*** SUN HILL POLICE STATION - 5:00 PM ***

PC Hollis:

I'm sure that I heard a voice on the radio when Polly was attacked. Tony must have known that something was wrong.

PC Quinnan:

Leave it, yeah?

PC Hollis:

No, I think it's a disgrace when one of us leaves a fellow officer to be beaten up. Especially a WPC! Why did he do it? That's what I'd like to know!

PC Quinnan:

Who, Tony? Come on, you know how it gets out there.

PC Hollis:

He should never have left Polly in the first place!

PC Quinnan:

Oh, come off it, Reg!

PC Hollis:

Look, if you're out in the middle of the night, then you don't run off ahead. You wait for your partner and you stick together! It's common sense!

PC Quinnan:

What, and let the suspects get away?

PC Hollis:

Well, that's what happened here, isn't it? The suspects got away! And Polly was all alone, so she didn't stand a chance.

PC Quinnan:

You can't say that! It would have been all right until the second one arrived!

PC Hollis:

Look, it's all about body size, yeah? I'm not a sexist, but men are bigger than women! So no matter how many assailants there were, Polly would have been beaten up anyway!

PC Quinnan:

Put a sock in it, Reg.

Dave shoves his chair back and makes his way towards the locker room. Reg gets up and follows him.

PC Hollis:

I shall be discussing the matter in great detail with Mr Brownlow later on.

*** PC'S LOCKER ROOM ***

Reg and Dave walk into the locker room, chatting.

PC Hollis:

And I'm sure that Mr Burnside agrees with me.

PC Quinnan:

Look Reg, I don't want to talk about this, okay?

Reg keeps babbling on.

PC Hollis:

It's a disgrace, I tell you. An absolute disgrace.

Dave is getting really frustrated.

PC Quinnan:

Look, it's happened, it's over.

PC Hollis:

But it's not over. Not for Polly! She'll have to put up with the scars from this incident for years to come. She might never fully recover.

Dave hisses under his breath

PC Quinnan:

I'd be very careful what you say.

Dave brushes past Reg, heading out of the room. Reg shakes his head as he watches Dave go. Tony enters the room, letting out a long and exhausted sigh, as he opens his locker.

PC Hollis:

Having a tough time, Tony?

PC Stamp:

You don't know half of it.

PC Hollis:

You're not the only one. I doubt whether Polly's having fun!

PC Stamp:

No, I guess not.

PC Hollis:

Well, that's a bit suspicious in my book. And from what I've heard, I'm not the only one who thinks so.

Tony glances at Reg, his face a mixture of anger and sadness.

PC Hollis:

I mean, it was bad enough losing that tattooed guy in the first place, but leaving Polly on her own like that... ?

PC Stamp:

Reg?

PC Hollis:

Yes, Tony?

PC Stamp:

Just what are you saying?

PC Hollis:

What do you mean, Tony? It's not my fault that you can't hold on to your suspects. I mean, you didn't even give us a proper description of the one with the tattoo.

Tony grabs Reg by the shoulders, shoving him against the lockers.

PC Hollis:

Hey!

PC Stamp:

You've got one hell of a big mouth, Reg! Try keeping it chained, eh!

PC Hollis:

Tony, you really should try to get a grip on that temper of yours.

PC Stamp:

Reg, if you don't shut your face, I'll, I'll...

Reg stares into Tony's eyes like a frightened rabbit. Tony releases his grip on Reg's shoulders. Tony takes a few deep breathes, pacing around the room. Reg adjusts his collar.

PC Hollis:

What's the matter, Tony?

PC Stamp:

Just mind your business for a change.

Tony storms out of the locker room.

PC Hollis:

Some people have no manners.

*** DI BURNSIDE'S OFFICE - 5:20 PM ***

Viv and Burnside are looking over the case.

WDC Martella:

I still can't believe SOCO missed the baton. Gaw'd knows what evidence we may have lost!

DI Burnside:

This is hopeless. We've got two suspects that we know next to nothing about, a plonk who can't remember a thing and a SOCO team who wouldn't know their arses from their elbows. I love cases like this.

WDC Martella:

Yeah, and if forensics don't come up with any prints, we're back to looking for needles in haystacks.

DI Burnside:

Needles in haystacks? My dear Martella, if forensics don't come up with something, then we bin it. The sooner the better.

WDC Martella:

What, you'll let it go? Just like that? There are other angles anyway.

DI Burnside:

Like what? I'm thoroughly sick of this case already without dragging it out for another week.

