Chapter 11
"What are you thinking?" Sara asked as she watched the man riding by her side. They were almost back to the estate now, but had barely spoken since they had left town.
Deep in thought, Grissom turned his head for a moment to look at Sara. "Lots of things."
"Such as?" She probed as he looked back to the road.
"Too many unanswered questions, Sara, that's all."
"Well," Sara looked up at the glorious blue sky before continuing, "maybe I can help you answer some of them."
Grissom felt his lips hitch in a smirk. "Maybe." But he didn't continue.
"Is that it?" Sara asked. "Maybe?"
He did nothing but nod.
"So, are you going to elaborate, or do you want me to guess?" She sighed.
"I just have too much to think about right now, Sara and I need to get things straight in my own mind before I start bothering other people with my worries and I'd rather not involve you."
"Oh," Sara muttered frustrated. "Fine, then don't have my help."
Noting his companions irritated tone, Grissom turned his head. "It's not that I don't want your help," he sighed, "Sara, how do I put this?" In obvious comtemplation he silenced for a moment seeking the right words. "I don't want to invlove you in matters that I fear may be a danger to you."
Snorting through her nose she shook her head. "A danger? How could I possibly be in danger?"
Again, Grissom found himself struggling to say the right thing. "Just look at what happened today," he began. "You could have been hurt and someone obviously bears a grudge. I don't think I should bring you into town again, for your own safety. At least until I find out what is going on."
"What?" Looking at him in disbelief, Sara couldn't help the shriek that burst form her lungs. "You are not serious."
"Sara...."
"I am not a child, Grissom!" She spat through gritted teeth. "Stop treating me like one."
Clenching his fists, Grissom fought for calm. "You really could have got hurt today and in my care. You are still young Sara and maybe this is all too much at once."
Pulling Dante to a halt he tugged on Sara's horse, pulling it to settle beside him. "I am only thinking of you and your well being."
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Not quite believing what she was hearing Sara felt her nostrils flare. "So, yesterday you are all for me learning my way, now," she glared at him, "the slightest upset and you are ready to give up on me?"
"Sara, it isn't like that it's...."
She cut in, "It's what? What is it Grissom?"
Shifting in her saddle, Sara watched and waited for a response, his mouth twitched several times and Sara could feel the agitation building inside her.
Finally he spoke. "You are young and inexperienced, Sara; if something happens to you, I can't cope with that on my conscience."
"I can look after myself!" She fumed. "I am a grown woman!"
"No, you can't!" The force of Grissom's response angered her further but there was something in his voice that told her there was more to this than just worry for her well being. However, right now, she didn't care.
"Yes, I can!" Tightening her fingers around her reins she glared into his eyes. "I didn't need you before and I'll be damned if I need you now, you ass! I'm going home!"
In an instant, she had spurred her horse and bolted from the spot.
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Shaking his head and gritting his teeth, Grissom lightly kicked Dante. "Yah!" He shouted and sped off in pursuit of Sara.
"Sara, wait!" He called to her but she didn't slow.
His eyes narrowed as she attempted to speed up and distance herself even further from him, but he felt his heart pound and his pupils dilate as she left the road and entered the woodland. "Enough." Growling, he spurred his animal to increase its pace.
It didn't take long for Grissom to catch up; his horse was faster and he was a much better rider.
Pulling along side her, he demanded, "Sara, stop!" Continuing to look ahead, she refused to respond.
"You either stop now or I'll stop you!" Grissom threatened through a few panting breaths.
Now, Sara turned to look at him. Her eyes were fixed and saddened, but his were firm and angry. After a short moment, she pulled up on the reins and they came to a steady rest.
Unnaturally infuriated, Grissom jumped from Dante. "Get off the horse, Sara. Now!" It wasn't a request, it was a command.
Looking down from her higher position Sara frowned at him. "Who do you think you are?"
Fighting to keep his cool and slow his heart rate, Grissom clenched his gloved fists together. "I won't ask you again."
The man's voice now held a frightening pitch, so, with a heavy sigh Sara dropped her reins and slid from the horse. Folding her arms firmly she refused to look at him.
"I ask you again, who do you think you are?" Questioning him for the second time, she still kept her gaze from his.
Bounding forwards, Grissom grabbed her upper arm and pulled.
"What the…?" Sara yelped. "What are you doing?"
Grissom didn't respond, he just pulled as Sara tried to yank herself from his grip, but he was too strong and his hold was firm.
"Grissom, what the hell are you doing?" She moaned as he pulled her up a steep incline and through the trees.
Then, they stopped and he released her arm.
