A/N: It's just my luck isn't it that I get 2 chappies back from my lovely beta SSC and then my lap top dies. So I've had to wait for two days until I got a new power cable to be able to post. SO frustrating, grrrr.
Anyhoo, the lappy is up and running again so here is the next chapter. Thank you so much to my great friend and ever amazing beta SSC for your help and input. Prepare yourselves guys because she is about to become a very special guest writer for a few chapters to come. Ooooohhhh yes, we have been plotting and oh boy…
But…not too long until we will shift from the angst, just a little whoopa before that :)
The story has just breached the 300,000 word mark so I thank you all so, so much for your continued support which keeps this story going and makes it what it is. Enjoy…
Chapter 83
Blinking hard, Grissom tried to take in what his aid had just told him. The news didn't really seem to sink in. The news seemed almost unbelievable to him, the idea of a severe storm hitting Alexandria, at nearly the precise moment that he was needed elsewhere…..
"Grissom did you hear me?" Hodges pushed.
"Um…" the rancher hesitated and looked to the house, his eyes shooting to Sara's bedroom window. He felt a tug on his arm and his head slowly turned back to Laura.
A look of concern crossed her face. "Gil, I know you don't want to…but you should go. If this storm does reach your home town and you do not defend yourself against it…everything you have worked for all this time…it will all be gone."
Looking to the sky, Grissom sighed. Up above was starting to become awfully dark and he knew Laura was right.
"Plus…" she continued, "…you need to give Thomas a little time. We need to talk and he really needs to calm down. You know you can't contest his will for you to go, no matter how much you desire to. Plus, I know you must still be in shock yourself from what has happened. You need a little time out also." She breathed a heavy sigh. "Not that fighting against a raging storm will give you much rest but time away from here will give everyone chance to reflect and consider what the future may hold...for all of us…"
Grissom worked his jaw and looked at her. "I know what I want my future to hold," he replied.
She squeezed his arm affectionately. "I know you do, Gil. But right now, Thomas will not allow you to stay here at the Grove. I know my husband and he is a good man. However, he is hurt and angry and needs some time. I think he may come around after everything settles and he gets the opportunity to really talk to Sara and I. He only wants Sara to be well taken care of…..if you lose everything then what could you offer her as far as the basics?"
Suddenly Grissom's heart skipped a beat. Laura was correct. The captain wouldn't allow Sara to be with a man who didn't even have a home. And Grissom wouldn't even consider bringing Sara into a marriage where she wouldn't even have the basics.
Truthfully, Grissom didn't care if he had Thomas Sidle's blessing or not; however, he fully realized that Sara would want her father's approval. After all, she was willing to marry a man she did not love in order to save her father.
"Do you understanding what I'm saying, Gil?" she then asked as he continued to think.
Slowly, Grissom nodded.
"Then you must go."
Before the rancher had the opportunity to offer his final decision, Hodges cut in. "Michael is just getting a few of his things but only as much as we can carry. We can't take a wagon because it will be too slow. I'm going to go sort the horses…" He pointed behind him and started to make a move, "…are you coming?"
Grissom thought a little more before speaking. "I will meet you at the stable in ten minutes. I have to speak with the Captain first."
Hodges nodded and then ran in the direction of the stables.
Looking to Grissom, Laura looked very uneasy. "Gil…I…Thomas may not…"
"I'm not going to create a scene or cause trouble," he began. "There is just something I have to say before I go. Do you trust me enough for that?"
"I trust you regardless," she replied quickly and a small smile graced the rancher's lips. "I will get Roberta to put some food and water together for you," she continued. "Meet me back here in five minutes?"
The rancher nodded.
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Feeling the weight of the whole world on his shoulders, Grissom quietly entered the lounge. The captain stood at the corner bar, refilling a glass with bourbon. He swayed a little as he placed the bottle down and raised the glass to his lips.
"Captain?"
Turning, the captain faced his former second and his eyes narrowed. Grissom wasn't intimated by the loathing the older man bore though and stepped close to him.
"I thought you'd be gone by now," the captain growled on a slur.
Grissom bit his tongue. He promised Laura he wouldn't fight and would stick to his word no matter how hard. Given the captains current intoxicated state, trying to argue with him would be futile anyway. "I'm leaving," he responded calmly. "But I wanted to say something before I go."
Waving his hand with little interest, the captain refilled his glass. "Just get on with it," he mumbled.
