A/N: As always, thanks to mingsmommy for the beta.

Chapter 42

Wrapping his arms around his love he pulled her against his chest. He inhaled her glorious aroma through her hair before exhaling a heavy breath. They lay like this for some time until Sara finally moved. Lifting her head, she looked at him with concern, shifting her body so she now lay completely on top of him.

Dipping her head she kissed him softly on the forehead then pulled back to look into his eyes. "Please don't be sad," she implored on a whisper. "What can I do to make you happy?"

A tiny grin formed on his lips. "You make me happy just by being here," he responded, running his hands down her back.

As she slipped her hand inside his shirt, a shy smile crossed her lips, her fingers tenderly running over his skin. "Are you sure you're alright?"

Offering her a gentle nod, he sighed. "I'm sure. I have you and that's all I need."

Nothing more was said as he took a firm grasp on her, rolling her onto her back so his body came to rest over hers. She placed a soft palm against his cheek and looked deeply into his eyes. As he allowed himself to get lost in her gaze, he felt gratitude wash over him for the few days they had been able to spend together and that he had finally found someone who really seemed to understand him for who he was. He was desperate to make love to her, to feel her clenching around him as she moaned his name in nothing but pleasure. This was their final night together for…he didn't know how long and he just had to be inside her one more time. But he had to be so careful, he knew that and not allow himself release within her. It was possible to do; he just had to ensure he kept control.

"I…" he began on a whisper but stopped when she cut in.

"I know what you're thinking," she stated as a pert grin formed on her lips and her thumb brushed over his skin as she continued to gaze into his eyes.

"And what might that be?" he asked, his voice now holding a hint of roughness.

She didn't offer a reply; instead she moved her hand from his cheek. Gliding it through his hair she brought it rest at the back of his head and pulled. Their lips connected and their mouths opened simultaneously. The kiss was unhurried, soft, passionate and exploring. Grissom felt his entire body tingling as her tongue stroked his and she moaned into him. Sliding a hand to her leg, he pulled her thigh up to hook over his as an overwhelming need to feel her closer rushed over him. He wanted to melt into her, for their bodies to become one and never part.

Eventually, their lips separated and they both sought a well needed intake of air as their eyes once again locked. Sara licked her lips, "I can feel exactly what you're thinking," she chuckled, a cheeky smile gracing her now swollen lips as she bucked herself up into him.

Fighting his urge to grin back, he sucked in a deep breath and closed his eyes for a moment in an attempt to keep himself under control as his solid arousal now fought to be released. "Are you comfortable…" his eyes flicked open, "…enough for me to…" he hesitated, "…you know…given our…location?"

Grissom knew it wasn't the most appropriate of places for a couple to express their love to each other but he was confident they wouldn't be disturbed. They were, after all, reasonably sheltered and in the middle of nowhere. It would be highly unusual for anyone to pass by at this hour but he needed to know she was at ease with his outdoor proposition.

"I'd be comfortable anywhere with you," she all but breathed into him.

There, he had his answer and wasted no time in kissing her again. He was determined to make this a night that neither of them would ever forget.

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Their lovemaking was deliberate and discovering. After slowing removing each other's clothing they settled under the blankets and explored one another. Touching, tasting, pleasuring, little by little, inch by inch, no piece of skin went untouched. Lips on lips, fingers entwining, breaths hitching and limbs locking. For the most part was torture to take things so slowly, for both for them, but it was amazing, delightful torture and neither of them would have had it any other way. It was all about them and at that point in time no one else in the world mattered and for the few remaining hours they had left alone together, they were determined to make the most of them.

Finally, their passion reached its peak and as Sara cried out her pleasure Grissom was quick to roll away and allow himself his own release.

Once both had come down from their ecstasy, Grissom spooned behind his lover, pulling her tightly against his body. Feathering soft kisses across her shoulder, he smiled as she sighed into him.

Taking his hands she held them tightly against her exposed stomach. She played with his fingers as he continued to nibble at her flesh until eventually; he stopped and placed his chin on her shoulder.

