** APRIL 12TH - 1984 **

*** WPC'S LOCKER ROOM - 5:55 AM ***

WPC Martella:

Darn stockings!

WPC Ackland:

Another run? I told you, get the special German kind! They're the only ones that last.

Viv frowns. She concentrates intently on her right leg.

WPC Martella:

I did. These are the German ones.

WPC Ackland:

Let's see? Nobody will notice. It'll be fine!

Viv grumbles, slightly annoyed by June's cheerful remarks.

WPC Martella:

I just don't want Jimmy to think I'm a sloppy dresser.

WPC Ackland:

Oh, there's something going on there, is there? You've certainly kept that a secret.

June grins over at her friend.

WPC Martella:

Look, you know I've fancied him ever since he first arrived a few weeks ago. Mmmmm, James Michael Carver. His name sends a shiver down my spine.

June chuckles.

WPC Ackland:

My dear Vivian. You amaze me!

WPC Martella:

Don't tell me you don't like the look of him! That blonde hair. Those eyes. The cute smile... And he is such an innocent! The other day, I gave him a wink and he blushed as red as a rose.

Viv smiles as her thoughts wander into a pleasant daydream.

WPC Ackland:

Can't say I've ever looked at him that way. Anyway, well I've had enough of looking for awhile. Besides, relationships with colleagues in the job never work out.

June's voice has become slightly strained.

WPC Martella:

Still not over your break-up with the adorable PC Litten, eh?

WPC Ackland:

Leave it out, Viv. But as it happens, I'm glad it's over. He was a real bastard.

Viv is concerned by the bitterness in June's voice.

WPC Martella:

What did he do to you?

WPC Ackland:

Ah nothing specific. Just a typical plod climbing the ladder and making sure he treads on everyone along the way.

June sounds resentful. Viv is relieved.

WPC Martella:

I don't know what you saw in him, June. I honestly don't.

WPC Ackland:

Yeah, okay. You're only the fifth person to tell me that. The sixth if you count Reg Hollis.

WPC Martella:

Well why didn't you listen to them? I mean, even Reg makes some sense from time to time. Instead of wasting your time with an arrogant bastard like Litten you should have been aiming at more interesting targets. Like little Jimmy.

Viv smiles happily. The only response from June is a resigned sigh.

WPC Ackland:

Now, I could hardly tread on your toes like that, could I?

WPC Martella:

I guess not. I think Jim would probably break apart if he thought that two WPCs were after him! Ahhh, my cute little fragile Jimmy. He won't know what's hit him when I get my hands around his...

Viv trails off, wetting her lips with her tongue.

WPC Ackland:

Knock it off Viv, you're dribbling!

WPC Martella:

Yeah, well, at least I'm in with a chance. If we can ever get past 'hello' and 'good morning' that is.

Viv chucks her towel at June, giggling.

WPC Martella:

I bet you'll end up a lonely uniformed Sergeant while Jimmy and I are living the high life together in CID.

WPC Ackland:

Cheers!

June and Viv make their way towards parade.

*** BRIEFING ROOM - 6:12 AM ***

June and Viv prop themselves up against the desks in the briefing room as Sergeant Cryer speaks to the entire relief. Jim Carver glances idly over at the two women. Viv notices and gives him a sly wink. Jim blushes and begins to study a poster on the wall opposite in order to avoid meeting Viv's gaze.

Sgt. Cryer:

I want you all to keep an eye out for the handbag snatchers on the Parkmead Estate. We've had three old ladies mugged in three days and the muggers are getting cockier and cockier. It won't be long before someone is seriously hurt by these thugs.

Bob turns to face Viv and June. They stare back at him with interest.

Sgt. Cryer:

WPCs Ackland and Martella. You'll be patrolling the Estate today and I want you to be very careful. Stay together and arrest any suspicious-looking kids on sight!

Viv nods her head in agreement.

WPC Martella:

I'm always very careful, sir.

