Scully pulled her self in closer to the desk and stretched her legs out beneath it.  Without Mulder on the other side she could spread her notes out and not worry about his footprints on them.  Checking her watch she saw it was just noon and a small rumble in her stomach begged for some lunch.  She had arrived in the office at nine hoping to collect a list of crop circle sites and now at noon her list was small.  She knew Mulder would be able to reel them off for her but he after talking to him last night she was reluctant to bother him.  He seemed to be going somewhere with his thoughts but then suddenly avoided her questioning looks and changed the subject, keeping it light for the rest of the evening. 

            After picking up a sandwich from the canteen she returned to the dull basement office made even duller by the beautiful sun shining through the small windows.  Resting back in Mulder's chair she opened her bottle of water and took a long cooling sink.

"So that's why you're not answering your home phone!"

            Mulder's voice startled her and she almost dropped her bottle.  Sitting up and wiping her lips with the back of her fingers she saw that he was wearing a pair of blue jeans and his Greys Baseball top, looking nothing like an FBI agent and nothing like the tired worn out friend she spoke to last night.

"Mulder, you scared me," she said, standing to meet him as he approached the desk.  She didn't like sitting when he loomed over her.  It was tough enough when she was standing without adding the extra obstacle of sitting.

"Only guilty people get scared Scully," he joked as he began to rifle through his files.

"How did your meeting with Keane go?" she said twisting the cap onto her bottle refusing to get pulled into a battle of wits with him.

"It's a graphic case.  I got the impression that Keane wanted me to take lead," he moved his search over to the other desk that held several stacks of unused folders.

"What about Agent Lynch?"

"I'll give him a shout on Monday and show him what ever profile I've come up with by then.  I don't want to go stepping on anyone's toes," he said as he lifted up a big pile to grab some of the lower files.

"What are you looking for Mulder?" she asked as he held her arms and pulled her aside so he could access the desk drawers.

            He searched for a moment before answering, kneeling on the floor with his arm dug into the drawer up to his elbow.

"These!" he exclaimed before standing up.

"What?"

            He held out his hand and showed her the tickets.

"A baseball game?"

"Yeah the Cubs are in town and I got tickets."

"And you filed them in there?" she said nodding to the messy drawer he pulled them from.

"Yeah…so do you want to go?" he asked his smile wide and expectant.

"To the baseball?"

"Yeah I have four tickets, you, me and Danny."

"And the fourth?"

"I don't know, I suppose I could sell it at the grounds."

"That's a federal offence!" she said laughing as she slipped into her summer jacket, pleased that she wore her jeans and a t-shirt into the office today.

"Well if we see any G-Men we'll make a run for it."

"Deal."

"I was talking to Danny earlier," he began as they waited for the elevator, "he said he'd meet us in the Stadium Bar at three so we have plenty of time."

            They both climbed into his car and he drove the short distance to the baseball grounds.  Traffic was heavy but he managed to manoeuvre through them effortlessly telling Scully that he had travelled through these busy streets to midday games more often than not.  He abandoned his car under the rail bridge and they jumped out into the throng of fans.

"Lets go Cubbies LETS GO!" the crowd chanted in unison as they waved flags and ambled through the streets towards the game.

"Should be a good game today," he said as he rested a hand on her lower back and led her to a small bistro with outdoor seating.

"The cubs? Chicago?" she asked tentatively as she browsed through the menu.

"Yeah Scully, Chicago."

"Just checking."

            He spotted her peering at him over the edge of her menu and he pulled it away from her face to see her huge smile break into a wicked laugh.  He couldn't help but join in knowing he'd been had beautifully. 

            They ordered a snack lunch and basked in the hot sun.  Sipping a beer he watched the crowds aim towards the stadium and he began to get restless, the excitement streaming through his system, moving his feet.  It wasn't long before she noticed his unease and quickly finished her water.