"Are you warm enough?" he asked softy, ensuring their naked bodies were covered by the blanket.

Pulling him tighter against her she sighed again. "Hmmmm…" she breathed sleepily, "…I'm…perfect."

Smiling, he kissed her shoulder again. "Yes, you are."

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The wagon rolled down the driveway of Providence Grove and its driver looked to the young lady sitting by his side. Sighing silently as the reality of being back dawned upon him he watched her for a moment. In fact, he couldn't take his eyes away. She was so beautiful, so truly, truly beautiful. She must have felt his stare as eventually her head turned to look at him.

As an uneasy smile passed over her lips she took his hand for a moment, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Are you alright?" she asked.

Swallowing the heavy lump which had formed his throat, he nodded. "You?" he then asked her.

Slipping her hand from his, more than likely in fear they would be seen, she entwined her fingers and placed them in her lap. She nodded slowly, looking forward as the wagon drew closer to the house. "The last few days have been the best days of my life." She tilted her head to look at him again. "I just wanted you to know that."

A broad smile graced his lips before he returned his attention to the road. "We're here," he informed her as the house came into view and he flicked the reins.

Pulling the wagon to a halt just before the steps to the main door, Grissom jumped from their transportation and walked to Sara's side of the vehicle. He offered his hand, helped her from the wagon and the instant her feet hit the ground the sound of the captain's voice cut through the air.

"Sara! Gil!"

Sara looked around to see her father filling his pipe as he strolled down the steps and Grissom quickly followed her gaze.

With a cheerful smile, she approached Captain Sidle and gave him a loving hug, "Hello, father."

Smiling himself, the ranch owner pulled back and eyed his daughter from head to toe. "You look very well, my dear. I trust you had a pleasant trip?"

With her smile growing she nodded. "I did, sir, very much so."

"Good," he responded cheerily before looking to his second in command. Stepping around his daughter, he approached Grissom and extended his hand. "Glad to see you back, my boy, and I thank you for ensuring Sara got to her location and back safely."

His eyes drifted to his lover for a split second before he nodded and shook his boss's hand. "Not a problem, sir."

"Did you get all you needed from your place?" the captain asked.

"I did, thank you," Grissom replied. "Everything I could possibly need." Looking back to Sara, he noticed she was grinning at him and he fought his own amusement although, at the back of his mind he couldn't help the pang of guilt that crept upon him. He didn't like lying to the captain and even though it wasn't in so many words, it was pretty much what he was doing.

"Captain, sir," a voice cut through the conversation and the group turned as Robert approached. "Sherriff Brass wishes to talk with you," the young boy finished as he stopped by the wagon.

With a heavy sigh, the captain nodded. "Excuse me," he said to Grissom. "I'll be right back."

As he walked away Grissom frowned and Sara held an equally confused look as she stepped up to him. "Um, Captain?" the young rancher asked and the older man stopped, turning back to him. "Why is the sheriff here?"

The captain lit his pipe, took several satisfying drags and smiled as the aroma of sweet smelling tobacco instantly hit the air. "I'll explain once you are settled." That is all he said and disappeared with Robert towards the far end of the house and into the staff quarters.

Grissom and Sara looked at each other, a little perplexed and Grissom couldn't help the uneasy feeling that rolled in his gut. Something was going on, he knew it but before he had the opportunity to ask Sara her opinion another voice broke into the silence.

"Have a good time?" a cheery but strangely sarcastic voice asked and the couple turned to see Gregory behind them.

Grissom noticed as Sara glared at her cousin and almost involuntarily moved a step away from his lover.

"Yes, thank you," Sara replied courteously but there was a tone in her reply Grissom couldn't quite put his finger on.

"And how is Elizabeth?" the younger man asked with a smirk, moving his eyes between his cousin and his uncle's employee.

Now, Grissom watched as Sara's brow furrowed deeply and she took a step towards her cousin. "Would you like to muck out the stables for the next month, Gregory?" she all but growled.

"Hey…" He held his hands up in defense, "…I was only asking…"

"I know what you are doing…" the heiress began. "Stop teasing."

