Torment
By Piper Sargasso
Disclaimer: Mulder, Scully and the Gunmen are the
property of CC, 1013, etc. No infringement intended.
A/N: HUGE thanks to Char for the supersonic beta!
Chocolate showers with cherries on top to you,
Sweetie.
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~ Prologue ~
Camden Pennsylvania
October 27, 1997
At first glance, the two-story, red brick house was
almost the exact replica of Scully's dream home.
The location was ideal, settled on the outskirts of
a small town where the nearest neighbor could be
seen, yet not heard. Perfect, quaint little place
to raise a family. Ivy crept up the masonry,
stretching over the cream-colored shutters. It made
the outside of the huge house look cozy and
inviting. The landscaping was immaculate; little
blooming clusters of color dotting the lawn at
intervals, creating a harmonic lushness with the
pruned bushes and weeping willows. The cream-
colored, wraparound porch was a new addition, which
complimented the structure's early 1800's design.
Adirondack rocking chairs, stand-alone hammocks and
a small child's table cluttered with coloring books
and crayons adorned the porch, speaking of the laid
back easiness of the family that lived there.
The place was so tranquil, so picture perfect.
Mulder and Scully let themselves inside using the
key they'd acquired from the local PD. The inside
was just as tasteful and comfortable as the
outside, with spacious rooms and cheerful décor.
The colors were warm, the antique furniture
mingling with contemporary; rugs lay out atop the
polished wooden floors. The overall effect was one
of well lived-in warmth, as if the house itself
were a living, breathing thing, welcoming the
agents with open arms.
This all changed the moment they stepped inside the
kitchen.
"Oh my God."