** AUGUST 18TH **

*** JUNE AND VIV'S FLAT - 7:30 AM ***

June is stirred from her sleep by the rather unusual event of a nine year old landing on her back.

WPC Ackland:

Oi! Get off me Ian! What time is it?

Ian Page:

Wake up June. Juneeeey! June!

Ian bursts into song. June covers her ears to try to drown out the noise.

Ian Page:

Good morning good morning good morning, it's time to rise and shine. Good morning good morning good morning, I hope you're feeling fine!

June grabs the young boy by the arm to stop him bouncing up and down on her bed.

WPC Ackland:

What are you doing up this early, you little terror?

Ian Page:

Polly woke me up with her puking. She pukes every morning nowadays.

She does it all the time! She's always holding hands with the toilet bowl at this time of the morning.

June rubs the sleep from her eyes as she listens to Ian.

WPC Ackland:

Huh? What's the matter with her?

Ian Page:

Polly is bringing up all the pasta she ate last night. You can see the icky bits in her puke. They rule, they're all green and slimy! And the tomato paste looks just like blood! She's puking it all up in the toilet bowl!

Ian skips out of the room, chattering away merrily to himself. June sits up, slowly crawls out of bed and puts her dressing gown on. She is still half asleep. June groans as she hears Ian run upstairs.

Ian Page:

Viv! Vivian? Viv! Come with me and see Polly puking!

Ian bangs excitedly on Viv's door.

Ian Page:

Wake up Viv! All sorts of yukky stuff is coming out of Polly's mouth!

Viv is woken up by the loud banging. She groggily gets out of her bed and opens the door.

WPC Martella:

What's the matter Ian? You'll wake up the entire neighbourhood if you keep carrying on like that.

Ian Page:

Come and see Viv! Polly is puking up all her food. It rules! Her stomach is almost coming up out of her mouth! If you listen carefully you can hear her in the toilet! Come and watch, Viv. It's real funny when she does this in the morning!

WPC Martella:

She's what?

Ian runs off towards the toilet without answering. Viv shrugs and follows him. They arrive in the doorway of the cubicle and Viv's face turns pale. Polly is kneeling over the toilet bowl making gurgling noises.

WPC Martella:

Polly? Are you okay, love?

The young girl is too busy retching into the toilet bowl to reply. Ian grins, walks over to his sister and pokes her in the ribs.

Ian Page:

See! There she is, puking everywhere. She keeps missing the bowl and splashing puke all over the floor. Silly Polly, she can't seem to get anything right!

Polly pulls her head out of the bowl and looks daggers at Ian. Viv glares at the young boy.

WPC Martella:

Ian! Get downstairs this instant or I'll chuck you in there with the vomit and press the flush button!

Ian runs downstairs, looking all the world like a frightened rabbit. Viv walks over to Polly's side. Along the way she grabs a hand towel, wets it then plasters it on the back of the young girl's neck. Polly groans her thanks then returns her attention to the bowl in front of her. Viv cringes.

WPC Martella:

How long have you been like this for?

Polly gasps between retches.

Polly Page:

Fifteen... minutes...

WPC Martella:

So when did this start? I wonder if it was it June's cooking�

Polly shakes her head.

Polly Page:

I've been like this... for a few days...

Polly groans and vomits once again into the bowl. Viv sighs and gently strokes Polly's back.

WPC Martella:

And now you're ill on top of everything else. This just isn't fair.

June appears in the doorway. Viv nods at her friend and makes her way out into the corridor. Polly continues vomiting, completely oblivious to Viv's departure.

WPC Ackland:

What's the matter with her? She sounds terrible.

WPC Martella:

Well I don't want to ring any alarm bells just yet but apparently she's been like this for a few days now�

Viv trails off and for a few moments the only sound that can be heard is the noise that Polly makes as she vomits. Eventually, June whispers.

WPC Ackland:

You're thinking morning sickness?

WPC Martella:

It doesn't take a genius to work it out. But I don't want to read anything into this until we've spoken to the doctor. I really don't want to have to explain pregnancy and giving birth to Polly then find out a few hours later that I've made a big fuss over a simple tummy bug!

