A/N: Alrighty. The next few chapters have been a challenge as quite a few changes have happened to the way the story is going to go. In fact, lots of changes! SSC, I blame you! Lol. No, seriously, your insight has been great and I thank you and for the beta too. You keep my poor little brain ticking even if it's ten times faster than it should.
Just remember one thing from now on; People may not be as naive as they are making out. Some maybe, intentionally or not, but not all. Lots of emotion coming up – be ready :(
Chapter 54
Grissom spent a long while at the home apparently belonging to one Daniel Pritchard but he left feeling unsatisfied and deflated. He'd found nothing that could help Michael, or clear his name and the more he thought about all the evidence, the more he knew the odds were against the young man. If he was innocent, someone had covered all the bases and Grissom had the horrid feeling his attempts to help the worker were completely futile.
There was simply too much stacked up against him.
He'd carefully examined all his surroundings when he'd arrived at the Pritchard place. It wasn't huge but reasonable and he was surprised because he thought McKeen owned most of the land in the county. So how did Pritchard come to acquire this? His suspicions were quashed though when he spoke to Vartann who was still searching around outside. The deputy informed him that the land did actually belong to the colonel; he just took a rent for its use.
But then again, if McKeen owned the land and the house in which Pritchard lived, he could probably still get full access to it. Quite handy for a set up Grissom thought. Or maybe Pritchard was even working for the colonel.
The rancher had spoken to O'Reilly who was thoroughly searching the house but the young officer could offer him nothing to support his suspicions. Everything they had found had insinuated Michael and nothing leaned towards his innocence. But surely Michael would not be foolish enough if he did participate in this criminal activity, to leave that much evidence lying around. No man would be that foolish.
Grissom gained the permission from the deputy to have a look around himself but he was unable to find anything. It was irritating, for the small two bed roomed wooden house was almost bare, so searching was easy but there was just nothing there to find.
Nothing.
He found it very odd though. If Pritchard had left in a hurry, as suspected, then how did he manage to take everything with him? It just didn't make sense but, what could he do?
It seemed to him that Michael had become a very convenient scapegoat and Grissom knew that the young man was certainly no murderer. He hadn't known him long but he just knew deep down, Michael was no killer.
He was set up, simple as that and Grissom was certain McKeen was involved. And, this sudden reconciliation between the captain and the colonel didn't sit well on his stomach.
Empty handed and with a heavy heart he returned to the grove. Unless some form of miracle reared its head, he just knew Michael was doomed and he felt terrible for that.
As he trotted towards the house at a somewhat slow, uncaring pace, he pulled on Dante's reins and the horse stopped when his master guided him to do so. Grissom spotted the captain heading up the steps into the house but he wasn't alone. The colonel and Hank were with him and as McKeen flung his arm over the captain's shoulder and his cringe worthy laughter filtered through air, Grissom rolled his eyes, feeling his whole body shudder.
What the hell was going on? He was going to try and get to see Sara again but with those two here would she be available and would he be able to control his frustration given his current feeling towards McKeen and Hank?
He growled an obscenity under his breath and pulled Dante away and off to the left, taking the route around the burnt down stables instead of going past the house. Grissom suddenly felt like an unwanted spare and he decided to get Dante and Pandora settled in the outer stables before attempting to seek out Sara again. At least then he could prepare himself in case he happened to bump into the two men who had suddenly become his mentor's new best friends. He really hated that thought, but he knew if he had to control himself no matter how much it displeased him to have them around.
CSICSICSICSICSICSICSI
Grissom didn't bother dressing up for the captain's invitation. He wore just a simple pair of beige pants, a light blue shirt with matching neck scarf and black boots. He didn't intend to stay long anyway; he was by no means in the mood to celebrate, no matter what the occasion.
He felt totally demoralized. After leaving Dante and Pandora in their new dwellings with the captain's new steed, he'd returned to the house but was yet again turned away by the captain upon his request to see Sara. She was still busy and still not wishing to be disturbed, he'd been told. Once more, he pushed to try and see her but had to back down again when the captain, as he had before, asked what was so important.
Sara was purposely avoiding him and he knew it.
