*** SUN HILL POLICE STATION - 5:00 PM ***

Viv and June are walking down a corridor towards the ladies. They are giving each other feedback on the recent interview as they walk along.

WPC Martella:

That was probably the toughest interview I've ever done before in my entire life.

WPC Ackland:

They get easier after a while. You did a great job and you got your result.

WPC Martella:

Yeah. But was it the right result I wonder? I mean, some of the things his Dad did to him as a kid� It's no wonder he turned into a pervert.

WPC Ackland:

We stopped the cycle of abuse in this case. That's the best outcome we could have hoped for.

WPC Martella:

But have we? What's to say that Polly won't grow up and do the same thing to her children? This is endless.

Viv sighs unhappily.

WPC Ackland:

Look, you know there are no guarantees. But she knew enough to ask us for help, didn't she? I think she's strong enough to come through this. Polly's a real survivor at heart.

WPC Martella:

Yeah, I know. I just wish we could have stopped it in the first place.

WPC Ackland:

I know you do. We all do.

Viv makes a feeble attempt at a smile.

WPC Martella:

Well, time to put on the happy face despite the fact that I feel sick to my stomach.

WPC Ackland:

Just look at it from Polly's point of view. Life can only get better for her!

WPC Martella:

I guess.

Viv and June walk into the canteen. They look around the room for Reg and the children but Reg's distinctive hairstyle is nowhere to be seen. Suddenly, Polly appears from behind one of the tables and runs towards the two women. Viv smiles warmly as she notices the expression on the little girl's face.

WPC Martella:

Hello there Polly. Are you feeling okay?

Polly Page:

Yeth. Weg left a little while ago. When Suthannah came to look after uth.

WPC Martella:

That's great. Are you having fun?

Polly Page:

Ian ith.

Polly nods over towards Ian. He has just finished slaughtering a pleasant-looking brown-haired lady in a game of hangman.

Ian Page:

I win! Again. I won, Polly! Look, look, I won! Yippee! I won!

Ian gets to his feet and does a little war-dance, celebrating his victory.

Polly Page:

What's that now? Ten wins in a row?

Ian Page:

Twelve wins now! Look June! Isn't that great, Juney?

June forces a grin as the little boy runs around in circles, making her positively giddy.

WPC Ackland:

It sure is. Ian, can you please sit down? You'll make a hole in the floor with your feet if you keep doing that.

Ian reluctantly does as he is told. Susannah stands up and greets the two female officers.

Susannah Elliott:

One of you is WPC Martella, right?

WPC Martella:

Viv Martella. Pleased to meet you. This is my colleague June Ackland. Are you the social worker?

Susannah Elliott:

That's right. Susannah Elliott.

WPC Martella:

Do you know the current situation?

Susannah Elliott:

I got your message so I know the basics. Apart from that, though, I'm still pretty much in the dark.

WPC Martella:

Right, I'll fill you in. Can you look after the kids for a while, June?

June rolls her eyes and walks over to the table. Ian eyes his new opponent up.

WPC Ackland:

Cheers Viv!

Susannah and Viv make their way into the corridor, leaving June alone with the children.

WPC Martella:

You know that Polly has been sexually abused by her stepfather?

Susannah Elliott:

All I was told was that you had an abuse allegation to deal with involving a twelve year old girl with a younger brother.

WPC Martella:

Well you've met Polly and her brother Ian. We've just interviewed the stepfather and he has confessed to rape but their Mum is away right now and we can't get in touch with her. We need somewhere to place them overnight until she gets back. Do you know of any good children's homes in the area that would have a free spot for these two?

Susannah Elliott:

Unfortunately, no. I looked into it after I got your message and there just aren't any vacancies. I've rung around but beds are in short supply at the best of times. Do the children have any other relatives that you know of?

WPC Martella:

None that can be found in a hurry. Are you sure there isn't somewhere they can stay? I'd hate to have to lock them up in Sun Hill's detention room for the night after all that they've been through today.

Susannah Elliott:

The only way we might be able to work it is if we split them up for the next few days. The refuge in Asholm Street has a spare bedroom but there is only room for one child.

Viv considers Susannah's proposal.

WPC Martella:

No, we can't do that. Look at them happily playing together! If we split them up and thrust them into a foreign environment where they don't know anybody it will do far more harm than good in the long run. There must be an alternative.

Susannah Elliott:

Well that's the best we can do, I'm afraid. You can ring around yourself if you like but I assure you it won't do any good.

