A/N: Whoa, this chapter was a mission, like…seriously! Had to rewrite it after my beta kicked my ass, lol. She had some SERIOUS input on this one and convinced me to do things I wasn't planning on but all your suggestions work so well, so they had to be done. SSC, I love you and you always make me a better writer! You obviously know the times much better than I do. Thank you for all your hard work and patience, it means more than you know.
Thank you to everyone for all your great reviews. They keep me inspired and help me to continue with this epic. Two and a half years in the making now (good lord!)
Right, as for the chapter…um…not sure what to say. Probably not what you were expecting but I guess that makes a good story. Hankies may be required for a few chapters yet. *Gulp*.
Be nice….*runs*.
Chapter 80
Grissom kept alert through the entire ride back to the Grove, ready for anything. The revolver he had taken from the deceased Hank Pedigrew lay in his holster, available if he should need it. But thankfully, he didn't and the couple reached the estate without trouble or confrontation.
The rancher looked down to his passenger who still sat curled up against him. She hadn't moved since their journey had begun. "Sara, we're here," he whispered as Dante began down the driveway.
Still, she didn't move but just nodded into him.
He sighed as he spurred Dante, urging the horse to travel a little faster.
Soon the house came into view and Grissom immediately spotted a group of people by the main steps. Ecklie and Nicolas were there, both holding rifles as if they were on guard. He was surprised to see Hodges but he presumed he had brought Gregory home although Sara's youngest cousin was nowhere to be seen. The captain seemed to be arguing with Laura. Grissom could hear them shouting and caught Laura saying, "You can't go out there Thomas, we have no idea what is happening."
Then all fell silent as the group became aware of a horse approaching and looked in it's direction.
Laura was the first to move, running towards them as Grissom pulled Dante to a halt, dismounted and held his arms out to Sara. The captain and the others were very close behind.
Sara just about fell into Grissom's arms but when she heard her mother calling her name she turned towards her and fought the tears that threatened to fall.
Ever so slowly she walked to her mother as Laura ran to her.
"Thank God you're alright," Laura sobbed as she pulled her daughter into a tight embrace, holding her tightly.
Grissom wasn't sure what to do so; he just waited and allowed whatever moments were necessary.
Sighing into her mother's hold, Sara glanced back to Grissom. "I wouldn't have been if…if…Gil hadn't…come for me…"
Laura's eyes floated to Grissom but the look on her face was a rather odd one. She looked very uncertain and kept silent as the captain rounded her and looked to his daughter's savior.
Grissom watched the captain as he slowly stepped towards him, stopping just a foot or so away. His friend held a rather blank expression as he looked him in the eye.
"Thomas…" Laura began and her husband turned to face her. "…take this inside. Sara is freezing and…" She looked around to the group of men surrounding her, "…I'm sure we could use a little privacy."
He offered a single nod, stepping to the side and giving Grissom just a single, abrupt command, "Inside," he said bluntly.
Frowning, Grissom looked around him. Considering he had returned Sara safely, no one looked particularly happy. He looked to Hodges and then chinked his head towards Dante.
"Yes, sir," Hodges said moving towards the horse. "I'll take care of him."
Nodding his thanks, Grissom stepped forward and followed Laura as she urged Sara into the house, the captain followed right behind him.
The group moved to the lounge and Grissom waited by the door for the captain to enter before he stepped inside. He closed the door and turned into the room.
What came next though was a shock to all…
Without warning or explanation and with tremendous speed the captain spun around, pulled his arm back and thumped Grissom full on in the face. The younger man immediately stumbled backwards and crashed to the floor with a dull thud and a groan.
Laura gasped but held tightly onto Sara as she tried to pull away.
"Father!" Sara screamed in shock and attempted to tug from her mother's hold but Laura held her fast.
"Don't, Sara," Laura whimpered. "For now, just stay back."
"What? Why?" Frowning in confusion Sara flicked her glance from her mother back to her father who now hovered over Grissom with a look of fire in his eyes. He pointed a stern, threatening finger right at the man she loved as he attempted to sit up.
