** MAY 11TH **

*** FEMALE TOILETS - 5:50 AM ***

June walks in and sees Viv.

WPC Ackland:

Busy night, Vivian?

Viv brushes her hair back slowly as Jun smirks.

WPC Martella:

Not particularly, why?

WPC Ackland:

Oh, I heard that you and Jimmy Carver had a rather exciting day yesterday.

WPC Martella:

Exciting is not the word for it. Distressing is a better description.

WPC Ackland:

So he was a bit rough and ready then?

WPC Martella:

On the contrary actually. Like a five year old on his first day at school. Taffy had been winding him up too, don't think that helped.

WPC Ackland:

Ahh, but I bet he wasn't shy for long. At least, not if half of the rumours I've been hearing are true!

WPC Martella:

Nah, he came around eventually. Rumours? Already? That didn't take long!

WPC Ackland:

Yeah, and neither did you two. Can you tell me? Is it true about the baby? I don't want to pry but don't you think it's a bit fast?

Viv puts her brush down, turning to June.

WPC Martella:

What are you on about?

WPC Ackland:

Well, didn't you two� erm� have it off yesterday? 'Cause that's what Reg Hollis has been saying!

Viv chuckles.

WPC Martella:

That man never ceases to amaze me! That's about the funniest thing I've ever heard.

WPC Ackland:

He said that the two of you were discussing a baby yesterday in the canteen. And that Jimmy wanted you to get an abortion! Come on Viv, you can't pretend that you didn't fancy him. Let me guess, he wasn't prepared?

Viv shakes her head and grins.

WPC Martella:

Where does Reg come up with these notions?

WPC Ackland:

You mean he's just made it up? It's pure fantasy?

WPC Martella:

Oh please. You didn't serious believe that me and Jimmy�? For heaven's sake!

WPC Ackland:

You did say that you liked the look of him. And it wouldn't be the first time you've gone OTS with a colleague. I admit the baby stuff was pretty far-fetched but are you seriously expecting me to believe that you didn't make your move on him yesterday?

WPC Martella:

Look, all yesterday consisted of was getting him on a first name basis. Nothing more.

WPC Ackland:

So what were you and Jim talking about in the canteen then?

Viv thinks back.

WPC Martella:

Yesterday? Oh, yeah, I meant to tell you. Remember that schoolyard brawl last month at Cheetham Road?

WPC Ackland:

Yeah, what about it?

WPC Martella:

That blonde girl, Polly. We ran into her again today. Almost literally, she stepped right out in front of the panda!

WPC Ackland:

Was she all right?

WPC Martella:

Well, yeah, we stopped easily enough. I got out and spoke with her, but she seemed very edgy. Apparently she was blamed for that scuffle we saw.

WPC Ackland:

What? You're kidding. Did you talk to her about it?

WPC Martella:

I tried to, but she just wanted to get home so I didn't get much of a chance. Anyway, I told her if she ever wanted to talk that I was here. You know, the usual spiel we give to kids. But then as I brushed her shoulder, she practically jumped outa her skin. She said she hurt it playing hockey, but I dunno.

WPC Ackland:

You think there might be a real problem with bullying? Or something at home?

WPC Martella:

Not sure. I know that something's not right. She has a pretty dreadful lisp and all. Maybe she's copping some flack for that?

WPC Ackland:

Yeah, I noticed. Someone really needs to sort that Jenny girl out, the sooner the better!

WPC Martella:

Just give me five minutes alone with her.

WPC Ackland:

But we can't do that now can we? It was different before PACE.

WPC Martella:

Oh well. I'll keep an eye out though. I wanna get to the bottom of this.

WPC Ackland:

Yeah, sorry about all that Jimmy stuff. I guess I was only teasing.

WPC Martella:

Not a problem. At least you're easier to set straight than most people around here will be.

WPC Ackland:

You know what Reg is like when he gets his teeth into a piece of gossip. Don't worry, it'll all blow over eventually.

*** BRIEFING ROOM - 6:02 AM ***

Reg, Taffy and Jim are gathered round a desk waiting for the briefing to commence.

PC Edwards:

Reg here's been telling me that you've been a bit of a naughty boy, Jim-Jim!

PC Carver:

Oh, what are you on about, Reg?

PC Hollis:

Well I think it's appalling, that's all. That two people can get themselves into such predicaments.

PC Carver:

What predicaments?

PC Hollis:

Jim, don't be shy about it. You're one of the lads now. Right, I just want you to know, anytime, anywhere, you need anything, just let me know. The two of you will need a lot of support.

PC Carver:

Support? What are you on about, Reg?

PC Hollis:

Jim my boy, I'm afraid I overheard you and WPC Martella having words yesterday in the canteen.

Viv and June make their way into the briefing room.

PC Carver:

You on loony pills?

Taffy wolf-whistles.

WPC Ackland:

Knock it off!

PC Edwards:

How are you feeling, Vivian? Not too faint I hope!

WPC Martella:

Not you too, Taffy.

Viv sighs, annoyed and takes a seat next to Jim.

