*** ST HUGH'S FOLLOWING MORNING - 10:05 AM ***

Polly, looking slightly uneasy, is sitting in a comfy chair facing the mysterious Ms Evans.

Marina Evans:

Polly, you're sure you're okay to go through with this? I'm not going to be doing anything too confronting, just some basic relaxation techniques to see if we can help you to remember what happened the other night.

WPC Page:

Yeah, sure. I'll be fine.

Marina Evans:

Okay, you comfortable there?

WPC Page:

Yeah, but I don't think I'll remember anything new.

Marina Evans:

You never know. Okay, just let me get the tape started. Right. I want you to take five deep breaths, slowly...

Polly breathes deeply.

*** CUSTODY SUITE - SUN HILL POLICE STATION - 10:10 AM ***

Michaels is banging loudly on the cell door.

Adam Michaels:

You pigs, you gotta let me out of here! You can't do this, I ain't done nothing!

Matt goes over to the cell door and opens the hatch.

Sgt. Boyden:

Shut it!

Adam Michaels:

Why should I, eh! You can't keep me here like this!

Sgt. Boyden:

'Cause I've got another four hours stuck in this place and I don't want to end up throttling you. It'd look bad on the custody record.

Adam Michaels:

You'd like that, wouldn't you! Whenever we step out of line, just sort us out a bit!

Matt drops his voice.

Sgt. Boyden:

If I told you what happened to the last prisoner that annoyed me on early turn, you'd need a new pair of y-fronts.

Adam Michaels:

That supposed to shut me up? I know as well as you do that you can't so much as touch me, so I can make all the noise I want. Now get me outta here!

Sgt. Boyden:

Prisoners who make a nuisance of themselves can be forcibly restrained and sedated. And prisoners who bash WPCs always seem to come off second-best in those encounters. So shut it!

Adam Michaels:

What, kinda fond of her, were you?

Sgt. Boyden:

Yeah. But I don't need to bash women over the head to pick them up.

Adam Michaels:

Well, whatever you do sure ain't working, is it?

Sgt. Boyden:

Oh, I dunno. I think I have a better success rate than you! Which entitles me to a bit of peace and quiet.

Matt slams the hatch shut.

*** POLLY�S ROOM - ST HUGH'S - 10:20 AM ***

Marina Evans:

After you arrived at the fence. What then?

WPC Page:

I ordered him to stop. He was struggling, so I tried to radio for backup, but it musta been too dense an area. Next thing I know, he'd picked something up. I think it was a stick. I reached for my baton, but next thing I knew I was on the ground.

Marina Evans:

Go on.

WPC Page:

I remember hearing voices, like a conversation. And then I realised that the other suspect was there. They were arguing, the IC1 giving the orders. I was trying to get to my feet, but the IC1 held me down. I coudoln't understand it, why didn't they just run for it. He was just yelling, I didn't know what was going on.

Polly starts sobbing quietly.

Marina Evans:

If you want to stop, we can. I really think that you should try to remember as much as possible though.

WPC Page:

I was struggling for breath, I thought he'd punctured my lung or something. I just was lying there with this heavy weight on top of me, I didn't know what to do, I couldn't move. It was then that I felt their hands, on me. Their fingers... groping...

Polly buries her face in her hands.

Marina Evans:

Do you want to stop?

Polly shakes her head, composing herself.

WPC Page:

I felt them tearing at my clothes. They undid my jacket, and ripped open my shirt and the tall guy started digging his elbow into my stomach. All I could hear was the panting of their breath. Their hot, stinking breath. I tried to kic, punch, but I couldn't do anything! He had my arms pinned above me, while the other one kept pushing his elbow down into my stomach�I couldn't breathe... I felt his other hand in my knickers... He was prodding and pushing... I heard them talking... One of them had picked up the baton... I think it was the short one... The taller one was... He was egging him on... Telling him to... push... the baton into my...

Polly breaks down completely. Marina sighs softly, realising that's as far as she's going to get.

Marina Evans:

Polly, okay, it's all right. Keep your eyes closed, and breathe slowly, I'll bring you out of it.

Polly breathes gently, following Marina's instructions as she is brought back into the room.

Marina Evans:

Okay, you can open your eyes now. How are you feeling?

