The Fox
xmarksthespot8@hotmail.com

SPOILERS: Perhaps up to season 7
RATING: PG-13 (language)
CLASSIFICATION: M/S Case file
DISCLAIMER: Now it's over, we can rummage around for
scraps.
SUMMARY: A case file in cyberspace.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This story was placed on the shelf for
some time as RL just seemed to get in the way. The idea
that I shared with Kimpa expanded into a plot for a story
and ended up with two chapters that we wrote together.
After that it sat around gathering dust again while RL
intervened. I've picked it up again to make it possibly the
last X-File story I write. The interest is waning since the
series finished, well, really since all the re-runs ran out.
Kimpa didn't mind me finishing this off on my own, so
this is dedicated to you. Thank you for always being
there.
Thank you also to those constant readers who continued
to travel with me on my journey thru the few stories I've
written. Maybe I might take up a challenge or two in the
future, who knows. Also a big thank you to Lisa who,
even tho was not having the best of times like myself,
still sent support and encouragement. I also cannot
forget Teresa, who never failed to read all my stories
(however late) and send feedback. Becks, I ain't
forgotten you either! Thank you ladies. You've made this
journey well worth the ride.
Now, I hope this story shapes up to your liking!
 

XXXXXXXXXX
 

Secondchance.com
by The Fox
 

Prologue

A gleam of light reflects onto the blade from the street
lamp above, bestowing the knife with a surreal
appearance. I rotate the knife in my hand to regard the
streaks of blood along the serrated edge. This is the
ultimate moment, the climax of my task. This is the time
to contemplate my handiwork, to breathe in the scent of
fear, death and above all power.
 

XXXXX
 

Chapter 1
Act 1
FBI Headquarters
Hoover Building
Washington D.C.
Thursday morning
 
 

"Hey, Scully!"

Mulder pushed through the basement door; thick files
stuffed under one arm
and his briefcase in the other. Scully peered over her
own file, one eyebrow
arched at him. Her eyes shifted to the clock on the far
wall. Ten eighteen.

"You're late!"

Mulder dropped the files onto the desk. A few papers slid
out from their cover. His briefcase landed on the floor
beside the desk with a dull thud. He glanced over his
shoulder at Scully, with a feigned hurt look.

"Well, good morning to you, too."

"Where have you been?"

"Out."

Mulder collapsed into his chair, leaned toward the desk
and switched on his
computer. He felt a burning sensation fixed onto his
forehead and raised his eyes to meet bright blue ones
glaring back at him, eyebrow still arched. He exhaled in
what seemed exasperation, but a grin threatened at the
corner of his mouth and he leaned back in his chair,
tapping a pencil lightly on the blotter in front of him.

"Okay, Scully, stop looking at me like that."

Scully closed the file she had been reading, placed it on
her lap and folded her arms, all the while silent but not
wavering the glare.

"Scully..." he dropped the pencil. "Okay, I was checking
the recent murders with VCU. You know, what seems to
be looking more and more like a serial killer."

"Mulder, that's not an X-File. Why would you even..?"
Scully slammed the file on her desk, stood and strode
over to stand in front of Mulder's desk, both hands on
her hips, brows creased. "They asked you, didn't they?
They asked you and you accepted! Mulder, after they
used you last time, why would you even consider."

Scully threw her hands up, tilting her head up to the
ceiling as if all answers to life could be found within the
ridges of the plaster there.

"Scully, we haven't had a real case in a while and this
has an element of mystery involved."

"'Mystery', Mulder? Are you so bored that you have to
see a mystery in a case that has nothing to do with the
X-Files!"

"Scully."

"Mulder, I thought there was nothing more important
that the X-Files to you."

"That's not fair!" He pushed back from his desk and
stood, looming over Scully. "The X-Files are important to
me, but I do have other things that're important to me
too, but IÖ"

Mulder's eyes shifted to his feet and back up to focus on
his partner again. Scully's brows relaxed, her jaw
dropping slightly.

"Mulder, you didn't go there voluntarily, did you? They
requested you and went through Skinner, didn't they?"

"Skinner couldn't get around it and it's only this one case.
Doesn't seem too hard to profile."

Mulder slumped back into his chair again, avoiding her
scrutiny.

"Fine!" Scully folded her arms again, returning to her
own desk. "I suppose I'll finish all the paper work that's
been piling up over the past few months. I was bound to
be the one to finish them anyway!"

Mulder cleared his throat.

"You won't have time."

Scully swung around to see a rather sheepish smile on
Mulder's face.

"What do you mean?"

"IÖ erÖ I requested that you be with me on this case."

"What?!"

"That was my negotiation point toÖ erÖ Scully, you
pissed at me?"

The corners of Scully's mouth twitched and she turned to
her computer screen
trying to conceal the full-on smile forming.
 

XXXXX
 

Act 2
Apartment of Fox Mulder
Thursday evening
 
 

"They don't seem related, Mulder."

Scully pushed the fourth file across the table next to the
other pile, stretched her legs out in front of her under
the table from her position on the floor and leaned back
against the couch. Mulder had monopolized the entire
expanse of the couch about an hour ago after recounting
each detail he had learned about each victim and their
lives that had been tragically cut short recently.

When she didn't hear a response, she turned to look over
her shoulder at the long form stretched out on the
couch. His eyes were closed with one arm draped across
his forehead. Asleep. Great. Scully sighed, moving her
head from side to side trying to pop the tension building
in her neck and shoulders. She jumped slightly as
Mulder's fingers touched her neck and started to knead
at the base and on her shoulder.

"I thought you were asleep."

Mulder's fingers continued to knead.

"Just thinking."

"Want to share with the rest of the class?"

"Well." Mulder's fingers drifted along her shoulder. "I was
thinking about what connection there might be between
the victims."

"And I said there didn't seem to be one." Scully added,
peering over her shoulder again.

Mulder's eyes were still closed, but his hand continued its
adoration of her shoulder.

"Well, I remember checking out the photos of each
victim's apartment. Each had a personal computer that
seemed to be used quite frequently. Maybe they
belonged to the same chat room."

"Chat room?"

"Yeah." Mulder removed the arm from his forehead and
looked at her with half closed lids, seeming oblivious to
the kneading of his hand. "Maybe there's a connection
there somewhere. You remember we've seen something
like this before."

"You're not expecting to see an X-File in this are you?"

"No, but the connection may be similar. They may belong
to the same chat room. Can we find that out?"

"Sounds like one of your leaps, Mulder, but we can do
that first thing tomorrow." Scully stretched her arms high
above her head and stifled a yawn. "I'm beat."

Mulder stilled his hand on her shoulder.

"It's late; you can crash here tonight if you want. Take
the bed."

"Thanks Mulder." Scully stood, brushing her slacks down.
"I think I'd like to take a long bath and sleep in my own
bed tonight."

Mulder continued to watch her from his position on the
couch as she retrieved her coat from the rack.

"I'll pick you up around 8 then."