Viv thinks carefully.

WPC Martella:

I could always put them up at my house for a couple of days if need be.

Susannah scoffs at the idea.

Susannah Elliott:

You're not serious? You don't think that's going a bit beyond the call of duty?

WPC Martella:

Yeah, I guess it is. But if there's no alternative� There are two spare bedrooms in the house.

Viv leaves the question hanging. Susannah shrugs.

Susannah Elliott:

Look, ultimately it's down to you. I'm here to tell you what social services can do to help but we can't manufacture beds out of thin air.

WPC Martella:

Sure. Well thanks for nothing.

Viv turns her back on the social worker and walks back into the canteen. Susannah sighs and slowly makes her way out of the station. Viv looks over at the two children as they merrily roll around on the floor trying to pull one another's hair out.

WPC Martella:

June, can I have a word?

WPC Ackland:

Sure. We'll just be a minute, kids. Try not to kill one another.

June and Viv walk some distance away from the children.

WPC Ackland:

What's up?

WPC Martella:

The social worker reckons that there's nowhere in the whole of Sun Hill for Ian and Polly to spend the night. I was wondering if we could invite them round to our place?

June's surprise at Viv's suggestion is plain to see on her face.

WPC Ackland:

Are you serious?

WPC Martella:

Yeah. It would probably only be for one night because their Mum is supposed to get back tomorrow but I thought I'd better ask you first.

WPC Ackland:

Well it's fine by me. Are you sure about this?

WPC Martella:

There's nowhere else so it's either our place or a cell. And I think those two have seen enough of this police station for one day.

WPC Ackland:

I guess we're adopting a couple of kids for the night then.

June smiles briefly and Viv grins back.

WPC Martella:

Thanks June, you're a star. Shall I break the good news to them?

WPC Ackland:

Yeah, go on then.

June and Viv make their way back over towards the squabbling children.

WPC Martella:

Hey Polly! Ian! You'll be staying at home with June and me tonight. If it's all right with you, of course.

Ian Page:

Is there a telly there?

WPC Martella:

Of course there is. A nice big colour one.

Ian Page:

Yippee! That's great! Isn't that great, Polly? Huh? Polly, isn't it great?

Polly nods and smiles briefly up at Viv.

WPC Martella:

Well if you're quite finished with your little game then we should be off. I'm sure we all agree that you're the noughts and crosses champion of the world by this stage, Ian!

Ian looks miserable.

Ian Page:

But I was winning! I was winning, I was! Four hundred and sixty-eight games to nil� I was winning!

WPC Ackland:

Well, you can polish us off when we get home. I don't think there's any danger of someone beating your record in the next half an hour.

*** OUTSIDE VIV AND JUNE'S FLAT - 5:30 PM ***

Viv and June get out of the car and walk up to the front door with the two children trailing along close behind them. Polly seems to be slightly intimidated by the unfamiliar surroundings.

WPC Martella:

Well, It isn't much but it's marginally better than a cell! And June's a great cook. Well, she sometimes is.

June flashes Viv a dirty look which the dark-haired officer pretends to ignore. Viv opens the front door and the small party enter the building.

WPC Martella:

Home sweet home.

Ian makes a beeline for the TV set like a hyperactive frog drawn to water.

Ian Page:

Wow, Space Cadavers is on! Yippee! My favourite show!

June turns to Polly in mock despair.

WPC Ackland:

Is he always like this?

Polly nods glumly.

Polly Page:

Yeah, pretty much.

WPC Martella:

He's very excitable, isn't he? A real little bundle of energy.

Polly Page:

He's worse with strangers. Just don't give him anything red to drink or anything sugary. You'll be real sorry if you do.

Viv chuckles at the half-serious expression on Polly's face.

WPC Martella:

Don't worry, I won't. He's very cute, though. Makes me regret not having kids of my own.

Viv and Polly walk through to the kitchen area, chatting as they go.

WPC Martella:

Jim might be along later, Polly. Do you remember him?

Polly Page:

The young one with the blonde hair?

WPC Martella:

Yeah. Not to forget the cute bum.

Viv giggles like a schoolgirl.

Polly Page:

Are you dating him?

WPC Martella:

Things have gone a bit further than that, Polly. We've even brought up the subject of marriage once or twice. But that's strictly between us girls.

Polly nods conspiratorially. Both Viv and Polly launch into a fresh outburst of giggles as June walks into the room.

WPC Ackland:

What are you two chuckling about? I can hear you from the other side of the house.

