From: Donna Honeycutt <donnah@pop.uky.edu>
Date: Thu, 25 May 2000 15:45:28 -0400
Subject: New Story - Assignment 1/2
Source: direct

Title - Assignment 1
Author - Donna
Email address - donnah@pop.uky.edu
URL - www.geocities.com/Area51/Quadrant/4571/
Rating - NC-17
Category - MSR
Spoilers - None
Keywords - Alternate universe, MSR
Summary - What if Scully were intertwined with the conspiracy before he met
her?
Feedback - Please 

Disclaimer - Mulder, Scully, the Lone Gunman and Skinner all belong to
Chris Carter, 10-13 and Fox. No infringement intended.

Assignment 1 - Part 1 (PG13) 

He looked around at the hustle and bustle of a kidnap investigation, and tried 
not to show his boredom. It was an important case – prominent attorney, son of a 
state senator, grandson of a former major. But why him? There were enough agents 
here to stuff a mattress. 

He wandered through the house getting the feel of it. Good taste, expensive, old 
antiques – probably family items. Huge master suite, what looked like three 
guestrooms, no children’s rooms. Yeah, the information he’d been given said no 
children, but he was married. Where was she? He headed back downstairs. There 
seemed to be a cluster of people in what was probably referred to as "the 
library." This family could make a ransom. 

There was a woman sitting in the center of the sofa, a redhead. At first his 
thought was that she was composed, but when she lifted her hand to brush her 
hair back he saw the hand was trembling. 

Before he could move forward to join the group around her he felt a hand on his 
shoulder. "What are you doing here?" 

Mulder turned toward the voice. "I was assigned." 

The first agent rolled his eyes and moved away. Mulder made no comment and 
continued toward the sofa. He rounded the furniture and finally saw the woman. 
She didn’t look up at him but he saw for the first time how lovely she was, even 
with the red eyes and nose he saw her beauty. 

"Spooky?" Mulder suppressed a sigh and turned toward the offending agent. "We’re 
pretty sure this isn’t an abduction." 

"Ha ha." He responded with no amusement. "Want to bring me up to date, Jerry?" 

"You taking this one over?" Mulder shrugged and they both stepped away so that 
the woman on the sofa couldn’t hear them. Jerry flipped open his notebook. "Our 
victim is 48, attorney, married, no kids, great pedigree." His eyebrows rose, "You 
know who this guy is?" 

Mulder nodded so he continued, "He was taken in broad daylight outside of his 
office, headed toward his car. They were pros; no one can give a clear 
description of the perps or the car. Apparently they were about as nondescript 
as you can get. 

"She’s no where near 48." He commented. 

"You noticed huh? Yeah, but she’s not just a trophy wife. This one’s got brains; 
she’s a doctor, MD, over at Georgetown. Name’s Dana Scully." 

"She didn’t take his name?" He glanced over at the woman again, intrigued now. 

"Nope, already had a career when they married. Socially she’s Dana Winthrope, 
but she introduced herself to us as Scully." 

"How long have they been married?" 

Jerry glanced at his notes again, "Three years." 

"Okay, I need to talk to the witnesses and I want to see the scene. Was anything 
preserved?" 


"Not much. It’s a public street and it was over before a lot of people realized 
anything was happening." 

"Great." He was more disgusted than ever. Why had Skinner wanted him on this 
case? This wasn’t his thing, yeah, like anyone cared. He ran his hand through 
his hair and looked over at the wife again. She was watching him now. Whatever 
she was seeing didn’t seem to give her much hope. He squared his shoulders and 
approached her. "Dr. Scully?" That drew a slight smile from her lips but didn’t 
reach her eyes. 

"I’m Special Agent Fox Mulder with the FBI. I’ll be handling this case. I want 
you to try not to worry. We’ll do everything possible to find your husband and 
bring him home safely." 

"Thank you." She said faintly. He liked her voice, even under these 
circumstances she sounded strong if not completely in control. 

"I’m going to keep a couple of agents here at the house with you. They’ll be 
here to answer the phone and record any contact we have with the kidnappers. You’re 
going to have to trust us to handle this." 

She nodded and looked down. He found himself wishing she would look at him again. 
Dumb Mulder, he glanced around to see if anyone had noticed her affect on him. 
No, it was okay. He turned and headed for the door, where he gave instructions 
to the assembled agents and motioned for Jerry to follow him outside. 

They headed downtown where Mulder looked over the street and then on up to Stan 
Winthrope’s office. Well, nothing was jumping out at him. The guy was in 
corporate law, not trial, so he shouldn’t have released clients after him, but 
he’d have Jerry make a note to check anyway. After about twenty minutes in the 
office he closed the desk drawer in disgust. This guy was boring. What had she 
seen in him? This just didn’t feel right. He shook his head. 

"Brainstorm Spooky?" 

"Why this guy Jerry? He’s got money but he’s not fabulously wealthy. I want to 
check the family connections." 

"His father?" 

"Yeah." And his wife Mulder added to himself. That marriage didn’t ring true to 
him. He had nothing but a feeling to go on, but that’s usually where he started. 
He’d give the office a little while longer. 

After an hour he called it quits. "Jerry, I need to head back to the house. 
Maybe we’ll find something there." 

"I’m surprised the team hasn’t called." 

"Yeah." Mulder agreed as they moved out. That was strange. Back at the house the 
team had settled in and were playing cards in the kitchen while waiting for a 
call. 

Mulder found himself looking for the wife as soon as he entered the house. She 
was still in the library and he wasn’t sure she had moved since he left. She 
seemed to sense his presence and turned to him. 

"I’m sorry, Dr. Scully, we haven’t learned anything yet." 

"Dana, please. Why haven’t they called?" 


"I don’t know. Do you have any family, anyone you’d like to be here with you?" 

"My sister is here. She’s making me some tea." On cue another redhead entered 
the room carrying a cup of steaming tea. "This is my sister Melissa Scully. 
Missy, this is Agent Mulder." 

"Just Mulder." He nodded to Melissa. Attractive, but not like her sister. He 
couldn’t put his finger on the difference yet, but he would. He turned back to 
Dana, "Could we talk a minute?" 

"Of course. Would you like some tea or coffee?" 

"I’m fine." He followed her back into the library and she was faintly surprised 
to feel his fingers on the small of her back. He seated her and joined her on 
the sofa. "I know you’ve talked to the other agents, but you’ve had a little 
while to think now. Do you know if your husband has any enemies, anyone who 
would want to do something like this?" 

"I can’t think of anything or anyone. I’ve tried, but his clients are all 
corporate, practically financial rather than law, taxes, that kind of thing. His 
friends are mostly partners in the firm or other attorneys here in town, 
government people. Oh, he is in a fraternity, I don't know those men." 

"What kind of fraternity?" 

She smiled slightly, "I don’t know, I used to tease him about it. It’s a ‘secret 
club’ kind of thing, but the few men I have seen are older gentlemen, very 
genteel and sophisticated. I imagine them getting together to drink brandy, 
smoke cigars and discuss world events." 

"How often do they get together?" 

"Not that often, less than once a month. Though they did meet Monday night. I 
was a little surprised, it had only been a week or so since the last meeting." 

"Do you mind your husband going off with the boys like that?" 

"No. He needs his diversions. We live a fairly quiet life. My work schedule can 
make planning hard." 

"No children?" She looked away quickly and he realized his question had caught 
her off guard and upset her. 

"No, we have no children." End of conversation from that tone. What was the 
problem? "Are you sure you don’t want anything Agent Mulder? A sandwich, 
something?" 

Change of subject. Why had that topic shaken her? A lot of people didn’t have 
children. "Have you eaten?" 

She shook her head. He stood then and took her hand, "Why don’t we both get a 
bite." Again she noted his hand on her back, he’d already touched her more than 
her husband usually did, but it was kind of comforting. 

Over turkey sandwiches which the stone-faced housekeeper made and he semi-forced 
her to eat at the dining room table he continued his questioning. "Does your 
husband keep an office here at home?" 

"Yes. The study is his. Stan lived here before we were married, not much has 
changed." 

"I’ve not met your husband, but somehow I don’t think he decorated the library." 

She smiled a little at that. "No, I did take over the library. I just added a 
little color and light. It needed it." 

"Finish your sandwich, then I’ll go through his office, if you don’t mind." 
After eating he left her with her sister and checked on the team, telling them 
where he’d be. 

After about ten minutes he came out looking for Dana. "Do you have the 
combination to your husband’s safe?" 

"Safe? I . . . I didn’t know he had one." 

He was watching her now. What kind of marriage was this anyway? "It’s in the 
floor under his desk. A nice one. I need to get into it, see if there’s anything 
that could help us." 

"Of course. What do we do?" 

"Well if you’re agreeable, we’ll call a locksmith and open it. If we need to get 
a warrant – " 

"No! I can’t think that he would have anything in there that . . . I don’t 
understand why I didn’t know about it." She was staring at her hands now and 
looked more lost than ever. 

"You’re exhausted. Why don’t you go on to bed? We can handle everything down 
here. I promise I’ll let you know if there’s any change." She looked up then and 
after a moment nodded. 

"Thank you." It was a whisper. 

"Is your sister still here?" 

"Yes, she’s already gone up. If you need anything . . . " 

"We’ll be fine. Try to rest." Again he touched her back and it took all of her 
strength not to lean into him. He walked her to the stairs and watched her as 
she made her way up. She looked tiny against the backdrop of the foyer and 
staircase. Once she was out of sight he returned to the office. It was beginning 
to look as though this man had a secret life. Well, that made sense. His public 
one was boring as hell. Was he cheating on her? Down Mulder, that would be her 
business, not yours unless it tied into his disappearance. 

The locksmith arrived almost immediately; at these rates he was more than happy 
to take the job. It was taking longer than Mulder wanted it to. This wasn’t some 
simple little safe and he wondered again just what the man was hiding. Rather 
than hover over the locksmith, Mulder wandered back to the front of the house. 
Why the hell had no one called with a ransom demand? This was really looking 
iffy to him. 

He looked up startled to see her descending the stairs in her robe. "I couldn’t 
sleep. Will I be in the way down here?" 

"Of course not." He walked with her back to the library, obviously her favorite 
room in the house. She sat in the corner of the sofa and tucked her legs up 
under her. She looked like a little kid and he wanted to smile, but managed to 
control it. 

They sat in a comfortable silence. He listened in the background for the 
locksmith. Obviously a tougher job than the guy had imagined. Finally he turned 
to her, "Do you mind talking?" She shook her head and turned slightly toward him. 
"How did you two meet?" 

"Through a mutual friend." 

"There’s quite an age difference." 

She nodded, "Sixteen years. I was just getting out of medical school and his 
pursuit of me was most appealing." 

"I’m sure there were plenty of men pursuing you." She looked up surprised and 
blushed suddenly. "Sorry. What kind of medicine do you practice?" 

"I’m a pathologist." 

"Dead bodies?" 

She chuckled at the look on his face. "You don’t lose nearly as many patients 
that way. Actually I do research and work with the coroner on some cases." 

"Wow. You don’t look the type."

"Sometimes that helps. The big boys don’t expect much, so when I bowl them over 
it makes an impression." Her face sobered, "Why haven’t they called?" 

"I don’t know. Have you been able to contact his family?" 

"Yes, his father and step-mother are in Europe. They’re trying to get back now. 

"Dr. Scully, may I – " 

"Dana, please." 

"You may want to rescind that after my next question." He felt her tense 
slightly, but she didn’t turn away. 

"What?" 

"Are you in love with your husband?" 

"What does that have to do with this investigation?" 

"I have to check into everything Dana." 

"I care for him and I know he cares for me." 

"That’s not what I asked." 

"Ours isn’t a marriage based on passion Agent Mulder. You mentioned the age 
difference yourself. My husband wanted a presentable mate, a good hostess when 
the occasion called for it, someone he could have a stimulating conversation 
with. And it was nice that he was also fond of me." 

"And you’re willing to settle for that?" 

She shrugged, "I suppose I am. I don’t know any different." 

He knew he had to look horrified. "Why? That has to be your choice Dana." 

"I – " 

"Agent, I’ve got the safe open." Mulder came back to the present with a thud and 
had a momentary fantasy of putting a bullet in this guy’s head. "It was a real 
bitch. Excuse me ma’am." He glanced over at Dana. 

Mulder took a steadying breath. "I guess I better check it out." 

"May I . . . I’d be in the way, wouldn’t I?" 

"No. No, you wouldn’t be in the way." But it might be a good thing the subject 
had been changed. The locksmith headed out and the two of them entered the study. 

Mulder donned rubber gloves and opened the safe. He pulled out a large accordion 
file with a band around it. He opened it and carefully withdrew the contents. 
There were ledgers, computer reports, assorted papers and two small sealed 
envelopes. 

"Well, have you ever heard of this Gary Harris?" 

She shook her head. He reached for the first small envelope. He opened it 
carefully and after looking at the contents turned it so that she could see it 
as well. Her gasp was totally spontaneous. Her hand came to her mouth and he saw 
moisture pool in her eyes. What was going on? 

"I don’t know, but it looks like your husband had a secret life." He was looking 
again at the identification documents in his hand. He flipped open the ledger; "It 
looks like you’re quite wealthy." 

"No! That’s not my money. I don’t want it." He glanced back up at her. Her voice 
was verging on hysteria. 

"I’m not trying to get rid of you Dana, but maybe you ought to lie down." 

"I don’t want to be alone." 

"I could get your sister for you." She seemed to shrink in front of him. 

"Could I stay here?" She sounded like a little girl. "I won’t bother you, I 
could sit over there." She pointed to the large leather easy chair near the 
window. 

"Of course." He helped her to the chair. If this was an act she deserved an 
academy award. She curled up in the chair, looking younger than ever. 