Sighing, Grissom pinched the bridge of his nose. It still hurt. "How long have we known each other, Captain?"
The ranch owner seemed a little taken aback by the question and gave Grissom his undivided attention. A frown formed on his brow, evidence that he was seeking an answer.
"I'll tell you," Grissom continued, stepping closer, "Almost my entire life. I came to you when I was a mere boy…an orphan…lost…desperate…I had nothing and you took me in and treated me as one of your own. You taught me to read and write…to graft and how to survive…"
Not giving Grissom the chance to finish, the captain interjected. "But I obviously didn't teach you the difference between right and wrong. I obviously failed you in some aspect, Gil. I loved you…I loved you like a son. In fact, I only loved Laura and Sara more than I loved you. I tried to teach you respect…I tried to teach you right and wrong…Robbins and I both did….and it breaks my heart that you did this….the worst thing you could have done. I'd rather you have shot me dead than do what you did."
"I would never intentionally dishonor you, Captain."
"But you did!" the older man shouted, leaping forwards.
Grissom stood his ground as his mentor squared up to him, eye to eye, almost chest to chest.
The captain's chin trembled and he looked almost sad. "You took my daughter, Gil," he said on a sob. "I loved you…and you…you betray me and my family."
"You taught me everything that I know," Grissom admitted on a heavy swallow. "But you can not teach how the heart will act. I'm sorry…I couldn't control it. I love Sara and that isn't going to change."
The Captain's bearded chin quivered and his eyes almost watered. "Don't speak of that vile act of dishonoring my only child as love. If you loved her, then you would have done things the right way….the way that God intended for them to be done. You may think that you love her, but you don't…Hank at least did things in the right way."
Anger and hurt flooded Grissom then. To be compared to the vile monster that defiled Sara was a true insult. But as the objection rose to the rancher's throat, he quickly swallowed it and back down. He had promised Laura that he wouldn't fight….the Captain was hurt and drunk and a fight now would not help the ultimate cause…and would only serve to add fuel to an already raging fire.
A fire that needed to be quelled and not fanned.
Grissom opened his mouth to try a different approach.
"Get out," the Captain ordered.
Grissom knew he was trying to fight a losing battle right now. The captain just wasn't going to let him talk. "Just don't blame Sara, Captain. After everything she has been through, she doesn't deserve that."
"I will blame who I please and will blame who deserved to be blamed," the ranch owner snapped. "And you have no right to advise me in any matter what so ever."
"This isn't over." Those were Grissom's final three words before he turned on his heels and left the room.
The captain curled his nose in disgust and moved back to the bar. The first bottle of bourbon was almost empty so he reached for a second…
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With a heavy heart and frustration seeping through every pore of his body, Grissom slowly descended the steps to the house. Laura was already there, waiting for him. There was a large satchel by her feet, filled with provisions no doubt.
She looked at him nervously. "How did it go?"
Blowing out a breath of hot air, he shrugged his shoulders. "Like you said…a little time…"
"I really hope so," she countered.
"I just don't want him blaming Sara," Grissom continued. "But I don't know if he even heard me."
Laura gave him a sad smile and picked up the satchel. "Here, Roberta put this together for you. Food and water. Should keep you going until you get home."
Grissom took the bag. "Thank you."
Before he could say anything else, Laura had stepped up and pulled him into a firm embrace. "Be careful," she mumbled into his shoulder.
Closing his eyes, the rancher enjoyed the comforting moment and held onto her tightly. "I appreciate your support," he eventually whispered.
Sniffing hard, Laura pulled back and placed a tender hand on his cheek. "I will do what I can," she said with sincerity.
"I know," he replied with the barest hint of a smile. "And I'll be back as soon as possible."
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Upon drawing close to the outer stable door, Grissom heard mild muffles of irritation and then cursing. He frowned as he stepped inside but then after a thud and a groan he spotted Hodges as he fell onto the floor.
"What are you doing down there, David?" he asked, approaching his assistant.
The young worker did not look amused as he winced and pushed himself to his feet. He pointed to his left and Grissom followed his direction to see Dante staring back at him.
"He kicked me," Hodges moaned. "He is being impossible and won't let me saddle him."
Horse and master locked eyes and Dante looked far from being impressed.
A smile, the first of many in a long time, played at the corner of Grissom's mouth. Placing his hands on his hips, he regarded his aid with a hint of amusement. "Dante could have killed you if he wanted to, so consider yourself lucky. Go see where Michael is," Grissom instructed. "I'll handle this."