WPC Ackland:

I know what you mean. I hope for Polly's sake that you're wrong.

Viv nods. Both women cringe as an especially loud, agonising groan echoes from the toilet.

WPC Martella:

If that son of a bitch has got that kid pregnant� Then I'll slice his balls off one by one and shove 'em down his throat. That's a promise.

WPC Ackland:

No you won't, Viv. I'll get there first.

*** SUN HILL POLICE STATION - 1:55 PM ***

June and Viv lead the kids through the station yard, weaving their way through a maze of cars and busy coppers. Ian is being difficult.

Ian Page:

I don't wanna go back there! The food stinks! It makes me want to puke!

Ian grins slyly at his sister. Polly is looking slightly pale but she has enough energy to glare back.

WPC Ackland:

Don't be silly, Ian. It'll probably seem bland after my cooking but it's certainly a lot better than some of the muck you kids eat today. Besides, you'll get to see Reg again. You liked him, didn't you?

Ian Page:

You mean the model trains guy?

June nods at the small boy.

Ian Page:

I guess. He was pretty cool. But can we order a pizza or something?

June reaches across and ruffles Ian's hair.

WPC Ackland:

We'll see what we can do. No promises but if you behave like a perfect little gentleman then I'll think about it.

Ian Page:

Don't worry Juney. I'll be a real gentleman! I'll be the gentlest gentleman in the whole of Sun Hill. I'd really love a big pizza with lots of pepperoni and slices of ham and cheese and mushrooms and prawns on top...

Polly looks across miserably at her brother as he continues to speculate on his upcoming lunch. The young girl begins to look decidedly unwell.

Ian Page:

Not to mention anchovies and pickles and chillies and tomatoes and capsicum with big juicy lashings of bacon on top with all the greasy, yummy fat still on the bacon�

Polly groans and holds her hand over her mouth.

WPC Ackland:

Ian, that's enough. One more word out of you and you're having sandwiches.

Ian gets the message and shuts up. The two officers and the children make their way into the custody area of the station. Tommy has just emerged from the corridor leading to the male cells. He is muttering to himself as he walks. He stops when he spots Viv and the children.

DS Burnside:

WPC Martella!

Tommy walks over to the group.

DS Burnside:

I need a word.

Viv is surprised to see him.

WPC Martella:

There's a time and a place, Sarge.

DS Burnside:

Yeah, and this is it.

Tommy is obviously not in a good mood. Ian looks up at the strange man curiously.

Ian Page:

Who's this, Viv?

WPC Martella:

Don't worry, Ian. He's a colleague of mine. And he was just leaving..

DS Burnside:

I need to talk to you about something, WPC Martella. Alone.

Tommy gives the kids a patronising look. Ian peers around carefully.

Ian Page:

It's okay mister, we're all alone here. You can start talking.

Tommy rolls his eyes.

DS Burnside:

Can we lose the brat?

Viv smiles across at Ian.

WPC Martella:

I don't think so, Sarge. We'd much rather lose you. What is it that you want to say?

DS Burnside:

Look, I'm at a dead-end in this drugs inquiry. My suspect is going to walk unless I can get some fresh evidence against him and I need to get it fast. Immediately, if not sooner. Surely you can appreciate my situation?

Ian tugs excitedly on Viv's skirt.

Ian Page:

This sounds like great fun, Viv! Can I join in too? I'd love to be a police officer for the day!

Viv rests her hands on Ian's shoulder to settle him down.

WPC Martella:

Well I'm sorry to hear that, Sarge but I've just about got my hands full with these two. I don't see how I can help you.

DS Burnside:

That's what I need to talk to you about. These two. Or that one, to be more precise.

Tommy nods over at Polly. She peers up at him with a frown.

Polly Page:

I don't like you.

WPC Martella:

What exactly are you on about, Sarge?

DS Burnside:

Well I need to talk with someone connected with the school. The little girl would have to be a complete idiot not to notice some of the things going on there under her nose. I'm sure she could give me the information I need if you'll let me have another crack at her.

