A/N: Hey everyone. Well, it appears a milestone has been reached with this story as it has reached the half century chapter mark. I actually still can't believe I've been writing this so long and how big it actually is. It was never intended to be as big as it is. Unfortunately it is now time to get serious. I got my hat back from SSC so it's been on my head for the last 2 weeks :) This chapter will be the beginning of the "we hate sidle77 fan club," I'm sure of it. Well maybe not this one but the next. SSC has threatened to strike with her fic unless I fix the mess I started. Ha! So funny. (She does have the next two chapters btw so you can imagine what I've done to make her threaten that!)

Right, I better stop rambling. Thanks to mingsmommy as always and to SSC. Babe you won't strike, I know it, tehehehee. If you do it's gonna be a long time before you post again. *Grins*.

Chapter 50

Grissom's teeth gritted and a look of deep concentration was fixed upon his face as he and his two helpers lowered Warrick's body into the grave using several lengths of rope.

"Keep…it steady," the rancher grunted as the rope slid steadily through his gloved hands.

A band of sweat had formed on his brow and his face glistened under the early afternoon sun as tiny tears of perspiration drifted down his cheeks. Warrick was heavy and the rancher's biceps heaved with exertion as he dug the heels of his boots deeper into the dirt in an attempt to find a better grip. "Almost…there…"

True enough, several seconds later the weight on the rope slackened and a dull thud confirmed the body had reached its destination.

Grissom released his rope and stepped forward. Nicolas and Michael did the same and stood by the rancher's side.

The three men looked down at the body from up above, nothing but sadness etched upon each one of their faces.

"Such a waste," Grissom mumbled, his heart feeling heavy. "He was a good man."

Nicolas and Michael remained silent but both nodded in agreement and they watched as Grissom bowed his head and clasped his hands tightly in front of him. They quickly followed suit as he began a prayer.

"Life is but a stopping place
A pause in what's to be
A resting place along the road
to sweet eternity
We all have different journeys
Different paths along the way
We all were meant to learn some things
but never meant to stay
Our destination is a place
Far greater than we know
For some the journey's quicker
For some the journey's slow
And when the journey finally ends
We'll claim a great reward
And find an everlasting peace
Together with the Lord."

Grabbing the tip of his hat between finger and thumb, Grissom offered a final silent acknowledgement to his friend. "Let's get this over with," he said. Turning around, he bent, grabbed a spade and began shoveling.

Nicolas and Michael were quick to follow suit and joined the rancher as he tossed the dirt back into the hole and began covering the body.

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The estate's residents stood around the graveside as Grissom hammered the wooden cross into the earth, marking the spot where Warrick was laid to rest. He stepped back and puffed a quiet sigh as he looked at all the people around him paying their respects. Everyone had turned up, for which Grissom was thankful; however, he couldn't help thinking that maybe someone within the crowd had the betrayed the family and were involved in Warrick's murder.

His eyes scanned over them in an attempt to gather any information that may aid his suspicions, but he struggled to see anyone's expression clearly as they all had their heads bowed.

The captain and Laura stood together, the lady of the house tightly holding onto her husband's arm. She held a white handkerchief to her face, no doubt to discard any falling tears. The captain's hand lay atop his wife's as she clung to him.

All the menial workers stood to the left of the ranch owner with Ecklie the closest. Grissom made a mental note that Conrad seemed to be standing apart from the group, even if just by a few feet. The others seemed nestled together, offering each other support, and Conrad looked like an unwanted spare.

His eyes ran over Nicolas and Gregory, who stood to the right of their aunt and uncle. Then his gaze fell upon Sara who stood next to Gregory with her hands tightly clasped in front of her. She was looking at him, rather than at the ground like everyone else was. There were tears evident in her eyes and Grissom felt a lump forming in his throat as they stared at each other.

Eventually, she bowed her head and he stepped forward to stand by her side. He wanted to take her hand and his fingers twitched as the thought passed through his mind. He was only offering her support, right? And it wasn't as if anyone was looking at them. He could take her hand, just for a moment, and with his decision made he slowly slipped his fingers into hers and squeezed tightly. He felt Sara jump slightly, through surprise no doubt, but she didn't raise her head to look at him. Thankfully though, after a few seconds, she squeezed back and he knew she appreciated the gesture.

Now, Grissom bowed his head and all was silent.

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The funeral was over and everyone began to disperse. Nicolas and Gregory went back to the house and the workers returned to their quarters, everyone unsure of what the future would hold and what the next day may bring.

All that remained at the graveside were Grissom, Sara, the captain and Laura, who still had her arm slipped through her husband's.

"I'm trying to think of something to say," the captain began, looking to his second. "But…I'm a little lost for words at the moment."

"I understand," Grissom responded, his glace floating around the three people before him. "I feel the same, I think everyone does."

Grissom knew he needed to try and talk to the captain in private. His boss was most certainly hurting. However, the captain was a proud man and he wouldn't discuss anything in front of his wife and daughter if at all for that matter. But Grissom had to try and offer a sympathetic ear and help if he could.