"Okay." Scully turned at the door. "I'll see myself out,
thanks Mulder."

"I knew you would." Mulder grinned from across the
room.
 

XXXXX
 

Act 3
Apartment of Ms. Joan Halcott (deceased)
Friday morning
 
 

"Hey, Scully, check this out." Mulder held a print out from
the computer for Scully to see. "These are some of Ms.
Halcott's last saved entries into her hard drive."

Scully scanned the sheet held in front of her.

"So, your chat room theory seems like a viable lead?"

"Scully," Mulder placed a hand over his heart. "You
doubted the soundness of my theory?"

Scully smiled in response, snatching the paper from
Mulder's hands.

"I'll check the readouts from the other victim's
computers."

"No," Mulder retrieved the paper, "I'll do that. I need you
to..."

"Go over the autopsies of the victim's?"

It was Mulder's turn to smile.

"Scully, our communication is downright spooky
sometimes!"

Scully motioned towards the apartment door.

"Just keep me informed Mulder." She threw over her
shoulder as she exited.

Mulder turned back to the computer screen, then at the
paper he held.

"Secondchance.com. Let's see if this is worth exploring."
He reached into his coat pocket, withdrawing his cell
phone and punched in a speed dial. "It's me. Turn off the
tape. Yeah, I need you guys to check something out for
me."
 

XXXXX
 

Act 4
Diner on 23rd Street
Washington DC
Friday afternoon
 
 

Scully choked on her sandwich, spluttering as she
reached for the water glass. Mulder leaned over the table
from his seat across from her and lightly patted her back,
a slightly amused grin planted on his face.

"You okay?"

"MulderÖ" Scully gulped two mouthfuls of water and
coughed weakly before continuing. "You want me to
what?"

"It'll be similar to undercover work, Scully, but in
cyberspace."

"Why don't you discuss this with the detective in charge?
I'm sure they'll place a capable candidate."

"No, Scully, they won't have the right person."

"Oh, and just how am I the right person? And how can
you be so sure that the murderer is a member of this
chat room?"

"Trust me, Scully. When have my instincts ever been
wrong?"

Scully raised an eyebrow at him, remaining silent. Mulder
shifted in his seat and carried on.

"Well, hardly ever. Scully, I know he's there. I need to
have someone who's not going to be entranced by him
and to draw him out."

"And how do you know I'm not going to be 'entranced',
Mulder?" Scully urged, peering at him over her glass as
she sipped water again, her throat still tingling.

"You have more intelligence and common sense than
most people I know, Scully. He won't fool you, but I need
for you to string him along, get him to meet with you
and then we'll nab him."

"Bait."

"What?"

"I'm bait. Thanks Mulder, I think you've just wounded my
intelligence."

"Scully, that's not what I meant and you know it. I need
to see how he works and you can relay all this to me. I'm
certain he's preying on lonely hearts websites, this one in
particular."

*So now I'm a lonely heart.*

Scully did not express this thought out loud. She took
another sip of water and reached for her coat on the seat
beside her, nodding her head as she did so.

"Fine, Mulder. I have the website, I'll join the chat room
tonight."

"Great!" Mulder grinned up at her as she stood. "Let me
know if you need any tantalizing words from my
vocabulary to assist you!"

"I'm sure I can handle this on my own. I have a lot more
tantalizing words in my own vocabulary than you know!"

Scully exited the diner leaving Mulder to ponder those
parting words.
 

XXXXX
 

Fade-out Act
Apartment of Dana Scully
Friday evening
 
 

Scully sat at her computer, both hands clasped together
under her chin. She stared at the screen, the initial
information for the chat room completed. Just a matter
of pressing enter and the membership would be
complete. Her index finger hovered above the key. She
was unsure as to her hesitation, glancing at the
telephone beside her and then shook her head as if to be
rid of another thought. She depressed the key.

"Welcome to Secondchance.com!"
 

XXXXX

Secondchance.com
by The Fox
 

Work is but a necessity. It provides me with funds for
sustaining daily
essentials but does not bestow me with any fulfillment. I
am an
average-looking person, who dresses in average clothes
in an average job
where I am successfully camouflaged during the daytime
hours. The average Joe. No one sees me; no one cares. I
live for the night when I can release
the true me. The night is when my imagination can be
unleashed.
 

XXXXX
 

Chapter 2
Act 1
Apartment of Dana Scully
Friday Evening
 

Scully immediately entered a chat room named "Thirty-
something Singles" remembering that all of the victims
had be in their mid to late 30's.  She sat for a moment in
the midst of the rapid-fire conversations of singles
engaged in this new and strange cyber-mating dance.
There had to be about 20 people in the room and at least
10 different conversations going on simultaneously.
Scully decided to absorb the vibe of the room for a while,
trying to quickly learn the lingo and the group dynamic.

How did I let Mulder talk me into this, she thought as she
debated the best way to throw herself into the frenzy of
conversation that was flitting over her screen.  Before
she had scrounged up the courage to jump in with both
feet someone noticed her first.

<SweetCheeks> Hey FoxyRed!  Welcome!  Why don't
you tell us about yourself?

<FoxyRed> Hi! I'm a SWF 35 in the DC area.

<SweetCheeks> Anyone from the DC area out there?  I
myself am a SWM from deep in the heart of Texas!

Several SecondChancers responded affirmative including
someone who called himself or herself Crowe'sFoot..

<SweetCheeks> So do you call yourself Red for a
reason?

<Crowe'sFoot> And are you really Foxy?

Scully could hear the leer through the screen!

<FoxyRed> Well I actually have red hair. That's where
the red part comes from.  And as for Foxy? I'd like to
think so but you would have to be the judge of that.

<Crowe'sFoot>  So are you red haired all over or are you
the product of the bottle?

Scully had been using Clairol for years but wasn't about
to admit that to this bunch of lonely strangers.

<FoxyRed> Well a lady has her secrets and this might
have to be one of them.  There's really only one way to
find out and only a few have been given the privilege.

Scully cringed even as she hit the enter key.  She
sounded ridiculous and she knew it.  Where were the
witty comebacks when she needed it??  She was
floundering.

*bling* <Revelation1311 has entered the room>

Various conversations continued around the "room."
Groups of 3 and 4 people immersed in their own private
world of flirtation and cyber-lust.

<SweetCheeks> Hey Rob she sounds like she's the real
thing.  Feisty!!!  You know how those red heads are!!

Rob???  Ok, Crowe's Foot must be Rob.

<Crowe'sFoot>  That's just how I like them, feisty.  So
Red, how can someone earn the privilege of finding out
for sure??  I'm in Virginia right outside of DC.

<FoxyRed>  Whoa there boy!  I'm not THAT feisty!
Besides I don't think you're ready for the challenge!

<Crowe'sFoot>  Michael I think I'm in love, man!  You
know how I feel about a challenge!

<SweetCheeks> A definite hottie!  So what do you look
like Ms. Foxy?