"Okay Mulder, lets go," she said standing.  He dropped a few bills onto the table and followed her though the café into the busy streets.  A rush of men ran past all painted in red white and blue nearly knocking her over.  But standing behind her he was able to quickly reach out and catch her.

"You okay?" he asked but she was smiling as she brushed her top down, a small smudge of blue streaked across her t-shirt.  "C'mon."

            He reached out a hand to her and she took it, letting their fingers intertwine.  Catching her eye for a moment he allowed the forbidden thoughts to arise before turning and plunging them both into the crowd.  As they neared the stadium the crowd got thicker.  More than once he nearly lost his grip on her hand so he pulled her closer and tucked her under his arm, holding her tightly around the shoulders.  Her smile widened as the atmosphere became electric, invading her senses like she never thought it would.  He delighted in her pleasure and hoped to see more of it.

            The bar's patrons had spilled out onto the street standing in raucous circles holding beer and singing songs.  He grudgingly released her and took her hand again pulling her with him as he searched for Danny.  But before he got passed the doorway he heard a voice calling his name.  Turning he saw Danny holding a pint up for him and smiling broadly.  Mulder turned to Scully who had already seen him and they both managed to worm their way to where Danny was standing.

"Hey Fox, about time!" Danny shouted above the din, pushing a pint into his hand, "what kept you?"

"I was treating this lovely lady to lunch," Mulder replied simultaneously taking a sip of his beer and pulling Scully against him.

            She wondered about his almost territorial arm briefly and momentarily put it down to the crowded confines of the bar.  She'd be brushing against him whether he held her there or not.  Taking a bottle of beer from Danny she smiled at him and noticed how big his shoulders looked in his rugby top.  The collar was ruffled and begged to be straightened but she knew it only added to his rugged I just got out of bed and I still look this good look. 

Yeah she liked it.

"Hi Dana," he said, his eyes lingering over hers for a moment before noticing the smudge on her top.  "Getting in the spirit I see?"

"Yeah Go Cubs," she said laughing.

"Cubs fan Scully?" Mulder asked with a questioning eyebrow.

"I come for the baseball I stay for the company!"

            He hadn't seen her in such a playful mood in a long time and although he longed to be part of her brief repose of happiness he feared it wasn't his presence that brought it out in her today.  Catching the small glances that flew between her and Danny he felt his arm loosen from around her shoulders, allowing her to step that little bit away from him and possibly closer to Danny.

            After talking to Danny last night he wasn't sure if he was going to go to the ball game but with a cosy evening spent in Scully's apartment he didn't think anything could come between their friendship.  Nothing would jeopardise the relationship they had developed over the past six years.

            Just then Scully's laugh brought him out of his own mind and back to the crowded bar.  It wasn't often that he heard it so when it's sound stroked his ears he paid attention.

"I can't believe you," she was saying to Danny, hitting his arm playfully.

"What?" he was saying with mock innocence.  But he looked up at Mulder's sober expression and carefully he rearranged his features. 

            Scully noticed the shift in mood and glanced to see Mulder finishing off his beer.  He stepped away from her towards the bar, without meeting her gaze and caught the barman's attention.  When he returned with more drinks he handed out them out with his free hand while the other dug deep into his pocket holding his change and stayed there.  Missing his arm around her shoulders she wondered what exchange had been passed between the two men over her small head.

"Shouldn't we be going?" Danny said after a few minutes of uncomfortable silence.

"Yeah, yeah we should."

            Mulder glanced at Scully who placed her half empty bottle of beer on the bar and walked towards the exit.  He followed shortly behind her and as they stepped out into the sun she noticed they had a few seconds before Danny joined them.

"Hey Mulder, what's up with you?" she asked pulling his arm making him lean down to her and he could hear the restrained anger in her voice.

"Nothing."

"C'mon, you seem somewhat tense."

 "Aren't I always."

            As Danny approached he noticed their heads bent together and was reluctant to interrupt.  But Scully looked up and smiled in his direction, throwing away any misconception he had of disappearing.  From his pockets Mulder pulled out the tickets and handed them each one as the stepped up to the queue at the gates.