Sighing heavily, Gregory folded his arms. "Fine," he mumbled. "Sorry, I just wanted to make sure you were looked after, that's all."

When Gregory turned his attention back to him, Grissom felt his brow rising. He had the feeling the young man knew a lot more about Sara's trip than her "visit to see her friend." "I can assure you," the rancher began clearing his throat, "that Sara had all her needs attended to."

Now Gregory's brow rose and Sara looked to Grissom with a bemused expression on her face. Grissom kicked himself mentally, realizing exactly what he had just said and rolled his eyes. "You know what I mean," he whined in an attempt to cover his tracks. "Can you help me with the trunks?" he then asked quickly in an attempt to change the subject, jumping up onto the back of the wagon.

"Sure," Gregory replied. It was obvious he was a little bewildered, but still he stepped forward to aid his boss. As he walked by Sara, she slapped him on the arm.

"What was that for?" he moaned.

"For being an ass," she whispered in an attempt to keep their conversation from her lover who was busy untying the trunks.

"I worry about you, Cousin, that's all," he sighed in response. "If anything has happened between you two do you understand the ramifications of…"

"Shush…" Sara grabbed his arm as her father reappeared.

"Do you need some help with that, Gil?" the captain called as he approached, slipping his now extinguished pipe into his pocket.

Looking up from his kneeling position Grissom looked to his employer. "Oh, no, sir, Gregory was going to help me, but thank you."

Looking to her cousin, Sara pushed him towards the wagon. "Alright…alright…" Gregory grumbled and jumped up onto the wagon.

"Once you have unloaded, Gil," the captain began, "Join us in the house for tea?" The rancher held out his arm to his daughter and she quickly slipped hers through his. "I'm certain Laura will be very keen to see Sara, so we'll leave you to it."

"Of course, sir," the younger man replied, standing. "I will be with you as soon as I can."

Nodding in acknowledgement, the captain started for the steps and Sara just about managed to offer her lover a quick smile before she turned away.

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Peering around the side of the house, he watched as the captain and Sara disappeared inside and noted Grissom and Gregory unloading the wagon. Thinking for a moment he knew he had to go to McKeen's and inform him that Grissom was back. With everything that was going on right now he knew he wouldn't be missed. Rushing to the stable, he grabbed a horse and mounted quickly. Within seconds he had left the stable and was heading towards the outer fields. Going the back way was much safer; no one would ever see him leave.

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Once Grissom had taken Sara's belongings inside and delivered his own bits and pieces to the cabin he returned to the house along with Gregory. Thankfully the younger man didn't ask any questions in regards to the trip, although Grissom knew he wanted to, he just got that feeling and the atmosphere felt awkward.

They walked to the living room and entered. Grissom immediately saw Sara and Laura sitting rather rigidly on the leather Chesterfield sofa, perched forwards with their hands in their laps, listening. The captain and Sherriff Brass stood just a few feet away, engrossed in conversation but became aware of Grissom's presence and immediately turned their attention to him when he entered the room.

"Ah, Gil…" The captain smiled taking a step towards him, "…get everything sorted?"

With an uncertain nod Grissom floated his glance around the occupants of the room, especially the sheriff before returning his attention to the captain. "Yes, sir."

"Good…good." The older man nodded before looking to his nephew. "Do you not have work to do, young man?"

Sighing, somewhat disappointed, Gregory offered a feeble nod. "I guess so."

"Then…" Captain Sidle nodded towards the door, "…off you go."

"But…" the younger man stuttered, "…I wanted to know what was happening with…"

He didn't get the opportunity to finish his sentence as the captain cut in quite abruptly. "Now, Gregory. I am sure you will be updated in due course and the matter really isn't a concern of yours."

"Yes, Uncle," he replied quickly, giving Grissom a quick look before turning on his heels and leaving the room.

"Would you like some tea, Gil?" Laura asked as she stood and walked towards the coffee table on top of which were a large pot of tea, cups, saucers and a plate of biscuits.

"Oh, no, thank you," he replied. "I'm fine."

