A/N: Ugh, hi guys. I'm so, so sorry for the delay in posting but both myself and SSC have just had the most insane work schedules of late. It's not really much fun working 65+ hours a week, that we can both tell you. In fact SSC does a lot more, so hun, you have no idea how much I appreciate you being able to continue with the amazing work you do for me. Your advice and help makes me proud every time you give it to me. And sometimes you are even meaner than me, lol.

Thank you for all your amazing reviews, please, please keep them coming. They make me smile, laugh, inspire me and sometimes make me roll my eyes so hard, I just have to laugh after. LOL!

BTW SSC and I are currently sharing the hat again!

Well, time to find out if Grissom lives to see another day…Mwahahaha…

Chapter 78

An eerie feeling swept over Grissom as he stared at the rope dangling before him. Was this really the end for him? Was he truly destined to hang at the hands of a brutal killer after a life of nothing but hard work and finally finding the woman of his dreams? Had he done something so completely wrong to deserve such a demise? His heart wept, not only for feeling like such a failure but for Sara. What fate would befall her now?

"Robert, get me a horse," Hank said, turning to face his cousin. "And take the saddle off. Bring some more rope too."

Robert hesitated and looked to his father.

"Well, what are you waiting for?" the colonel asked.

"Robert, you are a better man than this," Sara interjected. "You haven't killed anyone, I heard you, remember? You continue with this, you are as bad as everyone else here and you will be responsible. It's not too late…"

"Shut up!" McKeen snapped, grabbing her and standing her in front of him, his hands firmly gripping the top of her arms. "Do as you're told, Robert," he continued, now glaring at his son.

Bowing his head, the younger man nodded. "Yes, sir," he mumbled before heading off towards the stable.

Grissom watched Robert disappear and tried one last fight back; attempting to pull himself free with all the strength he could muster. Hank just laughed as he struggled in vain and the three men easily controlled him.

"Keep fighting, Grissom, and Sara will be joining you," McKeen warned, causing the rancher to cease his last bid for freedom.

Stepping to the side, Hank threw the rope into the trees, looping it over a firm, thick branch before tying it off. The noose dangled menacingly in front of the group and Hank pulled on it. "That should do it," he sniggered. "Wouldn't want the branch snapping now, would we?" He shot Grissom a grin and the older man sucked in an unnerving breath, his legs suddenly feeling like lead.

Robert returned with a horse and a small length of rope in his hands. Hank took the rope from him and threw it to Jared. "Tie his hands," he directed. "But not too tight, I'd like him to at least try and fight, it should be more entertaining that way."

Cal held Grissom's arms firmly behind his back as Jared wrapped the rope around his wrists.

As Grissom was bound, Hank took the horse and easily boarded him, moving him under the noose. He then shimmied to the back of the horse and looked down to his men. "Get him up here," he demanded.

A sob caught Sara's throat as she watched Grissom being hoisted onto the horse to sit in front of the man she despised more than she had ever despised anyone before. And now, this man…the man who had kidnapped her…imprisoned her…defiled her and expected to keep her, was going to be responsible for the death of her one and only and there was nothing she could do about it.

Grissom sat rigid on the horse as Hank slipped the noose over his head and his eyes closed when the knot was tightened around his neck. A dry lump formed in his throat, one which he could not swallow and he sucked in a ragged breath. He jumped when Hank slapped him on the back, his eyes springing open. The younger man leaned in to whisper in the rancher's ear.

"Don't worry about Sara," he began. "I will take good…good care of her. She will keep my bed warm for the rest of time and learn to understand what a real man actually is."

Slowly, given his limited ability to move, Grissom turned his head to glare at the man behind him. "Burn in hell," he spat.

Hanks eyes sparkled and he smiled, "You first." He then slipped from the back of the horse.

McKeen pushed Sara closer and her eyes caught Grissom's and he offered her a weak smile. Tears formed in her eyes as he tried to remain strong but she could tell by the fear in his eyes that he was terrified.

"Any last words?" the colonel asked.

Grissom kept his eyes on Sara. "I'm sorry that I failed you," he whispered.

The colonel rolled his eyes as Sara held her hand to her mouth in an attempt to hide her sob. He looked to his nephew and nodded.

Hank smirked as he pulled his revolver from his belt and pointed it at the sky. He fired two shots. Everyone jumped and the horse took off on a screech, bolting forwards.

Grissom had squeezed his eyes shut a second before the shots were fired. He felt the solid form of the horse disappear from beneath him and then the immediate snap as the noose suddenly tightened. The surprise that he was still alive was short lived as a fiery pain gripped his neck. His body struggled for the air that he couldn't breathe; his bound hands fumbling instinctively for a hint of freedom. His legs kicked helplessly in space, both unable to assist him as the thirst for air became desperate.