He moved back to the desk and began going through the ledger page by page. The 
man was selling something and it must be valuable. These entries were for 
hundreds of thousands of dollars. After a while he looked up, she had drifted 
off in the chair, but it wasn’t restful. She was even lovely without makeup and 
why the hell was he noticing that? She wasn’t his type and she was married, 
maybe not to the world’s best husband, but the one she had chosen. 

He forced his eyes back to the ledger. This was fascinating information, so why 
was he distracted? He shook himself and reached over to warm up the copier. He’d 
lost enough evidence in the past to know what he might need and with whom to 
secure it. 

She drew his attention again, and he realized she was crying. A nightmare 
probably, and no wonder. He rose and moved over to her. "Dana? Dana, wake up." 
When her eyes opened she was totally disoriented. "Its okay. It’s Mulder. You 
were having a bad dream." 

She knew then where she was. "No worse than reality." She accepted the 
handkerchief he held out to her. He couldn’t disagree. 

"They’re not going to call are they?" 

"It’s too early to say that Dana. You can’t give up hope so soon." 

She looked away, for the first time he didn’t sound sincere. She rose from the 
chair and he reached out automatically to steady her. What was it that made him 
want to touch her? 

"I guess I’ll go upstairs." 

"Dana, are you going to be okay?" 

She gave him a sad smile, "I don’t know. I don’t even know my own husband, or if 
he’s still alive." 

"Dana . . . " But she was walking out of the room and didn’t look back. 

It was for the best, he was letting himself get involved. He wasn’t usually 
stupid, at least not that stupid. He packed up the evidence in the envelope in 
which he had found it. The copies he made he slipped into his coat pocket. He 
sealed the study as a crime scene and headed for the kitchen. One agent was 
asleep at the table; the other was reading beside the equipment. 

"I’m going to take some evidence over to the Bureau lab. You have my cell phone, 
call me if anything changes." The younger man nodded and returned to his book. 
Mulder let himself out the front door after one last look up the stairs. 

The lab was sparsely populated this early in the morning, but Mulder ordered 
prints and as much analysis as they could get from the envelope. The 
investigation of the ledger and transactions went to another department. 

He left a short report on Skinner’s voice mail then headed to the place where he 
figured he would find the most help. 

***** 

He knocked again. "Come on guys. Let me in." 

"Jesus, Mulder, do you know what time it is?" 

"Yeah. I need you guys to look this stuff over before anything disappears. I’m 
getting that ‘uh oh’ feeling about it." They let him in at that and while they 
went over the information he’d brought he grabbed a nap on their couch. 

"Mulder, wake up." He roused reluctantly. "Here." 

He took the coffee Frohike thrust at him. After a couple of sips he looked up at 
Frohike. "Yeah?" 

"What kind of weirdo are we investigating?" Mulder’s eyes narrowed. "What the 
hell is black cancer?" 

"Black cancer?" 

"Yeah. This guy’s selling information about it, and a formula for a vaccine. And 
some really funky mechanical schematics." 

"Vaccine? For cancer?’ Byers shrugged. "What else?" 

"Lots. We’re going to be studying this for a while. He’s selling the stuff 
internationally. Big bucks too. You think he queered a deal and someone decided 
to get mad?" 

"I don’t know. It’s not making sense to me yet. I need to get back to the house. 
I’ll check with you later." 

"Hey Mulder, you think your evidence is gonna disappear?" Langly looked up from 
his computer. 

"I can pretty much guarantee it. Be careful." He heard the bolts being thrown 
even as he walked away from the door. It caused a grim smile to appear on his 
face. 

Back at the house not much had changed. There had been no word from the 
kidnappers. He found himself looking for her though he had no information he 
could share. The agents under him gave their reports, which didn't take long. He 
couldn't stretch it out, so he used that as his excuse to look her up. 

She was back in the library and looked smaller than ever. She was dressed and 
just sitting silently with her sister. When he walked in, the look of hope on 
her face caused him to falter. "Dana. Melissa." He nodded to her sister, who 
immediately excused herself. 

"Mulder?" 

"We’re still at a standstill." 

She looked away trying to control her tears. After a moment she brushed them 
away and turned back. "Could you not learn anything from what you found?" 

"Not yet. I don’t want you to give up hope." 

"Hope? I don’t even know who he is." Her fingers were knotted together. "Ahab 
was right." 

"Ahab?" 

"My father." 

"Maybe he should be here with you." 

She didn’t look up; "I haven’t seen my father since I married Stan. He couldn’t 
accept . . . " She shook her head and didn’t continue. 

After a beat he touched her hand. "What about your husband’s parents?" 

"They should be here soon." She didn’t sound all that pleased, but he made no 
comment. 

"I wish . . . I wish there was something I could do." That earned him a sad 
smile and he realized he was squeezing her hand. He reluctantly released her and 
stepped back. "I’ll be in the study with a couple of agents. We’re not giving up." 

"Thanks." She watched him leave the room and realized she felt less safe. 


Assignment 1 - Part 2 (R) 

After an hour or so, Melissa knocked on the door of the study to offer coffee or 
food. The two agents with him accepted. He decided to use the break as an excuse 
to check on her. 

He was approaching her when they heard a disturbance in the entry. She stiffened 
and he automatically took her arm. 

"What’s the meaning of this? I want you out of this house." Mulder and Dana 
could hear his footsteps approaching. He entered the room like a small tornado 
and advanced on Mulder. 

"Are you in charge here?" 

"Yes sir. Special Agent Mulder." He held out his right hand to shake, his ID in 
the left, both were ignored. "I want you and your people out of this house." 
This was a man used to getting his own way. 

"I’m sorry Mr. Winthrope, we’re investigating a kidnapping and–" 

"There’s been no kidnapping. Has a ransom demand been made?" 

"No sir, not yet; however – " 

"My son is just taking a few days off to himself." 

"Excuse me, sir." Mulder countered, "Eyewitnesses saw your son forcibly removed 
from the sidewalk in front of his place of business and placed in a car. A small 
struggle ensued. That is included in our definition of kidnapping, which is 
Bureau jurisdiction." 

The smaller man’s eyes were snapping. He turned on Dana. "Did you call these 
people?" 

"No sir, she did not." Mulder spoke before she could. "The police were alerted 
and they contacted the FBI." Dana chose to remain silent. 

Now the older man seemed to realize his attitude and attempted to assume the 
persona of a politician. That’s when Mulder realized how frightened the man was. 
"Agent Mulder, this has all been blown out of proportion. I’ve been in touch 
with my son and he is perfectly safe." 

Dana’s head came up but still she didn’t speak. Mulder managed not to turn and 
look at her. "That’s very good news sir; however, I would like to speak with Mr. 
Winthrope myself to ascertain that he is not under coercion." Damn, he wasn’t 
usually this politically correct. Was he trying to impress her or just keep 
things from blowing apart? 

"He is unable to speak with you at this time, but the next time he calls I 
assure you I will have him contact you directly. Would that be sufficient?" 

"I’d like to check with my superiors." 

"Fine, fine. Why don’t you do that." Mulder thought for a moment the man was 
going to rub his hands together. He sure was anxious to have everyone out of the 
house. He looked over at Dana who would not meet his eyes. "Go ahead and have 
your men pack up their equipment, I’ll talk to my friends at the Bureau and get 
this all cleared up." He moved past them now, back out into the hall. It would 
have been undignified to run, but he was moving as fast as possible. 

Mulder turned toward Dana. "Do you believe him?" She shook her head but didn’t 
speak. "Me either. Will you be all right?" 

Before she had a chance to respond they heard the roar from the back of the 
house. "What’s the meaning of this!" 

"I think he saw the study." Mulder commented to Dana and was rewarded with a 
slight smile that quickly disappeared. They both headed toward the sound. The 
older Mr. Winthrope was nearly apoplectic. 

"Why has my son’s office been violated?" 

"As part of our kidnap investigation. We had to see if your son had any enemies; 
someone who might have had him abducted." 

"I need to get in there." Mulder dutifully pulled the yellow tape from the door 
and opened the room for him. Mr. Winthrope Senior immediately headed for the 
desk. The sight of the open and empty safe underneath turned his face an 
unhealthy shade of gray. Dana took a step toward him but he waved her away. 

"I need to make some phone calls. Privately." With those words Mulder and Dana 
were dismissed and he turned his back on them. 

Mulder followed Dana from the room and she realized she was disappointed not to 
feel his fingers on her back. She gave herself a mental shake – stupid. But this 
man made her feel safe, safer anyway. 

They headed for the kitchen where he brought the team up to speed and then 
called Skinner. He was unavailable, so he left a message and sat down to wait. 
Dana brought coffee over for the two of them and offered it to everyone. They 
couldn’t talk here, so after a few minutes Dana excused herself to find her step-mother-in-law. 

Mulder’s phone rang as he was watching her walk from the room. "Mulder." 

"You’re to clear out of the Winthrope house Mulder. Apparently this isn’t a 
kidnapping." 

"Do you believe that sir?" There was a slight pause. 

"Those are our orders and they come from above me. I want to see you in my 
office in an hour." 

"Yes sir." Mulder stabbed the end button and pursed his lips. Interesting, damn 
interesting. Everything was packed and out of the house shortly. He couldn’t 
find her to tell her goodbye and that worried him greatly. He didn’t feel at all 
comfortable about leaving her here alone. 

***** 

"Agent Mulder, come in." Skinner opened the office door and led him in. He 
entered and managed not to wave his hand in front of his face to move the 
cigarette smoke around. How did Skinner stand having that creep in his office? 

"I don’t believe Mr. Winthrope. He has not spoken with his son or he wouldn’t 
have cut his trip short." 

"I’m not going to call a former state senator a liar. He doesn’t want us to 
handle this and he has the friends to make it happen. Also, he wants all 
evidence removed from the house returned. He was especially insistent on that 
point. What the hell did you remove?" 

"Mr. Winthrope had a safe hidden under his desk. In it were identification 
documents for a Gary Harris; however the pictures were of our boy Stan." 

Skinner looked at him for a moment. "He had another identity?" 

"Fully documented. And I think his father knew or at least suspected. That’s why 
he doesn’t want us investigating. It’s not going to look good for the family. 
And when the IRS gets involved . . . " Skinner nodded, but they were out of game 
now. 

***** 

Mulder’s own personal investigation did not halt and the information three days 
later of a body discovered drew his attention. It was apparently a middle age 
man, white, but identification was going to be damn difficult. 

He called the house; he’d been wanting to anyway, more than he wanted to admit 
to himself. He didn’t recognize the voice of the person that answered, but his 
visualization of her brought up visions of East Germany. "I’d like to speak with 
Mrs. Winthrope." 

"I’m sorry. She is unavailable." 

"Is she there?" The woman hadn’t even bothered to ask who he was, she was 
unavailable to everyone? He could hear a disturbance in the background, people 
talking, was that her? Voices were raised, then suddenly she was on the phone. 

"Hello?" 

"Dana, is that you?" 

"Yes." There was a pause, "Is this . . .?" He heard the caution in her voice. 

"Yes. Is there a chance I could speak with you?" 

"Yes. I could meet you. Where would be convenient?" He mentioned a coffee shop 
and she agreed. "It may take a little while." 

He was prepared to wait a lot longer than he actually had to. In fact he 
realized he was prepared to wait a very long time. He rose when he saw her enter, 
more pleased than he was willing to admit. 

"Are you doing all right?" She shrugged. "When I got that woman on the phone . . 
. " 

"My watchdog? My father-in-law decided that I was irresponsible and needed a 
keeper."

"Are you kidding?" When had he taken hold of her hand? 

"Not really. She appeared within an hour after you left and has been there ever 
since. I’m not allowed to receive phone calls and she listens in when I make 
them. I’m still on leave from the hospital. I got fed up today and rose up on my 
hind legs." She laughed but he caught the bitter tone. "She may have had me 
followed, so I probably shouldn’t be here long. Was there anything specific you 
wanted?" 

"I wanted to see you. But, yes there is something that has come to my attention 
regarding the investigation." 

"Is anyone still looking for him? I mean, my father-in-law . . ." 

"I didn’t stop completely, just officially." 

"And you’ve found something?" 

"I don’t have good news Dana, but I do think I have news." He hesitated and 
realized that she was now squeezing his hand. He nodded, "A, uh, a body was 
discovered and I think maybe you should . . . " 

"You want me to ID the body?" 

"It won’t be easy." Now he wondered why he had thought to do this. 

"Mulder, it’s what I do, I am a pathologist." 

"Yeah, but . . . This body has been mutilated, that’s why no ID has been done so 
far." 

"Mutilated how?" 

"The hands were removed and . . . the head. There’s been no DNA work ordered 
because he might just be a John Doe, a street person." 

"But you don’t think so. I . . . I see. I’d like to help you. Could we go now, 
before my leash is pulled?" He watched her straighten her spine and his 
admiration grew. He hadn’t exactly asked an easy thing here. 

They left her car and took his to the city morgue. She was actually more 
composed about this than he was. His credentials got them inside and now that he 
was on her turf, followed her in. She donned a gown, mask and gloves and after 
checking with the doctor in charge had the body brought out. 

She had assumed a doctor’s persona that he was unfamiliar with and it impressed 
him. He managed not to flinch when the body was exposed on the metal table. She 
took a deep breath and began her examination. She was quiet and he didn’t want 
to disturb her concentration. This had to be taking more out of her than she was 
letting on – she had lived with the man for three years. 

"Could you help me turn him?" He looked up startled but nodded and immediately 
put on his own rubber gloves. She examined his right shoulder carefully, then 
rolled him back to his original position. 

"It’s him." She spoke quietly, matter-of-factly. 

"How can you be sure?" 