Holding up the tea pot, the lady of the house then asked. "Would anyone else like more tea?" But all occupants of the room declined. Nodding slowly, she replaced the pot on the silver tray and returned to sit by her daughter.

Looking to his boss and then to Brass, Grissom shrugged his shoulders. "Dare I enquire as to what is going on?"

A light sigh passed through the sheriff's lips as he stepped towards his friend. "Sam Braun was killed last night."

Feeling his pupils dilate, the young rancher felt his shoulders slump. No, he didn't just say that, did he? "Um, what?" he responded in somewhat disbelief. "Did you just say…?"

The sheriff nodded.

Grissom's glance touched everyone in the room, holding Sara's notably saddened eyes for a moment before he returned his attention to the lawman. "What happened?"

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The horse galloped down the road and he pulled on the reins when his destination came upon him, turning the animal into the long driveway. As he began down the long dirt path he soon had to pull the horse to a sudden halt as someone stepped out from the bushes, rushing to fasten his belt and tidy himself up before gathering his bearings, he aimed his rifle at the rider. A well needed break no doubt caused him to lose his guard.

Staring at the rifle, he tensed until the gunman lowered his weapon with a grin. "Oh, it's just you," he mumbled. "What are you doing here? The colonel didn't say he was expecting company."

"I…" the rider swallowed hard and tried to catch his breath "…need to speak with him, it's urgent."

"Urgent, huh?" the guard mocked, "Exactly how urgent? You know he doesn't like to be disturbed if you're not invited."

"Extremely, I have information he must know about, please…"

Rubbing his chin in contemplation, the gunman slipped the rifle over his shoulder and nodded. "Fine, you may pass but I swear I'm coming after you if I get in trouble for this, you get me?"

He nodded quickly but didn't hang around. With a sharp kick into the side of his horse he was moving again and speeding back down the driveway.

As he rode up to the main house, McKeen, followed by his nephew, exited the front door and the colonel immediately spotted his spy.

Frowning deeply, the land owner slowly clonked down the steps and glared at his man as he dismounted. "What the hell are you doing here?" he growled and the younger man cowered a little.

"I'm sorry," he began on a stutter, "I had to come, he's back. I thought you would want to know."

Frowning deeply McKeen looked to Hank before returning his attention to the Sidle employee. "What are you talking about? Who is back?"

"Grissom."

Tilting his head back until his neck made an audible click, the colonel rolled his eyes before sighing. "Terrific," he moaned sarcastically. "Just as we were getting things moving."

Shuffling nervously the younger man questioned, "Surely we need to re think this now we can't…."

"We continue as planned…" the colonel interrupted, "…in fact we move things along. It all happens tonight…all of it, before Grissom starts sniffing around again. I'm tired of waiting."

"Tonight?" the younger man just about screeched in shock. "It can't happen tonight, I'm not ready, I can't…I don't have the poison yet…I can't…"

"Shut up!" McKeen shouted, holding up a stern finger. "Do not, ever, ever, argue with me. Do you understand?"

The informant bowed his head, "Yes, sir."

"If you don't have what you need then we think of something else." He looked to his nephew and Hank nodded.

"I'll think of something," Hank replied smiling deviously as he entwined his fingers, snapping the digits and making their spy squirm.

Stepping right up to his mole, the colonel looked him in the eye. "Are you going to let me down?" he whispered as he slipped his mouth to the man's ear.

He shivered, swallowing heavily as McKeen's breath caused the hairs on his neck to stand on end. "No…"

Pulling back the ranch owner looked his man up and down. "I'm sorry," he began with his brow rising, "I didn't hear you."

Stiffening his posture the younger man held the colonels gaze. "I said no, sir. I will not let you down."

A wicked smile now graced the colonel's lips. "I am so very glad to hear it."

A/N: Well guys, I hope you are ready to hang onto your hats because – bumpy ride coming up very shortly. I'm still trying to get my life back on track but am managing to write a little so fingers crossed the next chapter shouldn't be too long. Thank you for all the well wishes and support, you guys are just amazing. Please keep the reviews coming!