A/N: As always, my thanks to mingsmommy for the help, beta and advice. My apologies for the delay in posting, real life has not been particularly kind lately. Also my thanks to cropper, for the words of advice you gave me for certain parts of this chapter. Enjoy :)

Chapter 23

"Omph…" The surprised voice groaned and the air was knocked from his lungs.

Sara stumbled backwards and instantly held her hands up in defense. That was until her eyes actually met who she had run into. She slowly lowered her arms as the sheriff gawked at her. His expression was a picture; stunned would be an understatement.

"Oh, um," Sara looked back down the alley to find it empty. She frowned deeply before returning her attention to Brass. "I'm so sorry, Jim, I didn't she you there," she gasped taking a deep breath.

The sheriff's right brow climbed to meet his hair line as he slipped his fingers into his belt. "Considering your speed and sudden appearance from nowhere, Sara, I'm not surprised. Are you alright?"

Conscious of the law man's gaze passing over her Sara nodded quickly before checking behind her one more time. There was not a soul in site. Did she imagine the footsteps? No, she was sure someone was following her. "I'm fine," she lied looking back to the sheriff.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

Brass now looked down the alley, obviously noting Sara's persistence on checking behind her. "What are you doing here?"

"Oh," she stepped forward and into the street, "I came to pick up a few things from the store."

"A ha." Brass worked his jaw from left to right, his eyes narrowing a little. "The store is over there." He pointed across the street, "So why are you over here?"

"Well, I..." Sara hesitated before standing her ground. "…It's a free country, Sherriff, is it against the law to…"

"Alright, alright," the law man conceded, holding up his hands with a slender grin. "Enough of the third degree, but I know your father would not allow you to come into town alone, who is with you?"

"I'm with Warrick."

Folding his arms firmly, Brass looked around. "And where is Warrick?"

Holding in her frustration at the sheriff's obvious persistence, Sara responded politely. "He should be waiting for me by the store."

"Alright," Brass held out an arm. "Let me walk you there."

Sighing lightly, she threaded her arm through his. "Sure," Sara responded, shrugging her shoulders. "If that's what you want."

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The Sherriff walked with Sara back to the store. Upon finding Warrick's horse gone, she frowned deeply.

"I don't see him," Brass commented, looking around.

"Nooo…" Sara sighed, "…me either." She looked to the store to see Rory sweeping the porch, "Rory?" she called.

The shop owner stopped sweeping and propped the broom against the wall. "Yes?" he asked with a smile, clonking down the steps.

"Did you by any chance see if," Sara pointed to the empty space by her horse, "Warrick came back and took his horse?"

"Oh, yes, he did. He asked me to give you a message."

"He did?" She was a little confused.

"Yeah, "The middle aged man pulled a rag from his pocket and wiped his hands. "He said there was something he had to do and he would be back in about half an hour. He said he was sorry for making you wait."

"Oh…" Sara wasn't quite sure how to respond to that. There wasn't much she could do about it if he had already gone. "Thank you, Rory."

"A pleasure," he replied and turned back to his cleaning.

A hint of annoyance struck Sara. How could he just go off like that? But then again, he didn't know what had been happening. She exhaled a heavy huff and slumped back against the railing.

"Looks like you need an escort home, huh?" Brass stated, giving Pandora a light pat.

Feeling her eyes widen Sara quickly straightened herself up. "Oh, no, Jim, you don't have to do that. I can wait its fine."

"Nonsense," he smiled. "I need to take the old horse for his exercise anyway, So, I'll take you home. Also saves you lingering around, alone. We can leave a message with Rory to tell Warrick, alright?"

Why did Sara have the feeling no matter what she said Brass would not give in on this one? Much like he didn't give up on anything.

"Fine," she grumbled on a sigh. "I just hate putting you through any trouble."

"No trouble," the sheriff replied with a smirk.

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Not much was said on the ride back to the estate. Sara avoided any mention of Grissom at all costs; her emotions were too close to the surface and she feared she might inadvertently slip and reveal something she should not.

As they entered the main gate Sara pulled Pandora to a light stop and looked to her new chaperone. "Thank you, Jim," she expressed with a gratifying nod. "I'll be fine from here."

The Sherriff chuckled to himself. "Well actually," he began, "I was going to come up and see how Gil was getting on."

Instantly, Sara's face dropped. "You, um…what?" she stumbled on her words, gripping her reins a little tighter.

"Is that a problem?" Brass asked.

