Chapter 2: Purgatory
It's been already four hours that Nicole drived. She feels her legs in a bad way. She had never thought that her new life was so distant from New York. And yet, it was not the traffic which slowed down Nicole ! God no ! Contrary to the New-Yorkean megalopolis, the car here were so rare. Nicole was even surprised when she discovered a service station at the curve in a muddy road. She fulled tank and bought some coffee. While she carrying the plastic cup to her lips, Nicole felt a rough taste in her mouth.
-Erk. I don't care about Purgatory's beauty as long as they serve a better coffee than this thing. Nicole declared by throwing the goblet.
Nicole took back the road. More she come closer to Purgatory, more the ground seemed arid and the vegetation is poor. Nicole hoped wholeheartedly that Purgatory looked at least like a livable city. Cars were less and less actual. The Nicole's GPS stopped abruptly. She didn't get any signal. Goodness ! Nicole had wished to move away from a city but not to return at Prehistory time. Nicole finishes the road without technological assistance but with the paper map offered by the sheriff. Fortunately for her, the journey was short. Nicole stopped a few kilometers later in front of a sign: Purgatory. There was also a poster dating from the 60's showing people rolling in a car. They looked very happy. Nicole hoped sincerely that it wasn't misleading publicity.
The night was already falling on Purgatory. Nicole wished to discuss as quickly as possible with her future police colleagues. She went to the police station. Usually, Nicole was a polished girl. For her first day, she always brought cake for the team. But she didn't even know if this city had a bakery. Nicole entered in the police station. This one was smaller than in New-York. She was petrified in front of the Reception Office. There was nobody. The place seemed deserted. However, the place was enlightened and open. Nicole decided to enter in the offices to discover her new workplace. But more she advanced, colder were corridors, the young girl was worried. She almost had a cardiac arrest when she heard a noise coming from an office located at the bottom of an abandoned corridor. Nicole entered without knock on.
-Thank God. There is somebody ! Nicole said with a broad smile.
A black man, about thirty years, stared at her.
-Can I help you? He asked.
-Probably. I am Nicole Haught, the new right-hand of the sheriff. Added Nicole, holding her hand to him.
The man didn't shake her hand. He kept a neutral face.
-Did we never learn you to knock before come in, Officer Haught ? The man asked.
-Excuse me. My bad New Yorkean's habits. Nicole answered politely.
-I am from Washington. Answered the man but he doesn't want to start a conversation.
-Please to meet you sheriff. Nicole with a hand declared on her face. At your service!
The man couldn't contain a giggle. Nicole observed him, disconcerted by his attitude.
-I am not the sheriff. I'm the agent Dolls, black divison. Declared the man.
-I didn't know that Washington sent agents of the black divison for a quiet small town like Purgatory. Said Nicole with a point of anguish in her voice.
-Did you sincerely think that Purgatory was a quiet small town ? Asked Dolls.
-I hoped. Can I ask you where is the sheriff ? Asked Nicole.
-Probably in his sofa with a whisky bottle. Answered the agent Dolls seriously.
-Oh. Nicole sighed. Can I help you one way or another since you are in our small town?
-What i'm doing here does is not your business, Officière Haught. Retorted Dolls with solemnity.
-Well okay, I am sorry. It's my first night in Purgatory and I didn't know that the sheriff's service finished so early. Answered Nicole.
-That must change you from New York. Declared the agent Dolls by arranging some files. When I came to Purgatory, I slept three days in my car. Here the address of a motel not very expensive where I resided.
-Where do you live nom ? Asked Nicole with a smile.
-Still in this seedy hotel. Answered Dolls with bitterness.
Nicole agreed. She briefly thanked him and left his office. This first meeting didn't announce something encouraging. She hoped that the sheriff is more flexible than the agent Dolls. It was strange that the agent Dolls, a man of his statute, is found in Purgatory. He must be into a serious business. Maybe serial killer or drugs. Finally, Nicole was not far away from New York than she had hoped. Nicole returned in her car and read again the address of the hotel.
The small card indicated: "Motel Good Night". Oh yes, she wished only that. A good night of sleep ! Nicole rolled a few meters and discovered a bar: " the Shorty". No luck. The only bar of this city and it was closed. Nothing was spared to Nicole for her first hours in Purgatory. Nicole came in the hotel, she wasn't able to taste a coffee worthy. When the pretty red head crosses the threshold of her room, she discovered a rejecting place. The room was just a corridor where someone had laid out: a tiny bed, old cloths, a table, a chair and a small refrigerator. By discovering her new place of life, Nicole had to retain the tears which tried to flee.
Nicole opened the fridge, it was empty. God, she would kill for a good beer. Nicole dropped herself on her bed which emitted a horrible squeaking under her weight. Nicole observed the ceiling soiled. "Nicole don't be worry. Like mama says: tomorrow will be better. It could only be better." Nicole took off her tee-shirt letting appear a green bra. She took off her jeans, her shoes and lengthened in her bed. She didn't take the time to catch the provided bedcovers. Nicole felt her heart slacken. Her eyes were closing for a well deserved rest.