Author's note: At this point the rating changes from T to M as in the next chapter things happen. In this there are mentions, so if you're under 14 bugger off. The rest of you, enjoy!
Mika walked from behind the reception desk to the lobby and sat in one of the crimson chairs. She clutched her belongings to her chest and tried to put her arms around her, she was still only wearing a towel under the mayor's coat.
"The mayor's coat", she thought, "That'll have to be returned."
She sat for a while there, not paying attention to the frenzy people walking around the room, speaking quickly and loudly. There was definitely and awful lot of noise, and traffic, for the amount of people that they were.
She was thinking about what had gone on and how she was losing her mind when she felt someone sit in the chair next to hers. She turned to see it was Trishtan who looked about as concerned as she was.
None of them spoke, Mika staring at the dust on the chess-like floor and Trishtan most likely thinking of something, probably something very serious. The people rushing around in the lobby had got less, most of them waiting quietly for their turn to give the statement that might help the investigation.
-Crazy day, huh? said Trishtan with a smirk.
-Yeah...
He turned to his side to face her.
-Are you ok now? he asked.
She took in a deep breath to calm her brain down.
-Honestly? No. I feel very unsafe here. I really wish I could go home.
She felt him touch her hand. She instantly turned to see him look her in the eyes with one of his "you can always depend on me" looks.
-I wish I could help you. If there is anything I can help you with let me know, ok?
-Ok.
He smiled and subconsciously she did too.
She turned to look at the half-open main door of the hotel. The sun had completely risen and was filling the lobby with light. The saloon was visible from where she was sitting and seeing it she decided to go there.
-Excuse me, she told Trishtan.
Pulling the coat tighter around her she went out and crossed the road. Surprisingly enough, it wasn't chilly which instead of being satisfactory to her, she was worried it would get really hot, desert hot. Having arrived at night, she didn't realize anything.
She pushed past the old style western door of the saloon. Inside it was dark, the light coming in from the door and the practically shut windows was the sole source of light for the whole place.
At the bar, Kaylen was tidying up and wiping the surfaces to be ready for the next night. She paused from her task when she noticed Mika near the door.
-Oh hey! Nice to see you! You left really suddenly last night, I was kinda worried.
Mika forced a bitter smile.
-Is it too early for a drink? she asked as she sat on one of the bar stools.
Kaylen gave her a goofy smile as she fetched a bottle of vodka.
-All that was left from last night, she said.
Mika looked around the room as the girl poured the drink into a small glass. The place looked really unfamiliar without all the herds of people dancing in it and the light from the disco ball. She noticed the wooden walls for the first time and the matching floors. It was as if it was haunted and the only thing that came out at night were ghosts. Speaking of that, were did all the people go?
-Eh, this place was full last night and yet this town is like a ghost town. Where do they go? I never saw anyone new at the hotel, she said, except Giuseppi.
The waitress shrugged.
-Oh, you say you saw Giuseppi? How is he? she asked in a cheerful voice as she passed Mika the drink.
-Dead, she replied before having a sip.
Kaylen froze as her jaw dropped and an expression of horror mixed with shock took over her face.
-Which reminds me of, Mika continued, the sheriff is questioning everyone that saw him about it so if you could drop by the hotel at some point it'd be great.
The girl didn't move or speak, it was as if she was frozen until she gradually resumed to scrubbing the counter, still shocked.
-Um, w-what happened?
-We don't know. I found him in my shower…
Kaylen looked up again, wide-eyed. Mika was holding the small glass with her finger tips, moving it and watching the liquid dance. Her eyes were fixated on it, trying desperately to hold that tear that threatened to slip and not managing very well.
-I went to have a shower and it was there, his body, I couldn't believe it, she said, her tears now flowing freely, she didn't care.
-I'm so sorry, said Kaylen. She hid behind the counter and reappeared, holding a box of tissues.
-Thanks, said Mika as she took one. She gulped down the rest of her drink and paid the girl who refused.