<Revelation1311> Gentlemen, I think you underestimate
this lovely Irish Rose.  I believe that our FoxyRed maybe
of a superior quality and refinement.

Scully's eyebrow headed toward her hairline as she read
the last entry.  Maybe it was his formal way of
addressing the group.  Maybe it was his assumptions
about her Irish heritage.  Maybe it was the use of the
word refinement.  Or a combination of it all that sparked
her interest but whatever the reason, she was intrigued.

<Rev1311> Allow me to introduce myself, as my
moniker states, I am known as Rev1311 but most people
just call me Rev.

<FoxyRed>Hi Rev. Nice to meet you.  You can call me
Red.

<SweetCheeks> Uh oh Rob, it sounds like someone is
moving in on your territory.

Scully bristled at someone referring to her as if she
where property!  This was probably why Michael and Rob
were sitting in the chat room!

<Rev1311> Believe me the pleasure is all mineÖ

<Sweet Cheeks> So, Rev how did you make out with
that honey from Philly?  I haven't seen her around
lately??

<Rev1311> As you know gentlemen, if something were
to have occurred I am not the type that would divulge
this information to you.  It would be disrespectful and
crass. And as you gentleman can see we are in the
presence of a lady.

Scully's interest in the mysterious Rev. increased ten-
fold.  This was not the usual, run of the mill cyber-
Romeo.  Rev definitely warranted closer inspection.

<SweetCheeks> Ah c'mon Rev!  You know I didn't mean
anything by it.  It's just that she sounded so Ö nice?

<Foxy Red> So you're from the Philadelphia area Rev?

<Rev1311> Let's just say that my job takes me around
the country a bit but particularly the east coast.

<FoxyRed> Oh? What do you do Rev if you don't mind
my asking?

<Crowe'sFoot>Oh he's in big time law enforcement.
Some kind of super FBI kinda guy.

<SweetCheeks>Yeah the streets are safer with Rev1311
out there.

<Rev1311> Let's just say I take my job seriouslyÖ.

Scully had to smile at that one.  This Rev reminded her
of own partner; a man who took his job seriously.
Probably took it all too seriously.  Just like her Mulder.
Scully shook her head to clear it of all the "her Mulder"
silliness.   Mulder could and would never be her anything
except her "work" partner.

But still, even if this whole Secondchance.com thing
turned out to be a bust, it was possible that she could
make a friend out of this.  Maybe there was more to
these chat rooms than she had thought.  What was
Mulder always saying about "infinite possibilities"? Maybe
Rev was a possibilityÖ.
 
 

XXXXX
 

Act 2
Apartment of Fox Mulder
Friday evening
 

Mulder surfed through the channels, settling on a
documentary on forensic science. He glanced at the
phone then turned back to the television. He tried to
concentrate on the DNA sampling being performed on
the screen but his mind kept returning to Scully's words
as she left the diner earlier. He considered what
tantalizing vocabulary she had in her repertoire, smiled
and reached for the phone.

He dropped the receiver, reconsidering. She had called
herself bait and in a sense she was just that. Perhaps she
was pissed at him for once again drawing her into
another extremely uncomfortable situation. He knew she
would never refuse him and he played on that too many
times. He should not have risked her in this situation but
the thought of cyber-hunting a criminal seemed new,
exciting and yet safe.

He picked up the receiver and pressed the first speed
dial. Fuck the assignment. He would apologize to Scully
and have someone else as bait. Bait. He cringed at the
thought of her word. She'd been hurt and he'd just
joked. God, he could be such an asshole!

"Hello?"

"Hey, Scully."

"No, Mulder."

"No? I haven't asked anything."

"Whatever it is, the answer is no."

"Scully, what do you think I'd ask you atÖ" he paused to
check his watch, "Öat 9pm?"

"Check a file? An autopsy? Do your overdue report? Fly
to Timbuktu? How aboutÖ"

"Ok, ok." Mulder had to tread carefully. "I was actually
calling becauseÖ"

"How about bait?" Scully cut in.

Ouch.

"Ok Scully, you got me. I'm sorry. I called to apologize
for being a jerk and shouldn't have assumed you to
intercept this guy. I should never put you at risk like that
and I was only thinking of catching this guy regardless of
how. But you know, I did call to see if youÖ" Mulder
realized he was talking on his own. By now, Scully would
have intervened. "Scully?"

"Hmmm?"

"Are you okay? Have you been listening to me?"

"Yeah, I heard you. You're a jerk and you're always
putting me at risk."

Again, ouch.

"Geez, Scully, you only hear the bad parts."

"Was there a point to this call, Mulder?"

"I was apologizing."

Mulder waited for a response but could only hear her
shallow breathing in his ear and a faint tapping. She was
probably at her laptop.

"Scully? I said I was apologizing."

"Mulder, you always apologize and then you go and do
the same things over again."

"But I apologize so well and bring the best pizzas."

"It's late."

"It's never too late for pizza."

"Extra cheese."

"Of course."

"And mushrooms."

"Don't push it."

"Mushrooms."

"Okay. I'll be there in half an hour."
 

XXXXX
 

I realize I am salivating. The blade is still warm and the
touch of it against my tongue is invigorating. The taste is
inexplicable. It is everything of which was the life I have
taken. It is rich, luxuriously rich and so satisfying.
 

XXXXX
 

Chapter 3
Act 1
Apartment of Dana Scully
Friday evening
 
 

Mulder balanced the pizza box in one hand and holding
the 6 pack of beer in his other, stood outside Scully's
door. He raised the hand holding the pizza, lowered it,
then raised the hand with the beer, sighed and leaned
against the doorframe. He could knock with his head but
short of a concussion, he didn't think it would look very
smooth at all. He decided to move the six-pack under his
arm and knock.

There didn't seem to be any response to his first rapping.
Could she have fallen asleep within the half hour it had
taken him? He knocked again, slightly harder and waited.
He couldn't hear any movement coming from within but
just as he was about to set the beer down and rummage
around for his keys, a faint tapping caught his attention.

So she was on the laptop, probably engrossed in some
article on forensics or wrapping up another report. She
was so goddamned efficient sometimes, it drove him
nuts. A slight smile formed but then faltered as he
realized that she could still be checking the chat room.
Could she still be chatting? Surely it had been more than
an hour? Could she be so absorbed in it that she
wouldn't hear him knocking?

This time, becoming impatient, he pounded harder than
he anticipated.

"Scully?"

The sound of papers rustling.

"Scully, are you okay?"

"Umm, Mulder. Yeah, hold on."

Relief washed over him as he heard her reply and he
returned to leaning against the doorframe to wait.

Scully's slight frame appeared at the door in a large
white robe. Perhaps Mulder was mistaken, but he
thought there was a slight flush to her face.

"Did I get you out of the tub?"

"No, I've beenÖ finishing reports."

"AhÖ"

Flushed from reports. Right.

Scully stepped aside, allowing him to enter.

"I hope there's extra cheese and mushrooms on that."

"Ask and you shall receive."

