excerpt
“Driving through isn’t the same, Tyne.”
“I understand that, and thanks for your concern. But don’t forget I’m a nurse; I’ve seen a little of the rough side of life.” She offered a weak smile. “Anyway, you’ll be with me.”
Out of a feeling of urgency they cut their coffee break short. Arthur suggested she eat something, but she knew she could not choke down one morsel. So they left the café and headed to the derelict part of town. As they turned onto the street where she and Morley had seen Corky shortly before Christmas, Tyne could not help shuddering. In spite of her earlier bravado, she felt a certain revulsion at the sad state of humanity on this side of town. She recognized that most of her misgiving stemmed from the fact that Morley – her beloved Morley – might well be here somewhere, lost and alone, suffering or ….
She could not finish the thought. Instead she concentrated on peering closely at each side of the street as Arthur cruised the narrow strip. Would she recognize the old hotel that Corky had pointed out? She remembered he had emerged from a seedy joint directly across the street – a café perhaps, or a bar. Then she saw it, and across from it, the hotel he had walked towards. “That’s it,” she said, “on the left. I’m sure that’s the one.”
Without hesitation Arthur pulled the car over to the curb, shut off the motor, and peered across the street. Tyne, her heart in her throat, followed his gaze. A scarred door at the entrance stood slightly ajar as if someone had left in a hurry. Two windows on either side of the doorway, and those above on each of the two upper floors, were dark. Tattered blinds half concealed the openings. Everywhere, paint was chipped and peeling off the outside walls.
Arthur sighed as he opened the car door then hurried around to stand beside her as she stepped onto the sidewalk. Holding her arm, he guided her across the street. Her heart sounded like a trip hammer to her own ears. Inside the dark interior that reeked of stale cigarette smoke and odours long past identification, Tyne squinted to adjust her eyes to the gloom.
“This way.” Still holding her arm, Arthur motioned towards a desk lit by a small table lamp. Behind it, something moved.
Libros Libertad 