"Score prediction Fox?" Danny asked trying desperately to lighten his mood.

"I think the Cubs will take it…6-3?"

"Want to make a wager?" he asked knowing Mulder wouldn't be able to resist.

"Sure…ten bucks?"

"Fine."

            The two men shook hands a little more firmly than necessary, Scully noticed as they filed down the stairs and found their seats.  They sat ten rows from the first on the third base line and Scully looked around in wonderment as she took her seat between them both.  The game began but the fans continued to file in never sitting still never watching the game.  She watched the crowd as they milled around moving seats and collecting food or beers.

"Is anyone going to watch the game?" she whispered to Mulder, leaning over to his seat.

"What do you mean?" he replied enjoying her temporary closeness.

"Why is everyone walking around? No body seems to be watching."

"This game has nine innings, top and bottom either on of those could last any length of time…if they miss anything they will have time to catch up."

"Not a fan of the all American game Dana?" Danny asked.

"Not really," she laughed.

            Towards the bottom of the fourth Mulder felt his pager vibrate roughly against his waist.  Looking at the message he passed it to Scully and watched as her lips tightened.

"I'm sorry, I have to go," he said softly.

"Should I come with you?"

"No, I'm sure Keane is just looking for an update."

            Danny looked surprised as Mulder stood to slip on his jacket.

"You leaving Mulder?"

"Yeah I have to get to the office," he looked down at Scully whose eyes never left him.

"Shame about that."

            Mulder sensed rather than heard the lack of sincerity in his voice but pushed away his doubts as he faced Scully again.

"I'll call you tonight," he said before place in a quick kiss on her cheek, surprising her more than Danny, "bye Danny, you'll take care of her right?"

"Yeah, no problem."

            Mulder left the seats slowly and ambled up the stairs towards the exit.  He stood at the top and took a long look back at the both of them.  Danny reached his arm around Scully's back and was pointing out something in midfield.  He shook his head and walked gradually to his car.  It was a long drive through the busy city streets but as he pulled into the FBI garage he was met by the forensic team packing up a van.

"Hey Mulder," one of them called, "do you need a ride to the scene?"

"Scene? No I have a meeting with Agent Keane."

"Agent Keane is out at the murder scene in Arlington."

"Another victim? You got the address?"

            He took the address and drove quickly over to the house spotting it easily as it was surrounded by police tape and cars their swirling blue and red lights casting a dangerous glow on the Saturday evening residence.            Walking though the scene he stepped into the bedroom and found Agent Keane standing by the foot of a large bed.

"Agent Keane," he began but all words, all thoughts escaped his lips as he saw the body before him.  He had seen the pictures of the embedded nails but now staring them in the flesh as it were he found it all the more disturbing.

"Mulder, sorry to pull you away on your day off but as you can see we have an emergency." 

            She stepped around to where he was standing and motioned for him to join her in the hallway where Agent Lynch was sifting through an evidence kit.

"This is Special Agent Fox Mulder," Keane said tapping Lynch's shoulder to get his attention, "Agent Mulder this is Agent John Lynch."

            Both men shook hands and Mulder waited for Lynch's eyes to finish their short journey of appraisal.

"So you got a profile yet?"

"Not quite."

"What do you make of this?" he asked aggressively.

"Well I just got here…but from what I've seen with no forced entry the victim either knew her killer and had let him in or she was expecting someone to arrive shortly and had left the latch off he door.  From her family pictures I assume she is married but her husband is nowhere to be found putting him on the top of the suspect list, barring him we can only assume she was waiting for a boyfriend which would keep her husband at the top of the list."

"Her name is Michelle Burrell, married to Keith Burrell who has been in Florida all weekend.  He's catching an early flight in the morning to get back here," Lynch said smugly.

