By  Kathy Foote
kmfoote@charter.net
 

Spoilers: None
Summary: Mulder manages to get out of another team-building seminar
Rating: PG (I guess)
Category: mild MSR and MT
Disclaimer:  Fox and Carter own the characters.  I don't make any money off this (who would pay me anyway), but I sure did LOVE playing with them for a while.
Archive:  Sure thing, I'd be honored, but it would be nice if you dropped me a note letting me know.

Story Note: This story was written for the X-Files Texas Con 2004 held in Fort Worth, TX Oct 8-10th.  If you didn't make it, maybe next year.  The idea was to use at least 6 of the following list of items.  I'll let you guess which ones I used.

2 lawyers, a doctor, a veterinarian, Dallas Cowboys, stockyards, longhorn, Tex-Mex restaurant, Shiner Bock beer, JFK, Parkland Memorial Hospital, lottery, Six Flags over Texas

Thanks: To my best friend Emmy for encouraging me to write the story, to my Mom for being my proof-reader and sounding board, and to Vickie Moseley for doing me the honor of beta reading my story.

Feedback should be sent to me at kmfoote@charter.net.  Go easy on me, this was my first attempt at fanfic.
 

How to Avoid Seminars Without Really Trying

Final Descent into DFW Airport
November 8, 2003
12:45pm

"Mulder, I can't believe we are going to spend the whole weekend just acting like tourists in Dallas", Scully said as she wrapped her hands around Mulder's arm.  "We haven't done anything fun in such a long time."

"Sculleee...how can you say that.  You didn't think that trip to Idaho to check out the woman who said she had a baby by an alien that looked just like Elvis was fun?  You have to admit her story was pretty convincing and the baby did look like him."

Scully's eyebrows made the inevitable trip to her hairline, "Mulder.  Please.  That baby looked no more like Elvis than I do".

Mulder laughing, "Well, it did get us out of those boring budget meetings...and I didn't get hurt.  It was a great trip".

Scully had to agree...any trip where Mulder didn't end up in a hospital was a good trip.  She was looking forward to some quality time away from the office with Mulder.  Hopefully, this would not be like their other trips to Texas.  Visions of bombs and vampires made her wince, which Mulder noticed.

"Scully?  What's wrong?"

"Nothing.  Tell me again what you have planned for this wonderful weekend in Texas."

Mulder was so proud of himself for coming up with this idea.  When he found out about the seminar they would be attending and the date, he went to work on his plan.  He managed to get hold of 2 tickets to the Dallas Cowboys/Washington Redskins game for Sunday.  Danny had come through, as usual, with the tickets.  And they were great seats.  Mulder didn't know how he did it.  He would owe him for a while to come.  Mulder wanted it to be a nice weekend for him and Scully.  He made reservations at a really nice hotel in Dallas and had the evening all planned out.

"Well, you know about the game on Sunday and I got us a great room at the Anatole hotel...king-size bed...Jacuzzi...breakfast in bed", Mulder started waggling his eyebrows for effect.  "Before that I thought we would go to the Stockyards in Fort Worth, have Texas-sized steaks at Cattleman's, check out the world famous Billy Bob's...maybe we could do a little two-stepping...you know, do the Texas thang".

Scully couldn't help but giggle at his poor attempt at a Texas accent.  His excitement was infectious.  She was ready to get off this plane and have some fun.  At that moment the plane touched down and seemed to taxi for an eternity.  My God, this airport is big.  She even commented to Mulder, "are we taxiing back to DC?"  After what seemed like hours, the plane finally stopped at the gate.

As usual Mulder leaped to is feet.  After having his 6 foot frame crammed into a seat for 3 hours, he couldn't wait to stand and stretch.  He pulled their carry on luggage from the overhead and was practically bouncing, so ready to get off this plane.  When the aisle finally cleared ahead of them, he offered Scully his hand, "Come on Scully...head 'em up and mooove 'em out."  Scully slipped out her seat and led the way off the plane.

They had no trouble gathering their checked luggage and finding their way to the rental car place.  Their usual blue Taurus awaited their arrival.  Their car always seemed to be a Taurus and always seemed to be some shade of blue.