The younger man held himself up on his hands and looked to his mentor through dizzied eyes, a woozy feeling quickly passing over him as he felt the warm trickle of blood flowing from his nose.
"Gregory told us everything," Laura said quietly. "When he got back here and said you had been taken, your father was hysterical. He pinned him against the wall and demanded to know all. We know about you and Gil. Oh Sara….do you know what you have done?"
Sara's head slowly turned back to her mother and she stared at her for a moment. She was stunned that they knew about their relationship but she wasn't about to let her father push Grissom away, not now, not after everything and not before she had the chance to try and make amends. She managed to pull free from her mother's hold, passed her father and stood between him and Grissom.
The Captain stood over Grissom, seemingly rooted to the spot save for the trembling of his right fist. The gesture didn't change as Sara knelt beside Grissom, positioning herself so another physical insult would have to hit her. Their eyes clashed together, communicating in such a way that words would not be entirely necessary. Sara saw the anger in her father's eyes, anger that she knew she well deserved. However, as his eyes scanned over her injuries; the bruised face and arms, the torn fingernails, the dirty dress…sadness clouded them as well.
Sara swallowed hard. Her eyes implored her father's, begging for some type of leniency and understanding.
Slowly, the Captain straightened up. His eyes lowered and he turned away from his daughter. "Go upstairs Sara. You need medical attention. Your mother can care for you and I will see you shortly."
Instantly, Sara shook her head, getting to her feet. "No, Father."
"Sara…" the captain continued, "…you need tending to."
"And who will tend to Gil? He is hurt, Father, just like me and even more so now, thanks to you." Sara said emphatically. "Do you have any idea what they did to him?"
The captain's body stiffened. "I'm not arguing with you about this, Sara," he said more firmly now.
"And I'm not arguing with you," she replied confidently and quickly. "I'm not leaving him…he saved my life, don't you understand that?"
The Captain buried his fists in his hips. Anger was now the predominant emotion in his eyes and they flashed at his daughter, "Your life, Sara? What good is your life now? I did not raise my daughter to act like a harlot, to bring shame upon her name and her family."
Sara's chin trembled at the reality of her father's words. "I…would never intentionally try and shame you," she sobbed.
Opening his mouth to respond, the captain was cut short when there was a swift knock and the door and Nicolas bolted into the room. He almost fell over Grissom but managed to catch himself, looking to the rancher in confusion. "Why is Grissom on the floor?" he asked, looking to his uncle.
The captain's eyes snapped to his nephew. "None of your concern, Nicolas. What do you want?"
"Two riders are approaching," he replied, pointing behind him. "It looks like one of the sheriff's deputies along with Michael."
Laura stepped up behind her husband and took his arm. "Go speak with him. Find out what is happening."
He looked to her before returning his eyes to his daughter and then to Grissom who was still struggling to sit up.
"Please, Thomas, we need to know that we are safe," Laura pleaded, pulling on his arm. "Let me handle this for a moment."
"Fine," he grumbled. "But I'm not anywhere near done here." He stepped around Grissom and disappeared through the door.
Laura approached her daughter. "Sara, take Gil to the cabin, neither of you move from there unless I say so. I will get some medical supplies and be with you as soon as I can. Do you understand?"
Sara nodded and tried to ignore the sudden burn that conjured in her stomach. "Thank you, Mother," she replied, trying to hide her grimace.
"Nicolas, help Gil up."
"Yes, Ma'am."
Lifting her dress Laura swooped towards the door and was off down the corridor.
Sara knelt back by Grissom's side, Nicholas quickly followed and took a hold of the ranchers arm as he tried to stand. With a bitter huff, Grissom shrugged off the help, pushing Nicolas away.
"I'm fine by myself," he spat hoarsely, finally managing to get to his feet. "I don't need your help."
Sara gasped at the venom in Grissom's reaction. Nicolas simply stumbled back in a quiet acquiescence.
Slowly, Grissom managed to stand up. Anger seethed through his every pore. Despite what he and Sara had done, he had came to her aid and delivered her to her family. He had been beaten, nearly hanged and almost shot. And now, he was certain his nose was probably broken. Pain radiated through every muscle; even the slightest movement exacerbated the agony.
"Gil?"