There is a muffled laugh from several of the PCs. Bob glares at them angrily and they fall silent.

Sgt. Cryer:

I think that's everything so you can go now. And no skiving off! I still haven't forgotten that pizza incident, PC Hollis.

Viv glances over at June. They smile as Reg scuttles out of the room.

Sgt. Cryer:

June, can I have a word?

June shrugs.

WPC Ackland:

Of course.

June and Bob make their way over to the side of the briefing room as the rest of the relief walk through the door.

Sgt. Cryer:

So how are you feeling?

June looks slightly puzzled.

WPC Ackland:

Sarge?

Sgt. Cryer:

You've been looking a bit down lately.

WPC Ackland:

Well to be honest, I've been having a few personal troubles. But it's all sorted now, Sarge. I haven't let it interfere with my work.

Sgt. Cryer:

Do you mean that? I don't want you out there on the beat if you're not feeling up to the job. I can make you jailer instead if you want?

June shakes her head decisively.

WPC Ackland:

No really, I'd prefer to just get on with the job. I've found that the best way to get over personal problems is to think about something else.

Bob nods, impressed by June's dedication.

Sgt. Cryer:

Just be careful out there, June. The streets aren't as safe as they used to be, especially for two WPCs out all by themselves.

WPC Ackland:

Thanks, Sarge.

June turns and heads back out to the corridor. She meets up with Viv and the two women head out to their beat, gossiping all the way.

*** DI GALLOWAY'S OFFICE - 9:10 AM ***

Detective Inspector Galloway is reclining in his chair, bored to tears already despite the fact he's only been at work for a few minutes. He looks up as Detective Sergeant Burnside enters his office. The DI is not in the best of moods so he speaks curtly to his unwelcome visitor.

DI Galloway:

What is it Burnside?

DS Burnside:

How did you know it was me, guv?

DI Galloway:

The temperature changed. What do you want?

Tommy tries to feign innocence. He fails miserably.

DS Burnside:

What do I want? Nothing, guv! My guv'nor wants something, though.

DI Galloway:

Go on.

The Detective Inspector leans back in his chair and lights up a small cigarette. He doesn't offer one to Tommy.

DS Burnside:

Well guv, one of my snouts came up with the goods on a little drugs racket that's being run on your ground. My guv'nor thought it would be polite to run it by you, considering that we'll be operating on your manor. Interdepartmental co-operation and all that guff.

DI Galloway:

I see. What's the story?

DS Burnside:

School kids. The dealers target school kids and get 'em to do their dirty work. And it's being run from inside Cheetham Road Girls' School. I'd go onto the school grounds and interview the kids but the headmistress there is a right cow apparently so I'm keeping my distance for now.

The DI taps his cigarette into an ashtray on his desk then returns it to his mouth.

DI Galloway:

How did you learn of this drugs racket, old son?

DS Burnside:

My snout told me. She's solid gold, guv. Weren't you listening?

Tommy's irritation is obvious. The DI leans forward and fixes him with a steely glare.

DI Galloway:

Look, don't try to be clever Burnside! When you're on my land, you obey my rules. It's nice that you came here to ask my permission, though.

Tommy starts to lose his temper.

DS Burnside:

It was a courtesy, guv. I'm still gonna do it whether you like it or not! My guv'nor just wanted you to be kept in the picture.

DI Galloway:

Look, you're on my patch here. So tread carefully, that's all I ask. Now get outta here. I'm busy and I don't like being disturbed.

DS Burnside:

Sorry to 'ave kept you, guv.

Tommy leaves the room, muttering under his breath:

DS Burnside:

Pillock.

*** PARKMEAD ESTATE - 9:30 AM ***

June and Viv are strolling down an alleyway.

WPC Ackland:

I don't know why you don't just have it off with the boy, Viv. Once and for all. He scuttles round the place like a frightened rabbit whenever he catches sight of you!

Viv smiles evilly.

WPC Martella:

I'm working up to it, yeah? Give me a week and I'll have him eating out of the palm of my hand.