WPC Page:

Drained, I guess.

Marina Evans:

You did really well.

They are interrupted by a gentle tapping on the door.

WDC Martella:

Not interrupting anything, am I?

Marina Evans:

No, we're just finished.

WDC Martella:

You okay, Polly?

Polly nods slowly. Marina whispers in an undertone to Viv:

Marina Evans:

Can I speak with you outside? Polly, we'll just be a minute.

Viv and Marina leave the room.

WDC Martella:

Well?

Marina Evans:

Well, that was more successful than I expected. This might give you a better understanding.

Marina passes the tape player to Viv, who rewinds it for a bit and presses play. "I felt them tearing at my clothes. They undid my jacket, and ripped open my shirt and the tall guy started digging his elbow into my stomach. All I could hear was the panting of their breath. Their hot, stinking breath. I tried to kic, punch, but I couldn't do anything! He had my arms pinned above me, while the other one kept pushing his elbow down into my stomach�I couldn't breathe... I felt his other hand in my knickers... He was prodding and pushing... I heard them talking... One of them had picked up the baton... I think it was the short one... The taller one was... He was egging him on... Telling him to... push... the baton into my... " Viv stops the tape.

WDC Martella:

That's...

Marina raises an eyebrow.

Marina Evans:

You've got them?

WDC Martella:

Yeah. Thank God.

Marina Evans:

Right, well, I should be off. Glad I could help though.

WDC Martella:

Thanks for that. She'll be okay now, won't she?

Marina Evans:

Well, she's broken through the denial, so she'll be able to start to deal with it all. It'll take a while, but there weren't any out of the ordinary reactions, so it's looking positive.

WDC Martella:

That's good to hear. We need her for an ID parade this afternoon.

Marina Evans:

You don't think that's a bit quick?

WDC Martella:

We need to strike while the iron's hot or these bastards will get away with it.

Marina Evans:

Well, it's up to you of course, but I wouldn't push it.

WDC Martella:

We're out on a limb as it is with these guys. One more day and we'll have to bail them to return. And that would make Polly a target.

Marina Evans:

I very much doubt she'd be in danger. Anyway, it's not up to me. I'll leave you to it.

WDC Martella:

Yeah, sure.

Viv walks into the room again.

WDC Martella:

Feeling better?

WPC Page:

Yeah, I think so.

WDC Martella:

Do you think you're strong enough to face an ID parade?

Polly cringes.

WPC Page:

I, I don't know. When?

WDC Martella:

Well, this afternoon.

Polly glances down at her hands.

WPC Page:

You've got them in custody?

WDC Martella:

Yeah, but we're going to have to let them go unless we can get some more evidence to hold them. Which is why we need you to do the ID.

Polly hesitates.

WPC Page:

I want to, I mean, I just, what if I blow it?

WDC Martella:

We really need you to do this, Polly. Just keep calm and you'll be fine.

WPC Page:

Yeah. I hope so.

WDC Martella:

So you're up for it? If you're still worried, then I'll tell Burnside where he can shove his ID parade.

WPC Page:

It's all right, Viv. Gotta do this sooner or later, I guess.

WDC Martella:

That's the spirit! I'll be back to collect you at two. Take care, yeah?

WPC Page:

Sure, and thanks for all this.

WDC Martella:

Just concentrate on getting over it, yeah? See you at two.

WPC Page:

Yup.

*** CUSTODY SUITE - SUN HILL POLICE STATION - 2:15 PM ***

Viv and DI Burnside are waiting in the custody office as Monroe leads Jackson over to the bench.

DI Burnside:

Let's hope she doesn't stuff up here.

WDC Martella:

She won't.

DI Burnside:

She was pretty flaky before with all that amnesia stuff.

Andrew walks into the room.

Insp. Monroe:

We're almost ready to begin.

Viv nods.

DI Burnside:

Good. What's the delay?

Insp. Monroe:

He's choosing a place to sit. It's the procedure, Frank.

DI Burnside:

Yeah, yeah. Get on with it.

Andrew leaves the room. Frank whispers under his breath:

DI Burnside:

Prat.

Andrew indicates that Josh should choose a place to sit.

Josh Jackson:

Won't make any difference. She won't pick me out. This is a waste of time!