"No," she replied immediately but on a heavy swallow. If she made it into a problem she knew the sheriff would be even more suspicious. Either way, whatever she did, she knew she was in trouble and Grissom was going to kill her, for more than one reason.

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Feeling her stomach clench as they approached the cabin Sara just prayed to the gods Grissom would understand the predicament she had found herself to be in.

She dismounted quickly, before Brass even had a chance and rushed up the steps before entering the cabin. She found Grissom relaxing on the bed reading his book and he looked up immediately upon hearing her enter.

"Hi," he smiled softly.

"Hi…" She hesitated.

In a flash Grissom sat up, a frown highlighting his features. He knew something wasn't right.

"Are you alright?"

"Um…" She could say no more before Brass appeared behind her.

Feeling his pupils dilate when his friend came into view, Grissom stood with a heavy sense of unease.

Brass's eyes narrowed when he saw the rancher's current state.

"I'll wait outside," Sara quickly said, obviously looking for a fast exit.

"No, you don't." Grissom responded as she was about to back away, walking around the bed as swiftly as he could. "Not until you explain what's going on here? Why would you bring…" He looked to the sheriff unsure of how to finish.

"Nice to see you, too, Gil." The lawman firmly folded his arms across his chest.

"I didn't mean," he began but again fell short. "What are you doing here, Jim?" He finished on a sigh.

"Sara needed an escort home, so I obliged."

"She what?" the older man snapped looking to his student.

"It's not what you think," Sara said swiftly, "I…"

"You went alone?" Grissom questioned as he walked by Brass to glare at Sara, a hint of shock encased within his words.

"No," she whined, "I didn't go alone, Warrick accompanied me."

Looking back to the sheriff the rancher shrugged his shoulders. "So why is that Jim had to bring you home?"

Now Sara stumbled, desperately seeking the right way to tell Grissom that Warrick had just pretty much abandoned her in town. Even if he did have a reason he had still just left her and she knew her teacher was going to freak out.

Noticing her hesitation, "Sara….." Grissom probed, "…tell me…"

"Jim brought me home because I don't know where Warrick is, alright? He didn't want me waiting around alone, although," she glared at the sheriff before back at her elder, "I am of consenting age and don't need a damn babysitter!" She snapped now. "I'm tired of being constantly treated like a child," her final words were said in a huff and she stomped from the cabin.

Working his jaw from side to side, Grissom felt his shoulders slumping heavily as an aggravated sigh slipped from his lips. But he had no time to consider how upset Sara was when the feeling of Jim's hand lifting his chin caused him to jump. His eyes widened as he stared at his friend closely inspecting his face.

"So," the law man began, "want to tell me what happened to you?"

Pushing Brass away Grissom walked to the door and watched as Sara paced back and forth around the side of the cabin. He felt Brass approaching from behind and closed his eyes briefly.

"Are you going to answer me, Gil? Or give me some lame story like; you fell from your horse?"

With his brow reaching for the sky Grissom turned to face the sheriff. "Look, Jim, I appreciate your concern but," he shook his head, "I don't want to talk about this."

"Tough," Brass replied firmly.

The older man gave the sheriff his full attention now, scowling in the process. "What do you want from me, Jim?"

The sheriff stepped right up to friend. "I want you to tell me what happened. I know things aren't right around here and so do you." He sighed heavily and turned away, folding his arms before facing the rancher again. "This is my town and if there is trouble it is up to me to sort it, not you."

"Ah," Grissom retaliated with a sarcastic smirk. "So, it's about who's stepping on whose toes is it?"

"No, Gil. Damn it!" Brass snapped. "It's not!" He squared back up to the older man. "It's about the fact I already have one murder on my hands and I don't want another!"

Biting heavily on his bottom lip Grissom knew Brass had a point and exhaled a heavy breath. "Look, Jim, I…" As usual Grissom stumbled to find his response. "…I just need a little time to get my head straight. Just give me some time."

"Fine," the sheriff replied and the rancher sighed with relief but it was short lived as the Brass continued. "You have until this evening when I'll be back."

"What?" An automatic shocked reaction spilled from Grissom.

"You heard me." The lawman straightened his hat and walked to the door. "Get your facts right, Gil and don't play around with me. I will be back sometime after seven. That should be ample time for you to get your head straight."

The rancher was about to respond but was unable as the sheriff opened the door and stepped outside. His spurs clinked on the steps as he slowly plodded down them and instantly, Sara looked to him.