Mulder set the pizza box on the kitchen table and
proceeded to the fridge where he placed four of the six-
pack on a shelf, grabbing two bottles in one hand and
turned to see Scully hurriedly tapping at the keyboard of
her laptop.

He skulked behind her.

"What's that?"

Scully physically jumped in her chair, fingers hovering
over the keys.

"Finishing up surveillance."

"Surveillance?"

"You asked me to join."

"OhÖ" Mulder leaned closer to the screen over her
shoulder. "Secondchance.com. Ooo Scully, you being
nasty?"

"Doing what you asked."

"Use any tantalizing words?" Mulder grinned from ear to
ear. "I can help with that, you know."

"I'm perfectly capable, Mulder. I've actually started
making contact already."

"Yeah? Anyone interesting?"

"As a matter of fact, yes."

Scully stood, smiled knowingly and virtually slunk into the
kitchen, swaying her hips more than usual.

Mulder's first thought: shit.
 

XXXXX
 

Act 2
Apartment of Dana Scully
Friday evening
 
 

"So Scully, what's the deal?" Mulder wiped his mouth
with the back of his hand. "Are you going to tell me
about this interesting person or what?"

Scully reached over and wiped the tomato paste from the
back of Mulder's hand then placed it into his palm,
possibly for later utilization.

"Well, there are three so far that I've made contact with.
Two of them are the usual macho-types."

"'Usual'? Scully, have you been existing in another
realm?" Mulder waggled his eyebrows. "Are you one of
those closet chat room babes?"

"Mulder," Scully rolled her eyes, gulping down a mouthful
of beer, "Unlike you, I don't usually occupy my time in
chat rooms."

"I don't frequent places like that."

"Right."

"Well, maybe once."

Scully blinked, not smiling.

"Okay," Mulder grinned sheepishly, "maybe twice. I
swear."

"Mulder, what you do in your spare time is your
business."

"Scully, my spare time is basically spent with you or at
the office."

"True, but there are occasions that you have to yourself.
Some days even when you go off on your own."

"C'mon Scully. Don't use that against me. You know I
always tell you where I go."

"After you get back."

"That's not true."

"Or if you get into trouble."

"ScullyÖ"

"But your own time has nothing to do with me."

"Scully, can we get back on track here?"

Mulder didn't like the way the conversation was curbing
toward him. Why did this woman have the power to
make him squirm this way?

Scully seemed to be in thought for some time, tracing
the drops of condensation on the side of the bottle.

"Scully?"

"Well, as I was sayingÖ" She didn't look up. "Those first
two guys seemed harmless, just very *male*."

She glanced up to gauge Mulder's reaction. He kept his
mouth shut but she was sure he was definitely
commemorating all this to his eidetic memory.

"ThenÖ" she continued, "there was another man that
entered the chat room. He seemed very intelligent and
even charming."

"Charming?"

"Yes. There are charming men out there Mulder."

"You mean I'm not the only one?"

Scully began to clear away the remainder of the pizza,
her peripheral vision focused on Mulder.

"Scully?"

"That's it."

"What do you mean 'that's it'?"

"I mean just that, Mulder. I'll try again tomorrow night."

"He could kill someone in that time."

"And he also may not be the killer. I can't just jump into
something. Besides, I don't think he works that way. I
think he probably takes his time to win over his victim."

"Is he?"

"Is he what?"

"Winning you over?"

"I was analyzing, Mulder. I didn't mean me per se."

"Could he?"

"Could he win over his victims? Yes, this man is very
suave and somewhat sophisticated and knows exactly
what to say and when to say it."

"Sounds like he has already."

"What?"

"Won you over."
 

XXXXX

Selection is critical to my creative abilities. Expressive
eyes are the key. They say that the eyes are the mirrors
to the soul. I truly believe in this. I like to watch the pain,
the horror, the fear, life draining away and then the final
moment of death. All of these emotions depicted in the
eyes of my prey. Eyes are important to me for this
particular reason.
 

XXXXX
 

Chapter 4
Act 1
Saturday morning
Apartment of Dana Scully
 
 

Eyes. She could see eyes. Eyes burning into her very
thoughts. They saw everything she felt. This made her
feel uncomfortable, yet slightly invigorated, delightedÖ
maybe evenÖ aroused? If only that church bell would
stop ringing to remind her she should be embarrassed
not brazen. Why should she have to be Ms. Ice maiden?
Sometimes it felt good to be watched, noticed. Why
wouldn't those damn bells stop?

Bells?

Church?

Church bells?

"Mmph."

Scully opened her eyes to find herself in bed, on her
stomach, face almost submerged into her pillow. It was
still dark.

Bells?

Damn phone.

Through bleary eyes she read the luminescent numbers
on the clock as 5.10.

AM? Shit.

"Scully."

"Were you asleep?"

A long sigh escaped her lips.

"Mulder, what else would I be doing at this hour?"

"Downtown with me."

"MulderÖ"

"There's another victim. Looks the same."

"Can't it wait a couple more hours?"

"Scully, I've already been here an hour. The body's
gettin' cold."

"Mulder, it's not going anywhere."

"Great. See you in 20."

"Mulder, noÖ" She spoke to the signal that advised her
the other end had hung up. "Shit." She returned the
receiver and let her head hit the pillow. "Why do I let him
get to me?" Her muffled voice cried out. "Why? Why?"
 

XXXXX
 

Act 2
Apartment of Ms. Kathleen Biggs
Saturday morning
 
 

"Check this out, Scully."

Mulder waved a computer printout in front of him. Scully
glanced around from the photographs adorning the
deceased woman's walls, not really seeing him. The
photographs were possibly friends and family. She
wondered how a person who seemed so popular would
even consider frequenting a chat room. Loneliness came
in many forms even with friends and family.

"Hellooooo Scully. You there?"

Scully mentally shook herself, taking in the piece of
paper Mulder was holding.

"Another chat room member?"

"Yeah. Scully are you okay?"

"I'm fine Mulder." Scully clutched the printout to get a
better view. "The same one?"

"So it seems. He always takes them into alleyways for
attack and disposal."

"Habitual?"

"Convenience too."

"How so?"

"It's cover for him and the body won't be discovered for
a while."

"He wants it to be discovered."

"Of course. He wants the world to see what he can do."

"But why lonely hearts? Why not anyone off the street?"

"Maybe it's the chase. Maybe part of a power game.
Maybe he believes he's doing them a favor."
 

XXXXX
 

Act 3
Apartment of Dana Scully
Saturday evening
 

Scully sat by her computer, staring at the screen again.
She needed to draw the killer out but she wasn't so sure
that she'd found him. 'Rev' didn't seem psychotic, in fact
she found herself slightly attracted. Maybe it was one of
the other two that had drooled their virtual tongues at
her.

She was still hesitant to enter the chat room again yet
strangely compelled to. Just as she was about to enter
her password the phone shrilled, making her jump,
fingers retreating back from the keys.

"Scully."

"What are you wearing?"

"Mulder not now."

