A/N: Hey guys. Thank you so much for all your reviews and comments on the last chapter! Here is the next instalment. A bit quicker this time but I've been off work unable to do much but computer stuff. This is quite a long chapter so I hope you don't get bored :) All my love and thanks to my best bud and super beta SSC who added some great parts to the chapter. Finally, she has just sent me the penultimate chap of BOS so now you are waiting on me for that, lol! Will accept bribes.
So, I guess we better see what's going on at the Grissom estate but be ready for Mr Evil hat in the next chapter. He has just a few more appearances to make. *Grins*.
Happy reading and please review, they keep me going on with this mammoth project!
Chapter 94
Grissom was right about another storm. It hit about twenty minutes after the captain left. As he sat by the boarded up window, looking through a tiny crack in the wooden barricade that was protecting his home, he hoped the captain and his helpers had found shelter before Mother Nature had shown her darker side again. His former employer had yet to return but Grissom presumed that he would wait until the storm died down and it was safe to travel.
He watched as a swarm of leaves were scooped up by the wind and forced away down the driveway to land wherever destiny decided. He sighed as the whistle of the wind whooshed around the cabin and it sent a shiver down his spine. Despite the cozy temperature inside the cabin, Grissom could almost sense the iciness of the wind, another confirmation that this year's winter would be early and cold.
Fortunately, so far, the storm hadn't reached the viciousness it had the previous night. Just lots of rain and slightly excessive winds had barraged them up until that point and the rancher just prayed it stayed that way. They had not managed to repair all the damage that the last storm had caused and Grissom remembered Doctor Carter's reporting of additional injuries and destruction. Another monstrous onslaught would only serve to increase their miseries.
Pulling his attention from the window, he looked to his right and to the bed upon which Sara slept. Her wheezing had increased but at least she was sleeping. Grissom ensured he checked on her often and was doing so in about twenty minute intervals. He was afraid she may stop breathing again. Next to Sara, Laura slept, covered in a blanket. She had fallen asleep in the chair by her daughter's side and without thought or regret Grissom had carefully moved her onto the bed to be more comfortable. She had tried to get him to sleep too before she dozed off but he just couldn't settle. Not yet…
The flickering of candle light around the room created interesting shadows upon the walls and he watched them for a moment.
A silent groan of exhaustion fell from his lips then as he pushed himself up and approached the fire place. Quietly reaching for the poker he stoked the fire before adding a few more chunks of wood. Keeping the cabin warm was of the highest priority especially for Sara.
But then Grissom startled as the door burst open. Spinning around, poker in hand he was ready for whatever had intruded his home. However, when the captain stumbled in, drenched from head to toe, he lowered his weapon.
The older man studied his daughter's lover with a raised left eye brow. He flapped the water from the top of his coat without a hint of fear and turned back to the door, fighting to close it against the winds fury. After a hefty struggle, he just managed it. Turning back to Grissom he looked at him and then to the poker before slowly removing his drenched coat. "I hope you don't intend to use that," he said hanging his coat on the hook on the back of the door.
"You startled me," Grissom admitted, placing the poker back next to the fireplace. He looked to Laura, surprised that the captain's entrance hadn't woken her then he approached the man.
"I didn't expect to be so long," the older man said, brushing water from his face. "I just…had some thinking to do."
Grissom eyed him with curiosity. "I thought you might wait out the storm, come back when it had died down. Not a good idea travelling in such weather."
"Concerned for my safety, Gil?"
Unsure of whether the captain's response was one of sarcasm or not, Grissom paused before offering his reply. "No matter what has happened between us, or may happen in the future, I don't think I could ever wish any harm upon you."
Now the captain paused and the two men simply stared at each other but their looks were free from malice.
Eventually, Grissom slowly backed away and moved towards the dresser in the corner of the room. He grabbed a towel and returned to the captain. Holding out the piece of fabric to his former employer, Grissom urged the captain to take it.
The captain took the towel. "Thank you," he said, wiping his face.
Grissom nodded.
"How's she been?" the captain then asked, rubbing the back of his neck in an attempt to dry himself.
Puffing out his cheeks, Grissom lightly shrugged his shoulders. "Better than earlier I guess, she hasn't woken so I suppose that's a good thing. The more rest she gets, the better."
Now the captain nodded as he continued to dry himself off.
"I have clothes," Grissom said. "You're welcome to…whatever…you should change or you may catch a chill."
"I'll be fine," the older man replied. "Just a little time in front of the fire and I'll dry off."
