*** VIV AND JUNE'S FLAT - 9:45 PM ***

Jim and Polly are the only players left in the game of Monopoly. Viv, June and Ian are sitting to one side staring glumly at the board.

PC Carver:

Hah, you landed on Whitechapel Road with a hotel, Polly. You owe me sixty pounds! Things are looking up.

Polly hands over the money. She is very tired but her quiet determination has meant that she has outlasted the others.

Polly Page:

Just wait 'til you get round to Park Lane.

PC Carver:

Right. My turn.

Jim rolls the dice.

PC Carver:

One, two, three, four, five, six and seven! Whew, I jumped right over Park Lane. I'm safe!

Polly Page:

You landed on Mayfair.

Jim groans at the sight of Polly's hotel on Mayfair.

PC Carver:

Can I beg for mercy?

Polly shakes her head decisively and holds out her hand.

Polly Page:

Pay up, mithter.

PC Carver:

Well I don't even have two thousand pounds to my name in real life let alone in the game so I guess I've been eliminated! You win.

Jim sits back glumly as Polly breathes a sigh of relief.

Ian Page:

I dunno how she did it. I usually win!

Polly ruffles her brother's hair.

Polly Page:

Probably because you weren't allowed to cheat this time!

PC Carver:

Well, I don't know about you lot but I'm exhausted. Time for bed?

Jim winks rakishly at Viv.

WPC Ackland:

I'm afraid we're tossing you back out into the cold tonight, Jim-boy.

Viv grins at the crestfallen look on her boyfriend's face.

Ian Page:

I'm not tired. I've got heaps of energy!

PC Carver:

I'm sure you have but you'd better do what they say, Ian. It's dangerous to cross women at the best of times!

Ian Page:

It is? Why is that?

Ian looks charmingly naïve. Jim leans across and whispers something into Ian's ear. After a minute or so, Ian nods wisely.

Ian Page:

Ahhh. That sounds painful.

PC Carver:

We seriously don't stand a chance, mate. It's a lot easier to just do what they say in the first place.

Ian Page:

But do I have to go to bed? I always get to stay up late when I'm sleeping over at Timmy's house!

PC Carver:

I think you'd better. Otherwise� Viv can be very scary when she puts her mind to it.

WPC Martella:

I resent that!

Viv glares across at Jim.

PC Carver:

But it's true, sweetie. You would agree with me on this one, wouldn't you June? Viv can scare the pants off me at ten yards.

WPC Ackland:

I'm not getting involved. The less said about your pants the better as far as I'm concerned.

June winks at Viv.

PC Carver:

Well I have to admit that you can be even scarier, June. Especially first thing in the morning.

June chucks a cushion in Jim's direction. Ian giggles.

Ian Page:

But Greg's the scariest! He can pull these really scary faces.

An awkward silence falls over the room as Ian's words sink in.

Polly Page:

Just leave it out Ian. Go to bed.

Ian looks across curiously at his sister.

Ian Page:

But I don't want to go to bed! Can't I stay up for just a little bit longer?

Polly Page:

No you can't. We're the guests here and we have to get to bed at a reasonable time, okay?

Ian begins to whine.

Ian Page:

I don't want to go to sleep yet. It's all your fault that we're here anyway, Polly. Little-miss-goody-two-shoes.

Polly's eyes widen and Viv tries to step in.

WPC Martella:

Ian, you'd better do as your sister says. It's past your bedtime.

Ian Page:

No, I want to stay up and watch TV! Greg sometimes lets me do that at home. I want Greg, he wouldn't tell me to go to bed!

Polly loses her temper.

Polly Page:

Just shut it, you little pest!

Ian stubbornly sticks out his tongue at his sister. He starts to chant.

Ian Page:

I want Greg! I want Greg! I want Greg!

Polly flips completely.

Polly Page:

Well you bloody well deserve each other. I hope he comes into your room in the middle of the night and� and�

Polly raises her fist in sheer fury and strides towards Ian. Her terrified brother runs away and hides under the kitchen table. The room is thrown into stunned silence as Polly stands there with her hand still clenched.

WPC Martella:

Polly�

Polly turns around to face Viv with tears in her eyes as she realises that she was about to hit her brother. She lets her hand drop to her side and rushes across into Viv's arms. Viv hugs her somewhat awkwardly. After a few moments, Ian emerges from beneath the kitchen table and warily rejoins the group.

Ian Page:

I'm sorry for being such a pest. I'll go to bed now.

