A/N: My gracious thanks, as always, to mingsmommy for the beta and help.

Chapter 17

Grissom frowned. "We do?"

"About this morning…"

"Ah…" The younger man now realized what his boss was eluding too.

"Yes," the captain lightly folded his arms. "Would you care to explain?"

"If you wish me to, sir."

"I'll tell you what," the older man began, "while I put Samsun down why don't you go and change and we can have a little chat over a drink before dinner?"

"Alright," the young rancher agreed. "I will see you in a short while."

Captain Sidle nodded and they went their separate ways.

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Buttoning up his only decent dress shirt, Grissom stared at himself in the mirror. He knew at some point he would need to return to his 'other' home to collect some belongings, clothes especially. But with so much needing to be done, he had no idea when that might be.

Rubbing his hand over his chin he sighed. His beard certainly needed a trim, his hair too; maybe there was a barber in town? Then suddenly his mind flashed back to earlier that day and Sara.

Sara.

Sara…

How could he have been so stupid? And more importantly, why would this feeling of attachment to her not go away? With every day that was passing, he felt more and more for her. He knew it was ridiculous; he had no right to bear such intimate feelings. She was totally out of his league.

Shaking his head and praying the improper feelings would go away; he slipped on his boots and left his lodgings. He just hoped tonight's dinner would be a little more comfortable than the last. With Catherine attending, he had a feeling that it was more than likely going to be a long night.

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Finding Captain Sidle in his study, Grissom quietly knocked on the door and waited.

"Come!"

Doing as requested, the young rancher entered the room to find the captain at his desk, sorting through some papers.

"Ah," the older man looked up with a smile, "you're here. Sit, sit."

As the captain stood, Grissom sat.

Moving to the small corner bar, the rancher poured two large glasses of bourbon. Walking to Grissom, he offered the younger man a glass and he took it graciously.

"Thank you."

"Well deserved, my friend, I'm sure." The captain smiled before sitting again.

"So," he began, "what brought you, or should I say, why were you brought," he raised his brow, "to the Braun estate this morning? It didn't seem to be an announced visit, am I correct? Sam certainly didn't look like he was expecting you."

Taking a sip from his glass, Grissom smiled. "No, it wasn't planned."

"So why?"

"Well," the younger man sought the right words, remembering what he said to Sam about Jared. "I had a small issue with Warrick but I managed to resolve it."

"The blacksmith?"

"Yes. He, well, owes Sam money and missed payment…"

"Ah," the captain cut in, "not a good thing."

"Not at all," Grissom agreed. "I wanted to speak with Sam to try and reason with him, come up with some sort of plan for Warrick to repay him. His aides were not particularly friendly but they allowed me to speak with him."

"Hmmm, yes," Captain Sidle sipped his drink. "I noticed they seemed a little rough with their introduction technique but I gather you managed to reason with Sam?"

Smiling, Grissom took a swig from his glass. "Yes, surprisingly, I did. He allowed Warrick a repayment structure which he is to abide by."

Now the older man's eyes narrowed. "Did we make the right decision in regards to Warrick?" He took a long chug from his glass and finished the contents with a sigh. "He has been here but a day and already he has caused, how should I say it? Issues?"

Placing his glass down on the desk Grissom stood and walked to the window, looking outside. "I had the same thought," he admitted, "but he assures me there will be no more issues."

"And you believe him?"

Grissom turned to face his boss. "Yes, I do."

"Then," the rancher stood and refilled his glass, "I will leave it in your hands. I trust you with my estate, you understand that?"

Felling his chest swell with an amazing sense of pride Grissom nodded. "Thank you, sir, I appreciate that, more than you know."

Smiling the older man gestured to Grissom's glass. "Another drink?"

"Oh, no, thank you, maybe later."

With a smirk the captain joined Grissom by the window.

"Did you…" Grissom hesitated, "…have a good morning?" His curiosity as to why the captain was at the Braun estate was getting the better of him but it wasn't his place to ask the question of his superior.