"Busy?"

"Yes as a matter of fact."

"Do you want extra cheese on your pizza?"

"Mulder, I said not now."

"How about in an hour?"

"Mulder what part of 'I'm busy' don't you understand?"

"You know you want pizza."

"No thank you."

"C'mon Scully. I'll let you choose the video."

"Mulder, some other time."

"You really are busy?"

"Is that so hard to believe?"

"WellÖ no."

"Goodbye Mulder."

She didn't catch the last comment as she cut him off.

Why was it so implausible for her to have a life beyond
him, beyond the Bureau, beyond the endless cases? She
was still relatively young and there were some people
that thought she was attractive.

She depressed the enter key.

"Welcome back FoxyRed!"

There were quite a few conversations going on like
before, some she thought that would make even Mulder
blush.

<SweetCheeks> Hey Red! Where you been hidin darlin?
<FoxyRed> Hi. I just had time to drop by tonight.
<Crowe'sFoot> You kinda left us all of a sudden the
other night.
<FoxyRed> Well things happen.
<SweetCheeks> Darlin if you were here things would
REALLY be happening. ALL THE TIME! ;)
<Crowe'sFoot> Michael man you're too much! You'll
scare her off again.
<SweetCheeks> I don't scare you do I Red?
<FoxyRed> I've heard worse.
<Crowe'sFoot> Do tell!
<FoxyRed> Has Rev been around lately?
<SweetCheeks> Now what would you want with a boring
fart like that when you could have a much better time
with us?

*bling* <Revelation1311 has entered the room>

<Rev1311> The Irish Rose has bestowed us with her
presence I see.
<SweetCheeks> Aw shit now where did you come from?
<Rev1311> Obviously just in time to save this poor
woman from your crassness once again.

Scully smiled. She certainly liked the idea of being an
'Irish Rose' especially when no physical appearance could
be detected.

<FoxyRed> Hi Rev. So you believe I need saving? I can
handle myself.
<Rev1311> I'm sure you can dear lady, however I
believe that crassness has its time and place. I am under
the impression that you are far above the likes of these
two and should be treated accordingly.
<SweetCheeks> Where do you get off Rev?
<Crowe'sFoot> Don't worry Michael I see Lovebug in a
separate chat.
<SweetCheeks> Good one Rob. Later Red when you get
sick of all that formal crap.
<Rev1311> Adieu and farewell brothers. So little Irish
Rose, where have you been?
<FoxyRed> How do you know I'm Irish or even 'little'?
<Rev1311> I know a lot about you.
<FoxyRed> How can you?
<Rev1311> Let's say I have a gift for that sort of thing.
<FoxyRed> You can tell what I look like just by reading
my words?
<Rev1311> Writing can be very intimate.
<FoxyRed> What do you mean?
<Rev1311> You can tell a lot about a person by the way
they write. When you can't see the other person
sometimes you lose your inhibitions and you can free
your mind to be whoever you want to be.

Scully felt her cheeks become warm. She was sure a
flush was rising from her neck. Why did that make her
feel embarrassed? It was much like her dream had made
her feel.

<FoxyRed> So how do you think you know so much
about me?
<Rev1311> Red obviously was chosen due to either your
liking of the color or your auburn locks. If I am correct in
this observation then this could also mean that you are
of Irish decent. I can also tell that you are well educated
and very confident in your manner.

Scully felt the flush increase.

<FoxyRed> Are you a psychiatrist?
<Rev1311> I've dabbled.
<FoxyRed> Dabbled? I thought you were in law
enforcement?
<Rev1311> Those gentlemen believe what they want to
believe. What is your line of work Red?

Scully hadn't even thought about that one.

<FoxyRed> I'd like to keep that a mystery.

She gave herself a mental pat on the back.

<Rev1311> Ok. We shall keep our own opinions of the
other's line of work then. I see you as a top executive
though, the power play is a skill of yours but I also see
the need to help others.
<FoxyRed> How do you see all that?
<Rev1311> I see that I have assumed at least some
things correctly. It's a talent I have. But I also believe
that it's all to do with a connection.
<FoxyRed> A connection?
<Rev1311> Yes. Sometimes you can just feel a
connection with someone. Do you believe that?

Scully found herself almost mesmerized by these words.
Perhaps connections like that did exist. Physical
appearances were sometimes deceptive. She was a
believer in words and so was this man. He certainly had
her interest piqued.

<FoxyRed> Yes I believe I do.
 

XXXXX

I do not hunt directly near my home or office but there is
no need for me to travel far for prey is plentiful in this
concrete jungle where I am free to roam, stalk, hunt and
feast.
 

XXXXX
 

Chapter 5
Act 1
Fox Mulder's apartment
Saturday evening
 
 

The two hundredth and seventy-fifth raindrop to make a
trail down the windowpane was the very last he could
take. Mulder tapped the glass with his index finger then
fell back onto the couch. Watching the television upside
down was also not making any difference to his
boredom.

The clock was not going any faster either, even upside
down. He twisted his body around to mould himself into
his usual spot but was just not comfortable.

Mulder glanced toward the phone. No. He was not going
to call again. She said she was busy and he should
respect that.

She said she was busy.

A date?

Scully?

Well it was plausible and he knew it. She had the right to
have a life away from him. He knew only too well how
attractive she was.

Maybe it wasn't a date. Maybe she was just tired. Maybe
she was washing her hair.

Maybe.

Shit.

He gave himself a mental shake and slid across the
couch.

The phone rang once, twice, three times.

She probably took a bath.

Four, five, six times.

She probably went out.

"You've called Dana Scully, please leave a message after
the tone."

Beep. Beep. Beep.

Mulder hung up without leaving any message. He should
leave her alone.

He should.
 

XXXXX
 

Act 2
Dana Scully's apartment
Saturday evening
 
 

Mulder killed the headlights before approaching Scully's
apartment. He stopped on the other side of the road but
if she was near the window, her keen sense might notice
his car. Why didn't he just pull up in her parking lot?
Because he was snooping, that's why. He felt guilty
about checking up on her but he couldn't shake this
feeling he had that something was wrong.

The lights were on in her apartment. He was sure that he
could see her figure sitting at the table. Everything
seemed okay.

For the next five minutes he sat staring at her window.
She didn't seem to move at all.

Everything seemed okay.

She wasn't moving.

Nothing appeared to be wrong.

Why wouldn't that damned feeling go away?

He usually went with his gut instincts.

He sat in the car for a while gathering his courage.
 

XXXXX
 

Act 3
Dana Scully's apartment
Saturday evening
 
 

Scully sat back from the computer to take a breath.

Wow.

The guy was good. He certainly had a way with words
and she was definitely in awe. He made her feelÖ feel
what? Perhaps that was just it: feel. He made her feel.
She certainly felt special and definitely feminine. She had
blushed several times during the conversation. She
checked the clock. A very long conversation.

She hadn't felt like this in a long time. It was always
work. Always on the go. Always having to think of others.
Always Mulder.

