A/N: Hey everyone! Thanks for all your great reviews on the last chapter. They are all very much appreciated :) Here we go with the next chapter. So we get to find out what is happening in Sara's room, lol. And yes, The Cap is finally starting to realize….Yay!

All my thanks to SSC who contributed greatly to this chapter and makes each and every one better and better. Thank you for the great beta and for an awesome friendship!

Chapter 61

As fast as her legs would allow, Laura ran from the lounge and up the stairs. She didn't even look to see who was following, for the second she heard her daughter was in distress, her body worked on instinct and she was away.

However, the captain, Brass and Rana did follow closely behind.

When Laura reached Sara's door, she could hear moans coming from within. Opening the door, she burst into the bedchamber.

Sara was lying on her side, arms tightly wrapped around her opposite pillow; the unusual grip not unlike when one may desperately cling to a person. Thrashing her head almost violently from side to side, her face flushed and diaphoretic, she pleaded distraughtly with someone. Her voice was high pitched and anxious, indicant of the obvious despair that she felt.

"I'm sorry…I'm sorry…I'm so, so sorry…" Sara whined over and over again.

Rushing to her daughter's bedside, Laura then realized that Sara was actually still asleep. She was thrashing around and moaning, in the grips of either a horrible nightmare or painful flashback.

Quickly, Laura scooted onto the bed and pulled Sara's head and arms against her chest in an attempt to calm her down. "Shush, sweetheart…shuussshhhh…" she soothed with a gentle rock of her body.

The captain, Brass and Rana entered the room and Laura held a finger to her lips. "It's alright," she whispered as they grew closer, "she is just dreaming, I can handle it. You gentlemen go and finish whatever it is you have to finish."

The captain looked concerned as Sara continued to apologize for something over and over but he nodded and backed away, Brass followed.

"Can I do anything, Ma'am?" Rana asked.

Laura shook her head. "I don't think so. I'm sure she will settle. You can go."

"Yes, Ma'am." The housekeeper quietly left the room and closed the door behind her.

As Sara continued to moan, Laura placed her hand onto her forehead. She still had a temperature. As Laura removed her hand, Sara suddenly gasped and shot upright, her eyes opening for the briefest of seconds to connect with her mother's, before they closed again.

"I'm sorry," she mumbled again but then she swayed and in an instant, she slumped back down into her mother's arms and rolled to the left to settle in the center of the bed. "I'm sorry…" came one more time and Laura just wished she knew why Sara was apologizing but, it was the last word Sara mumbled that gave Laura the information she sought. "…Gil…"

Laura understood and she felt her heart sink as all became silent and Sara's breathing leveled out, becoming normal again…

CSICSICSICSICSICSICSICSI

After a good half an hour of watching over her daughter, Laura finally left Sara's room, content that she had settled. Her mind was racing with a million thoughts. What the sheriff had said…Sara…Grissom…the wedding. Everything was such a mess but now, she was determined to get Sara away. Away from the Grove, away from the stress, away from the nightmare she seemed to be stuck in.

Laura had to get the truth and she was going to do her utmost to get her daughter to reveal it, before it was too late.

Leisurely, she slipped down the stairs and went in search of her husband. She found him out on the veranda, leaning over the rail and looking up to the night sky.

"Thomas…"

The captain turned and his eyes met his wife's. Laura could see the uncertainty brewing within him. He smiled weakly as she stepped closer.

"How is she?" he asked, his tone soft but encased with worry.

"She has calmed down and has gone back to sleep. I think she was just having a bad nightmare." Looping her arm through her husband's, she ran a hand down his chest. She considered telling him about the mention of Grissom's name but he already had enough on his mind at that point. "I gather the sheriff has gone?"

Nodding, he took her hand and brought it to his lips. He kissed the back softly and then sighed. "I don't know what to do," he whispered. "With everything Jim has told me, whether I want to believe it or not…I can't ignore it, and maybe…he could be right…Maybe Gil was right…I just don't know."

Pulling her hand free she placed it on his right cheek. "You're talking about Jeffery?"

He nodded again.

"What do you want to do?" she asked, rubbing her thumb over his beard, uncertain of what he was thinking. But at least now he was prepared to consider that maybe McKeen had been playing them.

"I need some time to think, to look at everything, maybe talk to the sheriff again…just get my head straight." He pinched the bridge of his nose as Laura slipped her hand from his face. "But this deal with Jeffery is…it means everything…if I have been such a fool…I…I just don't understand if he is behind everything, why is he helping us? It doesn't make sense."

