*** SUN HILL POLICE STATION - 1:05 PM ***

Viv is walking through the corridors of the station searching for June and Polly. She passes the WPC's locker room and is about to continue her travels when she hears June's voice from inside the room.

WPC Ackland:

Now doesn't that look lovely?

Viv pokes her head around the door and smiles at the sight of June and Polly sizing each other up.

WPC Martella:

What's going on?

Polly turns excitedly towards Viv, June's hat perched precariously on her head. The hat is slightly too large and it has slipped down over Polly's eyes.

Polly Page:

June let me twy her hat on!

WPC Martella:

Awwww, that's so cute.

Viv leans down and whispers in Polly's ear.

WPC Martella:

You know, one day you'll be big enough to have a hat like that all to yourself.

Polly slips the hat off and reluctantly hands it back to June.

Polly Page:

Fanks.

WPC Ackland:

Not a problem. Right, so what are we doing now Viv?

WPC Martella:

Well if Polly's feeling up to it I thought we might continue the interview. I've spoken to Laura, Polly.

Polly looks down at her shoes miserably and mutters under her breath.

Polly Page:

Great.

WPC Martella:

Don't worry, with what she told us we've got enough to pull Greg in for questioning.

Polly's face lights up at this news.

Polly Page:

So what happens? Do I have to go home again?

WPC Martella:

Not tonight. We'll find you a place to stay tonight. Hopefully there'll be a bed available somewhere.

Polly Page:

But what about my Mum? And Ian? Mum won't be home until Saturday. They'll wonder where I am.

Viv considers the situation.

WPC Martella:

Ian can stay with you and we'll try to contact your Mum at her work. You don't have to worry about things.

Polly is slightly confused but smiles at Viv regardless.

Polly Page:

Okay.

Viv tenderly puts her arm around Polly's shoulders.

WPC Martella:

Relax, love. It'll be all right.

Polly, June and Viv leave the locker room. They walk towards the soft interview room. As they chat amongst themselves, they bump into DS Burnside travelling in the opposite direction.

DS Burnside:

Good evening ladies.

Viv frowns at his familiarity.

WPC Martella:

What is it Sarge?

Tommy ignores her and stares down at Polly.

DS Burnside:

Ahh, you must be� What's her name?

WPC Ackland:

Polly Page.

DS Burnside:

Lovely. She sounds like a parrot!

Polly is busily chewing on her thumbnail as she looks up at the man.

WPC Martella:

With respect Sarge, we're kind of busy.

DS Burnside:

I know. That's why I'm taking over the case.

Viv is so outraged by this comment that she is completely lost for words.

WPC Ackland:

You what?

DS Burnside:

I've been assigned to this case, ladies. By the DI. I'd appreciate it if you could fill me in on the details.

Viv pulls Tommy over to one side and whispers harshly into his ear.

WPC Martella:

With respect, Sarge, I thought we had an understanding. I asked you not to interfere with this case.

DS Burnside:

Learn to live with it WPC Martella. I'm the boss now whether you like it or not. Just fill me in on the details and if you don't make a fuss I'll even let you sit in on the interview. With me leading, of course.

Viv splutters with outrage but realises that she has been outmanoeuvred.

WPC Martella:

I honesty don't know how you can sleep at night.

Tommy glares across at Viv as they continue towards the interview room. Viv brings Tommy up to speed with the particulars of the case as they walk along.

*** SOFT INTERVIEW ROOM - 1:20 PM ***

Tommy and Viv are sitting at the table in the soft interview room. Polly and June are sitting on the other side, facing them.

WPC Martella:

Now did you understand everything I said to you Polly? About this interview being taped for future reference?

Polly stares timidly back at Viv.

Polly Page:

Yeth.

WPC Martella:

Are you feeling ready to start?

Polly nods her head nervously.

WPC Martella:

Right. If you want to stop at any time, you only have to say so.

Viv leans back, aiming one last reassuring smile in Polly's direction. Tommy takes over.

DS Burnside:

All right Polly so your stepfather has been hitting you?

Polly looks down at the table and replies in a quiet voice.

Polly Page:

Yeth.

DS Burnside:

How long has he been hitting you?

Polly Page:

I dunno.

DS Burnside:

A year? Two years? Come on, you must have some idea of when he started.

Polly Page:

Ever since I can remember.

DS Burnside:

Has he ever hurt you really badly?

Polly shrugs in a non-committal way.

DS Burnside:

He broke your arm didn't he? Almost twisted it off from what I hear. You shouldn't try to protect him, Polly. You don't owe this man anything.

