me.

The three officers exit the car and head over to the front door.

WPC Page:

Okay, what happens now?

Polly looks very young and naive. Tony looks at her amused.

PC Stamp:

This your first time?

Polly looks demure.

WPC Page:

Yeah, I guess. I'm really not sure what to do!

Viv smiles encouragingly.

WDC Martella:

You'll be fine, just follow procedure and keep your eyes open!

Polly looks up at Viv.

WPC Page:

Can I stick with you?

Viv nods as Tony bangs loudly on the door.

WDC Martella:

Sure.

Polly gives Viv and smile and follows her towards the front door. Tony is already knocking at the door.

PC Stamp:

I think.. Yeah, he's in there Viv! Quick, round the back. He's doing a runner!

Tony charges the door and knocks it flying with his shoulder. Viv and Polly head quickly round the to back of the house, the man retreating back indoors as he sees the officers.

WPC Page:

Stop, police!

Viv makes her way into the house, following the man upstairs. Mark Howard heads for a bedroom, slamming the door closed. Polly follows Viv into the house, her breathing quick and hoarse.

WPC Page:

Wait up Viv!

Polly checks around the house searching desperately for any sign of life. Tony can be heard moving around downstairs. Polly starts moving towards the sounds made by Tony when she is startled by a scream from upstairs.

WPC Page:

Viv, are you okay?

There is no answer from above. Polly launches herself up the stairs and heads towards the room where the scream came from. Polly opens the door to the room and is confronted by a disturbing scene: A man is holding Viv and appears to have her in a headlock. Their backs are turned towards the door and Polly can't make out the man's face.

WPC Page:

Let her go, you bastard!

Polly rushes towards the man, drawing her baton as she charges.

WPC Page:

Take your hands off her!

Polly strikes the man on the shoulder with her baton. Howard cries out in fury and discomfort as he turns around, at the same time drags the sharp knife across Viv's body.

Mark Howard:

You silly bitch, now look what you made me do!

Viv gasps, noticing the blood dripping form her upper arm. Polly freezes in horror as Viv's body slowly drops to the floor.

WPC Page:

Huh? What have you?

Polly stands there immobile as Mark abandons Viv and makes a dash for the door. Tony appears in the doorframe, his baton drawn and an angry look on his face.

PC Stamp:

What's going on?

Polly doesn't answer, she just stays still gawking at Viv. Viv makes out a soft groan, moving slightly. Tony runs towards Mark and faces him off, ducking and dodging to avoid his knife.

PC Stamp:

Come on Poll, circle round behind him!

Howard realises the magnitude of his offence and struggles violently, wary of the two officers surrounding him. Polly just stands in the middle of the room staring at Viv's comatose form. Tony looks into Mark's eyes and begins to talk softly.

PC Stamp:

Just put the knife down, yeah? Just drop it!

Howard's fears only serves to heighten his aggression.

Mark Howard:

Why should I, eh! I've done one, what makes you think I couldn't take both of you out!

Tony replies calmly.

PC Stamp:

You probably could. But why would you want to? What have we ever done to you?

Howard breathes heavily.

Mark Howard:

But I know what you'd like to do to me. All of ya pigs, you're all the same!

PC Stamp:

And what is that? All I want to do is let you go so I can attend to my colleague.

Polly slumps to the floor in front of Viv, her nerves shattered.

Mark Howard:

For now perhaps but I know the score. What'll I get for this anyway, even if it was her fault!

Tony remains calm. Howard stares darkly down at Polly.

PC Stamp:

You mean WPC Page? How was it her fault?

Mark Howard:

I, I never meant to cut her but she came at me, took me by surprise. It was an accident.

Polly doesn't respond to the comments.

PC Stamp:

So why did you bring a knife then? If you didn't mean to hurt anyone?

Mark Howard:

I, I wanted to keep you lot away.

Howard lowers his arms slowly. Tony drops his baton at the same pace.

PC Stamp:

Well we're here now Mark, so why don't you put the knife down and we can talk?

Tony is talking in a very reasonable tone of voice.

Mark Howard:

Oh great, yeah and just what are we mean to talk about, eh? You'll just bang me up. It wasn't my fault!

PC Stamp:

Okay, what's your name sonny? I need to call you something!

Howard looks from the women to Tony.

Mark Howard:

Mark. Mark Howard.

PC Stamp:

Okay Mark, now everything will be okay if you just put the knife down and let me call an ambulance for my colleague over there. She could be badly hurt.

Tony slowly walks towards Mark, constantly staring him in the eyes. Howard twitches slightly, his arm shaking, slowly dropping the knife to the floor. Tony stands back until the knife hits the ground, then rushes in and knocks Mark flying. Tony grabs his cuffs and quickly overpowers the struggling man.

PC Stamp:

Bad move, chummy. That little mistake is going to cost you ten years inside minimum. And that's a promise!

Tony glares at Polly.

PC Stamp:

And you were a fat lot of good!