A small gasp escaped her lips when three hard raps to
the door awoke her from her reverie.

Damn.

All she wanted to do now was to take a nice long bath
and let all the words sink in with the warmth and
bubbles.

Three more raps, more insistent this time. She was now
becoming irritated for being disturbed from her private
moment.

Without checking the peephole, as she was usually
pedantic about, Scully opened the door a crack, leaving
the chain attached.

Mulder's face appeared from around the corner.

"Hey Scully."

"Mulder what are you doing here?"

"Can't you smell it?"

"What?" Her brows knitted together in complete
puzzlement. "What are you talking about?"

A flat cardboard box drifted back and forth atop Mulder's
hand in front of the door. Pizza.

"Mmmmmm Scully."

"No Mulder."

"Scully how can you turn up pizza?"

"It's late and I didn't ask for any."

"It's your favorite."

"Mulder, do you have any idea what time it is?"

"That's never stopped us before."

"Go home Mulder."

"I can't eat this by myself."

"Then you shouldn't have bought it. Go home."

"ScullyÖ c'monÖ"

"Mulder I'm tired and I don't want to talk shop."

"Who said we were going to?"

"Mulder, we always talk shop. Go home."

"You really don't want any pizza?"

"No, I don't."

She was definitely not releasing the chain on the door to
allow him entry. He pursed his lips in thought for a
moment then seemed to concede defeat.

"Okay, sorry I bothered you then. I'll see you Monday
morning."

Scully watched as he turned on his heels and sauntered
toward the elevator. The door snicked shut against her
weight, her head heavy against the wood. Why did he
have this ability to make her feel this way? Damn him.

She unfastened the chain, swung open the door and
leaned against it.

"Mulder that pizza better not have anchovies on it."

Mulder's finger paused just before depressing the
elevator button. He turned to see Scully standing by the
door with her arms crossed. It was hard to tell whether
she was particularly annoyed or definitely pissed off.

"No anchovies. And no shop talk, I swear."
 

XXXXX
 

Act 4
Dana Scully's apartment
Late Saturday evening
 
 

"So Scully," Mulder leaned back against the couch, "did
you go out before?"

"When?"

"Earlier this evening."

"Why?"

Hmmm. Evasive.

"I called and you didn't answer."

"Then I must've been out."

"What'd you do?"

Scully arched her eyebrow at him.

"Mulder why do I get the impression you're grilling me?"

"Me?" He placed a hand over his heart. "Scully, why
would I do that?"

"Exactly. Where I go and what I do in my own time is my
business."

Mulder set his half empty beer bottle on the table.

"Sorry for intruding."

There it was again. Damn him.

"MulderÖ"

"I wasn't prying Scully, I was justÖ worried."

Well, he had been. That and lonely but he wasn't about
to admit that.

"Mulder, I'm perfectly capable of looking after myself."
She leaned forward on the couch and squeezed his hand.
"Thank you for your concern though."

A heavy silence followed until Mulder noticed the
computer.

"Did you come up with any leads?"

"What?" Scully frowned. "What leads?"

Mulder nodded toward the computer.

"Mulder, no shop talk, remember?"

He nodded, reaching for his jacket on the floor. He
shrugged into it as he headed for the door.

"Thanks for the company Scully. I'll see you Monday."

"MulderÖ"

"Sorry I kept you up so late."

He reached the door.

"Mulder?"

"Yeah?"

"Thanks for the pizza."

"Any time Scully."
 

XXXXX
 

Fade-out Act
Fox Mulder's car
Early Sunday morning
 
 

Something was wrong. Something was definitely wrong.

Mulder clutched the steering wheel as he stared at
Scully's window, at her shadow silhouetted in the light.

He knew that he wasn't the best of company at most
times but she had never shut him out completely before.
The fact that she hadn't released the chain in his
presence was certainly evidence of that.

They practically watched the movie on television in
silence. He couldn't even recall what had been on. It
hadn't seemed like Scully at all.

She wouldn't talk to him.

She had shut him out.
 

XXXXX
 

I had the privilege of witnessing the final trickle of life
drain away from those clear blue eyes. The fear that I
witnessed was displayed only for me. The only witness to
the final act of life. That feeling is exhilarating!
 

XXXXX
 

Chapter 6
Act 1
Café Vertigo
Washington DC
Sunday afternoon
 
 

What on earth was she doing? This wasn't like her at all.
She was usually very practical and used common sense.
Always.

This was different.

He was different.

She felt compelled to be here even though they had met
on-line and only a few days ago. She had been attracted
and now curious to know this man in person. It was
unusual for her to even be placed in a situation like this
and yet she couldn't stop herself.

A little embarrassed about arriving early, she sipped her
water, tentatively watching the pedestrians passing by
the window.

"You're even more lovelier in person."

She was slightly startled, yet quickly placed at ease when
he took her hand in his and gently kissed the back of her
hand.

"And such beautiful red hair."

And he was even more charming in personÖ
 

XXXXX
 

Fade-out Act
An alleyway
Washington DC
Dusk Sunday
 

The skin is still warm to the touch but has now paled
somewhat. The eyes, those beautiful blue eyes, the
windows to the terrified soul, are now glazed and filling
with the droplets of rain starting to fall from the dark,
pregnant sky.

The alleyway is quiet and obscure, away from prying
eyes, a short distance from the city and my home. I
never feel the need to wander far. An abundance of prey
is here for the selection. I turn into the predator, the
hunter. I enjoy the hunt and of course the kill, but most
of all the power. The power of taking a life. It
overwhelms my senses and is a feeling like no other. The
sensation of power, the power that is in my own hands.

I need to focus on the remaining task, to dispose of the
body, but not quite discreetly. My handiwork should be
discovered so that the world can admire the precision to
which the incisions were made. To see the obvious
attention I have placed with each slice of the blade.
 
 

XXXXX
 

I lightly graze my fingers over each laceration to savor
this moment, to revel in my power. Each cut has been
made so precise, so lovingly like an artist that has
completed a sculpture. My masterpiece.
 

XXXXX
 

Chapter 7
Act 1
An alleyway
Washington DC
Sunday evening
 
 

Mulder's heart was pounding so hard and fast he could
hear it in his head. It was drowning out all other
thoughts as he ran from his car into the alleyway, almost
tripping over the detective in charge.

Panting, he fumbled for his badge to quickly thrust it in
front of the detective's face.

"Tell me."

"Like I said on the phone, Agent Mulder, Caucasian
female around 5'1", red hair, blue eyes. Similar pattern to
the lastÖ"

He couldn't hear any more.

Mulder headed toward the body bag they were loading
into the back of an unmarked van. It took all the effort
he could muster to even touch the zipper with his
trembling hands, let alone pull back the black sheet.
Time seemed to stand still. Every inch revealed a
gruesome nightmare to add to his repertoire of bad
memories.

He hadn't realized he'd closed his eyes at the last
moment. He opened them to the soft yet lifeless features
of a woman that was still beautiful in death.