Ian turns his puppy-dog eyes towards June and she grins. There is an immediate release of tension in the room.

WPC Ackland:

So, Ian. Let's find you some pyjamas to wear.

Ian grins back.

Ian Page:

What sort of pyjamas? Rocket ship pyjamas? I hope so. I love rocket ships!

WPC Martella:

Nah, June will find you some nice pink flowery ones! Won't you June?

Viv smiles at the young boy as she continues to stroke Polly's hair.

Ian Page:

Nuh-uh. I ain't wearing no pink flowery pyjamas! No way!

WPC Ackland:

Don't worry, Ian. She's just being silly. Viv, stop that!

Ian Page:

So can I have rocket ships? I really love rocket ships! Or dinosaur pyjamas? They would be cool. Anything except silly Care Bear ones like Polly always sleeps in.

Polly pulls away from Viv in order to scold her brother.

Polly Page:

Ian! Just do what you're told.

Ian Page:

No way! I'm not gonna wear frilly girlie pyjamas for anyone! I'd rather sleep in my clothes.

Polly Page:

You'll do what you're told!

PC Carver:

You can't honestly expect him to wear your pyjamas, June. Little boys would rather be boiled in oil than wear girlie clothes to bed.

June sighs. She is tired and frustrated.

WPC Ackland:

Well then what do you suggest Prince Charming? We let him go to bed in the nude? I'm sure his mother would love that!

Jim rolls his eyes.

PC Carver:

Don't be silly, June. I've got a spare pair of pyjamas up in Viv's room. They're probably a bit too big for him but it's better than sending him to bed with a night-gown!

WPC Ackland:

Is that okay with you, Ian?

Ian Page:

Yeah. Just so long as they ain't frilly or flowery!

WPC Ackland:

Well since I'm not the one who has seen these pyjamas I can't vouch for their appearance. But I'm sure they don't have flowers or frills on them. Jim's just not the sort. They don't, do they Jim?

PC Carver:

You needn't worry, they're not frilly. There is a big picture of Mickey Mouse on the front but I'm sure Ian can cope with that.

Ian grimaces.

Ian Page:

I like Donald Duck a lot more but I guess they'll have to do.

Ian and Jim walk upstairs chattering inanely to each other. Polly sighs softly and begins to pack up the Monopoly game by herself. June walks into the kitchen in order to brew some coffee. Viv walks over to the young girl and helps her to pack it up.

WPC Martella:

Are you okay, Polly? You look a bit miserable.

Polly sighs as she drops a handful of houses into the box.

Polly Page:

He's annoying when he's like that. I'm really sorry for the way he behaved before. He can be such a brat.

WPC Martella:

Forget it. I like Ian but like all men he can be a bit insensitive. We were only teasing him.

Polly puts the Monopoly box up on the table. She picks up the properties and starts to arrange them according to their values. Viv carefully scrutinises the young girl.

WPC Martella:

It's odd. You and Ian are brother and sister but you're very different in many ways. You're really well-behaved and he's such a wild little thing.

Polly Page:

Yeah, I guess. We were brought up different.

WPC Martella:

What was your Dad like? Can you remember?

Polly shrugs her shoulders.

Polly Page:

I dunno. I barely remember him. He and Mum split up when I was five years old. I haven't seen him since then.

WPC Martella:

Do you know what happened to him?

Polly Page:

Nope. He came into my room to give me a hug one day then after that he was gone. I wish I knew why he left us. I've asked Mum heaps of times but she always clams up and tells me that I don't need to know. That's what I remember most about me Dad, the hug he gave me when he said goodbye.

WPC Martella:

Then your Mum married Greg? That must have been tough for you having this new man around the house.

Polly becomes stony-faced at the mention of Greg's name.

Polly Page:

It was okay at first. Probably coz Mum was around a lot more. Greg acted normal and he seemed to treat me like his own daughter. He used to call me his 'little girl'. Then one day, he had me up on his knee and he�

Polly trails off miserably. The Monopoly properties slip from her fingers and fall to the ground in a heap. Viv takes Polly's hand comfortingly.

WPC Martella:

Don't worry, Polly. It's all over now. You never have to think about him or what he did to you again.

Polly turns towards Viv and stares into her eyes.

Polly Page:

So he won't be in the house any more? I won't have to come home from school and see him sitting at the table?

WPC Martella:

Don't worry Polly. We'll lock him up and throw away the key for what he's done to you. He won't be able to come anywhere near you.