Outrage burned through Sara and she pulled herself away from him but it was when she noticed he wasn't looking at her that she averted her gaze to see what he was looking at. She had been so engrossed in trying to release herself she hadn't paid any attention to where they now stood – she gasped.
"Have you ever ridden through this part of the woodland before, Sara?" Grissom asked calmly.
She shook her head before he turned to look at her.
"A few more seconds and you would have been over the edge."
Swallowing hard, Sara looked forward again and over the cliff's edge. It must have been a good fifty feet to the cool running river below.
She turned back to Grissom, mouth agape and he smiled weakly before stepping back and retreating down the incline, into the trees and out of sight.
Taking a deep breath Sara sighed heavily and squeezed her eyes closed. She took a few peaceful moments before following after Grissom. She found him standing by Dante, looking at the ground.
"I'm sorry." She spoke sincerely, walking closer to him. "Maybe sometimes I over react and…"
Looking up, Grissom kicked the dirt before folding his arms firmly. "To answer your question Sara, about who I think I am…"
"No, that's okay, I'm sorry," She held out her hand and took a hold of his arm, "I didn't mean to snap at you, I was just a little confused and frustarted."
Looking down at her hand he felt his heart rate increase again. Her hand was so soft and warm and he was sure the hairs on the back of his neck were on end.
"Please, let me?" Grissom asked.
Slowly removing her hand, Sara now softly folded her arms. "Alright."
"I am not much of a man, Sara," Grissom looked to the ground again briefly before looking into her eyes, "but the reason I did not share my problems with you immediately is because I am not yet sure what they are and by no means do I want to put you in any kind of danger."
"I'm sorry," Sara interrupted, "I…"
"Please let me continue."
She nodded, nipping on her bottom lip.
"I have been through things in the past you could possibly not even imagine." His voice was soft but slightly gloomy. "I only have your best interests at heart and I would never want to see you get hurt." He looked into her eyes, "I have made mistakes in the past that others have had to pay for, if i ever did that to you, I could never forgive myself."
Shaking her head, Sara's brow peeked a frown. "I don't understand."
Faking a smile Grissom removed his gloves and pulled a canteen of water from his saddle and offered it to Sara. "You can't, without knowing the facts." He urged her to take the water and she did so, unscrewing the top and sipping for the contents.
"But while you are with me, especially away from the estate, I am your guardian and your protector. You have no idea what it's like out here and there are all sorts of obstacles out in the real world that live to harm and destroy and they love doing so."
Taking the canteen back after Sara had drank Grisom took several heavy glugs and sighed as the water clenched his thurst.
"I am not your boss Sara and in all honesty, I know I can't control what you do, I just need to know that you appreciate my concerns about the dangers you face if you continue to step out of the Grove." Slipping the canteen back into the saddle he faced her once again.
"What happened Grissom?"
Her question somewhat stunned him, he was revealing clues to his past life but he never expected her to seek the answers.
He smiled. "Something I can not ever take back. For now, if you don't mind, I would rather not get into the facts."
"Alright," she agreed, but somewhat disappointedly.
"I'm sorry for this whole situation Sara," Grissom sighed. "I think we're both a little too strong minded for our own good but you still need to answer my question."
"About your concerns?"
Grissom nodded.
"I do," She smiled sincerely. "And I am sorry I ran off like that. It won't happen again, I promise you, even if you do irritate me."
He grinned.
"I will be careful and do as you ask if we leave the Grove. I really want to do this Grissom, I have too."
"Alright then."
Without warning Sara took his hand, which startled him. "Will you promise me something though?"
Again, Grissom was lost for words, her touch seemed to take any form of logic from his brain, he nodded dumbly.
"If you ever want or need to talk, please, talk to me. Believe it or not, I am a good listener."
A shiver crept down Grissom's spine as she rubbed her thumb over his. "I, um," he cleared his throat, "will, I promise. As long as you promise to do as you are told."
"Yes, I will. I'm sorry" Sara replied softly releasing his hand.
"Good." Grissom handed her the reins for her horse.
"But I do want to help." Taking the reins, she pulled herself up onto the horse.
Swinging himself onto Dante, Grissom smiled. "Maybe there is one thing you can help me on, until I get my thoughts clear." Clicking Dante they began to lightly trot down the road.
"Oh?" Sara sounded excited. "What?"
"I need an opinion."
"On?"
Nibbling lightly on his bottom lip Grissom looked across at her. "Colonel McKeen."
"The Colonel?" Sara asked surprised.
Grissom nodded.
"Well," Sara began, "I don't know him too well, so I really don't know what I can tell you, I know him more by reputation than anything."
"And what is his reputation?" Grissom asked with an arched brow.