With a gentle smile she took his hand. "That is something that you will have to work out and I'm sure you will and no matter what happens, I will always be by your side. For better or worse, remember?" She leaned forward and kissed him softly on the lips. "There is something else that has also crossed my mind in regards to all this."

"What?"

"Sara, and the engagement. It's just funny how it happened just before…Jeffery's offer."

"What are you saying?" he questioned.

Laura cleared her throat. "Well…as we have discussed, she doesn't seem all that happy…"

The captain's brow suddenly pinched together. "You don't think…"

Laura cocked her head in a 'maybe' manner.

A look of unrestrained fury passed over the Captain's face. "I swear to the Lord Almighty, if Hank or Jeffery have forced my daughter's hand…" Suddenly, his voice softened and almost tearfully he looked at his wife. "Surely, that's not true, Laura. And you don't think that Sara would sacrifice herself for me, do you?"

A sad smile crossed Laura's face. "I believe that she would….in a heartbeat…for you…for me….and for the Grove."

As he shook his head, Laura felt as her husband's hand clasped tighter around hers. "This is insanity," he groaned.

"It seems to be," she agreed. "And all the better I take Sara away, maybe then we can have a talk and I can get to the bottom of her unhappiness. I could be wrong but…"

"You could be right," he cut in.

She smiled. "You look tired. Maybe we should go to bed and discuss this further tomorrow."

He nodded his agreement. "There is one thing I need to do first," he added as they walked back into the house.

"What?"

"Send back Jeffery's gift. If everything comes crashing down then I want to owe him as little as possible…"

CSICSICSICSICSICSICSI

After sending several of his workers to the McKeen estate to return the horses the colonel had sent over earlier that morning, the captain somberly plodded up the stairs and towards his room. Laura had retired straight after their chat but he bore no doubt in his mind that she would still be awake, waiting for him to return.

As he passed by Sara's room, he stopped for a moment and then approached the door. Deciding to check on her, he quietly pushed the door open and stepped into the room. Upon drawing closer to the bed, he noted Sara was sound asleep. She was on her side, facing away from him and her soft breathing made him smile, just a little, it was a comforting sound to his ears.

How could something so beautiful and innocent be so troubled?

With a gentle sigh, he turned around and was about to leave when Sara turned over and began mumbling.

"I'm sorry…" she muttered quietly. "I need you…"

The captain smiled even though he wasn't sure why and started towards the door but as he reached it, his body snapped around at Sara's final statement.

"…I miss you…Gil…"

His eyes widened at the mention of his departed assistant and his mouth formed silent, confused words as his brow knitted deeply in confusion. Why was Sara mumbling Grissom's name in her sleep and in an intimate manner?

And what had she done to him to merit such an absurd amount of remorse?

With a scratch of the head and a final look at his daughter, he left the room, closing the door silently behind him.

CSICSICSICSICSICSICSI

Laura lay in bed, propped up against the pillows with a book in hand. As her husband entered their room, she closed the book and placed it on the night table. She noticed the befuddled look on his face as he removed his jacket and placed it in the closet.

"Are you alright?" she asked.

Unfastening his tie, he pulled it from his shirt collar as he approached the bed. "You said that you felt Gil and Sara had grown quite close, yes?"

Feeling her heart skip a beat at his sudden question, Laura leaned forward a little. "Well…yes…"

"Hmmm…" He placed the tie on the bed and began unbuttoning his shirt. "How close exactly?"

"Um…" She fiddled with the bed sheet, "…why do you ask?"

He sat on the bed and toed off his shoes. "Well, I just checked on Sara and she was mumbling in her sleep again." He tipped his head to look at his wife. "She mentioned Gil, something about needing him…" His brow rose, "…missing him…and being sorry for something."

"Ohhhh…" Laura breathed. She glanced down at her clasped hands. "I didn't want to tell you earlier but Gil is who she was apologizing to earlier."

"Why is she apologizing, Laura?"

"I have no idea."

The captain stood and removed his shirt and pants. He put on his pajamas before slipping into bed next to his wife.

"Do you think there was…something…between them?" he asked. "Because…" he sighed, "…I'm beginning to wonder."

Shifting so she could look at him, Laura bit down on her lip. "I think…there was something…maybe just an amazing friendship or…" She thought very carefully about what to say, "…it could possibly…there could have been a growing attraction but I know they felt very fondly for each other." She smiled. "I could see it and…feel it. Can you deny you couldn't?"

He rubbed his hand over his chin and sighed again. "I noticed they had been spending a lot of time together but I guess I just brushed it off. Now though, when I actually do think about it…ever since Gil got here…a lot of the time, they were together…Sara wanting to work around the estate…insisting on caring for Gil when he was injured…being out in the middle of the night ridding…" He shook his head. "I don't understand…surely if…you know…they felt or…wanted to…would Gil not have come to me?"