"His shoulder. There’s an abrasion there that at first glance looks like the 
others but is actually more precise. Stan had a birthmark there and it has very 
carefully been excised from the skin. See, the skin has been cut here, not torn? 
You need to go ahead and order the DNA testing, but I’m convinced." 

Mulder nodded, watching her. She tried to hide the fact that her hands were 
shaking as she removed her gloves after covering him. Mulder ordered the tests 
and took her arm to get her out of the place. 

They drove in silence back to the coffee shop and she exited his car quickly to 
head for her own. "Dana, wait please. I don’t think you should be driving yet. 
Let’s get something to drink here and just give you a few more minutes." 

"I should – " 

"You don’t need to face the watchdog right now. Is there anyone you can call?" 

"Do you want me to talk about this?" 

"Maybe to your sister. I’d rather his father not know until we have confirmation. 
The body might vanish if that happens, before the tests can be run." 

"Does that happen to you a lot?" 

"Well, yeah. It happens on some things." 

"Do you think you can find who did this? Have them punished?" 

"The truth. No, whoever did this, if it’s what I think it is, won’t ever be 
prosecuted. Maybe some day I can explain it to you, but not now. I won’t put you 
at risk." 

"Are you at risk?" He enjoyed the note of compassion in her voice. 

"I doubt it. I’m too high profile, but keeping anything I can from the people 
that do this, helps my investigation. This information will eventually be 
published in the media if I time it right." 

"Let me know how I can help." 

"You’ve already done more than you should have. If you need anything I want you 
to call me. If they’re listening in you don’t have to leave a message, just a 
couple of words. I know your voice." That startled her a little, why would he 
know her voice? She decided it was a compliment and smiled. 

"I need to be getting home. I’m okay, really." She responded to the look in his 
eye. "I’ll be watching the papers for information." At that she rose, left him 
in the coffee shop and didn’t look back. 

***** 

He pushed his plate away finished and rose. "Is that all you’re going to eat?" 

"Sorry, I’m not hungry. I think I’ll head on home." 

"You’re not going to stay? What’s going on with you Mulder? You haven’t been 
over in nearly a week and now you’re leaving?" 

"Diana, I’m sorry. I have something on my mind and – " 

"Why don’t you let me help you get it off your mind?" Her hand was on his chest, 
caressing his nipple through his shirt. 

"Diana." He caught her hand and removed it from his chest. 

"I don’t understand you Mulder. This isn’t like you. Is there . . . are you 
seeing someone else?" Her voice sounded tight. 

Mulder looked up startled. Someone else? He shook his head. That wasn’t it. It 
wasn’t, really. Why the hell had she said that? Her eyes had narrowed and she 
was watching him closely now. "No I’m not seeing anyone else. Look, I’ll see you 
tomorrow." 

***** 

That had put an idea in his head. One he realized had been there for a while and 
he had been avoiding. Now it was there and unavoidable. He wasn’t going to try 
calling again, but he knew where she worked. 

It was early afternoon when she heard the tap on her door. "Come in." She didn’t 
look up from her paperwork. It had to be Julie with even more work. 

"Hi." 

The masculine voice startled her. "Agent Mulder?" 

"Yeah. Didn’t mean to startle you. I didn’t want to go through your watchdog 
again so I thought I’d come by." 

She was rapidly regaining her composure outwardly, but her heart was still 
racing at the sight of him. "The watchdog is gone. Well, actually I am. I moved 
out. I have an apartment in Alexandria now." 

"You didn’t want the house?" 

"The estate will be tied up for years since the IRS knows about his ‘other’ 
interests now. I’m just glad we never mingled our finances. If I never see a 
dime it’s fine with me." She smiled then and he couldn’t help but respond. 

"Do you have any news about the case?" 

"What? Oh, no that’s not why I’m here." 

"Oh, another body you need some help with?" 

"Actually I came to see if we could have dinner together tonight." 

"What?" That caught her completely off guard. 

"Yeah, kind of a date if that doesn’t offend you." 

"Uh no, that . . . that would be very nice." The color was high on her face. 

His smile grew wider. "Would seven be okay? I can pick you up or –" 

"What if I meet you. Where are we going?" 

He mentioned a very nice restaurant that she had been to many times with Stan. "Would 
. . ." She looked down, "Would you mind terribly if we went out for pizza 
instead?" 

He put his hand over his heart, "Ah, my kind of woman." She actually laughed at 
that. 

"Okay then, how about Tony’s at seven." 

It was the beginning of a real relationship. He hadn’t been out with anyone he 
cared about in ages and she, of course, hadn’t been out at all. She was the most 
stimulating woman he had ever spent time with. She could hold her own in any 
debate and he did begin mentioning some of his ‘interests’ to her. She was 
fascinated but didn’t mind telling him how wrong she thought he was on some 
occasions. 

Since the death of her husband, a whole new world had opened up to her, both 
pleasant and unpleasant. Her naivete about the way things really worked was 
shaken and she knew he had more experience in that area, but it didn’t seem to 
destroy him as it had her in the beginning. He just seemed to accept that there 
was a dark underbelly on the world and he moved around the fringes of it, trying 
to expose it when it was possible. 

She also knew she was more attracted to him physically than she had thought 
possible. He seemed to be attracted to her as well which puzzled her; she couldn’t 
help but see the women that watched him when they did go out together. The women 
in her own office positively drooled over him if he stopped by. He could have 
any woman he wanted, undoubtedly several a night if he were so inclined, why 
spend time with her? 

She still remembered the first good night kiss he’d given her and how surprised 
she had been to realize they were really dating. He hadn’t tried to go any 
farther which both relieved and disappointed her. 

***** 

"Dana? Hi, would I be taking you for granted if I assumed you would see me 
tonight?" 

She laughed lightly, "No, but it does make my date book look a little thin." 

"Good." He stated it emphatically and her smile grew. At least he couldn’t see 
it. "I’ll pick you up at seven, okay?" 

"I’m looking forward to it. Oops, gotta go. Later." And she hung up. He was 
still smiling half an hour later when Skinner tapped on his door. 

"Aliens land and you’re vindicated?" Skinner asked. 


"What?" He looked over at Skinner puzzled. 

"I don’t think I’ve ever seen you look that pleased before. Do you know the 
secrets of the universe now?" 

"Maybe I’m beginning to get a glimpse. What can I do for you?" 

"Agent Fowley has a case she wants your assistance on. She went through channels 
to request your assignment. What?" 

"Nothing." He had tried to keep his expression bland, obviously it hadn’t worked. 
"What’s the case?" Skinner handed him a folder and waited. After a minute he 
glanced up, "Well it could be an X-file. How did Diana get it?" 

"I don’t know, but I’m curious myself. Keep me updated on this. By the way, you 
changed the subject, gonna tell me what has you in such a good mood?" 

Mulder just grinned at him and he finally turned to leave, smiling himself. 
Mulder shoved the folder aside; he’d look at it later. He didn’t want to spoil 
his mood and he was not giving up his weekend no matter what the case was. That 
surprised him, since when had a social engagement been more important than work? 

Dana met him at her door in jeans and a sweater, he smiled broadly, she picked 
up on his thoughts so well. "Would you mind if we didn’t go out tonight? I 
thought I could cook and we could just stay in and I could leave my shoes off." 

"Umm, think I’ll be safe?" He leered down at her. 

"We could leave the door cracked if you like." She responded with a smile. 

"No way!" He had draped his jacket over the chair. "Long day?" 

"Yeah and too many cases." 

"Are you sure you want to cook? We could order in." 

"It’s already in the oven, hope you like lasagna." She turned back toward the 
kitchen. She was even smaller without the heels. He followed and reached above 
her as she stretched to get the plates from an upper cabinet. 

"These?" He was looming over her, much too close if it had been anyone else. Why 
didn’t his proximity bother her? "Dana?" 

"Oh, yes. Those would be fine." 

She opened the wine and they ate leisurely in the kitchen, then moved to the 
living room with more wine. He was very relaxed and enjoying watching her. He 
realized his eyes were locked on her lips. They were moving, she was speaking, 
but he wasn’t hearing her. Those lips – he needed to taste those lips. Her voice 
trailed off, she knew he wasn’t listening anymore. He was moving toward her and 
her eyes were locked on his lips as well. This was different; this wasn’t a 
goodnight kiss. This was . . . and then they were together. His lips pressing 
their advantage when she offered no protest, in fact, seemed to be enjoying 
herself. 

His hands were on her now, pulling her closer, molding her body to his. He noted 
the quickening of her breath, the rapidity of her pulse now that he had moved on 
to her neck. Her hands were pressing into the muscles of his back and he knew a 
moment of regret at the fabric that separated them. 

"Mulder," she managed to gasp out as his thumb brushed her nipple. "We’d be more 
comfortable, oh god, more comfortable in the bedroom." She managed to get out. 
He nodded; he’d never wanted anyone more. 


Assignment 1 - Part 3 (NC-17) 

He followed her into her bedroom, his heart pounding. She turned then and looked 
up at him, completely open to whatever he wanted. He brushed a knuckle along her 
cheekbone. "Dana?" 

She nodded and he reached for the hem of her sweater. He gently removed it and 
looked at the creamy skin covered by the white lace. Front hook, his eyes smiled 
and he carefully unfastened it. His breath caught at the sight, better than he 
had imagined. His thumbs outlined the rosy aureole. He couldn’t wait; his tongue 
encircled the nipple then his lips closed over it. She gasped, finally 
remembering to breathe. His hands were molding her back and holding her to him. 

More, he wanted more. His fingers were now undoing the button on her slacks and 
lowering them to her feet. Her hand went to his shoulder as she lifted her leg, 
first one then the other so that he could remove them. The scrap of silk still 
covering her was damp. He made short work of it and she stood before him nude. 
She was breathing deeply, which he was appreciating fully. 

"Mu . . . Mulder?" Her voice trembled ever so slightly, but she couldn’t look 
away from him. 

"You’re incredible, you must know that." 

She said nothing, the color high on her cheeks. He pulled his own sweater off 
and her shaking hand came up to touch his chest gently. His sex rose to an even 
higher state of arousal, her eyes flicked down and immediately back up. His 
slacks were ineffective in disguising his anatomy now. 

"Are you okay?" She nodded slightly. He moved her to the bed and lay her down on 
it. He looked at her for a moment then discarded his own slacks and boxers. Her 
eyes widened and her face lost color. "It’s okay Dana. You’re in charge here. 
Nothing’s going to happen until you’re ready. You understand that, don’t you?" 

"Yes." She whispered to him. 

He lay beside her then and began kissing her, her lips, her body, until she 
began to relax and then respond. Her own hands began exploring his body now, 
tentatively at first, then with more assurance. 

His hand brushed her damp curls and then spread her thighs slightly, bringing 
his fingers to her moist cleft. She tensed slightly and he withdrew, "No, please 
don’t stop. Mulder please." 

"You’re sure?" She nodded and drew his hand back to her body. After a moment he 
began his exploration again. His long fingers teasing, bringing her closer and 
closer to the edge. She thought she would lose her mind. When he finally pressed 
against that bundle of nerves she gasped and her whole body tightened and began 
convulsing around his fingers. When she began to relax and breathe again, he 
gentled her. She finally opened her eyes and looked up at him. 

"I never . . . I didn’t . . ." 

He looked at her with wonder. "You’ve never . . .?" 

She shook her head, still unable to speak. 

"Oh Dana." He pulled her close, letting her come back to herself at her own pace. 
How could her husband not have shown her this pleasure? She was made for love 
and loving. That fool had nearly destroyed her. If he hadn’t already been dead, 
Mulder would have been tempted to do him in himself. 

She was reaching for him now, her fingers around his shaft. Her touch was almost 
more than he could take and he groaned. She marveled that her touch could bring 
him to this point and brushed the tip of him against her. He accepted the 
invitation entering her slowly. 

The barrier stunned him back to his senses and he withdrew quickly. "Mulder?" 

"Dana, are you . . . you’ve never . . . are you a virgin?" He hadn’t stuttered 
during sex in over twenty years, he was that taken aback. 

"Mulder, please." 

"We don’t have to . . . " His mind was reeling. He’d barely believed she had 
never orgasmed, but this. What kind of man had she been married to? 

"Please." 

She wanted this? She wanted him? She moved closer to him, taking hold of him 
again. "Please Mulder." She repeated again. He kissed his name from her lips and 
again entered her, penetrating that barrier quickly, holding her as she gasped. 

"Are you okay?" She nodded pulling closer yet. He began the slow rhythm of the 
ancient dance and she joined him moving as though they had always done this 
together. 

She was so hot, hot and tight. No one before him, no one, the thought kept 
coming to him. He was close, damn close so he again stimulated that hot bundle 
of nerves at her core and was rewarded with the convulsing of her body within 
his arms. He thrust again, once, twice and then he too was convulsing, crying 
out her name as her body milked him of every drop. 

He managed to roll to the side before collapsing. Crushing her would be bad form, 
but he was drained in more ways than one. He felt her arms go around him, 
cradling him as he had her earlier, planting small kisses on his forehead and 
hair. 

"Are you okay?" She finally asked. 

"I don’t think I’ve ever been better in my whole life. How about you?" She 
blushed but her eyes were shining. "Come here." He tucked her in next to him and 
lightly massaged her back. "Sleep, Sweetheart. I’ve got you." 

She did, relaxing within his arms and allowing him complete control, feeling 
safer than she could ever remember feeling. 

She woke to daylight, his arms around her, his face smiling down at her. "Good 
morning. Did you sleep well?" 

"Very well, you?" 

"I didn’t sleep. I wanted to watch you." 

"Watch me?" 

"Yes. Do you have any idea how beautiful you are?" 

"You want me again." She sounded amazed. 


