*** OUTSIDE THE COURTROOM - 11:10 AM ***

The defence team is strolling merrily through the corridors of the courthouse.

Daniel Harker:

Now that is what I call a result! Wouldn't you agree, Ms Page?

Anne grins across at Daniel.

Anne Page:

I'm just glad it's all over. It's the best result that we could have hoped for.

Daniel Harker:

It's amazing! I thought we were scuppered halfway through after Polly broke down in the witness box but Matthews crumbled just like I hoped he would and everything has worked out to be all right.

Polly and Viv are trailing along slightly behind the others. Daniel turns around to face Polly.

Daniel Harker:

Are you glad to see him locked up, Polly?

Polly nods. She is smiling.

Daniel Harker:

He'll never bother you again. Well, at least not for fifteen years or so.

Polly Page:

I know. He can still come out after that though, can't he?

Daniel Harker:

Yes, but you'll be all big and strong and grown up then. You'll turn him into peanut butter if he comes anywhere near you, so you've got nothing to worry about.

Polly nods again. She is not entirely convinced.

Polly Page:

Yeah, I guess.

The small group reaches the courthouse's exit.

Daniel Harker:

Well, all good things must come to an end.

Daniel shakes Anne's hand firmly.

Daniel Harker:

It was lovely knowing you Ms Page. I hope everything works out.

Anne Page:

Thank you very much for everything that you have done for us, Mr Harker. We really appreciate the effort you have put into this case.

Anne smiles warmly. Daniel bends down and ruffles Polly's hair.

Daniel Harker:

You take care of yourself, Polly. You hear?

Polly Page:

Yeth. Fank you.

Daniel stands up again and nods at Viv.

Daniel Harker:

WPC Martella.

Viv nods back.

Daniel Harker:

Well, I'm off. Places to go, people to see.

Daniel walks away from the group as Viv, Anne and Polly walk along in silence. Had they turned around they would have seen Daniel walking arm-in-arm with Alison towards her car.

Polly Page:

So is that it? It's all over?

WPC Martella:

Yes, Polly. It's finally over. Once and for all.

The group stops as they reach Anne's car. Polly looks very glum as she engulfs Viv in a big hug.

Polly Page:

Fank you so much, Viv.

Viv is close to tears.

WPC Martella:

No. Thank you, Polly.

Viv reaches into her pocket then presses something into Polly's right hand. Polly looks down at the small box in her hand.

Polly Page:

Is this for me?

WPC Martella:

Call it an early Christmas present if you like. It's something for you to remember me by.

Polly nods as she opens the box. She gasps at the sight of a precious gold chain with a pearl pendant attached. Polly looks up at Viv. She is very surprised.

Polly Page:

Viv?

WPC Martella:

It's just a little necklace. I hope you like it.

Polly nods and gives Viv another big hug.

Polly Page:

Fank you Viv� For everything.

Viv is holding back tears as she returns the hug.

WPC Martella:

Try to forget about it, Polly.

Polly Page:

I'll never forget you, Viv.

WPC Martella:

Neither will I. I hope everything works out for you.

Viv chokes back a sob. She tries hard not to cry but she doesn't succeed. A single tear trickles down Viv's cheek. Polly's eyes are wet too.

Polly Page:

I'll be okay now. Fanks to you.

WPC Martella:

Just stay that way, all right?

Polly nods. She reluctantly pulls away from Viv and hops into the car. The young girl slips the necklace over her head and smiles out of the back window at Viv.

WPC Martella:

Goodbye Polly.

Viv steps back, away from the kerb. Polly waves as Anne quickly thanks Viv then she gets into the car and drives off. Viv stands there watching the small blue car disappear into the distance. When it is out of sight, she whispers under her breath.

WPC Martella:

Take care.

Viv trudges off towards home with her head bowed.

** DECEMBER 25TH **

*** MARTELLA RESIDENCE - 1:10 PM ***

Viv is at her parents' place eating Christmas lunch with her family.

Mr Martella:

You don't seem to be as bright as usual, love. What's the matter?

WPC Martella:

Just work getting me down, Dad. I've been dealing with a difficult case for the last few months and it's only just finished.

Mrs Martella:

You shouldn't let your job get to you so much, dear.

Mr Martella:

Leave her alone, Carmel. She's having a tough time right now but it'll do her good in the long run. Toughen her up, it will. When I was a young boy living on the streets of Sicily I got myself into plenty of sticky situations but they always ended up doing me more good than harm.

WPC Martella:

I'm fine Dad, really. It's just all been a bit close to home I guess.

Sally Martella:

What's it all about Viv? It is a really big case with multiple murders?

WPC Martella:

Don't worry about it Sal. It's just a young girl in a spot of bother.