Polly Page:

You mean he'll go to jail?

Viv is surprised by the young girl's perceptiveness.

WPC Martella:

He'll go to jail and after the trial you'll never have to see him again, I promise. Not while I'm alive, anyway.

Polly Page:

But what about Mum? Won't she have to see him?

WPC Martella:

No. Look Polly, Greg is safely tucked away at Sun Hill nick. Your Mum will be back tomorrow and you and Ian will be able to go home with her. Greg will stay locked up.

Polly looks slightly confused.

Polly Page:

But Mum and Ian will be mad. They like him.

WPC Martella:

No they won't. Not when they hear what he did to you� They'll be one hundred percent behind you. We all will.

Polly bursts into tears.

Polly Page:

It's all my fault. I've messed everything up! I shouldn't have done this.

WPC Martella:

No you haven't messed anything up. You told the truth. And Greg is about to get his just desserts for what he's done to you.

Polly sighs, too tired to care.

Polly Page:

Can I go to bed please? I'm really worn out.

WPC Martella:

Sure. It's been a long day and you've been through a lot. Your bedroom is upstairs, it's the third door on the right.

Polly Page:

Thanks Viv. Goodnight.

Polly smiles at Viv, stands up and heads towards the stairs. She takes a few steps then stops suddenly. Polly falls to the ground in a crumpled heap and lies still.

WPC Martella:

Polly!

Viv rushes over to the little girl's side. She is completely comatose.

WPC Martella:

Are you okay? What's the matter love?

Viv lifts Polly's head from the floor and gasps with relief when Polly blinks and groans softly.

Polly Page:

Huh? What� What happened?

WPC Martella:

I think you fainted. How are you feeling?

Polly replies in a faltering voice.

Polly Page:

I'm okay� Can you pwease put me to bed Viv?

WPC Martella:

Sure. Don't worry about the stairs, love. I'll carry you.

Viv lifts Polly up, grunting slightly from the effort. The young girl is very light. Viv cradles Polly in her arms and gently carries her up the stairs.

WPC Martella:

You're not feeling at all dizzy are you? If you are then we'd better call the doctor out.

Polly shakes her head.

Polly Page:

I'm okay Viv. I just wanna go to sleep.

Viv carries the young girl through to the spare bedroom, pushing open the door with her shoulder.

WPC Martella:

Well, you'll get a good night's sleep in here. This bed is heaps comfy. Jim sometimes sleeps here when he's had too much to drink and he sleeps like a log so I'm sure you will too.

Viv gently lays Polly on the bed. The little girl sits up.

WPC Martella:

Are you okay to get changed? Or would you like me to help?

Polly Page:

I'm all right. I just felt a bit funny before. Fanks for carrying me up the stairs.

WPC Martella:

It's okay. How is your arm feeling? Is it still sore?

Polly shrugs. She sits up and reaches for the night-dress laid out at the end of the bed.

Polly Page:

It's a little bit thore but it's not too bad.

Viv sighs and begins to walk towards the bedroom door.

WPC Martella:

Just give us a shout if you need anything, Polly. I'll be in the next room.

Viv pauses at the doorway and looks back.

Polly Page:

Night Viv. Fanks� For everyfink.

WPC Martella:

Night Polly. Sweet dreams.

Viv shuts the door and quietly walks downstairs. June and Jim are seated in the kitchen drinking mugs of coffee. Viv joins them.

WPC Ackland:

Care for a coffee Viv?

WPC Martella:

Yes please. I've had a hell of a day!

Viv grabs a mug of coffee and slumps into a chair.

PC Carver:

Did you put her to bed?

WPC Martella:

Yeah, with a bit of luck she'll be asleep by now. I'll check on her later to make sure she's okay but I'm sure she'll sleep like a log. Where's Ian going to sleep?

WPC Ackland:

He'll sleep in my room. Is Polly all right? I thought she was going to knock Ian's block off before.

WPC Martella:

She just lost her temper June. We all do that from time to time. She'll be fine in the morning. Well, as fine as can be expected.

Viv slowly sips her coffee.

WPC Ackland:

Yeah. She's had a big day.

WPC Martella:

So what have you done with Ian, Jim? He's not hiding under the table is he?

Viv is joking but she sneaks a look under the table just to make sure.

PC Carver:

He's all tucked up in June's room. He really seemed to like the pyjamas I found for him. I also unearthed a book about dinosaurs. I gave it to him to read, it was the best thing I've done all night. His attention was so caught up in the book that his mouth actually stopped moving for once.