Grissom wasn't entirely sure how to take that rejection. Were his clothes not good enough? He decided not to push the matter though. "As you wish," he mumbled.
The captain smiled, turned and reached into his coat pocket. He pulled out a bottle, turned back to Grissom and held up the bourbon he had retrieved from his wet clothing. "Drink?" he asked. "You look like you need one even more than I do."
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The captain followed Grissom into the kitchen and watched as the rancher reached for two glasses from the shelving above his head.
"Has Laura been sleeping long?" the older man asked, popping his head around the door frame to see both the women in his life still peacefully in slumber.
"No," Grissom answered reaching for the bottle from the captain's grasp, "Maybe just over half an hour."
"Oh…" the ranch owner moved back into the kitchen, "…couldn't you sleep?"
Grissom held out a glass half filled with liquor and the captain took it from him. "No," he answered, taking a swift gulp from his own glass. "I don't feel comfortable leaving Sara unattended." He rounded the older man and walked back towards the bed, ensuring Sara was still as she was mere moments before.
He jumped suddenly when he felt a pressure on his shoulder…the captain's hand. He sighed as he turned to face him.
"Well, I'm here now, so you can get some rest," the captain told him.
With his eyes narrowing, Grissom finished his drink, feeling the burn in his throat. He placed his glass down and folded his arms firmly across his chest.
"I'm not trying to take control here, Gil," the captain insisted. "But I'm also not stupid." He sipped from his glass again. "If you carry on like this, you will be in no fit state to even attempt to look after my daughter and then I really will have to think about taking control... Feel free to correct me if you think I am wrong…"
Grissom bit down on his bottom lip. He hated the fact that the captain was right, he continued like this, he too would be collapsing. "Maybe I…" He cleared his throat, "…could try and rest for a little while…" Although he spoke the words they didn't feel like they came out of his mouth. He was more tired than he wanted to admit plus the alcohol had gone right to his head making him feel even drowsier than he did before.
The captain reached to the bottom of the bed to where a spare blanket lay. He picked it up then held it out to Grissom. "Sleep, Gil, I will watch Sara."
Still with some hesitation running through his mind Grissom took the blanket. "Give me your word…if something happens and I don't wake, you will wake me…"
Without even thinking the captain agreed. "You have my word," he replied.
Grissom offered a simple nod, even if a little surprised by the captain's quick agreement. The ranch owner seemed to be a changed man to what he was when he first arrived at the cabin but now was not the time to question it. Grissom didn't have the energy. He walked to the corner of the room and slipped into the wicker rocking chair after pulling up a foot stool. He slipped off his boots and lifted his legs onto the stool. Even after closing his eyes he knew the captain was still watching him although it didn't matter. Within minutes he was asleep…
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Grissom's awakened to the sound of quiet voices coming from the kitchen. He blinked hard and then rubbed his eyes. Lifting his legs from the stool he immediately looked to the bed. Sara was alone but awake, even if barely and she was sitting up, looking right at him.
He cursed under his breath, slipped on his boots and then stood with a groan, damn he ached. He noticed light coming through the gap under the door and cracks in the boarded up windows. How long had he been asleep?
As he walked towards the bed he pulled out his pocket watch. It was after eight. He really had slept…
Upon reaching Sara's side he offered her a small smile. "Hi…" he said tenderly, reaching out to hold his warm, soft hand to her forehead and then her crimson tainted cheeks. He secretly grimaced upon feeling the intensity of her still lasting fever.
She didn't reply to him but her eyes closed the moment he touched her.
His nostrils flared and he sensed the aroma of broth. "I'll be right back," he whispered, giving her a gentle kiss on the tip of her hairline. The second he turned his back, her eyes opened again and followed him as he approached the kitchen.
He walked into the small off room and the second he did the captain and Laura silenced and faced him.
Laura smiled. "Good morning," she offered. "Feel better?"
"Why didn't you wake me?" Grissom wasn't all that impressed with being left to sleep so long.
Man and wife exchanged a confused glance. "Why?" the captain asked. "Everything is fine."
"Sara's awake," he countered.
Laura half laughed. Her arm extended outward, holding out a cup of coffee as if an offering. "She is stable, Gil. She woke in peace. There was no need to wake you."
Grissom frowned.
"If you expect to be woken every time Sara does, Gil, you are going to find yourself in a terrible state." She reached a hand to his arm, once he accepted the coffee. "Do you know how many times you can wake with pneumonia? There is no regular sleeping pattern and…" She looked to her husband, "…we are here to help, so please let us. You can't do this alone and we are both here to support you in aiding our daughter's recovery."