Retreating from the house, he spent the rest of the afternoon just moping in and around the cabin. He had no choice but to wait and catch Sara at the party; surely she wouldn't be able to hide from him there.
Once dressed, he looked at himself in the mirror above his dresser. He looked terrible. Large black lines accentuated the fatigue under his eyes; his skin was a few shades paler than normal, and his beard was certainly over grown again. He smoothed a hand through his hair and sighed.
Two goals were on his mind for the evening. His first priority was speaking with Sara. The second involved finding out what was going on with the captain, Hank and McKeen and why, all of a sudden, his boss seemed to be acting like all his troubles were over.
He left the cabin a little before 8pm.
When he arrived at the house, it was already a bustle of activity. People were stood outside with drinks, chatting; others were arriving on horseback or in coaches. Ecklie, Robert and two other workers were showing people inside and looking after the storage of their transportation.
A feeling of apprehension gripped Grissom as he trod heavily up the steps to the brightly lit main entrance. It was in stark contrast to the excitement and revelry that radiated from within and around the mansion.
As he reached the open doorway, he stopped when Ecklie stepped from the entrance, blocking his way in.
The worker looked him up and down with a curl of his lip. "You know, Grissom," he began, "You always get out of working at these events, so the least you can do is smile and enjoy it." Ecklie sounded a little bitter.
"I don't want to fight with you, Conrad," the rancher responded with a sigh. "I'm tired of fighting right now."
After clearing his throat and frowning at his superior, Ecklie seemed to back off a little. "Well, we can trade roles if you like."
Grissom's right brow rose in surprise. Ecklie had just made a joke? To him? "Tempting," he responded.
Ecklie snorted a laugh. "You really don't look very happy to be here, Grissom. I thought finding the saboteurs would have changed your mood."
After a shrug of his shoulders, Grissom sidestepped Ecklie, "But have we found them?" he asked before moving into the house, leaving a rather confused looking man behind him.
The house was noisy. Groups of people milled in the hallway, at the bottom of the stairs, clustered in and out of the various rooms. The main topic of conversation seemed to be their curiosity as to the reasons for the party, from what Grissom could hear as he walked deeper into the house, was that no one knew.
There was plenty of speculation though, especially surrounding the Sidle's recent financial plight and that some sort of business venture or engagement was going to be announced. Grissom swallowed hard, a business arrangement maybe but never an engagement. Sara would not do that...would she?
Servants rushed by him from all angles, carrying trays of drinks and platters of food. His eyes scanned all around him as he walked; looking for the one person he sought out. Slipping through the small crowds he entered the living room and looked around. Sara wasn't there. He moved to the dining room and then the study but she wasn't in any of those either.
As his frustration grew and the noise around him got louder, he yanked a little on his shirt collar; the heat in the house was reaching a very uncomfortable level. He stepped out onto the veranda to check there and get a moments air. Before he had chance to look around properly he was taken by surprise when someone suddenly swept up behind him and slipped an arm through his.
He jumped and his head swept to the left to see who had snuck up on him. "Catherine?" he asked, surprised to see her.
She smiled broadly, a soft chuckle falling from her lips. "Hello, Gil."
"What are you doing here?" he asked without thinking. "Oh…well," he stuttered. "You know I…because of Sam, I…"
She tightened her grip on his arm. "Stop flustering," she sniggered. "I'm alright, needed to get out. It's nice not to be sat at home, worrying and fussing. I miss my father deeply but he is gone, I have to try and move on and when Thomas stopped by earlier and invited me here tonight...I accepted."
"Good," Grissom replied." I'm glad to see you are doing alright." He only seemed half interested as his eyes left hers and began inspecting his surroundings.
"Looking for someone?" Catherine asked.
He didn't seem to hear her and continued with his search.
"Gil…"
Now he heard and his eyes sprang back to hers. "Sorry," he mumbled. "What did you say?"
She smiled. "I asked if you were looking for someone. You seem a little preoccupied, Gil. Are you alright?"
"I'm fine," he lied. "I'm just looking for Sara, have you seen her?"
As Catherine was about to respond, a servant appeared with a tray of drinks. "Drink, Ma'am?" he asked Catherine. "Most definitely," she said with a grin, reaching for a glass of champagne.