Mulder got directions from the rental agent to the Anatole hotel.  It was only about 15-20 minutes away.  On their way to the hotel, they passed Texas Stadium.  Mulder said, "There it is Scully.  Home of the Dallas Cowboys.  The place of their defeat at the hands of the Washington Redskins.  Oh man, this is going to be so much fun Scully.  You, me, Cowboys, Redskins, 40 yard line....", Mulder looked over at Scully and gave her a little wink, "...and cheerleaders.  You do know that the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders are world famous."

"Mulder...you do know the Redskins haven't won at Texas Stadium against the Cowboys in forever, right?  It is one of the oldest rivalry's in football."

"Yeah, well....that is because they have never had me here to bring them good luck.", Mulder stated.

Scully rolled her eyes, "Ohhh yeah, the 'Mulder luck' is world famous.  That is just what they need."

Anatole Hotel
November 8, 2003
2:00 pm

One thing for sure, Mulder was right about the hotel.  It was gorgeous.  A huge red brick complex, not far from downtown and the room was magnificent.  Scully opened the curtains to the room. "Mulder, this room must be costing you a fortune.  This is nothing like where we usually stay.  Look at this view!"

"I wanted something special for you.  I know we usually stay at hotels not quite as nice as this one".  That elicited another raised eyebrow, but before she could comment, Mulder continued, "Okay.  No way near as nice as this one.  This is on my dime.  This is not work related.  This weekend, we are tourists and I want us to enjoy it".

"Well, I love it", Scully said as she crossed to put her arms around his neck and pulled him down into a kiss.  She pulled out of the kiss, gave him one of her patented hundred-watt smiles and said, "What are we going to do first!".  Mulder was enjoying this.  It had been a while since she had seemed so relaxed and having fun.

Mulder gave Scully his best leer and said in a husky, low voice, "Care to share a soak in the Jacuzzi, Agent Scully?'

"Why Agent Mulder, you must have read my mind.  Race you!".  With that, Scully took off in the direction of the bathroom, with Mulder hot on her heels.

Cattleman's Restaurant - Stockyards
November 8, 2003
8:00 pm

Mulder and Scully sipped their Shiner Bocks as they waited on their order.  Mulder just couldn't stop smiling as he continued to stare at Scully as she checked the place out.  He kept thinking about their wonderful afternoon spent in the Jacuzzi.  They had to finally get out because they were pruning up.  He was definitely planning a repeat performance before they left.

"I really like this place Mulder.  It's so rustic...fits right into the Stockyard motif.  We will have to try that Joe T Garcia's next time we come here.  It was a real toss up....steak or Tex-Mex".

"Hey, we can always drive back out here one evening after the seminar.  I don't think they have something planned for every night."

Scully reached across the table to take his hand, "It's a date, Mul...", but before she could finish the waitress brought their steaks and set their respective plates in front of them.  Mulder had opted for the Texas Porterhouse and Scully went for the strip sirloin.

 "Mulder...these have got to be the biggest steaks I have ever seen.  You can't possibly expect me to eat all of this", as she looked at the steak in front her, rotating the plate from side to side, like she was trying to plan her attack on the huge piece of beef.

"Just eat what you can Scully", Mulder replied shoving a fork full of T-Bone into his mouth.  When his mouth closed around the piece of steak, he closed his eyes and moaned contentedly, as he chewed.  When he swallowed, he opened his eyes to see Scully staring at him with a surprised expression on her face.  "What?", asked Mulder innocently.

"Well...it must be good".

"Good?  My God, Scully, this is the best steak I have ever put in my mouth.  Try yours.  You'll see."

Scully cut a small piece of the steak and slipped it between her lips.  Mulder was mesmerized watching it disappear between those luscious red lips; he couldn't take his eyes off of her as she chewed.  Finally, she swallowed and her lips spread into a huge smile.  That woke Mulder from his daydream.  He returned the smile, "Well?"

"Okay, you're right...best steak ever".  With that, they stopped all conversation and dug into their respective meals with enthusiasm.

Billy Bob's - Stockyards
November 8, 2003
10:00 pm

"Wow, look at this place!  It's huge.  Look, they even have their own rodeo in here.  Come on Scully, let's check it out".

