The lawn in front of the little frame church was littered with people dressed in their best go to meeting clothes. The walkway from the church’s front entrance was kept clear with throngs of onlookers lined along its path on both sides. Cheers went up as the happy bride and groom emerged from the church; white dress shimmering in the sunlight in contrast to the groom’s immaculate black suit. Hand in hand they jaunted down the walkway, keeping heads down as the air above their heads filled with cascading rice. They waved and greeted their cheering guests as they proceeded toward the awaiting carriage in the street. The crowd quickly merged into the walkway behind the wedding couple, following them to the carriage.
A driver in a black suit sat on the bench of the luxurious leather cushioned carriage, holding the matched team of black horses at bay. Each horse wore a plume attached to his head.
Caleb Gant had just stepped off the street onto the lawn when the couple came out of the church. With the guests crowding in behind the bride and groom, Caleb could only see the moving figures of white and black. It wasn’t until the couple climbed into the carriage and stood waving happily to the crowd that Caleb got a good look at them, although briefly, as the groom settled himself in the leather seat. The bride was still standing, smiling and waving her bouquet of flowers at shoulder level. A bevy of young single women, hoping to catch the bride’s bouquet, swarmed around the side of the carriage, spread out in a semi-circle; each of them pushing and shoving to get close to the rig. They were laughing, giggling and screaming in anticipated delight as the bride tantalized them with the sweeping arcs of her bouquet as she tried to make up her mind just where in the crowd to fling it.
Something was wrong here, Caleb thought to himself. But had he really gotten a good look at the bride groom in that instant before the crowding women blocked his view?
“This is the Dave Bishop wedding isn’t it?” Caleb said over the shoulder of the tall young lady in a light yellow dress, directly in front of him. His head bobbed from side to side, trying to see around her head of tightly curled mousy brown hair.
“Of course,” she answered with total distraction as the flower bouquet sailed through the air in their direction. Her feet left the ground as she hopped backward, arms stretched high above her head, reaching behind her and snagging the prize in both hands. The crowd went wild with screams of excitement as she stumbled backward into Caleb.
His nimble feet danced in short steps as he backed away with the woman falling backward into him. With a sweeping motion his arms flew outward and the woman, screaming with delight as she snatched the hand full of flowers from the air, fell into his arms; the momentum pushing him sideways and backward in all the same motion. His left arm instinctively wrapped around her narrow waist and his right arm came up under her knees, padded with the fabric of her billowing yellow gown. Her arms instinctively wrapped around Caleb’s neck for support while still clutching the handful of flowers.
She was laughing, unaware of quite what was happening, and Caleb let a broad smile flood across his face and joined in the mirth of laughter as he spun himself around on his heels, wheeling her in a wide arc two and a half times before coming to a stop and gaining his balance and hefting her lithe frame.
Cat calls and laughter came from the jeering onlooking crowd. “Hey reverend,” a male voice cried out above the din. “Looks like you got the next one ready for you already. She’s got the bouquet and her man.” The laughter continued and another voice could be heard. “I don’t think Dirk is going to like this.”
Caleb had come to a complete halt now; holding the girl comfortably in his strong arms. He was facing back toward the church. The girl was still laughing with delight as he gazed, still with a broad grin, into her light skinned oval face with a jutting pointed chin, soft cheek bones and light brown eyes. Sunlight glinted brightly in them highlighting her playfulness and mirth of the moment.
Suddenly the glint disappeared as she finally became aware of what had happened. The laughter stopped and she gazed into the eyes of her holder. She was suddenly aware of the roar of the crowd, the jeering, and laughter. Her expression immediately faded to one of wonderment and embarrassment.
“Who.., who are you?” She asked, nervously, suddenly aware that she had her arms around the neck of a strange man. Immediately, she pulled them away and started to slip away. Caleb shifted his weight and steadied himself, firmly holding the girl from falling. He stepped back a step and carefully let her down to stand on her own two feet. He was still grinning. The girl’s face flushed and she busied her hands with straightening out her gown and gazing about with embarrassment with the still roaring crowd. She still held tightly to the bouquet with one hand.
“Beg your pardon, ma’am,” Caleb said softly and sweeping his hat off in an air of gallantry. “I just happened to be standing behind you when… well when.., you know what happened.”
“I guess it was kind of my fault,” the girl said, once again regaining her composure. The brightness in her eyes and the softening of her facial features was returning. She giggled slightly. “I should thank you for breaking my fall.” She was genuinely impressed with the tall man’s gentlemanly manner and the easy, softly spoken words. There was a firmness in the man’s voice though; full of confidence and strength. She had immediately felt something here and Caleb recognized it too.
“Ready for them reverend!” Another voice from the crowd sounded followed by another round of laughter.
“Don’t mind them, Mister,” the girl said. “They’re having fun. They know better.” She turned to look back at the church. Caleb’s gaze followed her’s.
For the second time within the space of a few short moments, Caleb was taken with surprise. His body stiffened and his eyes darkened, losing the twinkle of just a moment ago. His brow furrowed and he felt a sudden twinge of anger.