"Yes. I think that’s going to be a constant from now on." He was already 
stroking her, bringing her back to the state she had discovered last night for 
the first time. She realized she was craving his body too. That thought 
enthralled her as his body covered hers again. 

She hadn’t known, she had avoided knowing what she was missing. She wasn’t 
missing anything now as she cradled his shuddering body in her arms. "God, Dana. 
I . . . " 

"Rest Mulder. Just rest here." He nodded, his lips against her breasts and gave 
himself up to sleep. She pulled the sheet up over them, even though covering his 
body from her sight seemed somehow wrong. She didn’t want him to get chilled, 
but from the heat radiating from him that shouldn’t be a worry. He nuzzled his 
face into her breasts enjoying her body even as his own surrendered from 
consciousness. 

Now she understood what he had meant, watching her. She could observe him 
without self-consciousness, admire the lines of his body, that incredible lower 
lip. She felt like a kid in a candy store. So this is what her friends had meant 
by ‘eye-candy’. 

She lay there holding him, feeling the weight and warmth of him, thoroughly 
enjoying herself. She drifted off into memories of last night, blushing even 
though there was no one to see. 

She was startled back to the present when he jerked in her arms. "No, damn it, 
no!" He was struggling now, not hurting her but definitely restless. "No." When 
she saw the tears in his eyes she held him tighter. 

"Mulder, wake up. It’s okay, please. It’s Dana, I’m here and you’re just having 
a bad dream." 

"Dana?" He was waking, but obviously not awake. "No, oh god, what was I thinking?" 
He pulled away from her arms now, leaving the bed. "This was a mistake Dana. 
This never should have happened. I, I want you to forget – " He was reaching for 
his boxers, as though racing to leave her presence. 

"What?" It was a whisper, but as her shock grew into anger her voice returned. "A 
mistake? That’s what this was to you? I see, this was a game to you, wasn’t it?" 
Her nudity forgotten she stood now, her back straight, her eyes snapping. "Well 
congratulations, you scored with the poor little virgin, now you can just leave 
and ‘forget’ all about it. Is that how you do it? Is that how you entice all the 
women to your bed? Fine. Get out." 

He stood there now, finally looking at her, stunned. She’d misunderstood, what 
had he said? It was like she’d become a different person. 

"Dana, no, that’s not what I – " 

"I said get out." She hadn’t even reached for anything to cover herself. 

"I’ve put you in danger Dana." When she didn’t respond he continued, "They’ll 
find out about us." 

"Don’t worry about that. I don’t plan to talk about this, ever. I believe I’ve 
asked you to leave. Do I need to call the police?" 

He approached her now and she took one step back, away from him. It was as 
though he’d been stabbed with an ice pick. He sank down onto her bed and her 
eyes narrowed. He was looking at the floor now, not facing her. 

"I dreamed they did to you what they did to him. It was you on that slab with no 
hands, no . . . " He looked up again, "They could, they could kill you thinking 
that you know more than you do, that you’re telling me things." 

She hesitated a moment, "Then I guess it’s a good thing you’re not responsible 
for me." Her voice was icy. 

"But I am, I’m the one that’s put you in danger, by falling in love with you." 
Her eyes widened, but she made no comment. "You weren’t the only virgin here 
last night Dana. You might not have had physical love before, but I’d never had 
emotional love. What have I done to you? How can I ever keep you safe?" 

"What . . . what are you talking about?" She had moved farther from the bed, but 
at least she was listening. 

"I haven’t told you about my work, not really. I’ve glossed over most of it. I 
didn’t realize where this was going; or I refused to see. I don’t date 
intelligent women Dana; I’ve been so good about never getting involved. You 
blindsided me, the one woman they would care about me seeing and I go and fall 
in love with you." 

"Stop saying that." 

"What? That I’m in love with you? I believe in the truth Dana, and that’s the 
truth. But seeing you, like that . . . " 

"Like what?" She hadn’t moved any closer, but she hadn’t left the room. 

He shuddered, "Like Stan. You don’t know what he was involved with, that kept 
you safe from them. But being with me, they’ll start to suspect you know more 
than you do. You’re in more danger now than you ever were with him." 

"You don’t have to go through this act to dump me Mulder. I’m an adult. I might 
not be very experienced but – " 

"Dump you! Damnit, have you heard anything I said?" 

"Yes. I heard every word. Are you ready to leave now?" He buried his face in his 
hands. 

"Maybe you’re right. I should leave." He heaved himself up off the bed and made 
his way to where his clothes had fallen last night. She remembered her own 
nudity then and turned to her closet. She pulled her robe out and put it on. She 
felt as though her body were made of lead, that she was avoiding feeling 
anything. She’d shatter if she allowed herself to feel. 

He was dressed now. He turned to look at her. "I’m not going to ask for your 
forgiveness, I don’t deserve it. I never will. But I am sorry." He shook his 
head and started to say something else, instead he turned and she heard him let 
himself out of the apartment. 

She allowed herself to slip down to the floor, beyond crying. 

He sat is his car, no energy to even place the key in the ignition. He looked 
around trying to figure out a reason to keep moving. His eye caught the file 
Skinner had given him earlier. Work, yeah he had to work. 

He glanced back at her apartment one more time then started the car. Once home 
he showered and changed, then sank onto his couch and forced himself to open the 
file. He couldn’t work up any enthusiasm, but he managed to read it. What the 
hell? He picked up the phone and dialed Diana. 

"Where have you been? I’ve been trying to reach you since yesterday afternoon." 

"I was busy. What’s the deal on this case?" 

She brought him up to date and he tried to listen. Finally he interrupted her. "Are 
we going out there?" 

"Well yes. I think we should." 

"Fine. What time?" 

"Are you okay?" She countered; he didn’t sound like himself at all. 

"Sure. Just give me the details." She hesitated a minute, something was 
definitely wrong with him and she needed to find out what. That would be easier 
to do out of town. She gave him the flight information and agreed to meet him at 
the airport. 

He didn’t even look like himself at the airport. Her first impulse was to take 
his hand but he moved away when she tried to get close to him. Once seated, he 
closed his eyes and leaned back, obviously rejecting the notion of conversation. 

It didn’t get any better. He was barely communicative, short, nearly hostile 
with her. At her suggestion that she keep him company that night to make him 
feel better, the expression on his face actually drove her back a couple of 
steps. And he hadn’t said a word. 

He managed to maintain a professional attitude when talking with the local 
authorities but it was taking all of his strength not to punch the yokels out. 
This was no X-file; hell it wasn’t even a case. Why had she even sent him this 
file? He had nearly worked up the energy to ask her about it but decided to 
check in with Skinner first. It would be bad form to attack her. 

"Skinner." 

"It’s Mulder, I wanted you to know I think this is a waste of time." 

"I see." There was a slight pause. "Are you okay Mulder?" 

"Fine. I’m thinking of dropping this back into local hands and clearing out." 

"Does Fowley agree with you?" 

"I haven’t discussed it with her. I thought I’d work through you since the 
request for my assistance came from you officially." 

"I have to trust your judgment on this Mulder. If it’s not a case, come on in." 

"Thanks, I’ll be in the office tomorrow." 

"Okay. By the way, remember the Winthrope case?" 

Just the name sent his blood pressure up several notches. "Yeah." 

"Well, it almost happened again. The wife was attacked, but they didn’t take her. 
She wouldn’t let them, put up quite a struggle. It was almost as though she was 
ready for them. She was definitely on the ball and caught them off-guard." 

If he hadn’t been seated already he would have been on the floor. As it was he 
was having trouble finding his voice. "Is she okay?" 

"A little beat up, the hospital didn’t keep her. Just thought you’d be 
interested. She’s a savvy woman for a little thing." 

"Yeah. Yeah, she is. I’ll be in tomorrow." He broke the connection. Skinner 
saying she was okay wasn’t enough. Should he call her? No, he had to see her; it 
was too late to protect her with his absence. He had to see her. He was already 
throwing things into his suitcase; he’d seen a cab at the office on his way in. 
Was it still there? 

He was out of the room in less than five minutes and managed to catch the cab, 
leaving the rental car for Diana. He didn’t even feel guilt at not advising her 
of his departure, in fact, he didn’t think of it at all. 

It was late when he pulled up in front of her apartment. She probably wouldn’t 
want to see him but it didn’t matter. He had to know she was really okay, then 
he’d watch from here in the car to make certain she wasn’t bothered during the 
night. He’d have to make better arrangements tomorrow but for now it was all he 
had. 

After taking a deep breath he got out of the car. It felt like years since he’d 
seen her rather than 48 hours. He found himself wondering how he’d managed to 
stay away this long. 

He hesitated at her door, but he was here and he had to see her. He knocked and 
waited. She’d look through the peephole, but would she open the door? 

It did open but the woman standing there was Melissa. Good, she wasn’t alone. "Agent 
Mulder?" 

"Yes. I heard what happened this afternoon. May I see Dana?" 

"Of course." She moved aside. Well obviously Dana hadn’t brought her up to date 
on their ‘situation’. Was she too mortified to even talk to her own sister? 
Shame engulfed him again. 

"Missy?" He heard Dana call from the bedroom. "Is everything okay?" 

"You have company Dana. It’s Agent Mulder." Dead silence from the bedroom. 
Mulder didn’t bother to look at Melissa. After a moment she turned back to him. 
"Maybe she didn’t hear me. I’ll go check." 

"I heard you Missy." Dana had entered the living room quietly. She had a bruise 
on her face and was limping slightly, but she was alive, she was here. He 
managed to take a breath. 

"I . . . I heard about . . ." She just looked at him, not responding. 

Melissa, sensing the tension, turned to Dana. "Look, if Agent Mulder is going to 
be here for a few minutes, I could run out now and pick up the stuff you wanted." 

Dana’s head went up as though to protest her leaving them alone, but then she 
relaxed her shoulders. "Fine." 

"I won’t be long. Did you think of anything else you needed?" 

"No, it’ll be fine." Melissa’s eyes went back and forth between them; then she 
shrugged and picked up her purse. You could cut the tension with a knife. As 
easy as he was to look at, she didn’t want to hang around right now. 

They were silent after she left, not moving; she didn’t offer him a seat. 
Finally he couldn’t stand it. 

"Are you really all right?" 

"Why do you care?" 

"Damn it Dana!" That galvanized him to take a step toward her, but she stepped 
back away from him. "This is what I was afraid of. I said they’d come after you 
if they knew I cared. I was right, wasn’t I?" 

"We don’t know that." 

"We don’t? Your family experience a lot of kidnappings?" She blushed slightly at 
that. 

"It’s been weeks. Why couldn’t it have been a coincidence?" 

"It’s the first time I’ve gone out of town since we starting seeing each other." 
His eyes widened. "Oh my god." 

"What?" 

"She got me out of town. That why the case was so bogus. She’s part of it." 

Dana had mentally flinched each time he’d said the word ‘she’. She hated asking, 
but it slipped out before she could stop it. "Who?" 

"Diana Fowley. We’ve done some work together on the X-Files. Those cases where 
things disappeared." She didn’t speak, he was obviously far away right now, 
thinking. 

They both heard the door opening and before she could react he was in front of 
her, shielding her, his gun already drawn. "I forgot to get my – " Melissa froze 
as she looked at them. His gun was now pointed at the ceiling and he took a 
shaking breath. 

"Sorry about that. I thought . . . nevermind. I’m sorry." 

"Yeah, its, its okay. I just wanted to get my other bag. I’ll knock when I get 
back." She had grabbed the plastic bag from beside the door and was gone again. 

He stepped away from her then, though she had not moved from him, holstering his 
gun. "Why did you do that?" 

"I thought it might be someone . . . Look, as soon as she gets back I’ll go out 
to the car and keep watch from there." 

"Keep watch? What are you talking about?" 

"I’m not comfortable with only your sister here as protection. I’ll keep an eye 
on the place until morning, then I can arrange for more security." 

"You don’t have to do – " 

"Yes, I do. This is all my fault. They’re after you because of me, just like I 
said they’d be." 

"You . . .you were serious. That’s why you left that morning?" She looked up at 
him wondering, was it really true? 

"Trying to save your life is the only thing that got me out of here. I couldn’t 
save the only other person I’ve ever cared about. They get you over my dead body." 

She was looking deep into his eyes now, trying to read what was there. He didn’t 
look away, allowing her scrutiny, hell savoring it because he could look at her 
as well. 

She took a deep breath. "You were telling the truth." 

He nodded, afraid to speak. 

"Who did you lose?" She steeled herself to hear the words former lover, wife, 
whatever. 

"My sister." He spoke in a whisper. She saw the pain in his eyes. He’d never 
mentioned a sister; he didn’t mention his family at all come to think of it. 

"Will you tell me about it?" The softening in her stance was noticed immediately. 
She motioned him toward the couch and after he sat, took a seat herself as far 
from him as she could on the same furniture. 

She watched him as he talked, the pain, the frustration, the guilt poured out of 
him. She didn’t interrupt with questions, just letting him get it all out. 

He finally ran down, more from exhaustion than ending the story. There was no 
resolution to this. "Anyway, I joined the FBI and the first thing I did was pull 
her file. They did a half-ass job and now so many years have gone by . . . " 

"I’m sorry Mulder." Her posture was softer and she was leaning slightly toward 
him instead of the stiffness she’d displayed when they first sat down. 

He shook his head and rose. He began pacing then, unable to sit still. "I’m not 
comfortable with you staying here tonight. You’re on the ground floor, two doors, 
and accessible windows. I can’t secure this place alone." 

"Mulder – " 

"They’ve already proven they’ll do it. They’ll be better prepared next time. You 
caught them off guard by fighting back, you don’t look like the kind of woman 
that would." 

"You want me to check into a hotel?" 

