A/N: Season greetings to everyone. Sorry for the delay in posting but this is my busiest time of year and my work schedule has just been mental. But finally, here is the next chapter. Thanks to SSC for the input, have missed you this past week hun :(

Please let me know your thoughts. Have a great day!

Chapter 64

After Michael had finished a hearty breakfast, Grissom decided to show him around his small estate and Teri insisted on accompanying them.

They began at the exercise area, then the barn and next, they headed towards the stable. When they entered the small building, they bumped into Hodges, literally, who went crashing into his boss, dropping the two buckets of horse muck he was carrying.

"David!" Grissom yelled as his eyes dropped to the mess now covering his boots.

Teri held her hand to her mouth in amusement and took a step back.

"Grissom…I'm sorry," Hodges rambled, "I didn't see you."

"Were you looking?" the rancher shot back, curling his nose up at the mess all over his newly shone footwear.

The younger man's shoulders slumped, "Obviously not."

"Come on, Gil," Teri laughed. "It's just a little…" She cleared her throat, "…natural substance. You've had plenty of it on your boots before."

The rancher rolled his eyes and couldn't help a small chuckle. "Fine, accidents happen…"

Hodges breathed a sigh of relief and then spotted Michael. "Did you hire help?" he asked with a hopeful hint in his voice.

"Ah…" Grissom turned to Michael, "…maybe. We are just getting to that."

"At last…" Hodges let slip and then realized what he'd said and took a large step back. "…um…you know, not that I can't cope and you…do help…sometimes…um…I…" He pointed behind him, "…should get back to work…"

With a light shake of his head, Grissom watched as Hodges scuttled back into the stables and disappeared into one of the stalls.

"Quite a character," Michael said as he stepped up beside Grissom.

"Yes…" Grissom responded, looking back to his boots again. "Indeed."

Michael laughed.

"So…" the rancher began, "…about you…"

Now Michael's smile faded a little. Grissom didn't sound all that chirpy.

"I can give you some work, not a problem but…" He rubbed his chin, "…full time I can probably not afford and as for lodgings, well, as you have seen, all I have is the cabin. You are welcome to use the barn but we need to fix the roof first."

The younger man nodded. "I'm sure that will be more than fine."

"May I make a suggestion?" Teri said and both men turned to face her.

Grissom's eyes narrowed as Teri smiled at him, "A suggestion?"

"A ha."

"Alright," he replied, but he didn't sound all that certain and he wasn't. What kind of suggestion would Teri be able to make in regards to his new lodger?

"Well…" A tiny smirk passed over Teri's lips, "…I know father has been looking for more help around our place. How about, I speak with him? I know we have lots of room in our workers quarters, so, Michael can stay with us and work between your place and ours."

With his right eyebrow rising in surprise at Teri's suggestion, Grissom thought for a moment. It was actually a good idea. As he couldn't afford to support Michael in totality, this seemed like the next best solution. "Are you sure your father would be okay with that?"

She puckered her lips. "Why don't I take Michael, introduce him to Father and find out?"

Looking to Michael, Grissom shrugged. "How do you feel about the proposition?" he asked.

The young worker smiled, "Sounds good to me."

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Laura was astonished at the speed in which Sara packed. It only took her just over an hour and usually, if they were going away, Sara could take a full day to get her things together.

The captain sent one of his workers to McKeen's with a message. Basically, if they wished to send anyone on the trip as Hank had suggested, then they better be at the Grove, very quickly, as Sara and Laura would be leaving before noon.

Two coaches waited outside the front entrance and were being loaded up as Sara and her mother watched on.

Laura's head turned, her eyes running over her daughter as she watched her trunk being hoisted onto the top of the second coach. "How are you feeling?" the lady of the house asked.

Looking to her mother, Sara half smiled. "Fine," she replied.

"Are you sure?"

Sara nodded. "I…" she hesitated, "…it will be nice to get away." She looked back to the workers, loading the luggage. "I'm sure a little peace and quiet is what I need."

The captain stepped from behind the first wagon and clapped his hands together as he approached his wife and daughter. "I think we are all ready to go," he said. "Rana will be going with you. Curtis and Kyle also, as they will be driving and be there for security…and if Hank's assistance doesn't arrive shortly…" He pulled his watch from his inside pocket and took a quick look before slipping it back into his jacket, "…then I will organize other helpers to accompany you."