PC Edwards:

Look at the happy couple. Have you bought her a ring, Jim-Jim?

PC Carver:

Grow up, Taffy.

Taffy sits back with a smirk on his face. Jim listens up as Sergeant Penny starts the briefing.

*** CHEETHAM ROAD GIRLS' SCHOOL - 8:50 AM ***

Tommy is sitting in his car outside the school. Laura slips through the school gates, and approaches the car, getting into the passenger's side. Tommy looks across at her irritably.

DS Burnside:

Well?

Laura Jacobs:

Money first. Do I look like a mug?

Tommy sighs.

DS Burnside:

You get your money after I get my information.

Laura Jacobs:

Yeah, that'd be right, wouldn't it.

Laura grunts, chewing on a piece of gum noisily.

DS Burnside:

Look, don't play the smug little bitch with me, Jacobs. Have you got information about the drugs racket at your school or not?

Laura Jacobs:

Keep ya hair on, will ya! Look, I got the name of one girl, Cassandra Harrison. She's older then me, about fifteen or so. Long brown hair, blue eyes. She gets the stuff from her boyfriend.

DS Burnside:

And? Who's her supplier?

Laura Jacobs:

I'm not entirely sure. She mentioned an Alex. I've seen him hanging around the school. Real tall guy with a black ponytail.

DS Burnside:

How do I know this is on the level?

Laura Jacobs:

You pigs really are all the same, ain't ya! Look, I've seen her try to pass on the stuff to twelve year olds, not to mention nicking the little ones' lunch money. What's she's doing ain't right!

DS Burnside:

Okay, okay! Don't get yer stockings in a knot. You'll get a tenner for that and five more of 'em if I get a result, yeah?

Laura Jacobs:

Fine.

Laura snatches the money out of his hand, getting out of the car quickly.

DS Burnside:

Cheeky devil.

Tommy drives off with a shake of his head as Laura skips back into school.

*** CANTEEN - SUN HILL POLICE STATION - 10:10 AM ***

Viv and Jim are sitting at a table, silently eating their morning tea.

PC Carver:

I never knew that paperwork could be so soul-destroying.

WPC Martella:

Yeah, it takes awhile to adjust. You'll get the hang of it soon, though.

PC Carver:

Taffy peering over my shoulder every ten minutes with his barbed comments about babies didn't exactly help matters.

WPC Martella:

Yeah. Silly ain't it? One conversation in the canteen and Reg practically has us married�

Viv trails off.

PC Carver:

I don't know how all that started, seriously I don't! I mean, I like you but�

WPC Martella:

Well, that's Reg. Always gets the wrong end of the stick.

PC Carver:

Yeah, but you and me?

Jim bursts out laughing, trailing off at the look on Viv's face.

WPC Martella:

Well, I could think of worse things.

Jim just sits there with his mouth hanging open.

PC Carver:

You serious?

Viv blushes furiously, looking down at the table.

WPC Martella:

I� ermm� forget it.

PC Carver:

Okay.

Jim and Viv sit together in silence for a while.

PC Carver:

No, I bloody well won't forget it. What were you about to say?

Viv looks over at him.

WPC Martella:

I'm not sure really.

The pair continue to sit in silence, Jim eventually speaking up.

PC Carver:

Would you like to go out for a drink later, Viv? Or get a curry? Or see a movie?

Viv bites her bottom lip, trying not to sound too over-excited.

WPC Martella:

Sure. That'd be great.

PC Carver:

I'm staying with a host family at the moment but they're all out tonight. Maybe we could get a curry and eat it at home? I mean, it'd have to be better than the house where you and June are staying.

Viv chuckles.

WPC Martella:

Yeah, you got that right! One more rerun of Gone With The Wind and I was gonna scream!

PC Carver:

It's a really cosy little house. Big kitchen, nice lounge, great bedroom. Umm�

Jim bites his tongue. Viv raises an eyebrow suspiciously.

WPC Martella:

Keep talking like that and I'll start to think you have ulterior motives.

PC Carver:

Or we could just go out for a drink if you like.

Jim looks disappointed.

WPC Martella:

I'm not fussed. Really. Let me know at the end of the shift, yeah?

PC Carver:

Sure. I'd better get back to my paperwork.

Jim scuttles off. Viv smiles to herself as she stands from the table and proceeds out of the canteen.

*** CHEETHAM ROAD - 10:25 AM ***

Viv and June are walking down the road past the school. Viv glances at the schoolyard.

WPC Martella:

Empty. All the nice little girls are busy in class.

WPC Ackland:

Some nicer than others, eh?

WPC Martella:

And up there, safe in her office is Mrs Eggins. I oughta have a word�

Viv trails off, lost in thought.

WPC Ackland:

It's won't get you anywhere Viv. I've been in similar situations.

WPC Martella:

But she's so smug about it all! I can't stand people who put deadlines before people. I'm going in to have a talk with her.

WPC Ackland:

Viv, I don't think that's a good idea. Let it go, eh?