"You can," he chuckled, "just ask me, you know. I can always decline to answer your question."

Sniggering, the worker slipped his hands into his pockets. "Alright, why were you at Sam's?"

Captain Sidle returned to his seat and urged Grissom to do the same.

"Well, we have always been good friends. I went to speak with him in regards to a mutual issue I thought we may be sharing. I know we can trust each other, so I had no problem talking to him."

Leaning forward in his chair Grissom looked the captain straight in the eye. "Would that issue happen to be Colonel McKeen?"

"Ha," the captain snorted, "you are good, Gil."

A casual smirk crossed Grissom's lips.

"Would you care to enlighten me as to why you feel the colonel is an issue?"

"I spoke to the sheriff; he informed me that he is buying out most of the land across the state. Yourself, Sam and Catherine are the only three proprietors that still hold land."

"Yes," the older man admitted.

"And," Grissom continued, "I feel he is attempting to buy you out."

Now the senior rancher leaned forward and placed his palms flat on the desk. "Yes, Jeffery is being very persistent."

"Have you considered selling?"

"No!" The captain barked and Grissom immediately regretted his question. "I'm sorry, Gil, forgive me, I did not mean to snap at you like that."

"It's fine."

"I would never sell or at least I would fight to my last breath but Jeffery knows how much we have been struggling and he is playing on it so much. I don't know," the rancher sighed, rubbing his chin, "so much has gone wrong lately I am now struggling to believe it is all innocent."

Grissom was surprised at the captain's words. For some reason he thought his friend was merely putting off all the bad luck to just that, now he knew better.

"Do you think the estate is being sabotaged?" The young aid was firm and serious with his question.

Now, a longer sigh escaped the ranch owner's lips. "Maybe," he began, "I went to speak with Sam to ask if he'd had any propositions from Jeffrey, or subsequently any issues around his estate. Catherine just happened to be there when I got there so I asked her the same thing."

"And have they had any proposals or problems?" The younger man asked, very hopeful for answers and facts now.

"Not Sam, well, at least not yet; but Catherine did say Jeffery paid her a suspicious visit last week. He didn't offer to buy her out but it's not usual for him to stop by her place."

"Hmmmm," Grissom pondered, he just knew somehow something wasn't right in regards to the colonel.

"But for now," Captain Sidle continued, "we watch our estate and our people carefully and get our business back on its feet. We can not dwell on what might happen; we just need to be prepared in case something does. We just do our job and we do it well."

"Alright," Grissom agreed. "But I'll be sure to keep my eyes open."

"Good," the captain stood, "but oh, Gil…"

Grissom went to stand but stopped.

"…please keep this conversation to yourself, for now anyway. I do not want anyone to think we are in any kind of trouble."

"You have my word," the younger man responded, standing now.

"Good. Well, I am sure our guest has arrived and dinner will be ready, so shall we?"

Captain Sidle gestured to the door and Grissom nodded, leading the way.

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Dinner was a much more informal and relaxed affair than the previous one. Due to the heat of the day a simple platter of salads, cold meats and potatoes were laid out on the dining table. Sara enjoyed the salad and potatoes while Nicolas and Gregory pretty much wolfed down all they could get their hands on, a simple day's labor obviously causing the two to gain an enhanced appetite.

Grissom sat between Catherine and Sara. The older woman did most of the talking and to Grissom's embarrassment, flirting, while Sara remained relatively quiet.

Grissom managed to fake a smile now and again as Catherine recalled her memories of him from the time they first met up until the time he left. They had been very close friends and although Catherine had continually wanted more than friendship, he had always managed to decline her attentions in the politest possible way.

After dinner the group withdrew to the veranda as the evening air was still warm and accommodating. Nicolas and Gregory immediately slouched in the chairs at the table. Sara grinned, seeing their still fatigued postures and joined them, although she couldn't help the fact her eyes constantly floated to Grissom, who stood by the veranda rail still in conversation with Catherine.

"Boys, sit up!" Captain Sidle commanded as he approached with Laura. "We have company, show some manners."