"What about my place?" She stiffened immediately and drew back on the couch. "Wait, 
this is not a come on Dana. I swear. I know I’ve killed that part of you for me. 
My place is on the fourth floor, one door, no one would know you were there, and 
I know the layout with my eyes closed. Your sister could come too. The two of 
you can have the bedroom and I’ll sleep on the couch. I just, I don’t want . . . 
" His voice trailed off and she still sat silent. 

"You’re that concerned about this?" 

"You’ve got no reason to trust me, I know that. But you’re part of me Dana and I 
can’t go through that again. It cost me most of my sanity the first time. There’s 
no telling what would be left if you were taken." 

She swallowed hard, he was either a very good actor or . . . or he did love her. 
She wasn’t sure which scared her more. 


Assignment 1 - Part 4 (R) 

She swallowed hard, he was either a very good actor or . . . or he did love her. 
She wasn’t sure which scared her more. 

"Dana?" 

"I’ll come to your place. Missy had other plans anyway. This would free her to 
do that. I’ll get a few things together." She rose from the couch and 
disappeared into her bedroom. He just stood there, too relieved and stunned to 
comment. 

Melissa knocked quite loudly on the door when she returned and Mulder opened it 
with a sheepish grin. "I suppose I should be glad you’re this protective of my 
sister, right?" 

"Absolutely." He watched her take the bag on into Dana’s bedroom. Her expression 
when she emerged was more than a little bemused but she made no comment until 
she reached the door. 

"Don’t hurt her." And she was out the door before he could comment. He was still 
figuring out what he should say to that when Dana returned to the living room. 

She was carrying an overnight bag; ready to go off with him despite how he had 
treated her. He felt humbled by her; she wasn’t the type of woman he was 
accustomed to. "I’m ready." 

"We have to do a few things first." Her voice bringing him back to the present. 
"I want to leave the lights on and find an all-talk radio station." She 
obediently went to her stereo and manipulated the dials while he adjusted the 
lights in the apartment to his satisfaction. He returned to the living room and 
bent down, removing his second gun from his ankle holster. 

"Have you ever shot a gun?" 

"No, not like this. I used a BB gun as a child." 

"Well, this one’s simple." He released the safety and ratcheted a bullet into 
the chamber. Then he handed it to her. 

She stepped back. "Why?" 

"I have to leave you alone for a few minutes. I don’t want you going out the 
front door. They’ll know you’re gone then. I want to move my car like I’m 
leaving. I’ll make sure I’m not followed and pull into the service alley. If you’ll 
let me have a key to your back door, I’ll let myself in and get you out of here." 

"Mulder, I – " 

"Listen, this is the best way. Your sister’s gone for the evening and I won’t be 
coming back to the front door. Don’t answer it, no matter who comes to the door. 
Don’t even be in line of fire from it." 

"Are you trying to scare me?" 

"If it will keep you alive, yes. Can I have the key?" He held out his hand. She 
reached into her purse, took out her ring of keys and handed it to him. "No, 
just the key to the back door. You keep your car key. If anything happens to me, 
you take off, go to this address." He handed her a scrap of paper. "They can 
protect you." 

Her hand was shaking as she reached for the paper. "Do you think something’s 
going to happen to you?" 


"No. But I want you safe regardless. These guys are more paranoid than I am. 
They’ll find a place to hide you for as long as necessary. I trust them." 

She nodded slowly and he motioned her away from the door, then let himself out. 
She tensed, expecting gunfire. How the hell had she gotten herself into 
something like this? 

Since she wasn’t allowed to get near the windows or doors, she finally settled 
at the kitchen table. She felt the paper crackle in her coat pocket and pulled 
it back out, memorizing the address. How long had he wanted her to wait for him? 
Probably not all night, he hadn’t wanted her to be alone. Who were these guys he 
was entrusting her to if anything . . . no, don’t even think it. 

The next eighteen minutes were the longest of her life. When she heard the key 
in the door she jerked to her feet, the gun in her hand, pointed at the backdoor. 
He let himself in and stopped at the sight of her, holding his hands out from 
his sides. "Dana?" 

She let her arm fall back to her side. The gun slipped out of her hand and onto 
the table. Then she threw her arms around him. His hesitation was minimal, and 
his arms encircled her as well. When she got her breathing back under control 
she stepped back and he allowed it. 

"I’m sorry, I – " She didn’t look up at him. 

"Don’t ever be sorry for that." He was already struggling not to pull her back 
against him. "We need to get out of here. You have everything?" She nodded. "Okay, 
put the gun in your pocket, but keep your hand on it. When we get to the car, 
you’re getting in the back and lying down, out of sight. I’m the only one I want 
anyone to see in the car." She nodded again and he took her arm with his free 
hand, his gun drawn. 

He sped away even as she was closing her door and it was several minutes before 
he spoke. "Are you okay?" Even now he didn’t turn to look. 

"I’m fine. Do you see anyone?" 

"No, but I’m not willing to trust myself alone." 

She decided not to respond to that, just remaining silent. The trip wasn’t that 
long, at least it didn’t seem that way after the wait back at her apartment. 

They slipped into his building again through the back and he escorted her to the 
apartment. He let her in and locked the door behind them. She stood in the entry 
looking around. 

"Not much to look at, is it?" He stood behind her, observing her. 

"Well, it’s not what I expected." 

She realized he was looking down at her now, standing much too close, but she 
didn’t move away. "What were you expecting? A mirrored ball in the living room, 
leather and chains?" 

"Yeah, I guess something like that." 

He gave a mirthless chuckle, "No. In fact, I believe you’re the first woman I’ve 
ever brought here." 

At that she looked up at him, startled. He shrugged and moved past her to take 
her suitcase into the bedroom. She followed in time to see him gathering clothes 
up from the chair and floor. "Sorry, I wasn’t exactly expecting company." 

"If it’s too much trouble having me here – " 

"No! I mean, no, its not too much trouble. I should keep the place up better 
anyway. I just don’t spend a lot of time here." He leaned over and began 
stripping the bed. 

"I can do that." 

"It’s okay. They’re probably clean, just dusty. I usually sleep on the couch." 

"Why?" She was watching him now. Here was the only man she’d ever slept with and 
she was learning more about him standing here than making love with him. 

Again he shrugged, "It’s just easier and I usually fall asleep to the TV if I 
sleep at all." 

She decided not to push, they weren’t involved any longer and it was none of her 
business. She took her side of the sheet and helped remake the bed. 

When they were finished he straightened up, "Well, I guess you’re tired. The 
bathroom is through there. I’ll . . . I‘ll see you in the morning. Keep the gun 
by the bed, okay?" 

She nodded and waited for him to leave the room before easing herself down on 
the bed. What an incredible twenty-four hours. She was still reeling from the 
fact that she had actually fought off her attackers, thanks mostly to the 
paranoia he had placed in her mind and now she had left her home under cover of 
darkness and was hiding out – with him. 

Dana pulled out her nightgown. She’d wanted to bring pajamas but they were in 
the dirty clothes and she couldn’t take them out and bring them here. Well, it 
wasn’t really a provocative gown; not that he would see it anyway. Stan had 
liked the provocative lingerie, not that it mattered in the long run, but he’d 
bought her enough of it. She shook her head to rid herself of thoughts of him. 
She was tired, at least emotionally; bed was probably the best thing. 

She jerked awake at the sound. What? Where was she? Before panic could take a 
firm hold she remembered, Mulder’s apartment. But what was the noise? She 
reached for the gun on the bedside table and rose. Was he in trouble? Had they 
come for her? 

She eased the door open, the gun in her hand. He was on the couch but she didn’t 
see anyone else. The TV was on, she could see the light flickering, but that 
wasn’t the sound that had woken her. That was only white noise. Then she heard 
it again, it was him, moaning, fighting something. 

Just to make sure she glanced over at the door. The chain was still on and it 
was the only door. They were four flights up. Dana laid her gun on the table and 
moved closer to him, "No, no!" 

"Mulder wake up." He didn’t hear her; he was listening to something else. She 
moved closer still. He was becoming more agitated. The afghan covering him had 
slipped to the floor. He was wearing boxers and a t-shirt, but she was 
remembering him nude. She shook her head, that was over. Hadn’t she been duped 
by him, slept with him and then he had bolted with that stupid story that being 
with him put her in danger. 

But he’d been right, she had been in danger. Was in danger. They’d tried to take 
her like they had Stan and he was dead. Stan had crossed them, sold information 
about them. She had done neither. 

"No . . . Dana . . . don’t . . . no." 

That decided her, whatever it was she was part of his nightmare. "Mulder." She 
placed her hand on his chest. He jerked awake lunging for his gun. "Mulder, it’s 
me. You were dreaming." 

He fell back, his hands over his eyes. "I could have killed you. Don’t – " 

"You were calling out my name." 

He didn’t comment, looking away from her now. His eyes were forced back to her 
when she sat down on the edge of the couch and rested her hand on his stomach. 
His physical response was beyond his control though she seemed to take no notice. 

"I wasn’t just a conquest, a one-night stand." 

"No!" He managed to get out, though it sounded more like a growl. 

"What surprised me the most," she continued as though he hadn’t spoken, "is that 
even through my anger and humiliation, I still craved your body. I’d say right 
now that the same is true of you." 

"Dana – " 

"You said you loved me." 

"I do." 

"But you don’t want to be with me." 

"I want to be with you, but I didn’t want to put you in danger. That’s a moot 
point now. You’re already in danger and it’s my fault. They found out we were 
together, and they got me out of town to make their move. I’m back and I’m going 
to keep you safe. I’m going to teach you how to look after yourself too. You’re 
going to learn to shoot, learn hand to hand combat, learn to drive aggressively. 
You’ve got to be ready. If anything happens to me – " her hand seemed to clutch 
at his skin at those words. "Dana?" 

"I don’t want anything to happen to you. Is being with me putting you in the 
same danger you say I’m in?" 

"I’ve been in danger a long time, I guess I’m used to it. When you don’t care 
about anyone it doesn’t really matter." 

"Are we going to be killed?" 

"I’m not going to let them have you, I told you. I’ll do whatever it takes to 
keep you safe." 

"I’d feel safe in here with you." 

"What?" He could not have heard those words, not those. 

"That night, in your arms, I never felt safer." He just looked at her; too 
stunned, too hopeful to make a sound. "Mulder?" 

"I . . . I hurt you." 

"I know what you did. I understand it now. I want you to teach me those things, 
like you taught me a couple of nights ago. I want to learn more about that too." 

"Dana – " She leaned forward, her breasts pressing against his chest as her lips 
pressed against his. "What are you . . . " 

"I have no experience seducing a man, if I’m doing this wrong– " 

"Not wrong, never wrong. Dana are you sure about this? I can’t push you; I can’t 
even ask you . . . " Her lips took the rest of his words. Her hand moved down 
from his stomach and he moaned as he caught it, stopping her. "I don’t deserve 
you." 

"We seem kind of intertwined now, don’t you think? 

"I want you Dana, you know I want you, but how can I even – "

"Shut up and kiss me Agent Mulder. It’s my decision and I’ve made it." Her hand 
closed around his inner thigh and all of his good intentions vanished. His hand 
now on the back of her head, pressing her lips closer to his. 

He broke away a few minutes later. "The bed would be more comfortable." 

"No. I want to stay here, where you sleep. It’s what you really want." He 
blinked, how did she know that fantasy? He’d wanted to be here with her since 
they . . . he groaned again, she didn’t need any further tutoring as far as he 
was concerned. 

***** 

They were both in the kitchen, attempting to prepare something to eat from the 
supplies on hand. It was becoming comical. He heard his cell phone and retreated 
gratefully from the fray, dusting his hands. 

"Get out Mulder, get out now!" 


Assignment 2 - Part 1 

"Get out Mulder, get out now!" Byers’ voice sent a jolt of adrenaline through 
his body. He didn’t bother to acknowledge the warning, turning back to the 
kitchen and grabbing her arm. 

"Get on your shoes, we’ve got to get out of here." 

"What?" She was just standing there, staring at him. 

"Now! They’re on to us. We have to leave!" He was pulling her toward the living 
room. Whatever he was talking about he was nearly frantic and he’d been right 
every other time. She spotted her shoes and began shoving them on. He had left 
her side and was in the bedroom. He emerged seconds later carrying her overnight 
case. "Come on!" 

They were out the door, not bothering with the elevator. He was practically 
pulling her on the way to the car. He opened the back door and threw her 
suitcase in as she scrambled into the front. He peeled off and she hung on, seat 
belts hanging loose, forgotten at their sides. 

She wanted desperately to ask what was going on, but all of his attention was on 
driving and at this speed, it should be. She sat trying to calm herself, he knew 
what to do and he was used to making split second decisions. She had to trust 
him. 

The farther they were from the apartment the calmer he seemed to become, finally 
reaching over and taking her hand but still not speaking. When she opened her 
mouth to ask a question he squeezed her hand and shook his head. Don’t speak? 
Okay, this was Mulder, do as he says. But her anxiety level rose yet another 
notch. 

To her they were driving aimlessly around the city, but she realized he was 
trying to spot a tail. This was the kind of thing he wanted her to learn, so she 
too began watching the traffic. She couldn’t see anything suspicious but 
apparently neither could he. 

When he was convinced they weren’t being followed he pulled into a large parking 
lot. He drove directly to an outer edge and parked next to a dusty SUV. He 
motioned for her to get out as he grabbed her bag. 

Once in the other vehicle he finally spoke. "We should be okay now." 

"Was the other car bugged?" 

"I couldn’t be sure. It’s not worth taking the chance. We’ve got a couple of 
stops to make." 

"What happened? Who called?" 

"The guys I told you about last night – we work together unofficially. They help 
watch my back and they know you’re important to me. Byers called, he said to get 
out. He wouldn’t do that without a good reason." 