The rancher pointed over to where the wagon sat, Dante and Pandora tied to the front, happily rubbing their noses together. "I should return the wagon, Captain. Um…" he hesitated, "…care to join me?"

A frown formed on the captain's brow. "Not especially, Gil. I have seen the barn before."

Grissom felt disheartened at the captain's response. Sadly, he didn't seem to get the hint. Dare he be more forward? "I was just…" He cleared his throat. "…Thinking maybe we could have a talk."

As Grissom made his statement, Laura seemed to immediately know what he was alluding to and released her husband's arm. "Let's go check on the horses, shall we, Sara?"

Sara's eyes passed over her father and then Grissom before she nodded and followed her mother towards the wagon.

Nervously flexing his fingers in and out, Grissom took a step closer to the captain. "I would like to help take some of the weight off your shoulders, Captain," he began. "But you need to talk to me."

"I appreciate the offer, Gil," the captain said as he reached into his jacket and pulled out his watch. He looked at it before slipping the golden time piece back into his pocket. "But I'm fine. If I need your help, I'll ask for it."

That wasn't the answer Grissom was hoping for, but he knew this wasn't the time or place to attempt pushing his friend into doing something he didn't want to do. He would try again tomorrow when things had calmed down a little.

"I should get back to the house," the ranch owner continued. "The sheriff said he would be returning around this time."

Grissom simply nodded. "I'll return the wagon and then come and find you when I'm done."

"You do that," the captain replied and then walked towards his wife. "But take your time," he shouted, waving his right hand in the air.

Grissom watched as Sara and her father exchanged a few words and he nodded at her before offering his arm to his wife. Laura took it and the couple walked away in the direction of the house.

With his eyes narrowing, Grissom kept his glance locked on Sara as his boss walked away. He was surprised she didn't follow behind and he waited a while before slowly approaching her. When he reached her, she was wedged between the two horses; stroking them both simultaneously as they sought some well deserved attention.

"I think they are feeling a little better," Sara said as Dante licked her hand. "But I think they should stay together." She turned to face him and smiled. "They need each other right now," she finished.

Oh, why did she always have to be so cryptic? He knew exactly what she was getting at. As he cleared his throat, he patted Pandora on the back. "Is there a reason you're still here?" he asked. "I thought you would have gone back to the house."

"I will," she replied. "My father said I didn't have to worry about seeing the sheriff again and he needed a little time to talk to him so, I said I'd take some time out to myself before returning." She curled a stray hair behind her ear. "I can help you with the horses if…you want me to."

"I guess that would be alright." He grabbed Dante's reins. "But we keep our distance. We've already taken too many chances of being seen together today."

Sara pouted as she slipped out from in between the animals. "If that's what you want," she mumbled.

He took her arm as she passed him and urged her to face him. "You know it isn't, but it is what we must do if we wish to avoid your father hanging me from the nearest tree."

She snorted as Grissom held out Pandora's reins to her. "He would never do that."

"Let's just say; I would not like to find out, Sara. The way things are right now…if he finds out about what we have done before I actually have the opportunity to talk to him about my intentions…" He ran a shaky hand through his hair. "…I feel it will be the last straw for him…I just do."

"Alright, I guess you're right," she agreed on a lengthy huff. "From now on, we keep a safe distance until the time is right."

He swallowed the small lump which had formed in his throat and nodded. He looked to the horses, "I should keep Dante and Pandora with me until the outer stables are fit to house them. It's probably best if they stay by the cabin tonight. I know they will be safe there with me."

"Agreed," Sara replied simply.

"Good."

They began walking, pulling the horses and the wagon behind them. "Let's just take the wagon back to the barn and then…" He flicked his eyes to her. "…You can get some rest."

She looked at him, "But…" she began but he quickly stopped her with a swift shake of his head.

"No but's, Sara. I'm exhausted, so I know you must be. You need to rest and try and get some sleep or you will make yourself ill."

The firm tone to his words made Sara look away. "Fine," she grumbled.

"Promise me, when you get back to the house, you will at least try?" His voice softened now as he made his plea.

"Alright…alright," she conceded. "I promise, just for you."

Their heads turned simultaneously and their eyes met again. They both smiled.

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Dante and Pandora trotted happily from the barn with Grissom and Sara following closely behind. With the wagon returned, Grissom knew it was time for Sara to go home and try to get some rest.

He was about to suggest they now return to the house but his eyes caught a glimpse of the sheriff in the distance. He was coming towards them.

The couple exchanged a quizzical glance before waiting in silence.

"How are we doing?" Brass asked when he reached them. Removing his hat, he wiped his forehead on the back of his hand and puffed a heavy breath. "The captain said you would more than likely be around here. I'm heading back into town so I thought I'd just come say goodbye before I left."

"You have talked with the captain already?" Grissom was surprised that the conversation could have happened so quickly.

"Yes, well…" Brass stepped forward and rubbed his chin. "…I'd rather check over everything I have before I have a good chat with him. Plus, right now, he doesn't seem very sociable." He looked to Sara. "No offense to your father there, Sara," he said quickly.