WPC Martella:

I don't think I can believe that, Jim.

PC Carver:

It's true! He didn't say another word. No idea what we'll do when he finishes the book, though. Does someone have a gag?

Viv flutters her eyelashes at Jim, half-seductively and half-comically.

WPC Martella:

You're really good with kids, Jim. You're giving me ideas.

Jim blushes. He can't think of anything to say. June smiles and changes the subject.

WPC Ackland:

Tomorrow should be interesting. I'm not sure if I can bring myself to believe that a woman doesn't notice a thing when her husband is raping her daughter practically every night.

WPC Martella:

You can't say that June. It goes on right under people's noses sometimes but there's no way that they can tell that something is wrong. Trust me, I should know...

Viv trails off miserably.

WPC Ackland:

I'm sorry Viv, I didn't think. This must really bring a couple of things to the surface for you.

June is reluctant to say any more. She glances uncertainly across at Jim.

WPC Martella:

Don't worry June. Jim knows about my loving Uncle.

Jim smiles grimly. He takes a big gulp of coffee to steady his nerves.

WPC Martella:

I couldn't protect my little sister but at least I can protect Polly. That's what I keep telling myself.

June's voice drops to a whisper.

WPC Ackland:

How long is it since�?

June stops, unsure about how to continue.

WPC Martella:

How long is it since he molested my sister? Please don't mince your words, June. I appreciate bluntness. It was eight years ago. She was eight years old, for God's sake. I was barely out of nappies when I was that age.

Viv angrily drains the last mouthful of coffee in her mug.

WPC Ackland:

That's terrible� How long had it been going on by that stage?

WPC Martella:

A year? Two years? We never did work it out for sure. It took her ages before she finally worked up the courage to tell me about it. Then just when she needed me the most I let her down.

Viv's face assumes a hard, grimly determined expression.

WPC Martella:

I failed her, June. That's never going to happen again.

WPC Ackland:

Don't worry, Viv. It won't. You've managed to stop it happening to Polly. You had a bad feeling about this case right from the start and you trusted your gut reaction. Now that's paying off.

WPC Martella:

I guess. But there are always bastards like Tommy Burnside out there who always put themselves first and stamp all over the victims just to satisfy their egos. It has to change. I'm talking about equality, June!

WPC Ackland:

Some of the male officers do have a tendency to blame the victims� But not all of them. It looks like it's back to the eternal uniform verses CID debate. Just for a change.

WPC Martella:

They honestly don't give a damn, June. We're not just fighting the criminals, we're fighting the whole bloody police force as well.

Viv slumps forward in her chair. Jim puts his arm around her shoulders to comfort her.

PC Carver:

Bloody superstars.

WPC Ackland:

You should have seen what it was like for me five years ago, Viv. When I was practically the only WPC in the station. But things will change, slowly but surely. One day we'll be wearing trousers too!

Jim chuckles at the thought.

PC Carver:

Yeah, round about the same time that the plods start wearing skirts and stockings on the beat.

Both June and Viv giggle.

WPC Ackland:

I've always thought you'd look quite good in a skirt, Jim.

WPC Martella:

Well, now that you mention it�

Viv winks across at Jim. He blushes as red as a rose.

PC Carver:

Leave it! That was a one-off.

Jim trails off when he sees that Viv is grinning. June yawns.

WPC Ackland:

Well, I'm beat. I'll leave you two lovebirds alone to twitter in the dark together. Goodnight all.

WPC Martella:

'Night June.

PC Carver:

Have fun sleeping with Ian in the room.

June groans as she heads off towards her room.

WPC Ackland:

He had better not snore.

Jim smiles across at Viv. June's footsteps echo away.

PC Carver:

Just us two, then?

WPC Martella:

It looks that way. Thanks for being so understanding tonight, Jim. With the kids staying here and all.

PC Carver:

Hey, it's no trouble. I know how tough your day must have been. You've been on your feet practically since you woke up.

WPC Martella:

You're not kidding. It just all happened so fast� But not fast enough. Do you know what I mean?

PC Carver:

Tell me about it. I've never worked on a child abuse case before but I can imagine how emotionally draining it must be.

Viv sighs and stares off into space.

WPC Martella:

This is pathetic. Here I am feeling as depressed as hell when I should feel relieved. There is no job satisfaction in this line of work, is there?

PC Carver:

Of course there is! You helped that little girl to piece her life back together. Isn't that satisfying enough? What do you want, a medal?