WPC Martella:

My sweet adorable Jim-Jim.

WPC Ackland:

I see. Well how about you stop making plans for your pet probate and start worrying about dinner?

WPC Martella:

Are you any good at cooking, Polly?

Polly nods indifferently.

Polly Page:

I guess.

WPC Martella:

What's your favourite food?

Polly shrugs.

Polly Page:

I like pizza.

WPC Martella:

You okay with pasta?

Polly smiles warmly.

Polly Page:

That'd be great!

WPC Martella:

Pasta it is then. Does Ian like to eat anything in particular?

Polly Page:

His favourite food is cheese on toast. But he'll eat anything if you put it down in front of him.

WPC Martella:

I can well believe that. Let's get cooking girls!

Viv hands out bowls and assorted utensils.

Polly Page:

What do you want me to do?

Polly looks slowly between her bright pink cast and the ingredients laid out on the bench. Viv hesitates.

WPC Martella:

Well nothing too strenuous, Polly. You can't really use your arm� Hmmm, maybe you can mix for us?

Polly Page:

Sure.

Viv places the empty bowl in front of Polly as June gets the sauce down from the cupboard. Ian wanders into the kitchen, alerted by the sound of their voices.

Ian Page:

What's for dinner?

Viv and the others try to ignore him. Ian puts his hands on his hips.

Ian Page:

Come on! What's for dinner, ladies?

WPC Ackland:

Oh hello Ian, we thought you were still watching the TV. At the moment, pasta is the main dish on the menu. Is that okay with you?

Ian Page:

Is there anything else? I'm real hungry, I am! I could eat a whole elephant and have room left for a stegosaurus for dessert!

Viv snorts and June tries unsuccessfully to keep a straight face.

WPC Ackland:

Well how does garlic bread sound?

Ian Page:

Yippee! It sounds great. Is it that really yummy crunchy crusty garlic bread or that horrible soggy stuff? Please say it's the yummy crunchy crusty type, please!

June sighs and reaches down to ruffle Ian's hair.

WPC Ackland:

I'll make it extra crusty!

Ian Page:

With little bits of onion? And cheese? And spices?

WPC Ackland:

Onion on garlic bread? Won't that scare the dinosaurs away?

Ian Page:

No, it's my favourite! I love it! It's scrummy and yummy and it rolls around my tummy!

Polly Page:

Ian. Stop being a brat, go back and watch TV and leave us in peace!

Ian sullenly obeys his sister.

Polly Page:

Sorry about him. He has no manners or nuffink. Mum always lets him get away with everyfink.

WPC Martella:

It's okay Polly! Really. He's adorable.

Polly Page:

You can have him if ya want!

Polly grins up at the two officers.

WPC Martella:

Maybe not. Sometimes you can have too much of a good thing. Thanks for the offer Polly. But you can keep him!

Viv grins back. June pours the sauce into the saucepan and whistles tunefully as she turns the stove on.

WPC Ackland:

You okay to stir that?

Polly Page:

Easy.

Polly confidently stirs the sauce. Viv and June begin to argue about the type of pasta they will use for the dinner.

WPC Martella:

I'm telling you that Riggoletto is the best pasta in the world. My parents were Italian so I know these things. I guess you could say that cooking is in my blood!

WPC Ackland:

But Ian will get it everywhere. I think we should stick with the Penne. It's easier for him to eat and far easier to prepare.

WPC Martella:

Yes, but we want to dish up something special for our guests. None of this microwave muck.

Viv gestures towards several empty frozen dinner boxes sticking out of the top of the rubbish bin.

WPC Ackland:

But he'll spill sauce everywhere!

WPC Martella:

Well at least he won't be poisoned.

Polly turns around with a grin and watches the two women arguing.

Polly Page:

When he eats Riggoletto he always gets it all over his face. As well as the table. When you serve him Penne, he blows the sauce at you!

Polly chuckles softly.

Polly Page:

It's up to you.

Viv looks crushed.

WPC Martella:

Stale bread it is then!

WPC Ackland:

Oh Viv�

The three females giggle as they finish preparing the meal.

WPC Martella:

Dinner is served! Come and get it.

Ian rushes to the table hungrily.

Ian Page:

It is? Dinner is served is it? Are you sure? Are you sure it's served?

WPC Martella:

Yes, it is. I hope you like it.

Ian Page:

Yummy, it's pasta! Yummy, yummy, yummy!

Polly Page:

Just don't get it everywhere like you always do, okay?

