A/N: Thanks to mingsmommy for the beta and to all my lovely encouraging friends who keep kicking my butt to keep on writing.

Chapter 43

As Grissom awaited his answer, the captain stepped up behind the sofa and leaned over it. "Why don't you two ladies go and finish your tea on the veranda?" It was a direction, more than a suggestion.

Laura seemed to get the message immediately and stood, but Sara remained where she was and tilted her head to look at her father. "Go on, Sara," Captain Sidle urged.

"But…"she stuttered, "…I want to know what is happening. Please let me stay." She looked to her mother but Laura simply averted her gaze, passed by her husband and waited by the door.

"Go with your mother, Sara, this is not a discussion you need to be part of." Stepping back around the sofa he held out his hand. "Now, please," he said, firmer than before.

Sara gave Grissom a quick look before sighing heavily and taking her father's hand, allowing herself to be pulled up. "We won't be too long," the captain began as Sara released his hand and walked towards the door. She didn't stop though when her mother offered her a sympathetic smile, she simply continued and walked through the door, obviously agitated by her ejection from the room. Laura was quick to follow and closed the door behind her.

"That young lady is just way too curious for her own good," Captain Sidle remarked as he returned his attention to the two gentlemen in the room.

"Of course she is." The sheriff smiled as he slipped his hand into his pocket to retrieve his handkerchief. "She isn't a child anymore and I'm sure she's curious about lots of things, right, Gil?"

Feeling his heart suddenly skip a beat when Brass aimed the question at him, Grissom looked to his friend and the sheriff sighed as he wiped his sweaty brow on the handkerchief. It was very hot again and Grissom could feel the perspiration developing on his own flesh. "I, um…" he hesitated, trying to think of the right thing to say, "…guess so…not that I really know… but I suppose she is at a curious age…"

"Age has nothing to do with it," the captain sniggered. "Sara has always been like that and she is never one to give in so easily."

Brass smirked. "Just like yourself then, Captain?"

Now the captain smirked but didn't offer Brass a response.

"So…" Grissom stepped forward and looked to both men in turn. "Are you going to tell me what happened to Sam?"

With a short nod, Brass slipped his handkerchief back into his pocket. "He was gunned down last night," the sheriff began. "And he didn't stand a chance, took three bullets to the chest."

Grissom was dumbfounded and couldn't quite seem to register that this had happened. He had only seen the man a few short days ago and all was well. "Where…" He tried to swallow as his mouth became dry, "…did this happen?" he stammered.

"Outside the saloon, around 2am," Brass informed him.

Shaking his head he took a step forward. "This is madness," Grissom said. "What exactly happened and…" He looked to the captain before looking back to Brass, "…why are you here anyway? Is someone here a suspect? Do you know who did it?"

"Why don't we…" Brass reached to his collar, releasing the top button on his shirt, "…take a walk outside and I'll fill you in? It's just a little hot in here."

Grissom agreed it was extremely stuffy in the house, so, a walk would be more than welcome at that point. Not that it was much cooler outside but at least there was the off chance of a breeze and the air was fresh. Not like it was inside.

With a nod of the head he waited for Brass's lead and followed behind. The captain excused himself and said he would find them shortly; he didn't need to know all the details again and had to check some things around the estate. Considering that morning's lengthy disruption things were currently a mass of disorder.

Brass and Grissom walked from the house and towards the garden. They came across a worn oak bench and decided to sit.

Looking to the sky for a moment Grissom listened as the birds sang then returned his attention to his friend. "So, what happened?"

With a single nod, the sheriff began... "From what I have discovered so far, Sam was attending a poker game at the saloon. He left around 2 am and exited through the front entrance. Three men sped by on horseback and one of them emptied the contents of his revolver in Sam's direction. Three bullets hit their target."

Frowning deeply Grissom thought for a moment. "Was he alone?"

"No," the sheriff responded shaking his head. "Jared James and your very own Warrick Brown were at the location."

Feeling his pupils dilate the rancher shuffled forwards. "Warrick was there?" he asked on a heavy swallow and Brass nodded. "Is he a suspect? I don't believe he would be involved in…"

Holding up his hands the sheriff stopped Grissom in mid ramble, "Calm down, Gil. Warrick is not a suspect. I came here to question him as last night was just chaos and from what he has told me, I think he's in the clear."