"Gladly," Hodges grumbled and he was gone.
Maneuvering the satchel strap around his shoulder, Grissom stepped towards his ride and picked up the saddle which had fallen to the floor. "Come here," he commanded.
Dante snorted and stepped backwards.
"I don't have time for this," Grissom warned but then his face softened as Pandora appeared behind his mustang and pushed her nose into his side. He ran a hand over his eyes and sighed. "I get it," he said. "You don't want to leave her again, huh?"
Dante's eyes locked on Grissom's face, and Grissom felt the stallion's frustration. Dante was tired, angry and absolutely in love. And right now, Grissom could well emphasize.
Moving right up next to Dante, Grissom ran a gentle hand over his nose. "I know, boy. I don't want to leave either. We both have our reasons to stay, the same reason in fact but right now we have to go. Everything we have worked for may be lost if we don't…"
Tilting his head, Dante looked to Pandora and licked her on the nose. She dropped her head and slowly retreated into her stall. Grissom could feel her sadness, and he gave her a soft smile.
"We'll be back, I promise," the rancher reassured, holding up the saddle. "Now are you going to keep still?"
After a frustrated stomp of his back foot, Dante did eventually offer a nod.
"That's my boy." Grissom patted his friend on the side before flinging the saddle over his back.
The rancher tacked up his ride and finished just as Hodges returned with Michael in tow. Grissom's eyes passed over them as he took Dante's reins, "Ready to go, boys?"
They both nodded but Hodges spoke. "Are you going to be alright…you know…to ride? I didn't think about it before but…you still look pretty rough."
"I'll be fine," he lied. It was going to be a hard ride for him. He was still in pain and his fatigue hadn't dwindled much even after his short nap but what choice did he have? He had his home to save…right?
"Let's go," he finished and led his boys from the stable.
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Laura spent several hours sitting by Sara's bedside. The young heiress hadn't woken yet but had stirred several times only to moan and continued in slumber. Laura knew her daughter was thoroughly exhausted and wasn't surprised she continued to sleep.
The lady of the house ran a hand over the back of her neck and pinched her taught muscles. She too felt tired. It had been a very long and grueling thirty six hours.
She rubbed her eyes at the same moment Rana came in and smiled at her employer.
"Why don't you get some sleep, Ma'am," the housekeeper suggested on a whisper as she approached the bed. "I can stay with Miss Sara."
Hesitating, Laura looked back over Sara's still form and Rana edged closer.
"I can come get you if she needs you," the worker continued softly. "Please, Ma'am, you too will become ill if you don't rest."
"Alright," Laura conceded, getting to her feet.
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Before Laura took to her bed she went in search of her husband. She found him slumped in his chair in the lounge, staring into the fireplace. A half empty bottle of bourbon was on the floor beside him, a full glass in hand. She shivered as a draft from the window blew by her and she thought of Grissom upon hearing a whistle from the wind picking up outside. Hope clung to her heart that he would make it in time.
"Thomas?" she said softly, walking up to stand beside him. He jumped, his head turning quickly to look at her. "Sorry," she apologized, "I didn't mean to startle you."
He didn't say anything; instead he placed his glass to his lips and downed the contents. He reached for the bottle from the floor but Laura was quick to act, knelt beside him and placed her hand over his. "Don't you think you've had enough?"
Laura felt a lump form in her throat as she witnessed her husband's eyes narrow. He pushed himself from the chair and she was quick to get back to her feet.
"Are you telling me what to do?" he slurred, taking a menacing step towards her causing her to step back. There was a look in his eye she had never seen before and it scared her.
"No, Thomas," she replied quickly, holding up a defensive and calming hand. "I'm not telling you what to do, I'm just worried about you and I'm worried about the way you are acting, can't you see that?"
Swaying a little, the captain scoffed. "The way I'm acting?" He took another step closer to his wife and Laura's eyes closed momentarily as his alcohol tainted breath made her feel queasy.
"Yes." Her eyes popped open. "You haven't shown any interest in trying to talk to me. We have so much to discuss, to sort out and we need to talk about your daughter and…Gil. And there's a storm coming that will definitely hit Alexandria. If it hits there, it would also hit here. Nick has already started the hands on securing the house and stables."