Sara snorted a laugh. "Do you think we need that many people accompanying us, Father?"

Clearing his throat the captain responded. "Better safe than sorry, my dear," he replied.

Upon his final word the sound of horses approaching caught the air…

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Sara sighed and her heart hitched a notch when she caught a look at the riders heading their way. Hank…and two others, his servants no doubt, riding on a wagon. She'd hoped she wouldn't have to see him before they left but she should have known he'd come.

She looked to her mother who smiled but the smile was false and Sara knew it.

"We can leave now, if you want," Laura said.

With a quick nod, Sara headed down the steps. "The sooner the better," she mumbled.

Hank was quick to dismount. He spoke to his aides, directing them to load their things and the two trunks from the wagon. He then moved with haste towards his fiancé, a broad smile upon his face.

Sara found it very hard not to roll her eyes and run away. Just being near him made her colder than the worst days in winter. She also found it rather odd at the amount of luggage the servants had on the wagon. Two trunks? Why did they need that much?

"I'm so happy to see you are up," Hank said, standing right in front of her. He reached out and took her hand. "Are you feeling better?"

"Yes." Sara's reply was flat and sounded rather cold. "I thank you for your concern but I'm feeling much better."

With a nod, Hank looked over Sara's shoulder to see the captain and Laura approaching. "Did you like the flowers?" he asked, returning his attention to Sara.

Slipping her hand from his, Sara offered a small nod. "Yes, thank you. They are very pretty."

Hank frowned as Sara's hand left his and it seemed he was about to say something but thankfully, he didn't get the opportunity.

"Couldn't stay away, huh?" the captain said as he and Laura stepped up.

The younger man grinned. "Well, I wanted to see Sara off and ensure she was alright. I was very concerned."

Sara's eyes narrowed as she listened to Hank's words. There was something off about his tone. She wondered where his concern actually lay.

"I see you decided to send some assistance," the captain said as he looked Hank's helpers over.

"Oh, yes." Hank turned and beckoned the servants over with the crook of his finger. "This is Kurt and Marcia; they will assist you in any way possible and be at your full disposal."

The two servants bowed their heads.

"Are we sure this is really necessary?" Sara began. "I don't think we actually need all this assistance, Hank. I mean, we have three of our own people so…"

"Nonsense," Hank cut in before she could finish. "You can never have enough help and I insist."

"Fine," Sara mumbled on a groan. "Mother…shall we?" She kinked her head towards the coaches.

Laura nodded. "Probably best we make as much headway as we can before we have to find lodgings for the night." She slipped her arm through her husband's and they walked towards their coach.

As Sara went to follow, Hank swiftly reached out and attempted to pull her towards him. Her eyes widened and she tried to pull back. "What are you doing?" she yelped causing her parents to turn back to them. A disturbed look formed on the captain's face as he watched on and Hank quickly released her and stepped back.

"I just…wanted to give you a goodbye embrace, that is all. You are going away…Is it so wrong for me to…want to say goodbye?"

Sara thought quickly, realizing she had already caused a scene and didn't want to make things any worse. But then again, she didn't want Hank's hands anywhere on her body so she needed a fast excuse. "I could still be sick…I…" She began to take small steps backwards, "…just don't want to risk, you know…you catching anything."

Hank's eyes narrowed.

"Bye, Hank," Sara finished and swiftly turned, rushing to join her parents, leaving her fiancé looking rather frustrated.

"Everything alright?" the captain asked.

With a nod, Sara headed for the first coach. "Fine…just…being cautious."

The ranch owner frowned and looked to his wife when she squeezed his arm. "Nothing wrong with caution," she whispered, leaning into him. "Just make sure you are careful while we are gone."

Sara stopped and turned around. "Careful about what?"

"Oh…nothing," Laura replied quickly, "Ready to board?"

"Yes, Mother. Very ready."

Kyle opened the door to the first coach and waited for Laura and Sara to step in.

"Enjoy yourselves," the captain said, leaning in to kiss Sara on the cheek.

She smiled and licked her lips. "I will try my best, Father."

Ruffling his nose he kissed his wife. "Take care and if you need anything, send a messenger."

Laura chuckled. "We will be fine, Thomas, and you behave yourself while we are gone. I have told Gregory to keep his eyes on you."

