A/N: Sorry for the delay in posting guys. I have just returned from Chicago after seeing Blackbird and have just had a crazy couple of weeks. As always, my thanks to mingsmommy, for your help and beta with my story.

Chapter 14

A smile found Grissom's lips and he stood. Holding out his hand, he watched as Sara stared at him. Eventually, she took his hand and he pulled her to her feet.

"It's late," he said softly. "I must get you home."

Sara's face saddened and she looked to the ground, lightly making circles in the dirt with her boot.

"Hey." He tenderly placed a finger under her chin and lifted her face so their eyes met. "Don't be sad, Sara, I'm not purposely avoiding your questions all the time, it's just this," he swallowed hard before continuing, "is more complex than you could ever imagine, not even your father knows why I decided to leave."

"Do you not trust me?"

As he looked into her eyes he felt his pulse quicken. Such beautiful eyes clouded by uncertainty, so vulnerable but yet, so pure. He was sure he could get lost within them.

"Yes," he said simply, removing his finger from her chin before the temptation to stroke her skin overcame him. "I do trust you."

She faked a smile. "But you still can not confide in me?"

"I know I can." He responded, softly folding his arms across his chest. "But this is different; I am not even ready to recall the ghosts of the past. Maybe in time, but you have to trust me, when and if the time is right, Sara, but not before, alright?"

"Alright," she agreed.

"Good," Grissom exhaled a long breath. "Shall we head back?"

Sara nodded and they began their walk back to the house.

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Arriving back at the house they stopped by the main steps to the front door before turning to each other.

"Thank you for the walk."

"My pleasure," Sara replied with a sweet smile.

"I will see you in the morning, Sara. Goodnight." Tipping his head in farewell Grissom retreated down the driveway.

"Goodnight…." She whispered softly as he walked away. She backed up the stairs, struggling to take her eyes from him even though his back was to her; finally she turned and advanced quietly into the house.

Unseen and just above where they had been standing, Laura observed through the partially opened drapes.

She watched Grissom as he disappeared down the driveway and out of sight. With a tender grin crossing her lips, she closed the drapes and returned to bed.

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A new day was born and Sara skipped down the stairs with a bounce and a purpose. Merrily, she strode into the dining room. Three people were at the table eating breakfast, her mother, Nicolas and Gregory.

"Good morning," she announced herself with a glorious smile.

All three looked up and announced their hello's as Sara sat.

"You look very cheerful this morning, Sara," her mother commented, a slight smile pursing her lips. "Is it for any particular reason?"

Sara's eyes flicked to her mother and she shook her head. "No particular reason, Mother."

"Hmmmm," Laura's grin broadened as she returned her attention to her breakfast.

"Are you feeling better, Mother?"

"Oh yes," the older woman smiled softly, "thank you. Just a little stomach upset, that is all."

"And how about my dear cousins?" She chuckled.

The two boys took their concentration from their meal. "Oh, superb." Nicolas commented sarcastically.

With a little snicker, Sara grabbed a piece of toast from the middle of the table. "Oh, come on, you will enjoy it around the estate, I guarantee it."

"Are you enjoying it?" Gregory asked, looking a little sheepish, obviously feeling nervous as to what Grissom would have in store for them.

"Well, actually," she took a bite from the piece of bread, "I am."

"Really?" Nick asked astonished, dropping his fork. "You enjoy working?"

"Really, yes, I do."

"I think Grissom is a slave driver," Gregory mumbled. "Making us scrub floors…."

Unsure of whether to laugh at or reprimand her cousin for that comment, Sara looked to her mother for a second before back to her cousins. "He is a very caring and hard working man. Do not disparage him until you really know him."

Laura smiled.

"Sure," Gregory mumbled sarcastically.

"Do you think Grissom will be joining us for breakfast?" Sara asked, taking another bite.

Picking up her tea, Laura took a sip. "He has already popped by; he is out on the estate."

"Already?" Sara was shocked, she thought she would beat him to it this morning; it wasn't even 6.30am yet. She reached for the coffee pot in the middle of the table.

"Yes, already," the older woman smiled. "He always was an early riser. Odd, considering he usually retired very late; he liked to walk about the estate at night."

Almost dropping the coffee pot, Sara's eyes widened as her glance shot to her mother. "Well, um," she cleared her throat, "maybe he, erm, just doesn't need a lot of sleep."

"Probably," Laura smirked and stood. "Boys, make sure you are not late, you have half an hour. Your uncle will be back from his business this evening and you don't want to disappoint him."