Insp. Monroe:

Just choose a place to sit, Mr Jackson.

Jackson sits up the far end, near the door. Andrew nods with approval.

DI Burnside:

Just look at 'im! So long as everything's by the book he's happy.

WDC Martella:

Under the circumstances, we don't want any unexpected surprises. Do we?

DI Burnside:

But he doesn't have to look so bloody pleased about it.

WDC Martella:

He just wants a result on this. Same as we do.

DI Burnside:

Could have fooled me.

Andrew escorts Polly into the custody suite.

Insp. Monroe:

Now, you understand what you have to do, Polly?

WPC Page:

Yes, sir.

WDC Martella:

Okay. This shouldn't take long.

Insp. Monroe:

Just point him out or say his number if you recognise the man that attacked you.

DI Burnside:

It wouldn't if that pillock would stop babbling.

Andrew leaves Polly and stands back. Polly scans the eight faces, not hesitating in her choice. She takes a deep breath, stating confidently.

WPC Page:

Number one.

Insp. Monroe:

Okay, thank you, Polly.

Andrew leads Polly out of the room.

DI Burnside:

Well, she came good after all! Miracles do occur.

Viv glances at Frank.

WDC Martella:

Told ya.

DI Burnside:

Well, he was going down anyway. Now comes the real test.

WDC Martella:

She'll be fine.

Andrew leads in the next eight "dummies". Monroe looks satisfied as they all stand in the right spots. Frank lets out a sigh of utter contempt. Michaels enters the room.

DI Burnside:

Here we go again. Monroe's loving this!

Michaels chooses a spot. Number Seven.

WDC Martella:

Let's just hope she got a decent look at this one.

DI Burnside:

Hope? That's all we can do, Martella. This whole case is built on hope.

WDC Martella:

Give it a rest for a change, yeah?

Andrew leaves the room and escorts Polly in. Viv sighs in frustration and turns back to the parade. Monroe is going through the procedure again with Poll.

DI Burnside:

Oh, for God's sake!

Insp. Monroe:

Okay, same procedure as before, Polly.

DI Burnside:

At last. This is the moment of truth, Martella.

Polly heads across the room towards the custody officer window, scanning the faces slowly. Michaels looks straight ahead.

Polly scans the faces again, before biting her bottom lip, and stating:

WPC Page:

Number Seven.

Insp. Monroe:

Are you sure, Polly?

Michaels looks shocked. Polly nods firmly, looking Michaels in the eye.

Adam Michaels:

You bitch!

Michaels leaps across the room and fastens his hands around Polly's neck. Frank and Viv rush out of the office. Burnside grabs Adam's shoulders, as Andrew tears Adam's hands away from Polly's throat. Viv pulls Polly away, and back into the office.

DI Burnside:

That's the last nail in your coffin, sunshine!

Viv and Polly wait in the office for several moments while the prisoner is put away. They have words with Andrew and Burnside, before making their way out of custody, and along the corridor towards the front office.

WDC Martella:

Are you okay, Poll? Do you need to see the FME?

Polly takes a few breaths, calming down.

WPC Page:

I shoulda seen it coming I guess.

WDC Martella:

You did great. Even Burnside said so!

WPC Page:

Yeah, glad it get it over with though. At least until the trial.

WDC Martella:

Don't worry about that. He's going down. With the ID evidence, he won't stand a chance.

Polly nods slowly, remaining rather quiet. Tony comes charging down the corridor.

PC Stamp:

You okay, Poll?

WPC Page:

Yeah, just had the ID parade.

PC Stamp:

I heard the alarm. What happened?

WPC Page:

Nothing. The second one just wasn't too happy about being picked out.

Tony notices Polly's neck.

PC Stamp:

Your neck's all red! What did he do to you?

WPC Page:

It's all right, Tony! Leave it, yeah?

PC Stamp:

Look, can I have a word in private?

Tony gestures at Viv to disappear. Polly looks strangely at Tony.

PC Stamp:

I just want to say a couple of things. Alone.

WPC Page:

Give us a minute, Viv?

Tony watches Viv as she walks towards the CID office.

PC Stamp:

I'm really sorry for everything that you've been put through, Poll.

WPC Page:

Look, you really don't need to say this.

PC Stamp:

I just feel responsible for everything. I should have backed you up from the start.

