(no subject)

[guppy_sandhu]

Guppy and Will step out into the cold night air.

"It's this way." Guppy says. He's shivering, and it's not just the cold.

Comments

[guppy_sandhu]

"He's a doctor?" The little old lady looks over, then leans towards Will.

"Funny thing going around here laddie, lot of violence against health workers, I'd keep his profession quiet."

Then, louder.

"I would love a mug of tea, three sugars, don't leave the bag in."

Guppy gives the woman a nervous smile, then an amused smile at Will.

[will_scarlett]

"'is name's Guppy an 'e's a good 'eart which is what counts."

He says with a smile as he makes her tea,

"Good o'ye to come 'ere, ma'am, know things 'avena been easy."

[guppy_sandhu]

More people are filing in now, some just shuffling over to the chairs and looking at the floor. Apart from a tall, fidgetty youth, none of them look particularly dangerous.

Guppy waits until everyone is seated and refreshed, then clears his throat and begins, rather nervously.

"Hi everyone, welcome to Life Support. How about we start by going around the circle, with names. My name is Guppy."

[will_scarlett]

Will's at Guppy's left side and looks to Guppy to see if he should speak next.

[guppy_sandhu]

Guppy nods to him, and once Will's given his name the other eight or so people in the circle follow suit.

Guppy then explains what the group is about, just in case anyone didn't read the posters, and invites anyone to begin.

There is a momentary awkward silence, then a woman in her thirties, who gave the name of Jackie, glances up and shyly begins.

"Every night at half ten a tramp lies down on my doorstep and won't go away until half eight the next morning. I've tried calling the police but he just keeps coming back. My children are scared and guests won't come any more."

[will_scarlett]

"'ave ye spoken to 'im, ma'am?"

[guppy_sandhu]

"Yeah, all 'e says is 'bugger off' or worse he tries to come in."

Guppy nods, and passes biscuits around.

"Have you tried talking to community support officers? It's a bit less formal than the police and they might be able to wander your way and have words with him on a more regular basis."

"'e's dead manipulative." Jackie says with a sigh. "If you go out and ask him to move he makes you feel so mean because he's got nowhere to go."

[will_scarlett]

Will's quiet as he thinks,

"That's na yer fault though an 'e's na right to play on yer kindness so though 'e's probably frightened too."

[guppy_sandhu]

"Well I've got to do something." Jackie says, looking at Will. "Otherwise me husband says he'll go out and kick his teeth in."

"Is he prepared to go to prison over this?" Guppy asks.

"No, I don' think so."

[will_scarlett]

"Ye need someone else to talk to 'im for ye, seems the safest way for all o'ye."

[guppy_sandhu]

"Like the community support officers. They're there to act as go-betweens to diffuse problems like this before violence erupts."

Jackie nods, apparently a little comforted.

"I know the number. Thanks."

With her burdens lifted a little, she sits back. A few moments later, the little old lady pipes up.

"I keep losing things."

[will_scarlett]

"Where do ye lose 'em?"

[guppy_sandhu]

"In my house. First I lost my purse, then I lost my necklace, then I lost my slippers but I found those, and then I lost my collection of The Archers - best moments."

"Who do you live with Gladys?" Guppy asks.

"Freddy, Joey and Tommy."

"Are they your sons?"

"No love, cats."

[will_scarlett]

"Glad ye've found some o''em. Does anyone come an clean for ye?"

[guppy_sandhu]

"No love, I live in a... what's it called... sheltered accommodation. But I do my own cleaning."

"Does anyone come and see you regularly?"

"Yes, my grandson Peter pops in a few times a week."

[will_scarlett]

"Does 'e take good care o'ye?"

[guppy_sandhu]

Gladys hesitates.

"He's a good boy really." she says. "It's the area he lives in."

"Has he been in trouble?" Brian asks from his position near the cakes.

"Who hasn't around here?" Gladys says with a sigh.

[will_scarlett]

"Does 'e 'ave a way to make a bit o'coin?"

[guppy_sandhu]

"Does he have a job?" Guppy translates, as the woman looks at Will in confusion.

"Oh, he has a paper round." Gladys says. "And each week I give him a pound for some sweeties."

[will_scarlett]

Will's not sure of the best answer to that and refills his cup of tea and Gladys',

"Does anyone else 'ave any thoughts?"

[guppy_sandhu]

"Gladys, your kid is stealing from you to fund his drug habit." says the tall fidgetty youth, who gave the name of Joe.

"Do you know that for certain?" Guppy asks, seeing the old woman's look of horror.

"Yeah." Joe replies. "He's dating my sister."

[will_scarlett]

If she will allow him, Will offers her an arm and a hug,

"Ye need to 'elp 'im, naught good will come to 'im for bein' a thief only fear an pain."

He knows the damage it can do and there's an much older look in his eyes.

[guppy_sandhu]

She is crying, and accepts the hug.

"I never knew."

"There's no good time to find out." Guppy says gently. "Can you have a word with his parents?"

She nods. Guppy looks up at Joe.

"Do you know anything else that could help?"

Joe just shrugs.

[will_scarlett]

He hugs her tightly and gently rubs her back,

"Shh, 'e was 'idin', na yer fault. Now ye need to 'elp 'im, speak truth to 'im an give 'im yer love."

[guppy_sandhu]

"He's only fifteen." Gladys says with a sob.

"Will's right, it's not your fault." Guppy says. "Maybe you could get him into rehab, if not then you could always start by bringing him here next time."