WDC Martella:

It's been less than twenty-four hours and you're ready to throw in the towel?

DI Burnside:

Even if we caught the suspects and Page didn't throw a wobbly at the trial, they'd still only get six months or so with the help of a bent brief. Cases like this are a waste of time and resources!!

WDC Martella:

Cases like what? This is a colleague we're talking about here. Don't you think it deserves a little bit more attention than your average sexual assault!

DI Burnside:

A sexual assault? Rubbish, this was the act of two men trying to get away from a police officer. No court in the country is going to call it �sexual assault�. Six months, tops.

WDC Martella:

Oh, you've seen the bruising then, have ya?

DI Burnside:

Look, I feel sorry for Page, but if she won't help us with a full statement and a description of the two men, then why the hell should I waste my time?

WDC Martella:

It's not her fault that she can't remember! Don't you think you at least owe her a result as a fellow officer, not to mention as a person!

DI Burnside:

Get a grip, Martella. If you don't stop acting like a hysterical probationer, I'll kick you off this case and put you back on traffic duty!

WDC Martella:

What, you telling me you don't care!?

DI Burnside:

Of course I care, you stupid...

Frank is interrupted by the telephone.

DI Burnside:

What!

Frank calms down a little.

DI Burnside:

The lab? Yeah, put 'em through.

Frank puts his hand over the receiver.

DI Burnside:

Do something useful for a change, Martella. Circulate those new details over CAD.

Frank watches Viv leave the room.

DI Burnside:

Yeah, hello. Could you find anything useful on the baton?

Frank listens to the reply.

DI Burnside:

Uh-huh. Three sets of prints?

Frank listens for about a minute.

DI Burnside:

Right, thanks for that. I'll let 'em know about it right away.

Frank hangs up. Viv pokes her head back into the room, raising an eyebrow curiously, as she walks over to the desk.

WDC Martella:

What?

DI Burnside:

They found three sets of prints on the baton. They can't tell me for sure yet, but off the record, one set is from Page, one set is mine and the third is unidentified. They'll be matching the prints against the database so if they've got form, I'll 'ave em!

WDC Martella:

Brilliant, let's just hope the bastard's got form.

Frank grunts in reply.

WDC Martella:

It's starting to look like that needle's got a big black "X" painted on it!

Viv heads towards the door.

DI Burnside:

Yeah, but the haystack ain't getting any smaller!

*** ST HUGH'S - 6:15 PM ***

Viv takes the lift towards the fourth floor, making her way towards the ward. She heads along the doorways, slipping into Polly's room.

WDC Martella:

Polly?

Viv makes her way over to the chair beside Polly's bed, taking a seat.

WPC Page:

Viv?

WDC Martella:

How are you feeling?

WPC Page:

A bit better, I guess. How's the investigation going?

WDC Martella:

That's what I came to talk with you about. We're waiting on a match to a set of fingerprints that were found on your baton.

WPC Page:

My baton?

WDC Martella:

We found it tossed in some bushes. We just got lucky with the prints.

WPC Page:

But I don't remember dropping it.

WDC Martella:

Polly, I don't wanna push this, but, well, do you remember anything more than you could earlier? Why did you have your baton out in the first place?

WPC Page:

I was chasing the suspect. We stopped. I guess I must have drawn my baton, but I'm not sure.

WDC Martella:

You said he came to a fence? He stopped, and you went to arrest him? Did he put up a fight? Did he hit you?

WPC Page:

He couldn't get over the fence and I think he was about to give himself up. But I don't remember what happened after that.

WDC Martella:

You're sure? The thing is, we found your baton a fair distance from where you ended up. Was there a scuffle?

WPC Page:

I think so. Someone was on top of me, holding me down. But that's all.

Viv softens her voice.

WDC Martella:

Can you think back? Did he put up a struggle? Why didn't you call for assistance?

WPC Page:

I tried to use my radio but it wasn't working for some reason. I'm sorry, Viv, but I really can't remember anything else that's important!

Viv looks compassionately at Polly.

WDC Martella:

Look, you know the score as well as anyone, Polly. If this guy doesn't have form, we're back to square one here.

WPC Page:

I know that, Viv, and I'm really trying, but it's a complete blank. I'm seeing a psychologist tomorrow, so maybe I'll remember something then?

WDC Martella:

Hopefully. Anyway, I thought I'd let you know what we'd turned up. All the best with tomorrow.

Viv stands and heads towards the door.

WPC Page:

Thanks, Viv. For everything.

WDC Martella:

Sure, Poll. Try and get some rest.