They walked all around Billy Bob's.  They even checked out the Gift shop.  Mulder had wanted to buy one of the Saco de Toro to take home to the Gunmen, but thankfully Scully had talked him out of it.  "Mulder what the hell would they do with it?  That's gross."

"Scully, it would be a conversation piece.  You know, something you would put on your coffee table", reasoned Mulder.

Scully looked at him like he had grown a second head, "You have got to be kidding.  What the hell kind of conversation could you possibly have about a bull's scrotom?"  Mulder started to open his mouth, but Scully raised her hand, "Never mind.  I don't even want to know.  Forget it Mulder."  Mulder tried to give her one of his famous pouts, but she just walked out.  Mulder ran after her with a big smile on his face.  He just loved getting under Scully's skin.

Eventually, they wound up back at the dance floor.  There was some sappy country & western song playing from the speakers.  Mulder held out his hand to Scully, "Hey little lady, care to take a romp out on the dance floor?"

Scully hesitated only a second and then placed her hand into his.  He immediately pulled her into his arms and began to two-step her around the dance floor.  Every now and then, he would give her a little spin and pull her back in tight.  Scully was shocked.  She was laughing and giggling every time he would spin her.

Finally, the song ended and they made their way off the floor, slightly out of breath.  "Mulder!  You were amazing!  I had no idea you could do that.".

"Well, Agent Scully, I do still have a few mysteries you don't know about.", whispered Mulder against her ear making Scully shiver.

"Do tell, Agent Mulder", purred Scully, which had the desired affect on Mulder.

Mulder grabbed Scully's hand pulling her towards to the exit, "Come on let's blow this joint."

Parking Lot - Stockyards
November 8, 2003
12:00 am

"Now that was a really fun time, Mulder.  You two-step like a native Texan.  I'm so impressed," Scully said walking hand in hand with Mulder as they made their way through the parking lot to their car.  "We really need to do this again...maybe not this exactly, but something similar.  We just never get enough time for ourselves."

As they reached their car, Mulder turned her so her back was against the car and leaned in for a tender kiss.  "No we don't Scully...and you just look so damn hot in those jeans." Mulder whispered as he nuzzled against her ear.

Loud voices were heard from a couple of rows over, which suddenly put Mulder and Scully on alert.  Mulder looking in the direction of the disturbance, "Sounds like arguing...2 maybe 3 individuals...let's have a look".  Before Scully could open her mouth, Mulder was moving in the direction of the voices, weaving between the cars.

"Mul...Great," Scully spat as she moved to follow Mulder.

As they moved from behind the row of cars, they saw what was making all the noise.  There beside one of the pickups was this larger man with his hands buried in the collar of a smaller man.  Obviously, the girl standing next to them was with the smaller man and was trying, with little success, to break them up.  As they got closer, they could see the smaller guy was just a kid, early twenties...maybe.  The larger guy was much older and much bigger.

"What's the matter boy?  Cat got 'cha tongue?  You and friends sure were talkin' a blue streak inside and now yur so quiet.  What?  Can't hear ya", slurred the man, his face inches from the terrified young man.  The guy was obviously drunk.

"Please Mister, don't hurt him.  We weren't bothering anybody.  We weren't even talking to you", the young girl pleaded with the guy.

"Shut up!  I heard 'ya kids ...laughin' and gigglin'.  Well, I like have'n fun", the man yelled slamming the young man against the side of the pickup, "Come on...let's have some fun".

"Hey, what's going on?" yelled Mulder just as the guy was slamming the kid into the truck again, "Did someone mention fun?  Can I play?"  Four pairs of eyes, including Scully's, turned to stare at Mulder.  "What's the game?"

"Beat it, asshole, or your next."

"Oh come on...me first", Mulder said as he moved up beside the group.  Just as the guy released the kid and turned to grab at Mulder, Mulder grabbed his arm and kept spinning him around, bringing his arm behind his back.

"What the f..." screamed the big guy, struggling against Mulder's grip.

"Now listen, you don't really want to hurt these kids and I'm sure you don't want to spend the night in jail, so why don't you just get on home and sleep it off." Mulder whispered in his ear.  The guy seemed to sense he was beaten and relaxed.  Mulder looked at the frightened kids, "You guys get on out of here."

They didn't need to be told twice.  They both jumped in the truck and sped out of the parking lot, not even looking back.