Sara sniggered at the expression on his face. "He is known to be very disciplined and tough, especially when it comes to his business and his workers. He is a man who is very set in his ways, doesn't usually take no for an answer. Or so I'm told."
"Hmmm," Grissom's brow now pinched together, the man, in obvious thought. "How close is he to your father?"
Now, Sara found herself frowning. "They are just acquaintances more than anything, although I'm certain the Colonel feels he is better than my father. He always did give me that impression." She tightened her hands on the reins. "Fine, he out ranked my father and commanded him in their time serving together but after that he has no right to look down upon him but I'm sure he does. I'm sure he looks down on everyone come to think of it, apart from maybe Hank. Now Hank is more than likely going to be a perfect replicate of his uncle."
Grissom listened carefully to Sara's feelings about the Colonel. Come to think of it, she described him just as he remembered him all those years ago. There was definitely something niggling Grissom about the man and as for Hank – well the less he saw of that man, the better.
"And what do you think of Hank?" He asked clearing his throat, unsure if the question was appropriate or not.
As they entered the driveway to the Grove, Sara looked at him with half a grin as her brow rose. "He is very…persistent, doesn't like to take no for an answer, just like his uncle."
Grissom nodded, he'd gathered as much.
"So, what's in store for the rest of the day?" Sara asked trying to change the subject.
"Well," Grissom started, "we need to check the crop fields and ensure all is being farmed to schedule. I also want to double check the fencing around the cattle, they'll be ready for market soon and I don't want them breaking free again." Grissom still hadn't worked out how the fence had broken in the first place. "I also have to check with your father in regards to setting up a workshop and if he says yes, then we have to build it."
"What about the breeding," Sara began, "are we going to get around to that?"
With eyes wide, Grissom looked to Sara with his mouth open and watched as her cheeks suddenly turned a dark shade of crimson, realizing what she had actually just said.
"Excuse me?" He enquired with a grin.
"Oh, um, err," She stuttered, "I mean, the horses…the studs, I know Father wanted to start breeding again…the horses that is." She averted her gaze quickly and looked to the house as they approached it.
Fighting to control his amusement, Grissom smiled. "I guess that is also something I have to discuss with your father, as of yet, he has not mentioned breeding."
Sara snickered to herself but Grissom heard and smiled.
"It looks like your father has company," Grissom nodded to the two horses tied up by the front entrance to the house. He dismounted Dante and he eyed the horses curiously. "Wow, this is a magnificent animal." He commented looking to the larger of the two horses."
"Oh, superb," Sara groaned in sarcasm as she dismounted her horse.
"What?"
"That is the Colonel's horse, the other one is Hank's."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes," she sighed. "I'm sure I'd know the horse anywhere; I do know horses, you know."
As Sara finished speaking, Hank emerged from the front entrance and Grissom's gaze caught him immediately.
The two men glared at each other for a moment but then Hank smiled. "Good afternoon," he said politely.
Grissom's eyes narrowed but he nodded a quick hello back; Sara smiled weakly.
"Is there a reason to your visit, Hank?" Sara asked, ensuring she stayed close to Grissom and he became aware she had shuffled a little nearer to him.
"My uncle has business to discuss with your father and I wish to talk with you, if you would allow me to," Hank replied softly and a little too personally for Grissom's liking.
"Go ahead," Sara responded looking to Grissom briefly.
Smiling gently, Hank folded his arms. "In private, if you don't mind and I promise I am on my best behavior."
It was a long moment before Sara replied but eventually, she did. "Alright; let's take a walk."
Grissom turned to her in disbelief, after what happened the previous night she was going to take a walk with him?
"I'll be fine Grissom," she smiled. "Go find Father and ask him what you needed too and I will come find you when I'm finished."
"Are you sure?" He asked, a frown highlighting his features.
"Yes, I'll see you in a little while."
"As you wish."
"Shall we?" She gestured to Hank and turned. He walked past Grissom with a smug grin on his face, a grin which Sara failed to see.
Biting his tongue Grissom fought the urge to clobber the younger man as he passed him. "I won't be far if you need anything," he called to Sara.
"Thank you," she called back. "I will be fine, stop worrying so much."
Sighing as he watched Sara disappear into the garden with Hank, Grissom turned on his heels, headed up the steps and entered the house.
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"For a man who has known you only a few short days, he certainly seems very protective." Hank commented as they walked.
Sara grinned as she listened to the light hearted singing of a blue bird happily humming his tune from the tree in front of them.
"If you were working for my father and I was in your care, would you not be protective?"
"I guess so," Hank responded before gently taking Sara's arm and pulling her to a stop.
She looked at him.
"I wanted to apologize for my actions last night," Hank began. "I had drunk way too much and I know that isn't the best of excuses but I acted completely irresponsibly and I am sorry."