-This one's on me, she said.
-Don't be silly, please, keep the change.
The girl looked skeptical for a minute.
-Here, said Mika handing her the note, I'd appreciate it if you came with me back to the hotel. The sheriff's there like I told you before.
Kaylen took her apron off and stepped from behind the counter.
-Ok, so what kind of information does he want?
-Anything that might be helpful.
-That he got drunk and caused trouble every night does that count?
-It'll work.
The two girls walked out of the saloon and into the hotel opposite the street. The door from the room behind the reception was open and a man had just walked out.
-Oh I didn't know there was a room there! exclaimed Kaylen surprised.
-Neither did I until today. Seems like it's empty, want to go in?
The younger girl dashed to the door and waved at Mika before going in. She nodded in response.
She was alone in the lobby with the exception of a few people sitting in the chairs. They were discussing quietly with each other. She stood around before she decided what she wanted to do. Then she picked up her things which she had left on the armchair and headed for the bathroom to change.
Before going in one of the cubicles, she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror above the sink. She looked different from what she did last night. Her hair was all messed up and scruffy, her eyes tired with slight circles around them and she had this constant expression of sadness and worry. Less than 24 hours in Strangetown and she couldn't even think straight enough to think of all that had happened. She shrugged of her reflection and entered the cubicle.
She had changed into an old pair of jeans and a comfy T-shirt. She was holding the mayor's coat who was sitting next to the car mechanic. She hesitantly walked towards them.
-Um, Mr. Jackson, here's your coat, she said as she handed it to him.
-How's the car going sir, she asked the old mechanic.
-Not good, kid, not good.
She lowered her head, saddened by the news. After a few seconds she looked towards the mayor.
-Mr. Jackson, do you mind escorting me to the Town Hall? There's a phone call I need to make and I haven't seen a phone around here.
The mayor got up from his chair immediately.
-Of course, follow me.
They were at the Town Hall in no time. The mayor showed her the phone on the wall that was near the door. He went to his desk to get some work done and Mika dialed a number. It was ringing.
-Hello? a voice was heard from the other end of the line.
-Keane? Hi, it's Mika!
-Oh Mika! Hey, I miss you. How's Pleasantview?
-Don't know, I'm not there.
-What do you mean?
-My car broke down in Strangetown.
There was silence.
-Oh.
-Yeah, so if you know anyone that has a car let them know, I need help.
-Deal.
More silence.
-Um, there's something else we need to talk about.
-What is it?
-We need to break up.
Keane didn't answer, she could only hear his breathing.
-Why?
-You really have to ask that? Isn't it obvious?
-Cause we don't have as much sex…
-Shhh, shhhh!
She looked around wary, hoping the mayor hadn't heard anything. He looked focused on his work so she was probably safe.
-Shush! No, that's not the reason, she whispered. We're not the same as before, there's no passion. And yes, we do have less sex.
Keane remained silent making Mika worried.
-Are you ok? We'll talk about everything when I get home.
She heard some heavy breathing and then the line was cut.
"Damn! He hung up on me!"
She slowly placed the hearing piece back on its base, feeling rather sad from the break up. It was something she had to do, no two ways about it.
-Is everything ok? she heard the mayor.
-Yes, all fine. I think I'll head back now, she said. See you around and thanks for the phone call!
-No problem, he answered.
She was back at the hotel she so despised. Everyone had finished giving their statements and Charles, the receptionist was back at his place behind the desk. Only this time he wasn't sleeping.
-This is the most action we've had in years! It's as if you're carrying it around with you.
-Yeah, talk about luck.
She leaned on the desk staring blankly in front of her, she didn't even notice the place was empty.
-Could you do me a favour? I need another room, a safer one preferably.
The receptionist nodded wholeheartedly.
-Why of course! Here, the keys to the penthouse. That can be the new manager's suite, he said as he handed her a new key.
-Thanks, she said as she took it.
-It's on the top floor! he yelled as she walked towards the stairs.
All she did was smirk.