Ian sits down with a disappointed look on his face. He doesn't reply.

Polly Page:

Oi! Learn some manners, pest.

Ian stares glumly at his plate.

Ian Page:

Does the recipe have a proper name?

Viv thinks carefully for a minute.

WPC Martella:

Well how about we call it 'Pasta a la Page' in memory of this special occasion?

Ian Page:

What special occasion?

Viv rolls her eyes.

WPC Martella:

Never you mind. Just dig in!

Ian digs in.

*** VIV AND JUNE'S FLAT - 7:10 PM ***

June, Viv and the kids are cleaning up after dinner when there is a loud knock at the door. Viv stands up.

WPC Martella:

I'll get it.

Viv opens the door and smiles when she sees who is standing there.

WPC Martella:

Hi. Come on in, sweetie!

Jim walks into the house with a slightly bewildered look on his face.

PC Carver:

What's going on? I thought I could hear kids' voices in here.

WPC Martella:

It's a long story. Social services wouldn't come to the party so we're stuck baby-sitting for the night.

PC Carver:

Baby-sitting? What babies? Has June been leading a double life?

Viv lowers her voice.

WPC Martella:

We're only looking after them until their mother gets back tomorrow. The CPT will take it from there.

PC Carver:

The CPT? You mean�

Jim turns pale.

PC Carver:

You're looking after abused kids?

Viv nods in reply then puts her finger to her lips as Ian runs out into the hallway.

Ian Page:

Whoa! Who's the funny man?

PC Carver:

My name's Jim. And who might you be, son?

Ian Page:

I'm Ian, mister Jim. I'm Ian Page. Pleased to meet you Jimmy. My name's Ian.

Jim shakes Ian's hand.

PC Carver:

Hi there.

Jim mouths 'What have you let yourself in for?' in Viv's direction. She suppresses a giggle and leads Ian back into the dining room.

WPC Martella:

Come through. We were just about to start a game of monopoly.

PC Carver:

Monopoly? I haven't played that since I was a little kid!

Jim trudges into the next room and nods at June and Polly.

Ian Page:

Can I be the car? Please? Viv can I be the car? Please? I love cars!

WPC Martella:

Fine, Ian. But I bags the thimble. Which piece do you want Polly?

Polly reaches across for a game piece. She pulls out the horse then looks up at Viv in a resigned manner.

Polly Page:

I guess I'm the horse.

PC Carver:

Well I'll take the hat, even if it is a bit squashed. How did that happen? What have you two girls been doing with this monopoly set?

June grins across at Viv.

WPC Ackland:

No idea, Jim. I'll take the iron.

Ian Page:

I've never lost a game of Monopoly before. Just ask Polly!

Polly Page:

Yeah, but that's only coz you nicked all the money.

Ian Page:

I did not! I just borrowed it until I started winning again. Greg let me do it!

The room suddenly falls silent. Polly simply sits there turning the small horse-shaped Monopoly piece over in her hands.

PC Carver:

Who's Greg? Is he one of your friends, Ian?

Ian Page:

My stepfather, that's who Greg is. Greg is my stepfather. We play lots of games together.

PC Carver:

I see. He lets you get away with things like nicking all the money from the Monopoly set does he? You'll turn out to be a darn good criminal in real life if you keep that up, son!

Jim grins across at the small boy. Ian grins back.

Ian Page:

Great! He only lets me do it, though. Greg doesn't let Polly borrow the money because she's a girl.

PC Carver:

That doesn't seem fair. Doesn't he like you, Polly?

Viv glares at Jim. Her gaze is dripping with venom.

WPC Martella:

Shut it Jim. Change the subject.

Jim is surprised by Viv's reaction. He quickly backtracks.

PC Carver:

Sure.

Jim falls quiet and the room becomes uncomfortably quiet. After a few awkward moments Viv breaks the silence.

WPC Ackland:

Okay Polly, you want to go first?

Polly nods and kneels beside the Monopoly board. She hesitates then rolls the dice. She has rolled a five. Polly moves her piece forward and gives Viv a small smile.

Polly Page:

The first railroad. Great.

Polly's voice is fairly cheerful but it is patently obvious that her thoughts are elsewhere. Viv gives the small girl a concerned look but she is distracted by Ian literally leaping over the board to get his hands on the dice.

Ian Page:

My turn! My turn! I get the next go!

Ian rolls the dice then looks at them eagerly. His face falls.

Ian Page:

Bah. A two!

Ian moves the car two spaces and the game continues.

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