Taking his hand, Laura, slipped her fingers through his. "There hasn't really been an appropriate time of late has there with everything that's been happening?"

The captain shrugged. "Maybe not but…"

Laura sighed. "I think that Gil also had a large amount of respect for you. Maybe he didn't feel that he was good enough for Sara? There are some who would consider Gil being beneath Sara."

"Which is why I'm wondering if anything happened at all. But Sara was never one to be impressed by money," the Captain pointed out.

"Tell me the truth, Thomas, if I ask you a question?" she cut in.

As their eyes met he nodded.

"If Gil came to you, right now, and declared he had feelings for Sara and he desired to be with her, what would you do?"

His eyes narrowed. "I…" he stuttered, "…I don't know. Hank is financially secure and will always be able to look after Sara. Gil…he…he's a hard worker but…" He stopped and shook his head, "…it doesn't matter anyway does it? It was never an option and never will be, will it?"

"It could be…and I would like to find out Sara's true feelings as my gut is telling me to do so. I think this is maybe why her engagement to Hank isn't as happy as it should be and…you love Gil, Thomas, I know you do. It isn't too late to sort out your differences." She squeezed his hand. "You can always write him, you know? And if you get to the bottom of everything then maybe you will be glad you did so."

"Maybe…" he mumbled.

She cupped his chin with her free hand. "Promise me you will at least think about it."

"Alright."

Smiling she looked to the clock on the mantel, it was late. "Time to try and get some sleep I think."

The captain nodded and blew out the candle on his side as Laura blew out hers.

CSICSICSICSICSICSICSICSI

The next morning. 7.30am.

Laura slipped into Sara's room as her husband dressed. They had decided on a sleep in as they too felt exhausted, all the recent happenings of the last few days catching up on them. Laura hadn't managed to sleep as well as her husband though but she waited until he woke before rising.

Sara's room was in semi darkness, the heavy drapes still covered the windows and a small beam of the morning sun seeping through a tiny gap in the middle created a little light.

Being careful not to make any noise, Laura softly crept to her daughter's bedside to find her lying on her back, breathing lightly, still fast asleep. She had been asleep for over twelve hours now, apart from her nightmare, but Laura didn't wake her. Sara needed the rest and it seemed she was catching up on all the sleep she had missed out on of late.

She smiled before retreating from the room and was met by her husband on the landing.

"How is she?" the captain asked.

"Still sleeping," she replied and the captain nodded as they began down the stairs.

They entered the dining room to find Nicolas and Gregory already tucking into breakfast.

"Good morning, boys," the captain announced as he separated from his wife and they sat at opposite sides of the table.

They both looked up, taking their attention from their plates. "Morning, Uncle…Aunt Laura," they said together.

"How are we doing this morning?" the captain asked his nephews as a servant entered and poured coffee.

Nicolas and Gregory exchanged a quick glance before Gregory cleared his throat. "We're alright but it's a little weird having all of McKeen's boys here, they kind of make…us uncomfortable."

"They make you uncomfortable," Nicolas cut in. "You are such a baby."

"I am not…" the younger man whined in response. "They just…creep me out and…" He picked up his fork and flicked it through his eggs, "…I don't like them, they…they are way too bossy. I preferred Grissom; at least he treated you with respect."

The captain sighed and looked to his wife whose features suddenly saddened. He picked up his coffee and took a small sip before placing the cup back onto it's saucer. "Well…" He licked his lips, "…for now, just get on with things the best you can and don't let them order you around, Gregory. That's not why they are here. Stand up for yourself, lad."

Frowning in obvious thought, Gregory dropped his fork. He took a few moments but eventually opened his mouth to speak. Sadly, he was cut short when Rana entered and made an announcement.

"Mr Pedigrew is here, Captain," she said from the doorway.

"I don't like him either," Gregory mumbled.

The captain's right brow rose at his nephews comment. Laura too, looked a little stunned but a tiny smile appeared on her lips as she stood. She looked to her husband sitting across the table.

"Shall we?" she asked. "I'm not all that hungry anyway."

After dabbing his mouth on his napkin, the captain nodded. "Don't be late for work, boys," he said as he pushed himself from his chair.

"Yes, Uncle…"

CSICSICSICSICSICSICSI

The captain and Laura walked out into the hall to find Hank waiting, a large bunch of flowers in his left hand. The rich boy smiled as they approached and removed his hat. "Good morning," he said.