Polly Page:

He� He didn't mean to bweak my arm.

DS Burnside:

Yes he did. That's what you told your friend Laura. Surely you can see that the sooner we lock him up the better?

Polly is too intimidated to reply. Viv glares at Tommy.

DS Burnside:

Are you an observant girl, Polly? Do you notice things?

Polly Page:

How do you mean?

DS Burnside:

Can you remember the other things that your stepfather has done to you?

Polly begins tracing imaginary patterns on the table with her fingers.

Polly Page:

I dunno.

DS Burnside:

Come on, think Polly. It's very important!

Polly looks up at Tommy nervously. She mumbles incoherently under her breath. Tommy realises that he's not getting anywhere.

DS Burnside:

Look, you know Laura? Your friend Laura?

Polly Page:

Yeah, what about her?

DS Burnside:

She's a friend of mine too. So that makes us friends, doesn't it?

Polly shrugs. Tommy is becoming seriously frustrated. He tries a new tack.

DS Burnside:

Do you like school Polly?

Polly shakes her head cautiously.

Polly Page:

Not really.

DS Burnside:

Do you get picked on?

Polly Page:

Thometimes.

DS Burnside:

By the students? Or the teachers?

Polly Page:

Kidth mothtly and Mrs Eggins is 'orrible too.

DS Burnside:

Do you notice the other kids doing funny things at school, Polly? Standing around� Looking suspicious� Anything like that?

Polly Page:

I dunno. I don't take much notice of the others.

DS Burnside:

Laura told me about a tall bloke with a ponytail called Alex. Have you ever seen him hanging around the school?

Polly Page:

No.

Tommy begins to lose his temper with the young girl.

DS Burnside:

Well have you seen anything at all suspicious going on at your school?

Polly picks up on the anger in Tommy's words and her voice drops to a whisper.

Polly Page:

No, I haven't. I'm sorry.

DS Burnside:

Oh come on Polly, you're not fooling me. You're in on the drugs racket being run from the school aren't you? I bet you're a dealer at the very least. Is that why your stepfather beat you up? 'Cause you stole his money to buy drugs? Come on, tell me the truth Polly!

Viv glares at Tommy, outraged by his attitude.

Polly Page:

I� I don't know nuffink about that. I wath only friendth wiv Laura for a few weekth. We're not best mates or nuffink.

DS Burnside:

But you knew her long enough to learn who the suppliers and dealers were. Come on, out with it Miss Page. You know about the drugs, don't you! Tell me what you know or I'll make sure they lock you up in a cell until you agree to co-operate!

Tommy is speaking in a loud, harsh voice. Polly turns to Viv with tears in her eyes.

Polly Page:

I don't wanna talk to him!

WPC Martella:

It's okay Polly, you don't have to. I really think we should leave it there Sarge.

DS Burnside:

I'm not leaving until she answers my question. What can you tell me about the drugs racket being run from Cheetham Road Girls School?

Polly Page:

I don't know anyfink about that. Leave me alone. Viv, stop him! I don't wanna talk to him!

Polly bursts into tears as Viv turns towards Tommy. She gives him a look dripping with pure venom.

WPC Martella:

We're leaving it there. Sarge, can I have a word outside?

Viv stops the tape and leaves the room. Tommy shrugs and follows her outside.

DS Burnside:

What's the matter, you silly bitch? She was about to cough.

WPC Martella:

What the hell did you think you were doing back there? Isn't it obvious that she knows nothing whatsoever about your investigation?

DS Burnside:

How the hell do you know that? She's a smooth operator, I'll give her that. But she knows something. I can feel it.

WPC Martella:

So can I. But it's nothing to do with drugs!

DS Burnside:

Look, she'd have to be deaf, dumb and blind not to notice the drugs racket at that school. Stop playing the wet nurse WPC and let me have a proper crack at her.

WPC Martella:

Forget it. You've done enough damage already. Did you ever stop to consider that she might have more important things to worry about than a few plastic bags changing hands?

Tommy shrugs his shoulders unconcernedly.

DS Burnside:

So her stepfather's been giving her a clip round the ears and she's blubbing about it? So bloody what? Never did me any harm.

WPC Martella:

It's far more serious than that, Sarge.

DS Burnside:

And just how do you know that WPC Martella? Given your years of experience with these cases?

Viv glares at Tommy, infuriated by his sarcasm.

WPC Martella:

Your attitude wasn't helping.

DS Burnside:

No, but I got a damn sight further than you did with all that touchy-feely crap. She's a devious little cow and I'm going back in there to get the truth out of her. You're entitled to your opinion, constable, but at the end of the day all that matters is rank. And I have the rank.