"You trust him that much?" 

Mulder looked surprised, "I guess I do. At least when it comes to your safety." 

She was looking him straight in the eye now. She could no longer doubt his words 
where she was concerned. He loved her, it wasn’t up for analysis anymore, it was. 
And the best part was, she loved him too. It was nothing like the feelings she’d 
had, or imagined she’d had for Stan. This was . . . this was all consuming. 

"So what do we do now?" 

Mulder relaxed a notch. We, she’d said we. "I’ve known I’d have to disappear 
some time, maybe not for long but you never know. I’ve got some money stashed 
and some identification. The guys are working on some for you already, we’d 
discussed it before . . . We’ll have to go underground for awhile." 

She swallowed hard, underground? "Okay. Tell me what to do." 

He nodded and pulled out of the parking lot. "There’s a bag under your seat, get 
it out and go through it." She unzipped the bag; papers, two guns, extra clips, 
and cash. A lot of it. He nodded as she listed each item. "We’ll need more ammo, 
some clothes, a money belt for each of us." He began listing off the top of his 
head. 

"Why more ammunition?" 

"Your lessons start immediately; shooting, driving, hand-to-hand. It’s not play, 
it’s for your life." 

"Our lives." He nodded. 

After an hour of driving south they pulled into a large outlet mall and made the 
purchases they needed for now. 

***** 

The lessons went well. He was amazed at her progress, but then she was 
completely motivated. There was no way she was going to let him down. There had 
been fun along the way as well. He’d done an excellent job of coloring her hair, 
which had led to some wildly erotic fun. Of course just being together seemed to 
lead to the same thing. 

They had made cautious contact with his friends and her IDs had arrived along 
with the information that had been accumulated in their absence. Even Dana was 
having trouble discounting some of the information, especially after running her 
own somewhat cruder tests. She'd checked and rechecked Byers’ findings and could 
find no error. Whatever this "black cancer" was couldn’t be identified readily 
by her. 

The names that appeared in the information surprised her as well, though she 
couldn’t say why. Her father-in-law had been a state senator yet he was involved 
with this conspiracy. Maybe not anymore after his son’s betrayal, but at one 
time. So these names should have come as no shock. 

It was actually her suggestion that they investigate the laboratory the guys had 
located in eastern Indiana. It was probably already deserted if the location was 
known, but they could still check it out. 

It would take a couple of days to get there; they never drove straight to 
anywhere. He looked over at her fondly as she napped beside him in the car. He’d 
never thought going underground could be a honeymoon, but it had been. Okay, no 
actual ceremony yet but he’d asked and she’d agreed. He just didn’t want her to 
have to take a false name and he didn’t feel it was safe enough to apply for a 
license yet. Maybe they could make their way to Nevada soon. 

She stirred and sat up straighter. "Was I asleep?" 

"Yeah. I must be keeping you up too late at night." She smiled and looked away. 
"You going to let me take all the blame?" 

"No." She looked back and placed her hand on his thigh. 

"You okay?" He was watching her now, concerned. 

"Very okay. Maybe a little nervous about heading toward them instead of away." 

"You don’t have to go. It shouldn’t take me more than an hour – " 

"No! Not without me." His hand was now on hers still resting on his thigh. He 
squeezed her hand. 

"Don’t worry, you’ll be there – where I can keep an eye on you." 

"Not the other way around?" She asked lightly. There was something bothering her 
but she wasn’t ready to talk about it. He’d try to reassure her tonight. 

Their lovemaking was as spectacular as always that night and as he held her 
close he murmured reassuring words in her ear. 

She drew back from him, "Mulder, will it always be like this?" 

"What? The way I love you, want you?" 

She smiled and relaxed slightly in his arms. "I’m not worried about that." 

"Good." He nuzzled her neck. 

"I mean underground. Will we ever . . .?" 

"Yes. I’ll take you home when I know it’s safe. I want us to have a home, have 
our work and you to have your family." 

"I know. I guess – " He interrupted her with another kiss. 

"I promise to give you a normal life as soon as I possibly can. You know that 
don’t you?" She nodded and burrowed into his chest. 

***** 

He had her hand, hurrying her along. She couldn’t keep up with his strides. She 
was going to get them killed if she didn’t pick up the pace. She tried to 
lengthen her steps but the pain grabbed her again and she doubled over, pulling 
her hand from his. 

"Dana? Dana, what’s wrong? Are you hurt?" 

She couldn’t respond, the pain was too intense, it was all she could do to 
breathe. He had her by the shoulders now, supporting her. "Dana!" 

The pain was lessening; she could draw a breath again. "I . . . I’m okay." Well, 
he obviously didn’t believe that, and she was grateful he hadn’t let go of her. 
She was pretty sure she would have fallen if he had. 

"The car’s just over that rise. Then maybe we can relax." Without asking he had 
scooped her up in his arms. She should protest but didn’t have the strength, 
allowing her eyes to close and just be in his arms. 

He laid her gently in the backseat and then took off. No one had appeared yet, 
but he couldn’t take the chance. The place hadn’t been as deserted as they had 
thought. Now they had seen the black cancer, the victims strapped to tables. If 
they had been found . . . And what was wrong with her? His first thought was 
that she had been shot even though he hadn’t heard the sound of a weapon. Then, 
that the black cancer, whatever it was, swimming in the victims’ eyes had gotten 
to her. The ice that had sent up his spine had nearly paralyzed him. 

He spotted a dirt side road up ahead and pulled into it, then off the road 
behind some trees. That should hide them, it was getting dark anyway. He had to 
make sure she was okay. 

He opened the back door of the car and slid in beside her as she sat up. "Dana, 
what’s wrong?" 

She shook her head and wouldn’t meet his eyes. He saw the tear escape and track 
down her face. "Dana, please!" He pulled her close to him, willing her to talk 
to him. 

She wouldn’t look up and he had to lean in to hear her. "I think I’m having a 
miscarriage." 

"A mis . . ." The rest of the word stuck in his throat and his mind threatened 
to blow entirely. She was pregnant? But they’d been careful, except that one 
time, the first time. Speak, he had to say something to her. "Just relax, 
Sweetheart. I think there’s a hospital – " 

"No Mulder. If I’m going to lose a baby this early there’s nothing they can do." 

"Why didn’t you tell me?" 

"There hasn’t really been a good time." 

"Good time? To tell me you’re carrying my baby? God, Dana, I should be taking 
better care of you, you should be at home with a doctor you trust. I . . . " 

"You’re taken excellent care of me. These things happen." 

"Would it happen if we were in a stable environment? A safe place without the 
stress of running, being underground?" 

"It could have. We’ll never know." She looked up at him now, her hand on his 
cheek. "This is not your fault. You’ve kept us alive, you and me. If children 
are in the future, then it’ll happen." 

"Are you sure you’ve lost it?" 

"No, not yet. But the cramps are getting worse." 

"How long have you been having them?" He was appalled. How the hell could she 
have been going through this without him even being aware? What kind of a man 
was he, for the woman he loved more than life itself to be in this pain, 
emotional and physical and him to be unaware? 

"Stop it! Stop it right now. I could have found a way to tell you. But you’ve 
had so much on your mind. You’ve had twice the stress I’ve had, and I’ve been of 
little or no help. We’re still alive because of you, your skills, your 
brilliance. Don’t you dare try to take blame for this." 

"I am to blame damnit! Completely to blame. If I hadn’t asked you out, gotten 
involved with you, they would have left you alone. I got you pregnant, I didn’t 
use protection, now I’m dragging you around the country - " 

"To save my life." 

"And kill our child?" He held her against his chest, smoothing her hair. He felt 
her tense against him. 

When she got her breath back, she pulled away. "We need to get going. Come on, 
if we’re caught now I’m not going to be much help." He closed his eyes, but she 
was right. They needed to put some distance between them and this place. He laid 
her down gently in the back seat and reluctantly left her side. 

He thought she was resting, even asleep, until he heard her moan again. He had 
to get her some help but they were in the middle of nowhere. He changed course 
suddenly; they could be in Chicago in less than an hour. She was in no shape to 
protest anyway. 

Eventually he realized she did actually drift off. When he was sure she was 
asleep he pulled out his cell phone. They used it rarely, always afraid, but he 
needed some help. A quick call to the guys got the wheels in motion. They’d come 
through; he had to trust someone. 

She jerked awake with a gasp. "Mulder, Mulder this is something different. This 
is not a miscarriage." 

He nearly drove off the road. "What? Tell me how to help you." 

"I shouldn’t be in this much pain, Mulder. I think . . . " she was fighting for 
breath again, "I think it may be an ectopic pregnancy." 

"I don’t – " 

"A tubal pregnancy. The baby may be growing in my fallopian tube. If that’s it, 
the baby will grow large enough to rupture the tube." 

His knuckles were white against the steering wheel. "What happens then?" 

"I’ll probably die." 

He closed his eyes against that pain. He had to sound positive, he had to keep 
her calm. Right, she sounded calmer than he did already. "We’ll be in Chicago 
shortly. I’m taking you to Mercy General." 

"They’ll find us." 

"No. I’ve gotten some help. Hang on, I’m going to get you help." She eased back 
down on the seat. There was nothing she could do to; in fact she wished she 
weren’t even conscious. 

She barely was when he pulled into the emergency entrance of the hospital. He 
gathered her into his arms and hurried inside. "I need some help here." He had 
it immediately. They moved her into a trauma room. 

"Talk to me." The ER doctor was already examining her, an IV being inserted, 
blood pressure taken. 

"She’s pregnant. It may . . . she might be having a tubal pregnancy." 

"Get the OB resident down here. She can’t be too far along, set up the 
ultrasound." 

They hadn’t thrown him out, not that he would go anyway. He had been moved out 
of the way but where she could see him when she opened her eyes. They were 
bringing more equipment in now, and another doctor had joined them. They could 
have been talking Hindu for all he knew. They had exposed her stomach and were 
moving an instrument around on it. The sound of a rapid heartbeat filled the 
room. 

"There, back there. The baby’s fine, good position, strong beat. So where’s this 
pain coming from?" Mulder had to grip the counter beside him to stay on his feet. 
The baby was still alive? He missed the next few minutes, unable to focus on 
anything but the sound of that heartbeat echoing through the room and now his 
head. 

" . . . but surgery’s out. Find Dr. Blake, let’s get his take on it." 

"Dr. Blake? Who’s he?" Mulder finally had his voice back. 

"We think it’s a kidney stone, sir. But with the pregnancy . . . Dr. Blake’s the 
expert. She’s gotten some pain meds now so she’s not so uncomfortable." 

Uncomfortable? Was that what they called it? An older man had entered the room 
now and was being briefed on her condition. 

"Okay, let’s see the position of the fetus again." He had a decisive manner; 
Mulder didn’t know whether to be pleased or annoyed at his attitude. Then the 
room was filled again with the sound of his child’s heartbeat and his brain 
functions narrowed to watching her, wishing she were hearing this with him under 
other circumstances. 

"Let’s move her to the tub, get his signature. Come on." And the older man was 
out of the room. The original doctor was approaching him now, standing in his 
way as they moved her out of the room. 

"Sir, Mr. Uh . . ." The doctor looked down at her chart, "Mr. Lail, we need you 
to sign authorization for the lithotripsy." At Mulder’s totally blank look he 
continued, "It’s a procedure to break down the kidney stone, so that she can 
pass it." 

"The baby?" 

"Dr. Blake will handle the procedure himself. Try not to worry. He’s the expert. 
We need your signature right away." 

Mulder retreated into himself. She was the doctor, what decision would she make? 
But they knew about the baby and they were the experts. As the doctor touched 
his arm he shook himself, and took the proffered pen. Lail, they were using the 
Lail identity now, and the guys had come through. 

"You can wait in here, Mr. Lail. This shouldn’t take too long. Someone will come 
for you as soon as you can see her." Mulder nodded dumbly. He was still in shock. 
Yesterday none of this had been a possibility, not even an unrealized dream and 
now Dana, his wife in every sense of the word was going through a ‘procedure’ he 
had never heard of with the added complication of pregnancy. 

They’d never talked about children, not under the circumstances. He didn’t know 
if she wanted kids, or wanted kids with him at least. There had been no time to 
talk about it, no time to savor the fact that this had happened between them. 
His first knowledge of the child was the realization that she was losing it. But 
she hadn’t lost it, at least not yet. What was happening in there? 

He wasn’t asleep; it was more of a stupor when the doctor from the ER approached 
him. "Mr. Lail? Can you hear me?" 

He was on his feet and nearly went over, the doctor taking his arm. "My wife?" 

"She’s doing very well. They’ve moved her to a room and she’s resting. Would you 
like me to take you to her?" 

"Please." 

"I take it this is your first baby?" 

"Yeah. It was kind of a surprise." The doctor grinned and they entered the 
elevator. 

Just outside her room they stopped, "Just so you know, the procedure went very 
well. They’ve done another ultrasound and the baby’s doing fine. I’ll check in 
on her in a little while." 

Mulder opened the door quietly, she was still asleep and he didn’t want to 
disturb her. He sat in the chair by the bed and just watched her. She was going 
to be okay, he could believe it now – the color was back in her cheeks, her 
breathing was easier, the lines around her eyes were gone – onto his face no 
doubt. He couldn’t remember ever being so scared. 

But then there had never been anyone in his life like this woman. The most 
amazing thing though was that she wanted to be with him. She was carrying his 
child. He stared at her with awe. He’d never even considered children; it 
honestly had never been anything he thought about. Had she thought about it, 
dreamed about it? She certainly would never have had kids with Stan. Had that 
been part of her decision to marry him, that she wouldn’t have to . . . He 
wanted to touch her, but was afraid to wake her. 