"Are you calm?" asked Mulder and the guy nodded his head.  "I'm going to let you go and I suggest you hightail it on out of here or you will be seeing the inside of a jail cell tonight.  Okay?"  Another nod.

Mulder let go of his arm and backed up a step on the ready, in case the guy wanted to start more trouble.  The guy stared at Mulder with narrowed eyes for a few seconds.  Deciding it was not worth it, the guy moved on down the row of cars and exited the parking lot.

Mulder turned, right into the glaring eyes of Scully.  Mulder looked extremely apologetic, "Scully, before you start..."

Scully stopped him by placing her fingers on his lips, "Come on Mulder.  Let's just get out of here."

Texas Stadium Parking Lot
November 9, 2003
11:30 am

Jerry and his buddies, Billy and Sam, had already finished 2 six packs and had just started on their third.  They planned to get pretty trashed before they went into the stadium.  Beer just cost too much inside.  They would never be able to afford enough beer to get drunk.  To top it off, they were taking shots from a bottle of Jack Daniels.  They were well on their way to accomplishing their goal.

"Pass the bottle, Sam.  Don't hog it all up" Billy said, "Then what happened, Jerry?"

"I was fixin to teach this punk a lesson, when this guy stuck his big fat nose in.  He musta knew judo or sumthin, cause he grabbed hold 'a me and I couldn't get loose.  He let me go and didn't call the cops, but if I ever see that guy again..."

"Yeah, I know, Jer.  Wish me and Sam was there.  We sure would have showed him a thing or two."

"Yeah...thanks Billy."  Then Jerry stood and polished off his can of beer, "Come on guys, finish up.  Game's fixin to start."

Texas Stadium
November 9, 2003
1:30 pm

The second half was about to begin.  Redskins were down 17 to 7.  Mulder was disappointed, but he was having a great time at the game with Scully, even though she was rooting for the Cowboys.  He didn't know if she was really a Cowboys fan or just wanted to antagonize him.  Probably the later.

 "Be right back, Scully.  I have to run to the little agent's room.  You want me to get you anything while I'm up?"

"Nope.  I'm fine.  Hurry back because I don't want you to miss any of the spectacular plays of the Cowboys", Scully said with a smirk.  Mulder rolled his eyes and took off up the stairs.

As Mulder stepped out onto the concourse, he didn't noticed small group of men eyeing him.

"I'll be damned!" exclaimed Jerry, "I must be the luckiest son-a-bitch alive.  Look!"

Billy and Sam turned to see where he was pointing.  Jerry was pointing at a guy who had just entered the men' room.  "What?" they asked in unison.

"It's the guy!  From last night."  Jerry started walking toward the men's room yelling back over his shoulder, "Come on...let's have some fun!"

There was someone leaving the restroom just as they were entering.  The place seemed to be empty, except for Mulder, and in standard men's room form, he kept his eyes on the wall in front of him.  He really didn't give any notice to the men who came in; his mind was on a certain redhead.

They made their move as he stepped up to the sink to wash his hands.  Billy and Sam each took a side and before Mulder knew what was happening, they had hold of one of his arms and spun him around.  He was immediately hit in the face with a brick.  Well, Mulder thought it felt like a brick.  He felt blood pour down his cheek from a cut below his left eye.  Jerry followed it with a hit to the other side of his face, splitting his lip.  Mulder could taste the blood in his mouth.  Mulder barely registered the hit, before his face exploded again with another hit on the left side.  Mulder's head hung down toward his chest as he shook it, trying to gather his wits.

Jerry stepped back, grabbed a handful of Mulder's hair, and yanked his head up, "Hey boy!  Remember me?  Betcha thought you wouldn't be seeing me again."

Mulder's vision was a little blurry, but suddenly he recognized the guy from the previous night.  "Hey...Joe Bob isn't it?" Mulder said spitting blood, "or is it shit for brains.  I see you brought some backup with you this time..."

Jerry answered Mulder with several hard punches to his midsection.  Mulder thought he felt his ribs crack.  It felt like a horse had kicked him.  "Funny guy huh?  Well, you spoiled my fun last night.  So I guess I will just have to have some fun with you.  Stand him up."  Mulder was slouching in their grip trying to protect his ribs, so they pulled him up straight by his arms.  Pain shot through his ribs as they were pulled.  Unfortunately, when they did that, his jacket pulled up enough to reveal his sidearm.