He released the breath he had been holding.

It wasn't her.

It wasn't Scully.

Thank God.

He honestly felt pity and sadness toward the victim
before him, butÖ

It wasn't her.

He let the sheet drape across the pale form once more
and wiped the sweat from his brow. His hands were still
shaking and he now needed to compose himself.

Where the hell was Scully? She hadn't answered his calls
and she hadn't been home all afternoon. The phone call
he'd received not half an hour ago from the detective in
charge of the investigation described the victim almost
too like Scully and it damn near drove him over the edge.

That gut instinct of his was going to drive him insane.
 

XXXXX
 

Act 2
Café Vertigo
Washington DC
Sunday evening
 
 

What the hell was she doing? This wasn't like her at all.
She wasn't even fashionably late, which probably made
her look over-eager. Shit. What would he think?

Scully motioned to stand, her rear just lifting off the chair
and then she planted herself back down again. This was
ridiculous; she was a grown woman and could look after
herself. She deserved a little adventure, a little time away
from everything. Away fromÖ everything.

She felt compelled to be there. She felt compelled to
meet this man. He was interesting and he was interested
in her. She hadn't met a man as interesting as him
sinceÖ well, since meeting Mulder. But Mulder wasÖ
differentÖ and he wouldn't understand this.

Hell, she didn't understand it herself.

She continued to fiddle with the napkin on the table and
the hem of her skirt. She almost knocked over the water
glass when a figure approached the table beside her.

"You're even lovelier in person dear lady."

She felt her hand being touched and raised to a more
than decent-looking face. His lips softly grazed the skin
on the back of her hand, increasing her temperature
almost immediately. She could feel goose bumps forming
and almost too quickly retrieved her hand before an
embarrassing flush could redden her cheeks.

"May I sit?"

She nodded seeing the approval in his eyes.

"So, I can't keep calling you Red. What shall I call you?"

"Dana."

"Well Dana, it's certainly an honor to meet you. I'm
Nathan."

Scully could feel herself relax. This wasn't so bad after
all.
 

XXXXX
 

Act 3
Dana Scully's apartment
Sunday evening
 
 

"Guys, cut the crap. Can you recover the last
conversation on this damn thing or not?"

Frohike's face appeared around the side of Scully's
computer.

"Are you sure the fair Scully would even be moonlighting
in a chat room?"

"It was actually undercover surveillance."

"Right." Langly's voice came from under the table. "Now
I've heard everything."

"Mulder it's hard to believe you know." Byers handed a
print out to Frohike. "We just can't imagine Scully
chatting on one of those forums."

"It was surveillance."

"Right." Langly and Frohike in unison.

Mulder jumped off the table in front of Frohike, who took
a step back.

"Just get the fucking data!"

"Geez, Mulder." Langly bumped his head on the table as
he crawled out from under the table. "Chill out, man."

"You think Scully's been doin' the dirty on you?"

"Frohike, what the hell are you talking about?"

"You think she's been getting' jiggy with some guy on a
chat room?"

"Man, now that would be something I'd like to read!"

"Shut up, Langly!"

"Touchy, touchy." Frohike squinted up at Mulder. "You
got it bad."

"Got what?"

"Shit, Mulder." Langly rubbed the bump forming on the
back of his head. "If you don't know what you've got
then you've got it worse than we thought."

Byers snorted. He stifled it as Mulder's glare burned into
the side of his face.

"Well," Langly tapped on a few keys, "here we go. You
ready Mulder?"

Mulder leaned closer to the screen.

"FoxyRed?" Frohike smirked. "She has a wild side we
didn't know about."

"Man." Langly leaned back from the computer. "Even
Byers could get embarrassed reading this."

Byers sniffed, trying to ignore the remark.

Mulder was oblivious to their banter. He concentrated on
the screen.

Revelation1311?

Rev.

"Hey Mulder, for a preacher he sure lays on the charm
real thick."

"He's no preacher, Frohike. He's proclaiming."

"Proclaiming what?"

"His next victim."

<Rev1311> Are you game?
<FoxyRed> Game?
<Rev1311> To meet.
<FoxyRed> So soon?
<Rev1311> I feel like I know you very well. We have
such a special connection, you and I.
<FoxyRed> I'm not sure.
<Rev1311> You don't feel the connection? I would like
to gaze upon the image that I've formed of you. I'm sure
that you are a true Irish rose. Please bestow me this
pleasure. All I am suggesting is to meet.
<FoxyRed> Your image of me could be completely
inaccurate.
<Rev1311> I've told you that I have a talent for this. I
believe I'm correct.
<FoxyRed> You're very confident.
<Rev1311> Because I know you.
<FoxyRed> You only think that.
<Rev1311> I know you. Meet me Red.
<FoxyRed> When?
<Rev1311> Tonight. We can even meet in a public place
if it makes you feel more comfortable. Do you know Café
Vertigo in Rosslyn?
<FoxyRed> No but I can find it.
<Rev1311> 8pm. I'm not sure if I'll be able to contain
my anxiety.
<FoxyRed> See you at 8.
<Rev1311> The pleasure will be all mine. Please don't
tarry and cause me too much distress.

Café Vertigo. Bingo.

Byers stepped in front of Mulder as he marched toward
the door.

"Mulder it may not be what you're thinking."

"He's the guy."

"You don't know that. He's just a suspect."

"Suspect my ass! Scully was priming him."

"Mulder don't let your personal feelings cloud your
rational thought."

"My persÖ? I'm going on my gut instincts and they're
usually right."

"Are you? Mulder, stop and think."

"Out of my way, Byers."

"Mulder, you could make things worse especially if it's a
real date. Be careful how you handle this."

The glasses rattled on the sink from the slamming of the
door.

Byers shrugged at Langly and Frohike.

Frohike sighed.

"Ain't love grand." He scratched his barren head. "I think
we should tag along just in case."

"It's none of our business."

"Yeah, as if that's stopped us before."

"True."
 

XXXXX
 

Act 4
Café Vertigo
Sunday evening
 
 

Mulder scanned the restaurant disregarding the waiter's
protests.

"Sir, if you just tell meÖ"

"A redhead."

"Sir, are you sure you're looking in the right
establishment."

Mulder produced his badge.

"Was there a redhead in here around 8pm?"

"There are a lot of redheads that come in here."

Great.

He scanned the interior of the café one more time for
good measure. No Scully.

He checked his watch. 9.45.

Shit.
 

XXXXX
 
 

Act 5
A discreet alleyway
Sunday evening
 
 

"I thought this was the way to your home?"

Scully became aware of the darkened surroundings after
they had walked for some time from the café.

"It is. Dana, you're not comfortable with me?'

She met his gaze and instantly her fears seemed to
dissolve and the tenseness she was beginning to feel
relaxed again.

"No. I'mÖ I'm okay."

"Good. Just a little further."

He took her hand and led her further into the shadows of
the alley.

He stopped just shy of a massive pile of trash.

"WhatÖ?"

