A/N: Thank you as always to mingsmommy for the beta and encouragement. I would also again like to express my thanks to cropper for her encouragement and read through and to all the readers who continue to support me through this story with your reviews and PM's :)
Chapter 21
Grissom wasn't quite sure what to say. He knew Sara required an answer to her previous question but the response he so desperately wanted to give her would not and simply, could not, fall from his lips. He had to change the subject and just hope she would let the matter drop.
"I would like to have a wash. I feel…sticky and dirty."
Her eyes saddened a little but she concurred. "Alright," she sighed faintly. "Why don't you get started and I'll bring you a towel and a fresh shirt."
Nodding lightly, he dropped the book on the bed, walked by Sara and approached the door. Stopping, he spun around. "Sara?"
Slowly, she turned to face him. "Yes?"
"I…"
A feeble smile passed over her lips. "Go and wash, I will be out in a moment."
Now, he sighed. She so easily let him off the hook but she deserved better. He returned her uneasy smile and stepped outside.
As her heavy huff of frustration filled the room Sara returned to the dresser. She grabbed a towel and spotted a bar of lye water soap tucked in the corner, she took that also. Then her fingers rummaged around for a clean shirt. Grissom certainly didn't have many clothes and there were only two shirts to hand. She picked the navy blue one and folded it over her arm, taking a moment to herself before joining Grissom outside.
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Managing to kneel by the appliance with only a slight groan, Grissom slipped his head under the faucet as he pumped.
A heavy sigh echoed from his lips as the cool water ran over his head to gush down his chest, washing away the burning heat currently surging through his body. He knew it wouldn't last long, especially now the searing temperature of the day was already upon them but for that point in time, he was content and enjoyed the moment.
Standing, he wiped the water from his eyes. When he looked up, Sara stood only a few feet away, her heavy gaze locked upon him. He felt goose bumps form on his flesh as her eyes passed over his wet form.
"Um," she stuttered, "here." Stepping forwards she held out the bar of soap.
His hand reached out and he slipped his fingers around the bar. "Thank you."
She nodded lightly and passed him the towel. "Do you need any help?"
"I'll be fine," he responded shaking his head.
"Alright," she returned, taking a step back as he returned to the pump.
It didn't take long for him to wash. He was tempted to remove his pants but with Sara watching he decided against it. That would just have to wait until he was alone. Within a few minutes he was drying himself off, feeling clean and refreshed.
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Suddenly, the sound of hooves approaching caught Sara's ears and she turned around to see three horses trotting their way. She walked away from Grissom, who was still rubbing himself dry and approached the group, frowning when the riders stopped in front of her and she saw who the lead was.
"Hank?"
"Good morning, Sara," He replied, tipping his hat. "A lovely day, is it not? And you are looking as equally lovely, may I say?"
Her frown deepened and she took a step back, feeling a little uneasy. "Um, thank you, Hank, but what are you doing here?"
Sara watched as Hank caught a glimpse of Grissom behind her and his eyes narrowed.
"Your father said I could find you here. I didn't realize you were playing slave to the workers." He spoke bitterly, slipping from his horse, never taking his eyes from Grissom who had now spotted the group and fixed his eyes upon them.
"It's not like that, Hank. He is in a need a little assistance that is all. I am only helping an injured man."
"Hmmm…" Hanks eyes glued to Grissom as he slowly approached.
"And how did he gain such injuries?" His eyes flicked back to Sara.
"He fell from his horse this morning."
The two riders behind sniggered and Hank snapped his head around, causing them to silence immediately. When he returned his attention to Sara, Grissom was by her side.
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The two men glared at each other and Grissom watched as Hank passed his eyes over his injured body, a disrespectful smirk formed on the younger mans lips.
"Can I have the shirt please, Sara?"
Sara passed him the shirt and he slipped it on, slowly buttoning it up.
"That's a nasty bruise on your eye, Grissom. Had a little accident, did we?" The cocky youngster mocked.
Glaring at his adversary for a moment, Grissom failed to respond to the question. His eyes then flicked to the two riders behind him and he frowned, recognizing them immediately. They were in the saloon the previous evening, he was sure of it. His memory was hazy but he was almost positive they had been there when he arrived.
"I asked you a question, Grissom," Hank almost spat.
The older man returned his attention to the arrogant rich boy and he felt his blood boil. "I don't answer to you. What happens to me is my business, not yours."
Sniggering Hank took a step forward, squaring up to his foe. "Is that so?"
