See chapter 1 for details

Chapter 7

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It felt like I'd only just closed my eyes when the insistent ringing began. Peeping my head up above the covers I groaned at the clock, realizing it was six. It took a moment to work my arm out from the cocoon I'd manufactured in the quilt.

"Scully." I said huskily into the receiver, trying to clear my throat.

"Miss Scully, sorry to call so early."

"It's ok."

"We've had reports from motorists of unusual activity out on the highway, right near where all the alleged abductee's have turned up. I was just heading out there to check it out and thought you feds would want to take a look."

"Sure, my partner is . . . busy right now though, so it will just be me."

"Ok, I'll pick you up in 15 minutes."

"Ok."

The lie had been so easy to tell, but now it sat unsteadily in my mind. Mulder had ditched me many times over the years, mostly out of fear for my safety. I rarely ditched him though, and on those occasions it was a necessity not a decision like I'd made today. The distance between us scares me. The loss, all consuming. Mulder is my life, a shameful fact I've only just admitted to myself. If he were to leave me completely. . I dared not think.

My lip stings. I must have been unconsciously chewing it, like I used to do when I was really anxious about something or someone.

Looking towards the mirror I took in my appearance. I was neat but by no means myself. My already pale complexion looked almost gray against the dark suit I'd chosen. The circles under my eyes were no longer as noticeable thanks to a generous smothering of concealer.

There was a crunching of gravel outside the door and without even looking up I picked up my notes and headed out the door. The sooner this damned case was over with the better.

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Samantha had been up since six, watching television and failing miserably at trying to be quiet. I'd thought after getting in so late she'd be exhausted, in actual fact it was I who had not handled it so well.

I didn't enjoy lying to Scully, that's why I tried never to do it. All right, I embellished to her, held things back, left without notifying her, purposely mislead her but never anything that went on for this long. It was taking its toll on me, first mentally and now physically. A problem in one area pretty soon affects them all though.

At least ten times during the short night I'd thought to go to her room, but then rationalized that she was probably asleep.

An eruption of giggles made me look over to Samantha. She was enthralled in the show on television, and had once again forgotten I was trying to sleep. She must have realised what she'd done because she sheepishly looked toward me.

"It's ok, I'm awake." I said before she had the chance to apologise.

"Sorry Fox."

I grabbed my clothes out of the overnight bag and headed for the bathroom.  After showering, shaving and dressing I decided it was time to tell Scully what had been going on. Samantha's eyes followed me to the door.

"I'm just going to talk to my partner for a little while, you'll be ok?"

"She's not there."

"What?"

"I saw her get into a police car just after I got up."

"Shi. . . ugar." I amended already searching for my cell phone.  It was her message not her voice that greeted me.

"Scully, where are you? We need to talk call me."

I pressed the end button then called the sheriff. She'd apparently gone out on a call with one of his deputies. After getting their location, I hung up the phone and turned towards Samantha. I didn't want to leave her alone, but this had gone on long enough, I had to talk to Scully, now.

Momentarily torn, I finally made the decision and told her to grab her coat.

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End Chapter 7

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