Ian looks innocently up at Tommy.

Ian Page:

What are you going to do with Polly, mister?

Tommy ignores the small boy.

DS Burnside:

Well? Will you let me have her?

Polly steps closer to Viv. She tucks herself just behind the officer's left leg. Viv rests her hands on Polly's shoulders protectively.

WPC Martella:

I don't think she'd be of any use to you, Sarge.

Viv glares at Tommy but she remains calm.

DS Burnside:

Well I won't know that until I've had an opportunity to pressure her, will I? And don't think you can stop me with all that wishy-washy touchy-feely crap you were on about yesterday. I need leads and this girl is my best bet at getting a new one.

Ian Page:

Why do you need leads mister? Are they for your dogs? Do you like dogs? I think dogs are cool!

Ian grins up at Frank. Tommy grabs Viv's arm and begins to pull her away from the children.

DS Burnside:

This is ridiculous. Come with me.

Tommy pulls Viv into a nearby office and shuts the door behind them. He swivels around and turns to face Viv.

DS Burnside:

Look, I know you don't like this. Neither do I. Believe me, if there was any other way� But unless I can get a statement out of Polly I have nothing at all to support my drugs inquiry. At least let me try.

Viv shakes her head firmly.

WPC Martella:

No, Sarge. I don't think that would do anyone any good under the circumstances. Especially not Polly. And the child's welfare always comes first in cases like this, as you well know.

Tommy loses his temper.

DS Burnside:

Well what do you want? Do you want to see this dealer, one of the lowest pieces of scum that ever had the misfortune to crawl out of the sewer, back out there on the streets? Do you want us to leave him alone so he can continue to sell drugs to little schoolgirls? Would that really help matters? Think about it and get your priorities sorted!

Viv folds her arms across her chest defiantly.

WPC Martella:

Actually, I spent most of yesterday interviewing the lowest piece of scum on the planet and at this point in time I'd prefer it if that little girl wasn't put through another interview without good cause. I know your interviewing technique all too well and that girl has been abused enough already without you adding to it. So my answer remains 'no'. I'd forget about it if I were you, Sarge.

DS Burnside:

You just don't get it, do you Martella? I am your superior officer and I am ordering you to let me speak with that little girl.

Viv shakes her head and a determined look settles on her face.

WPC Martella:

You can't order me, Sarge. It is my belief that it is in that girl's best interest not to be interviewed in relation to your inquiry at this stage and I'm prepared to take this as high up as you want to go. Don't make me.

Tommy sputters angrily.

DS Burnside:

Are you disobeying a direct order? That's a disciplinary offence, you know. You're skating on thin ice.

Viv replies calmly.

WPC Martella:

I'm well aware of my rank, Sarge. But with all due respect, you are over-stepping your boundaries.

DS Burnside:

Well so are you, trying to tell me what I can and can't do. I'm telling my guv'nor that the only reason I've not been able to get anywhere with this case is because of the deliberate interference of one WPC Martella. Your career just went down the plug-hole. You'll never work in CID.

Tommy storms out of the room with a face like a thundercloud. Viv shrugs and heads back out to the custody area where June and the children are waiting for her.

Ian Page:

What was all that about, Viv?.

WPC Martella:

Nothing for you to worry about, it's all sorted. It was just some hacked-off detective trying to throw his weight around.

Ian nods seriously.

Ian Page:

Yeah, he looked pretty fat.

Ian smiles. Viv ruffles his hair affectionately. Unexpectedly, Reg walks into the custody area carrying a mop and bucket. He has been busily cleaning up the cells. Ian lets out a squeal of delight and Viv and June smile. Reg is slightly startled.

PC Hollis:

Good morning ladies. What exactly can I do for you?

WPC Ackland:

Hello Reg. Can you be a dear and help us out with a bit of childminding again?

Reg puts the cleaning implements down and peers down at the two children with a serious expression on his face.

PC Hollis:

I am supposed to be the jailer June. Contrary to popular opinion it is a most taxing and underrated job that is a lot more difficult than it appears to be to the casual observer.

