A/N: Warning: This chapter is boarding and a HIGH T to a LOW M, due to N/C sex references. I hope you don't hate me too much for this chapter but I feel it fits the times and context of the story. SSC, my amazing friend and loyal beta helped a lot with the upcoming chapters and I thank you for all your input in the story, Hun. *Passes her the hat back for BOS*.

Thank you for all your reviews, please keep them coming and I will accept the cursing if you so wish :)

I do promise things will get better, at some point :)

Chapter 75

It all seemed to happen so quickly…

At first, Sara fought him but she was no match for his brute force. She vaguely remembered trying to hit him, scratch him, but he was so strong, then, her clothing was being torn from her body and she was tossed onto the bed. His heavy frame on top of her…inside her…

Then the pain…the pain came….it created a white haze in her brain and she tried to ignore everything that was happening to her, to simply…switch off…

Sara tried to think about a time when she was happy…she tried to think of Grissom...his smile…his smell…his caring…She could feel the tears flowing down her cheeks…

"She was truest to them in the season of trial, as all the quietly loyal and good will always be." ***

Eventually, his heavy weight lifted from her body and she felt the bed rise at the lack of form upon it. Instantly, she rolled onto her side, curled into a ball, her whole body painful and aching and she pulled the bed sheet over her nakedness.

Hank whistled to himself as he dressed. He slipped on his pants and then his shirt, slowly buttoning it up as he watched her. "I'll have a bath brought up for you," he said as he fastened his belt, "And some fresh clothing. You need to clean yourself up."

Sara heard his sarcastic comments but ignored them and continued to stare into the dresser by the side of the bed. The knots in the wood seemed to fascinate her, although she had no idea why. But as she felt the bed dip again, her fear rose once more.

Hank sat on the edge of the bed beside her and reached a hand to her face. She flinched as his thumb brushed across her bruised cheek and she just wished she could disappear into the sheet which encased her. She trembled under his touch and he smiled knowing how much control he now had. "When you have bathed, I will get some dinner sent up; you have to eat…keep up your strength." He moved his fingers to her hairline as she continued to stare into nothing and he realigned the messy strands. "You're mine, Sara…just…understand that and we will have a very happy life together…"

Once more, Sara refused an answer. She didn't even move.

He leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead before standing. "Enjoy your bath," he began. "I'll see you in the morning after you have had some rest."

Stepping away from the bed, he approached the door and left the room, grinning broadly.

His uncle was right.

The second Sara heard the door close; she pulled the bed sheet over her head and wept. She cried and cried, for her tears, they were all she seemed to have left…"

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"Sadly, sadly, the sun rose; it rose upon no sadder sight than the man of good abilities and good emotions, incapable of their directed exercise, incapable of his own help and his own happiness, sensible of the blight on him, and resigning him-self to let it eat him away."***

Rocking back and forth in the worn out chair, Grissom placed his newly purchased book down and brought his glass of bourbon to his lips. The alcohol burned his throat as he downed the contents of the glass in one swallow. He had cut back on his drinking but something tonight…something that stirred within him…he just needed a drink. He refilled his glass. However, this time he didn't get a chance to drink it as the sound of an approaching horse caught his ears.

Dropping the glass along with the bottle to the floor, he stood quickly and picked up his rifle, which lay propped against the wall behind him. This was certainly no time for social calls as it was almost midnight so; he wasn't taking any chances…

Squinting through the darkness and the small amount of light his lantern supplied, Grissom tried to catch a glimpse of the rider but he struggled to get a clear picture of whoever was approaching. Cocking the rifle, he moved forward and aimed over the rail.

"Stop!" he shouted.

The rider failed to answer and kept on coming.

Pointing his rifle skywards, Grissom fired one shot before aiming forwards again and the gunshot echoed loudly into the night. "I said stop!"

Suddenly the hooves of the horse slowed from a gallop to a steady trot but the horse kept coming. Grissom tensed his grip on the trigger but as the horse came into full view, his hand relaxed. Lowering the gun in disbelief the rancher shook his head; there was a horse but no rider and he immediately recognized Pandora. Then he heard it, a groan coming from the same direction from which she had approached.

His thoughts immediately turned to Sara. Was it her? Had she fallen? Why was she out at this hour?