The rancher's right eye brow arched and his eyes clashed with the captain's. "Both?" he questioned.
Now Laura looped her arm through her husband's and gave a full, genuine smile.
The captain cleared his throat. "Yes," he said. "My daughter's well being is my only priority right now, Gil, and I will do whatever I have to ensure she gets well and…hindering you in respects to doing the same thing is not what I should be doing. I am prepared to work with you, not against you…if you are prepared to do the same." He scratched his forehead. "After all, this right now is about Sara, not about us."
"And what about after Sara has recovered?" Grissom countered. "Where will I stand then?"
Pulling away from his wife the captain faced the counter. "That, I still haven't decided," he admitted.
Grissom sighed with frustration. Fine, a slight truce in regards to Sara's health and recovery but it still offered him no satisfaction in the repercussions after it, for their relationship anyway.
"But what is important right now is we work together to get Sara better and not your little feud. Do you hear me, both of you?" Laura cut in quickly with irritation sensing the conversation deteriorating. She looked to both men. "Alright?" she probed.
The captain turned back around and looked Grissom in the eye. "Fine," he agreed.
"Gil?" Laura questioned.
Turning his attention back into the main cabin, Grissom observed Sara as she watched him. "Fine," he duplicated, trying not to snap. His issues with the captain could wait. Sara at that point in time, was top priority.
"Good." Laura turned her concentration to the pot of broth boiling on the stove top. After ladling some nutritional mixture into a bowl she looked back to Grissom. "I'm going to try and get Sara to eat something. If you have things to do, I will stay with her for as long as needs be. I'll then fix breakfast for everyone. Once Rana gets here we can work out a schedule."
Grissom didn't look enamoured with the idea of leaving Sara.
Laura let out a small hearty chuckle. "If anything happens I will come and get you, Gil, you know I will. You trust me, don't you?"
Of all the secrets Laura knew about him there was a quick, easier answer to that one. "Yes," he responded without hesitation.
"Then go and do what you have to do. Thomas, you can help him," she recommended with a grin as she left the two men in order to tend to Sara.
Both men's mouths popped open as she walked away and they looked at each other, clearing their throats in synchronization. Grissom felt his eyes twitching and he wasn't entirely sure what to say. He didn't have to say anything though as the captain took the lead…
"So…what needs doing?" he asked actually seeming interested.
Grissom tried to think positive about this situation. The captain seemed to be trying, even if for now it was just for his daughter. But, Grissom knew Sara's recovery would take some time, a lot of time given her condition, definitely enough time for him and the captain to resolve their differences….hopefully.
So, for now, Grissom would try to keep the peace. But he would not stand for any disrespect from anyone. If that came, the truce would be over.
He ran a hand through his hair. "I should check around, see if any more damage has been caused and we need to continue repairs caused by the previous storm. Hopefully, one of my boys will be along to help. David or…." He paused for a second recollecting Michaels's relationship with the captain. The last time they really spoke was when the captain had him arrested. None the less, Grissom wasn't about to be ashamed of an honest man, "…Michael…" he finished.
"Ahhh…" the captain began as he stepped from the kitchen…Grissom followed, "…yes, young Keppler." He finished with that, not giving Grissom any clues as to what might happen should Michael turn into work.
Grissom rolled his eyes and stopped at the side of the bed as the captain approached the door.
"Come on, sweetheart," Laura urged, sitting by her daughter, holding the bowl of broth in one hand and a spoon full of liquid and vegetables in the other. "Please, try, Sara, I know you can do it and it will make you feel better, I promise."
Sara sniffed hard in an attempt to clear her congested nostrils and her eyes flicked to Grissom. He smiled softly at her. "You can do it," he said with confidence but a gentle tone. "I know you can."
Returning her attention to the spoon, Sara stared at it and the whole room silenced in anticipation. Laura watched, the captain watched and Grissom watched, if not clenching his fingers in and out with nervous apprehension as he did.
Finally Sara opened her mouth and Laura smiled as she edged the spoon towards Sara's lips. "That's my girl," she whispered with a flutter in her heart as the broth slid into her daughter's mouth and Sara managed to swallow it without incident. She grimaced a little but didn't spit the food back up.
"Go to work," she said to Grissom without even looking at him. "We will be fine."
Grissom felt a tiny smile form on his lips, Sara was eating. Hopefully this would be the beginnings of her recovery. "Yes, Ma'am," he replied grabbing his hat and coat and following the captain out the door.
He trusted Laura and he knew Sara was in good hands.