WPC Martella:

Look, it can't hurt can it? And it might just make her sit up and take notice.

Viv strides through the school gates. June sighs and follows behind her. They walk through a corridor, up some stairs and into a foyer area then approach the Headmistress' Office. The secretary looks up as the two policewomen enter the office.

WPC Martella:

Hello, can we please see Mrs Eggins?

Secretary:

I'm afraid she's attending a board meeting for the next few hours. It is serious?

WPC Martella:

It's pretty urgent. How long will it be before she's back?

Secretary:

About three hours. Can I pass a message onto her?

WPC Martella:

Could you please tell her that WPC Martella wanted to see her? And ask her to call me as soon as possible. Here's my number.

Viv hands the secretary a Metropolitan Police card.

Secretary:

Right. I'm sorry I couldn't help you.

The secretary smiles sweetly as the women leave the office.

WPC Martella:

I mighta known.

June and Viv head back down the stairs, and make their way towards the front gates.

WPC Martella:

Wait up, June, I need to use the ladies.

WPC Ackland:

I'll wait out here.

Viv goes into the ladies. She is about to walk into one of the cubicles when she spots a small, crumpled figure sitting in the middle of the floor.

WPC Martella:

Polly? Is that you?

Polly looks up, through teary eyes.

WPC Martella:

What's the matter, love?

Polly Page:

What you doing here?

WPC Martella:

We came in to see Mrs Eggins. What's the matter with your eye?

Viv notices that Polly has a black eye. The little girl looks down.

Polly Page:

It ain't nuffink to do wiv you!

WPC Martella:

Did Jenny punch you again? Would you like me to do something about her?

Polly shakes her head.

WPC Martella:

Hey! What's up Polly? Why are you crying?

Polly Page:

It's all your fault! Why'd you have to pick on me too!

WPC Martella:

Too? Who else has been picking on you? Jenny? Mrs Eggins? Or someone else?

Polly Page:

It's always my fault, ain't it! Nothing I say is ever right!

WPC Martella:

So a lot of people are picking on you? Is that why you're skipping class?

Polly Page:

That ain't why. We had a assignment due and I didn't finish it. Mrs Hagley woulda been real mad.

WPC Martella:

But you can't just run away from your problems, Polly. That solves nothing. How about I take you back to class?

Polly chews on a fingernail.

Polly Page:

Do you have to?

WPC Martella:

I think we'd better. Unless you want to sit down and talk with me about your problems, that is.

Polly Page:

What'th the point? No one believes me.

WPC Martella:

I believe you, Polly. I know it must be tough putting up with bullies and everything, but you'll pull through!

Polly nods slowly.

Polly Page:

I'm being pafetic. Everyone elthe manages to cope.

WPC Martella:

Yeah. As for Mrs Hagley, I'll tell her not to be angry about the assignment. I'm sure she'll let you have extra time.

Polly Page:

Won't make any difference. I still won't get it done.

WPC Martella:

I see. Well, maybe I could have a word with your parents? See if they could help you out a bit?

Polly Page:

Me Mum's working all the time. She's too busy. Greg says it's schoolwork so I gotta do it by meself. But I have to help around the house and stuff, so I don't always get the work done.

WPC Martella:

Greg? Is that your Dad?

Polly Page:

Me stepfather. Mum married him when I was little.

WPC Martella:

And he keeps you busy round the house so you can't finish things? Surely you get some free time?

Polly Page:

Thometimes. But mostly just on the weekends. And we only had the assignment this week.

WPC Martella:

Well, I can talk to him if you like. Tell him that you're having trouble balancing all the things he wants you to do and schoolwork?

Polly shakes her head quickly.

Polly Page:

No, don't talk to him. Please. He'll be mad if he finds out that I was tattle-tailing.

WPC Martella:

Mad? He doesn't hit you, does he?

Polly Page:

Only if I'm really bad.

WPC Martella:

Like when you misbehave or you won't do what he asks, that sort of thing?

Polly Page:

Yeah. Or if I'm home late. Like last night!

Polly looks accusingly up at Viv.

WPC Martella:

Well, I'm sorry about that Polly. Is that how you cut your eye?

Polly nods.

Polly Page:

It was all your fault!

WPC Martella:

He hit you? He punched you in the face?

Polly Page:

Look, I got home late, I broke the rules. It's no big deal, I've had worse.

WPC Martella:

Does he hit you like that often?

Polly Page:

Look, you keep getting me into trouble. Leave it, will ya?

Polly stands, dries her eyes and runs out of the toilets.

WPC Martella:

Wait, Polly!

June notices the young girl run out of the toilets then makes her way in to Viv.

WPC Ackland:

What was all that about? Was that�

Viv sighs and gets up off her knees.

WPC Martella:

Well, Polly was skipping her classes in here 'cause she hadn't finished an assignment. And I noticed she had a black eye. Apparently her stepfather was angry with her for getting home late yesterday so he punched her in the face!

June considers Viv's words carefully.

WPC Ackland:

What are you thinking?

WPC Martella:

I think there's something seriously wrong going on here.

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