Thank you to mingsmommy for the super beta!
Chapter 10
Grissom checked Dante over to make sure his horse had not injured himself during the commotion. All was well apart from Dante had succeeded in throwing the shoe on his right forefoot.
"He's thrown a shoe; I'll need to get him tended too." Grissom spoke, emitting a heavy sigh.
"There is a blacksmith just at the end of the main street, sir. The captain has used him in the past and rates him highly," Michael informed him.
"All right, thanks. Sara you should go back to the house with the Robert and Michael when they have collected what they need."
"I'm staying with you," Sara replied without hesitation.
Looking up from his kneeling position, Grissom's brow rose. "Sara….."
"I am in your care, am I not?" Sara asked and Grissom knew she had him on this one. "And, please, after what has just happened, I would rather stay with you."
Gnawing on his bottom lip, Grissom stood, his eyes narrowing a little but he sensed a slight pleading in her voice which aided his decision.
"Robert, please ride back with Michael once you have collected the tools you need and leave your horse for Sara. You can use the wagon. We'll leave the Michaels horse for Nicolas and Gregory and follow after you. They will just have to share."
Now Sara frowned as Robert dismounted and handed the reins to Grissom. "But why don't I just ride back with you?"
With a grin on his face, Grissom held out the horse's reins to Sara. "Nice try; but if you stay with me, you do things my way, or return to the house."
Sara could feel the agitation building inside her again. Did this man ever relax? She snatched the reins from his hand.
"I'll see you back at the ranch," Grissom finished and Robert nodded.
"Yes, sir."
"Well," Grissom looked to Sara as his two aids walked away, "shall we?"
Shrugging her shoulders, Sara kicked the dirt road. "Whatever you say," she grumbled.
Actually feeling his heart drop a little at Sara's obvious displeasure Grissom sighed and they headed down the road.
CSICSICSICSICSICSICSI
Reaching the end of the main street, Grissom stopped. He looked at the semi open gate before turning to Sara.
"You think this is it?" He peered through the gate.
Pouting slightly, Sara shrugged her shoulders again. "It must be, we haven't passed it and yet we've reached the end of the street."
Pondering for a moment, Grissom pushed the gate open, but then heard the clank of a hammer. That gave him the confirmation he was looking for.
"Come one," He urged Sara to go before him as he pulled Dante behind; she did so quickly, pulling her horse and Grissom closed the gate behind them.
Almost immediately, they were facing a small shack, smoke pouring from the uneven chimney nestled upon its roof top and the dull 'clunk' of the hammer coming from inside. Scattered around the shack were several wheels from wagons and a few cropping tools.
Tying Dante and Sara's horse to the rail Grissom called out…
"Hello?"
The 'clank' stopped immediately and a man walked from the shack.
"Afternoon," the man said, quickly wiping his hands off on a rag he approached Grissom with haste and held out his hand. "Warrick Brown, sir. What can I do for you?"
Shaking the man's hand firmly Grissom smiled. "Gil Grissom, and my horse is in need of a little re-shoeing, I was told this was the place to come."
"Oh?" Warrick's eyes narrowed a little.
Raising his brow at Warrick's surprised tone Grissom had a good look around the shack. "Does that surprise you?" He noted there wasn't all that much equipment for a recommended blacksmith.
Warrick sighed. "Excuse me for a moment, I just have to…." He walked towards the forge and tipped a little extra charcoal into it before stoking the fire. "It surprises me a little," he stated, turning back to Grissom. "There is another blacksmith at the other end of town; he started up about six months ago. I try, but I don't get too much business now. I work hard and keep to tight schedules but jobs have been scarce these past few months. It doesn't help when the new man is funded by Colonel McKeen; that man just doesn't like me."
Warrick looked by Grissom and saw Sara. "Hello, Miss Sara," he smiled. "My apologies I didn't see you there."
"Not a problem," Sara responded. "Do I know you?" She finished a little confused.
"No, ma'am, but I know of you and I have seen you around with your father. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."
Now, Sara smiled. "Thank you."
"Do you think it is because of the Colonel that your trade has suddenly disappeared?" Grissom asked.
"I don't know." Warrick admitted. "One day he came in to see me; it was not a very polite encounter, may I add."
"Oh?" Grissom asked curiously. "How so?"
"I don't think he was threatening me," Warrick began, "but he informed me to be very careful about whom I did jobs for or he would put me out of business. I was lost; I had no idea what he was talking about so I told him I answer to no one."
