CHAPTER 5

Gunnison, UT
9:01 PM MST

Mulder sighed deeply, twisting his wrists behind him against the pole they were cuffed around as his jean-covered knees achingly dug into the dirty wood floor, his ankles bound behind him around the pole as well. He had been bruised from the beating he took earlier, his head sporting a small gash and his back still warm from the kick he received to it. He thought of Scully, who had been dragged away by the same men Will described who participated in what they now knew was Joy's fake kidnapping. She had been taken with Doggett to another part of the warehouse they were in, where they were brought to after being intercepted while en route to the hospital to investigate a lead on Joy's disappearance. Mulder rested his head against the pole, knowing in the back of his mind that though Joy wouldn't choose to kill him yet, Scully and Doggett were expendable should Will fail to show sooner rather than later, which frightened him. He was, however, hopeful that Doggett was with Scully to protect her, though he highly doubted it was the case.

When they realized they had been set up after being driven off the road, Mulder, Scully and Doggett were forced into a van by several replacements who easily overpowered them. After arriving at the warehouse, Mulder tried to lead an escape, but traded himself for Scully after Joy threatened her life, despite Scully's pleading for him not to. He quickly found himself cuffed to the large, solid pole he now knelt in front of, having to watch painfully as Scully and Doggett were forcibly removed from the area after Will had inadvertently called.

William. His son was already burdened with the task of trying to find his pregnant wife, let alone having to now be forced to choose should she not be found before seventy-two hours. Mulder had no doubt that Joy was capable of killing him; upon their arrival at the warehouse, Joy confessed to Klim's murder as well as others, and also gleefully informed the trio that Cara had been abducted, and that Will would be hard-pressed to find her - that Cara was now so far gone that Will didn't have a chance. It sickened Mulder to think of his son flying across the country only to find that Cara might not be there.

It had all been designed so carefully, so many lies exchanged to finally arrive at this one truth. This was the culmination of their game, the highlight of the match. This was what the bounty hunter, and possibly CGB Spender, had been waiting for for over eight months, the time taken because of the children Cara bore in her womb. Mulder shut his eyes in disgust as he thought of how they now had possession of not only Cara, but his grandchildren who they most likely were seeking to study and then destroy. How had they all been so blind to the way they each had been arranged on the game board, each fulfilling the necessary spaces without as much as a second thought? Had he really been that gullible to believe that they would be aware if they were being played?

His temples pounded, his throat was dry. He kept his eyes closed as the cool metal pole supported his head, swallowing as he heard her soft footsteps approaching him. "Fox," he heard her say softly. He didn't move, didn't respond. He felt her circling him with feline instinct; there was something so primal, yet so refined in the way she conducted herself. "Not up for chatting, I take it?"

"I'd rather be called Mulder," Mulder murmured, not moving.

"Oh, but your given name is just so nice to say." He felt her breath near his face, but didn't move. "I bet it sounds good screamed."

"Listen," Mulder's tone was dry, his eyes still closed, "I appreciate the flattery. If I wasn't taken, I still wouldn't be interested, though. I don't tend to gravitate toward psychotic women by choice."

Joy's laugh pierced the air. "I'm glad I get to have you stick around for a while, Fox," she said sweetly. "You amuse me."

"Well at least someone's entertained."

"Are you bored?" Joy murmured; he knew she was still close to him, he could smell the sweet notes of her perfume. "I can think of ways to pass the time."

"Actually, I'm just wondering how the hell I got here."

"You're here because you're just like your son. You're a boy scout at heart. You just couldn't let poor little Joy suffer."

"Looks like chivalry doesn't get you anywhere these days."

"Being a gentleman isn't always a bad thing." He felt her breath on his cheek again. "It just leaves you weak."

"Weakness is in the eye of the beholder."

Joy laughed again. "So you don't find your current predicament giving you any weakness?" She paused, he didn't answer. "I bet I know what would make you feel very weak," she whispered suggestively. "I bet hearing Dana screaming in pain would make you sick with weakness."

"What is it that you want, exactly?" Mulder growled, now opening his eyes and lunging against his restraints toward her.

"There it is!" Joy said, a smile on her face as she watched Mulder's anger rise. "There's that spark I've waited for." She paced, keeping her eyes on him. "God, I thought you were dead for a second." She paused, eyeing him. "I wanted to see where the darkness that William has in him comes from."

"If you uncuff me, I'd be more than happy to show you that right now," Mulder replied, his eyes fixed on Joy.

"Dana really makes you weak, doesn't she?" Joy asked, her hands on her hips as she looked down at Mulder.

"Leave her alone," Mulder growled.

"See, that's one of the best parts about being superhuman," Joy continued, ignoring Mulder's crazed glare. "I don't feel pain for people. People come and go. Do you think I'm going to cry over William not choosing me and instead choosing the Shield?"

"So you doubt he'll come, then," Mulder noted.

