A/N: Thank you to mingsmommy, for the amazingly speedy beta on this one. I admit I did hang back a little in posting; otherwise you would have to wait longer than usual for the next chapter. Mings, you are awesome and I thank you for all your help!

Chapter 15

"No!" Sara shouted, unexpectedly jumping in front of Grissom.

His eyes widened and he grabbed her, dropping his weapon. "What the hell are you doing?" He cried spinning them around, shielding her with a tight embrace so his back now faced the gun man.

The rider lowered his weapon slowly, dismounted and holstered his gun. The two other men jumped from their horses and stood alongside him.

"Turn around," he ordered.

Inhaling a heavy breath, Grissom released his hold on Sara. "Stay behind me," he whispered through gritted teeth before turning back to face the three men.

"For someone who has a gun pointed at his head you are very protective of others."

"I have my reasons," Grissom snarled back. "Now who are you and what do you want?"

"My name is Jared James, I work for Samuel Braun. Brown owes my boss a substantial amount of money and I have come to collect."

The rancher's eyes narrowed. "Sam Braun?"

"That's right."

Grissom now seemed to relax a little. "And does Sam know that you are here, on Captain Thomas Sidle's estate, threatening his daughter?"

The rider took an uneasy step backwards, his eyes narrowing now. "What's it to you? It makes no difference."

"Oh, I think you find it will," the older man took a step forward, one that seemed to shock Sara.

"Grissom…" She whispered quickly. "Get back here…"

Flapping his hand behind him to still her, he continued. "I know for a fact than Sam and the captain are very good friends. I myself am a very good friend of Lady Catherine's. I do not think your boss would appreciate your current stance right now."

"Sure," the rider rambled, "for all I know, you're lying out of your ass. Now, are you going to tell me where Brown is?"

"He's not here," the older man sighed, "so, you may as well leave."

"No," the young man stood firm and Grissom felt himself tense again. "I am not leaving empty handed. Mr Braun would not like that."

Grissom had to think quickly, the longer these obviously inexperienced thugs remained, the longer Sara's life was in danger.

"Then take me."

"What?!" Sara screeched. "No! You can not go with them, what good would that do?"

"Let me speak to Sam. He is a reasonable man, I am sure we can come to some sort of agreement."

"Grisssoommm…" Sara whined.

Folding his arms the man contemplated Grissom's request. "So, you are putting yourself on the line for the blacksmith, is that right?"

"Yes," the rancher replied without hesitation.

"And you feel Mr Braun will compromise with you?"

"I do." Grissom felt a tug on his arm and he looked back to Sara who was now shaking her head at him.

"What..are...you..doing?" She murmured.

Failing to respond, Grissom returned his attention to Jared. "So?"

"Well," the younger man looked to his fellow riders. "Should be interesting to see someone attempting to make Mr Braun compromise."

The two riders smirked.

"Alright, as you wish," Jared responded facing Grissom again. "After you." He stepped back and gestured for the older man to go first.

As the young rancher stepped forward, Sara grabbed his arm firmly and refused to let go. Turning, he took her face in his warm hands before looking deeply into her eyes.

"How can you even consider going with these men? How do you know they even work for Sam?"

"Sara," he smiled gently, "I would rather these men be gone from the estate and away from you. From what I can see, this is the only way. I'll be fine, do not worry."

He watched as her chin trembled.

"You trust me, right?"

"Yes," she whispered.

"Then believe me when I say I will be alright. I won't be gone long and as soon as I have spoken to Sam I'll return."

Responding with an uncertain nod, Sara stepped back and allowed Grissom to walk away. He did so cautiously, heading for the stable to collect Dante as the three riders followed closely behind.

CSICSICSICSICSICSICSI

The ride to the Braun estate was steady. Grissom rode in the middle of the three riders with one in front of him and two behind. As they approached the main house he paid close attention to the grounds, especially the numerous guards stationed around the place. Sam Braun certainly took no chances.

They pulled up around the back and dismounted. Jared took the lead as he urged Grissom to follow him, he did so quickly, as the two other riders followed behind and they entered the house.

"This way," Jared spoke as he led Grissom through the back of the house.

"May!" The younger man called upon seeing the head housekeeper carrying a bundle of laundry down the corridor. She stopped and faced the men.