WPC Page:

Tone, don't blame it on yourself. Really.

PC Stamp:

I just want you to know that I'm sorry for everything, yeah? I hope we can be friends again.

WPC Page:

Don't be silly, Tony, of course we're still mates. I never blamed you.

PC Stamp:

Yeah, well, I still blame myself. Now, can I take you out for a drink?

WPC Page:

Maybe in a few days, yeah? I'm not really up to it at the moment.

Tony looks sad.

PC Stamp:

You do blame me, don't you?

Polly sighs.

WPC Page:

No, I don't. I'm just tired.

PC Stamp:

Some other time, yeah?

WPC Page:

For sure.

Tony reaches the PC's locker room.

PC Stamp:

Night, Poll.

WPC Page:

Yeah.

Polly heads off down the corridor.

*** DI'S OFFICE - 3:10 PM ***

Frank is lounging around in his chair. Viv knocks lightly on the door, before making her way into the room.

DI Burnside:

Well, I must admit that she came good in the end. I wouldn't have expected guts like that from a probate!

WDC Martella:

Me neither to be honest. I should've suspected he'd go off like that though.

DI Burnside:

I knew he would. It was what I was waiting for!

WDC Martella:

Yeah, the icing on the cake really. Pity we couldn't have prevented it.

DI Burnside:

Prevented it? It's the one thing that makes this case fireproof! He attacked her in front of a dozen witnesses!

WDC Martella:

Yeah, I guess. At least it's over now.

Frank grunts his agreement and gets out a bottle of Scotch.

DI Burnside:

Fancy a drink?

WDC Martella:

Yeah.

Viv reaches for the second glass.

DI Burnside:

So, what's planned for tonight, Viv?

Viv leans casually against the desk, grinning mischievously.

WDC Martella:

Nothing as of yet, Frank.

Frank scouts the empty CID office in case someone is lurking.

DI Burnside:

Would you like to do something 'bout that?

WDC Martella:

You read my mind, Frank. I've a bit of paperwork to finish up here, but should be off about five.

DI Burnside:

I know a nice little Indian restaurant if you fancy a curry?

WDC Martella:

Sounds fine. And then? Your place or mine?

DI Burnside:

How about a nice quiet night curled on my sofa?

Viv raises an eyebrow.

WDC Martella:

Can't wait.

DI Burnside:

Great.

** MARCH 20TH - 1993 **

*** POLLY'S HOUSE - 1:30 AM ***

Tony is driving Polly home and parks outside the flat.

PC Stamp:

Are you okay being alone, Poll? I can stay the night if you like?

Polly smiles.

WPC Page:

I'll be fine. But thanks for the offer. Anyway, Mum and Dad will be back tomorrow night.

Polly opens the car door, and gets out of the car.

PC Stamp:

But it was only yesterday that that Michaels guy escaped. They still haven't caught him. He might find out where you live!

WPC Page:

Don't be silly. You really are paranoid about this, ain't ya!

PC Stamp:

Look, he got to you 'cause I left you alone before. I don't want that to happen again.

WPC Page:

Tone, don't work yourself up, yeah?

PC Stamp:

Have a good night, yeah?

Polly pokes her head back through the window.

WPC Page:

Night, Tone.

Polly kisses him softly.

PC Stamp:

Night, Poll.

Tony watches her go inside the house and drives off with a sigh. Michaels is hiding in the bushes, also watching Polly.

Adam Michaels:

There she goes. All alone. Again. She won't be so lucky this time. I've already killed a screw, so what have I got to lose? Revenge, yes. I need to get the bitch that put me in prison. The screw didn't put up much of a fight, I just snapped his neck. I hope this bitch is a bit more fun. Sitting outside Sun Hill all night waiting for her to leave was worth it. You'd think she'd make sure that no-one was following her. I'll have some fun with the bitch, kill her, then dump her body. And that other copper, that dark-haired bitch. She'll be next.

Michaels gets up and stealthily makes his way towards the front door, ringing the bell. He notices something and bends down.

Adam Michaels:

Ahh, good.

Michaels picks up a baseball bat that is lying by the front door.

Adam Michaels:

This'll fix her good and proper!

Michaels chuckles as the door swings open.

THE END