A/N: Thank you as always to the awesome mingsmommy for your excellent beta! Sorry this has taken a little while guys but I've been super busy lately and had an unexpected two week leave of the country. I hope the next chap will be much quicker.

Chapter 8

Grissom rose early, he hadn't slept much anyway, he never really did. Grabbing a towel he flung it over his shoulder and stretched with a satisfying yawn that echoed through the cabin. Rubbing his hand over his bare chest he licked his lips. The pang of thirst burned his throat. Grabbing a tin cup from the shelf he headed outside and towards the water pump.

Yet again the morning air was warm, but a little more humid than the day before. Grissom knew there would be another sweltering day ahead; at least today he didn't have to wear a suit. For that, he was thankful.

Reaching the well, he pumped quickly. After filling his cup, he drank with haste enjoying the taste of the cool clear water. Looking up, he heard voices. He grinned when he saw what was coming his way, Gregory and Nicolas stumbling down the pathway towards him.

"I really think we are going the wrong way…." Gregory slurred. "If we don't get back soon we are in bi…bi…big tro…toub…trouble." He giggled trying to get his words out, but then reality struck him. "Ugh, Uncle will kill us if he finds out we have been out all night….again…and what happ…happ…happened last night." Suddenly they both stopped, seeing Grissom just a few feet away.

"Good morning," Grissom chuckled. "A little lost boys?"

"Um," Gregory and Nicolas exchanged glances.

"A little," Nick admitted.

"Good night?" Grissom asked.

Once more Gregory and Nicolas looked at each other. "Who is he?" Gregory tired to whisper but was barely successful.

Folding his arms, Grissom tried his best to hold in his amusement.

Nicolas shook his head. "I'm not sure, a friend of Uncle I'm sure; we saw him the other day remember?"

"Ooooh, yeah." Finally Gregory remembered. "Oh, no, maybe he will tell Uncle he saw us."

They both looked back to Grissom and smiled broadly. "We like you," Gregory stated.

Grissom laughed. "Well, that's very nice boys but shouldn't you be getting home? You know, before you get in trouble."

"You won't tell on us will you?" Nicolas asked, worry encasing his words.

Now, Grissom smiled. "Turn around and head back the way you came, and you need to turn left at the top of the path not right. If you hurry you may be able to sneak in." He winked.

Nicolas and Gregory sighed with relief. "Thanks," they said together.

"Not a problem," Grissom grinned as he watched them both turn and stumble back up the pathway.

"Left!" Grissom shouted as they headed to the right. He shook his head as he heard them chuckling but finally they turned the correct way.

"Kids," Grissom mumbled as he refilled his cup.

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Sara, too, found herself rising early.

Even though she had heard Nicolas and Gregory stumble in about thirty minutes previous it wasn't her two drunken cousins that had awakened her. She had partaken in perhaps four hours sleep before her eyes popped open; anxiety and curiosity running through her veins as to what the day might hold and there was another thing on her mind… Grissom.

That man had arrived at her home just a few short days ago but he seemed to appear in every thought she had. He was participating in everything she wanted to do, she just couldn't get him off her mind, no matter how hard she tried – he was there. Though to be sure she had no desire to try very hard.

She watched through the window as the moon descended and the sun rose, counting down the seconds until the ranch came to life. Although she had a feeling working around the estate would be hard and more than a new experience, the excitement running through her blood to get started was almost uncontrollable. And to spend all day with him was more than she could ever look forward to…

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Eager and ready for work, Grissom entered the house and walked towards the study after being informed that's where Captain Sidle was. As he got closer, he slowed upon hearing voices drifting from inside. He frowned upon hearing the captain's apology.

"I'm sorry, Sheriff; you have my word, it will not happen again."

"Good."

As Grissom reached the door he noticed it was only half open, so he knocked softly.

"Come!" Captain Sidle commanded.

Tentatively opening the door, Grissom stepped inside the study to see the captain standing with a familiar figure. He grinned as the man turned around to face him.

"James…Brass….." Grissom declared with a grin.