"Yes, ma'am," they responded together.

"I will see you," she smirked, "later, Sara."

"Yes, Mother," Sara responded quickly.

"Oh, and Gil said he would be at the stables when you are ready." Laura left the room and Sara quickly finished her breakfast.

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Sara reached the stables to find Grissom in a very peculiar position under one of the studs.

"Good morning," she said with a smile.

Looking up, he smiled back. "Good morning," he stood, brushing the straw from his pants.

"What are you doing?" She stepped into the stall with a look of curiosity highlighting her face.

"Oh, just checking the horse, he had a little sore on his right foot. You know we have some fine studs on sight, some great fillies and mares too."

At the mention of the word filly, Dante, in the next stall kicked his door and shook his mane before emitting an excited nay.

Snorting, Sara looked through the divide to Grissom's horse. "Sounds like someone is in need of a girlfriend," she giggled.

Grinning broadly, Grissom stepped out of the stall and Sara followed.

"Have you considered using Dante?"

"What, for breeding?"

Sara nodded.

"No." Grissom closed the stall door.

"Why?"

"Well," he began, "put it this way, Dante is very picky about his women."

He watched as Sara's eyes widened and her face cracked the biggest smile he had ever seen.

She couldn't help it, she had to laugh. "He's picky, is he?" She scoffed.

"Yes."

"Does he take after his master?"

Now, Grissom's eyes widened and his right brow reached for the sky.

"Sorry," she held a finger mockingly over her lips, "I was just teasing."

He glared at her, "Hmmmm."

"You should consider him though," Sara continued. "He is an amazing animal. I am sure he would make the perfect stud." She walked to Dante's stall and patted him through the half open door. The horse nodded his appreciation before giving her arm a long wet lick.

Grissom grabbed his saddle from the wall, "I'll think about it." He said opened Dante's stall. "I'm taking him for a little exercise before we get on. Feel like a ride?"

Sara smiled broadly. "Sure. How about you let me ride Dante?"

As the young rancher pulled his horse from the stall, his eyes sprang to meet hers. "Um, noooo."

"Why not?"

"Because, I said so, Sara. Dante is wild, you'll get hurt." He turned away from her and began to saddle his beast.

"Come on, Grissom." She slapped her hands hard to her hips. "I know how to handle a horse, you have seen it yourself."

"I said no and my answer is final."

Working her bottom jaw Sara firmly folded her arms. "Fine," she huffed, "be like that."

Sighing, Grissom allowed Dante to walk freely from the stall once his saddle was fitted and he lightly trotted to Sara, shoving his nose into her firmly fixed arms, he attempted to get a little more attention.

"See, even he wants me to ride him."

Grissom remained firm on his decision. "No. Now get your horse."

"You are impossible," she groaned, sulking away to the end of the stable to fetch Pandora, her oldest and dearest horse.

Looking to Dante, Grissom now folded his arms. "You are not helping, you know."

Shaking his mane, Dante thumped the ground a few times with his back foot.

"Don't give me that." He smiled as he took the reins. "Do that again and you'll be on hay rations for a week."

Dante whined as Grissom pulled him outside and they waited for Sara.

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After a good, hard, twenty minute ride Grissom and Sara arrived back at the stables, Nicolas and Gregory awaited them, standing outside kicking the dirt. Again, the sun shone gloriously and the temperature was rising fast.

Grinning as they pulled to a halt, Grissom noted as the boys were already sweating. They hadn't even started working yet.

"Morning, boys." He dismounted, Sara followed suit.

Dante and Pandora circled each other behind their masters.

"Morning," the two young men grumbled.

"I am so glad to feel your enthusiasm, boys."

Chuckling, Sara stepped beside her teacher. "Work is not so bad, I promise you."

As Gregory was about to respond a voice cut in from behind.

"Good morning…"

The group turned and Grissom smiled upon seeing Warrick approach.

"Good morning, Warrick," Grissom returned stepping forward.

"I'm sorry," the younger man looked around to his audience, "am I interrupting?"

"Oh, no, we were just about to begin work. Are you here about my offer?"

"Yes," the blacksmith nodded, "I would like to accept if it is still open."

"Excellent," Grissom smiled. "It most certainly is and I am happy you are so keen to be here at this hour."

"Well," Warrick sighed, "not much in town for me now so…"

Sara walked to join Grissom as her cousins whispered to each other about the new arrival.

"Hello, Warrick," she greeted him with a smile.