Sara's soft and almost pleading voice caught his attention and snapped him out of his bitterness, if just for a moment. He looked at her, wiping his bloody nose on his sleeve.
She held out her hand. "Come with me…please?"
How could he possibly resist that plea? She still held such a daunting, rather fearful expression upon her face and Grissom noted she was now very pale. More pale than she had been up to this point. With a deep sigh, he felt another wave of dizziness wash over him so, he took her hand. A few minutes out probably wouldn't be such a bad idea...for both of them.
Tightly, she clung onto his arm as they walked and both ended up supporting each other. Nicholas followed behind and accompanied them the back way and out of the house.
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Rancher and heiress entered the cabin. They both looked battered, bruised and were both exhausted. With a shaky hand Sara reached to his throat, brushing gentle finger tips over the blackening skin. She opened her mouth to speak but as she did so another trickle of blood dripped from Grissom's nose.
Removing her hand, she stumbled across to the dresser in the corner and took out a handkerchief. Suddenly she gasped, as the pain in her stomach suddenly intensified. Using the dresser to apply pressure to her abdomen, she inhaled slowly and deeply. After a few satisfactory breaths, the pain lessened and she resumed her movements.
She tried hard not to interpret the discomfort. It was easier to simply focus on Grissom. Once he was settled, then maybe she could lie down, if she was still welcome in her parent's home.
Okay, she thought to the child she carried. It's okay now. Just relax. We're okay now.
Grissom noticed immediately and was quick to approach her. "Sara, are you alright?" he stuttered with urgency.
She took a breath and nodded. Turning to face him, she held the handkerchief to his nose. But as his gentle hand covered hers the pain hit again, even harder and with a guttural cry, she doubled over again but this time her legs gave out and she fell to the floor.
Immediately, Grissom was by her side, his eyes wide. Gently he turned her onto her back as she cried out again and wrapped her arms around her mid section.
"Sara?" he asked in panic. "What's wrong? Tell me…" His throat still burned but he had to ask.
"My stomach…hurts."
Grissom's eyes darted round in alarm, his mind suddenly flashing back to the cliff top, Sara falling from the horse and then Hank hitting her. Although it was totally inappropriate, he lifted her dress and that's when his fears were realized.
She was bleeding.
"Oh, no…" he whispered.
He acted as quickly as his fatigued body would allow and scooped her from the floor and into his arms. "Sara, hold on, please hold on…" he mumbled as he staggered towards the door.
"Where are you taking me?" she cried.
Stumbling down the cabin steps, Grissom didn't stop. "You need help; I need to take you to your mother, Sara."
"No!" she shouted. "They can't know, Gil, they will kill me…and you."
Biting down hard on his bottom lip, he ignored her plea. His mother died through childbirth and he wasn't about to let the same thing happen to Sara. "I'm sorry; I have to get you help."
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When Grissom reached the house there wasn't anyone outside anymore or any sign of the Deputy. He climbed the steps and dashed through the main door. Immediately Grissom spotted Laura and the captain at the foot of the stairs and they were arguing again. About him he was sure but right now he didn't care. There was a much more urgent matter and she was in his arms.
The couple immediately sensed Grissom's entry, another cry from Sara certainly getting their attention and both were quick to move in his direction. "What happened?" Laura gasped seeing the evident pain on her daughters face.
The rancher sucked in some heavy gusts of air, his heart pounding so hard, it felt as though it could escape his chest at any point. "I…" he hesitated, he really didn't know what to say, they didn't know about the baby, "…I think…" he whispered, not wanting Sara to hear, nodding down towards the lower half of her body.
Sara's eyes widened as Grissom confirmed nonverbally what she had already suspected. Her dress must have absorbed some of the bleeding but now she could feel the heavy wetness for herself. "You can't take it from me….." she whispered on a prayer.
Laura exchanged a horrified glance with her husband and the captain's eyes bulged so much they looked as though they could have popped from the sockets. "You son of a bitch!" he shouted, lunging for Grissom but Laura was quick to grab her husband.
