Chapter Four: Dawn of a New Day
Flashback: Thirteen Days Prior
"Good morning, honey bunch!" grinned Mulder. Scully slowly began to wake up and shrieked seeing Mulder lying in bed next to her. "Mulder, what are you thinking? Just because we are undercover as a couple doesn't mean we act like one when no one is around. Out!" "Where's your sense of adventure?" "Out, Mulder." "Fine." Once Mulder left the room, Scully quickly began to get ready for the day. Meanwhile, Mulder was doing the same. "Ready to grab something to eat before we investigate?" asked Mulder. "I'm ready. Maybe we can investigate the most recent crime scene for evidence," responded Scully.
The agents headed to the main cabin for breakfast before exploring Glacier. "Good morning Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt!" greeted Paul. "I hope you had a greet night's sleep! My wife, Erin, is making breakfast as we speak. How was your night?" Before Mulder was about to answer, Scully stated "Great! We passed out to due to exhaustion we acquired from travelling yesterday." Mulder glanced over at his partner and gave her a "how come you didn't let me answer?" look. Scully ignored him and began to ask a few questions. "Do you know any great spots for outdoor enthusiasts such as ourselves to explore in town? Or have any recommendations for places to hike tomorrow?" "Why there sure is! Glacier is booming of small town culture! As for trails, I advise that you stick towards the main trail, Table Mountain trail, as there is less hazards such as snow and ice than the lesser known trails. However though, if you do want a challenge, then Hannegan Peak trail is the one for you. That trail will take about four days to hike the entire trail." "Alright, thanks!" exclaimed Mulder. "Now, Paul," chimed in Scully, "Should we be concerned about bears and other dangerous creatures such as Sasquatch?" "Sasquatch? Sheesh, aren't you a sucker. Bigfoot is just as a hoax. Just like the supposed missing people in town and the prints left by Bigfoot. One, those supposed footprints are false. Second of all, people leave all the time and don't return. Some can't handle the small town life while others are only here during the ski season. Clearly, there is nothing dangerous out in the forest or in town Mrs. Schmidt," explained Paul. "Oh, good to know that there is nothing to really worry about," responded the concerned red head. "Now, I do suggest that you head into town and gather what you need before you head out tomorrow. I don't want to open the newspaper and read about a couple went hiking and didn't return." "We will!" both agents responded in unison. "Good, now have a good rest of your day!"
"So, Mulder. What do you think about Paul's explanation about the missing residents?" asked Scully. "Well, I can't tell if he was being serious or if he was trying to hide something. Either way, let's explore town before we venture into the forest tomorrow to look for any evidence of Sasquatch or any of the missing people." The two agents made their way to town when they decided to enter the Glacier General Store to gather the few things they needed. As Scully wandered through the small store gathering food and supplies for a make shift first aid kit, Mulder was already asking about Sasquatch. "Is it true that Sasquatch is behind all these disappearances?" while talking to the clerk. "I dunno, I mean what else could leave these big footprints around town?" "How many footprints are around town?" "Again, I dunno. Maybe five or six sets of prints. Why do you ask?" "I'm just wondering. I don't want to go hiking with my wife tomorrow and have to worry about Sasquatch running around town and kidnapping people." "Oh, okay then." By then Scully was already at the counter and ready to purchase everything in her basket and gave Mulder a quick "shut up Mulder" glare. "Thank you for shopping! I wish you and your wife the best of luck tomorrow!" "Thank you!"
Once they departed the store, Scully began to unload on Mulder. "What were you thinking? We are undercover. I don't need you to blow our cover. Plus, we need to investigate one of the sights ourselves. In our assignment, we were told to investigate and arrest the person behind the kidnappings besides investigating the nearby trails for any evidence." Mulder just stood there and began thinking to himself. "Hey Scully!" "Yeah, Mulder?" "Let's go examine a crime scene! We should be near one. It's only a couple blocks from here." "Alright, Mulder. Lead the way."