The captain laughed. "Oh well, then I am in trouble."

Sara laughed now; the thought of her cousin dominating her father was quite a funny image but…never going to happen. Pulling herself into the coach, she sat on the right; Laura followed with the assistance of her husband and sat on the left.

The captain closed the door with a smile. "See you in a few days." He stepped back and waited for the final bits of luggage to be secured above the coaches.

Looking through the opened window, Sara watched as Hank talked to Kurt, pulling his worker aside. The duo seemed deep in conversation and Sara felt herself frowning when Hank slipped something into his servant's pocket. Why did she have the feeling her fiancé was plotting something? He just had that look about him. Their chat ended and Kurt nodded before walking away from his boss. Upon hearing her name being spoken, Sara turned her head to look at her mother sitting opposite.

"You alright, sweetheart?" Laura asked.

"Hmmm," Sara replied.

Laura smiled. "Good. Let's get out of here shall we?"

Feeling a smile emerge on her lips, Sara nodded, "Let's do that."

"Ready when you are," Laura called out.

"Yes, Ma'am." Came the reply from above. "Everyone aboard?" then bellowed.

The coach rocked as the final chaperones pulled themselves up onto the vehicle.

"Yes…" Came an encore of replies.

After a commanding, "Yah!" Sounded, the coach moved and away they went.

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With her hands on her lap and her body swaying with the motion of the carriage, Sara got lost in thought as she watched the world go by. The countryside was beautiful, sadly it wasn't the glorious blossoms of the flowers or the crisp vibrant green of the leaves on the trees that occupied her mind, it was her life and how much of a cruel disaster it had become.

She remembered this route however; it was exactly the same way she had travelled just a few weeks previous with Grissom. A road which had eventually led to one of the happiest times of her life, with the most amazing man she had ever met…would ever meet.

An insatiable sadness swept over her and she fought so very hard not to sob. Sucking in a deep breath she closed her eyes and just prayed her mother didn't notice her sudden demeanor.

Unfortunately, the second her eyes closed, Grissom was there. At first he was smiling at her but then his face changed and all she could see was the devastated look on his face that appeared the night she called off their romance. He was so pained…so hurt…so lost…

Then the man she loved was replaced by the man she did not.

Hank.

There he was, grinning at her. She shuddered, her eyes popping open. How on earth could she marry this man? She couldn't even bare to think about him. She couldn't stand the thought of him touching her let alone allowing him to take her to his bed. There was something about him that just always made her feel uncomfortable and he was always so damned sweaty, well his hands anyway. She hated that.

"Sara?"

"Huh?" Sara looked to her mother who was holding out a water canteen.

Laura smiled. "Would you like a drink?"

"Oh..um…" Sara reached out for the canister. "Thank you." She sipped the water.

Quizzically looking at her daughter, Laura took the water back once Sara had finished. "Are you alright?" she asked. "You look far away."

A gentle gust of air passed through Sara's lips but she offered a nod. "I'm fine, just thinking."

"You want to talk about it?"

Sara shook her head. "Not right now."

"Just make sure…" Laura began, placing the cap back onto the canteen, "…that when you are, you let me know."

"I will," Sara whispered, returning her attention to the world as it passed by…

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Grissom strolled towards the stable. He found he was unable to shake thoughts of what had happened from his mind, Sara especially. Teri's words had seen to that and now he fought a battle within himself. He hadn't really given any deep thought into Sara's reasons for doing what she did. He was too angry, too bewildered, too hurt.

But now, as he really thought about it, why had she done it? Like really?

Did it actually have any consequence though? No matter her reasons, even if she hadn't meant to hurt him, couldn't she have come to him? Confided in him?

But was it that simple?

So much to consider…Sara, Hank, McKeen, Captain Sidle and the Grove.

Before Grissom even realized it he had arrived at the stables and once again, Hodges bumped into him.

The young worker jumped back in total shock. "Grissom…I'm sorry I…"

"Didn't see me?" the rancher finished.

"No…"

With his right brow arching, Grissom looked to his boots. "Well at least you didn't soil me this time."

"Yeah…" Hodges rubbed the back of his neck, looking rather nervous, "…sorry about that."

The right side of Grissom's mouth curled a grin and he nodded towards the stalls. "Are you finished?"