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Grissom knew exactly where his first stop would be when he exited the cabin. Apart from Sara, his horses were his top priority. "I want to check the stable first," he informed the captain as the older man tightened his coat around his upper body in an attempt to keep the chill away. The wind was bitter and Grissom did the same thing.
"Sure," the older man responded with a nod.
As they walked, Grissom made mental notes of any damage his land and buildings had acquired after the second storm. Well, whatever he could immediately see.
They reached the stable. "Everything looks okay," the captain said, having a good look around the exterior. "A few pieces of timber missing but nothing too serious I don't think."
Walking around the entire outer of the building Grissom agreed and was thankful. The stable was still very much intact. "I'm just going to check the horses," the rancher informed his newly acquainted helper.
Again, the captain showed no form of argument and followed Grissom inside. The animals seemed fine although when he reached Dante's stall, his stallion was lying down looking a little subdued. Pandora stood by his side, gently running her tongue over the nape of his neck.
Grissom smiled. "Dante despises storms," he told the captain. "But, it looks like he is being looked after."
"Will he be okay?" the ranch owner asked actually sounding concerned.
"Yeah," Grissom said reaching to the bag of apples by his feet. He threw several into each of the stalls. "He will be spooked for a while, persistent thunder and lightning does that to him. But he should be alright in a few hours as long as it doesn't start again."
The captain chuckled as Pandora picked up one of the apples and dropped it in front of Dante. "It seems my daughter's horse maybe a little smitten," he observed.
"Aren't we all?" Grissom replied without even thinking. Upon realization of his words he grinned and simply walked back the way they had entered and left the stable. The captain shook his and followed.
"Are you?" the Captain suddenly asked.
"Am I what?" Grissom turned to face him.
"Smitten?" the Captain replied with a sudden frown.
"Haven't my actions proved that?" Grissom challenged before thinking better of it.
"The latest ones have," the captain agreed. "However, there are many things that motivate a man. A man might be motivated by moral code; societal expectations….religion…honor….guilt. And while those aren't bad things…..and even admirable traits in a man..."
Grissom understood what the Captain was trying to say. "Do you believe my actions are motivated by something other than what I profess them to be?"
The Captain swallowed hard. "I let my own designs interfere with Sara's happiness once before. I realize that….Sara….may not be….." his eyes briefly misted and Grissom felt a pang of sadness as the Captain abandoned the question.
"When I told you that I love Sara, I meant it," Grissom said as the Captain's eyes snapped back to him. "Everything I have done, either pure or dishonourable, has been out of love. I'm sorry if I'm not your first choice for her, but know that no man could love her as I do."
The Captain simply lowered his head and moved forward.
When they exited the stable two men on horses were heading their way. Grissom narrowed his eyes to try and make them out. "Looks like both my boys have decided to turn in," he said, noting the riders were Hodges and Michael.
Both men pulled to a halt in front of their boss and quickly dismounted. They both looked a little surprised to see the captain.
"Um…morning, Grissom," Hodges said with uncertainty, "Everything alright?"
After licking his lips, Grissom nodded. "Fine," he replied. "Sara's parents are here to help get her well."
"I thought you two hated each other," the worker added without an element of thought in his statement.
Michael shook his head. David never was one for tact.
"Oh…um…well…" Hodges stuttered.
Grissom glared at him.
Hodges pointed behind him. "I'll…get to work…"
Before Grissom could say anything Hodges was away, almost running from his boss.
The captain couldn't help a small snort but his humor faded when he noticed Michael was staring at him. Clearing his throat he approached the young worker as Grissom watched on. "It isn't very often I do this young man but…" He straightened his hat, "…I believe I owe you an apology…"
Michael folded his arms across his chest. "Oh?"
It was obvious this was difficult for the captain; he wasn't of such standard that he had to apologize to workers, especially ones who were his own. "Yes…you were innocent of the accusations set upon you and I wasn't…well…I…didn't really think or…" he stuttered, "…handle it very well…I just wanted to…"
"Apology accepted, Captain," Michael cut in, attempting to save the older man any more embarrassment. Even though Michael knew the captain had wronged him, he still knew his own status. And he had always been taught that a bigger man accepted the apologies of the repentant.
"Thank you," the captain said sincerely.
Michael tightened his gloves. "Oh it isn't me you should be thanking," he said.
The captain frowned. "What do you mean?"
"It's Grissom who you should be thanking, not me," Michael said nodding towards his new boss. "After all, he not only saved my life but…" He smiled, "…if you think about it…he saved yours too and…your entire family's…" He left it at that and walked away in search of Hodges leaving the captain with his mouth open and deep in thought.
