*** TAXI RANK OUTSIDE THE PIKE'S HEAD - 1:00 AM ***

Tony and Ben are hailing a cab after their booze up. Ben is drunk as a nun in a brewery and Tony isn't in much better condition.

PC Stamp:

Taxi!

Ben stumbles against Tony, very out of it. Tony waves his arms around until a cab drives up.

PC Prior:

Aw, I'm gonna be so dead when I get home. Promised the wife I'd cut down on the boozing!

Tony flinches at the smell of Ben's stale breath.

PC Stamp:

Yeah, well I hope you're not planning any intimacy tonight or she'll be sadly disappointed.

Tony pulls over a cab and the twosome hop inside it. Tony haggles over the fare for a minute and the taxi driver begins the journey.

PC Prior:

Aw Tones, wind down the window mate, I feel like I'm dying here.

Ben turns a very pale colour.

PC Stamp:

Well don't die on me. Or throw up on me either for that matter!

Tony shuffles over and winds down the window. Ben wraps an arm around his mate.

PC Prior:

Thanks, Tone. You're a real friend. Not like that lot back there.

Tony grunts.

PC Stamp:

Yeah, well make sure you include me in your will.

PC Prior:

Not to mention those silly plonks. I mean, what can I do about the blonde bitch, eh? I mean, talk about sending out confusing signals!

Tony looks unconcerned.

PC Stamp:

Yeah, I know what you mean.

Ben scoffs.

PC Prior:

Ya wouldn't know the half of it mate, she wasn't all shy and innocent the other night, let me tell you that much! Right little mind game playing slut that one is!

Tony looks angry.

PC Stamp:

Too right she is.

PC Prior:

I mean, you shoulda seen her, or more to the point heard her pal, she was loving it! And now, it's 'pith off!'.

PC Stamp:

I noticed. So is that true then, about you and her?

Tony looks downcast.

PC Prior:

Well, how should I know, I thought so. But now, she's all cold!

Tony looks bitter.

PC Stamp:

Yeah, she's cold-hearted alright, leading a man on like that. So was she eager with you, Benny boy?

Ben looks way too cocky.

PC Prior:

You kidding, practically begging me she was, I mean, I couldn't even get her outa the station for heaven's sake! She's not half bad either, let me tell ya that much. Once ya get past the uniform.

PC Stamp:

The station? So you had it off with her in the station? Was it in the van, that's the usual spot.

Ben grins a big, drunk grin.

PC Prior:

Nope! Didn't get that far! I mean, well I woulda preferred DIU, an interview room, anything, even that smelly old van but well she was getting changed, wasn't gonna pass up the opportunity was I!

Tony is confused, both by the drink and Ben's words.

PC Stamp:

In the WPC's locker room? You're got some nerve.

Ben chuckles.

PC Prior:

Yeah, well was on a plate, wasn't gonna turn it down was I!

Tony looks angry.

PC Stamp:

You just walked in there and she was all over you?

PC Prior:

Well, mighta had to warm her up a bit but basically, yeah.

PC Stamp:

How do you mean warm her up?

Tony is getting irritated by Ben's frankness. Ben looks at him strangely.

PC Prior:

Trust me mate, you don't want the details.

PC Stamp:

I'm sure I don't. She looked pretty innocent about the whole sex thing though.

Ben sighs.

PC Prior:

Not after I gave her a few lessons!

Ben smirks proudly. Tony is about to inquire further when the taxi pulls to a halt.

*** POLLY'S ROOM - SECTION HOUSE - 5:30 AM ***

Norika approaches Polly's door and softly knocks. Norika frowns when there is no reply and knocks again.

WPC Datta:

Polly! Time to wake up!

Norika knocks again, this time more urgently.

WPC Datta:

Polly!

Reg yawns, as he heads down the corridor.

PC Hollis:

Norika, it's a bit early to be knocking the place down, ain't it?

Norika looks across at Reg, angry at his sudden intrusion.

WPC Datta:

Reg?

Reg turns a very red colour, turning to head back the way he came. Norika calls out again, accusingly.

WPC Datta:

Reg! Just what are you up to?

Reg tries to edge away from her.

PC Hollis:

Oh, Norika, it's nothing like that, I was, I was just thinking about the floor plans. You know, you have two extra rooms on this floor that just don't exist downstairs!

Norika looks suspicious.

WPC Datta:

This is the ladies' floor, PC Hollis. And if you're mind's on floor plans then what's that sticking out of your top pocket?

Norika points to a suspicious-looking bulge in Reg's top pocket. Reg is rendered speechless, pushing the 'pack of three' down future into his pocket.

PC Hollis:

Right, yes, well, I'll seeya around.

Norika looks pointedly at Reg.

WPC Datta:

I suppose they're balloons are they, Reg?

Reg tries determinedly to change the subject.

PC Hollis:

Well, I'll ermm seeya later today.

Reg tries to hide embarrassment as he turns away.