June rolls her eyes.

WPC Ackland:

Look, I can square it with Cryer if that would help to put your mind at ease. This is important.

PC Hollis:

All right then. Hello there Polly. Hey there Ian! How are you both today?

Polly smiles up at Reg. Ian runs over to him and grabs hold of his leg.

Ian Page:

Howdy Reginald! You've got that funny stuff in your hair again, haven't you? You put jelly in your hair again!

Reg chuckles. Polly puts her hands on her hips and scolds her brother.

Polly Page:

It's called gel, Ian. You really should twy eating some one day. It'd stick your lips together so we wouldn't have to listen to ya!

Ian pokes his tongue out at his sister.

PC Hollis:

Well I don't recommend that you eat it but I think you should try some, Ian. I have a spare bottle of gel in my locker next to my smelling salts if you're feeling brave.

Ian Page:

Okay then! Cool! And can you show me your cool model train again as well?

PC Hollis:

Of course I can.

Ian Page:

And that funny picture of you kissing that girl in the locker room?

Reg blushes slightly. He gets two very quizzical looks from June and Viv.

PC Hollis:

We'll see, Ian. We'll see.

Reg walks off with the two children, leaving Viv and June behind in the custody area. The children's voices slowly fade into the distance as they chat with Reg about model trains. After a few minutes have passed, Hilary walks through the doors leading into custody. She nods at Viv and approaches the two officers.

Doctor Harding:

'Morning. Did everything go all right last night?

WPC Martella:

Yeah, things were great. The brother was a bit of a pest but Polly was a little angel.

Doctor Harding:

I'm glad to hear it.

Hilary sighs. Viv looks at her curiously.

WPC Martella:

Have you got the results back from the lab, Hilary? You said they would probably be ready this morning.

Hilary nods but she doesn't elaborate.

WPC Martella:

Well? Come on, is it good news or bad news?

Doctor Harding:

I'm sorry to say that it's not good news.

WPC Ackland:

What is it then? Some sort of sexually transmitted disease? Hepatitis?

Hilary shakes her head. A shocked look slowly creeps over Viv's face.

WPC Martella:

She's pregnant� Isn't she?

Doctor Harding:

I'm afraid so.

Hilary sighs. Viv stares at the doctor, unsure of how to react.

WPC Martella:

Are you positive? One hundred percent certain? I mean, is there any way that this could all be one huge cock-up?

Doctor Harding:

I wish that was the case but I'm afraid that the tests we ran were more or less definitive. I asked the lab to double-check the details but they remained the same. She's about two weeks into the pregnancy from what I can tell.

Viv takes a deep breath.

WPC Martella:

So how the hell are we going to break it to her?

Doctor Harding:

I think the best course of action would be to wait until we have had an opportunity to talk with the mother. To see how she reacts first.

Viv nods in agreement.

WPC Martella:

I contacted the airline that she works for and told them to ask her to come down to Sun Hill as soon as she can. Hopefully we'll be able to get this sorted as soon as possible.

Doctor Harding:

Indeed. The sooner the better.

Viv nods wearily.

WPC Martella:

You know, I had my suspicions this morning when I saw her leaning over a toilet bowl heaving her guts out. I guess that must have been the morning sickness.

Doctor Harding:

It sounds like it. The poor kid. How is she fairing emotionally and psychologically?

Viv considers Hilary's question.

WPC Martella:

Well Polly's pretty strong for her age. She's only just beginning to understand that what that animal did to her was wrong� Hopefully the damage to her mind is healing along with the damage to her body.

Doctor Harding:

Well, that's the most we can hope for. From what I've seen in similar cases, though, very few girls make a full recovery after being abused this badly for this long. Hardly any of them come back and those that do are generally made of far tougher stuff than Polly seems to be.

WPC Martella:

Don't underestimate her. Polly might look frail but deep down I think she's probably stronger than all of us put together. She would have had to be to survive the last few years�

Viv trails off as a rather frazzled Taffy appears on the scene and interrupts the conversation.