Jerry grabbed the gun.  "Well, well, well, what do we have here?  Who'd have thought funny boy was packing."  Jerry leaned in close to Mulder's face, "You some kind of cop?"

Billy was getting nervous, "Come on, hurry up and let's get out of here."

Sam agreed, "Yeah, this ain't funny no more, Jerry.  Let's go."

Mulder managed to focus on Jerry, "Yeah Jerry, you boys better hightail it out of here.  Assault on an FBI agent is a federal offense.  Worse than that, my partner will kick you ass if she gets a hold of it."

"Shut up!", yelled Jerry bringing the butt of the gun down on Mulder's head.  Mulder went completely limp.  Billy and Sam dropped him like he was on fire and Mulder dropped to the floor unconscious.

Billy and Sam pushed Jerry towards the door, "Dammit!", exclaimed Sam, "we are in deep shit now.  Get rid of that damn gun".  Jerry threw the gun in the trashcan by the door as they left.  The trio were headed towards the exit, when they heard a ruckus behind them.  Some guy must have found the agent in the bathroom and was yelling for help.  They took off running into the parking lot and managed to get to their truck without being stopped.

Scully looked at the clock again.  Where the hell was Mulder.  He had missed almost all of the third quarter.  It had actually been the best part of the game.  The Redskins  had tied the game at 17, but the Cowboys were moving into scoring position.  Mulder would be so disappointed.

Feeling someone beside her, Scully looked into the aisle to see two Dallas police officers and several Stadium security guards.  "Excuse me Miss, are you with a 'Fox Mulder'?"

Scully's Mulder radar went off like klaxons on a ship.  "What's happened to him?"  She knew he had been gone too long.  Mulder would never have run off and missed this game.

One of the officers offered his hand, "Could you please come with us ma'am".

Scully jumped up without accepting his hand, standing to her full height, "I want to know what happened.  Look...I'm Special Agent Dana Scully with the FBI and Agent Mulder is my partner".

"Please Agent Scully, let's step outside."  The officers lead the way up the stairs, with Scully following, the security guards bringing up the rear.  When they stepped out onto the concourse, she looked around and the first thing she noticed was the ambulance and then the crowd of people around the entrance to the men's room.

Scully turned to the two officers, "WHERE.IS.AGENT.MULDER?" Scully slowly enunciated each word, trying to keep it together, but starting to get more than a little irritated.

"There has been an altercation involving Mr. Mulder.".

"Agent Mulder", Scully corrected.

"Sorry ma'am, Agent Mulder.  He's been beat up pretty badly.  Some guy found him in the men's room and that is all we know at this time.  We searched the area and found his weapon in the trashcan.  It has been bagged as evidence.  Looks like whoever did it, knocked him on the head with his own gun."

Oh Mulder, you just never catch a break.  "Is he all right?  I need to see him", pleaded Scully.

"Of course.  Right this way.  Paramedics are with him right now, but he is still unconscious.  They'll be taking him to Parkland as soon as they get him ready.  You can ride along in the ambulance.  We will meet you there."

"Thank you Officer...Douglas.  You have been..." started Scully, but just then the paramedics came out with Mulder strapped on a stretcher.  She ran to walk beside the stretcher on their short trek to the waiting ambulance.  She ran a quick eye over Mulder and took in the damage.  His head was bandaged, and also his left cheek.  He had an oxygen mask on which hid his mouth, but Scully could see the bruises on the rest of his face.  There was an IV in his left arm and he was unconscious.  Tears started to well in her eyes.  She looked at the nearest paramedic, "I'm a medical doctor.  How is he?"

The paramedic looked at the small woman and shrugged his shoulders.  "He's stable for now.  Got a cut on his left cheek and a pretty nasty gash on the temple.  Probably got some broken ribs.  We'll know more when we get him to the hospital."

They loaded Mulder into the ambulance and Scully jumped in behind.  "I'll be riding with you."  It was not a question or a request; it was a simple fact and she dared anyone to challenge her.  She tried to stay out of the way, but she needed to touch him; to be close to him.  She sat by his head on a small jump seat and brushed her fingers through his hair that was not captured within the gauze on his head.  She occupied herself with this simple act and before long, they were pulling into the ambulance bay at the Parkland ER.

