Russell goes to his friend Eddie and tells him about trouble at home. His relations from out of town have come to stay with Russell's family and they cause trouble - drinking and fighting. Russell's mother argues with them and she is beaten by her elder brother.

Upset and afraid, Russell tells Eddie that he wants to go to the police. Eddie doesn't think this is a good idea and says that Uncle Arthur can look after them.

[Scene pauses and thought bubbles appear]
(Eddie) You don't go to the police about family issues. Does Russell know how radical the police can be?
(Russell) I'm really worried that my mother's going to get badly hurt. How can I protect my mother?
[Scene continues]

Eddie reminded Russell about Constable Smithy who locks people up if they give him any cheek. Eddie was locked up by Smithy after a party and he knows what it's like.

After another wild night Russell's mother is threatened again and he tries to find Uncle Arthur but he is away. Russell is scared for his mother and decides he will go to the police station. As he is standing at the front desk, Smithy walks past,
stares at him and says: 'Weren't you one of the kids we were chasing after the break-in the other night? I'm sure I saw you - you're even wearing the same cap!'

Russell is ready to make a run for it, fearing that he's going to be locked up. And that is when Officer Bains walks in. He knows Russell from the local football competition. He can see that he is scared and asks him how things are going.

[Scene pauses and thought bubbles appear]
(Smithy) I bet this is one of those black kids I saw at the party the other night - they're always getting into trouble and you can't trust them an inch.
(Russell) Eddie was right - should never have come here. I bet Smithy locks me up.
(Officer Bains) Smithy's coming on a bit strong with this kid - I know him and he's a good kid.
[Scene continues]

Russell tells the story, and Officer Bains works out a plan to help Russell and his mother.