Feeling his heart rate increasing, Grissom swallowed hard. No matter how much he hated this situation, he was in no fit state to get into a fight and as usual, he was completely out numbered. However, he felt reluctant to back down from this punk. Luckily, Sara made the decision for him.
"Enough," she quickly pushed herself between the two men. "You are acting like children." She looked to each man in turn. "Both of you."
She turned to Grissom. "Please," she pleaded, "just back off and go inside. You should be resting, not fighting."
He hesitated, glaring back at the younger man before him as he grinned back.
"Off you go," Hank chuckled.
Clenching his fists, Grissom was about to lunge forward when he felt Sara's hand cover one of his, a show of affection which Hank failed to see. His eyes floated to hers and he saw nothing but worry.
"Please…go inside."
He sighed but nodded, never returning his gaze Hank. Slowly he turned and approached the cabin.
"You need to be more careful, Grissom." Hank called after him. "Accidents do happen and you never know when they may happen again."
Grissom only stopped for a brief moment at Hank's smug comments but then continued on course and went inside.
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"What the hell is wrong with you?" Sara scowled at her so called friend.
"What?" He shrugged his shoulders innocently.
"Do you have to wind him up like that? Why do you dislike him so? He has done nothing to you."
"You are right. I apologize." Hank expressed his regret with an oddly sincere tone; one Sara didn't expect to hear and she took a step back in amazement.
"You do?"
"Yes," he smiled. "I'm sorry; I get a little carried away sometimes. I don't like people stepping on my territory, that's all it is."
Sara wasn't quite sure if she wanted to know what Hank meant by 'his territory.'
"So, what are you doing here?"
"Well, we are having a small gathering at the house tonight and I wanted to invite you to join me. You are always so accommodating to me so I wish to return the favor."
"I'm sorry, Hank, I can't. I have obligations here."
Sara watched as Hank frowned deeply.
"What?" He growled. "You mean him?" He pointed to the cabin with a sharp and firm finger. "You are turning me down because of him?"
"No, Hank," she replied sharply, "Not just him. Do not start with that again. I have much to do around the estate today as well as ensuring Grissom is alright." At this point she knew she was lying and dedicating all her attention to Grissom for the day but she simply had no desire to join Hank for dinner. "You know how much we have been struggling lately and at this point in time it's all hands on deck if we wish to get through these hard times."
Hank tilted his head and carefully studied the woman he so obviously desired. "You are working around the estate?" He seemed shocked.
"I am and before you say anything, it was my choice, no one else's. I want to help my father get things back on track."
"Hmmmm," he muttered. "Still, a lady such as you should not be performing hard labor, no matter what the circumstances. What you need is a good man to take care of you and treat you right."
Pursing her lips, Sara shrugged her shoulders. "Well, I guess when I find him it will all work out." She so desperately fought the grin which was trying so hard to show its self and cleared her throat. "I have to go, Hank, but I thank you for the invitation, some other time perhaps."
"I will insist on it, Sara. Do not think for one moment I would give up so easily."
"I wouldn't dream of it." She offered him a fake smile before looking to the riders behind him. "Good day, gentlemen," she said before looking back to Hank. "Goodbye, Hank."
The young man tipped his hat as she turned and started for the cabin.
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He never took his eyes from her until she disappeared inside.
"Looks like the lady turned you down again huh, Boss?"
With his nostrils flaring, Hank spun around quickly and pulled himself onto his horse. Removing his hat without warning, he smacked it into his workers face.
The rider's head snapped back and he groaned, looking to his boss in shock.
"One more disrespectful comment like that, Brad, and every lady will be turning you down because I will cut off your damn nose and feed it to your horse! Do you understand?"
Wiping a band of sweat from his cheek, Brad nodded quickly. "Sorry, Boss."
"You will be," Hank returned slipping his hat back on. "And no one turns me down, you understand?"
Both men nodded with haste.
"This is only the beginning," Hank finished as he spurred his horse and the band of three galloped down the pathway.
About half way down the path the young heir pulled his horse to a stop and looked to his men. "You two wait for me by the entrance, there is something I have to do."
"Yes, sir," they both said together and the three riders went their separate ways.
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Sara entered the cabin to see Grissom pacing back and forth across the worn wooden flooring.
"Are you alright?" she asked.
Stopping he faced her, running a hand through his still wet hair before folding his arms. "I'm not sure," he admitted.
"Why?" Concern highlighted her voice as she stepped towards him.
He shook his head and she stepped closer.
"What, Grissom? Talk to me, please."
"What did Hank want?" He asked quickly.