"NO!" Sara screamed and tried to run to him but McKeen held her solidly. She continued to struggle and now cussed without care, shouting at the top of her lungs but the land owner was strong, holding her fast as she fought in his arms. The colonel looked at his nephew as he continued his fight to hold her. "Did you have to fire the gun, you idiot? A simple slap on the horses back would have sufficed; you scared the hell out of me."

The younger man sniggered as he watched his enemy swing, "Sorry, Uncle, I just thought it would add to the effect."

As Grissom's face began to turn red, he managed to pull his hands free; Jared certainly hadn't bound him tightly. Although Grissom knew Hank wanted him to fight, he would try anything and everything he could to stay alive just because it was who he was. Even though he was disoriented, he managed to raise his now free hands to the noose, gasping as he attempted to slip his fingers between rope and skin, allowing for some air. He managed it, forcing finger and thumb beneath the rope. It didn't actually help much but it may give him a few extra seconds of life.

Hank laughed out loud. "That's it Grissom! You fight…keep us entertained just that little bit longer."

"Stop it you monster!" Sara shouted, again trying to break free from her captor, she looked to Robert. "How can you watch this?" she screamed at him. "After everything we did for you!"

Robert opened his mouth to speak but didn't get the opportunity as the sound of approaching horses could suddenly be heard. Everyone turned to look back towards the stable to see four riders rounding it and hurtling towards them. A shot was fired and it hit the tree from which Grissom was hanging, it was almost as if the shooter was aiming for the rope.

"It's the sheriff!" Jared shouted as the riders drew close enough to be able to identify them. It indeed was the sheriff accompanied by his deputies and Michael.

"Holy hell!" the colonel shouted, throwing Sara to Hank as he ran up to him.

"What do we do?" Hank asked with haste.

The colonel took a quick look around and shook his head. "Fight to the death, boys. None of them leaves here alive for they have seen what we have done." He looked to Sara and then to Grissom, whose eyes were now closing before turning his full attention to Jared and his men. "We will work everything out after, just kill them all!"

The three men nodded and pulled out their weapons, firing in the direction of the approaching riders before seeking cover behind whatever they could find.

Brass and his men quickly bolted from the line of fire and dismounted, they too sought shelter knowing a deadly fight was about to ensue. "Give it up!" he hollered, squaring his back against a tree. "It's all over, Colonel; we know what you have done!" He poked his head around the tree, his gut clenching when he saw Grissom's struggle was fading.

Hank dragged Sara towards the stable as McKeen ran behind the building. "If you can get away, Hank, do so." He wasn't about to get involved in a gun fight unless he really had to, escape seemed the first thought on the landowner's mind and whilst his men had the sheriff engaged, he had the perfect opportunity. If they lost the battle at least he would be free. He had the ways and means to survive outside of Maryland. Even if he lost his family and land, as long as he had his life, he could survive.

Sara watched as McKeen leapt upon his horse and rode away, leaving his family and helpers to carry on the fight that he had started but Vartann was quick to follow him. She then took the opportunity to intensify her struggle with Hank, as his attentions were partially on the gun battle outside the stable.

"No!" Sara shouted, trying to pull away, looking back at Grissom. She knew his time was almost up. She spotted Robert cowering behind a wagon. Realizing that Robert was closest to Grissom, she half screamed, half implored him for aid. "Help him, Robert, please! I'm begging you, help him! It's not too late for you, something can be worked out! Your so called father has just left you! Please help him!"

"Shut the hell up!" Hank growled, pulling harder and Sara was unable to prevent herself from being yanked into the stable.

Robert took a deep breath as bullets flew around him and his head sprang to Grissom as a muffled cry came from the rancher's lips. The young man just couldn't allow another innocent man to be killed. He had sacrificed everything, his morals and his upbringing, all to try and please the father who had now just left him to fight a battle that simply wasn't his. This wasn't who he was. He made such terrible mistakes…

Pushing himself up, he spotted an axe in the back of the wagon and grabbed it. Without concern for his own safety, he darted from his hiding place and ran to the hanging rancher. With one quick motion, he whacked the axe into the rope and it snapped.

Hank tussled with Sara as she fought him. "Come on, Sara," he growled, struggling to pull her into the stall which housed his horse.

"No!" she cried and continued to try to pull away.

With great speed and force, his right arm whipped forward and his fist came into heavy contact with Sara's left cheek. She never knew what hit her and her body suddenly became dead weight then…she fell...

Hank caught her limp form with a grunt and hoisted her over his horse to lie face down just at the front of the saddle.

He was determined to get away and she…was coming with him…

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Hitting the ground with a thud, Grissom blinked hard, gasping for air. His almost numb fingers tingled as he slipped them fully under the rope now and fumbled to pull the noose away from his flesh. He sighed with relief once the rope was away from his body and it fell to the dirt. Pushing himself to his knees, he sucked in some well needed air, catching a glimpse of Robert as he ran away. But any relief he felt soon faded when a horse bolted from the stable and rushed passed him. He caught a glimpse of Hank upon it and Sara's lifeless form being held at the front.