"I'm hoping he doesn't," Joy replied. "It means I get to do what I do best if he doesn't. Otherwise, I still get to do it, but it's just messier. I prefer cleanliness when I kill."

"Klim wasn't that clean when you left him."

"Au contraire," Joy said, "he was so clean that you didn't have a damn thing to go on."

"So you like the cat and mouse game," Mulder said, his eyes narrowing as he psychoanalyzed her. "Typically, behavior like you're displaying is an attempt to make one feel superior when they otherwise are incredibly inferior and therefore less important than they perceive themselves to be."

"I know my place," Joy said cooly, circling around Mulder.

"I'm figuring it won't be long until you know where you really sit on the totem pole."

He wasn't sure how she seemed to leap across to him so quickly, her reflexes almost as cat-like as her demeanor. He felt her small yet incredibly strong hand wrap around his throat, clamping down on it with ease as he gasped. "The way I see it," she said softly as he choked, "you're the lowest man on the pole right now." She swiftly kicked him in the stomach, releasing his throat and shoving him into the pole. He gasped for air, hunching over against the pain of her boot colliding against his gut. She watched him, her lips pressed together as she observed. "It's been nice chatting with you, Fox," she said, a smile slowly washing over her face. "But now I've got to go catch up with Dana."

Mulder's nostrils flared as he pulled against the pole, yelling at Joy's back as she walked away. "Don't you touch her!"

Joy paused, looking over her shoulder at Mulder. "I'll be sure to leave the door open so you can hear her scream."

Enraged, Mulder wrestled against the handcuffs, feeling the skin of his wrists burning as the chain scraped on the metal pole, not gaining him any advantage as Joy disappeared out of sight.

With his fingers still laced together behind his head, Will swallowed, looking into Rich's eyes. "Holy shit," Rich whispered, still looking stunned as he continued to aim the gun. "What the hell happened to you, Van De Kamp?"

Will chewed his bottom lip, knowing what Rich was implying. "Rich, I didn't kill her."

"So you just happened to be wandering around Cara's mother's house tonight for no reason?"

"Rich-"

"How'd you get so fucked up, Will?" Rich asked. "First a doctor, then Cara, then you go postal in court and go AWOL, now this?"

"Rich, I can explain-"

"Save it," Rich growled, holding his aim on Will as he lifted his radio to his lips. "This is Bertolini, ten-eighteen requesting immediate backup to 9376 Monroe Street. I've got a one-eight-seven, one body and the suspect in custody. Suspect should be considered extremely dangerous."

"Ten-four, standby," the dispatcher said over the radio.

Will knew he could escape with no problem, being that Rich wasn't aware of his immunity to bullets. Yet, he knew if he was able to convince Rich that he wasn't guilty, he would be able to use the resources at the station for identifying the men in the photographs he took from Maryann's album that were now in his pocket. "Rich, please just listen to me," Will said softly, keeping his hands behind his head. He saw Rich's eyes narrow. "I know … I know you've heard a lot in the last eight months. I know how it looks. But you've got to believe me when I tell you that I'm not guilty."

"You almost shot Cara, Will," Rich said softly, still holding the gun on him. "Then, you strangled a man to death. Then you kidnapped your partner, drug her across the country and decided to beat, rape and torture her. Then when you finally got caught, you kidnapped her again after nearly killing your prosecuting lawyer. When that wasn't enough, you decided to bring her to God knows where and do God knows what to her for seven months … if she's even still alive." Rich's rehashing of the events made Will sick. "Now, you've decided to kill her mother. Am I missing something here?"

Will shut his eyes, trying to calm himself with a deep inhale. "I was set up, Rich," he murmured. "I didn't kill anyone." His voice was rising. "More importantly, I didn't kidnap Cara. And I didn't hurt her or rape her."

"Then where is she, Will?" Rich demanded.

"That's why I'm here," Will said gently. "I'm trying to find her."

"She's wherever you put her, you bastard!"

"Please …" Will was finding it hard to remain calm enough to defend himself. "Rich, I was set up at the Terminal. People have been trying to kill me since January. Cara willingly helped me flee across the country. I never hurt her. She was taken from me because of me. I found her, then gave myself up so she would be protected. I knew if she was found innocent, she would be safe." Will paused, swallowing as he carefully shifted his weight, seeing Rich's immediate lift of his gun on him. "When she came back, she was trying to find evidence of my innocence for my trial. She …" Will closed his eyes, feeling them threatening to swell with tears. "She's pregnant, Rich. She's pregnant with my children. Twins."

"So you did rape her?" Rich asked darkly.

Will shook his head profusely. "No," he interrupted. "No. She … we … it was very consensual." He took a deep breath. "The children she's carrying … there are people who want to see them destroyed. We tried to keep her pregnancy a secret, but the prosecution … they were leaked the information. Taking her from that courtroom and protecting her myself was the only way she was going to be safe."

"Why would they want your kids destroyed?" Rich asked skeptically.

"Because they're extremely special, Rich," Will answered, his tone serious. "Rich … I need you to do something for me. I need you to look over my right shoulder."