The boys immediately sat up at the command of their uncle, just as he clicked his fingers and a servant scurried out from inside.

"Drink, my dear?" The captain asked his wife.

"Just some coffee," Laura responded with a smile.

"Sara?"

"Coffee will be fine for me too, Father."

The captain nodded as the servant took a mental note of the required drinks.

Looking to his nephews he smiled. "Boys?"

Nicolas and Gregory looked at each other. "Can we just go to bed?" Gregory asked and Sara couldn't help a small snort. She quickly held her hand to her mouth.

"Fine," the older man sighed. "Go to bed."

The boys were up in a shot and quickly murmured their goodbyes to the group before happily heading inside.

"If they get through a week without collapsing, I'll be impressed." The rancher folded his arms as he watched his nephews disappear.

"They are just not used to it, Father," Sara cut in. "Have a little faith, I'm sure they will get the hang of a little hard work soon enough."

"You were not used to it but yet I don't see you grumbling." The captain raised his brow to his daughter and she smiled.

"Well, I guess the difference is, I want to do it, they, didn't have much choice. It's not so satisfying when it is forced upon you, I suppose."

"Well thought, my dear," he agreed. "Well, excuse me for a moment; I need to see if Gil and Catherine require refreshment."

Sara watched as her father approached Grissom and Catherine. More importantly, she watched as Catherine lifted a finger to wipe a speck of something from Grissom's collar and the grin on the older woman's face was not sitting well with her. How could Grissom enjoy such attention from Catherine but yet when she tried to give him some he just turned and ran away?

Her eyes narrowed as she continued to watch, her father now joining in the conversation but still, Catherine didn't change her proximity to Grissom, she was, in Sara's mind, standing way too close.

"She always was very persistent with her attentions towards Gil." Laura's voice suddenly snapped Sara from her thoughts.

She looked to her mother. "It is no concern of mine," she replied, failing miserably to make her words sound believable.

Smiling, Laura reached out and took her daughters hand. "Just be careful to whom you release your heart, Sara. It can be so easy to give but can be broken in an instant and never fixed."

Finding herself lost for words Sara just looked at her mother's hand as it softly clung onto hers.

Eventually, she spoke. "I'm not quite sure what you mean, Mother. I," she hesitated, "have no feelings for anyone at this particular time."

Sara felt a little pressure on her hand before her mother slipped her hand free. "Are you sure?"

Nodding quickly, Sara couldn't help it as her eyes flicked back to Grissom for a moment and again, Laura smiled.

"Alright," Laura replied softly, "but please, Sara. if you need to talk, come to me?"

Looking her mother in the eye, Sara nodded again. "I will, Mother, but I'm fine, honestly."

Standing, Laura sighed lightly. "Excuse me for a moment."

Sara smiled faintly as her mother walked away to the group of three by the rail. The four people chatted for a moment before Laura, Catherine and the captain moved from the veranda and back into the house.

Frowning as everyone disappeared; Sara then found a shiver hit her spine as Grissom turned to look at her.

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Stepping towards the table, Grissom smiled before sitting opposite Sara.

"Where did everyone go?" Sara asked quickly.

"Oh," Grissom looked back to the open door before returning his glance to Sara. "Your father went to fetch one of his special bottles of brandy and Laura wanted to show Catherine something. A piece of jewelry she got for her birthday, or something along those lines."

Sara entwined her fingers and looked down at the table, her frown deepening.

"I have to apologize, Sara," he continued.

She looked up sharply. "Why?"

Shuffling in his chair, Grissom leaned forward and now entwined his own fingers. "For not giving you the attention you deserve this evening. Catherine has been rather talkative and it's been difficult to get away."

"Grissom, look," she cleared her throat, "you can talk to whoever you wish. It is of no concern of mine if you wish to spend the evening with Catherine."

Feeling his eyes narrow, he leaned back with a sigh, unsure of how to respond to that. The air now felt a little thick and both remained silent for a long moment of time, only the chorus of crickets in their evening song could be heard in the surrounding area.