"Then we had better find out whom she was waiting for," Mulder concluded as he walked over to the phone and stood by it as he snapped on a glove.  Lifting the receiver carefully he dialled the redial button and listened for the ringing to be answered, holding it a little away from his ear, careful not to touch it.

"Hello Burrell Insurance, how may I help you?"

"Burrell Insurance as in Keith and Michelle Burrell?" Mulder asked.

"Yes sir, can I help you with something?" the voice asked a little nervously.

"No, that's okay."

            He replaced the receiver and turned to Keane and Lynch who stood watching him.

"Michelle rang her husbands office even though she knew he'd be out.  We need to find the last incoming call to this line."

            Keane looked at Lynch with a smile but he merely grunted and walked away.

"Mulder, this is victim number six.  We need to get this guy," she said suddenly sober.

"Can I get this body wrapped for autopsy in Quantico?" Mulder asked his mind flying with possibilities.  He almost turned to talk to Scully before realising she wasn't there.

"Of course, once the forensic team is finished with her I'll have it sent straight over."

            Lynch left him to his thoughts in the bustling hallway but the noise and urgency did nothing to dispel the image of Danny's arm lying proprietarily over her shoulders, her sweet laugh rising through the crowds to stab at his chest before he had a chance to turn away from it.  Shaking his head to chase away the thoughts he joined the forensic team in their tireless search for evidence.

***     

            He watched her hair move slowly in the soft evening breeze.  It hung loosely around her face, brushing her cheeks and a few mutinous strands clung to her deep red lipstick.  One slender hand reached up to secure tem behind her ear as he tongue appeared to wet her lips.

            Her blue eyes were wide as she took in her surroundings, a faint air of wonderment behind them.  Her lips pursed the white straw firmly as she took a long drink and finally realising she was being watched she turned to face him, their eyes locking.

"Are you okay Danny?"

            For a moment he didn't reply but the slow smile that slid onto his lips softened his stare.

"Trust Fox Mulder to latch onto the most beautiful woman in town," he murmured lowly.

            She felt her blush rising and looked away suddenly intrigued with the lid of her soda.

"Sorry Dana, I didn't mean to embarrass you."

"No, that's okay."

"I understand that the relationship you have with Fox is very special," he said making her head whip up to him a slight frown encroaching onto her delicate features.  She wondered briefly what Mulder had told him.

"I was wondering Dana," he began catching her eyes, "if you would accompany me to the Awards Gala on Monday night?"

"I thought you were going to ask Mulder?" she said both surprised and flattered by his invite.

"I'd rather have you on my arm than Fox!"

"In that case I'd love to go," she said smiling.

"Great," he replied his relief obvious.

            The game ended in a 3-3 draw and they kept their seats talking amicably as the crowd filed out.  Without thinking she followed him to his car and stepped in as he held the door open for her.  Danny drove slowly through the crowded city streets talking the whole way while she nodded and responded to him almost silently.  She began to direct him when they got closer to her apartment and soon he pulled the car up to her curb, flicking off the engine.

"Thanks for he lift."

"Anytime, at least now I'll know where to come to pick you up on Monday."

            A stifled silence fell into the car and before it became too uncomfortable she reached for the door handle. But he stalled her departure with a soft grip on her arm.

"Dana, I was going to ask Fox to join us at the Gala on Monday…I mean…I just want you to know…"

"What?"
"Fox is an old friend and I'd like to take him, but you are a new friend and I'd love to take you."

"Thanks Danny," she said sensing his unease.

"Would it be awkward for you if Fox was there?"

"Mulder and I are close friends…it would be fine," she said aloud but thought of how he had accurately hit on her own worrying thoughts on how Mulder would react.

"Great, well I'll ask him.  And I'll pick you up here at 8pm on Monday?"

"See you then."

            He watched as she stepped into her apartment building and seconds later a darkened window showered light onto the small garden below it.

"First floor," he said aloud before starting the car and pulling away into the night.

** I've been having trouble uploading this chapter, so this time the delay isn't my fault!!! **