"Shhh. You're so lovely, so sweet. So much life in your
eyes. The perfect treasure."

He lightly touched Scully's chin with his index finger then
traced along her lower lip. The longer she looked into his
eyes, the more at ease she felt yet his touch was like ice.

In the far recesses of her mind she could hear her own
voice cry out at the icy touch but could do nothing to
prevent it.
 

XXXXX
 

Act 6
A street in Rosslyn
Washington DC
Sunday evening
 
 

Mulder stood under the streetlight, turning left then right.

Fuck!

Where? Where?

He was at a total loss, the adrenaline playing havoc with
his senses. His knees buckled from under him and he
dropped to the curb hugging his knees to his chest. His
throat constricted, his stomach seized. He rubbed his
face, trying to clear his thoughts. If he lost it now, it
wasn't going to help Scully.

Maybe Byers was right; it could just be a simple date.
This guy Rev could just be another lonely heart.

Maybe.

Maybe not.

Mulder sucked in a huge breath, looking up to the sky for
answers. All thoughts stopped as he stared at a large
billboard across the street. He stood on shaky legs,
taking in all the buildings on both sides of the street.
Why had his eidetic memory failed him? Was it the shock
and overwhelming thoughts of Scully in danger?

The street was familiar. Shit. Why hadn't he noticed
sooner? He gave himself a mental slap and forced
himself to move.

The alleyway where the body was found that afternoon
was less than a block away from where he had been
standing.

Mulder gripped the pistol, tightening his finger against
the trigger as he closed in on the alleyway. He silently
prayed to Scully's God that his assumptions were correct
although he somehow felt that Scully was near. It was
his gut instincts again. He'd better be right. He wouldn't
want to sneak into the alleyway and just find some
homeless guy taking a leak.

As he neared, he could hear a soft voice repeating the
same sentence over and over again. Just around one wall
he focused in on shadows. One, maybe two, it was
difficult to tell. Maybe they were standing close together
mingling the shadows.

Mingling.

He gritted his teeth so hard that his jaw began to ache
from the pressure.

Something metallic glinted, perhaps reflecting from a
distant light.
 

XXXXX
 
 

Act 7
Discreet alleyway
Sunday evening
 
 

He stared into the depths of those large blue eyes to
catch the acknowledgement of what was happening, of
the fear. This was his moment of the ultimate feeling of
power.

"You are so lovely. So sweet. So full of life."

Scully blinked. Her mind screamed for her to move, to
fight but she remained powerless against those eyes. A
sole tear trickled down her cheek as realization settled in.

"So lovely. So sweet. So full of life."

A large knife came into view. She could not focus on it
but could see it in her peripheral vision. The point
pierced her chin as he traced along her jaw line. She
could feel it trace down her throat, down along her
breastbone and tickle just above her navel.

"So lovely. So sweet. So full of life."

With all the will she could summon, Scully closed her
eyes against the touch.

"No my sweet Irish rose. Open those doors to your soul."

"The only doors you'll see are cell doors. Put the knife
down. Now!"

Nathan whirled around to see a man aiming a pistol
directly at him. Rage swelled within him on this intrusion.
He turned back to his present masterpiece. Her eyes
were no longer upon him but on the intruder to their
private moment. The fear that was recently within those
blue pools was now longer evident.

"No!"

It was ruined. His divine moment was completely ruined.

He raised the knife, screaming something unintelligible to
Mulder's ears. Before the knife could strike home, a
searing pain pierced his hand and the knife tumbled to
the concrete.

Nathan crumbled on the ground gripping his injured,
bloodied hand tightly against his chest.

Scully collapsed back against the wall, eyes still focused
on Mulder as he lunged toward her. He gripped her arms
to steady her but found her sobbing against him as soon
as she was on her feet. He welcomed her trembling body
and held her as she sobbed, kissing the crown of her
head.

"It's okay now Scully. It's all oÖ Shit!"

Pain in his leg forced him to release Scully. He'd
momentarily forgot the bastard on the ground and in that
moment he had sliced into his right calf. Blood seeped
through the cut in his trouser leg and double over agony,
his ass hitting the concrete hard.

Nathan took the opportunity to wield his knife again.
Scully managed to wake from her stupor and scramble
on the ground beside Mulder, searching for the pistol
that she was sure she heard drop but couldn't see it in
the shadows.

Mulder watched as Nathan lunged toward him in a split
second, knife diving toward his chest. A projectile
seemingly came out of nowhere, striking Nathan on the
side of the head, the force of the impact sending him
flying back and dropping the knife once more.

Mulder searched the shadows. Three figures he hadn't
noticed before approached.

"Man, how was that for a shot! I tell you it pays to have
been a frisbee champion."

"We're never going to hear the end of this one."

Mulder grinned, despite clutching his leg.

"Guys. I should kick your butts for being here but I'm
glad you are."

"Mulder," Frohike knelt beside his friend, "you ain't
kicking anyone's butt for a while."
 

XXXXX
 

Fade-out Act
Lone Gunmen's car
Late Sunday evening
 
 

"Mulder?" Byers checked on his companions in the rear
view mirror. "Are you sure you don't want to ride in the
ambulance to the hospital?"

"No. I prefer this. Why, do you mind?"

"Well," Frohike leaned against Mulder, "you're bleeding
all over the interior."

Mulder smirked.

"Some friend you are. Ouch! Shit, Scully, will you stop
that!"

Scully finished tying another tourniquet around Mulder's
leg.

"I'm trying to stop the bleeding."

She returned to her position beside Mulder, feeling his
eyes on her. He smiled and in that smile she knew that
he understood. She returned the smile.

"So Scully," Langly leaned over the front seat, "you knew
this Rev guy was the one you were looking for?"

Scully lowered her head, wringing her hands in her lap,
unable to answer. Mulder's hand covered hers.

"Not a matter of knowing," Mulder answered on her
behalf, "it was a matter of feeling."

"What did the Rev stand for?"

"Revelations 1311. Bible Revelations Chapter 13 Verse
11: 'And he performed great and miraculous signs.'"

Scully stifled a sob. Mulder held her close, giving her as
much reassurance as he possibly could with this gesture.

Byers turned back to the road, momentarily embarrassed
as if he'd intruded on some intimate moment.

"He was probably believed that he was actually justified
in murdering those women."

"Because they were lonely?"

"Maybe. I think he might even think that he was given a
power and in believing that he felt like a God."

"Those women were just lonely and gullible?"

Mulder felt another sob from Scully against his chest.

"Or maybe they just wanted to be noticed or
appreciated. But this guy did have a type of power to say
exactly what was needed or what these women wanted
to hear."

"But they were all beautiful women, Mulder."

"Even beautiful women can be overwhelmed when they
think they're not appreciated. Chat rooms can sometimes
give them that appreciation."

Mulder leaned down so that his lips were almost against
Scully's ear. This was only for her to hear.

"You are appreciated Scully. I'm sorry I didn't see it
coming."
 

XXXXX

The End