Quickly but with caution, he walked down the steps, passed the horse which had now come to halt by his porch and advanced upon the groaning. Abruptly all became silent and as Grissom approached the body on the ground he instantly saw why.

"Jesus…" he mumbled, dropping the rifle and rushing towards Gregory's lifeless form. Hastily getting to his knees, he cupped the young man's face in his hands.

"Gregory!" he shouted, shaking the unconscious youngster but he was greeted with only silence. Gregory's chest was rising and falling, and Grissom's fingers detected a pulse in the man's neck. At least he was alive.

Quickly scanning over Gregory's body, the older man's hands were soon coated in blood as he tried to find the cause of the young man's injury. He found the gunshot wound in his right shoulder and acted with speed. Scooping Gregory into his arms, he rushed back to the cabin and took him inside...

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Slowly, Gregory's eyes flickered open and he groaned. Grissom looked across to the bed from his seat at the small writing desk and placed his book down. He slowly stood, glancing at the mantel clock which read 2am and approached the young man as he attempted to sit up.

"Take it easy," Grissom advised, holding his hands to Gregory's shoulder's to keep him from moving.

Gregory batted him off, obviously a little delusional and Grissom stepped back as the younger man seemed determined to push himself into a sitting position.

The rancher watched as Gregory winced, but finally, he was able to sit up. He looked at Grissom and blinked hard through the pain coursing through his upper body. He also looked rather confused.

Grissom watched him closely as he squirmed a bit but eventually, he got himself into a seemingly comfortable position.

"Why did you come here Gregory?" Grissom asked. "And what on earth is going on? How is it you came to be shot?"

"I um…" the younger man began, "…didn't, erm…come here. I…" He looked around and then to his arm, "…did you dress my wound?"

Grissom frowned in need of an explanation and Gregory seemed to get the message.

"Um…I don't even know where I am," Gregory continued quickly, "although, I could probably hazard a guess…it seems Pandora knew exactly where she was heading." He held his hand to his mouth as a sharp cough suddenly sprang upon him and he winced as the expansion of his chest caused the pain in his shoulder to intensify again.

Turning on his heels, Grissom walked to the kitchen, took a bottle of bourbon from the cupboard and poured a large shot into a glass. He rushed back to Gregory and held out the glass. "Here, this should help."

Gregory tried to smile as he reached for the glass. "Thanks," he said taking the glass and sipping at the amber liquor.

"Better?"

"Hmmm…"

Grissom folded his arms and waited while Gregory finished his drink. Once he had and placed his glass down, he stepped closer to the bed. "So do you think you can try and explain a few things to me?"

Suddenly, Gregory's eyes widened, reality dawning upon him...remembrance… He looked Grissom directly in the eye for a moment then swung his legs over the side of the bed, trying to stand. "Sara is in trouble, everyone is…oh God…I don't know…" He lost his balance as he tried to get up, but Grissom was fast on his feet and managed to reach forward, grabbing Gregory before he crashed to the floor. He wrapped his arms around the younger man's waist in a sort of hug and held him firmly.

"What are you talking about?" he asked with urgency.

"He has her," Gregory waffled as he tried to pull away. "I know it…he…knows we know…my God he must have her…"

Shaking his head, Grissom moved Gregory back so he sat on the bed. "Calm down," he urged, a slight pinch of panic running through his gut. "Just calm down…take a breath and tell me…"

Gregory's eyes seemed to lose all focus as he looked up to the form in front of him. A faint smile graced his lips. "She loves you, you know? She loves you more than life itself…" he whispered. "But…I fear… it may be too late…I…" His eyes then closed and he fell backwards onto the bed.

Swiping a hand over his sweaty forehead, Grissom knelt on the bed next to the now unconscious youngster. "Gregory?"

No response, he was out cold.

Grissom sighed and sat by his guest's feet. What the hell was Gregory talking about and what…was happening? All he could do was wait until Gregory regained consciousness before he could find out…

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Sara lay on the bed in her current prison. She listened to the tick…tick…tick…of the clock on the mantel and curled into a ball. She had no idea what time it was even though a simple glance across the room would have answered her question but dread for the morning filled her heart for he would return. So, she didn't want to know.