WPC Martella:

No, of course not. I'm just feeling� Well I guess I never really believed that stuff like this could happen to little girls and boys. I mean, I thought the things that happened to my sister were the most dirty and disgusting things imaginable. But I realised today that Sally got off lightly when you compare what happened to her with what has happened to Polly practically every night for the last five years.

PC Carver:

Well, I haven't been in the job long enough to become involved with cases like this but I know it can't be easy for you. But at least Polly's okay� I mean, she's physically all right.

WPC Martella:

But what about emotionally? Or psychologically? Or even the basic physical damage. I mean, her arm� Her eye� You should have seen the bruising on her chest, Jim. It was horrific! I just don't understand how anyone could do that to another human being, let alone to a little kid.

PC Carver:

I know. Say, how about you and me snuggle up in front of a movie and try to forget about it?

Jim idly strokes Viv's hair. She sighs and pulls her hair out from his grasp.

WPC Martella:

I'm really not up for it tonight. I'm sorry but it's just been too long and too hard a day for me to cuddle up to anyone.

A look of disappointment creeps over Jim's face.

PC Carver:

But you're always saying that you're too tired nowadays. We hardly seem to spend any time alone together.

WPC Martella:

Oh don't be silly Jim. It's just that I don't think I could snuggle up to anyone after some of the things I've heard today. I can still hear Polly's voice in my head telling me what he did to her.

Viv remembers the interview with Polly and shudders.

PC Carver:

Okay. Look, it's fine by me. But what about tomorrow? I'm sick of lonely nights back at my place in front of the TV.

WPC Martella:

Well to be honest it depends on what happens tomorrow. We may end up having to look after these two again.

Jim sighs, too tired to argue.

PC Carver:

Sure. But soon?

Viv forces a grin and gives Jim a reassuring hug.

WPC Martella:

Soon.

PC Carver:

Great. I'll see you tomorrow then, Viv.

WPC Martella:

Sure. Sweet dreams.

Jim kisses Viv then makes his way from the house. Viv listens to his footsteps fading away into the night then sighs when she can no longer hear them. Viv pours herself a glass of water and starts to prepare for bed. She slowly makes her way upstairs, yawning as she goes. Viv walks past June's door and smiles at the sound of Ian's childish voice coming from inside the room. She knows that her friend won't get much sleep tonight. Viv lets out a huge yawn as she approaches the door to her room. She turns the doorknob and is about to walk inside when her keen ears detect a faint noise. Viv turns around and walks towards the spare bedroom. The noise gets progressively louder as she approaches the room. Viv gently pushes open the door and looks inside. Polly is lying curled up in her bed. The sheets are shaking as the young girl softly sobs to herself with her eyes tightly closed. Viv walks into the room, her body casting a shadow across Polly's face in the moonlight.

WPC Martella:

Polly?

Polly's eyes snap open. She looks up and sees Viv's dark silhouette towering directly above her. Instinctively, the young girl cringes away from the shadowy figure.

Polly Page:

No�

Polly glares up in terror at Viv. She doesn't seem to recognise the police officer. Viv reaches out her hand and gently strokes Polly's arm in a maternal way.

WPC Martella:

Polly? What's up, love?

Polly lets out a weak moan and pulls herself up into a sitting position. The young girl's eyes begin to focus on Viv's face but she still gives no indication that she recognises her.

Polly Page:

Pwease no�

Viv reaches across to the bedside table and turns on a small lamp. Pale, yellowish light spreads into the corners of the room and Polly's eyes seem to lose their glassiness.

Polly Page:

Viv? Ith that you Viv?

Viv embraces Polly as the small girl begins to shake violently.

Polly Page:

I fort�

WPC Martella:

Shush, it's okay Polly. Were you having a nightmare?

Polly gazes up at Viv. The police officer grows cold at the sight of the inexplicable horror and despair trapped deep within those blue eyes.

Polly Page:

I fort it wath Gweg. He alwayth cometh at night-time.

Viv tightly clasps the young girl's trembling body to her own.

WPC Martella:

Good God, Polly. What has he done to you?

Viv sits there motionless for several minutes with her arms around Polly until the young girl stops shaking. Viv gently strokes a strand of Polly's hair away from her face.

WPC Martella:

Why were you crying when I came into the room, Polly?

Polly dries her eyes with the hem of her nightie but remains tightly clasped in Viv's arms.