"Sir?" the servant then turned to Grissom.
Grissom eyed the tray. A selection of alcoholic beverages sat atop the silver plate, champagne, wine, bourbon, whiskey, brandy. "No, thank you, I'm fine," he replied.
"Nonsense," Catherine cut in and reached for a glass of bourbon. "Come on, Gil. This is a party, get with it." She held the glass out to him and with a little reluctance he took it.
"Fine…" he grumbled and took a small sip from the contents.
"Now that wasn't so bad was it?" She continued with a snigger. "You really need to lighten up a little and if I can, then so can you."
He smiled weakly and took another sip from his drink. "So, have you seen Sara?" he asked again, licking his lips as he felt the burn of alcohol slide down his throat.
Talking a healthy gulp of champagne, Catherine shook her head. "Actually, no, I haven't seen Laura either but the captain is right over there." She pointed over the crowd of people in front of them and to the far right hand side of the veranda and Grissom's eyes followed her direction.
Sidestepping the crowd to get a better view, Grissom felt his grip on his glass tightening as he spotted the captain with the colonel and Hank. He felt an uncomfortable chill rush down his spine as the captain suddenly burst out into laughter and flung his arm around Hank's shoulders.
"Interesting sight, huh?" Catherine asked as she stepped up beside him.
Grissom didn't answer; he just glared at the group of men, wondering what on earth was happening and why all of a sudden they looked as if they were the best of friends.
"Not something I thought I would personally ever see," she then snorted as she emptied the contents of her glass in one quick swallow.
Slowly, Grissom turned his head and looked at her. "Me either," he admitted, looking a little shocked.
She took his arm again. "Come on, Gil." She pulled lightly. "The captain looks a little busy so, let's go mingle for a while until he is free."
Swallowing the heavy lump in his throat, Grissom took one more glance at the captain before allowing himself to be pulled away. He didn't feel like being patient but he had to talk to the captain alone so, he would just have to wait.
CSICSICSICSICSICSICSI
Sara sat in a chair, looking into the mirror of her dressing table. She waited patiently for her mother to finish the final plat in her hair and fiddled with her fingers as she did so.
"We should have got to this sooner, Sara," Laura began as she tugged the hair into place. "I told you that, now you are going to be late for your own party." Laura's voice was soft even though she was slightly reprimanding her daughter.
Catching her mother's eyes in the mirror, Sara sighed. "I know, Mother, I'm sorry. I can't see why we have to have a party anyway but I…" She shook her head. "…Never mind."
Laura frowned. "What, Sara?" she asked.
Sara remained silent as her mother knotted the final strands of her hair and attached a silken pink bow. She gently placed her hands on her daughter's shoulders. "I can see something is bothering you, Sara. Would you like to tell me what it is?"
Pushing herself from the chair, Sara smoothed her hands over her corset before moving to the bed and picking up her dress. She held it out to her mother and Laura took it.
"Does it have something to do with Gil?" the lady of the house asked as she crouched and opened the dress for Sara to step into.
Feeling her heart suddenly beat faster at her mother's question; Sara stepped into the dress and stood still. "Why do you ask that?" she inquired softly, trying to keep her voice steady and devoid of emotion. It wasn't as easy as she thought.
Laura shifted behind her and began tightening her corset. "Well, I know he's been asking for you today, a lot, and you have refused to see him. And as of late, the two of you have seemed pretty inseparable…"
"Well…I…" Sara stuttered, feeling the tight pull of the corset around her mid section.
"Breathe in, Sara…" Laura instructed and Sara did so, sucking in a deep breath and closing her eyes as the garment nipped tightly at her skin. She really hated corsets.
"You were saying?" Laura continued.
"Um…I…have just had a lot on my mind today." She looked over her shoulder, "As you well know."
"Uh huh," Laura mumbled as Sara faced front again. "Are you're sure that's all it is?"
Biting down hard on her lip, Sara nodded. "Yes, Mother."
Laura's eyes narrowed as she pulled up the dress. "You know you can always talk to me, Sara, don't you? About anything."