Every part of her body hurt, her arms, legs, thighs…face. A bath had been brought up for her and she slipped into it in a daze once she was left alone. That was when she realized the full extent of her injuries. Not only from her fight for freedom but from Hank's attack upon her.

She had bruises and cuts everywhere; her knees were both bruised from falling. Her shoulders sported the injuries made from strong hands restraining her. However, a tear slipped from her eye as she noted the deleterious effects of her thighs and private areas. Hank certainly hadn't been gentle.

Heavy trembles had wracked through her body as she cleaned herself, as hard as she possibly could, every inch, so hard; she almost took the skin off her fragile body.

She had been abused and she felt so, so dirty, so used, so afraid, so…defeated. What fate awaited her for the future and what about her family? She felt so helpless and as much as she feared for herself, she was terrified for her unborn child. If Hank or his Uncle were to find out, they would most certainly ensure the baby was terminated, one way or another. And Grissom…if she ever did manage to get away…he more than likely wouldn't ever want anything else to do with her…would he?

The food which had been brought up for her sat untouched on the table across the room. She could still smell it and it made her feel sick. If she had the energy, she would have got up and thrown it against the wall but she just didn't want to move.

Closing her eyes, she began to sob again but she also found herself praying now. She needed help…anything…anyone…someone had to know she was gone…find her…

Then again, even if she was found…what then?

She was tarnished.

She was doomed…

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Grissom nibbled heavily at his finger nails, pacing back and forth at the foot of his bed. He had been doing so for almost an hour, ever since the new arrival in his home had passed out.

So many questions ran through his mind. What was Gregory mumbling about? Who shot him and why? His gut cramped with worry as he was unable to get "he has her," out of his mind. He must have been talking about Sara, for he wouldn't have mentioned her love for him otherwise. But, he was still very confused.

A moan caught Grissom's ears and he moved to Gregory's side, just as his eyes opened. The rancher sighed with relief and helped the younger man to sit up again.

"Are you alright?" Grissom asked.

Blinking hard, Gregory nodded. "As alright as I can be, I suppose, sore and…sorry I…passed out there. It just happened…"

Sitting on the bed next to his guest, Grissom looked him in the eye. "Tell me what's happening…has something happened to Sara, is she alright?"

Gregory took a deep breath and suddenly looked a little nervous. "I don't know where to start."

"Try the beginning, "Grissom advised.

Nodding, Gregory now swallowed hard before beginning. "Sara is pregnant. The child is yours."

Grissom's eyes widened. "What?" Without thinking, his arm shot out and grabbed Gregory's and the younger man winced.

"She is having a baby, Grissom," Gregory continued quickly, a hint of pain in his words, "and I know you are the child's father, she confided in me. She just…had to talk to someone."

Grissom felt his chin tremble and slowly released his grip from Gregory. He was completely stunned. "You're…telling me…the truth?" he half whimpered and Gregory slowly nodded.

"But…why would she…?"

"She didn't have a choice," Gregory began as Grissom stood and took a step back. "She didn't realize she was having the baby until well after you left and she didn't break it off with you because she wanted to, she had to, to save her family and her home." Gregory sighed, "Or at least that's what she thought but now I'm sure Hank's got her and I don't know what he's going to do with her..."

Shaking his head in confusion Grissom ran an unsteady hand over his beard. "I don't understand."

"She changed her mind; she called off the engagement, Grissom. She couldn't marry Hank because she loves you. She was coming…to you. She is so sorry…"

Running his hand through his hair now, totally on edge, Grissom tried to take in what Gregory was saying. He now realized that Sara had come to him to more than likely tell him about the baby and probably to try and make amends. But was it just because she was pregnant? Would she have called off the engagement if she weren't pregnant? He hated himself for thinking such a thing but after all they had been through…right now…he had no idea what to think…who to trust…

"I know what you're thinking," Gregory said, managing to push himself up. "I said she loves you and I mean it. She tried to save her father, Grissom, her family. Would you not have done the same? But, from the second you left, Sara changed. She was…so sad…so lost, she stopped eating…sleeping. Now…I know she is in so much trouble…"

Grissom worked his jaw. "But she could have trusted me!" he snapped. "We could have…worked something out. Hell! I would have sold this place if I'd had to but she…she…didn't give me the chance."