Tipping his hat the young man smiled back. "Miss Sara."

"Warrick has decided to join us at the estate," Grissom confirmed to her.

"Great," she replied. "Are you starting today?"

"Well," Warrick looked to Nicolas and Gregory who now seemed to be giggling between themselves. They silenced when they saw he was looking at them, although they managed to keep a grin, "I have to collect my things but apart from that, sure, I'm ready to start, whenever."

"That's not a problem; I have the perfect couple to help you move your things." Turning, Grissom smiled at the two boys and their smirks fell from their faces.

As Warrick announced his thanks for the assistance, Ecklie approached on his horse. He eyed the group carefully before dismounting but he didn't say a word. He just pulled his horse and disappeared into the stables.

Sighing at Ecklie's persistence at ignoring him, Grissom turned to Nicolas and Gregory. "Boys, go into town with Warrick and help him collect his things. Take the wagon. If there is any equipment you can bring back, do that also." He faced Warrick again. "Is that alright?"

"Sure," the younger man agreed.

Nicolas and Gregory's shoulders slumped as they mumbled their "Yes, sir's," and they stepped towards the barn to retrieve the wagon.

"Follow us," Nick instructed Warrick.

"Thank you, Mr Grissom, for this opportunity." The two men shook hands. "I promise I won't let you down."

"I hope not," the older man returned. "Come and find me when you get back."

"Will do, sir," he nodded and turned to follow the boys.

"Sara," Grissom watched as the three men disappeared, "why don't you take a short break?"

"What?" She stepped towards him a little astonished. "But we haven't even done anything yet."

"I know," he looked at her, "but I must speak with Conrad. Just, give me a few minutes, alright?"

"Oh, um, alright, I will, well, I don't actually know." She looked around. "Is there anything you want me to do? I really don't," she smiled slyly, "need a break."

"Well," he slipped his hand into his pockets, "you could start gathering the tools we need to begin the foundation digging for the workshop."

"Alright," she agreed.

"But, no heavy lifting mind you, just what you can carry," Grissom sounded his words firmly. "You can start taking them over to the plot, Michael and a few other lads should be in to help shortly."

"I think I can manage that. I will see you shortly."

He nodded and she headed off to her task.

Grabbing Dante and Pandora's reigns Grissom pulled the horses towards the stable, himself in the middle of the two. Suddenly Dante attempted to edge closer to Pandora, almost crushing Grissom.

"Hey! Watch it boy."

Shaking his mane, Dante huffed, causing his master to smile broadly.

"You two have only just met, so take things slowly, huh?" He chuckled.

Walking into the stable, Grissom spotted Ecklie at the far end, placing his saddle on the wall. He slipped the horses back into their stalls and approached him.

Sensing his presence Ecklie turned quickly and the two men locked eyes.

"Conrad."

Ecklie's eyes narrowed in response. "Grissom."

"I think we need to talk."

Grinning sarcastically, Ecklie removed his gloves and shoved them into his pocket. "Why would I want to talk to you?"

"Because," the senior man sighed, "no matter what our differences, we have an obligation to the captain. If the estate is going to get back on its feet, we have to co-operate with each other and work together. I know we have our," Grissom swallowed hard, "past and I am not saying it is easy to forget what happened, it isn't…."

He stopped and slipped his hands into his pockets, Ecklie eyed him suspiciously as his eyes drifted to the floor for a moment. "…there isn't a day that goes by, Conrad, when I don't think about…I still…I…"

Stepping forwards, Ecklie narrowed the gap between himself and his new boss and their eyes locked again, both bore equal sadness for the secrets they held.

"What do you expect from me, Grissom? Huh?" The younger man almost growled, gritting his teeth. "You helped destroy my life and then you left. I was left alone with my guilt and yours. I put all I had into my work and became ready to run the estate." He clenched his fists. "Now you come back and take that away too. What the hell do you want?"

"Can we," the older man looked to the entrance, "take a walk?"

Thinking carefully, but finally agreeing, Ecklie followed Grissom from the stable and they walked as the sun beat down upon them.

Taking a handkerchief from his pocket Grissom wiped his brow.

"I don't want to take away all the hard work you have put into The Grove, Conrad, I would never do that."

"So, what are you doing?"

Sighing once again as they reached the barn, Grissom leaned against its open door and folded his arms. Ecklie stood to his side and both men looked out over the grounds and back at the stables.

