A/N: My usual thanks to mingsmommy, for your teachings and help with my writing, you are genuinley amazing :)
Chapter 9
Grissom, Sara and Captain Sidle approached the main stable where everyone had gathered.
Looking around, Grissom counted maybe fifteen workers; not a large number for a ranch this size. Of course, Conrad Ecklie led the pack. Grissom noted how the older man glared at him as they drew closer.
Walking to the front, Grissom and Sara by his side, the captain greeted his workers and they all sounded their respect together.
"Thank you everyone for being so prompt," he began. "I have gathered you all here to address some changes that will be happening with immediate effect…."
Everyone listened as their boss informed them of the modifications taking place. Grissom would become his second but be mainly responsible for running the estate. Sara was to learn the ways of the Grove and everyone was to aid Grissom in teaching her what was required and to do what Grissom asked of them. His nephews, too, would be helping around the ranch.
Grissom's eyes narrowed as he watched Ecklie; the bitterness forming on the man's face was more than obvious. He tried not to care. Ecklie had always been jealous of him, but this time Grissom was more than stepping on his toes, he would be his superior, that, he had never been before.
Once Captain Sidle had finished his speech, everyone dispersed to attend to their duties, even Ecklie departed without a word, surprising Grissom. He expected at least a small confrontation.
"Well," Grissom began, "that was easier than I thought it would be."
"Hmmm," the captain agreed. "Me as well, but as they have no choice in the matter, why argue?"
"So, where do we start?" Sara asked eagerly.
Grissom was about to respond when he was interrupted.
"Captain, sir?" A voice floated from behind.
Everyone turned.
"Ah, Robert. What can I do for you, young man?"
"We are in need of some new tools, sir," the young boy responded. "We need several scythes, a saw and some shears, sir."
The captain nodded and looked to Grissom. "Gil, you can get some when you go to town? Take Robert and another lad with you."
"Yes, sir." Grissom replied.
"Oh, my apologies, Gil. This is Robert Dawson, one of my best young workers."
Grissom smiled. "Yes, sir, we have already met, good to see you again Robert."
Nodding his head in respect, Robert took a step back, "I will get someone to come with us, sir, and meet you at the stable."
Before Grissom could even get a word in Robert had turned and quickly retreated.
Once again Grissom's eyes narrowed as he watched him disappear. The captain noticed. "Everything alright, Gil?" He asked.
Shaking his head slightly, Grissom sighed. "I'm not sure, there is something about that boy…maybe I'm just being paranoid."
"Come now, Gil," the captain responded. "There is nothing amiss with Robert; he's been with me for a long time. You really are too suspicious, you know that?"
"I'm not suspicious," Grissom grinned. "I am careful. I do not distrust the boy; there is just something…it doesn't matter," he conceded. "I guess I am just being paranoid."
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Grissom saddled up Dante as Sara watched closely. He watched her out of the corner of his eye, as she studied him. Somehow, she had persuaded him to let her accompany their small convoy into town. He admitted to himself that he struggled to say no to anything she asked.
Gregory and Nicolas pulled up in a fine wagon pulled by two horses, bringing it from the barn at Grissom's request. The wheels skidded in the dirt as it stopped, creating a small haze of dust around the immediate area. They were promptly followed by two other horses, one ridden by Robert. Both riders dismounted and stood by their rides. Nicolas and Gregory remained in the wagon.
"Sir, this is Michael Keppler," Robert informed Grissom pointing out the older man by his side.
"Nice to meet you, Michael." Grissom touched his hat in greeting.
"Likewise, sir." Michael bowed his head.
"Sara," Grissom began, "you are to ride with your cousins. I will ride in front and Robert and Michael behind."
"Can't I take my own horse?" Sara moaned.
"No." Came Grissom's simple answer. "You ride on the wagon or do you not come." Grissom knew that town could get really busy at times and anything could spook a horse. He wasn't about to risk that happening to Sara.
Pouting for a second, Sara sighed. "Fine," she grumbled stepping towards the wagon.
"Let me help you," Grissom walked quickly behind her and held out a hand to Sara.