"I know." Sara slipped her arms through the sleeves and the garment was quickly fastened at the back.
Taking her daughters shoulders, Laura turned her so they were facing each other. "I know this has all happened very quickly. Are you sure this is what you want, Sara?"
Sara had to fight every impulse in her body that was screaming for her to say no. "I'm sure," she whispered.
Laura studied her daughter's eyes and then offered a slow, single nod. "As long as you're happy. That is what is most important," she whispered back taking Sara's hand in her own and squeezing it tightly. "You do understand that, don't you?"
Sara nodded and just wished it were true.
"Well…shall we?" She cocked her head towards the door.
After a deep breath, Sara nodded again. "I guess we shall…"
CSICSICSICSICSICSICSI
Grissom had managed to sneak away from Catherine when she became heavily engrossed in conversation with the Mayor. Considering the fact she was flirting a little, he knew she probably wouldn't even notice his exit.
She didn't.
Now he meandered around the house, from one room to the next before circling back. Every time he went out onto the veranda the captain was still being entertained by his new buddies, so he would retreat back inside. Grissom wasn't in the mood to socialize, so he purposely avoided the guests even those he knew well.
He hovered in the doorway of the lounge, leaning against the framework. His second glass of bourbon sat in his hand and he swirled the contents around and around. It was then his attention was drawn to look to his left and he saw her, slowly coming down the stairs with her mother.
By God, she looked amazing. The dress she wore was captivating, feminine…white grounded silk, the skirt elegantly woven with a pattern of full blown pink roses and foliage. Plain white body and sleeves, finished with broad bands of blue embossed velvet. Her hair tightly platted in a single braid down her back, allowing every single gorgeous feature of her face to be exposed for the world to see.
His heart missed a beat.
They stopped at the foot of the stairs and began chatting to a small group of guests, who had quickly swooped upon them to gain their attention. Grissom concentrated on hearing their conversation; however, general pleasantries, chit-chat and questions regarding the purpose of the rather sudden get-together was all he could discern. Laura smiled at the question but Sara seemed to struggle to copy her mother's gesture. Her smile seemed fake and forced. Grissom studied both her demeanor and the day's sequence of events with an increasing sense of uneasiness. A sudden panic seized his heart as a disturbing thought re-entered his mind; after all, it would explain all the coincidences of the last several hours. Grissom felt sick; he had to talk to Sara. She was the only one who could put both his mind and heart at ease.
"All in good time, my dears," Laura said as the conversation continued.
Sara was quick to excuse herself and Laura told her she would catch up with her in a few moments. Sara nodded and walked away.
As she headed in his direction, he stepped from the doorway to make his presence known. As soon as Sara saw him she stopped, her face paling in an instant, her eyes widening. She averted her gaze in a flash and as he was about to speak she moved again, rushing past him before he even had the opportunity to open his mouth.
"Damn it," he muttered under his breath and gave chase, but his path was instantly blocked as a group of guests suddenly emerged from the dining room. He clenched his fists as he tried to push through the partygoers but by the time everyone had filtered past, Sara was nowhere in sight.
He cursed under his breath again and ran a firm hand over his chin.
"Good evening, Gil…"
He heard Laura's voice and swallowed heavily. He slowly turned to face her and he cleared his throat a little nervously. "Good evening, Laura," he said in a shaky voice.
"I'm glad you came," she said stepping closer. "Thomas said you seemed a little… reluctant." Laura offered a sympathetic smile, her eyes noting the inner turmoil that the rancher could not completely hide.
"I just have a lot on my mind," he responded.
"Yes…that seems to be a popular notion at the moment."
Grissom frowned, unsure of what she was eluding to.
She smiled again and took his arm. "I'm surprised you didn't see Sara, she just went by."
"Oh…" the syllable was all he could manage.
"Come…" she chuckled. "Let's go and see if we can find her, I know you have been looking for her…"
A/N: Ah, it's good to see a caring mother, isn't it? How much does Laura actually know and will she even be able to do anything with her knowledge? Will Sara go through with it? What would you do if you were here? Will she be able to avoid Grissom all night?
Be prepared but just remember, nothing is ever set in stone!
Please review, thanks :)