The Sheriff stared at Grissom, a look of total shock on his face. "Gilbert Grissom…?"

With a throaty chuckle Grissom's grin turned into a full blown smile as he stepped forward but before he knew it Brass lurched forward and yanked him into a fierce bear hug.

"It's been a long time, my friend," Brass laughed as the two men embraced.

"That it has," Grissom agreed, patting the law man on the back before the two men separated.

"I see you got your dream job," Grissom looked to Brass's badge with a raised brow.

Brass's chest swelled with pride. "What I always wanted, the only thing I ever wanted to do with my life."

With a sincere smile Grissom nodded. "I know that."

"What about you stranger?" Brass began, grin broad, "What are you doing here? Come to think of it, where have you been hiding all these years?"

"Well," Grissom looked to the captain who was now perched on his desk bearing an extensive smirk, "I've been, for now shall we say, busy?"

"Ha!" Brass laughed, "No kidding?"

"And," Grissom folded his arms, "I am here to stay, at least for a while; in fact, I would really like to talk to you properly at some point."

"Oh?" Brass worked his jaw in curiosity, "About?"

Once again flicking his eyes to the captain Grissom's look changed to one more serious. "Albert Robbins for one, plus a few other things that are not sitting well on my mind."

"Oh, um," Brass stuttered, "My sympathies about Albert, I know you loved him dearly."

For a moment Grissom bowed his head but remained composed. "So, maybe I'll come by and see you? Later maybe or tomorrow?"

Nodding, Brass tapped one of the guns resting on his thighs. "Anytime, you'll usually find me in town, and don't leave it too long, we have a lot of catching up to do."

"I won't."

Brass turned to Captain Sidle and nodded in respect. "I will be gone Captain, and leave you to your business."

The rancher stood. "Thank you, Sheriff. I give you my guarantee that I will bring the boys in line."

With a single nod, Brass headed for the door and departed.

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Sara hovered on the stair way and watched as Brass walked down the hallway. After he was out of site she rushed down the steps and entered the study.

"Good morning," she announced.

Grissom and the captain turned upon hearing her voice.

"Good morning, my dear," her father replied. Grissom smiled and nodded in return.

"I am happy to see you are ready and eager for the day." Captain Sidle continued looking his daughter over, dressed in her familiar riding attire. Not entirely appropriate for a day's work but it was about as close as he wanted her to get.

"Why was the Sheriff here?" Sara asked shuffling a little further into the room.

"Ah," her father groaned. "Your cousins…"

Grissom grinned, remembering their paths crossing earlier that morning, but he, too, had yet to hear why the Sheriff had paid a visit.

"Sara, would you be so kind as to go and wake your cousins?" The captain began, "I want them down here in ten minutes; any longer and I will personally drag them down the stairs."

Instantly, Sara's brow rose but she didn't ask any questions. "Yes, father." Her eyes floated to Grissom before she turned and headed upstairs.

Turing to the captain, Grissom looked at him with inquisitive eyes. "I gather all is not well?"

With a huff, Captain Sidle began pacing around the room. "It appears my nephews caused a little problem in town last night…."

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"Nicholas! Gregory!" Sara banged firmly on their bedroom door and all she got in return was a groan.

"Boys!" Sara persisted. "Get out here now or I'm coming in there!"

As she waited, Sara heard several curses and bangs before the bedroom door finally opened and Nicholas poked his head out, blinking roughly through half opened eyes.

"Saraaaaaaaa……" Nicholas moaned, "Whaaaat is it? We are trying to sleep…."

Taking a step back, Sara held her hand to her mouth; her cousin wasn't giving off the best of aromas, the stench of rotten alcohol wafting bitterly from his mouth and skin.

"Good lord. Nicholas, do you know how bad you smell? What did you do, drink the entire town's alcoholic supply?"

Holding his hand to his head, Nicholas groaned. "Can I go back to bed now?"

"No, father wants to see you, both of you, now."

Sighing, Nicholas leaned against the door frame. "Can it not wait?"

"No," Sara shook her head. "You are in trouble, the Sheriff was here. What did you two do? Father is livid."