Polly snaps out of her gaze, looking up at Tony surprised. He gives her a disgusted look as he manhandles Mark out of the room.

PC Stamp:

For God's sake call for an ambulance and make yourself useful for once Polly.

Polly obeys Tony's commands, startled by the anger in his voice. Polly uses her radio as she checks Viv's pulse.

WPC Page:

Sierra Oscar from 469..

Polly trails off as she looks at Viv's deathly pale face smeared with bright red drops of blood. Polly takes Viv's hand and squeezes it gently as she finishes her radio call.

*** SUN HILL POLICE STATION - 3:15 PM ***

Polly paces along behind Tony, as he silently enters the station, not saying a word the ride back. Tony sits down on a bench and crosses his legs angrily.

PC Stamp:

You've really done it this time, you silly kid.

Polly chews on her lower lip nervously, not looking at him.

PC Stamp:

Don't you feel even slightly ashamed?

Polly takes a seat slowly, placing her hat delicately in her lap, staring down at it.

WPC Page:

I, I didn't mean for it to happen.

Tony stares at her in disbelief.

PC Stamp:

So why the hell did you go charging in there without stopping to think? Do you think with your backside, Polly?

Polly sighs.

WPC Page:

I, I wasn't thinking straight. Whatcha want me to say?

Tony smiles grimly.

PC Stamp:

I don't care. Save your pathetic excuses for the Sarge. I hope he kicks you out of the job for that. First rule of policing is that you always back your colleagues up.

Stuart opens his office door, the two officers making their way inside. He takes a moment to collect his thoughts.

Sgt. Lamont:

Right Tony, what's your version of events?

Polly drops her jaw and stares over at him in shock. Tony continues.

PC Stamp:

Not only did she leap into a dangerous situation showing about as much tact and discretion as Reg Hollis after a night down at the local boozer, she then stood around and left me alone to deal with a dangerous, violent criminal.

Stuart nods.

Sgt. Lamont:

What were the circumstances leading up to the incident?

PC Stamp:

I think that Polly can tell you that better than me. At least she can do something useful for a change.

Tony crosses his arms and looks sternly at Polly. Polly looks between the officers, just wanting to run and hide in a corner.

WPC Page:

Sarge I, well we got inside the house, I followed Viv, who was following the suspect up the stairs. By the time I got up there, he had her. I made an attempt to restrain him, not realising he had a knife.

Tony cuts in.

PC Stamp:

We did know that he was a violent man, though Sarge. She should have been more careful!

Polly looks away from them.

Sgt. Lamont:

Tony, if you'll just let me establish the facts here!

Stuart takes a breath.

PC Stamp:

Yes Sarge.

Tony stops and lets Polly continue. Polly sighs.

WPC Page:

That's it, Sarge. As I grabbed him, he turned around and he.. he had.. Viv fell to the ground.

Stuart nods. Tony is about to interject but restrains himself.

Sgt. Lamont:

I see. Well, you know what I'm going to say Page, you should have assessed the situation more thoroughly.

Tony looks pleased that the Sergeant is about to take some decisive action. Polly looks up at him.

WPC Page:

Yes, Sarge.

Stuart turns to dismiss the officers. Tony looks shocked.

PC Stamp:

Is that all, Sarge? Aren't you going to take some disciplinary action?

Stuart looks sternly at Tony.

Sgt. Lamont:

PC Stamp, you've expressed you view and that is all I have asked of you. Dismissed, the both of you.

PC Stamp:

But Viv could have died!

Sgt. Lamont:

Dismissed!

Polly turns and heads out of the room, Tony behind her. Tony leans close to Polly and whispers harshly into her ear.

PC Stamp:

I just hope you can live with yourself. One day you'll need backup like Viv did today and someone will bottle out like you did. You'll be lucky to get away with a few stab wounds then, Polly.

Polly looks away from him.

WPC Page:

What would you know, anyway?

Tony snaps back at her.

PC Stamp:

I know, believe me I know. You were lucky not to have been stabbed yourself.

Polly shrugs.

WPC Page:

So, are we heading out there, or what?

Tony looks at her with disgust.

PC Stamp:

You might be, I'm off to the hospital to see how Viv is.

Polly nods slowly.

WPC Page:

Well, that's, that's what I meant.

PC Stamp:

Yeah sure you did.

Tony strides off through the doors without a backwards look at Polly. Ben walks past Tone and stops in front of Polly. He has a faintly amused look on his face.

PC Prior:

Lover's tiff, Blondie?

Polly turns, looking an expression of pure hatred.

WPC Page:

Piss off!

Ben rubs his finger down Polly's long blonde hair.

PC Prior:

Such lovely hair. Pity that I prefer brunettes.

Ben lets the lock of hair drop and slowly walks away. Polly stares silently as his retreating form, slowly remembering the beautiful long strains of dark hair that trailed down Sophie Prior's back.

WPC Page:

Yeah, I'll bet you do.

Polly strides quickly after Tony, towards the yard.

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