Just as he had been surprised at the sight of a man he was supposed to have known, he was looking at a man whom he shouldn’t have known.
In front of the church’s open doorway, stood a man in a solid black suit. He was approaching middle age and his curly close cropped hair was jet black. He was of slight build and less than average height but not enough to be considered short. He had a broad round baby face and sunlight glinted off the bright white collar that encircled his short, but full fleshed neck.
“That’s the Reverend Paul Black,” Caleb heard the girl say, but not really listening. His eyes bored a straight path toward the man. Obviously, the man had recognized Caleb too, for his returning gaze was just as stolid.
“You know him?” The girl asked, seeing the reaction of the two men.
“Wh….what?” Caleb mumbled absently.
“I said, do you know each other?”
The reverend had just turned his gaze away from Caleb to turn his attention back to the man and woman standing next to him watching and waving at the departing wedding couple. The man was a big man; aging well with broad shoulders, burly chest and stocky build. His hair was turning gray, streaked with the remnants of what used to be brown hair. The woman beside him was much younger and trim with a full head of flowing blond hair.
“Oh… oh, no,” Caleb said turning his eyes away from the clergyman and back toward the young lady.
Just then another roar lifted from the crowd and Caleb glanced back at the wedding party. The guests were cheering as the carriage rolled away carrying the happy couple. Rice filled the air behind them and the crowd chased after the rig until it had outdistanced them. They settled to a milling gathering in the middle of the street, waving good-by and settling down to pleasantries with each other.
“I.., I just thought…”
“No. No,” Caleb assured her. “It.., it was just for a moment, I thought I recognized ……” Then thinking better of it, he said, “….the….the big man, standing next to the preacher.”
“That’s Bart Allen. Angie’s father. You say you know him?”
“No. I..I just thought for a moment that I did.” He refrained from
letting his gaze drift back toward the church.
“Are you sure? Virginia seems to have noticed you.”
“Virginia?” Caleb sent a furtive glance behind him. The trio was just now disappearing into the darkness of the church interior. The minister cast one quick glance back over his shoulder at Caleb as he ushered his companions inside.
“Yes. She’s Mister Allen’s wife. Angie’s mother died five years ago. Mister Allen remarried just about a year ago.
“Oh, wait a minute,” the lady in yellow said. “Here I am carrying on, gossiping and everything and I don’t even know you.” She smiled shyly. “I’m Helen Brent,” she announced.
Caleb smiled broadly and half bowed, bending his neck. “Glad to meet you Miss Brent.” he drawled gallantly. “This certainly was an unusual introduction.”
They both laughed. Helen’s laughter ended first. There was an expectation in her eyes.
“Oh,” Caleb said, almost with a stammer. “I’m Caleb Gant. Glad to meet you.”
“I think you’ve said that before.”
“Yes. I suppose I have.” He was wondering if Helen had remembered him asking about Dave Bishop.
“You’re not here for the wedding, are you?” She was looking him over, noticing the range clothes and gun belt.
“No. No,” Caleb answered. “Just passing through. Saw the gathering and I guess I just wandered in. Careless of me. Barging in where I wasn’t invited. Guess I’d better be moving along.” He tipped his hat and started to turn away.
“Wait!” Helen’s hand shot forward and gripped Caleb’s arm tightly. “You really haven’t intruded and I have to go anyways. If you’re headed back to the middle of downtown, maybe we could walk together for a while.”
Caleb smiled. “That would be nice,” he said, placing his hand on hers’ and starting to walk.
“I suppose you think I’m pretty bold,” she said trying to sound meek, but it didn’t come across that way,
“I suppose I do.” He smiled broadly and led her away
It was just a short walk before the board sidewalk appeared and extended on down the street in front of the business establishments.
“So what brings to Gila Bend, Mister Gant?” Helen asked casually before they had advanced very far down the street.
“Please, call me Caleb,” he said, avoiding the question.
“Alright, Caleb.” She smiled. “What brings you to Gila Bend? Staying long?”
The girl was persistent all right. It was probably just small talk, Caleb thought, but he fended the question again with a sly grin. “What was that I heard the crowd jeering about some fella named Dirk?” He no sooner asked the question, when he immediately thought better and regretted it. Inviting the girl to recall past moments just might prompt her to remember his inquiry about Dave Bishop.
“Oh? That?” She smiled broadly. “Dirk Bennett. He’s a cowhand out at the Bar H. He fancies himself as my suiter. Bragged all over town and the townspeople are having a field day making it a joke.”
Dirk! Caleb thought to himself. That’s the name the Sheriff called that brash young boy. Was this the same one. He seemed a bit young and immature for Helen Brent. Better not continue this subject.
“Dirk’s a bit young and immature for me,” she said as if reading his mind. “I have gone riding with him a few times and he has called on me at the bank often. He’s really not such a bad boy, but he is just a boy after all.” She gave an up from under smile to Caleb, staring straight at his slate eyes.
Caleb suddenly felt uneasy. Tried to shift the conversation. “At the bank?” He said.
“Yes, I work at the bank. That’s where I’m heading now. The bank closed at noon, today being Saturday and all. Mister Muny, he owns the bank, gave me the afternoon off to attend the wedding. Angie Allen was.., I mean,.. is my best friend.”