Polly Page:

Coth I bwoke the pwomise and you said he's gonna be in twouble.

Polly sniffs loudly.

WPC Martella:

Don't worry, Polly. Nothing's going to hurt you, not while I'm around. What Greg did was wrong and he deserves to get punished for it. Please don't cry.

Polly's chin quivers slightly but she bravely fights back the tears.

Polly Page:

It'th all my fault, though. Everyfink that'th happened is my fault.

WPC Martella:

No it's not! It's Greg's fault, Polly. He was so ashamed of what he did to you that he tried to make you keep quiet about it by forcing you into a bad promise. But you had the guts to tell me about it. He knew that he had done something bad and he was just trying to cover his tracks. He's the one who has done something wrong, not you!

Viv pats Polly encouragingly on the back while she speaks.

Polly Page:

But now he'll get into twouble.

WPC Martella:

Good. He deserves to. He raped you, Polly. And rapists belong in prison.

Polly looks up curiously.

Polly Page:

Why?

For a brief moment, Viv can't think of what to say.

WPC Martella:

Because rape is wrong. It's unforgivable. It's when a man forces himself on a woman in a sexual way. It's a crime because it is against her will. Do you know what I'm talking about, Polly?

Polly shakes her head. She is thoroughly confused. Her big blue eyes look up at Viv questioningly. Viv sighs and starts to elaborate.

WPC Martella:

When a man enters a woman even though she doesn't want him to, he is doing something bad. It's like burning down someone's house or hitting them or stealing their telly, though rape is a lot more serious. The only reason why Greg made you promise not to tell anyone about what he did to you was because he wanted to avoid being punished for his crime. I'm here to make sure that he is.

Polly blinks a few times as she digests Viv's words.

Polly Page:

So he's going to jail for hitting me. And he made me promise not to tell anyone so you wouldn't take him to jail. But now that I've told you about it you'll be able to lock him up anyway?

WPC Martella:

That's it Polly. Neat, isn't it? But the main reason he'll be going to jail is because of the sexual stuff he did to you against your will.

Polly cups her chin in her hands and rests her elbows on a pillow. After a few moments of silent contemplation, Polly speaks. Her voice is peculiarly low.

Polly Page:

You mean� In the night when it was just him and me?

WPC Martella:

Yeah. That was wrong.

Viv notices Polly frowning. The police officer takes a deep breath.

WPC Martella:

Do you know why it was wrong, Polly?

Polly considers the question carefully before replying.

Polly Page:

Coth it made me feel funny down here?

Polly places her hand on her stomach. Viv nods.

WPC Martella:

Exactly. It's wrong for a man to do that to a woman when it is against her will, Polly. Especially when it is a stepfather doing it to his stepdaughter.

Polly nods slowly. She is beginning to take Viv's words to heart.

Polly Page:

It don't happen to Laura or Jane. Their Dads don't visit them in the night.

WPC Martella:

That's partly because they're young girls like you. You're only twelve years old and the law says you're not allowed to do those sort of things until you're much older. That's why Greg is in a lot of trouble. For forcing you to have sex before you're ready to understand what it means.

Polly nods as she follows Viv's logic.

Polly Page:

Is that why he said it was a secret? Kinda like not being allowed to drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes?

WPC Martella:

Exactly. You're not allowed to do anything sexual until you're old enough to do it responsibly. Greg took advantage of you.

Polly bites her bottom lip.

Polly Page:

So is sex an evil thing then?

WPC Martella:

Only when it's against your will. One day you'll find someone that you love and trust enough to let them have sex with you and that will be a wonderful experience for you both. Just don't let Greg's actions affect that in any way.

Polly lets out a big yawn and rearranges her bedclothes. She rests her head on her pillow and smiles up at Viv.

WPC Martella:

You feeling better now, Polly?

Polly nods contentedly.

Polly Page:

Viv?

WPC Martella:

What is it?

Polly Page:

Why did you believe me? No one else did.

Viv thinks carefully.

WPC Martella:

Someone I love once went through the same sort of thing. I couldn't help her until it was too late but I know I can protect you. And I am going to. Now go to sleep.

Viv gently pulls the bedcovers up over Polly.

WPC Martella:

'Night Polly.

Polly Page:

'Night Viv. Fank you.

WPC Martella:

Don't worry about it. It was the least I could do. You have a busy day tomorrow so make sure you have a good sleep.

Polly nods and rolls over, burying her head in the pillow. Viv smiles and softly closes the door.

Continue...