Viv makes her way from the room.

*** CID - 6:40 PM ***

Viv climbs the stairs, heading for the office. Frank is on his way down.

DI Burnside:

Any luck with Miss Delicate?

Viv huffs.

WDC Martella:

Don't talk about her like that.

Frank brushes the comment aside.

DI Burnside:

How is she?

Viv pauses, before continuing.

WDC Martella:

Getting there, I think. As it happens, she was able to remember a few more details.

DI Burnside:

Such as the assailant's name and a full description of him?

WDC Martella:

She remembers calling for assistance, but her PR was on the blink, also that someone was on top of her, holding her down.

DI Burnside:

So nothing useful then?

WDC Martella:

It's an improvement, isn't it?

Frank taps the folder in his hand.

DI Burnside:

Well, this is an even bigger one.

WDC Martella:

What?

Viv follows Frank down the stairs.

DI Burnside:

One of the suspects� names, his details and a complete list of his previous. Oh, and there's a nice photo to go with it too.

WDC Martella:

Only, very attractive.

Viv and Frank head towards Inspector Monroe's office. Andrew looks up as they walk into the room.

WDC Martella:

Sir.

Viv looks over at Burnside.

DI Burnside:

Andrew, I have something here that might interest you.

Insp. Monroe:

What is it now, Frank?

DI Burnside:

One Josh Jackson. He's got form for assault and burglary and I think he's the mastermind behind the assault on Page.

Andrew flicks through the file.

Insp. Monroe:

How do you know this, Frank?

DI Burnside:

'Cause forensics have linked his prints to the ones we found on the baton.

Insp. Monroe:

Okay, I'll circulate his name and pretty soon we'll have every unit in the Met looking for him. Has Polly told you anything new?

WDC Martella:

Yeah, I visited her about half an hour ago. Apparently she tried calling for assistance, but her PR was out. It was a pretty dense location.

Insp. Monroe:

Her PR was out? So there is no way that Tony could have heard her?

WDC Martella:

It doesn't look that way, sir.

Andrew gives Burnside a pointed look.

Insp. Monroe:

Good. Anything else?

WDC Martella:

Not really, sir. She was still very disoriented about it all. She's having a psychological assessment tomorrow. We may know more after that.

Andrew looks concerned.

Insp. Monroe:

A psychological assessment? That sounds serious. Is anything wrong?

WDC Martella:

According to the doctor's report, they were concerned that the head injuries may have resulted in slight amnesia, and considering her lack of recollection, it wouldn't surprise me.

Insp. Monroe:

Do they have any idea when she'll be fit for duty again?

WDC Martella:

I haven't heard anything, sir, and considering the nature of the assault, I'd be hesitant to give an estimation.

Insp. Monroe:

Right, well, thank you both for informing me. It's nice to see CID and uniform co-operating on this case.

WDC Martella:

Well, we're all fighting on the same team, aren't we, sir.

Insp. Monroe:

We are.

Frank raises an eyebrow.

DI Burnside:

We are?

Viv rolls her eyes at Frank, as she leaves the office.

*** SUN HILL POLICE STATION - 6:55 PM ***

June is heading towards Andrew's office, having just received the message to report to him. Trev passes her.

Trev:

'Scuse me.

Trev walks on. Steve catches her up.

PC Loxton:

What's all this about, June?

WPC Ackland:

I've no idea, Steve. Just got a message to report to Inspector Monroe. You?

PC Loxton:

I got a message from him saying that he wanted to see me in his office. I hope he hasn't found out about...

June chuckles.

WPC Ackland:

About what, Steve?

PC Loxton:

Never mind.

June and Steve arrive at Monroe's office, being called in quickly.

PC Loxton:

You wanted to see me, sir?

Insp. Monroe:

Right, I've called you two in here, because CID have their hands full with an obbo, and we've a suspect from last night's assault who needs bringing in.

PC Loxton:

The assault on Polly?

Insp. Monroe:

Yes.

Andrew opens the folder on his desk, slipping out the photograph, passing it to each officer in turn.

Insp. Monroe:

Here are the details.

PC Loxton:

So CID have pulled their fingers out and found the bastards then?

Andrew hands them another piece of paper, containing an address.

Insp. Monroe:

I don't care for that attitude, Steve. They were able to lift a fingerprint from Polly's baton. He fits the description, and has plenty of previous for burglary.

PC Loxton:

Good. We'll nail him, sir.