"Morning," the captain returned. Laura just nodded.

"You are here rather early again, Hank," Laura commented.

After a quick glance around, Hank nodded. "For several reasons today actually. Firstly, to make sure work on the stables is all up to speed and our boys are keeping up. Secondly, to give my lovely fiancé these…" He held out the flowers, "…and thirdly…find out why you sent the horses back last night. Uncle, I have to say, was rather taken aback. Did you not like them?"

Stepping forward, Laura held out her hands. "I'll take the flowers, Hank. Sara is…unavailable at the moment."

Hank's eyes narrowed as he looked to the captain. The ranch owner just folded his arms and kept quiet. "What do you mean she is unavailable? She's my future wife."

"That may be so and I respect that, Hank…" Laura lowered her arms as Hank seemed content on keeping a hold of the flowers, "…but Sara is unwell, still sleeping and will not be disturbed by anyone, even you."

"She actually is unwell?"

He sounded surprised and Laura suddenly felt a little suspicion tweak her brain. "Why, yes. You said so yesterday yourself, remember?"

"Right," he shot back quickly, although Laura thought he sounded uncertain and she noticed how his eyes seemed to flicker a little, as if he were deep in thought. "There is no way I can just see her for a few minutes?" he tried again. "I would really like to see her."

Laura smiled. "No. She needs peace, quiet and rest. No visitors."

"Fine," he said with a disgruntled sigh and handed the flowers to Laura.

She accepted them. "I will make sure she gets them and I will ensure she knows you stopped by."

Working his jaw, Hank nodded. He was obviously still thinking about something. "So when do you think I can see her?" he just about snapped, definitely unhappy.

The captain frowned as he stared at his future son in law. Laura looked to her husband, noting that he too, now seemed as deep in thought as Hank.

Laura definitely didn't like Hank's attitude. He hadn't even asked how Sara was or what kind of illness she actually had. If he had this much disregard for Sara's health now, what would he be like after Sara was his wife?

Stepping away, she placed the flowers onto a small table by the wall and joined her husband, looping her arm in his. She gave him another quick look and a smile before returning her attention to Hank. "Well…Thomas and I have been talking and we think it would be a good idea for Sara to get away for a little while. She could use a break and some time away from the Grove."

Taking a step forward, Hank fiddled with the rim of his hat. "What do you mean get away? We have so much to do for the wedding…How can she help do that if she's not here? We've wasted enough time already."

"She just needs a little time out," Laura said softly. "Surely you can appreciate that with everything that's happened lately."

"And you agree with this, Captain?" Hank asked.

Finally, the captain opened his mouth but Laura wasn't exactly sure what he was going to say because he hadn't actually agreed to the trip yet. She tipped her head and offered him a quick glance. He smiled.

"I think it would be a good idea," he responded simply.

Laura tightened her grip on his arm and had to force herself to hide the smirk that desperately wanted to form on her lips.

With a heavy exhale of breath, Hank looked to the floor but then after a few moments, as his head rose, a smile suddenly formed on his lips. "You know, I think you could be right. Why don't you take Sara to Washington? There are so many wedding shops there. She can look for things for the wedding…" He held out a hand as Laura opened her mouth, "…at her own pace, whatever she wants, anything she likes and…I insist on financing the trip. It is the least I can do, anything for Sara and I will send a couple of our servants to accompany you also. They can help."

"Hank…" Laura took a breath, "…the reason I wish to take Sara away is so she can…"

"I think that's a great idea," the captain cut in, stopping his wife in mid-sentence. Laura pulled her arm free and looked at him completely dumbfounded. He was agreeing that Sara should go wedding shopping? After everything they had talked about?

He walked towards Hank and slipped his arm over his shoulders. "Come, let's have coffee and make the plans." He looked back to his wife who looked furious. "Maybe you should check on Sara, my dear?" After giving her a gentle smile, he ushered Hank towards the lounge.

With a bitter shake of her head, Laura watched as they disappeared into the lounge. She just couldn't quite believe her husband had just agreed to that. What on earth was he playing at?

Her heart pounded for fear for her daughter. What would this do to Sara?

Laura Sidle was a dutiful wife….she supported her husband in practically everything he had ever done….but she was not about to jeopardize the health and happiness of her only child.

Her temper flared and Thomas Sidle was fixing to get a well deserved piece of her mind. And Laura hoped he had a good appetite for it…

A/N: Oh dear, Laura is not happy. Will there be a butt kickin? Sorry there was no Grissom in this chapter but it was necessary to set the scene. He will be back in the next one so do not fear! Please review and let me know your thoughts!