Pouting a little, Sara listened, attempting to work out if this was a sincere apology or not.
"I never meant to upset, or scare you," the young man continued, "and I just wanted to assure you, the way I acted, it will never happen again."
Sara found herself struggling for a response; she wasn't quite sure what he was expecting.
"Look, Hank, I…" she began but was cut off.
"Please Sara," Hank begged, "Just give me another chance."
"I'm sorry," She shook her head. "I accept your apology but another chance for what?"
"For us," Hank said quickly but with a smile.
"Ah," Sara folded her arms softly across her chest, "As far as I know, Hank, there is no us."
"Sara, please, just give me a chance. I can make you happy, I know I can, I can give you the world, anything you desire." Hank sounded very confident with his offerings.
Now, Sara smiled. "That's very nice of you, Hank. But really, I am not ready for a relationship yet, I have told you that already. We are friends and that's all we will be until I am at least ready to start consider courting. Then it will be my choice whom I chose and no one else's."
Sighing loudly, Hank slipped his hands into his pockets. "You are a very head strong woman Sara Sidle, you know that?" He grinned.
"So I've been told," She chuckled.
"Just promise me one thing?"
"What?"
"Just keep me in mind; I will wait as long as you need."
Sara nodded, "I will keep you in mind, but for now, that is all."
"Good enough," Hank smiled.
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Grissom wandered down the hallway and towards the captain's study. He found himself slowing when Captain Sidle's obvious annoyance echoed from the room…
"I have told you time and time again, Jeffery, I am not interested! The answer is still no."
Stopping before he actually reached the study Grissom slipped into the library next door, not wanting to interrupt the captain's business. He waited, but continued to listen.
"You are too stubborn for your own good, Thomas; you know sooner or later you will have no choice in this matter, don't you? Just make it easier on yourself and do it now."
Grissom frowned, what were they talking about?
"We are through here, Jeffery; I will bid you good day," the captain finished.
Pulling the door slightly closed, Grissom watched as Colonel McKeen marched past him and down the hallway. He waited until the man was out of sight before leaving the library and heading for the study.
Looking through the open door, he found the captain leaning heavily forwards against his desk. His knuckles almost turning white as he gripped the desk top.
"Problems?" He asked and the captain turned quickly to see his second in command.
Sighing heavily, the older man folded his arms firmly. "Did you hear that?" He asked sounding a little nervous.
Grissom shook his head. "Just the latter and I gather the colonel isn't happy with your refusal of a proposal?"
Thinking for a moment Captain Sidle walked towards Grissom. "It's complicated."
"Do you need any help in sorting out the complication?" Grissom asked; he, too, now folded his arms.
The rancher sighed again, "You are helping enough by just being here, Gil. Right now that's about all you can do."
Grissom wished the captain would open up to him but he had a feeling he wouldn't.
"Come," Captain Sidle began. "Let's have a drink; I know I need one."
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Colonel McKeen stomped from the house with a vengeance, just as Sara and Hank returned from the garden.
"Get your horse, Hank, we are leaving," he barked to his nephew as he quickly mounted his fine steed.
"Good afternoon, Colonel," Sara said, a little uncertain, noting the older man's obvious unhappiness. "Is everything alright?"
The colonel nodded. "Fine, my dear," he responded sharply. "I am afraid I do not have time to chat. Hank…"
"Yes, Uncle." Hank quickly swung himself onto his horse. "Good bye, Sara, see you soon, I hope."
Sara smiled, "Maybe."
"Yah!" The colonel kicked his horse and sped off down the driveway, Hank quickly followed, leaving a wake of dust floating around Sara. She coughed lightly and flapped the air, a frown now forming on her brow. The colonel was definitely not happy.
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As the Colonel and Hank rode from the Sidle estate the older man turned to his nephew.
"This isn't working," he growled. "The stubborn fool still refuses to give in."
"Well, I am back on good terms with Sara," Hank informed his uncle.
"Good, my boy, good. I am sure ultimately that will work in our favor, she may come in useful, but for now, we must speed things along. If he won't accept the generous proposal I am offering him by choice, then it's about time we make him accept it using all the means at our disposal.
Hank grinned broadly. "Would you like me to stay behind and have a little chat with our man?"
The colonel himself now grinned. "Yes, tell him he is free to do whatever it takes."
Hank chuckled, quickly turned his horse with a skid and headed back towards the ranch with a purpose….
A/N: Hey everyone, thanks again for your patience with my posting schedule. Fingers crossed i will be able to post a little faster these next few weeks as I am currently bed ridden with a fractured foot. Good for my writing though :) Please let me know your thoughts on the story and how I'm doing!