Insp. Monroe:

We don't want him 'nailed', Steven. We want him arrested and brought in. I hear of anything other than that, and your feet won't touch the ground. Understood?

Steve replies stiffly.

PC Loxton:

Yes, sir.

WPC Ackland:

Sir.

Insp. Monroe:

Any questions?

PC Loxton:

Are they sure that this is the right person?

Insp. Monroe:

Nothing is ever set in stone. They're following up a lead, that's all.

June and Steve nod in turn.

Insp. Monroe:

Right, dismissed.

June and Steve leave the room, heading for the Area Car.

*** SUN HILL POLICE STATION - 7:30 PM ***

Steve and June 'escort' Josh out of the Area Car. June looks up to see the crowd of officers by the cage. Tony is glaring at Josh.

WPC Ackland:

Excuse us.

June walks ahead of Steve and Jackson, the officers parting to one side. Tony suddenly lurches towards Josh.

PC Stamp:

You filthy bastard!

Tony attempts to strike him. Steve and June push Tony away.

WPC Ackland:

Tony! Get Back!

PC Loxton:

Leave it, Tony! He's not worth it.

Steve pulls Josh into custody before there are any other incidents. Matt looks up from the custody desk.

PC Loxton:

Got a body for you, Sarge.

Steve shoves Josh against the desk roughly.

Josh Jackson:

Watch it, pig! This is police brutality!

PC Loxton:

I know. Enjoy it while it lasts.

Sgt. Boyden:

What's he done?

June clears her throat.

WPC Ackland:

CID requested that we pick him up. On suspicion of sexual assault.

Sgt. Boyden:

Is this... ?

PC Loxton:

Yeah, this is the piece of scum who assaulted Polly.

Jackson mumbles under his breath, barely audible.

Josh Jackson:

Polly?

Sgt. Boyden:

What was that?

Jackson shrugs his shoulders.

Josh Jackson:

Nothing.

Sgt. Boyden:

Search 'im!

WPC Ackland:

Empty your pockets.

PC Loxton:

Do as she says!

Jackson complies with the request, producing a few pounds in coins, a wallet, and small green fuzzy teddy bear. Matt picks it up.

Sgt. Boyden:

What's this?

Josh Jackson:

A present for my niece, if you must know. It's her fourth birthday today.

Sgt. Boyden:

Congratulations. Is it nicked?

Josh Jackson:

No, as it happens.

June scoffs.

WPC Ackland:

Can we get on with this, Matt?

Matt pulls out a custody sheet.

Sgt. Boyden:

Name?

Josh Jackson:

Jackson. Joshua David Jackson.

Sgt. Boyden:

Occupation?

Josh Jackson:

Unemployed.

Sgt. Boyden:

Date of Birth?

Josh Jackson:

June 3rd, 1961.

Sgt. Boyden:

Current place of residence?

Josh Jackson:

Twelve Ashburton House, Parkmead Estate.

Sgt. Boyden:

Right, do you want a solicitor present at your interview?

Josh Jackson:

Yeah.

Matt finishes writing.

Sgt. Boyden:

You're entitled to read a copy of the codes of practice if you want. Lock him up, you two. And don't be too gentle about it!

June takes Jackson by the arm, heading for the male cells.

WPC Ackland:

Move it!

PC Loxton:

Yeah, go on. Have a go, mate! It'd make my day.

Jackson tries to push June away.

Josh Jackson:

You're hurting me!

PC Loxton:

Good.

June opens the end cell, Steve shoving the man inside.

PC Loxton:

Enjoy yourself, mate.

*** INTERVIEW ROOM ONE - 8:20 PM ***

Viv and Frank are half-way through their interview with Jackson, not getting anywhere.

DI Burnside:

Look, we've got your fingerprints on the baton that was found at the scene of the assault! I know you're not the smartest of villains, but surely you can see why we're a little bit suspicious?

Jackson looks across nervously at his solicitor.

Josh Jackson:

I, erm, well, yeah, but, but I can explain about that!

DI Burnside:

I'd be very interested to hear your explanation. Go ahead!

Josh Jackson:

Well, I thought, I just wanted to leg it, ya know. Get outta there. But, but I couldn't.

Frank stares at Josh as his story crumbles.

DI Burnside:

And?

Josh Jackson:

Well, well.. I didn't mean to hurt her or nothing. I just wanted out!

DI Burnside:

You clobbered her over the head with a tree branch, but you didn't mean to hurt her?

Josh Jackson:

Well, yes. I mean, no, I mean, I just, well, she wouldn't let up! She grabbed me by the arm and all. I wasn't having that, I hadn't done nothing. I wasn't getting pulled in again!