He didn't even hear the nearing shouts from Brass to, "Get down!" or the gunfire all around him…the warnings…the holler's…He heard nothing and saw nothing apart from Sara being taken away from him…again. He scrambled to his feet but as he did a bullet whizzed past his head and then Brass was upon him, tackling him back to the dirt.

"Get the hell down, Gil!" the lawman shouted as they crashed to the hard dusty ground.

Grissom lay on his stomach, Brass beside him with his arm securely over the ranchers back. They lay face to face and looked at each other. "Don't move!" Brass warned as another spray of bullets whizzed over them.

Blinking hard, Grissom tried to swallow. It hurt…oh it hurt so much. "How…" he just about managed to wheeze, his word barely even audible.

Brass turned his head to see what was happening, they had to get out of the open. "Gregory managed to get back, Michael and another man of yours brought him. Michael came to me." He turned his head back to face his friend. "We need to move."

Shaking his head, Grissom pursed his lips and tried to whistle. It didn't happen, his mouth was just too dry, his lips, sore. "Whistle..." he gasped, his entire throat feeling as though it was on fire.

The sheriff frowned, looking confused. "What are you talking about, whistle? If we don't get some cover, Gil, we will both end up in a box."

Another half dozen shots rang out followed by hollers and jeering.

Grissom just glared at his friend and refused to move, yanking back on the sheriff's arm as he tried to pull him.

Brass huffed a heavy breath, "Fine!" Puffing out his cheeks, the sheriff shook his head in confusion but pursed his lips and whistled. Within seconds, Dante came bolting from the trees and stopped in front of his master.

As fast as his legs would allow, Grissom was up and pulling himself onto his beast. Offering a slight, painful nod of his head in respect, he then kicked Dante.

Dante bolted and Grissom swerved his horse as McKeen's boy's reined an attack upon them as they galloped through the fight. No bullet struck its target though and the chase…was on…

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Hank galloped from the estate and hit the woodland, following the trail there. He kept his ears and eyes open but knew he had to keep out of sight. He had no idea now who would be after him or whether or not his Uncle had got away or if they had won the battle at the estate. Eventually, he would need somewhere to hide but for now, he just had to get far, far away until things died down a little and he could seek some answers.

The fact that he had Sara helped him immensely. If nothing else, she would be a very good bargaining chip if he had to use her. If not, she was indeed the best prize any man could ask for.

His horse navigated the trees with ease and he slowed a little when he heard Sara moaning…

Sara's eyes slowly opened and she blinked hard, feeling light headed. The sight before her was not one she was used to as trees passed by at a rather odd angle. She then looked down to see the horse's legs and she knew exactly where she was when she felt a strong hand pressing down upon her, keeping her firmly lying against the animal.

She remembered Hank pulling her into the stable and then seeing his fist just before he obviously hit her. He'd taken her…again…

Then her thoughts turned to Grissom and she gasped. The last thing she remembered was he was still hanging, choking, fighting for his life. Was he really dead?

But then, she could swear she could hear someone behind them. It was difficult to make out given her position but she swore she heard the sound of another horse.

She was right.

Grissom thanked the Lord for Dante. It didn't take him long to locate where Hank was and the route he was riding and when the brute came into his line of sight, Grissom pushed hard to catch him.

Hank's head snapped around when he heard an approaching horse and his nostrils flared when he saw exactly who it was upon the horse. "Agghhhh!" he shouted in frustration, spurring his horse hard in order for him to pick up the pace. But Hank's animal was no match for Dante and Grissom grew ever closer.

Knowing his horse was inferior to the beast behind him; Hank pulled out his revolver and fired behind him. Grissom ducked at the sound of the shot but the bullet was by no means on target. Hank's irritation grew. He couldn't shoot, ride and hold Sara down all at the same time. He either had to stop and shoot, ditch Sara or lose his chaser. Losing Sara was not an option and stopping didn't seem like such a good idea. Thinking quickly, he pulled his horse from the path and began into the trees to his left and up the incline. He didn't know this area but he didn't care. Maybe if he didn't know it then neither would Grissom and he could lose him.

But, even given her viewing position, Sara recognized the area immediately. She had only ever been here once but the memory came flooding back to her. The tree line, the steepness of the incline…Oh no…

"Hank, stop!" she screamed. "Hank, you need to stop!"

Hank just ignored her and spurred his horse again when they reached the top of the hill.

Sara's breathing became panicked and she tried to kick herself free. She knew exactly what awaited them if he didn't stop. "Hank! There's a cliff!"

A/N: Dun…Dun…Dun. Well, there is a cliffhanger and there's a CLIFFHANGER! Bet you never expected to end up back here did you? Now how many of you actually remember the cliff? Cookies for anyone who can name the chapter, LMAO. And the suspense continues….oh yes…oh yes…

Reviews please :) Go on….you know you want tooooooooooo!