Chapter 5: Wynonna Earp.
This morning, Nicole awoke in very good mood. Of course, she had slept in a room without air conditioning. But Nicole got the feeling to have found her place in this city. She didn't know if it was because of the promising investigation or because of the Shorty place. In any case, Nicole was dynamic when she jumped out of her bed.
She went to the police station to continue her work of sorting complaints that she had started yesterday. When Nicole came in, she noticed the sheriff's absence immediately. He wasn't really an punctual man. Nicole knew it. But an young man, barely adult, was staying close to the phone. Nicole remembered sherrif's words: it was Pierre, the young intern. He was only authorized to answer on the phone. But while reconsidering the bloody phone call they received yesterday, Nicole judged that it was a work too important for a trainee like him. While the officer Haught classified complaints between people of Purgatory. She couldn't help but she noticed that a name came back a lot: Earp. Night-time disturbances, unpaid fines, public intoxication. However, it was not the first name of Waverly but the name of Wynonna. Waverly, she seemed to be the little angel of Purgatory. This family name was not very common. Wynonna and Waverly were probably from the same family. Nicole put the file: Earp aside, in a drawer of her personal desk and promised to have a quick talk with Waverly about that. These many complaints constituted a worrying pyramid. Agent Dolls knocked on the door of the Haught's office .
-I am surprised to see you still here. Declared Dolls by indicating the clock: 8:30 p.m.
- Oh, I am a hard worker. Nicole lied who had not realize the time it was.
Nicole had hoped all the day that the phone will ring for a new investigation. She was disappointed. Pierre, the trainee, was already back to his home.
-Is the sheriff is here ? Asked Dolls by taking a look at the empty office.
-No. I didn't see him today. Nicole answered.
-He probably drank all night to forget the macabre images of Chelsea Nelson. The agent grimaced. Perfect timing we are alone. I wish to talk with you about the dead body of Mister Chelsea.
Nicole pushed casually files of complaints to concentrate on this conversation. Nicole focused all her attention on the agent with the firm face. The agent Dolls closed the door of the office to be certain that no curious ear will heard them.
-You were right. It's not a coyote who killed Mister Chelsea. The agent declared.
Nicole hid the fact that she smiled. She knew it ! There was something about this town of Purgatory. Otherwise, why Dolls, a member of the black division, would be here.
-I requested to forensic pathologist detailed examinations. However, the sheriff classified this investigation closed. Explained the agent.
-We have to ask him to open this file again. Nicole said.
-Out of the question. We can't produce a panic reaction in this small town. Dolls answered.
-What are you thinking? Asked Nicole.
-We continue to investigate but that must stay between us. The agent told.
-We ? Nicole questioned. Does that mean that I am a member of black division ?
-Don't be ridiculous. It's too early for that. But you are a member to this investigation. Retorted agent Dolls.
Nicole wasn't disappointed. She worked in this police station that since two days.
-You are intelligent, Haught. The agent added. You are a member of the police interesting and I would not forget that.
Officer Haught answered by a timid smile.
-Tomorrow, we will examine the body of Monsieur Chelsea. Meanwhile tomorrow, what do you think about a refreshment ? Dolls proposed by holding the door with a strong hand.
-Are you talking about a beer ? Asked Nicole by catching her cowboy's hat.
-I don't drink alcohol during the service. Answered Dolls.
-We are not in service. Noticed Nicole with a playfully smile.
-I am always in service, officer Haught. Retorted Dolls while tapping on his badge of the black division.
The Dolls's car with the perfume of the leather seats drove quietly through Purgatory's streets. The ride was quiet. Nicole observed the neighbourhoods and she tried to recognize streets and local shops. The black car stopped in front of a bar that Nicole already knew. The place was illuminated with lanterns. Music and laughs resonated inside.
-The "Shorty"? Questioned Nicole.
-You know this place ? Asked Dolls while leaving his car.
-Kind of. Nicole answered with a trembling voice.
-It's the only bar in this town. You will be led to patronize this bar. People find themselves here at nightfall. Dolls declared.
-Do you come often ? Asked Nicole.
-Did you really think that I rotted in my hotel room? The agent retorted with an explicit smile.
Nicole answered with a head movement. After all, they lived in the same hotel. Nicole wondered if her room was identical to his room. If that's the case, it's sad that an agent of his rank had to lived in a dilapidated place for several months. Nicole quickly hoped to leave this room. The agent and Nicole walked into the bar and some heads turned to them. The population of Purgatory didn't get used to the Officer Haught. But rapidly, people started again their discussions and their activities. Nicole had never seen as many people in the same place. This bar was profitable. There were young boys, probably students, playing billiards. There were old women sat at a table close to windows. They discussed about their favorite TV-Show while knitting. There were bearded men, arms covered by tattoos, installed at the counter with their beer. And finally, there was Waverly. Nicole couldn't help but smile when she saw her. The young girl was busy behind the counter with customers.
-Can I offer you something to drink? Asked Nicole the agent, she looked for an excuse to see the pretty girl.