PC Edwards:

'Scuse me ladies but we've got a Mrs Matthews raising hell at the front desk. Apparently she wants to see you, Vivian.

WPC Martella:

That must be Polly's mother. Thanks, we'll be there in a sec Taffy.

PC Edwards:

As quick as you can Viv. She's not a happy chappy.

Taffy quickly walks away towards the front office.

WPC Martella:

Right. Let's go and tell her that she's going to be a grandma.

Viv, June and Hilary begin to follow Taffy in the direction of the front office. Suddenly, a faint scream can be heard from the cells. The women pause as Bob cries out from behind them.

Sgt. Cryer:

Hilary, wait up! There's been an incident in one of the cells.

Hilary turns around as Bob catches up to the small group.

Sgt. Cryer:

It's Mr Matthews. He's managed to cut his wrist open.

Hilary raises her eyebrow.

Doctor Harding:

A suicide attempt?

Bob shakes his head.

Sgt. Cryer:

I doubt it from the way he's carrying on and yelling about it. I think he must have caught his wrist on the side of his bunk when he was getting up. He'll need looking at, though. It's a nasty cut.

Hilary sighs.

Doctor Harding:

As if I haven't got better things I could be doing. I'll try to be with you as soon as I can but this could take awhile. Unless I let the bastard bleed to death, of course, which I have to admit is a very tempting thought.

Hilary hands the medical report to Viv then follows Bob back into the custody area. Viv and June continue onwards.

WPC Martella:

This'll be fun. 'Hello Mrs Matthews, nice to meet you. By the way, did you know that your husband has been raping your daughter for the last couple of years?'

WPC Ackland:

Would you like me to explain it all to her, Viv? I know how emotionally draining this can be and I'll be happy to help if you don't feel up to it.

Viv sighs softly.

WPC Martella:

I'm okay June. I've come this far, haven't I? Besides, I owe it to Polly to see this through to the bitter end.

June gives Viv a dubious look.

WPC Ackland:

You're taking a lot upon yourself, Viv. You shouldn't get too involved in any case, especially not one as sensitive as this.

Viv snaps back at her friend.

WPC Martella:

Leave out the big sister act, will you? I can handle this!

WPC Ackland:

Sorry I spoke. I won't say another word.

June and Viv walk along the corridors in silence. After about a minute, they arrive at the front office. Mrs Anne Matthews is sitting opposite the front desk. She does not look happy and she glares across at the two officers as they open the door. Viv takes a deep breath and walks over to the woman.

WPC Martella:

Mrs Anne Matthews?

The blonde woman gets to her feet.

Anne Matthews:

Are you officer Martella?

WPC Martella:

That's right. Please come through.

Viv and June lead Anne back through the station towards the soft interview room.

Anne Matthews:

I want to see my children. Immediately.

WPC Martella:

I'm afraid that's not possible at this stage, Mrs Matthews. We need to talk with you first before we can let you see them.

Anne does not take this well. She growls at Viv.

Anne Matthews:

Look, I've just spent four days in the air without sleep and I arrive back home to get a message that you've arrested my husband and stolen my children. I would like to know exactly what the hell is going on! Take me to my children. At once!

Viv replies calmly.

WPC Martella:

You will have an opportunity to speak with them later on. In the meantime they are being looked after by one of our PCs. The sooner we get this out of the way, the sooner you will get to speak with them so I would respectfully suggest that you don't make things any more difficult than they already are.

Anne falls silent, somewhat mollified. The three women arrive at the soft interview room and Viv shows Anne to a chair.

Anne Matthews:

Right, let's just skip the gristle and get to the bone. I'm sorry if I sounded angry before but as you can imagine I'm a bit shocked by all this. Now can you please tell me exactly what has happened to my family while I've been away?

Viv takes a deep breath then launches into her story.

WPC Martella:

Well it all began back in April. My colleague and I had reason to be at your daughter's school when we noticed a fight taking place between two kids in the playground�

Viv continues to recount the events of the past few months as Anne listens intently.

Continue...