Now Playing: The Silent Child
Episode Fourteen concluded with:
Dehner looked at the picture. “The Thompsons
came from Indiana. They might not have been too far away from Chicago. The
picture was probably taken at a photography studio there.”
“Where did you get this, Laszlo?” the sheriff
asked.
“At the stable, where I sleep.”
“The stable behind Harper’s Mercantile?”
“Yes. I found it in one of Mr. Harper’s saddle
bags. I noticed because the bag was open, not like usual.”
Sheriff Clint Bolger stared silently at the
photograph for a few moments, then spoke quietly to Dehner. “Maybe my instincts
aren’t so good after all.”
Episode Fifteen
***
Rupert
Bushrod opened the front door of Bushrod Brothers’ General Store. His brother
Clarence stepped out onto the boardwalk. “This is my favorite time of day,” Clarence
declared. “No loud mobs of people around to bother a man.”
“Whaddya
talkin’ about?! There ain’t no loud mobs of people inside our store at any time
of day!”
“Well,
yeah. But in the very early mornin’, I don’t hav’ ta watch folks goin’ into
Harper’s Mercantile. That can do somethin’ to a man’s pride.”
“Guess
you got a point there.” Rupert looked up the street. “The town thinker is comin’ this way.”
“You
shouldn’t talk about Laszlo that way.”
“It’s
all right! I don’t say nothin’ mean to the man’s face. I just make jokes about
him behind his back.”
“That
is the more gentlemanly way of doin’ things.” Clarence ran a hand through his
thinning hair. “Dehner is with him.”
“This
could be a good omen. Last time Dehner was in the store, he bought two pieces
of candy.”
“Yeah,
made up ‘bout twenty-five percent of our sales for that day.”
As
Dehner and Laszlo approached the Bushrod brothers, Laszlo pulled a few coins
from his pocket. “Mornin’ Rupert. Mornin’ Clarence.”
“Mornin’
Laszlo,” Rupert nodded at the four pennies in the swamper’s hand. “I see your
investments have paid off.”
From
what Dehner could tell Laszlo was aware that Rupert had just made a joke but
didn’t understand it. The swamper continued to smile as he handed the coins to
Rupert. “I got paid this morning. Here is the money I owe you.”
Rupert’s
smile broadened as he took the money. “Pay day is always a cause for
celebration. Come on inside Laszlo, and have a licorice stick on the house.
Care to join us, Rance?”
“Thanks,
but no thanks.”
“Mr.
Dehner wants to look at the stable behind Harper’s Mercantile,” Laszlo’s eyes
were already looking inside the store at the glass containers of candy on the
counter.
The
detective decided to tell the Bushrod brothers what they would soon find out
anyway. “Emory Logan was killed last night. He had broken into Harper’s
Mercantile and Enoch shot him, not knowing who he was. I’m helping Sheriff
Bolger investigate.”
Both
brothers looked shocked. For the first time since Dehner had met him, Rupert
spoke in a serious voice. “I recollect bein’ woke up last night by a shot. I
thought it was just some drunk.”
“Thanks
for helpin’ the sheriff, Rance,” Clarence’s voice was subdued.
Rupert
noticed the confused look on Laszlo’s face and placed a hand his shoulder.
“That licorice is still on the house. Come on in, Laszlo.”
Both
Bushrod brothers nodded at Dehner, who then turned and crossed the street. As he entered the stable, a predawn sky was
providing enough light that Rance could easily find the lantern on the rickety
stool.
The
saddle bag where Laszlo had found the picture remained open. Dehner could find
nothing else of interest in the saddle bags or anywhere else. Still, he didn’t
want to leave. The stable provided him with a place to think. And he had a lot
to think about.
Monday: Episode
Sixteen of The Silent Child