"He wanted to ask me to dinner and I politely declined but," she placed a soft hand on his arm, "that's not everything on your mind is it?"
Looking down at her hand he sucked in a breath to calm the tingling feeling shooting up his arm. "I really shouldn't get you involved in this, Sara." Looking her in the eye, he sighed. "Whatever I say could put you in danger, whether I am correct or not I…"
"Hey," she tightened her grip on his arm, "I am already involved and don't start with this again. You can not do everything yourself all the time and I can look after myself. Please trust me and let me help."
Biting lightly on his tongue he gently pulled his arm back and folded both loosely across his chest. For a long moment he searched her eyes with his own and he could see quite evidently how sincere she was and he surrendered.
"Alright," he sighed again. "Feel like getting a little air?"
"Sure."
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They walked out onto the porch and as Grissom sat in the center of the hammock Sara leaned against the rail.
"So, what's on your mind?" she asked softly.
Interlocking his fingers he looked at her. "The men who were accompanying Hank, I am certain they were there last night."
"Where?" she frowned.
"At the saloon."
"Are you sure?"
Hesitating, he tried so hard to remember. They were sitting in the corner when he arrived and had left when he had spoken to Warrick. Or did they? Was it them? Now he doubted himself.
"I don't know, I thought they were…I'm ninety percent sure."
"Did you see the men who attacked you?"
Shaking his head his interlocked fingers gripped tightly together. "Their faces were obscured by scarves and it was dark."
Stepping forward she knelt in front of him. "They could have just been in the saloon, there is no guarantee the same men you saw inside were the ones who beat you."
"I know," he admitted, rubbing his finger tips over his eye and wincing. "I just have a gut feeling I'm right."
"Why would Colonel McKeen's men want to hurt you or threaten to kill you for that matter?"
"Again, Sara, I don't know but if McKeen is involved somehow then so is Hank. I would advise you stay away from him." Grissom stood and walked to the rail, Sara pushed herself up and was quick to stand by his side.
"I do not trust Hank. Especially where you are concerned."
"You really don't like him, do you?"
"No," he replied immediately. "I do not and I just know Hank does not have your best interests at heart." He stared dead ahead.
"And do you…have my best interests at heart?"
Now, he turned his head to look at her. "I truly hope so."
Sara smiled softly and slowly lifted her hand to his cheek, brushing her finger tips over the base of his bruise.
"Your eye is still very sore isn't it?" She asked lightly.
"It's fine."
"Maybe I should go into town and see if I can get some calendula cream, it will help the swelling."
"Sara, you don't need to do that." Turning to her, he took her hands in his. He actually didn't think about what he was doing and when he felt her fingers entwining with his, he swallowed heavily even though she was smiling at him.
"I," he cleared his throat, "just don't think town is a very safe place to be right now, I'd rather you didn't..."
He didn't get a chance to finish his sentence as Sara slid one of her hands free from his to then place a slender finger over his lips, silencing him.
"I can take care of myself, Grissom and this is something that I want to do." She slowly moved her finger from his lips to bring her hand to rest on his shoulder. "No one dictates to me where I can and can't go, especially barbaric thugs who feel they can beat a defenseless man. I will not live in fear, Grissom or be a prisoner in my own home."
Raising his brow he nodded lightly, "Alright."
"Alright?" Sara seemed surprised.
"Yes, I agree with you and will not argue. It still doesn't mean I won't worry, just," he tightened his grip on her hand, "take someone with you and promise me you will come straight back and please, be careful."
Grinning lightly, Sara looked to the floor for a moment before back to her teacher. "I promise. As long as you," she moved her hand from his shoulder to lightly prod him in the chest, "promise me you will do nothing but relax while I am gone. No going anywhere, you got me?"
Lightly licking his lips he agreed with a slender nod. "I think I can manage that."
"Good. Then I guess I should get going so we can sort that eye out. I will be back sometime early in the afternoon."
"Fine."
Sara slipped her hand from his with a tender smile and turned away. "Oh," she stopped to face him again. "Father said he will be popping by to make sure you are resting so just make sure you are." With that comment she grinned cheekily and headed down the steps.
Walking to the end of the porch Grissom called to her. "Sara!"
Stopping she turned and waited.
"Please, be careful!" He just couldn't help the uneasy feeling in his stomach and wished she wasn't leaving the estate.
A smile once more graced her lips. "I will. Stop worrying."
A/N: Why is it when you end a chapter with that line you have a feeling something is going to happen? Lol. Please keep the reviews coming, love em, love em, love em :)