WPC Datta:

Not so fast, you can help me here.

Norika points towards Polly's door.

WPC Datta:

I'm trying to wake Polly up. I'm a bit worried about her.

Reg turns, not really wishing to be detained, although intrigued by the potential for gossip.

PC Hollis:

What, she on early turn?

WPC Datta:

She's supposed to be but she's already twenty minutes late.

Norika knocks on the door again. Reg shakes his head.

PC Hollis:

What makes you so sure she's in there, anyway?

Norika ignores Reg.

WPC Datta:

Polly! Open up!

Norika bangs on the door with all her might.

PC Hollis:

Norika, she's probably down the nick catching up on paperwork. What's so important anyway? Anything I should know about?

Norika continues to take no notice of Reg.

WPC Datta:

Shut up Reg, I'm thinking.

Norika thinks intensely for a minute. Reg rolls his eyes.

PC Hollis:

Well is my presence required?

WPC Datta:

For once, Reg, yes. Can you kick down the door?

Reg gasps, trying to not smile.

PC Hollis:

Don't be silly Norika! What's so darn urgent anyway?

Norika snaps at Reg.

WPC Datta:

If you don't do it, I will. Something's wrong Reg!

Reg stares at her strangely for a few moments.

PC Hollis:

What, you serious?

WPC Datta:

Do I look like I'm joking.

The look on Nori's face says it all. Reg sighs.

PC Hollis:

Look, Norika, don't you think you're overacting just a bit? I mean, have you checked downstairs?

WPC Datta:

Of course I have! She's in her room but she's not replying.

Norika bangs again on the door and shouts at the top of her voice.

WPC Datta:

Just kick the bloody door down Reg!

Reg looks hesitantly across at Norika.

PC Hollis:

Stand back then.

Reg draws a breath, taking a step backwards and throwing his foot up against the lock, the force throwing him into the room.

WPC Datta:

Polly?

Norika runs over to the bed. Polly's unconscious form is lying curled up on top of the blankets. Norika shakes Polly carefully. Getting no response, she gently turns Polly over onto her back. Reg looks stunned and awkwardly retreats back into the corridor.

WPC Datta:

Poll?

Norika checks Polly's pulse and feels her cold torso.

WPC Datta:

There's a faint pulse Reg. Quick, call an ambulance!

PC Hollis:

Right, I'll yeah..

WPC Datta:

Just hurry up, you pathetic excuse for a man!

Norika turns back to Polly. Reg trails off quickly, running back along the hall, a few people coming out of their rooms with the commotion.

WPC Datta:

Just hang in there Poll.

Norika looks at something clenched tightly between the fingers on Polly's left hand. Norika gently removes the delicate pearl pendant and the note around it. She reads the note aloud:

WPC Datta:

'I felt sick and my head hit the locker as he entered me...'

Norika carefully reads the scrawled lines.

WPC Datta:

'His hands grasping me, pressing down on me...'

Norika tears her tearful eyes away from the note and gently takes Polly's hand.

WPC Datta:

Stay with us, Poll.

*** ST HUGH'S - 6:10 AM ***

Norika is pacing down a corridor, waiting for the Chief Inspector to arrive. Norika throws the partially drunk cup of coffee into a bin, as she sees Conway enter the waiting area. Norika heads over to him.

Ch. Insp. Conway:

What the hell is going on, Norika? This had better be good, getting me up out of bed at this time in the morning!

Derek is in a grumpy mood. Norika sighs awkwardly.

WPC Datta:

Polly Page, Sir. B relief's newest probate. She, she tried to top herself.

Derek peers at her sleepily, not really taking it in.

Ch. Insp. Conway:

I was woken up by a phone call telling me that I was needed at St Hughes and to get down here ASAP and you're telling me that one of our officers has attempted suicide?

Derek looks almost irritated to have been woken up for such a trivial matter.

WPC Datta:

Well, no Sir, I mean, I haven't spoken with a doctor yet. Reg and I found her this morning, in her dorm.

Derek looks twice as irritated at the mention of Reg's name.

Ch. Insp. Conway:

Stop pacing around Norika and tell me exactly what happened this morning.

WPC Datta:

Well, I was, worried about her. We'd spoken last night and she was having difficulty settling in, so I wanted to check on her this morning. She wasn't replying, so I had Reg force the door and we found her unconscious on the bed.

Derek looks thoughtful.

Ch. Insp. Conway:

So how did she do it? Slash her wrists? Pills? Hang herself?

WPC Datta:

I'm not sure, Sir. There was no sign of physical injury, so I'm assuming pills.

Ch. Insp. Conway:

Any idea why she did it, Norika?

WPC Datta:

You'll have to ask Polly, Sir.

Derek scratches his head.

Ch. Insp. Conway:

So where is she now? What's her condition?

Norika looks somewhat distracted, muttering slowly.

WPC Datta:

I've not idea Sir. I haven't heard anything.

Ch. Insp. Conway:

Well where's a doctor when you need one? Is there someone here that we can talk to?