It seemed like forever, but according to his watch he had only been there about 
thirty minutes when she stirred. 

He had his eyes locked on her abdomen, trying to visualize how she would look in 
a few months. This was so strange. When she opened her eyes she saw where he was 
focused and couldn’t halt a tear that slid toward her hairline. 

"I’m so sorry." 

"Dana, I didn’t know you were awake. How are you feeling?" 

She shook her head, unable to answer. That’s when it hit him, she didn’t know. 
She still thought she’d lost the baby. 

"Dana, you didn’t lose him. You’re still pregnant." 

"What?" It was more breath than word. She knew he would never lie to her, but 
she couldn’t believe this. 

"It wasn’t a miscarriage or a tubal pregnancy. You had a kidney stone. They did 
a litho . . . " 

"Lithotripsy?" 

"That sounds right. You and the baby are okay." He watched the hope dawn in her 
eyes, rapidly replaced with joy. She was happy! She did want his child. He was 
on his feet; he needed to hold her. Her arms came up around his neck and he 
kissed her deeply and thoroughly. 

"Ahem." The doctor paused just inside the door. "You say this pregnancy was a 
surprise?" They could hear the humor in his voice. "This right here is a major 
cause of it." 

Mulder grinned at him and moved slightly away from her, though not far enough to 
have to release her hand. 

"How are you feeling, I can see how he’s doing." The young doctor turned to Dana. 

"Much better." 

"I’m not surprised. You didn’t look that good when you got here. Your vitals are 
very good and the latest ultrasound showed no problem. Any cramping?" 

"No. When can I leave?" Mulder turned to look at her. 

The doctor folded his hands over her chart, "Well, we really don’t need to keep 
you at all, but I do recommend that you make an appointment with your OB-GYN to 
bring him up to date." 

"I will. So . . .?" 

"I can sign your papers now. I’ll be right back." 

As soon as the door closed behind him Mulder moved back in. "Dana, don’t be 
crazy. We’re okay for now, I want you to stay here until you’re okay." 

"I am okay, you heard him. I’ll feel better when we’re out of here." 

"No one – " 

"Mulder, please." She couldn’t ease the worried look but he did nod. When the 
doctor returned with the paperwork and a nurse, she rose and tested her ability 
to stand, then smiled reassuringly at Mulder and got into the wheelchair. 


Assignment 2 - Part 2 

He found a motel relatively close to the hospital and no amount of reassurance 
from her could convince him to go any further. He had her tucked back into bed 
before she knew it. 

"I’m not sick Mulder." She stated this calmly and slowly as though talking him 
down off a ledge. 

"Well then this is because of me. I’m in no shape to drive anywhere." 

"We need to talk, don’t we?" She sat up and he arranged the pillows behind her. 
She allowed it but he could tell she was getting impatient with him. 

"Okay." He sat beside her on the bed. 

She took a steadying breath. "Mulder this added complication is my fault. I –" 

"This ‘added complication’ is our baby and regardless of what else is going on 
Dana, I’m ecstatic about that." 

"Are you? Really? I know you weren’t prepared for it and we’ve been so careful. 
I know better, hell I’m a doctor, but even I had to be thinking you can’t get 
pregnant the first time – when you lose your virginity for goodness sake." 

"Actually I kind of like it. I’m imprinted on you permanently." 

She smiled at that, "you already were." She sobered then, "But now, on the run 
like this – " 

"I’m happy whenever it happened. It is something we hadn’t discussed though. 
Technically we aren’t married. I want to be, I don’t want him to ever think that 
he was the reason we married." 

"You’ve said ‘he’ a couple of times. What if it’s a girl?" 

"She’ll have me wrapped tight in seconds no doubt, especially if she looks like 
her mother. Quit changing the subject." 

"I’ve already told you I’d marry you, even before I found out about . . . It’s 
not been safe and I’m willing to wait." 

"I’m not. I never expected to find you, and a family . . . " He shook his head, 
"I never even thought about that." 

"That’s what I’m worried about. You’re excited right now and we’re both relieved, 
but Mulder a baby right now isn’t – " 

"No. Dana, don’t even think it. We’re going to lay low, stop looking for trouble 
and just be a normal family." 

"And you give up everything you believe in, your life’s work? You’ll resent both 
of us and I can’t live with that. I won’t allow it." He drew back then at the 
vehemence in her tone though she hadn’t raised her voice. "I’ll be careful and I 
know you’ll look after me, but we have to keep working. Once we stop these 
people, then we can relax." 

"You expect me to haul you around the country, on the run, doing what we do, now? 
It can wait." 

"Until when? Don’t you get it Mulder, now you don’t want to endanger us, later 
you won’t want to leave us alone. Now, Mulder. We need to keep going with what 
we’ve started. If you can’t accept continuing to work with me, I’m leaving." 

"You what?" His mouth fell open 

"I love you too much to do this to you. I won’t stay if you don’t allow me to 
help you, because I won’t be a burden. I refuse." 

He just stared at her, unable to believe the turn this conversation had taken. 
Leave him because of the baby? He was reeling. Too much had happened in the last 
twenty-four hours. They’d found one of the locations they’d been searching for, 
he’d found out he was going to be a father, he’d thought she was dying and now 
she was threatening to leave him if he didn’t continue to put her in peril. 

He rose from the bed and she watched him with growing fear. Had she gone too far? 
Leaving him was the last thing she wanted to do. He had to be made to understand 
that she was not an invalid, that she could carry her own weight. 

She rose from the bed and approached him quietly. She didn’t speak, smoothing 
down his hair and then hugging his head to her middle. His arms went around her 
hips. 

"I don’t want to leave you." His arms tightened around her. "You know that." He 
nodded. "Then let me help you. Together we can do this faster. Then we can go 
home and be a family." 

"Are you going to ask me not to worry about you?" 

She smiled down at the top of his head. "No. As long as you don’t ask me to stop 
worrying about you." 

He rose then and lifted her into his arms. "You should be in bed." She sighed 
and let him return her to the bed then pulled him down to join her. 

"I think you need rest more than I do. Come here." She pulled him against her, 
his head on her breasts. "We’re together Mulder, like we should be." 

***** 

They worked out a system. He insisted on doing more of the legwork and she got 
quite adept at the computer. They were beginning to link names from the 
fraternity that Stan had belonged to. It wasn’t an ordinary club; the players 
shouldn’t have had the ties that they did. These men had nothing in common other 
than being members of Stan’s club. Most of the men were Stan’s father’s age, but 
other than that the connection was buried deep. 

The connections they did have were confusing – none were married to their 
original spouses and only a few had remarried. None had a religious affiliation 
any longer, though most had grown up in a church. Family ties had been severed 
years ago with just a few exceptions. Stan had been one of those. He was one of 
three sons that had joined the group. No daughters had. 

***** 

The knocking on the door startled him. He had been headed for bed. Instead he 
flipped on the monitor. She didn’t look familiar. "Please, let me in!" He picked 
up the tire iron near the door. 

"Just a minute!" He began opening locks. When the door was finally open she sort 
of stumbled in. "Whoa, sister. What’s going on?" 

"Melvin Frohike?" 

His eyes narrowed. "Who wants to know?" 

"I’m Dana Mu . . . Dana Mulder." Then he was supporting her, his shock nearly 
immobilizing him. 

"Byers! Langly get out here!" They appeared from different parts of the 
apartment. Byers, belting his robe, Langly in t-shirt and sweatpants, his 
toothbrush in his mouth. They took in the woman he was holding and were at his 
side. 

"Who?" They had her in their arms now. 

"It’s Dana. Let’s put her on my bed." 

"Is she hurt?" That from Byers as they lay her on Frohike’s bed. Frohike 
shrugged. After a glance at the other two, Byers unbuttoned her coat and pulled 
it open. He stopped, in shock, and looked up at the other men. "She’s pregnant." 

"Mulder never mentioned that." Langly looked up from her. 

"You blame him?" Byers was leaning over her again. "Dana? Dana can you hear me?" 
She stirred then and after a moment opened her eyes. "I’m John Byers. Can you 
hear me?" 

"Byers . . . yes." She glanced over at the blond also hovering. "Langly?" He 
nodded. 

Byers drew her attention back. "Are you okay? Do we need to take you to a 
hospital?" 

"I’m okay, just exhausted." 

"Can you tell us what happened?" 

Tears formed in her eyes, but she didn’t allow them to fall. "Mulder and I got 
separated. He thought they had found us and was going to lure them away. He didn’t 
meet me at the rendezvous. My instructions were to find you." 

"Well you did, and we’re on it. Where did all this take place?" 

"West . . . West Virginia." Her eyes were closing in spite of herself. 

"You rest, we’ll find Mulder." She was asleep before they could leave the room. 

They were taking a breather and having breakfast when they realized she was 
standing in the doorway, holding tightly to the door jam. Byers rose immediately 
and took her arm, leading her to the table. "Good morning. Did Frohike’s cooking 
wake you?" 

She smiled tiredly up at him. The dark circles were still under her eyes. "Smells 
good." Then her eyes closed and she swayed slightly. 

"How long has it been since you’ve eaten?" 

"I don’t remember." 

"I’ll get you a plate." Byers walked over to Frohike and made sure she couldn’t 
hear him. "I don’t think she’s up for the spicy stuff." 

"Scrambled eggs and toast, coming right up." Frohike turned back toward the 
stove as Langly poured a glass of juice for her. She took it gratefully and when 
the plate was placed before her began eating immediately. 

She really hadn’t eaten that much when she sighed and laid down her fork. "It 
tastes wonderful, but I think I need to lie down again." Byers was at her side 
immediately. He took one arm and Langly the other to escort her back to her bed. 

Once she was settled Byers took her hand. "We need a promise from you." She 
looked up at him. "If you need a doctor, or to go to the hospital, you’ll tell 
us. We’re kind of outside our learning curve here." 

She smiled slightly, "Yes, I promise that." 

"When is, uh, when . . . " 

"I’m thirty weeks, ten more to go. You’ll find Mulder, won’t you?" 

"We’re in charge of worrying now. Get some rest, one of us will check on you in 
little while." She nodded and he was sure she was asleep again before he and 
Langly made it to the door. 

***** 

"Dana?" Byers tapped on the door. 

"Come on in." She sat up with some difficulty and he moved to the bed. 

"You doing okay?" 

"I’m fine. Why? Oh my god, have you . . . " 

"Yeah. We’ve got him. He’s at Georgetown." 

"Is he okay? How did you find him?" She was using him to lever herself up, her 
eyes scanning for her shoes. 

"We’ve had people watching. He’s unconscious and I don’t know his status right 
now. Are you up for going down there?" 

She almost laughed at him. "You’re kidding right? Are you going to drive or am I?" 

"I am, the guys will meet us there. Take your time, he’s not going anywhere. I’ve 
got too many people watching." 

Taking her time was not something she could do; the only reason she wasn’t 
running was that she wasn’t physically able to any more. Byers was never more 
than a step from her and had his arm around her as they entered his room. 

"Oh John, he is alive!" She was clutching his arm, then she drew as deep a 
breath as possible and headed for his bed. "Mulder? Please Mulder, wake up. I 
need to talk to you." She had his hand and was caressing his face. 

"I’ll get you a chair." Byers watched for a second then let himself out of the 
room. 

***** 

"Dana?" She acknowledged him but barely took her eyes from Mulder’s face. "You’ve 
got to be exhausted. Let me take you home, Langly and Frohike will be here. He’s 
not going to disappear again." 

"I’m staying." She said it firmly and didn’t even look up. 

"Dana, he’ll have my hide if I don’t look after you. Please, come home and lay 
down for a little bit. You can come back after you’ve rested." 

"John, I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but we’d be back here in a couple 
of hours anyway. I might as well stay." 

"What are you talking about?" 

She finally looked up at him, "John, I’m in labor. I have been for a while. In 
fact that’s why I was awake when you came to my room. I was trying to decide if 
I should get up and tell you. Since we were coming here anyway, I decided not to 
worry you." 

His face had paled, "You’re in labor right now?" She nodded. "We need to get you 
checked in. You should – " 

"No. And I don’t want you mentioning it to anyone. They’ll make me go to labor 
and delivery. I can labor here just as well. I don’t want to leave him yet. John, 
we’re already at the hospital, you don’t have to worry." 

He swallowed hard, but she had a point. They were only a couple of flights from 
the maternity ward. That was better than being back at the apartment. Still . . 
. 

She smiled at him, "Why don’t you sit here with me. You can help me time the 
contractions and keep me company. Okay?" 

He pulled the smaller chair closer to the easy chair they had brought in for her 
and settled in to wait. They talked, about children, about his past with Mulder, 
about what might be ahead for them. They talked until he couldn’t take it any 
more. After an especially brutal contraction that last over ninety seconds, he 
stood. 

"That’s it. We might be in the right building, but we are not on the right floor. 
You’ve got to be examined." 

She took a cleansing breath. "Yeah, I think you’re right. You’re going to have 
to help me up." He lifted her to her feet, but before he could release her, she 
was bent over the bed and crying out. She’d made moaning noises before, causing 
his balls to try to crawl back up into his body, but not a sound like this. 

"Dana!" He didn’t dare release her to go for help. 

When she could speak again she looked up at him, fear plain in her eyes. "My 
water broke. John, the baby’s coming. Now." His own eyes echoed her fear. 

"I’m gonna get the nurse. Just stay calm." He raced for the door and she look at 
the chair. No, no way. There was an older plastic settee under the window, 
barely two chair widths. At least she could recline there. Holding onto the 
furniture she made her way there and gingerly lowered herself as another 
contraction took possession of her body. 

That’s when John burst back in, practically dragging the nurse behind him. "Oh 
crap!" The sour-faced older woman was wide-awake now. She snatched the phone 
from the cradle and demanded an OB resident stat. 

