Left Behind
Chapter 12

"I have to admit Agents," said A. D. Stricklyn as he sat down wearily behind his desk, "this case is sounding like something from an X-File."

Doggett and Reyes both returned A.D. Stricklyn even look.

"Sir," began Agent Doggett apologetically, but Stricklyn waved away any explanation.

"When I agreed to allow you to bring Agent Reyes in to consult on this case, I think I failed to look at the ramifications of such a decision. I'm beginning to see why even my superiors felt that closing down the X-Files and separating you two was a good idea." Stricklyn ran his right hand through his salt and pepper hair and looked down at his desk. "Just look at this report. It reads like something out that SciFi miniseries "Taken"-alien abductions, government conspiracies." Stricklyn suddenly looked up, right at Doggett. "Surely you don't believe in any of this do you?"

John could feel his throat begin to constrict and could feel Monica's eyes turning to look at him. Her eyes burned into him the longer he left the question unanswered. Finally, truthfully, painfully, he did speak, "No." John couldn't even hazard a look at Monica. He already knew what'd he'd see-disappointment, anger, hurt.

Stricklyn nodded his head. This is exactly what he had wanted to hear. "I think you need to push this Weasley character. He knows where Colin Watkins is, if he hasn't murdered him yet. I'm assuming that's the conclusion you have come to Agent Doggett."

John cleared his throat and said softly, "Yes, Sir."

"Well daylights burning. Get to it Agents. I expect a better progress report next time."

John and Monica got up. John started to follow Monica when A.D. Stricklyn called him back for one more word. Monica didn't even bother looking back as she crossed the rest of the distance to the door and walked out. Inwardly sighing, John turned back to face his superior.

"You're old partner's going to get you into trouble John. You have a promising career ahead of you now. Don't let blind loyalty destroy that."