WPC Martella:

You honestly think that you got further than me? You didn't even ask her about the cigarette burns on her arms.

DS Burnside:

Cigarette burns? She probably likes to smoke fags and her stepfather caught her puffing on one round the back of the bike sheds.

Viv rolls her eyes.

WPC Martella:

And then took sadistic delight in stubbing them out on her arm? I'm experienced enough to know what deliberate burns look like, Sarge. As was the doctor who plastered her arm this morning.

DS Burnside:

So all this crap I'm having to put up with from you is thanks to some do-gooder quack's theories? Get out of my way, Martella.

WPC Martella:

Listen, she doesn't want to talk to you and I don't blame her. Now, I think it'd be best if you backed away now, Sarge, before the DI finds out that you're basing your entire investigation on the word of a thirteen year old snout!

Viv's face is calm as she makes this deadly threat. Tommy looks shocked by her resolve.

DS Burnside:

You wouldn't grass me up like that, would ya?

WPC Martella:

Do you want to risk it?

Tommy thinks carefully before replying.

DS Burnside:

What do you want in return for your silence?

WPC Martella:

Let me lead in this interview. You're not getting anywhere and Polly trusts me so if you give me the benefit of the doubt here there's every chance that we'll both get a result at the end of the day.

Tommy considers Viv's proposal. After about a minute, he gives a resigned sigh.

DS Burnside:

All right. I won't forget this, Martella. I have a long memory, y'know.

WPC Martella:

Frankly Sarge, I couldn't care less. Now, shall we try this again?

Viv opens the door to the soft interview room without waiting for a reply. Tommy grudgingly follows her inside. Viv sits down and restarts the tape.

WPC Martella:

Okay Polly, sorry about that. Are you feeling all right to continue?

Polly Page:

Ith that man gonna yell at me any more?

WPC Martella:

Nah, I've had words with him. He's going to sit back and shut up now.

Tommy grunts but doesn't rise to the bait.

WPC Martella:

Is it okay if I ask you some more questions, Polly?

Polly nods slowly then points towards Tommy.

Polly Page:

But not him. All he does is yell at me.

WPC Martella:

Don't worry, Polly. Okay, what can you tell me about Greg's past? Before he met your Mum?

Polly Page:

I can't really remember much. I was heapth little when she married him. But he wath nice at first.

WPC Martella:

When did he start becoming violent?

Polly shrugs, unsure of what to say.

WPC Martella:

Straight after he married your Mum? Or was it more recent than that?

Polly Page:

He's become worse over the last few years. Coz Mum's been away more.

WPC Martella:

Has he ever hit your Mum, Polly?

Polly Page:

No, he wouldn't dare. She'd flatten him. No one touches my Mum.

WPC Martella:

When he's beating you, does he seem to enjoy it? Is he aware that he's causing you pain?

Polly Page:

I guess so.

WPC Martella:

Did he ever do anything apart from just hitting you?

Polly Page:

Whatcha mean?

WPC Martella:

This is a difficult question and you don't have to answer it if you don't want to. Did Greg ever make you do anything that you didn't want to do?

Polly Page:

Like what?

WPC Martella:

Anything� Sexual?

Polly pauses. When she answers, her voice has sunk to a whisper.

Polly Page:

I'm not allowed to talk about that.

WPC Martella:

It's okay Polly. You can tell me about it. I'm your friend, remember?

Polly shakes her head nervously and refuses to look into Viv's eyes.

Polly Page:

He made me promise not to tell.

Viv pauses while she decides on the correct course of action.

WPC Martella:

Look, there's something you should know about secrets. There are two types of secrets, good secrets and bad secrets.

Polly Page:

If you thay so. So what?

WPC Martella:

Good secrets are the ones that you have to keep. But bad secrets are the ones that you've been forced to keep. Because you agreed to them against your will, it's okay to talk about them with a friend.

Polly nods uncertainly.

WPC Martella:

Would you say that this is a good secret or a bad secret, Polly?

Polly whispers, her voice barely audible.

Polly Page:

Bad secret.

WPC Martella:

And I'm your friend aren't I? So can't you tell me about it?

Polly Page:

Only if he goes away.

Tommy looks surprised.

DS Burnside:

Me?

WPC Martella:

I think you'd better leave the room, Sarge.

Realising that he has no choice but to obey, Tommy reluctantly leaves the room whilst muttering under his breath. June remains sitting quietly next to Polly. She is impressed with Viv's handling of the situation.