John was kneeling beside her now. "Just hold on Dana. We’ll move you down to 
maternity in just a minute." 

She shook her head, "John, help me! Now!" 

He glanced over at the nurse who, to his utter horror, disappeared out the door. 
He could see the baby’s head now. Great holy shit, he was going to have to 
deliver a baby! "Dana, I’m here." His voice only shook a little. 

He was supporting the baby’s head now, what was he supposed to do? He didn’t see 
anything wrapped around the neck, that was good, wasn’t it? 

"Come on Dana. It’s almost over." 

She had her eyes closed now. She took a deep breath and cried out Mulder’s name, 
and suddenly he was scrambling to hold the infant that all but tumbled out at 
him. He stared down at the baby whose eyes were closed, it wasn’t crying. He 
glanced over at the bed and saw that Mulder’s eyes were open and he’d turned to 
look at them. 

As though aware of the scrutiny of his father, the baby took a breath and a thin 
cry came from it. Byers was paralyzed. "John?" 

Dana’s voice brought him back to the present. "Dana, it’s a boy. I – " 

They both turned as the door burst open and a young man in a lab coat and two 
nurses entered. The man stopped just inside the door. "Whoa." He took in the 
scene in front of him. "Looks like I’ll have to split my fee with Dad. Get a 
cuff on her." And then he was all business. "Why don’t you let me take him?" He 
took the baby from Byers’ trembling hands and Byers stumbled back out of the way. 
He managed to take the towel the nurse handed him, and looked back over at 
Mulder. He was unconscious, it didn’t look like he had moved, but he had been 
watching them, hadn’t he? 

The doctor had clamped and cut the cord by now and was handing the boy to the 
nurse to be wrapped. "Can you tell me your name?" 

"Dana." She was getting her breath back now. 


"Well, you do nice work, Dana. I’m Phil. Could you give me one more push?" He 
placed his hands on her abdomen and together they delivered the afterbirth. "Okay, 
you’re looking good Dana, no tears. We need to take him down and check him out 
while we’re getting you settled. Dad can go with him or stay with you." He 
turned to look at Byers. 

"I’m not, I, I uh, I’m not," He shook his head to clear it, "I’m not the father." 
He finally managed to stutter. "He is." And pointed to Mulder. 

"Well I’d say you’re number one candidate for godfather then." 

"Go with him John. Keep an eye on him, please." Dana’s eyes were wet and tired. 

"Of course. I’ll round up the other guys to stay here with Mulder. Don’t worry." 

"I’m not." She even managed to smile at him. After a second he turned to follow 
the nurse carrying the child. 

"We’re going to move you down to maternity now Dana. We want to keep an eye on 
you and let you get some rest, okay?" She nodded and he motioned for two of the 
orderlies now congregated around the door to enter. She couldn’t stifle the moan 
as they lifted her and Byers stopped, torn between his duties. 

"I’m okay John. Stay with him." He nodded and continued out the door. 

***** 



Assignment 2 - Part 3 

Langly was there when she woke and her memory returned immediately. "The baby?" 

"He’s fine, Dana. Don’t worry about him. I’m not sure Byers will ever be the 
same though." She smiled up at him, remembering Byers’ face just before the baby 
had arrived. He was probably right. 

"Can I see him? And is Mulder awake?" 

"I’ll check and no. But Frohike’s with him. There’s nothing you need to worry 
about." 

"Mulder was right, you guys look after me very well." She watched the color 
stain his cheeks, which surprised her. He was the quiet one; she really didn’t 
know how he felt about her and her intrusion into his life. She felt better 
about him suddenly and reached out to take his hand. "I can’t thank you enough." 

"Uh yeah, I’ll go see if they’ll, you know, the baby." And he ducked out the 
door. She grinned, and Mulder thought he was uncomfortable around women. 

He and the nurse were back shortly wheeling a bassinet. Langly raised her bed to 
a comfortable position and the nurse handed her the infant. "Oh my god." She 
stared down fascinated. "Is he . . .?" She looked back up at the nurse. 

"He’s doing great. Six pounds two ounces, and the first baby born on fourth 
floor ever. Congratulations." 

"I want Mulder to see him. Can I take him up to my husband’s room?" 

"Is that where he was born?" Dana nodded, "It’s against hospital policy for the 
babies to leave this floor, but let me check. Maybe they’ll make an exception." 

"I’d really appreciate it." 

The nurse nodded. "Now, are you planning to breast feed?" Dana had to chuckle as 
Langly, who’d just gotten comfortable again was on his feet and out the door in 
one swift movement. 

The nurse helped her adjust her hold and observed them for a moment. "I’m going 
to give you a little privacy. I’ll be just down the hall, ring if you need 
anything, but you guys look like you can figure it all out. I’ll check on your 
trip upstairs." 

It was Byers that tapped on the door after she finished nursing and entered at 
her call. He was shocked to find her on her feet, changing the baby’s diaper. "Should 
you be out of bed?" 

"I’m doing wonderfully John, thanks to you." She noticed he was having trouble 
looking her in the eye, so she approached him. "I can’t, we can’t, ever thank 
you enough. If you hadn’t been there . . ." She rose up and kissed his cheek. "Want 
to see him all cleaned up?" 

He nodded, not daring to speak and followed her to the bed. The tiny red thing 
didn’t have a lot of resemblance to the pasty thing he’d caught earlier. This is 
what a baby was supposed to look like; he was actually kind of cute. "His head 
isn’t pointed." 

"There wasn’t time." She remarked dryly and he looked up startled, then smiled 
with her. "Think you could pilfer a wheelchair? I want Mulder to see him. I know 
he hasn’t woken up, but – " 

"I think he did. I distinctly remember looking over at Mulder when the baby was 
born and his eyes were open, he had turned his head. But now . . . " 

"So it wasn’t just me." He looked up from the baby, "I thought I dreamed that. 
He was with us for a little while anyway. I need to get back up there." 

"You need to look after yourself. Frohike hasn’t left him alone and I think that’s 
where Langly was headed when I came in here." 

"But I need to see him and he needs to see his son. Come on John, after what you’ve 
already done today this should be a snap." 

He chuckled then; she was right about that. "I’ll see what I can do." It didn’t 
take him long. "The nurse is a friend of yours. She’s going to look the other 
way." He placed the wheelchair next to her bed and helped her into it, then 
handed her the baby. He felt easier about handling him each time; maybe he would 
get the hang of it. He headed them to the elevator and weren’t bothered by 
anyone even when they reached Mulder’s floor. Both of the other guys were in his 
room and Frohike quickly stood and approached them. 

"I wanted to see the little guy close up." After a quick inspection, "He looks 
like Mulder around the eyes." 

"He does, doesn’t he." She smiled down at her son sleeping in her arms. "I need 
Mulder to wake up. What are the doctors saying?" 

"He’s coming up. The chemicals in his bloodstream are down. He has REM sleep now." 

"What chemicals? I wasn’t able to really focus earlier." Byers rolled his eyes 
at the statement as the other two laughed. Then Frohike pulled out a file. She 
handed the baby back to Byers and took it from him immediately scanning the 
information. 

"Well?" 

"These are fairly common tranquilizers, but in massive doses." She sighed. "They 
were right not to try to stimulate him. His heart . . . " She had to swallow. "It 
should wear off shortly." She checked his oxygen. 

"What if they gave him something now to wake him?" 

"No. I don’t want to risk it. We’re lucky you got him to the hospital as quickly 
as you did." 

"Huh, Dana. We didn’t bring him here. He was found unconscious in the ER." 

"He what! Who brought him in? Where has he been?" 

"We don’t know, but he didn’t escape, not like this. He was released." He 
watched her reaction, there wasn’t a lot more to say. Not yet, anyway. "We’re 
gonna leave you two alone with him for a while. One of us will be right outside, 
call if you need anything." 

She nodded, not taking her eyes from him. "You shouldn’t stay long Dana." She 
nodded again but didn’t commit to anything and took her son back from his arms. 
When the door closed behind them she lay the baby on the bed in Mulder’s arms. 

"Mulder, please wake up. You need to meet our son. Please." She gently touched 
his face as she ran his hand over the baby’s body. There was no response and 
with a sigh she gingerly lowered herself into the chair she had used earlier. 
She glanced over at the window and noted that the small couch was gone from the 
room. 

"Mulder, he’s beautiful and he waited for you to return to us to be born. Your 
friends are incredible – they’ve taking such good care of us. Please wake up, I 
need to see your eyes Mulder." 

The baby squirmed, freeing one arm and waving it in the air. Mulder’s arm 
tightened protectively. "Mulder! Mulder open your eyes." This time he tried to 
obey her, his eyelids fluttering with the effort. She leaned over him now, 
kissing those lids and cheek and finally lips – which responded with light 
pressure. 

Now his eyes opened and took in the sight of her smiling face, tears running 
freely down her cheeks. "Dana." His voice was rusty, unused and the most 
beautiful sound she had ever heard. 

"I’m right here Sweetheart. We both are." That took a second to penetrate, then 
he seemed to notice the squirming bundle at his side for the first time. 

"The baby?" His look of awe renewed her tears as she nodded. He started at the 
window for a long moment; then, "It wasn’t a dream." 

"No." His grip tightened on her hand. 

"Byers?" 

At that she chuckled. "Yes. I’m not sure he’ll ever truly recover." 

"I should have – " 

"Mulder, stop. You were here, you were with me. You can’t know how much help 
that was to me. Please don’t beat yourself up over this." 

He looked deep into her eyes and finally nodded. "Are you okay?" 

"I’m wonderful now." The baby cried out, demanding his share of the attention 
and Mulder jumped. "It’s okay, he’s fine." 

"He?" No other sound seemed able to emerge as she nodded. 

"We need to name him. I think John Melvin Ringo Mulder is a little much, what if 
we go with John Fox Mulder?" 

"Fox?" 

"Yes. I like your name even if you won’t let me use it." The smile seemed to 
fade slowly from her face and she lowered herself back into the chair. 

"Dana?" 

"I’m a little tired, but I’m okay." 

"You should be in bed." He reached for the call button but she stopped him. 

"The guys are right outside. I’m not here officially, we don’t want to get a 
nurse involved." She looked over at the door. "John?" She had barely raised her 
voice but the door opened almost instantly. 

"I was just coming to get you." He glanced over at Mulder and grinned. "About 
time you showed up." 

"Do you know where I’ve been?" 

"We can get into that later Mulder. I need to get your family back to their 
floor and safely tucked in." They both looked over at Dana and each thought 
separately that she looked pale and exhausted. Without another word Byers moved 
to her side and lifted her to her feet, placing her gently in the wheelchair, 
then lifted the baby from Mulder’s arms and placed him with his mother. 

"Keep an eye on her." He whispered to Byers, who nodded solemnly. 

***** 

When Mulder woke again it was to see Byers reading quietly at his side. "Is Dana 
okay?" Byers looked up quickly. 

"Yeah, yeah she’s going to be okay." He put the magazine down and stretched. 

"Going to be?" 

"She’s tired. She had a long day following an exceptionally long night. The 
doctor checked her over, she just needs to rest." 

"I need to see her." 

"Not tonight. You’re still stuck in that bed for awhile and she really can’t 
make the trip right now. She’s got the baby in the room with her and Frohike’s 
with her right now. We’re taking turns. Langly’s passed out on the couch in the 
waiting room." 

"I owe you guys." 

Byers grinned, "More than you can ever replay. If you’re not good to them, we’ll 
steal her and the kid from you." 

"You don’t have to worry." Mulder didn’t smile and Byers nodded, pressing 
lightly to his friend’s shoulder. 

***** 

"Hey Mulder, you’re gonna love this. Oh . . ." Langly stopped short when he 
realized Dana and the baby were in the room. 

Mulder glanced over at Dana, then back at his friend. "What?" He’d automatically 
taken her hand. 

"Well uh, it seems there were some shootings, while everyone was so busy last 
night and the news is just now leaking out. They seem to coincide with your 
appearance here." 

"Who?" Mulder asked, causing Langly to look over at Dana again. 

"It’s okay Langly," she spoke firmly, "Who?" 

"Your former father-in-law for one." 

"What?" She couldn’t have heard him correctly. "They shot him?" Langly shrugged. 
"Is he okay?" 

"Uh no. He was . . . he was killed and he was in distinguished company." 

"What do you mean?" Mulder glanced away from her though his grip on her hand 
tightened. He thought she’d be okay, if anything she’d feel guilty for her lack 
of grief. 

"You know that list of men we’ve been compiling? From the fraternity? Well, most 
of them died too - from all over the country, hell all over the world, some 
highly pedigreed men." He handed Mulder a list. "It was definitely an organized 
hit. First you get turned loose and then these guys buy it. Oh . . . and Diana . 
. . " 

"What about her?" 

"She was one of the victims." 

"Diana’s dead?" That caused the wheels to spin in his head. "How? How were they 
killed?" 

"Evidence looks like they were all killed with an ice pick to the back of the 
neck. Ever heard of that form of execution?" Mulder shook his head, his thoughts 
racing. 

"Mulder, are you okay?" Dana sat on the edge of the bed ready to give what 
comfort she could. 

"What? Yeah, I’m fine, it’s just – that proves she was involved. There’s going 
to be repercussions at the Bureau." 

"Then they’ll need you to come back Mulder. We can come home." 

He looked over at her and smiled. Home, with her and their son. There would be a 
lot of work to do and he needed to find out who his friend was in the group – 
the person that had gotten him free, brought him here. The group they had been 
investigating had apparently been decimated, along with people they hadn't known 
were involved. Yeah, he had a lot of work to do but he also had a life to live 
now. Things were going to be different for him, for them. He couldn’t remember 
when he looked forward to something this much.