“Then I suppose that it was fitting that you caught her bouquet,” Caleb quipped.
“I suppose,” she answered with a low voice. Her eyes drifted down at the board sidewalk beneath her feet as she walked. Caleb thought he detected a twinge of sadness in her response.
“Means you’re the next bride,” Caleb commented.
“I don’t believe that nonsense,” she said.
“Maybe not so nonsensical. It could happen.””
“I don’t think so. At least not any time soon.”
“What about Dirk?” Caleb chided.
“Exactly,” she said. “Like I said, not any time soon. But it was fun catching the bouquet though.” She smiled coyly up at Caleb and he knew exactly what she meant. He smiled broadly.
“If this is your bank,” Caleb said drawing her to a halt in front of a building with two double doors with long glass windows. The shades were drawn inside. “I guess we are there already, so I guess this is good-by, then. I must say it was mighty nice walking with you ma’am.”
“I’m not going to be long here,” she said. “Maybe you could wait awhile for me. Then she said. “There’s just a few things I need to discuss with Mister Muny. He’s working late this afternoon.”
“He didn’t go the wedding?”
“No. He has important things to take care of for Dave and Mister Allen.” Her tone suddenly changed. “Say weren’t you asking about Dave Bishop, back there at the wedding.”
Caleb’s, chest tightened and he stifled a breath. He thought for a moment.
“Do you know him?” She continued.
“No…. No, I don’t. I guess I just heard there was a wedding going on and the name was mentioned, is all.”
“I see,” she said. “Then being a stranger, you wouldn’t have known him, unless it was from somewhere else.”
Was she fishing?
When Caleb didn’t respond, she continued. “Dave’s only been here a year or so. He’s done very well for himself here. He’s never spoken much about his life before here.”
She was fishing. As curious as he was about this man who claimed to be Dave Bishop, Caleb didn’t see fit to continue this line of conversation. He did notice, however that she kept referring to the man called Bishop as ‘Dave’. He couldn’t help but notice a certain something in her voice each time she said it.
“What about you?” Helen suddenly changed the subject.
“Me?”
“Yes. Where do you come from? What do you do?”
“You certainly ask a lot of questions.” Caleb grinned, avoiding any answers. “Didn’t anyone ever tell you it’s not healthy for a man to ask questions in this part of the country. It’s sort of an unwritten law. A man avoids a lot of trouble that way.”
“But, I’m not a man,” Helen jeered.
“So I’ve noticed.”
“Then you’ll wait for me?”
Just then there was the clip clop sound of horse’s hooves from down the dusty street behind them. A group of riders were steadily approaching and passing by. The sheriff and his posse had returned. They were a glum tired looking bunch as they guided worn out horses slowly toward the Sheriff’s Office a little farther down the street and on the other side.
Gib Randall slumped in his saddle and eyed Caleb closely as he passed him by.
“Find my horse, Sheriff?” Caleb jibed with a broad grin, as the weary lawman passed by. Randall glared back at him. Didn’t answer, turned his head away, and rode on.
“What was that all about?” Helen asked.
“That’s another story,” Caleb said.
“Well tell me when I get back.” Something about the way she said it, told Caleb that she was going to demand an explanation. She turned and rapped on the door’s window. “Mister Muny!” She called. It’s me, Helen!”
She waited a moment and when the banker failed to answer, she rapped again. She waited another moment and rapped again. Again no answer. She glanced back toward Caleb. There was a slight look of concern on her face.
“I’ll come back in a few minutes,” Caleb said, tipping the brim of his hat with two fingers. “I need to se
e the sheriff first.”
Helen nodded. She was fishing in her purse as Caleb stepped down off the boardwalk into the street heading toward the Sheriff’s Office. She tossed him a quick smile and that concerned look returned as she found her key and inserted into the lock.
“Mister Muny!” Caleb heard her scream behind him. He turned quickly and saw the bank door standing wide open. Helen had already disappeared inside. “Wh...what’s happened?” He heard her shout.
He ran forward and rushed inside.
On the floor against the teller’s cage a short squat, balding man, in his sixties lay sprawled on the floor. His hands and feet were tied and there was a cloth gag in his mouth. The room was in disarray and the door to the big steel safe behind the teller’s window was standing wide open. The drawers inside had been pulled out and emptied. The back door to the bank stood wide open. Sunlight and the heat of the day streamed in through it.
Helen was just pulling the gag away as Caleb entered.
“The.. The Whispering Bandit….” Caleb heard the banker say with a raspy voice as Helen worked on untying the ropes. “Couple hours ago…”
Seeing Helen attending to the banker, Caleb drew his gun and moved past them to the open back door and stepped out into the sunlight looking right and left, searching for signs of the bandit.
The air was hot and still. There was no movement of any kind in the area. Obviously the bandit was long gone. Only the hoof prints of a waiting horse and signs of its retreat remained.
Caleb sheathed his weapon and nodded to himself. He knew those hoof prints well.
****
Chapter Five
The Whispering Bandit Page 4