June raises her left eyebrow and chuckles under her breath.

WPC Ackland:

Men! They don't stand a chance, do they?

WPC Martella:

Well I'm gonna see if he's interested. I mean, I've got nothing to lose and everything to gain!

June nods her head in agreement.

WPC Ackland:

Can't hurt, can it? What are your plans for the poor boy?

Viv opens her mouth and is about to reply when a youth snatches a bag from an old lady directly ahead of the two police officers. The elderly woman is knocked to the ground and cries out with pain. June is alerted by the noise and begins to run after the youth, who is now sprinting in the opposite direction at top speed.

WPC Ackland:

Oi! Stop, Police!

June continues to chase the youth as Viv kneels by the old lady.

WPC Martella:

I'll look after the woman, June.

Viv grabs her radio. The youth vanishes into a side alley with June in hot pursuit.

WPC Martella:

Oscar from 227. We need backup. There's been another bag snatch on the Parkmead. Another elderly lady. June's chasing the suspect.

Viv returns her attention to the woman lying on the ground. The lady is uninjured but in a state of shock. A minute later, June emerges from the side alley with the youth. The sullen-faced young girl is glaring at June and struggling against the pair of handcuffs on her wrists. June ignores the girl's loud protests and hauls her towards Viv.

WPC Ackland:

Right, so what's your name miss?

Laura Jacobs:

Let go of me, you bitch!

The girl continues to struggle.

WPC Ackland:

Charming! Look, settle down and tell me your name.

Laura remains mute from malice.

WPC Ackland:

I see. Well if we don't get a name out of you, you're coming down to the station with us.

Laura Jacobs:

Laura.

June smiles, glad that she is getting somewhere at last.

WPC Ackland:

That's better. Laura what?

Laura Jacobs:

Laura Legs!

Laura sticks her tongue out and giggles. June sighs and folds her arms crossly.

WPC Ackland:

Laura what?

Laura Jacobs:

Not telling.

With a final shove, June and Laura are standing beside Viv and the elderly lady.

WPC Martella:

Look what you've done to the old lady here. Aren't you ashamed of yourself?

Laura shrugs off Viv's attempt to scold her.

Laura Jacobs:

Serves her right, silly old tart.

WPC Martella:

That's quite enough of that, young lady. Now tell me your name or I'll drag you down to Sun Hill nick by the scruff of your neck!

Laura is cowed into submission by the look of fury in Viv's eyes. She lowers her head and meekly gives the officers her name.

Laura Jacobs:

Laura Jacobs.

WPC Martella:

And where do you go to school?

Laura Jacobs:

Cheetham Road Girls' School.

WPC Martella:

And why aren't you in school now?

Laura Jacobs:

I'm sorry. It's just that me Mam is broke, we ain't got a penny in the house. I just needed some money to buy food. I'm really, really hungry and I couldn't think of any other way to get me hands on some money.

Viv looks suspicious. Laura continues her sob story, turning towards the old lady with tears welling in her eyes.

Laura Jacobs:

I'm really sorry 'bout all this, missus. I'd understand it if you wanted to see me banged up overnight in a cell. I'd probably feel the same way if I was in your shoes. It's the first time I've ever done this and I'm feeling real guilty about it so I guess I deserve to spend the night in jail. I'm sorry, missus, I hope I didn't hurt you.

Laura's voice is choked off with a sob. The old lady, Esther Jones, looks between the girl and the policewomen. Viv has a very sceptical expression on her face.

WPC Martella:

It's your decision, Mrs Jones.

Mrs Jones looks at the small thief and gives her a small smile.

Esther Jones:

Well, I suppose it's all right. I mean, I got my bag back and I'm not hurt so there's no harm done. Don't worry, dear, I won't press charges.

Laura's face breaks into an enormous toothy grin.

Laura Jacobs:

Oh thank you missus! Me mam'll be really happy now coz I haven't gotten myself into trouble. Actually, I don't suppose you could lend us some money could you missus?