"Mr James," she nodded her head in respect before eyeing Grissom suspiciously. "What can I do for you?"

"Where is Mr Braun?"

"He is in his study but I do not think he wishes to be disturbed."

"It's alright," Jared grinned, "I'm sure he won't mind." He looked back to Grissom, "Come."

As the four men walked past May, she again attempted to appeal to the youngster. "I really do not think he wishes to be disturbed, sir."

With a disgruntled sigh, Jared stopped and faced the older woman again. "Are you giving me orders, woman?" He snapped.

Grissom watched as the housekeeper bowed her head. "No, sir," she whispered shakily.

"Then keep your mouth shut!"

May kept her head down and silently backed away.

"Was that really necessary?" Grissom asked.

"What's it to you?" The young thug began, "These damn servants think they own the place, let them step out of line just once and bam!" He slapped his hands together.

"Maybe but manners cost nothing," the older man commented. "You get respect where respect is due."

The rider sneered. "If I don't get respect from the working scum I just beat it into them."

The two riders behind Grissom chuckled to themselves and he fought the urge to shake his head in disgust.

The younger man grinned at the sickening look Grissom was giving him. "Let's go, scum," he finished before continuing down the corridor.

Now, Grissom shook his head as Jared turned but he did as requested and followed.

The familiar smell of pipe tobacco caught Grissom's attention as he walked past the dining room, he knew that specific aroma, he was sure of it.

They stopped outside a large oak door and Jared knocked quickly. Without even waiting for response the young rider barged into the room and Grissom was pushed in from behind by his other two chaperones.

"Mr Braun, sir, I….eh…oh…"

Grissom stumbled into the room but certainly didn't expect the reception he got.

"Gil?" Two voices sounded at the same time, both holding equal surprise.

Sam Braun sat behind his desk, in front of him, Catherine and Captain Sidle.

Jared looked to Grissom with narrowed eyes before back to his boss. "I'm sorry, sir, I didn't know you had company."

Shaking his head and sighing, Sam stood.

"You never did have any damn manners, Jared," Sam grumbled. "What's going on here?"

"What are you doing here, Gil?" The captain cut in before Jared could answer.

Folding his arms softly, Grissom looked to his babysitter with a smirk. "Why don't you explain that one, my friend. I am sure the captain will be very keen to hear how you stopped by the estate this morning."

"Erm, gentleman," Sam cut in quickly, he knew something just wasn't right and did not want to be embarrassed in front of the captain or his own daughter, "can we discuss this outside?"

Considering Sam's request carefully, Grissom eventually nodded.

"Would you excuse us?" The land owner asked his guests and Catherine and the captain nodded, looking a little confused.

Sam led Grissom through a side door and out onto a back porch by the main garden steps. Jared and his men followed.

Then, without warning the older man leapt forward, grabbing his employee by his shirt, thrusting him against the wall.

Grissom stepped back in shock as did the other two men as they watched the young man squirm.

"What the hell are you playing at, Jared?" The ranch owner growled. "You know better than to interrupt me during my business or," he looked to Grissom and suddenly frowned. The rider in his grasp remained silent, not wanting to infuriate his boss further, "I know you, don't I?"

"Yes, sir," Grissom replied.

"Hmmm." Giving his worker a final push into the hard wood, Sam released his grip on the man shaking in his hands. He stepped towards the rancher as Jared attempted to straighten himself out.

Although Grissom felt intimidated by the way Sam was looking him over, he stood firm and kept eye contact.

"It's been a long time since I've seen you, young man," Sam began, "Thomas and my daughter had informed me you had returned, I did not however expect for us to meet again in this way." He turned back to his aid. "Jared, would you like to explain what is going on here?"

"Well," he stepped forward, clearing his throat, "we were trying to locate the blacksmith as you instructed, sir."

"Right…" He firmly folded his arms.

"But, he now resides at the Sidle estate and this…this," he hesitated before pointing to Grissom, "man would not tell us where he was."

"So you….?"

"He insisted on speaking with you."

"Um," Grissom butted in, "you are leaving out a few details there are you not?" His brow rose as he stared at the young rider. "For example, forcing your way onto the estate and pointing a revolver at myself and Miss Sara."