The captain held up a finger and swayed again. "No!" he snapped. "I do not ever want his name mentioning in this house again. Maybe God and the hurricane will take care of him for me."
"Thomas…" Laura pleaded.
"I said no!" the man of the house shouted, so loud that Laura actually jumped. "He's gone and that's it. No more, do you hear me?"
Lightly shaking her head, Laura began her retreat backwards. He wasn't going to listen to her while he was in his current state. He was just so angry, so hurt. "I can't talk to you while you are like this," she said on a sob, tears forming in her eyes. "I'm going to take some sleeping drops and attempt to get some rest." She turned and approached the door but when she reached the opening, she stopped. She didn't face him but said one more thing. "Thomas, please don't approach Sara without me with you. She is our daughter, we made her together and we should deal with this together."
With a heart wrenching sigh, Laura wiped her watery eyes and left the room.
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Sara stirred, her eyes slowly flickering open. A tiny orange glow illuminated the room from the one lantern Rana had lit on the dresser by the window. Sara immediately cringed at the soreness radiating through her body.
She knew she had lost her baby…their baby…
Remembrance of the time after they arrived at back at the Grove was pretty blurry. She remembered collapsing and Grissom saying he was bringing her to the house but that was about it. However she knew her unborn child was gone, her emptiness clarified that.
Grissom…
A little too quickly she tried to sit up and a groan of pain spilled from her lips. Rana was instantly up and by her side, helping her to sit and fluffing the pillows back against the head board for Sara to lean on.
"I'm glad to see you awake, Miss," the housekeeper spoke giving Sara a soft smile. "I will go and wake your mother."
"No." Sara was quick to grab Rana's arm as she tried to step away. "Please don't. I just need a little time and I'm sure my mother needs the rest…I really don't want to see my parents just yet…"
Rana smiled and pulled her chair close to the bed. "Alright, Miss. I will leave it for just a little while if that's what you want."
"Thank you," Sara whispered starring at her hands. She noted some of her fingers had been dressed and she shuddered recalling the cliff top and hanging on for dear life. She then remembered Hank hitting her…
Everything…
He ruined everything.
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The captain drank another two glasses of bourbon after his wife left him alone. His stomach churned with bitterness and bile as he leaned against the mantel for some form of support. He looked to the ceiling and it spun a little causing a small grin to form on his lips as he chuckled to himself. He wasn't quite sure why, he just did.
He stepped back and raised his hand, throwing his glass into the fire place and it shattered into a dozen pieces. How could she tell him not to talk to his own daughter?
Snorting a deep breath in through his nose, he clenched his fists. He would talk to his daughter and she would see things his way. He would support her…but his way…she had already gotten away with more than he would ever knowingly allow.
It was time to put an end to this.
With a purpose in his staggering, intoxicated steps, he headed for the door and ultimately…Sara's room.
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Sara finally looked up and her eyes connected with Rana's. "Do you know where Grissom is," she asked, clearing her throat. "Is he downstairs?"
Giving her a weak smile, Rana shook her head. "I'm sorry, Miss, I don't know. I've been a little occupied these last few hours but he did see you…after…" the housekeeper hesitated, "…I…um…he was allowed for a minute or so and he did ask me to tell you that he was here."
"I see," Sara mumbled, deep pain and fear growing in her heart. She just wanted to see him. She had no idea what was happening or how he must feel. Opening her mouth to ask Rana what was happening with the colonel, she was cut short when the door opened and her father stumbled into the room.
Rana stood immediately.
The man of the house slowly approached the bed. "You are…awake I see," he said, almost tripping over his own feet.
Unsure of how to reply, noting her father's obvious intoxicated state, Sara remained silent.
Looking to Rana, the captain cocked his head towards the door. "You can go, Rana," he directed, "I'm sure Sara will be fine."
Rana passed her eyes over Sara with a definite look of confusion on her face. She knew better than to argue but she didn't look too comfortable leaving Sara.
Sara nodded. "It's alright, go." She was quick with her recommendation. Her father didn't look like a man to be argued with right now.
"Yes, Miss. I will be back in the morning to change your sheets."
Biting down on her tongue, Sara gave a single nod and watched as Rana passed by her father, left the room and closed the door behind her. But then she could feel her father's eyes upon her and her attention anxiously shifted back to him…
A/N: UM…..this is so not going to be good…..Blame the hat! And SSC, she is a co-conspirator! And oh yes...the next chapter IS ready, how badly do you want it?