Sighing with relief Grissom relaxed, just a little. "Did he see the shooting?"

Once again the sheriff took out his handkerchief wiped his face and slipped the cotton accessory back into his pocket. "He did not. He was out back collecting the horses."

Suddenly something struck Grissom about Brass's comment. It was late when Sam left and not very inconspicuous to leave by the front door. "Why didn't Sam leave through the back? The horses were there and you know…" He cleared his throat knowing the poker game wasn't something he should be talking about, Heather had trusted him with confidential information, "…the game is…"

"Supposed to be a secret?" Brass finished for him.

Grissom wasn't sure what to say.

"Don't worry about it, Gil." The sheriff smirked. "I know more than you think, doesn't mean I like it, but there are some things I just know I should leave well alone, even if it's only for my own good."

Nodding his understanding, the rancher continued. "Do you know why he left via the front?"

Now removing his hat, Brass fanned his face and exhaled a heavy breath. "Let's walk and I'll give you the entire run down of what I got from Warrick."

"Alright," Grissom agreed, stood and they began walking.

"Warrick said they arrived at the saloon a little after 11.30, Sam, with Jared and Warrick for muscle. There were six players at the table when Sam arrived although Warrick refuses to give me any names. As usual Sam was quick to hit the mark and was an instant winner. He cleaned out everyone by 1:30, had a few celebratory drinks and then left. But this is where it gets interesting, Warrick said he started for the back but Jared stopped him and urged Sam to leave via the front. He said to Warrick that he should bring the horses to the front and earn his money instead of making his boss walk. Warrick didn't argue even though he said he wanted to and just did as he was told. Sam didn't seem to care; his win and the alcohol had got him exhilarated so he just followed Jared's lead out the front. Heather let them out. Warrick said he heard the shots shortly after he reached the horses. He ran out to the front and saw Jared crouched over Sam but there was nothing he could have done, Sam was dead."

"Did he see the shooters?" Grissom asked.

"No, no one."

Thinking for a moment Grissom ran through the events. It seemed like a clear set up to him. "Do you think Jared is involved?"

Stopping and leaning against a tree, the sheriff shrugged his shoulders. "Possibly, but as is my usual problem, I need evidence to prove that."

"Well, if they were randomly shooting I'd say Jared was extremely lucky not to get hit, unless…wait…" Grissom ran a hand over his forehead in contemplation "…maybe he knew it was going to happen?"

"Maybe."

"And what was Jared's interpretation of events?" the rancher asked.

"He said Heather opened the door for them and they wished her a pleasant evening. They stepped outside and within a matter of seconds the sound of fast approaching horses cut through the air. He said he didn't even have time to think when three riders sped by and the firing started, he just hit the deck. When he was finally able to look up they were already almost out of sight and Sam was lying on his back, with three shots to the chest, already gone."

Grissom started walking again, back towards the house and Brass kicked from the tree to walk by his side. "Wasn't Jared paid to protect his boss?"

Brass nodded.

"Hmmm, well, he didn't do a very good job did he? Sounds a little too convenient to me," the rancher implied.

"Well…" The sheriff slipped his thumbs into his belt, "…we can theorize all we want but without any evidence…"

"Did Heather see anything?" Grissom asked. "Or were there any other witnesses?"

"Sadly…" Brass sighed, "…all Heather saw were the riders disappearing, she braved a look through the window after the shots went off and there are no other witnesses. But, even if I don't believe Jared's story, he didn't put the bullets into Sam, I know that much."

Stopping, Grissom took Brass's arm and pulled him to a stop. "Any thoughts on who did?" He asked the question and although he knew both he and Brass probably had the same suspect in mind he wasn't sure whether the sheriff would admit it or not.

Brass smiled. "You know I can't be accusing people, Gil, but I do know one thing. Sam managed to embarrass McKeen at a game several days ago. Took him for every cent he had on him and I was informed the colonel was none too pleased, especially when Sam was gloating about it. That and with their current land conflict, I guess that could be a reasonable motive and urge me to investigate further."

Something struck a chord with Grissom. "Maybe…McKeen bought Jared out?"

The sheriff nodded. "My thoughts exactly."