The doors were pulled open and immediately several sets of hands pulled the stretcher from the ambulance.  The paramedics ran along beside reciting his vitals.  "White male, 42 years old, unconscious at the scene and has not regained consciousness.  Blunt force trauma to the left temple, cuts and contusions about the face, possible broken ribs.  Pupils are equal and reactive.  BP's 100/72, pulse 84, Respirations - shallow at 25.  Patient's name is Fox Mulder."

The stretcher was pushed through the Trauma Room doors and he was gone.  A nurse was there immediately to stop Scully from barreling through the doors after him.  "We'll take good care of him.  Please wait here and the doctor will be out as soon as possible".   She was led to the Admissions Desk to fill out forms.  How many times have I had to do this, she thought to herself ; I should just carry copies with me, it would save so much time.

The Trauma Room burst into activity as soon as Mulder was inside.  The doctor checked his pupils again and tried to get a response from his unconscious patient.  "Mr. Mulder.  Mr. Mulder.  Can you hear me?".  Mulder made no indication that he had heard the doctor's question.  The doctor reached over and pinched the lobe of Mulder's left ear, which caused the patient to twitch.  "Responds to pain stimuli.  We need a CT scan, chest x-rays, let's get those cuts cleaned up, so we can see what we have."  Everyone set off to do their job.

Parkland Hospital ER Waiting Room
November 9, 2003
4:00pm

The ER Waiting Room was filled with people, some injured, but most of them were like Scully; waiting on word about their loved ones.  Stretchers arrived constantly with new victims and were immediately rushed back to the Trauma Rooms.  Like the other people, Scully could only wait.  She had already told the police everything she could about Mulder's previous altercation.  She found a chair in one of the few quiet corners and waited for news about Mulder like she had done so many times in the past.  How many more times could she do this?  Mulder had such a knack of getting hurt; he just drew trouble like sugar draws flies.  She had already placed a call to Skinner to inform him that they were at the ER and, at this point, they would not be able to attend the seminar that started the next day.  Skinner had been very supportive of his agents, telling Scully not to worry about the seminar and to let him know about Agent Mulder.  She was so deep in thought, she hadn't notice the approaching doctor at first.

The doctor placed his hand on her shoulder, causing her to jump.  "I'm sorry.  I didn't mean to scare you.  Are you with Mr. Mulder?" the doctor inquired.

"Yes!  It's actually Agent Mulder and I'm his partner Agent Dana Scully.  How is he?"

"Ah yes, I heard he was an FBI agent.  I also hear you are a medical doctor yourself.  I'm Dr. Peterson," said the doctor in scrubs extending his hand towards her.  "I have been looking after your partner."  He indicated they should sit down.  "First, let me say, your partner is going to be just fine.  He is a pretty lucky guy.  The CT scan showed no fracture to the skull or cheekbone.  The chest x-ray did show 2 cracked ribs, but they will heal just fine.  We have stitched up the cut on the temple and the left cheek.  He still has not regained consciousness, but he does respond to pain.  At this point, I think we will just have to wait until he feels it is time to wake up, which I think will be within the next few hours.  Any questions?"

"When can I see him?"

"We will be taking him to room 712 on the 7th floor soon.  He should be settled in within the next hour.  You can see him then."  Scully nodded her head acknowledging the news.  The doctor stood and extended his hand once again, "If you need anything, you can have me paged.  I'll be up to look in on him tonight before the end of my shift."

The doctor disappeared through the doors from which he had just entered, leaving Scully as she was before he had approached.  Scully let out a big sigh as she got up to notify Skinner of Mulder's prognosis.  She would then shift her vigil from this Waiting Room to his room.

Parkland Hospital - room 712
November 9, 2003
6:00pm

Mulder's room was of course semi-private, but at this time, he was alone for which Scully was grateful.  She had been sitting in this same position for nearly an hour.  She had been holding his hand, unconsciously rubbing her thumb across it, when he started to move.  First it was just a little movement from his hand, then his legs, then his whole body, which caused a painful moan to escape.