She looked at him and his open palm before smiling. Taking his hand she stepped up onto the wagon and sat between her cousins.
"All set boys?" Grissom asked.
Taking the reins tightly, Nicolas nodded.
"Good." Walking to Dante, Grissom pulled himself onto his horse with ease and headed down the driveway.
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When they arrived in town it was relatively quiet. Stores were just opening and the lonely clank of a blacksmiths hammer could be heard in the distance. Grissom led his group down the main road, several heads turning their way from the sidewalk. Grissom tipped his hat in politeness to all who looked his way. Some people smiled, others turned away quickly.
Pulling up outside the saloon, Grissom dismounted as the wagon came to a slow stop behind him.
"Robert, Michael, wait with Sara. Boys you come with me." Grissom commanded, removing his riding gloves.
"But…" Sara began to protest.
"I want this over with as quickly as possible, Sara," Grissom sighed. "It will be easier if you just wait here."
With a heavy sigh of her own, Sara sat back in the seat and folded her arms firmly.
Nicolas and Gregory jumped from the wagon and followed Grissom up the wooden steps and through the swinging doors of the saloon, their boots clonking on the scratched wood floor with each step.
Several workers sweeping the floor and clearing up the mess from the previous night looked in their general direction as they entered. Grissom nodded to each as he walked further inside, avoiding several broken tables he looked around. His eyes found the staircase and followed it as it led up to an overlooking balcony and ultimately the bedrooms, which he knew from experience, were rarely used for sleeping. He just stared upwards as Nicolas and Gregory stood by his side. This place hadn't changed much over the years and Grissom recalled it was in this very building that he had become a man. He seemed lost in thought but then a soft voice broke him from his daze…
"Well, well," a woman spoke to him from behind and Grissom turned. "To what do I owe the pleasure after all this time?"
A quaint smirk emerged on Grissom's lips, "Hello, Heather…"
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"Hello, Grissom." Heather walked closer.
"You two know each other?" Gregory asked, a little shocked.
Heather's glance fell to the two boys by his side and smiled. "We do."
Grissom folded his arms across his chest and smiled. "Good to see you, do you still, um," he stumbled for a moment, "work here?"
A slight snort escaped from Heather nose at Grissom's question. "This is my place now," she informed him with a sparkle in her eye. "I am the lady of the house but, for old time's sake, I am at your disposal."
Grissom felt his brow hitch.
"I am teasing, Grissom," Heather laughed. "I may well own the establishment but the Heather you see before you is a little different to the one you once knew."
"I hope not too much," Grissom beamed.
"So," Heather edged a little closer, "What can I do for you?" She looked to Nicolas and Gregory one more time. "And for you two boys? After last night, I am surprised to see you here."
"That's why I'm here." Grissom urged Nicholas and Gregory forward. "They have come to apologize about what happened. Haven't you?" Grissom's voice firmed with his final words.
Both boys bowed their heads. "Yes, ma'am." They said together. "We are sorry for the trouble we caused." Nicolas finished.
"Well, that's very nice boys, but it doesn't really pay for the damage now does it, or clean up the mess you caused?"
"No, ma'am." The boys spoke together once more.
"Well," Grissom pondered aloud, "maybe the boys can help you out with that. I'm sure with a little practice they can learn how to scrub."
"What?" Gregory yelped.
Grissom's face hardened and he glared at Gregory who silenced quickly. "Okay, boys, I will give you a choice. You can either both stay and help Heather bring her establishment back into order or I will take you back to the estate and you can muck out the stalls. All of them!"
Watching as the younger men's faces paled, Grissom fought hard to control his urge to grin. "Well?"
"What would you like us to do, Miss Heather?" Nicolas asked with a sigh.
"Jackson!" Heather called across to a worker picking up broken glass; he hurried quickly over to her.
"Yes, ma'am?"
"Would you please take our two young helpers here and look after them. They will help you tidy up."
Jackson nodded. "Come with me," he instructed quickly.
Nicolas and Gregory made one last pleading glance to Grissom but all he offered was a smile. "Cause grown up problems, boys, face up to grown up consequences."