They set off walking again and Grissom suddenly thought of Catherine. "I'm such an idiot," he mumbled. "How is Catherine doing? She must be devastated. I should try and see her."

"She is holding up but I would leave her be for a day or so. I think she just needs a little alone time right now."

Grissom looked to his friend. "Are you sure?" he asked with concern.

"Yeah," the sheriff confirmed. "She has family and her daughter and I'll be popping by on my way back to town to check on her, so I will pass on your condolences."

"Alright," Grissom reluctantly agreed; he would have preferred to have told her himself. "Tell her I will stop by in a day or two and if she needs anything, she knows where I am."

"Will do," Brass nodded as they reached the house. "Well, I better be off, I have a lot to do with this mess. Tell Warrick not to leave town, I may need to speak with him again."

"Alright." Grissom nodded his agreement. "Keep me in the loop will you, Jim, please?"

Extending his arm Brass shook Grissom's hand. "Don't I always, my friend? And the same goes for you too, you hear anything about anything, you let me know."

"I will."

That said the sheriff turned away and headed for the stable to retrieve his horse.

Within seconds of the sheriff disappearing from view Grissom almost jumped out of his skin when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Spinning around he leaped backwards in surprise.

Sara jumped too, evidently not expecting that kind of reaction and held her hand to her heart.

"God, Sara, you scared me half to death," he whined.

"I'm sorry," she apologized on a gasp. "I didn't mean to startle you or me either as a matter of fact."

Composing himself, he managed a smile.

"Are you alright?" she asked.

He gave a slow, rather uncertain nod.

"Are you able to tell me what happened? I'm sure I will hear the gossip soon enough but…I would rather hear it from you. That's if…" she hesitated, "…you want to tell me."

Looking around, Grissom noticed several workers passing by. He didn't know who he could trust anymore, well he knew he could trust Sara but he didn't feel entirely comfortable about discussing his suspicions out in the open. "Meet me in the barn in about an hour, alright? Just so we can talk about this in private. I'm very…"

"Suspicious?" she finished for him.

"Yes," he agreed in an instant. "As well as a few other things."

"Alright I will see you in an hour," Sara began. "But where are you going now?"

He took a small step towards her, to try and get a hint of her aroma. His nostrils strained as he just couldn't quite get close enough and couldn't risk getting any closer. He really could do with taking her into his arms right now and already missed the closeness they had shared in the past few days.

She frowned at him as he just seemed to be staring at her. "Are you sure you're alright?" she asked softly.

"Ohhh, um…" He snapped from his trance, "…yes. Sorry, just got lost there for a moment. I'm…well, just going to check around the place. See how the workshop is coming along and make sure the horses have been looked after. You know, the usual. I just need to catch up and maybe have a chat with Warrick about…"

"About…?" Sara asked when he stopped.

He smiled weakly and took a step back. "I'll explain later, why don't you unpack and I will see you in an hour?"

Lightly shrugging her shoulders Sara's face suddenly turned to one of worry and Grissom noticed immediately. "Alright," she agreed with a tone of uncertainty.

"Trust me, Sara, alright? Don't worry; I will explain everything, just not here."

Now Sara smiled. "Alright, I will see you shortly."

He nodded and Sara turned back towards the house. Once she had disappeared inside Grissom headed for the workshop and ultimately to find Warrick.

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Just over an hour later Grissom approached the barn. Constantly checking over his shoulder to ensure he wasn't being followed. Maybe he was being paranoid, he didn't know. One thing he did know is he felt very uneasy. The murder of Sam seemed too coincidental to have been just a random shooting. He definitely suspected McKeen but was it part of his ploy to buy out all the land? Did he think Catherine would sell out to him now she had inherited her father's fortune? And if this was the case Grissom knew that Providence Grove was most certainly on the colonel's hit list. He felt nervous, very, very nervous, not just for himself but for those he cared about, Sara included.

Too many unanswered questions and not enough or even any proof was the issue, and a big one.

When he entered the barn Sara was already waiting for him, seated on a hay bale, dressed in her riding attire of cream colored pants with matching blouse, long black boots and a silken scarf knotted neatly around her neck. Pandora stood by her, lapping up the attention of her owner. He watched as she softly stroked her horse's nose before pulling an apple from her pocket, offering it to the animal.