WPC Martella:

So are you feeling ready to tell me now, Polly?

Polly looks across at June nervously then begins to speak.

Polly Page:

Greg said it was because Mum's never home. I don't remember when it started but he often comes into my room after Ian goes to sleep.

Viv takes a deep breath then asks her next question.

WPC Martella:

What does he do then?

Polly Page:

Stuff.

Polly's chin quivers and tears begin to run down her cheeks.

WPC Martella:

Hey, it's all right Polly. Don't cry.

Polly wipes her eyes and bravely continues to tell her story.

Polly: Page:

After he comes in, he sits on my bed and makes me do things to him.

WPC Martella:

What exactly does he make you do, Polly?

Polly Page:

He� He makes me touch him.

WPC Martella:

Where does he make you touch him?

Polly Page:

Inside his pants. It's all warm and yukky.

WPC Martella:

So he makes you touch him inside his pants? He makes you touch his penis?

Polly Page:

Yes.

WPC Martella:

Does he ever make you touch him anywhere else?

Polly Page:

Sometimes. It depends on what sort of mood he's in.

June carefully wipes Polly's tears away from her face with a lacy white hanky as Viv continues the interview.

WPC Martella:

Does he ever touch you?

Polly Page:

Sometimes. He used to when I was younger.

WPC Martella:

Does he kiss you on the mouth? Or put his fingers anywhere he shouldn't?

Polly Page:

He never kisses me but he likes to hurt me.

WPC Martella:

Is he rough? Do you ever tell him to stop?

Polly sobs as she chokes out her answer.

Polly Page:

I can't! I can't tell him to stop! He puts his hand over my mouth so that I won't wake Ian.

WPC Martella:

Has that ever happened? Ian waking up while Greg's in your bedroom?

Polly Page:

Only a few times. But he always puts Ian back to bed then comes back. I pretend to be asleep but he still comes back.

WPC Martella:

So you couldn't stop him? He knew he was hurting you but he did it anyway?

Polly nods weakly.

WPC Martella:

Polly, how exactly does he hurt you?

Polly Page:

He never used to hurt me at first.

Viv nods sympathetically as Polly continues to speak.

Polly Page:

But when I turned ten he said I was all grown up and things had to change.

Viv and June exchange an empathetic glance.

Polly Page:

But I didn't want it to change. I didn't wanna do the grown up stuff.

WPC Martella:

Grown up stuff?

Polly Page:

He� He gets into my bed and he sort of sits on me. I can't get out from under him when he does it.

Polly's voice is racked with sobs.

WPC Martella:

Don't worry, you're doing really well. But we have to be completely clear about this. What exactly do you mean when you say he sits on top of you?

Polly's gaze flickers uncertainly between the two officers.

WPC Martella:

Nothing bad is going to happen to you, Polly. You can tell us anything. Please tell us the truth. I promise we won't be mad.

Polly Page:

He puts his penis into me� Down there.

Both Viv and June are temporarily lost for words. Viv takes a deep breath then presses on.

WPC Martella:

Do you know what sexual intercourse is?

Polly Page:

Yes. We learnt about it at school.

WPC Martella:

And is that what he forced you to do?

Polly Page:

Yes.

WPC Martella:

Greg forced you to have sexual intercourse with him against your will?

Polly nods as fresh tears stain her cheeks.

Polly Page:

He said it was our secret and that he would hurt me more if I ever told anyone. That's the real reason why he broke my arm. He thought I was gonna tell you about it.

Viv sighs and gives Polly a small, reassuring smile.

WPC Martella:

Okay, I think we've covered everything. Is there anything else that you think we should know Polly? About Greg or what he did to you?

Polly Page:

He used to hurt me a lot when he sat on me but after a while it didn't hurt any more. He got heaps mad the first few times coz there was blood everywhere and he didn't want Mum to see it. I want him to stop but he never does. He hurts me every night except for when Mum's home. I don't wanna go back there. Please, please don't make me go back!

Polly stares pleadingly into Viv's eyes.

WPC Martella:

I won't. It's okay, it's over now. We don't have to talk about this any more. I know how difficult it was for you to tell us but you did really well. In the long run, talking about it will help you to recover.

Polly Page:

What's gonna happen now? When will I get to see Ian?

WPC Martella:

You'll see him as soon as we collect him from school. We'll find you a place to stay tonight until your Mum gets home then we'll take things from there.

Viv stands up and turns towards June.

WPC Martella:

You okay to handle things here? I'll make enquiries.

June nods as Viv leaves the room with a grimly determined expression on her face.

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