DI Burnside:

It's one thing to resist arrest, but according to PC Stamp, you and your friend were doing your very best to kill WPC Page when he arrived on the scene!

Josh Jackson:

That ain't true! He was just...

Jackson trails off, realising he's blown it.

DI Burnside:

He was just what?

Josh Jackson:

Nothing. Forget it.

DI Burnside:

It's on the tape, Josh. He was just what?

Josh Jackson:

I ain't saying nothing!

DI Burnside:

You've already dropped yourself in it, Josh. Who was the other man?

Josh Jackson:

I don't have to say anything!

DI Burnside:

No, you don't. But he's not the one in here, is he? He's laughing as he watches you take the blame for everything.

Jackson calms down, and considers his options. He draws a deep breath.

Josh Jackson:

I really didn't wanna go ahead with it and all. Once I got her down, I just wanna to run for it. He's done it before, he knew what he was doing and all. I was gonna leave, but then, she was screaming and everything, and I thought they'll catch me running off and put it all on me.

DI Burnside:

He's done it before? So he's got previous then? Who is he, Josh?

Josh Jackson:

You kidding? You might as well lock me up for life if ya expect me to give ya a name. He's got mates, ya know!

DI Burnside:

Yeah. And you're not one of 'em! He's dropped you right in it, so why are you protecting him?

Josh Jackson:

You're bluffing! There's no way you could know who he is!

DI Burnside:

Look, Josh.

Frank leans in towards Josh.

DI Burnside:

Cons who bash coppers always seem to get a rough time from the screws for some reason. Things are much worse if they tried to rape a WPC. They'll have to put you on Rule forty with all the nonces or you'll be dead within a week.

Brief:

Mr Burnside!

Frank leans back.

DI Burnside:

It's your choice, Josh.

Josh Jackson:

You, you can't threaten me like that! Can he?

Brief:

He's not supposed to.

Jackson looks back smugly, crossing his arms.

DI Burnside:

Well?

Jackson remains silent.

DI Burnside:

We can give you another couple of hours to think about it in the cells if you like?

Josh Jackson:

You can't pin nothing down to me, so you can't keep me here!

DI Burnside:

We've got your prints on the baton. That's more than enough to keep you overnight. And in the morning, I'll be going down to the magistrates court and opposing bail. You'll be inside within twenty-four hours.

Jackson looks worriedly from Viv to Frank, still choosing to stay quiet.

DI Burnside:

Ahh, this is pointless. Viv, get exhibit FB01, will you?

Viv reaches into the box behind them, carefully placing the baton on the table.

DI Burnside:

We're showing the suspect exhibit FB01, a standard Metropolitan Police Issue baton. Ever seen it before, Josh?

Jackson is thrown into shock, immediately dropping his guard.

Josh Jackson:

Yes....

DI Burnside:

Where did you see the baton, Josh?

Jackson gulps.

Josh Jackson:

She had it.

DI Burnside:

WPC Page?

Josh Jackson:

Yes.

DI Burnside:

And why are your prints all over it? Were you trying to hit her with it?

Josh Jackson:

She had it. When I hit her with the stick, she dropped it. I wanted to get outta there, I really did.

DI Burnside:

So why did you pick up the baton?

Josh Jackson:

He wouldn't let it drop, would he! Had to go too far! She thought that it'd protect her! It was down to him, I'm telling ya!

DI Burnside:

What was down to him, Josh?

Josh Jackson:

Ever since he did that woman up north, he's been, well, looking for a challenge. I thought he was gonna do her right off, but he said that'd be too risky and all.

DI Burnside:

So what did he want you to do?

Jackson looks down at the table.

Josh Jackson:

She didn't deserve what he woulda done to her. No-one does. I thought, I thought if I took care of the job for him, it'd be better.

Viv looks nervously over at Burnside.

DI Burnside:

Took care of the job? What job? What did he want you to do to her?

Josh Jackson:

Nothing more than he woulda done himself, if I hadn't. He'd gone too far this time, even for him. Raping her woulda been bad enough, but raping her with her own baton, that's something else.

Frank is stunned.

DI Burnside:

He wanted to rape WPC Page with her baton?

Josh Jackson:

Yes.

Frank turns to Viv.

DI Burnside:

Get some tea, Martella. I think that Mr Rogers there needs some. He's looking a bit pale.

Viv stands shakily, heading for the door.

DI Burnside:

Interview suspended at twenty forty-two for refreshments.