"Good for you." Grissom commended.
"It's odd, really, because," he looked to Sara, "it was just after I started doing work for the captain but all in all I just shrugged it off and got on with what I did best and I took jobs from whomever I saw fit. Then, the work began to dry up with the appearance of the new blacksmith."
"Hmmmm," Grissom pondered on Warrick's words. Was this blacksmith's sudden fall in customers because he was serving Captain Sidle?
"Well, I work for Captain Sidle now," Grissom informed Warrick. "So, if you are good enough for him; you are good enough for me."
Warrick nodded. "Whatever you need, sir, and I appreciate that."
"My horse," Grissom pointed to Dante, "is in need of a shoe. Can you do that?"
"Of course," Warrick nodded. "No problem at all. If you just come back in about thirty minutes or so, I will have him all fixed up for you."
"Um, I'd rather wait with him."
Warrick laughed lightly. "I can assure you Mr Grissom I am very capable of shoeing a horse."
"I don't doubt that," Grissom responded reaching over to pet his horse, "but you don't know Dante. He is not fond of strangers touching him."
"He's not kidding," Sara interrupted with a grin.
Shrugging his shoulders, Warrick conceded. "Okay, whatever you say, sir."
CSICSICSICSICSICSICSI
Twenty minutes later Warrick realized exactly what Grissom meant and was beyond thankful to the gods that the master had remained with the beast.
Dante was indeed unimpressed when Warrick attempted to lift his leg and almost got a hoof square in the jaw. Grissom calmed him with haste but Warrick was still cautious with the rest of his task. It took a little longer to fix the horse up, as he couldn't deny he was a little nervous below the large unhappy animal.
"There; all done," Warrick proclaimed as he knocked in the last nail and carefully placed Dante's leg back on the ground.
Dante let out a happy snort and tapped his foot on the floor a few times to get the feel of his new footwear. After several taps, he shook his mane and neighed contently.
Grissom admired Warrick's work as Sara watched, perched on a barrel by the shack.
"Nice work," she said, patting Dante. "And he's happy so good job."
"Thanks," Warrick smiled in appreciation.
"It's a shame you are struggling for business," Grissom continued, "I'd be happy to use your services any day."
With a sigh Warrick rubbed his hands together. "I appreciate that."
"Are you happy here?" Grissom asked.
"About as happy as I can be."
"Where do you live, Warrick?"
A tender snort escaped Warrick's nose as he turned to the shack. "You're looking at it."
"Ah…" Grissom now felt a little guilty for probing so hard.
"It's hard," Warrick admitted in a sigh, "especially now."
"Well, maybe I can help you out with that." Grissom looked to Sara for a moment; he was certainly impressed with the young man's talents and he just had a good feeling about him.
"What do you mean?" Warrick frowned.
"Well," Grissom started, "we have a lot of work to do at The Grove, lots of things that need fixing and, I'm pretty sure we could use a workshop…"
Warrick frowned, "Are you offering me a job?"
"Maybe… It will be hard work, probably more so than what you are used to, but I think you will be good for it. We have plenty of room in the living quarters, the pay isn't amazing but, you get to live and eat for free. I could really use a good pair of hands and I have a feeling I may have just found them."
Rubbing his chin in obvious thought, Warrick looked to his shack.
"Look, you don't have to make a decision now, think about it and come by the estate and see me tomorrow."
Nodding several times, Warrick smiled. "I will. Thank you."
"How much do I owe you for your services?" Grissom asked reaching into his pocket.
"Please," Warrick held up a hand, "this one is on the house."
"Oh, now, Warrick, I couldn't let you do that." Grissom pulled out his wallet.
"Please," Warrick insisted. "Let me; it's hard to find a friend these days and I think I just have. That's enough payment for me, okay?"
"If you insist." Grissom smiled and Warrick smiled in return.
"So, I'll see you sometime tomorrow?" Grissom asked as he untied Sara's horse's reigns and handed them to her.
"Yes, sir, you will. I look forward to it."
Holding out his hand, Grissom shook Warrick's hand. "So do I, and thank you."
"No problem."
"Well, shall we?" Grissom asked Sara as he pulled Dante behind him.
Sara nodded. "Nice to meet you Warrick." Sara smiled as they walked form the yard and Warrick bowed his head in respect as they left.
CSICSICSICSICSICSICSICSI
"Do you usually offer jobs to people you do not know?" Sara asked as they walked back down the main street.