Scully stood up, so that her face was in front of his.  "Mulder?  Mulder...it's me.  Try not to move.  You have a couple of cracked ribs and you are going to be pretty sore for a while."

"Too late",  moaned Mulder, "Did you get the license of the truck that ran over me?"  He finally opened his eyes, well at least his right eye, to see Scully's smiling face looking back at him.

"Hey partner, about time you decided to wake up.  I was getting kind of lonely sitting here watching you sleep.  Thirsty?"  Mulder nodded and Scully placed the straw to his swollen lips.  "Do you remember what happened?"

Mulder took a sip of the cool water, closed his eyes, and thought for a moment.  "It was the guy from last night."

"What guy?  The drunk in the parking lot at Billy Bob's?"

"Yeah...talk about Mulder luck.  What are the odds that I would run into him again...at the Cowboys game no less.  He was still drunk...or drunk again...whatever.  This time he had a couple of buddies with him.  Name was Jerry.  Scully, he took my gun."

"Not to worry.  We found it in the trash can.  He must have dumped it before he ran.  Pretty stupid on his part.  He left behind quite a nice set of fingerprints."

"I just feel so stupid.  I wasn't paying attention to them.  Heck I wasn't expecting to get attacked by the Three Stooges in the men's room at a football game."

"I'd say it could happen to anybody, but especially you, Mulder.  Don't worry.  We'll get him.  Just rest and try to get some sleep.  I have to step out and make a call to the police let them know about Jerry.  They said they would come by tomorrow morning to get your statement.."  Scully leaned over and planted a little kiss on the tip of Mulder's nose; probably the only part of his face not bruised.  Mulder smiled at the touch and with that, he closed his eyes and was soon asleep.

Dr. Peterson came by around 8:30pm to look in on Mulder.  Everything seemed fine.  The doctor gave him a brief neuro check and Mulder showed no problems.  Dr. Peterson said, barring any complications overnight, that they would release Mulder in the morning although he should really stay another day.  The night nurse came in to give Mulder his pain meds.  Mulder was already half asleep.

"Scully, go back to the hotel.  Take a bath...relax." Scully looked like she was about to object, but Mulder continued, "I'm just going to sleep all night.  You can come back tomorrow morning and pick me up.  The doctor said I could go home tomorrow...."

"Barring complications, Mulder...don't forget....so you better behave...."  Mulder was already sound asleep.  Scully looked at him as he slept.  He looked so peaceful, so boyish, despite the ugly bruises marring his features.  She brushed back the stubborn hair that always hung down across his forehead.  She leaned in to give him a soft kiss on his swollen lips, "Pleasant dreams, Mulder.".

Parkland Hospital - room 712
November 10, 2003
10:00am

Mulder was just lying in bed resting.  He was actually feeling pretty good right now, although it was probably due to the pain pills they had given him with breakfast.  This had really been his first chance to rest today.  It has been a busy morning.  He was going to have to get out of here if they expected him to get any rest.

It started with the nurse taking out his IV early this morning.  It felt so good not to be attached to anything.  He had requested to get up and use the restroom, instead of using the dreaded urinal.  The nurse had complied, but only if Mulder waited for an orderly to help him.

The orderly promptly showed up and helped him out of bed.  His ribs were pretty sore.  They were wrapped pretty tight which helped and the pain pills didn't hurt.  He was a little wobbly at first, but regained his balance fairly quickly.  His head was throbbing and his face hurt, but he had had worse and he was getting out of this hospital today.  He could recuperate at home just as well as he could here.

The doctor showed up next.  He had barely gotten back to the bed, before the doctor from last night showed up.  "How are we doing this morning, Agent Mulder?"

"Well....we are doing pretty good and we are ready to get out of here.  No offense Doc, but I hate being in hospitals."

"I don't blame you and to hear your partner talk, you have been in quite a few.  Okay, let's just check you out and see how you're doing."

The doctor checked the stitches in the two cuts on his face and said they looked fine.  "How's your head?  Any pain?"

"Some, but not too bad", Mulder replied.

"Any blurred or double-vision?"

"Nope."

"And the ribs?  How's the pain there?"

"They are pretty sore and hurt when I move around, but I promise, Doc", Mulder holds up his fingers in a boy scout salute, "not to move around too much".