"What!" Sam's eyes widened and he lunged for Jared again.

The younger man jumped back quickly and attempted to calm the ranch owner. "Please, sir! I did not know, I was just trying to get your money as you instructed." He backed up further as Sam continued to advance on him.

"By pointing a gun at my friend's daughter?"

"I'm sorry!"

Grissom wasn't sure whether or not he should be taking satisfaction in watching this young man grovel but for some reason he was quite enjoying it.

"You are a fool, Jared!" Sam barked. "Maybe I was too quick to give you supervisory responsibilities, you always were way too quick to act with your ass rather than your head!"

The younger man searched for an answer but wasn't quick enough to respond.

"Get the hell out of my sight!"

"What about him?" Jared pointed to Grissom.

Clenching his fists together the land owner took a deep breath. "Now! You two, as well," he looked to Jared's helpers. "I will deal with all three of you later."

Before giving Grissom a quick hate filled stare, the young rider nodded, "Yes, sir," he responded before skulking back inside.

"Now, my lad…"

"Look, Sam," Holding up his hands, Grissom took several steps backwards as the older man approached him, "I didn't come here as a threat or to fight with you."

A graceful smirk crossed the business man's lips. "I don't doubt it," he began, "but I am intrigued as to why you did come here. Would you care to explain yourself?"

"Warrick Brown."

"Yes," Sam folded his arms again but softly this time, "what about him?"

"He now works for me, well, the captain."

"Ah," the older ran ruffled his nose, "I see and you feel he is already your responsibility?"

"Something like that."

"Even his debt?" The land owner's brow rose in curiosity.

Sighing, Grissom lightly fondled his beard. "Why does he owe you money?"

Walking to the porch railing Sam leaned nonchalantly against it. "Young, Mr Brown likes to play cards, poker but his problem is, he doesn't know when to stop."

"He lost to you?" Grissom knew the answer but he was just making sure.

"That he did." the land owner replied. "He managed to access a game I was having with some friends in town and he got whooped and badly, the boy just couldn't seem to quit."

"A game in town?" Grissom questioned, knowing such a game was against the law.

"Yes," Sam continued, "and I am trusting you with this information, ensure you keep it to yourself."

"I understand," the rancher replied quickly, as Sam continued.

"I don't usually allow outsiders into my games but Brown had become aware of our weekly meet and was persistent in entering." The land owner flicked a bug from his shirt. "Apparently, he was the best, or thought he was and he wanted a piece of the action. I don't usually back down from a challenge, especially when someone says he is better than I am, so I let him in."

Sighing, Grissom slipped his hands into his pockets. "How much does he owe you?"

"You really want to know?"

Uncertain but needing to know, Grissom nodded.

"He owes me five hundred dollars."

The young rancher's eyes widened. "Five hundred dollars?" He just about choked in response.

"That's right and pay day was yesterday, he failed to show and I always collect on my debts, as you have discovered."

Sighing again, Grissom leaned over the rail now and looked out over the garden. "Is there any way we can come to some kind of arrangement in order to get you your money back without bloodshed?"

Sam's eyes narrowed and he studied the young man before him very carefully. "This is not your problem, why are you trying to help Brown? From what I can gather you don't even know him."

"You're right," Grissom turned to him, "I don't know him but I just," he scratched the back of his head, "I have a feeling about him. I just like the guy and I am prepared to help if I can. After all, it looks like he needs it; I don't think he has anyone else. Plus, I think he will be good for the estate."

Grissom awaited a response, it was obvious Sam was in serious thought; he just hoped he would cut him a break.

"I don't usually take lightly to someone making a fool out of me, Grissom. Understand that." Sam finally said.

"I know that, sir."

"But," the older man continued, "as you work for Thomas and as my daughter has always seemed to be infatuated with you," he raised his brow and Grissom wasn't quite sure whether to grin or take a step back, "and even though you did turn down my job offer all those years ago…"

Grissom looked the man dead in the eye, he'd forgotten about that and the fact that Sam tried to poach him about a year before he left.

"But, I always knew you were a good, honest, loyal, hard working man, from what I can see you still are, so, I will show the blacksmith a little understanding."

Grissom breathed a sigh of relief.

"But!" The land owner butted in quickly. "There are conditions."