Grissom grinned. "Do you not trust my judgment?"
Stopping Sara looked to the older man by her side. He, too, stopped and turned to face her.
There was a long moment before Sara spoke; the couple seemed to be lost in each other's gaze.
"I trust you," she finally said. "So, I withdraw my question."
A sincere smile graced Grissom's lips, but he suddenly found himself lost for words. "I, um, well, we should probably check on the boys before we head back."
"As you wish," Sara responded and they proceeded towards the saloon.
CSICSICSICSICSICSICSI
As they approached the saloon, Sara stopped by the steps.
"Would you like me to wait outside?" Sara asked.
"Of course not," Grissom replied quickly.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, I'm sure, Sara." Grissom said firmly as he tied Dante to the rail. "Tie up your horse."
Doing as asked, Sara quickly tied her horse next to Dante and followed Grissom up the steps and through the saloon doors.
Stepping inside Grissom looked around; there was no one in site, apart from Jackson who saw Grissom immediately and hurried towards him.
"Sir?"
"Is Heather still here?" Grissom asked.
"No, sir, she has left to attend to some things, can I help you?" Jackson offered.
"Nicolas and Gregory, are they assisting as asked?" Grissom enquired noting the bar looked a lot better than it did when he first arrived.
"Yes, sir." Jackson nodded. "They are doing very well; they are just finishing up a few things in the back; would you like me to call them?"
"No, no." Grissom began. "I was just checking on them before I left town."
"They are fine, sir." Jackson held out his arms. "They helped scrub the floor and Miss Heather said when they are finished in the back they are free to go on their way. They shouldn't be too long."
"Are they working reeaalllly hard?" Sara grinned.
"Yes, ma'am."
Turning to Sara, Grissom narrowed his eyes at her and she held up her hands in defense. "I was just checking."
"No, Sara, you were teasing."
"Sorry." She conceded.
"Thank you, Jackson." Grissom returned his glance to the worker. "We will be on our way."
"No problem, sir." Jackson smiled.
"After you, my dear." Grissom gestured Sara towards the doors.
Her grin reappeared before she turned and headed for doors; Grissom tipped his hat to Jackson and quickly followed.
Walking from the saloon, Grissom stopped abruptly and grabbed Sara's arm. She looked at him with quizzical eyes. Cocking his head, he inclined his head and her glance fell to the riders across the street. Her face quickly paled.
Four men sat upon their horses and stared at them.
Grissom was certain it was the same four men who had almost run them down earlier. Then he knew his suspicions were accurate when the lead rider pointed a finger at them, as if it were a make shift gun, he pretended to pull the trigger. The men around him snickered.
Clenching his fists, Grissom took a step forward, his heart pounding wildly but he was no coward, unlike the men across from him, who dared try and run them down without provocation. He wanted to tell them exactly what was on his mind, but as he went to take another step towards them he felt a tug on his arm.
Turning, his eyes clashed with Sara's, but the sparkle within them was fading and he saw a note of fear within her pretty brown gaze.
"Grissom, please, don't." She pleaded tightening her grip on his arm. "I know you're annoyed but…"
"They could have hurt you," Grissom butted in gritting his teeth.
"I know," Sara admitted. "But, they are looking for trouble and you are way outnumbered. I realize this is hard for you but please, just let it go. I don't want you to get hurt."
The sincerity Grissom heard in Sara's voice made his heart skip a beat. Sighing lightly, he looked to the ground before back at the men. But he only glanced at them for a second before turning away. "Okay."
They walked away from the saloon and mounted their horses. Grissom could feel the men watching them but fought the urge to look back at them.
"Ready?" He asked Sara before giving Dante a tender pat.
Sara nodded. "I am."
"Then let's go."
"You better watch your back, outsider!" The lead rider yelled as Grissom and Sara trotted down the dusty street.
Snapping his eyes closed for a brief second, Grissom felt his blood beginning to boil once more and his grip tightened on Dante's reigns. How dare they call him an outsider? He had spent ten years of his life in this town.
"Ignore them, Grissom; they are meaningless."
Grissom didn't look at Sara when she urged him to calm, he merely nodded and kicked Dante lightly to speed him a little. Sara did the same and they rushed from the town.
A/N: Again, thanks for your patience guys, time is certainly not on my side right now but I'm trying. Hope you enjoyed the chapter and please hit the button and let me know your thoughts.