"Okay.  Well your injuries look fine.  You were really lucky they were not worse.  I'll get the paperwork together and we'll let you go when your partner arrives."

"Thanks Doc", Mulder said as the doctor left his room to continue on his rounds.

Next came breakfast.  It was brought in by the same orderly who had helped him to the restroom earlier.  The orderly, whose name Mulder learned was Roger, was thrilled that Mulder was an FBI agent.  He wanted to know all about it.  Mulder didn't mind.  He kept Mulder company while he ate what passed for breakfast in this hospital.  Mulder explained to Roger that he didn't work on traditional cases, but worked on X-Files; cases of a paranormal nature.  That got Roger's attention.

"You mean you're like a ghost-buster?  Wow...I didn't know the FBI was into things like that".

Mulder snorted, "My partner and I aren't ghost-busters.  We...well, we have worked on cases involving ghosts, but there is so much more to our cases than ghosts."

Roger leaned in closer to Mulder so only he could hear what he was going to say, "You know Agent Mulder...this place is haunted."  Mulder's eyes widened at the orderly's claim.  "Yep, sure is.  You know this is where they brought JFK after he was shot and he died here...well, they say he died here.  There were rumors that the president was being kept alive on the 10th floor of this hospital.  It was a big government secret and he stayed there until his death in 1984 on the exact day he was shot.  And to this day, his ghost roams the halls of the 10th floor on the anniversary of his death."

Mulder just stared at the orderly with his mouth agape, "Have you ever seen the ghost of JFK?"

"No...but other people have.  I'm too scared to go on the 10th floor on November 22nd.  Hey, maybe you and your partner should open an X-File on JFK's ghost."  Mulder was already thinking the same thing.  "Listen, I gotta run Agent Mulder.  It sure was great talking with you.  Take care of yourself."  With that, Roger grabbed the empty tray and left.

Mulder's mind was hard at work.  How cool would that be to see JFK's ghost.  The anniversary was only two weeks away, but that should give him enough time to get back to DC, get released for field duty, get his 302 approved, and talk Scully into it.  Who was he kidding, he would probably be on desk duty for several weeks and there was no way he could convince Scully to return here in less than two weeks.  He decided he would just file that away until next year; surely his ghost would stick around one more year.

Mulder had been deep in thought when the police showed up to take his statement.  They said they had run the fingerprints from his gun and got a match for a Jerry Bowers.  The guy had a police sheet containing multiple arrests for assault, drunk and disorderly, resisting arrest...mostly minor...until now.  They already had him and his two buddies in jail and they were singing like birds.  "Should be a pretty open and shut case, Agent Mulder.  We sure are sorry this had to happen to you.  I hope you'll come visit the city again sometime in the future."

Thankfully, it didn't take too long with the cops.  It helps when your suspects confess to their crime.  Mulder decided to close his eyes and rest until Scully showed up.  He had about 30 minutes of rest before Scully popped through the door.  "Hey, Mulder...oops sorry...you awake?" she queried.

"Yeah...who could sleep in this place?  They might as well put in a revolving door.  It hasn't stopped since first thing this morning.  I thought people were supposed to rest in the hospital."

"Oh, poor baby...How are you feeling?  What did the doctor say?"

"He came by earlier and said I am free to go.  He was getting the paperwork together.  The police came by and took my statement.  They said they caught the hapless idiots that attacked me and that they already confessed.  Scully, I'm ready to get out of here.  When do we go home?"

"Well, I was talking to Skinner this morning.  He said, and I quote, 'You are already scheduled to be out for the week and since Mulder managed to avoid yet another seminar, you two should just take the rest of the week to recuperate'".

"You know Scully, I ought to write an FBI handbook, 'How to Avoid Seminars Without Really Trying.'  It could be a best seller.  So what shall we do?"

"Well, I figured we could spend the day at the airport waiting standby for a flight back to DC...or...we could hole up in our room at the Anatole, order room service, soak in the Jacuzzi, and let you rest.  Well, you would get some rest."

"Oohhh Agent Scully, that sounds like an excellent plan."

Scully tossed a duffle bag on the foot of Mulder's bed, "Well, get dressed so we can get out of here.  We're burning daylight, Agent Mulder."

The End