Sara smiled. "None taken, Sheriff."

"So, did you speak with the colonel?" Grissom asked. His desire to know exactly what McKeen had to say was overwhelming his brain.

"I did," the sheriff replied.

There was a long pause.

"And…." The rancher urged.

Brass slipped his hat back on. "I need to get all the facts together, Gil. I will talk to you about it in the morning. I think you've had enough to contend with for one day."

Now Grissom felt frustrated, he hated being kept in the dark. "I'd rather know now, Jim."

"Too bad," the sheriff responded, shrugging his shoulders. "You need to get some rest and so does this young lady." He looked at Sara who looked back with curious eyes. Brass held out his arm. "I will escort you back to the house, Sara."

Grissom sighed. He knew he wasn't going to get anything out of Brass until the morning. "Its fine, Jim," he cut in. "I'll escort Sara back; you…go and do…whatever it is you…have to do." The frustration the rancher felt was very evident in his words.

"Nonsense." Brass wriggled his arm in an attempt to get Sara to take it. "Captain Sidle has asked me to tell you he doesn't want to see you back around the house today and you must get some sleep. There is nothing you or anyone can do until tomorrow at the very earliest."

Sara looked to Grissom and then back at Brass, she stepped forward and took the sheriff's arm. "Father is right, Grissom. You too need to rest and you must do so or you will make yourself ill." She smiled. "Practice what you preach, as they say."

"Very funny," the rancher replied frostily.

Grissom watched as Sara's face saddened and she opened her mouth to speak again but he stopped her before she ended up saying something in front of Brass that she really shouldn't. "You're right," he lied. "I should try and rest."

"Oh…" Sara said, obviously a little surprised at his cooperation. "…Good."

Slipping his hands into his pocket the rancher offered a weak smile. "I will see you…later."

Sara smiled back. "You will."

Brass turned and Sara went with him.

"Bye, Jim," Grissom added as the couple walked away. "See you in the morning."

"Goodbye, Gil," the sheriff answered with a quick wave of his hand through the air.

Turning to the horses, Grissom rubbed each one on the nose. "Well," he began, "It looks like it's just the three of us."

Dante snorted as his master walked away.

"Are you coming?" the rancher asked without even looking back.

With a neigh and a bob of his head, Dante followed his owner and Pandora soon trotted closely behind.

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Brass escorted Sara back to the house, leaving her by the main entrance steps after she told him it was unnecessary to accompany her inside. He made her promise she would rest and she said she would.

She lied.

Although she was tired, she could still feel the heat from the fire on her face and it made her heart race just thinking how close she came to being hurt. Still could still hear the screams of the horses echoing at the back of her mind and it made her tremble with sadness. She couldn't sleep, not just yet anyway.

She walked into the house and hid inside the porch until Brass had boarded his horse and disappeared in the distance. Then she snuck out again and headed towards the garden. A little walk would do her good…just a little time to herself, peace, quiet and fresh air. Then hopefully, she would be tired enough to sleep…

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Grissom lay on his bed, staring up at the cobweb coated beams of his oak tainted ceiling. He wanted to sleep, his body told him he needed to sleep, his brain told him he needed to sleep but every time he closed his eyes, he saw Warrick and he just couldn't shake the image. With a disheartened huff, he sat up, swung his legs around the side of the bed and held his head in his hands.

How did things ever get this bad? Were they ever going to find out who was responsible? Could the estate survive what had happened? Was there a traitor among them and if so who? What would happen now?

So many questions but the rancher struggled to find any answers, which left him angry and irritated.

He reached for the chain around his neck, pulling it free from the confines of his shirt. After toying with the ring Sara had given him, his fingers moved to the silver locket and passed over it. Faith…that is what he needed right now and clasping both the ring and locket into his hand he closed his eyes again. He had to believe things would work out and they would.

Wouldn't they?

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With her arms wrapped around her body, Sara leaned against the great oak tree in the center of the garden and stared out over the beautiful land before her. Providence Grove's garden was simply colossal and immensely captivating. Where ever you looked it was pleasing to the eye. Daffodils and hyacinths burst out to the left, followed by tulips and alliums. Bright colorful bulbs were everywhere, in the middle of the lawns, arranged in squares and rows and squatted in flowerbeds. A little further down the path giant dahlias, cosmos and sunflowers had reached an incredible height. Dancing together in an array of shapes and colors, they moved effortlessly in the slightest breeze.

It was overwhelming beauty and Sara loved being in the middle of it. She was lost in her own little world, her mind thinking a million things at once while she look out over the splendor surrounding her, that she didn't hear him approach.

"Sara?"

The sound of her voice being softly called broke her from her thoughts and she slowly turned her head.

"Hank?" she exclaimed surprised, pushing herself from the tree to face him. "What…are you doing here?"

A/N: Ugh, what's Hank gonna do? Warning: Tissues may be required shortly, please stock up! Lol. Sorry.