Hodges nodded. "Yes, all clean. I was just about to take a look at the barn roof. If it rains again, we are going to have a big problem."

"Well…" Grissom rubbed his chin, "…I'm going to take a look at Athena and then we can go and take a look at the barn together."

A look of surprise formed on the younger man's face. "Really? You're actually…coming back to work?"

Rolling his eyes and not meriting that question an answer, Grissom stepped around his aide. "Which stall is she in?" he asked, walking past the first stall.

"Oh…the last stall on the right." Hodges followed his boss. "She seems quite restless today and didn't appreciate me cleaning her stall earlier."

As Grissom reached the final stall, he smiled as Athena popped her head over the door and offered him a snort. "She is just being protective of her territory at the moment," he said giving the bridge of her nose a gentle rub. "Isn't that right?" he asked the horse.

Athena snorted again and Grissom's smile broadened. "You've missed me, haven't you?" he asked. Reaching to the bench behind him, he picked two apples from a small crate and held one out to the horse. "There you go," he whispered and Athena took the apple between her front teeth and merrily munched away.

Suddenly, a loud thud caused both Grissom and Hodges to jump and the side of Athena's stall shuddered. With a firm frown, Grissom stepped to his right, to the stall next door and came nose to nose with a rather huffy looking Dante.

"What have I told you about kicking the furniture?" Grissom reprimanded.

Dante's nostrils flared and he snorted so hard, he shot mucus through the air and it landed all over his master's face. Grissom's eyes closed in an instant and he looked rather unimpressed. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a handkerchief and wiped his face. His eyes then opened. "Was that really necessary?" he grumbled. "What's wrong with you?"

The horse stomped his back foot.

Holding up the apple he still had in his hand, Grissom offered it to his ride, "You hungry?"

Dante didn't even entertain the gesture and rapidly shook his head before stomping his back foot again, twice this time.

A heavy sigh seeped from the ranchers lips. "Then what?"

Dante's head dropped and he turned, doing several circles of his stall before plonking himself down onto his fresh bed of hay. He turned his head and refused to look at his master.

That's when Grissom go it. "Ah…" he mumbled, "…I see…" He sighed again and carefully dropped the apple into the stall in hope that maybe his friend would take it later. "Look, boy, I'm sorry. I know you miss her but there is nothing I can do. This isn't my fault…"

The horse refused to look at his owner and tipped his head even further in the opposite direction.

"Fine," the rancher grumbled. "Suit yourself." Thumping his hands into his pockets, Grissom stepped back with a heavy heart to find Hodges staring at him. "What?" the rancher snapped.

With a shrug of his shoulders, Hodges looked towards Dante. "Who is he missing exactly? I know he can be temperamental but I never thought I'd see a horse that looked depressed."

"Just leave it be, you wouldn't believe me if I told you anyway."

"Oh…I don't know." The worker folded his arms. "I'd ask you who you were missing but I doubt I would receive an answer."

Grissom frowned, his pulse hitching.

Hodges continued. "You may think me a little…stupid but I…

"I don't think you are stupid, David," Grissom cut in. "I have never thought that of you."

A look of happiness passed over the workers face and he smiled. "Thanks."

Stepping back to Athena's stall, Grissom finished his thought. "A pain in the ass, yes, but not stupid…"

Hodges smile quickly faded and Grissom couldn't help but chuckle as opened the stall door and began checking Athena over.

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The two wagons continued to roll towards their destination. Sara hadn't said much since they had commenced their journey; she just wasn't in the mood. Instead she fought in vain to blank out her thoughts and just admire the scenery surrounding her. She did smile, once in a while but if she knew who was following then any happiness she was feeling would no doubt quickly fade.

For Hank Pedigrew didn't like being taken for a fool and detested being made to look like one. And, the second Sara turned away his goodbye advances; she made him look just that. He was now certain that Sara was hiding something and their relationship was by no means what it should be.

He had to follow them; something in his gut was telling him to do so. So, after informing his uncle of his intentions, he followed behind, ensuring he would be close by, awaiting reports from his servants. And, if Sara put just one foot wrong, he would know about it straight away and if needs be, intervene…

A/N: Well, looks like everyone has a little something on their minds right now. But, ooohhh, Hank may have just found his brain, well a bit of it, lol. So what's next? Mwahahaha. Found my hat! HA!