"I want the estate to prosper again, if it doesn't and soon, it is going to collapse." He looked to his adversary. "It is not about who is in charge, or our past, our differences or the blame, it is about fighting for our lives. If The Grove goes under everyone will be out on the street. This was my home, Conrad, for a long time, it still is in many ways and I will do anything to make sure it survives. But…"

Ecklie folded his arms firmly as he listened.

"…I can not do it alone."

Now the younger man smirked. "It's really hard for you to say, isn't it?"

With a raised brow, Grissom faced his rival. "We need to put aside our past, Conrad, no matter how difficult it is. It will never go away, I know that, but for now, if we are going to survive we have to work together."

"Say it."

Suddenly, Sara emerged from the barn pushing a small cart and both men jumped.

"Oh, sorry, gentlemen." She looked to Ecklie and then to Grissom.

"Sara!" Grissom announced, startled. "I didn't realize you were in there."

"Preparing tools, remember?"

"Oh, yes." Grissom's mind suddenly raced. What had Sara heard?

"Well," she smiled sweetly, "I will leave you to it." She pushed the cart and headed for the plot.

Ecklie eyed her with curiosity but for now returned his attention to Grissom. "Are you going to say it?"

"Fine, Conrad, yes, I need you, alright?"

Smirking, Ecklie exhaled a content breath. "Was it so hard?"

"Wouldn't it be for you?" The older man forced himself not to snap back his reply.

"I suppose it would."

"So, do we have an understanding?" Grissom held out his hand and Ecklie stared at it.

"For now," he responded, taking Grissom's hand and shaking it roughly. "But I still blame you, understand that. Maybe one day, our time will come to settle our differences, until the estate is sorted, I will set them aside. But be warned, I will never forget and I highly doubt, forgive."

With a saddened nod, Grissom released Ecklie's hand. "I understand."

"So," the younger man began, "I believe we have an estate to run, do we not?"

Finally, a smile graced both men's faces.

"Yes, we do," Grissom agreed.

"Good, you can start by telling me what Miss Sara is doing and why was the blacksmith here?"

"Ah, well, come. I will show you."

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Grissom led Ecklie towards the plot where Sara, Michael and Robert were now laying out tools and preparing to start the ground work. Sara looked their way as they approached.

"This," Grissom opened his arms to the ground before them, "is going to be our new workshop."

"Our workshop?"

"Yeah," the older man grinned, "and Warrick is moving here to run it."

"He is?" Ecklie was baffled.

"He is," Grissom confirmed.

"Well," the second in command ran his palm over his chin. "Certainly will be a money saver, not so sure if I trust the blacksmith though."

"Do you trust anyone, Conrad?" The rancher smirked.

The younger man merely smiled back.

"So, you like the idea?"

"Actually," Ecklie began, "I do; does that surprise you?"

"Maybe," Grissom smiled. "How we getting on?" He asked the group.

"Good," Sara replied, glancing to Ecklie briefly. "Just a few heavy loads to bring over and I think we will be ready to start."

"Excellent." The rancher clapped his hands together.

"We will go and bring the other equipment over, sir." Michael announced.

"I'll help you," Ecklie said causing Grissom to stand back in surprise.

Michael nodded in appreciation and the three workers headed back to the barn.

Sara approached Grissom as he looked over the tools. "Did your talk with Conrad go okay? From what I can see, he seems eager to help."

Suddenly his eyes sprang to hers, recalling her in the barn during his conversation with Ecklie; what had she heard?

"Relax, Grissom." She reached out and touched his arm with a smile and he was sure he shuddered. "Your business is your business and until you feel you can talk to me I won't impose."

He was about to respond when the sound of fast approaching horses cut through the air.

The couple stepped back and watched as three riders galloped towards them, stopping abruptly just a few feet away.

Automatically Grissom stepped in front of Sara, he did not recognize the men and was not about to take any chances with her safety.

The lead rider glared at them. "Where is Warrick Brown?" He demanded. "We were told he now resides here."

"Who are you?" Grissom asked, looking the men over.

The man grinned. "I asked you a question; I would suggest you answer it."

Taking a step forward Grissom stood his ground. "Not until you tell me who you are and what you want."

The riders grin broadened. "Then we will just look for ourselves."

In a flash Grissom grabbed a pick axe from the floor, ready to fight. "No, you won't."

Licking his bottom lip the rider pulled his horse back a little as his eyes narrowed. He slipped his fingers to his belt and pulled a revolver from his holster. Without hesitation he pointed it at Grissom and flicked off the safety…

A/N: Hit the button, let me know your thoughts, go on you know you want too :)