"So what did you talk about?" Sara finally broke the tension.

"This and that, the past, the future, Catherine asked how long I was planning on staying, to which I responded I wasn't sure."

Sara shuffled in her seat as he continued.

"She was curious as to why I turned up at her father's estate this morning and then she invited me to her place for dinner tomorrow."

Now the conversation had Sara's full attention. "And what did you say to that?"

Smiling softly, Grissom folded his arms. "I politely declined."

"Oh," Sara sounded surprised, "why?"

"Well, I really don't have time and I am sure Catherine has more than just dinner on her mind. We are friends and I wish it remain that way."

Now, she smiled.

The captain returned, followed by a servant with the drinks. The rancher took his prize bottle of brandy from the tray and smiled.

"Care for a glass, Gil?" He held up the bottle. "It will certainly hit the spot."

"Sure, why not," the younger man responded. "I guess there is nothing wrong with hitting the spot."

Sara fought her grin as her father smiled and pulled the stopper from the bottle.

"My dear, would you like some?" He asked as he poured.

"Oh, no, thank you, Father." Sara held up a hand. "It is a little too strong for me."

Captain Sidle smiled as he passed Grissom a half filled brandy glass. He poured himself an adequate amount and held up his glass.

"Here's to the future of Providence Grove." He announced.

Holding up his glass, Grissom smiled broadly. "To Providence Grove."

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The evening was over. The Captain and Laura had just retired and Sara walked Grissom and Catherine out of the main door.

A wagon awaited Catherine; on board two sturdy chaperones ready to escort Catherine home. One of them jumped down immediately upon spotting his employer, ready to help her aboard.

"Thank you for a lovely evening, Gil." Catherine held out her hand and Grissom took it, kissing the back lightly.

"My pleasure," he smiled.

"And," Catherine smiled back, "if you change your mind about dinner, be sure to let me know."

"I will," Grissom nodded as he released her hand.

"Goodnight, Sara."

"Goodnight, Catherine," She responded, faking a smile.

As the couple watched Catherine disappear they both sighed simultaneously before turning to each other.

"Well," Grissom half nodded, "I will bid you goodnight, Sara. Thank you for your company again this evening, well, what little of it I managed to capture."

"My pleasure," she smiled sweetly.

Smiling back, Grissom turned and began to walk away.

"I will see you later," Sara called.

Grissom grinned and he was sure she was doing the same but he didn't stop. "Goodnight, Sara…"

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Grissom wasn't in much of a hurry to return to his cabin. As usual, although his body felt tired, his brain didn't. He spent some time walking by the fields and checking the fences, just in case. Things always seem to happen under the night's sky so what better time to check on things?

He had even considered camping out around the estate, a different spot each night, just to see if they had a saboteur and whether or not he could catch said person in the act.

After a good thirty minutes of wandering the estate with nothing suspicious arising he decided it was enough for one night but as he passed by the main stable, he heard someone inside.

Ducking behind the wagon which had been left outside he shot onto his stomach and peered underneath the wooden piece of transportation and towards the stable door. He waited…

Several minutes passed until finally a horse and rider trotted from the stable. It was dark but the moon allowed just enough light to allow Grissom to recognize the rider: Warrick.

The rancher's eyes narrowed as he pushed himself up onto his knees and peered over the top of the wagon. Warrick didn't see him as he passed and the horse lightly galloped towards the driveway.

Grissom didn't know what to think. What the hell was Warrick doing? Then suddenly, Sam's words in regards to the weekly poker game sprang into his mind. Surely Warrick wouldn't, would he? The young rancher knew with his neck now on the line he didn't have a choice and with all that had been happening lately he had to tail his new employee. Once Warrick was out of site he ran into the stable, quickly saddled Dante and followed closely behind…

A/N: Thank you to everyone for all your reviews, please keep them coming, I love them all. I feel very honored that this story has been nominated for best WIP at the CSI fan fiction awards over at live journal. If you feel it is worthy then pop over and give me your vote :)

Things are about to start rocking and rolling now so I hope you like what is to come.