- Not with your salary. Said ironically agent Dolls while holding his credit card. I would take a Coke.
Nicole observed his credit card. Black. Why the agent Dolls resided in a miserable room if he had money? But Nicole don't ask questions. The agent moved to a table close to the windows. He greeted the old ladies table who chuckled in answer. They weren't used to be greet by a strong man. Nicole walked to the counter and drew some glances on her. It's true that she was the kid on the block. While approaching Waverly, Nicole felt her pulse accelerated. Certainly because she didn't want to mess up with her. Waverly was the only girl who had been friendly with her. Waverly recognized the officer Haught and came to her with a magic smile. Nicole felt her hands become moist.
-You are here. Waverly declared delightedly.
-I keep your word. Nicole answered by pulling down her hat. Can I have a Coke and a fresh beer?
-No coffee tonight ? Asked Waverly while remembering the first Nicole's order.
Nicole couldn't hold a smile by noticing that Waverly didn't forget this detail. Nicole was about to answer but she was cut by a hand a little too confident on her shoulder.
-Well, well, well. What do we have here? Police sexy? Asked an young man.
Nicole turned round to him by frowning. Did he noticed that she was in the middle of a discussion with somebody? Did he noticed that she was representing law and that she could arrest him for this pathetic remark ?
The young man was twenties like her. He was fair-haired man, he wore a red checkered shirt and a smile mischievous.
-Justin. Let me introduce you officer Haught. Haught, let me introduce you Justin. Waverly declared by wiping several glasses.
-Hot? I should guess it. Justin declared while sitting down with Nicole.
Waverly flashed a glance in Nicole's direction who seemed to say: "I am sorry for him". Nicole observed the young man with a dirty look that should make him run for his life. Nicole thought carrefully before she said something she could regret.
-Otherwise, officer Hot ? Do you have handcuffs, sexy accessories? Asked Justin.
Ok. This time, it was enough ! Nicole stood up threatening to him. How did he dare to speak to her like that ? Was he stupid or a self-important person? If she was a man, he would never speak to her like he does. But before Nicole could pin him to the ground, a woman with long brown hair hit Justin's head.
-Shut up Justin. This woman ordered.
-I don't say anything. Justin assured.
-I'm sure you do. And I am certain that you bug the policewoman with your remarks. The woman continued with her elbows on the bar.
-I would come back. Justin declared with a wink to Nicole who rolled her eyes in response.
-Waverly, sweet heart. Can I have a beer? Asked the woman shameless.
Nicole felt her throat tighten. Did Waverly have already another suitor ? The woman appeared older than Waverly. She wore a leather jacket and boy's boots. She had long brown hair rebels like her. Waverly offers a beer to the woman that she had drunk in one go.
-Nicole, I introduce you Wynonna Earp, my… Began Waverly.
-Your sister. Nicole said reassured without really know why. I am the officer Nicole Haught.
-Hot. This is sexy. Noticed Wynonna with a sensual voice by holding her hand to the Nicole.
-I guess. Nicole answered by wondering if her name was going to bring another comment.
-As you are police officer, it's possible that you saw some complaints about me. Wynonna declared while getting to the heart of the matter.
-Wynonna! Waverly exclaimed offended.
-Some complaints? Asked Nicole who can't help but she laughs. Night-time disturbances, unpaid fines, public intoxication …
-I had forgotten about that. Said Wynonna with a awkward smile.
An young man passed behind the counter and sneaked to Waverly silently. Waverly didn't see him. Nicole instinctively took her service weapon and pointed it on the young man. He could maybe attacked the pretty barmaid or stole the cash register. But nobody seemed surprised to see him grabbing Waverly from behind and kissing the young girl in the neck. Shit ! It was surely him the boy-man of Waverly. Nicole puts back her weapon quickly.
-Officer. I am guilty to love this girl, handcuff me! The young man declared by miming a heart attack.
Nicole hesitated to hold up her weapon and scare him once and for all. So boys of this city would understand that she is a true police officer.
-Champ. Not now. Waverly begged and rejected his advances. I have to work.
-Of course my princess. I will play with the boys. Champ answered while leaving the counter. Sexy agent officer, you should meet my buddy Justin. He's a good lay and he always fantasized on police girls.
Champ left to join his friends around the billiard table who acclaimed him like a hero. Nicole clenched her fists against the counter.
-Asshole. Said in chorus Nicole and Wynonna.
The two girls turned round to each other by hearing that they had produced an unexpected echo.
-I think we going to be fast friends, Nicole Haught! Exclaimed Wynonna proud.
Nicole had a smile. She got back her order and moved to the Dolls's table. Wynonna stopped her before she arrives to him.
-Do you know the agent Dolls? Asked Wynonna stunned.
-We work together. Nicole simply answered.
-It's sad for you. Answered Wynonna before moving away.
Nicole observed her leave with a perplexed expression. The agent thanked Nicole for drinks. The two police officers discussed freely. Nicole enjoyed her beer deserved.