Knitting his brow, Sara watched as Nicholas obviously struggled to think, then his eyes widened. "Oh no…" His mouth dropped open, "They told on us?"

Shaking her head, Sara shrugged her shoulders, "I don't know what's happening, but what I do know is that you better get dressed, quickly, or father will personally come and get you and I really don't think you want to annoy him anymore than he already is."

"Um," Nick stuttered, "Alright, I, erm, will get Gregory up and be down with haste."

Sara nodded. "Good, I will tell father."

Watching as her cousin slipped back into the room, Sara shook her head in disbelief as to what was happening. What had they done? It was a rarity that their antics would seriously rile her father. Annoy him a little maybe, but he was extremely mad right now. She was curious to find out why and hurried back down the stairs.

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"…..you know there may be another explanation…" Sara entered the study as Grissom and her father chatted.

The eyes of the two men fell upon Sara.

"Maybe," Captain Sidle responded, looking at his daughter.

Tilting her head a little, Sara stared at her father. "What did they do?" She asked.

"You will find out soon enough, my dear. Are they coming?" The rancher asked.

"Yes, Father."

"Good. Rana!" the captain called.

Almost immediately, Rana appeared in the doorway. "Yes, sir?"

"When my nephews appear would you please send them to the dining room?"

"Yes, sir." Rana nodded.

"We may as well begin breakfast while we wait. Gil, are you hungry?" Captain Sidle asked his friend.

"A little, I guess."

"Then, we have breakfast," the older man instructed walking towards the door.

"Sara…" He gestured with his arm for Sara to lead and she did so quickly, the two men followed her out the door.

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Captain Sidle sipped his coffee, Grissom enjoyed his smoked bacon and Sara shuffled her eggs around her plate before finally taking a mouthful.

The air felt a little tense and no one seemed to be making an effort to speak until the captain heard footsteps coming their way. Nicholas and Gregory's voices could be heard whispering through the open door and Captain Sidle stood quickly, slapping his napkin down onto the table.

"Boys! Get in here!" The captain demanded with a firm, angry tone.

Nicolas and Gregory scuttled into the room while Sara and Grissom gave each other an anxious look.

The two young men looked nervous and rather unwell as they stood side by side at the foot of the table.

"Sit…down!" The captain commanded firmly.

Nicolas and Gregory complied quickly and sat next to Sara, Grissom stood.

"I will, um, I'll," Grissom stuttered, "wait outside, Captain."

"No, Gil, stay." The older man requested.

At the captain's request, Grissom sat back down.

"So…" Captain Sidle began walking around behind his two nephews, "Have a good evening, boys?"

Grissom's eyes flicked to Sara and he noticed she was watching him. He fought his urge to grin and just about managed it.

Nicholas and Gregory squirmed in their chairs before looking at each other. They both jumped as the captain slapped a firm hand onto each of their shoulders.

"Nothing to say?" The older man's voice was very close to a growl.

"Well, um, Uncle, we…" The words stumbled from Nicolas's mouth.

Moving around the table the captain slowly sat next to Grissom and tapped his fingers on the table as his nephew struggled to give him an answer. He looked to Gregory who just bowed his head, then back to Nicolas.

"Yes?" Captain Sidle asked, his brow raised. "You……?"

"We got into a little trouble?" Nicolas ventured. "But it wasn't…"

"But nothing!" the captain bit back, forcing Nicolas to silence quickly.

"You caused a brawl!" Captain Sidle took a breath to gather his composure. He did not enjoy losing his temper. "You have tarnished the reputation of this estate, and I spent my morning getting my ear chewed off by the Sheriff." The rancher pointed to Nicholas and Gregory in turn. "All because of you two. What in god's name are you playing at?"

"We were defending you, Uncle." Gregory finally spoke up and all eyes fell upon him.

Captain Sidle's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"

Clearing his throat Gregory looked to Nicholas quickly before shuffling in his chair. "May I ask what exactly Sheriff Brass told you?"