June can't believe her ears.

WPC Ackland:

Don't push it!

Laura turns towards June and gives her a sorrowful look.

Laura Jacobs:

Well, could you please take me back to school ma'am?

June and Viv exchange confused glances.

WPC Ackland:

You want to go back to school?

Laura Jacobs:

Yes please ma'am. Can you give me a lift?

June rolls her eyes.

WPC Ackland:

Right, we'll walk you back to school then. It's not far.

Laura Jacobs:

Goodie! Can we stop off at the candy bar on the High Street?

Viv snorts and June shakes her head angrily.

WPC Ackland:

Forget it. Now move!

Laura begins to walk back up the alleyway, escorted by the officers. Mrs Jones brushes herself off and continues on her way as if nothing had happened.

WPC Ackland:

Since she's not pressing charges, do you want to tell us the truth about all that rigmarole? Why did you steal her handbag?

Laura Jacobs:

That was the truth, ma'am! I never tell lies.

June sighs and changes tack.

WPC Ackland:

So it's just you and your Mum right?

Laura Jacobs:

And me pet budgie Max.

WPC Ackland:

Does your Mum have a job?

Laura Jacobs:

She's a barmaid at the Canley Arms.

WPC Ackland:

I see. Would she have expected you to go out stealing from old ladies to help her out?

Laura Jacobs:

No. That was all my idea.

WPC Ackland:

You think she'd be pleased to hear about what you've been up to today?

Laura Jacobs:

Well she cheats on her tax return so I don't think she can talk.

June is stumped for a reply. The two women and the little girl walk in silence for several minutes until they arrive at the front gate to Cheetham Road Girls' School.

WPC Ackland:

Are you supposed to be in class?

Laura Jacobs:

No, it's recess time now.

WPC Ackland:

Right.

Laura spots a group of her mates in the playground and runs towards them with a whoop of delight. June looks across at Viv and they observe the happy girl chattering with her friends.

WPC Martella:

Butter wouldn't melt.

WPC Ackland:

Same old story, isn't it? I can just imagine what she'll be like as an adult.

WPC Martella:

If I'd tried that when I was a kid, I'd have been grounded for a year.

June is about to reply when she notices a disturbance in the playground.

WPC Ackland:

Hang on, what's going on over there?

The two officers watch with a sense of foreboding as a tall brunette girl pushes a smaller blonde girl backwards into the mud.

WPC Martella:

We'd better check it out.

The two officers head towards the small group of kids at a rapid pace.

Jenny Eggins:

Bitch! Slut! Stupid cow!

Polly Page:

I didn't do nuffink! Leave me alone!

Polly picks herself up off the ground, tears streaming down her cheeks. Jenny laughs and kicks Polly in the stomach. Polly slumps back into the mud.

Jenny Eggins:

Silly tart! Or should I say 'Thilly Tart'?

The small circle of girls watching the fight giggle at Jenny's comment.

Polly Page:

Thtop it! Leave me alone!

Jenny Eggins:

Why should I? Come on, tell me why. You're a defect who can't even talk proper like the rest of us!

Jenny pulls Polly into a headlock and tugs roughly on her hair.

Polly Page:

Lemme go! You're hurting me. Thtop it, thtop it!

Jenny Eggins:

Hah! Look at her, girls. Innit pathetic?

The assembled girls laugh in agreement but rapidly disperse as the two police officers arrive at the scene. Viv grabs Jenny and tears her off Polly. She lifts Jenny kicking and screaming off the ground as Polly continues to whimper in the mud.

WPC Martella:

What's all this then? Why are you teasing this girl?

Jenny Eggins:

She started it! It's all her fault. Put me down!

June raises an eyebrow. Polly stands up but is afraid to meet Viv's eyes. She looks down at the ground instead.

Jenny Eggins:

That twisted little bitch attacked me!