Derek looks lost in the world of hospital corridors. A doctor notices the two anxious people and makes her way over.

Doctor Blake:

WPC Datta?

Derek butts in. Norika stands silently, letting Conway take over.

Ch. Insp. Conway:

And Chief Inspector Conway. Are you the doctor looking after.. erm.. What's her name Norika?

Doctor Blake:

WPC Page? Yes, I'm Elizabeth Blake.

Elizabeth nods softly.

Doctor Blake:

Are you her superior officer?

Ch. Insp. Conway:

I am. What's the situation, doctor? Is she alright?

Doctor Blake:

I'm afraid it's too soon to know for certain.

Elizabeth looks hesitant.

Doctor Blake:

Are you sure we shouldn't be talking with a next of kin?

Derek shakes his head angrily.

Ch. Insp. Conway:

There isn't one, as far as we know. Just tell us what you know, doctor.

Derek is being polite yet deadly.

Doctor Blake:

Right, well, as we weren't sure of the nature of the attempt, we conducted several blood tests along with a stomach pump. We were able to retrieve the remnants of paracetamol tablets, although we can't be clear about either the quantity or time of ingestion.

Norika looks away, miserably. Elizabeth turns to the policewoman.

Doctor Blake:

You were the one who found her, correct?

Norika nods.

Doctor Blake:

Well, do you have any idea as to the quantity of pills or the time ingested?

Norika takes a deep breath.

WPC Datta:

Well I was with her up until about twelve-thirty last night..

Norika trails off, recalling the bathroom incident.

Ch. Insp. Conway:

Well go on Norika!

Derek isn't in a very tolerant mood.

WPC Datta:

Paracetamol. There were two packets in there a few days. They were unopened at that stage.

Doctor Blake:

How many per packet?

Norika shakes her head, disbelivingly.

WPC Datta:

I, I..

Norika thinks for a moment.

Ch. Insp. Conway:

For heaven's sake tell the woman Norika!

WPC Datta:

Sixteen, I mean, I had one table, opening one packet. Yeah, sixteen per box.

Elizabeth nods.

Doctor Blake:

Right, you'll have to excuse me.

Derek grabs Doctor Blake by the arm as she turns to leave. Elizabeth turns back reluctantly.

Ch. Insp. Conway:

Hang on a minute doctor. Is she likely to recover?

Doctor Blake:

It depends on how much damage there is and on how many pills were taken. We have to run more tests but if we're looking at a maximum of thirty-one and we recovered three or four..

Elizabeth trails off, dashing quickly back towards an exam room.

Doctor Blake:

I'll keep you informed.

Derek watches her go with an expression of mild disgust.

Ch. Insp. Conway:

Doctors! Think they know it all.

Norika heads slowly over to a chair, resting her face in her hands.

WPC Datta:

Sir, isn't there, something I should do? I mean, I feel horrible just sitting around here.. waiting.

Derek looks at Norika tolerantly.

Ch. Insp. Conway:

Just sit tight and hope for the best, Norika. Did you know her well?

Norika shakes her head.

WPC Datta:

Not really, Sir, I just, well we spend a bit of time together last night.

Derek grunts.

Ch. Insp. Conway:

How did she seem? Didn't you see this coming from a mile off?

Norika sighs, choosing her words carefully.

WPC Datta:

I probably should have Sir.

Derek looks at Nori's downcast face.

Ch. Insp. Conway:

Well why didn't you keep an eye on her, for god's sake Norika? You let her down!

Norika nods slowly.

WPC Datta:

I, I tried Sir. I checked her last night, she wanted to be left alone. Sir, there's something you probably should know.

Ch. Insp. Conway:

And what's that?

Norika takes a deep breath.

WPC Datta:

She was upset last night. Very upset. She told me, well, there was an incident. A few nights ago.

Derek is getting impatient.

Ch. Insp. Conway:

What sort of incident, Norika?

WPC Datta:

Well, I mean she only told me last night and given the outcome of last evening, I'd back her allegation. It's about Ben Prior, Sir.

Derek sighs.

Ch. Insp. Conway:

What's he done now? He hasn't vomited over Reg Hollis again has he?

Norika looks extremely uncomfortable.

WPC Datta:

No, Sir.

Elizabeth strides across to the pair again.

Doctor Blake:

Sorry to interrupt.

Derek gets to his feet.

Ch. Insp. Conway:

Any news?

Doctor Blake:

Nothing for certain at the moment. I just thought you'd like to know, we've got her in ICU, on observation. We're still continuing tests but for now she's on dialysis, with respiratory monitoring. She's not woken up yet but you're welcome to sit with her if you wish.

Elizabeth nods politely and leaves the pair.

Ch. Insp. Conway:

Well come on Norika!

Derek gets up, leaving Norika behind. Norika stands quickly, still not quite with it.

WPC Datta:

Right Sir.

Derek and Norika leave the waiting area and head back towards the section house.

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