Gregory's eyes saddened. "You know she would have never asked that of you. She knows what this place means to you, as much as what her father's land means to him. This is your life's work and she couldn't have taken that away. But yes, she made a grave mistake and she knows that. That's why she couldn't go through with it. She needs your help, Grissom; you are the only one that can…maybe…before it's too late…"

With a heavy sigh, Grissom closed his eyes. "Tell me exactly what happened…all of it."

Holding onto his injured arm, Gregory nodded. "Well, Uncle no longer has money issues due to Sam Braun leaving him a heap of cash in his will. He called off his deal with McKeen. Sara didn't know that but she called off the engagement and intended to come here to you, tonight in fact but this morning we overheard Hank. He was at the estate, having a little secret meeting with Robert."

Grissom's eyes popped open and sprang to his guest. "Robert?"

"Yeah."

"Robert and Hank?"

Gregory nodded. "He's the one who has been helping…helping them sabotage everything. You were right, Grissom. It was Hank and his uncle. They destroyed everything…killed Robbins and Warrick. Sara and I heard them. We heard Hank say he must marry Sara and Robert was going to help, then they would get rid of Aunt and Uncle and I'm sure you can guess why.

Grissom felt a white band of fury flash before his eyes but Gregory continued.

"Hank heard us and we ran. I got away but I got shot…but…oh, God…" He shook his head. "I don't think Sara did, I don't think she got away from them. Hank's got her, Grissom, and now she knows what he has done…what the colonel has done…I…I…I fear for her life or what he will do to her and everyone else…Aunt…Uncle. They are crazy…all they want is the estate…the power…"

In a shot, Grissom bolted to the far side of the room and yanked open the cupboard there. Gregory watched him and his eyes widened when he saw Grissom grab his rifle then fling a belt of bullets over his shoulder.

"What are you going to do?" a now worried sounding Gregory asked.

Grissom eyes flicked to him as he fastened the belt securely across his chest. "Whatever I can," the rancher replied. "The only way they can get the Grove now is by forcing Sara into the marriage and…they won't wait around to do it." He bit down heavily on his bottom lip at the thought of Sara in Hank's clutches. It made him sick to the very pit of his stomach but it made him so, so angry…

"I'm coming with you." Gregory groaned as he pushed himself from the bed but jumped as Grissom slammed the cupboard closed.

"No, you're not," Grissom shot back, running into the kitchen to grab a water canteen.

Gregory hobbled towards him as he exited the kitchen. "You will need help with you as I fear there is no time to find any. I want to help."

"You are in no condition to help." The rancher side stepped him and rushed towards the door but Gregory stopped him, managing to grab his arm.

"Damn it, Grissom! She is my family!"

Grissom glared at Gregory's hand holding firmly onto his arm. He didn't have time for this. "Let go," he said in a warning manner.

"Not until you agree to let me come."

Now Grissom snapped, pulled his arm free and grabbed Gregory by the shirt, thrusting him against the wall. A cry of pain echoed from the younger man's lips causing Grissom to snap from his sudden bought of madness and he let up a little but he didn't release his guest. "We are wasting time with this," Grissom growled. "You are injured and you will slow me down. What…what if you pass out on the ride? Would you expect me to just leave you? Because, I would have to."

Gregory sighed, bowing his head.

"Well?"

"I'm sorry," Gregory mumbled. "You're right, I…just wanted to help." His head rose and the two men clashed eyes. "Go…"

With a single nod, Grissom released the young man and was gone out the door before Gregory could even take a breath.

Grissom ran through the darkness, as fast as his legs could carry him. He reached the stable, tacked up Dante with more urgency than he had ever done so before, led him from the compound and was aboard him within two minutes.

"Yah!" he hollered.

Dante bolted and they were off, through the darkness and on their way to Maryland. Grissom knew, as he was alone and on board his beast, he could get there in half the amount it would normally take with a coach or company and he would probably arrive by mid morning. He just prayed he wasn't too late…

Then he heard the thunder…It most certainly, wasn't going to be…an easy ride…

"Up the two terrace flights of steps the rain ran wildly, and beat at the great door, like a swift messenger rousing those within..." ***

***Extracts taken from: A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

A/N: Yay, Grissom is on his way. Why do I see a lot of anger coming up? Hmmmm…So what happens now?