"Thomas, no! Stop!" She grabbed his face with two firm hands and brought his eyes to meet hers. His nostrils were flaring, flickers of spit shooting from his pulsing lips. "If you love me you will stop," she said soothingly now. "For now…you must stop…our daughter…she needs help. Do you understand?"
"I'm going to kill him," he growled, his teeth gritting.
Laura shook her head. "No, you're not and if you don't calm down, Sara may bleed to death. Do you want that?"
After sucking in several heavy breaths, the captain swallowed hard, slowly shaking his head.
"Go and get Rana," Laura directed softly. "Bring towels and water to the bedroom. Can you do that?"
With a firm but somber nod the captain dashed away without another glance at Grissom or his daughter.
Laura took a deep breath and returned her attention to Grissom. "Come, Gil, please…" She quickly stepped aside, "…take her upstairs, quickly..."
Without argument, Grissom headed for the stairs and hurried up them, Sara's mother followed right behind. When he reached the top, Laura guided him. "Off to your left, Gil, four doors down on the right."
Following the instructions, Grissom was quick to find Sara's room and Laura opened the door for him before he rushed inside.
Moving to the bed, Grissom gently placed Sara down just as another shriek of pain echoed from her lips. She rolled over, pulling her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around herself.
Grissom didn't know what to do, he felt so helpless but then he felt a soft hand on his shoulder and he turned to face Laura. "You need to wait outside," she said delicately. "There is nothing else you can do right now. You just have to let me find out what is wrong and take care of her."
The rancher's chin trembled as he looked back to the woman he loved. The pain etched upon her face tore at his heart and he just wanted to hold her.
"Please, Gil…" Laura whispered.
Clenching his fists together, Grissom closed his eyes for a moment to fight off his approaching tears. He slowly nodded and unsteadily walked from the room. Leaning over the banister he saw the captain rushing up the stairs, Rana following behind carrying a large bowl of water.
They quickly reached him and entered Sara's room just as more screams of pain hit the air. Watching through the open door, Grissom observed Laura talking to her husband and then he nodded. Rana placed the water down at the side of the bed and the captain turned and headed in Grissom's direction. The rancher just caught Rana leaning over the bed and beginning to undress Sara before the captain blocked his view and stepped from the room, closing the door behind him.
The rancher felt an ill chill run down his spine as the captain's eyes bore into his and more cries of pain came but he didn't have time to react when the older man lunged at him, grabbed him by the shirt and thrust him against the wall.
Grissom grunted at the force of the captain's rage. His head hurt from the ranch owner's previous punch, his ribs stung from Hank's brutal attack and his neck throbbed. Given his weak state, he simply couldn't fight back.
He grimaced as his nose began to bleed again, a long sliver of blood trickling from his right nostril.
"My wife seems to be a little more understanding than I am, Gil," the captain growled, shoving harder. "You see, if I had my way, I should have shot you, not punched you. I should kill you for what you have done…"
Grissom's brow pinched a frown as his gut tightened. The captain sounded serious and although, in a way, he understood the older man's motivations, the captain knew nothing about what he and Sara had been through or what had happened. Grissom had indeed almost lost his life attempting to save the captain's daughter but would the ranch owner ever listen? "I love her," he managed through trembling lips.
"If you loved her you would have waited until you were married!" Taking a deep breath, the captain released his hold and stepped back as another cry from Sara came.
Shakily fumbling in his pocket, Grissom pulled out a handkerchief and wiped the blood from his face. "I have made mistakes, Captain," he admitted, his voice returning a little. Even though he felt reluctant to back down, it may be a better option at that point. "Done things I will never be able to take back, things I shouldn't have done, but…no matter how you may feel about me at this point in time…I do love your daughter and if you want to blame someone for everything, then...blame me."
"Do you think I would blame my daughter?" the captain snapped, his nostrils flaring.
Given the captain's current mood, how could Grissom answer that? Actually, Sara played as much a part in their relationship as he did. He didn't force himself upon her and he tried so hard not to give in to her advances. She perused him again and again and he simply failed to abide by what he knew was right.
"No," Grissom sighed. "But…"
"But?" The captain's anger grew again. "But what? You shouldn't have bedded my daughter in an unmarried…" Another step closer, "…improper…" Another step closer, "…shameful way?" he finished on a growl.