WPC Ackland:

That's not what I saw. I distinctly saw you push her backwards and kick her in the stomach.

Jenny Eggins:

It's none of your business, you dried up old hag. Get back in your coffin!

Viv slaps Jenny sharply across the cheek. The girl begins to cry.

WPC Martella:

Show some respect.

June looks worried and mutters under her breath.

WPC Ackland:

Calm down Viv.

WPC Martella:

I am calm.

Jenny continues to wail and threatens Viv between sobs.

Jenny Eggins:

She hit me! The ugly one hit me! I'm telling my mama and she'll get you both into big trouble!

WPC Ackland:

You think she'll be happy when we tell her what you just did here? If anyone here is getting into trouble then you're the most likely candidate miss!

Jenny ignores her and starts to thrash around in Viv's grip.

Jenny Eggins:

Let go of me you great big cow! Get your hands off me!

Viv drops Jenny into the mud. She lands with a satisfying squelch.

WPC Ackland:

Watch your mouth, miss. Now, what is going on here? And try telling the truth this time.

Jenny Eggins:

She attacked me and I was defending myself. I'm the headmistress's daughter so she's in heaps of trouble now.

Jenny gives Polly a savage glare. Viv looks down at the little girl and their eyes meet for the first time.

WPC Martella:

Is that true?

Polly looks up at the officer in terror. She bites her lower lip and doesn't reply. Viv senses the girl's fear and softens her voice.

WPC Martella:

Look, come over here. It's a lot easier to talk when you're not stuck in the mud.

Polly walks slowly and hesitantly over to the officer. They walk away from Jenny and June but Jenny can't resist a final dig.

Jenny Eggins:

Don't you say nothing, Polwy. Or you'll regret it for the rest of your life!

WPC Martella:

Are you all right? What's your name?

Polly whispers under her breath. Viv strains to hear her.

Polly Page:

Polwy. Polwy Page.

WPC Martella:

Polly Page?

Polly nods slowly.

WPC Martella:

Okay, Polly. What was going on there? Why was that girl attacking you?

Polly shrugs timidly.

Polly Page:

I dunno.

WPC Martella:

Is she picking on you Polly? Bullying you?

Polly looks over at Jenny fearfully. Jenny mouths 'You're dead' back at her. Polly shudders and shakes her head.

Polly Page:

No.

WPC Martella:

Look, it's obvious that she doesn't like you. Why is that?

Polly Page:

Coz I talk thilly.

WPC Martella:

So she is bullying you?

Jenny yells out from across the playground.

Jenny Eggins:

You shut your gob Page!

Polly shrugs and lowers her head.

WPC Martella:

Ignore her. What were you about to say?

Polly doesn't reply. Viv is about to ask her another question when she notices a small mark on the side of Polly's face.

WPC Martella:

Hey! What's that on your cheek?

Viv tries to get a closer look. Polly steps away from the officer and clasps her hand over her cheek..

WPC Martella:

Has someone been hitting you Polly?

Polly shakes her head furiously. The headmistress of the school, Victoria Eggins, storms across the playground. She walks straight up to Viv and Polly, closely followed by Jenny and June.

WPC Martella:

Polly? If you want to tell me anything, I'm listening.

Mrs Eggins:

What's going on here? You have no right to be here! Police are not allowed onto school property without my express permission!

Viv groans and turns to face the officious woman.

WPC Martella:

Are you the headmistress?

Mrs Eggins:

That's right. Victoria Eggins. You have no right to be on this land without a warrant issued by a court.

WPC Martella:

Mrs Eggins, we were escorting one of your pupils back to the school gates when we saw a fight going on. This little brat was assaulting Polly here.

Viv points her thumb at Jenny. Mrs Eggins turns to face her daughter, fixing her with a puzzled stare.

Mrs Eggins:

What's this all about Jennifer?

Jenny Eggins:

Mama, Polly attacked me then these policewomen started beating me too. Especially that ugly one with the brown hair, she was really laying into me!