After careful thought, Captain Sidle nodded. "He said that you two caused a fight with half a dozen others but then everyone joined in, an all out brawl, complete chaos and much damage was caused." The captain stood and paced up and down. "In addition, you two boys vanished and were not there when order was brought." He whirled to face them, eyes blazing. "Are you stupid? Did you not realize this was bound to catch up with you? Did you not think about the shame you would bring upon the family?"

"We didn't mean for it to happen, Uncle." Gregory stated. "They were speaking ill of you and all we wanted to do was defend our family name, not tarnish it."

Captain Sidle halted his pacing and placed his hand on the back of Grissom's chair, looking at his nephews. "What do you mean?"

Nicolas cleared his throat. "McKeen's boys, they were cursing your name, Uncle and were not being quiet about it." Nicolas bit down on his bottom lip before continuing. "I will not repeat what they said, sir, as it is by no means something I wish to hear again but I could just not stand by and watch them curse you and our family. It was not Gregory's fault, I started it." Nicolas looked to the floor in embarrassment. "I started an argument and then I pushed one of them, but a little too hard and he fell into the poker table. After that all hell broke loose and fists started flying. Gregory and I just ran and spent the rest of the night in the high field with a bottle of whiskey. I know it was a stupid thing to do, but after all I had drunk and with what they were saying Uncle, I just couldn't stand it, I snapped. I didn't think it would go as far as it did."

As Captain Sidle sighed at Nicolas's story, Grissom looked up to him and noted how the older man's expression had mellowed a little.

"All that said, boys," the rancher began, "I do not expect my relations to act like children in public and start fights, and it will not happen again, do you understand?"

Both Nicolas and Gregory nodded. "Yes, Uncle," they said together.

"I realize you were defending our name but still after the destruction you caused you must be punished." The captain stated, sitting back down next to Grissom.

Nicolas and Gregory swallowed hard.

"Firstly, both of you must go into town to the saloon and apologize for what happened. Gil and I have a small staff meeting this morning to talk about changes commencing here after that -" He looked to Grissom, "Gil would you be kind enough to escort the boys into town and ensure they do as I asked?"

Grissom nodded. "Of course, sir."

"Then," the captain looked back to the boys, "I think it's about time you started to live up to your adult responsibilities. As Sara is so keen to help around the estate, you can, too."

"You want us to work?" Gregory asked, astonished, mouth agape.

Deeply, furrowing his brow, Captain Sidle gritted his teeth. "Do you have a problem with that?" the older man growled.

"No, Uncle," Gregory replied quickly, bowing his head once again.

"Good. You boys go upstairs and clean yourselves up; I want you back down here in an hour, no less."

Both boys nodded and stood quickly. Still a little uneasy on their feet, they staggered to the door and through it.

Captain Sidle sighed again and looked to Grissom and his daughter in turn. "I hope to the heavens I don't have similar problems with you, my dear," he said to Sara.

With a grin, Sara found her eyes wandering to Grissom before replying to her father. "Are you worried?" she chuckled.

"Hmmm." The captain too grinned. "Not yet."

"People make mistakes Captain." Grissom chipped in. "As yet, I do not know your nephews but I do believe they were just defending your good name and would not intentionally cause a ruckus."

"Yes," the captain agreed. "But they still need to learn they can not simply get away with everything they do wrong."

Grissom nodded his agreement. "Well, I will do all I can to help."

"Father, where is mother?" Sara asked trying to change the subject.

"She wasn't feeling too well this morning," the captain replied. "She is still resting; I think she may have eaten something a little too rich last night, but, it's nothing to worry about."

"Oh, does she need anything?"

"No, she is being well taken care of for the moment." He stood. "Gil, shall we set about the estates business?"

Grissom himself now stood. "I am ready whenever you are, sir."

Captain Sidle turned to his daughter. "Sara, are you ready for your first taste of rancher working life? You are positive you want to do this?"

Standing quickly, Sara nodded firmly. "Yes, Father, I am sure and I am more than ready."

A/N: YOU WANT MORE YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO – HIT THAT BUTTON!