Sally shrugs and reaches across the table for a big roast potato.

WPC Martella:

So what have you been getting up to lately, Mum?

Mr Martella:

The same as usual, love. She just sits around the house all day moaning about the weather.

Mrs Martella:

Very funny, mister! I wish you hadn't moved out, Viv, it's getting harder and harder to keep these two in line.

WPC Martella:

What have they been getting up to? The usual mischief, I suppose.

Mrs Martella:

You don't know the half of it, love. Loud music blaring non-stop all the time from Sally's room and that lump in front of the Tele all day!

Mr Martella:

There's nothing wrong with watching a good game of footy, Carmel.

Sally giggles.

Sally Martella:

You ought to see him, Viv! He falls asleep in the chair with beer and chips on his lap then when they score a goal the noise wakes him up, he leaps to his feet and he always spills the stuff all over himself!

WPC Martella:

I can well believe that! How have you been Sal?

Sally Martella:

Struggling through school. The usual. Plus putting up with these two. You're lucky to be outta here, believe me.

WPC Martella:

How's school going?

Sally Martella:

Pretty well. I'm actually passing most of my subjects for once. It makes a nice change.

Sally grins over at her sister. Viv grins back.

WPC Martella:

Even Maths with the delightful Mr Bartholomew?

Sally shudders.

Sally Martella:

He's such a creep. But yeah, I'm doing okay.

The family continues to eat lunch in silence for several minutes.

Sally Martella:

So Viv, what sort of stuff have you done lately? Any interesting murders?

WPC Martella:

What is it with you and murders? Nothing exciting, mainly burglaries and petty thefts. Apart from looking after this little girl called Polly, of course.

Sally frowns.

Sally Martella:

What's it about? Come on, dish! Is it a big drugs case?

WPC Martella:

It's not very nice, Sal. Her stepdad was assaulting her.

Sally Martella:

Oh.

Sally turns back to her food. The lunch progresses smoothly until everyone has finished eating.

Mr Martella:

Come on Carmel. Let's go upstairs and leave the girls to their chatter.

Carmel smiles pleasantly and follows her husband up the stairs. Sally and Viv start to stack the plates and dishes.

WPC Martella:

Are you really okay, Sal? Or was that just for the benefit of the oldies?

Sally shrugs.

Sally Martella:

It's nothing. Viv, can I ask you something?

WPC Martella:

Sure you can.

Sally Martella:

That Polly girl you were talking about before. Is she twelve years old with blonde hair?

Viv drops a plate in astonishment.

WPC Martella:

You know her?

Sally looks startled. She bends down and carefully picks up the broken pieces of china off the floor.

Sally Martella:

Well, I think so. She's been at a few support meetings over the last couple of months.

WPC Martella:

You've actually talked to her?

Sally walks into the lounge and takes a seat on the sofa. Viv follows.

Sally Martella:

Well, a little bit. I mean, I wasn't really sure what to say at first but she seems nice enough. Is it the same girl?

WPC Martella:

Was she pregnant? If she was then it sounds like Polly.

Sally nods slowly.

Sally Martella:

Yeah, that's her. I don't know her last name but the rest of it fits.

WPC Martella:

Did she talk about what happened?

Sally sighs and leans back on the sofa.

Sally Martella:

A bit. I found out more when she was talking to me privately than when she was talking to the group as a whole. She just sat there for the first few sessions. I thought I had heard everything until she came along.

WPC Martella:

You know about her stepdad then? What he did to her?

Sally Martella:

I know. I've been going to the support meetings for years now and that has to be the worse case that I've ever heard. Fancy having a baby at her age. Why didn't she just get rid of it?

WPC Martella:

I guess she just doesn't like the thought of aborting a baby. I can't really blame her. Are you friends with her?

Sally Martella:

Kind of. We talk quite a lot. She's always talking about this policewoman who helped her out. Was that you?

WPC Martella:

I think so. We spent a lot of time together. I even let her sleep round at my place one night.

Sally Martella:

Yeah, she mentioned that. About how you were the only one to believe her. I'm seeing her again in a couple of days. Should I let her know that I'm your sister? Or not?

Viv thinks carefully before replying.

WPC Martella:

Please don't. I don't want her becoming too attached to me, I have to remain professional and keep my distance. I saw her through the trial and the bastard is locked up now but I want that to be an end of it. So she can get on with her life. But I'd really appreciate it if you could let me know what happens with her�

Sally Martella:

Sure, sis. I'd be happy to. I mean, I see her twice a week so I'll let you know how she's going.

WPC Martella:

Thanks, hun.

Viv and Sally stand up and return to the large pile of dishes.

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