"Yeah and take my eyes off you?"

"I'm not moving, Rich," Will murmured gently.

"And what am I suppose to see over your right shoulder?"

"This."

Having caught sight of it before he went upstairs to Maryann's bedroom, Will now moved the piece of art hanging near the stairs with his mind, lifting it off the hook. As he focused on his task, not moving an inch of his body, he saw Rich's eyes widen in shock. Will dropped the painting to the ground with his mind, swallowing as Rich looked at him. "What the fuck was that?" Rich asked. "You a magician now, Van De Kamp?"

Will shook his head. "No, Rich. It's … it's something I've always been able to do."

Rich's jaw flexed. "Whatever that bullshit was, it still doesn't prove a damn thing."

"Think of something. Anything you want."

"What?"

"I'll tell you word for word what you're thinking. Just think it right now." Will paused. "You're thinking: 'If this mother-fucking idiot thinks I'll believe him, he's got another thing coming.' Am I right?" Will saw Rich's hesitation. "Pick something random." He waited. "'Four score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.' … 'Last night's lotto numbers: Nine, two, four, nine.' … 'Charlene, Tammy, Jessica-'"

"Holy shit," Rich whispered, feeling completely violated as Will pulled the thoughts from his mind at the exact time he was having them - no delay, just perfect synchronization in silence. His mouth opened, his tongue quickly wetting his lips. "How are you doing that?"

"I've always been able to," Will said gently. "That's what I'm telling you. Cara and my children - the children that are in Cara's womb right now - are in danger." Will sighed, hearing the thoughts Rich was having regarding his belief. "Cara holds power as well - different, yet extremely sought-after. There are men in our government who want to see her and the twins destroyed. I … I'm out here because Cara was trying to protect me. She came out of hiding to destroy the thing that will destroy mankind, because she feels she's the only one who can do it."

"Wait," Rich said. "'Destroy mankind'? What are you talking about?"

"A virus, Rich," Will said with gentle impatience. "There's a virus that is set to be unleashed on the American public soon. Cara has the ability to destroy it, but now they have her and I need to find her before they destroy her and the children."

Rich sighed. "Jesus, Van De Kamp, you're asking me to believe a lot right now."

"Mulder."

"What?"

"Mulder. My real last name is Mulder."

Rich's eyebrow arched. "So what, Van De Kamp was fake?"

"No," Will corrected. "I was adopted. I found my birth parents in January. My last name is Mulder … in fact, so is Cara's now."

"Wait, you … you're both … married?" Will nodded. "Holy shit."

"Rich, listen to me," Will said softly, "I'm going to lower my hands. I'm unarmed. I need to show you one last thing."

"No way," Rich said. "Keep 'em up or I'll shoot."

"Rich-"

"Keep 'em up!"

Will rebelled and put his hands down quickly enough to scare Rich, which he knew it did, feeling the sting of the bullet in his arm. Rich watched in confusion as he saw the blood ooze from the wound for a second, then stop. Will grabbed the hem of his tee shirt sleeve, slowly lifting it. He rotated his arm and showed Rich, who lowered his gun, stunned when there was absolutely no wound visible. "Rich, I have inhuman strength. I heal. Only one thing can kill me," Will explained, "and bullets aren't it."

In the stunned silence Rich was in, Will carefully read his colleague's thoughts. "I believe you," Rich whispered, lowering his gun completely. "I'm … not entirely sure why, but I believe you." He heard Will sigh, watching as he adjusted his sleeve. "So who killed Missus English?" Rich asked softly.

"We think his name is CGB Spender," Will said. "He's the one who has Cara right now. Rich, she's in a hell of a lot of danger. I have forty-eight hours to find her … I could use all the help I can get." He waited, seeing Rich softly nod.

"I've probably got a few newbies coming who don't know you. When you and Cara left, we got even more short-handed than we were before," Rich said, hearing the sirens in the distance. "Do you think you can fake it until we get to the station?"

Will nodded. "Just don't make the cuffs too tight. I'd appreciate wiggle room."

"I thought you were cooperating," Rich said, pausing as he took them out of his pocket.

"I am. It's just that ... I have a tendency to break them when I move," Will replied.

"Oh. Right. Inhuman strength." Will held out his wrists behind his back, letting Rich cuff him. "Now what?" Rich asked, looking at Will.

"Now you get your chance to use your acting chops." Will eyed Rich. "Don't hold back. It needs to be as real as possible."

Rich nodded. "Sorry in advance."

"Don't worry. I'll be fine." Will paused. "You just make sure no one shoots me right now. I'd rather get the Chief on my side before people start talking."

"The Chief is pretty pissed at Cara," Rich murmured.

"So am I," Will said softly.

"So you and her, huh?"

"Yeah."

"Can't say I blame you, though I mean that in the most respectful way possible."

"I'm not going to attack you for noticing her."

Rich sighed, hearing the voices over his radio. "Alright, they're here."

Will nodded. "Showtime."