The two young men bowed their heads again as they followed Jackson.
"So, are you the new Sidle babysitter?" Heather chuckled as the boys disappeared out the back.
Turning to her, Grissom wasn't quite sure how to respond but he smiled in return. "No, I am the new Sidle ranch manager. Captain Sidle thought it best that his nephews apologized for their actions."
"So, you're back?" Heather asked.
Grissom nodded.
"Permanently?"
Working his jaw, Grissom thought about his answer before responding. "I'm not sure, yet. I will just see how things go. I will be here for a while, at least."
"I'm happy to hear it." Heather sounded quite sincere.
Grissom watched her closely, his eyes narrowing a little as he shuffled a little uneasily. "Um, I should probably be on my way. Use the boys as you wish until you feel their debt is repaid."
"Can't I get you a drink?" Heather tilted her head at him.
"I really should go, I have…."
"Can't spare five minutes of your time after all these years?" Heather cut in, "How long does one drink take Grissom?"
Finding himself unable to say 'no', Grissom eventually nodded. "One drink."
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Sara was now tapping her foot in agitation. 'Tap…' 'Tap…' 'Tap…'
Robert and Michael waited patiently although they had noticed Sara's annoyance through her movements and constant sighing.
It had been almost twenty minutes since Grissom and her cousins had entered the saloon.
"That's it." Sara huffed and jumped down from the wagon. "I am not waiting one minute more."
The two workers behind her just looked at each other as she started up the steps.
"Miss Sara?" Michael began.
Stopping, Sara turned and glared at him.
"Mr Grissom requested we wait here ma'am."
Sara faked a smile. "Feel free, I'm tired of waiting." She turned and continued to stomp up the steps. Pushing through the saloon doors she entered the bar quietly but her eyes roamed the area quickly. She spotted Grissom sitting on a stool at the bar, a cup in front of him. Then he laughed in obvious response to a comment made by the woman before him…Heather Kessler.
Oh, Sara knew Heather Kessler alright. Well, she knew of her and her reputation was notorious. Maybe she no longer sold her body to make ends meet and was a business owner, but Sara still found her nose turning just looking at the woman, but it wasn't really the madam's reputation that infuriated her, it was the way she was looking at Grissom and the way he was looking back. That, made her blood boil.
Sara felt her nostrils flare; for the first time, Grissom's actions sent a bitter chill down her spine and not a pleasant one. How could he be laughing with this woman? How dare he look at her the way he was? Affection obvious in his gaze. He was acting as if they were best friends. Loudly, she cleared her throat and quickly caught the attention she desired.
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Grissom stood quickly when his head turned and his eyes fell upon Sara. He caught the disgruntled look on her face immediately, feeling a pang of guilt wash over him for leaving her outside and maybe, for some other reason he didn't dare name.
"Sara…"
Folding her arms firmly across her chest Sara said nothing for a moment; she just glared at her so called teacher.
"Do you know how long I have been waiting?" She finally spoke.
"Yes, sorry," Grissom stumbled. "I got lost in conversation."
Sara looked to Heather who politely smiled at her. "Yes, I can see that."
"Thank you for the drink, Heather." Grissom quickly pulled his gloves from his pocket. "Now, I really must go."
"Anytime, Grissom. You know that." She grinned.
Rolling his eyes, Grissom just nodded and with haste headed for Sara who was still glaring at him.
"Don't be a stranger now, will you?" Heather called as they reached the exit.
Grissom watched as Sara slammed her way through the doors in a huff. "I won't," he called back but did not turn. He just knew Heather was grinning at him, and he was right.
"What was that?" Sara barked as Grissom exited the saloon.
"What?" Grissom asked bearing a peaked brow.
"That!" Sara pointed roughly back to the saloon as Grissom took the final step back onto the dirt.
"Sara…." Grissom sighed. "I got caught up and I apologize; Heather is an old friend and I merely lost track of time."
"An old friend?" Sara scowled.
"Yes, an old friend and I would appreciate it if you just let the matter drop. I apologized for the delay, so, please, let it go." Grissom was firm with his words.
A long moment of silence passed before anyone spoke.