Pulling himself aboard his horse he tipped his hat. "Bye, Sara." He smiled before tapping his horse and they slowly trotted down the pathway.

Grissom stepped out onto the porch and watched his friend disappear. He observed as Sara took Pandora's reins and turned to him. Their eyes locked but she looked away for a moment as she tied her horse to the porch rail.

Happy Pandora was secure she pulled her package from the saddle, shifted to the steps and looked back at him once again. For a long moment neither of them said anything and he watched as she nervously twisted her boots in the dirt.

Finally she held up the bag. "I got the cream," she informed him on a soft sigh. "I can just," she hesitated, "leave it here." She placed the bag on the first step with a gloomy sigh and turned away.

Feeling his heart lunge Grissom impeded, "Sara, wait," he said and as swiftly as he could he rushed down the steps, gently taking hold of her arm.

She stopped but didn't move and the rancher felt a cool tingle run down his spine. "Sara…"

"Yes," she responded coldly but still failed to face him.

"I'm sorry, maybe I overreacted and," he removed his hand from her arm, "I haven't given you the opportunity to explain properly what happened in town and with Warrick."

Now she turned to face him. "And?" she probed.

"And…you were right about being treated…I just worry, alright? Please, come inside?"

A tender pout graced Sara's lips before a faint smile rose upon them. "Fine."

Sighing with relief Grissom nodded thankfully and slipped up the steps, picking up the paper bag as he went. He opened the door for Sara and gestured for her to enter the cabin. She did so and he pinned the door open with a chair to let some well needed air into the now stuffy accommodation.

He opened the bag and looked inside. The right side of his mouth hitched a grin when he saw the candy. "Is this a new medical technique?" he chuckled pulling out one of the licorice whips.

Smiling broadly Sara shook her head. "Just a little something to cheer you up and," she pointed to his mouth, "it seems to have worked."

"Hmmm," Grissom's grin broadened as he dropped the candy back into the bag and took out the canister of cream. "We can save that for later. No treats before dinner."

"Oh?" Sara laughed, "Too bad."

As Grissom's right brow hit the roof, she chuckled again.

"You sound like my father."

"Where do you think I got it from?" the rancher sniggered.

"Pass it to me." Sara gestured to the cream and he handed it over. "Sit down," she requested and he obeyed, perching himself on the edge of the bed.

"So," he began, "you have no idea what happened to Warrick?"

Sara unscrewed the lid from the canister and her nose instantly caught the smell of marigolds. "In a minute," she informed him, "Just keep quiet while I attend to your eye."

"Yes, Ma'am."

Smiling pertly as she dipped her fingers into the cream, she softly placed her free hand under his chin and tilted his head slightly upwards. "Now, keep still."

"Yes," he whispered as her warm fingers tenderly passed over his bruised flesh.

It only took a minute or so for Sara to apply the cream to his eye and when she was happy she released his chin and popped the lid back onto the canister.

"Now, hopefully that should help with the soreness and swelling." She spoke as she closely inspected the wound and ran a gentle finger over it before pulling herself back.

"Thank you." He smiled gratefully on a secret sigh as her touch, as always, made him shudder.

"Anytime."

Reaching for the collar of his shirt Grissom popped the top button. "It's a little hot in here don't you think?"

Shrugging her shoulders Sara looked around the room. "I guess a little."

"Feel like taking a walk?" He stood.

Moving to the fireplace, Sara placed the cream on the mantle above it. "Are you sure you're up to it?"

"I'll be fine, Sara," he insisted. "The sooner I move around the better."

"Alright then," she agreed. "Let's take a walk."

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The couple strolled leisurely up to the main field. Morning exercise for the horses was finished long ago so they knew they would not be disturbed by any workers. The horses roamed causally about the field doing whatever they wished.

"So did Jim leave without issue?" Sara asked as Grissom opened the gate to allow her entry.

Sniggering as he entered the field and locked the gate behind him he passed a gentle sigh. "No, he will be back later for the full story."

"Oh." Sara slipped her hands into her pockets as they continued their walk.

"Are you going to tell him?"

Now, slipping his own hands into his pockets the rancher shrugged his shoulders. "I'm not sure, I probably should and in a way he is right about my attempt to take the law into my own hands."

"Who ever did this, needs to be caught, you know that, right?" She questioned him. "It isn't up to you to bring them to justice."

Stopping her he looked her in the eye. "But will they be apprehended?"