Swallowing hard, Grissom sighed again. "No," he said flatly. "But…"
"But!" He squared right up to the rancher again, so close Grissom felt his back pushing against the banister this time. He realized he should stop saying 'but' and arguing.
The two men were almost nose to nose, "But nothing! You had no right…no right at all," the captain spat. "You have defiled my daughter…that...I will probably never forgive you for but now...a baby…you…"
"I may not have always made the right decisions, Captain. But I do try to remedy what I can. I love Sara and I will marry her. You don't have to worry about that."
Again, the captain stepped back, calming a little. "You are damn right about that."
"Captain?"
They both looked to see Conrad behind them.
"What is it, Conrad?" the captain quickly asked, annoyed at the interruption.
Ecklie cleared his throat. "The deputy says he needs to speak with Grissom. The whereabouts of Hank Pedigrew is still to be determined."
A million thoughts suddenly crossed Grissom's mind. He had no idea what had happened at McKeen's. Had the colonel been caught? Had anyone been injured? But right now, he wasn't going anywhere until he knew Sara was alright.
Both men looked at Grissom and the rancher worked his jaw from left to right.
"The deputy wishes to speak with you, Gil." The captain nodded towards the stairs. "Off you go."
The rancher shook his head. "No. I'm not stepping away from this room." Grissom looked back to Ecklie. "You can tell Vartann that they can locate Hank at the bottom of West Point Gorge and if he wishes to speak with me he can come up here but I'm not moving from this spot."
The worker gave an understanding nod which kind of surprised Grissom and Ecklie didn't even wait for a response from the captain. He simply turned and retreated back down the stairs.
Returning his attention back to Grissom, the captain frowned. "Hank's dead?" he asked.
"Yes," Grissom replied. "Like I said, there is a lot you don't know but right now my main concern is Sara. Like it or not, Captain, I'm not going anywhere right now and you are just going to have to accept that.
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Grissom and the captain stood apart and in total silence on the landing. It had been almost two hours since Sara's bedroom door had closed. Vartann had come up and spoken to Grissom. The two men spent some time chatting and Grissom told the deputy all that he knew in regards to what McKeen had done, although, he didn't mention Hank's attack upon Sara.
He was relieved to hear that McKeen had indeed been captured, taken to the town's doctor and was now being closely guarded. The land owner had been injured, shot in the stomach during his escape attempt but it wasn't a fatal wound and he would recover. That gave Grissom an immense feeling of satisfaction. At least he would be put on trial and suffer the consequences for all of his crimes.
As for Hank Pedigrew's demise, he told the deputy the young man fell from the cliff during his attempt to rescue Sara.
The captain listened in stunned silence as Grissom recounted the night's earlier events to Vartann. After taking several pages of notes, Vartann excused himself to return to town and deliver Grissom's statement to Jim Brass. Grissom stole a glance at the Captain but the older man's stoic expression did not reveal his thoughts. Neither man said another word to the other, lost in their own private thoughts as they waited for word from the now quiet upstairs.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Laura emerged from Sara's room. Slowly, almost painfully, she stepped towards the two men. Grissom stiffened as she looked at him. He already knew what she was going to say, the look on her face was enough.
"She lost the baby..."
"Waste forces within him, and a desert all around, this man stood still on his way across a silent terrace, and saw for a moment, lying in the wilderness before him, a mirage of honorable ambition, self-denial, and perseverance. In the fair city of this vision, there were airy galleries from which the loves and graces looked upon him, gardens in which the fruits of life hung ripening, waters of Hope that sparkled in his sight. A moment, and it was gone. Climbing to a high chamber in a well of houses, he threw himself down in his clothes on a neglected bed, and its pillow was wet with wasted tears." ***
*** - Extract taken from: A Tale of two cities by Charles Dickens
A/N: Oh dear, not quite the happy ending just yet and yes it was hard to do what I just did. Harder than you will believe. Daddy certainly isn't happy but now with no baby...he will be even less accomodating to Grissom, won't he? Wasn't sure this plot could get much thicker, lol. You would be suprised! Now where do we go?