"Sir," Robert broke the silence. "We should get on; there is much to do on the estate."
With a nod, Grissom untied his horse and turned to Sara. "Am I forgiven?"
Eventually Sara nodded although Grissom had a feeling she wanted to say more than she had, then all of a sudden she frowned.
"Where are Nicolas and Gregory?" She asked, bemused.
"They will be staying for a while, I will check back on them before we leave."
"Oh," Sara replied, her response as confused as her question.
"Come, we will leave the wagon there for now, Sara you can walk with me." He pulled Dante who happily trotted by his side. Michael and Robert followed leisurely behind as they headed down the sandy main road towards the store.
Then, all of a sudden the silent street rapidly became a thundering obstacle.
Grissom felt his pupils dilate as a band of riders appeared from nowhere and came hurtling towards them. "Boys! Move!" He shouted before grabbing Sara and pulling her from the road. The force of his embrace caused his balance to falter and they both fell to the ground. Dante slipped from Grissom's grasp and the horse bolted into the air in shock as the four foolish riders shot past the Sidle party with a yell and a snicker.
Robert and Michael managed to pull out of the way just in time, as Grissom sheltered Sara with his body, not only from the other riders but from Dante who was currently spending more time on two legs than four. He felt Sara shaking beneath him. "Just stay still," he whispered softly. "Don't panic."
Then, as quickly as the riders had appeared, they vanished. Sitting up quickly, Grissom ducked as Dante bolted again. He grabbed Sara's hand and pulled her across the dirt, moving her away from his distressed horse as gently as he could under the circumstances. When a safe distance had been achieved, he pulled her to her feet. Without even thinking Grissom cupped Sara's face in his hands and looked deeply into her eyes.
"Are you alright?" He was a little out of breath.
She stared into his eyes for what seemed like an eternity before she silently nodded.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes," she managed to whisper.
Robert and Michael dismounted quickly and attempted to still Dante.
"Whoa! Whoa!" They shouted over and over again trying to grab his reigns.
Their shouts snapped Grissom from the trance he found himself in and he turned quickly to the chaos behind him, gently releasing his hold on Sara.
"Boys! Step away!" He shouted as Dante got more and more agitated and bucked wildly once more.
"But, he is going crazy, sir!" Michael shouted back.
Slowly approaching, Grissom clenched his fists. "I said step away!" He now demanded.
The two workers looked at each other and did as requested stepping back, and away from the horse. Sara hovered some distance behind Grissom and just watched as he calmly walked right up to Dante.
"Easy, boy…" he soothed a mere half a yard away from the rampant beast. Dante's front legs hit the dirt just as his master spoke; he shook his mane with a pant but didn't buck again. The horse took several uneasy steps backwards before looking to Grissom.
"Easy…" Grissom slowly held out his hand but remained still.
The horse ruffled his nose before tipping his head forward to lightly sniff Grissom's hand.
"That's it," Grissom urged.
Snaking his tongue out Dante licked Grissom's hand causing the man to smile. "That's my boy." He reached up slowly and grabbed Dante's reins before patting the horse gently on the back.
"He's okay." Grissom informed the others and grinned when Sara approached with the most astonished look he had ever seen.
"I told you he trusts me didn't I?"
All Sara could do was nod; she had never seen anything like it.
Pulling Dante out of the center of the street Grissom sighed and picked up his hat which had been knocked from his head when they hit the ground. Dusting it off, he placed it back on his head before turning to Sara who was approaching from behind.
"Are you sure you are alright?"
"Yes." She swallowed hard. "But, what was that? Who were those men and why would they try to run us down?"
"I don't know," Grissom looked to Robert and Michael. "Any idea who those men were?"
"No, sir." Robert replied.
"Me, either, sir." Michael gestured down the thoroughfare. "They went by too quickly. I didn't have a chance to get a look at them."
"Well," Grissom looked down at his dust covered clothes, then to the still distressed Sara. "It's obvious that someone has a problem with our presence…."
A/N: So how am I doing? The foundations are almost set so I have a feeling things will start happening... Let me know your thoughts, hit that button! :)