Grissom worked his jaw from left to right at Michael's statement. Indeed, he supposed it was true. If he hadn't halted McKeen's plan then the entire Sidle family legacy could have been destroyed.
He thought of the Captain's words only minutes ago. Men did a lot of things for other reasons other than the right one. Grissom hadn't questioned his love for Sara but he realized that his love didn't extend only to her. Sara was his heart, he knew that. But he also held a measure of love for Laura and for the Captain as well. Despite their differences and their uncertain truce, Grissom realized that he loved the Captain, he always had and he always would. He felt the weight of the delicate chain around his neck, the only thing of his mother's that he possessed.
He had no biological family and this family had accepted him, loved him and provided for him. It was, perhaps, the Captain's own love for him…and for Sara that made total forgiveness so difficult. It was that same love…for both the Captain and for Sara…that made it so difficult for Grissom to forgive as well.
The two men faced each other and locked eyes but before anything could be said, the sound of another approaching rider halted any further conversation.
Looking towards the horse coming their way, again, as he always did, he tried to work out who the rider was, only this time, he didn't recognize him.
"Any idea who that is?" the rancher asked suspiciously.
Immediately the captain shook his head, "No, he doesn't look familiar."
Both men locked eyes again but this time they both seemed nervous. "I don't usually get unknown visitors," Grissom said. "Especially after storms…"
"Approach with caution then," the captain advised and Grissom agreed as the horse skidded to a stop not too far away from them.
Grissom and the captain approached the rider as he dismounted.
"Can I help you?" Grissom asked, his eyes narrowing further as he looked over the unfamiliar man.
The man reached towards his saddle and it startled Grissom. After all, there was a rifle hanging there and being as edgy as he felt, the rancher had no idea who this man was and he wasn't prepared to take any chances. "Hey!" he shouted, lunging towards the rider. The captain was quick to act also; sensing Grissom's concern and he was swift in helping out, seizing the younger mans arms before he had the opportunity to grab anything. Grissom grabbed the man's rifle and aimed it at him.
"What are you doing?" the man gasped, cringing as his arm was twisted behind his back and held firmly by the captain.
"I'd like to ask you the same thing," Grissom retorted, squeezing the trigger on the weapon. "This is private land and I don't recall inviting you, especially when you carry a weapon onto my property."
"I'm just a messenger," the younger man responded quickly. "I'm not here for trouble. I travelled all through the storm…I just have a telegram for a Captain Thomas Sidle."
Grissom frowned and allowed the man a little space, looking to the captain while taking a step back. He then returned his attention to the rider. His story could be true; he looked rather dirty and tired as if he had just ridden all night long through weather he really shouldn't be riding in.
The captain's eyes narrowed. "I'm Thomas Sidle," he said turning his attention to the man, "Must be pretty important to ride through a storm like that. Who do you bring this so called telegram from?"
Taking a deep breath the man looked over his shoulder and to the captain. "Sheriff Jim Brass, he said it was very urgent. That's why I travelled through the night…"
Now the captain frowned and slowly released the man. "Get the telegram but do it carefully," he advised.
"Yes, Sir," the man responded quickly and approached his horse. He slowly reached to his saddle pouch, ensuring his hands were in full view all the time and pulled out an envelope. He then turned back to the captain, held the envelope out to him and he took it.
Grissom watched but kept alert as the captain pulled the piece of paper from the envelope. The older man's lips moved as he began reading it quietly to himself. Almost immediately Grissom sensed something wasn't right when the captain suddenly paled and he took a step towards him, his tongue slowly moving over his dry lips in nervous anticipation. "Everything alright?" he asked.
Painstaking slowly, the captains head rose and he looked to his former employee. "Far from it," he barely managed to respond. "Far…far from it…"
*** - "Providence, however, had put it into the heart of a person who was beyond fear and beyond reproach, to ferret out the nature of the prisoner's schemes, and, struck with horror, to disclose them to his Majesty's Chief Secretary of State and most honourable Privy Council. That, this patriot would be produced before them. That, his position and attitude were, on the whole, sublime. That, he had been the prisoner's friend, but, at once in an auspicious and an evil hour detecting his infamy, had resolved to immolate the traitor he could no longer cherish in his bosom, on the sacred altar of his country..."***
***- Extract taken from A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
A/N: Dun…dun…duuuuuuuunnnnnnnah! What now? I have a feeling it may not be good! Ooops. Review please! And I thank you very much for reading :)