Mrs Eggins sighs.

Mrs Eggins:

Shall we talk about this in my office?

Jenny Eggins:

Noooooooo! I want you to tell them to get lost. Tell them, Mama, you're supposed to be the boss of the school!

Mrs Eggins:

Jennifer, I will handle this. Now the two of you, get back to class!

Jenny Eggins:

She slapped me, Mama! Real hard! Cane her Mama!

Mrs Eggins starts to speak in a low, deadly voice.

Mrs Eggins:

Jennifer. You and Polly. Back to class. Now!

Jenny realises that discretion is the better part of valour. She meekly obeys her mother's directive.

Jenny Eggins:

Yes Mama.

Jenny hisses one final threat at Polly.

Jenny Eggins:

You keep stumm, or else. You got that Polwy?

Polly doesn't reply. The two girls quietly return to class.

WPC Martella:

Mrs Eggins?

Mrs Eggins:

Right. Now that you've dropped my student back, I think it's time for you to leave.

Viv is rapidly running out of patience with the tough-looking headmistress.

WPC Martella:

We saw a fight! You can't just expect us to ignore it and walk off. Your daughter was viciously attacking Polly.

Mrs Eggins brushes Viv's comments aside.

Mrs Eggins:

It was a brawl between two children. It happens all the time, even in respectable schools such as this one. The school will deal with it.

WPC Martella:

It looked pretty one-sided to me. If we hadn't stepped in that child might have been seriously hurt!

Mrs Eggins:

I appreciate your efforts but I assure you that I will deal with it. Now, may I please see you outside the gates? You are no longer needed on the school property.

Viv is about to snap back at the headmistress when June silences her with a slight shake of her head.

WPC Martella:

All right then. We'll be off.

The two women make their way back towards the front gate. Mrs Eggins follows behind. Viv whispers under her breath to June.

WPC Martella:

I had a headmistress like that back at school. We used to call her 'The Ice Queen'. Either that or 'The Iced Tart'.

June snorts as Mrs Eggins catches up with the two officers.

Mrs Eggins:

It's not the first time we've had to break up fights between those two, mind you. But although I appreciate your support and your help in stopping the fight, I would prefer to handle this within the school community. You have my promise that both girls will be appropriately punished.

Mrs Eggins' words do nothing to improve Viv's temper.

WPC Martella:

Have you noticed that Polly's badly bruised? Have you even talked to her about it?

Mrs Eggins:

Are you talking about her forehead? She fell off her bike, there is nothing to worry about. Little girls do it all the time.

WPC Martella:

It's a nasty gash. And it hasn't even been properly treated. I bet she hasn't even seen a doctor about it.

Mrs Eggins:

Look, I will ask the school first aid officer to check it out. All right?

WPC Martella:

I just don't think you're handling it properly.

WPC Ackland:

Viv, she said she would take care of it. We really should be off.

WPC Martella:

Yeah. Goodbye.

June and Viv silently make their way back to their beat. Mrs Eggins returns to her office with a smug smile on her face.

WPC Ackland:

You were well out of order back there Viv.

Viv snaps back at her friend.

WPC Martella:

Look, did she even check to see that Polly was all right? No she didn't. She couldn't care less about her pupils. All she seems to think about is the school's reputation.

WPC Ackland:

She was peeved by us barging into her school without permission. You can't really blame her for that.

WPC Martella:

I thought her job was to look after all the girls at her school, not just her daughter. I reckon she got rid of us 'cause she didn't want her little girl up on an assault charge.

June shrugs but continues to play devil's advocates.

WPC Ackland:

Kids get into scrapes all the time, Viv. I know I did.

WPC Martella:

But that little girl. Polly Page. It was obvious she was getting picked on and teased mercilessly. I just wish we could do something about bullies. Bullying's pathetic, innit?

WPC Ackland:

Yeah, but it'll never change.

WPC Martella:

I guess.

The WPCs lapse into silence and continue to walk their beat.

Continue...