Nodding quickly, Grissom listened carefully as Sam continued.

"One," he held up a finger, "I get twenty percent of Brown's weekly pay check, delivered to me personally by him, no later than mid day on Fridays. Two," he held up a second finger, "he works for me one day a week. He does what I ask without argument. This will continue until his debt is repaid."

"Alright," Grissom agreed without hesitation, he knew he was lucky that Sam was even listening to him.

"But mark my words young man. If Brown fails to make a single payment on time or is ever late for his duties with me, I will have his head. Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir, I understand."

"And if Brown runs," the older man now became very firm with his words, "his debt becomes yours as you seem to be taking responsibly for him. So be sure you wish to proceed with this."

Thinking long and hard for a moment, Grissom finally held out his hand. "It's a deal and thank you."

Reaching out, Sam shook the young ranchers hand and a silent vow was born. Now if Warrick screwed up, Grissom knew it was his head on the line.

"Well," Sam clapped his hands together, "I have business to attend to. You are free to leave."

Grissom frowned, he still didn't know why the captain was here and was tempted to ask but decided against it. He'd already pushed his luck enough. He watched as Sam walked away but then the older man stopped and faced him once again.

"I would appreciate it if you would keep Jared's little escapade this morning to yourself. I will deal with him accordingly; you have my word on that."

The younger man agreed with a nod and received one in return before the land owner disappeared back inside the house.

Exhaling a heavy breath, Grissom closed his eyes for a moment before shaking his head. He had managed to talk around Sam Braun; not very many people had ever managed to do that. Snapping from his trance he quickly advanced down the porch steps, he knew Sara would be worried and he had to get back to estate with haste.

CSICSICSICSICSICSICSI

Galloping down the main driveway, Grissom proceeded straight to the stables.

Sara paced back and forth outside the stable, she had pretty much been rooted to the spot since Grissom left and she found it impossible to relax, worry completely encasing her. When she heard the thundering sound of the horse approaching she immediately looked in its direction. Relief washed over her when she spotted Grissom was the rider and she released a heavy, thankful breath.

He pulled to a halt a few feet away and jumped from Dante. Barely had his feet touched the ground when he looked up to see Sara start towards him, fast. He had no time to react and she flung her arms around him, holding onto him tightly, her hands clinging to his back.

"Thank god you are alright," she breathed into his neck.

Swallowing hard at the unexpected close contact and the feel of her against him, Grissom found it difficult to move. For some reason, his entire body had frozen to the spot. Something inside him was telling him to return her embrace but he just couldn't, his arms would not move and he just stood there, completely still, his mouth wide open and his eyes darting from side to side.

After what seemed like forever, Sara took a step back and released her hold. Their eyes met immediately and a long moment passed before either of them spoke.

"You are alright?" She asked, concerned that he had yet to say anything and the way he was looking at her was more in shock then happiness.

"Um," Grissom cleared his throat and shook himself back into reality, every time she touched him he seemed to drift away, "yes, I, um, I'm fine."

"You are certain? You look a little flushed."

He watched as Sara looked him over.

"I'm fine, Sara, I promise you. I, just, um, didn't expect you to, you know, jump on me like that."

"Oh," she looked away, "I'm, I, well," she stuttered, "I'm sorry; I didn't think about it, I was just happy to see you were alright." Her eyes fell to the ground, "I'm sorry if it upset you, I will get back to work."

Immediately, Grissom noticed the sadness in her voice and as she turned to walk away he tenderly grabbed her arm. He didn't even think about it, he just did it. Tugging gently he pulled her back to him until their eyes met once again and only the light breeze of the waking afternoon separated them from being one.

"You did not upset me, Sara," he sighed lightly. "I just did not expect such attention that is all. I feel honored that you care for me so much."

The right side of Sara's mouth curled into a smile as she found herself getting lost in his eyes. Then her eyes fluttered closed as his hand found her cheek and his thumb lightly brushed over her skin.

"Thank you for caring," he whispered.

Slowly, her eyes opened again, locked with his and Grissom knew he was lost now. He couldn't quite believe he was leaning closer into her and his lips towards hers…..

A/N: Oooooh, are we gonna get a kiss????? Has Grissom finally seen the light? How's the fic going? Let me know, hit the button :)

M