She must have sensed him watching her as soon enough her head turned and she looked at him. A broad smile formed on her lips and she was quick to stand and approach him as he walked further into the building.

He didn't, however, expect her to grab his face in her hands and kiss him hard but she did and he stumbled backwards in shock. His eyes bulged when her lips crashed against his and her tongue quickly probed his, seeking some form of reciprocation. Oh no, they simply could not be doing this, not here, no matter how wonderful it felt. He managed, after a little reluctance on her part, to pull his mouth away.

"What are you doing?" he gasped on a breath, trying to keep his voice down. "Are you insane?"

Running a hand over his beard she licked her lips. "I just couldn't help it, I needed…"

He took her hand and removed it from his face, entwining his fingers through hers. "Sara, we can't do this here. You know that," he said softly. "If anyone sees us…well…your father will kill me if he finds out. Do you understand that?"

Sighing heavily, she uncoiled her hand and took a step back, bowing her head. "I know, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have…"

Now Grissom sighed. He knew where she was coming from, he wanted to be with her as much as she wanted to be with him but it wasn't possible, not yet. "Hey…" He slipped a finger under her chin, lifting her head to bring her eyes to meet his and her chin trembled under his touch "…don't be upset, please? I know it's hard but it will happen, in time."

She nodded and sniffed hard. "I know," she whispered.

Removing his finger he urged her back to the hay bales and they sat. He stroked Pandora when she began nuzzling at his shoulder and Sara chuckled.

"I think she wants to know why Dante isn't with you."

Grissom smiled and patted her on her side. "I think he is attempting to regain some well needed energy, my girl. I'm sure he will be around later."

The horse stomped her back foot and neighed softly before wandering to the back of the barn.

"Those two are becoming inseparable," Grissom laughed as Pandora walked away.

"That they are," Sara agreed with a light smile. "So…" She looked her man in the eye. "What on earth is going on? Is Sam really dead?" Her voice shook slightly with her questions.

Against his better judgment but not before checking around the immediate area to ensure they were still alone Grissom took her hand and nodded.

"Tell me…"

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Grissom explained to Sara what Brass had told him and their current suspicions. She sat in shock at the fact that someone could gun down a person in cold blood, with such ease and no signs of remorse.

"You really do think the colonel is behind all this, don't you?" she asked. "Our place, your beating, Sam…maybe even Robbins?"

He didn't say anything at first but looked her in the eye. "I don't know, for sure anyway," he sighed. One thing about Gil Grissom was he tried not to make false accusations without the proof to back it up even if his gut was telling him he was right. "Once the sheriff has finished his investigation I guess we will know more."

"Is Warrick alright?" Sara asked.

"He feels he is very lucky," Grissom began. "He said if he had been out the front when the shooting began he could have easily got hit. But, he does feel saddened by Sam's death. After all, the man did give him a second chance."

Suddenly the sound of approaching voices alerted the couple to an oncoming presence and they quickly stood and ensured there was ample distance between them. Grissom moved to the back of the barn to retrieve Pandora as Sara remained by the hay bales. But then the voices seemed to fade away until they were no more.

Walking up to Sara the rancher passed her Pandora's reins and she took them.

"Whoever it was must have just been passing by," Grissom suggested and Sara nodded her agreement. "But we should go," he continued, "we have been here too long already and may arouse suspicion if we are seen."

"Alright, you go first…" She nodded towards the entrance, "…and I will leave shortly."

"Alright," he agreed and started to leave but then he stopped. He turned back around to face her. "Will I…see you later?" They had always had a nightly ritual here. Ever since he had arrived she had always come to him in the evening. Things were different now, he knew that and her sneaking out to see him at night was more risky now that it had ever been but he knew he couldn't distance himself from her completely. The nights would be much safer and even though they couldn't do anything, he still thrived on her company.

The right side of her mouth curled into a grin. "Yes, you will."

A/N: Aaaahhhhh, will it be another peaceful night? :) Thanks for all the reviews guys, please keep them coming. I have actually made a video for this story now and if you go to youtube and type:

Csi Gsr: The Calling

Into search the video link should be the first video in the list. Sorry I can't add the actual link but FF doesn't allow you to post links. The video does contain a few spoilers for future chapters so be aware and hope you enjoy :)