"Well," she began, "unless you tell Jim the truth, probably not. At least if you do there is a chance."

"Yeah, just like the chance of finding Al's killer." He turned away on a sigh and began walking again, leaving Sara contemplating on his words.

After a few moments she caught up with him as he reached the end of the field. He leaned against the fence and folded his arms with a frustrated huff.

"Jim did all he could in regards to Albert, you know that, right?" Her question was asked with a hint of concern.

"I know," he whispered and decided it was time to change the subject as several horses trotted their way desiring attention. As Grissom reached out to stroke the glorious coal black mustang, his eyes flicked to Sara, "So what happened in town and I mean, really happened?"

Shrugging her shoulders Sara stroked the second horse now seeking attention from Grissom. "Warrick went to speak with Sam Braun which," she raised her brow, "I didn't see would be a problem. He was supposed to meet me back at the store but when I got back there, he was gone."

Grissom's eyes darkened. "Hold on," he tried to get his thoughts straight. "Where else did you go?"

"Oh, um…" She hesitated.

"Sara…"

With groan of frustration at her loose tongue Sara patted the horse away. "I went to the saloon and spoke with Heather."

"You what?" the rancher was astounded. "Why…I mean…Sara why would you do that?" He wasn't quite sure where his annoyance lay with this one. The fact she was wandering around town alone or the fact she more than likely had a private conversation about him, with Heather. Now that thought sent butterflies tingling though his stomach.

"I don't know why, really." She admitted, sounding surprised at her own actions. "I just thought maybe she had seen what happened to you. There was no harm in trying."

"And did she see anything?" He asked.

"No," Sara shook her head, "Buy she said she would keep her ears open. She seemed very concerned and said you should report it."

As the mustang licked his hand he smiled. "I thought she might say that and I am presuming she knows I have not reported the incident?"

"She does," Sara grinned, "and, she agrees with me."

Now Grissom frowned, "About what?"

"Your stubbornness and don't you dare deny it."

"Hmmm," he half growled kicking his heel into the dirt. "But I am still angry, understand that."

Shifting a little uncomfortably, Sara faced him. "Why?"

"Why?" he snickered cynically. "Warrick leaves you in town to do whatever the hell he went to do and you wander around alone, after everything I said, that's why." He kicked a stone which lay by his feet. "You just wait until I get my hands on him, I'm going to…"

Sara quickly grabbed his arm. "Please don't be too hard on him," she begged. "He has no idea what's been happening and he said he would only be thirty minutes. If it wasn't for Jim I would have just waited. Please, Grissom…"

"I'll think about it," he responded swiftly but he knew Warrick would be getting a piece of his mind no matter what Sara said.

She removed her hand much to Grissom's inner disappointment and looked out across the field. "Beautiful day, is it not?"

Sighing lightly, Grissom followed her stare. "That it is," he agreed sucking in a gentle breath.

"Did father stop by while I was gone?"

Grissom nodded lightly. "Yes, he did and yes, I was relaxing."

"Good." A soft smile fell upon her lips but then her brow rose as the sound of Grissom's stomach growling suddenly caught her ears. "Hungry?" she chuckled.

Feeling his cheeks redden a little the rancher rolled his eyes. "After that breakfast I shouldn't be but I guess so."

"I have an idea," she spun on her heels and faced him with a grin.

Tilting his head Grissom's eyes narrowed suspiciously but he couldn't quite fight the tender smirk that developed on his lips. She indeed had a mischievous look on her face. "And what might that be?"

"Why don't we stop by the kitchen and ask Rana to pack us a picnic? We have both agreed it is a glorious day and even though you are not capable of anything too physical, you can walk so," she held her arms up into the air, "why don't we just enjoy this sunshine and relax, while we can?"

"Hmmm," the rancher contemplated, rubbing his chin. "That's a very tempting idea, Miss Sidle."

"So…."

"Why not?" He shrugged, resigned.

Now Sara well and truly smiled. "So shall we head back?"

"Sure," the rancher agreed and they began a slow walk back to the house.

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As they stepped through the gate and to their right and away from the field, they failed to spot the figure, who had been watching them all this time, concealed behind the tree to their left.

Once they disappeared from site, Ecklie stepped out from his hiding place, with a firm frown furrowed on his brow. Making sure the gate to the field was secure he followed them.

A/N: Hmmmm, is Ecklie going to ruin their day? I feel a little closeness coming on but will they be able to enjoy it? You know what to do…