"Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It's the transition that's
troublesome." Isaac Asimov
Chapter 7:
Good Guys and Bad Guys
Vero Beach, outside 3 Auric Plaza. 9:40 p.m.
They stood like three dark sentinels against the elements. Rain fell sharply around them. It seeped around their coats. Under their clothes. Into their skins.
"So you think Deger's involved in the murders, Agent Mulder?"
Blake had a look on his face like a student. All he needed was a teacher. Mulder was willing to fill the role.
"Sheriff, I'm sure he was involved."
"But how can you be so sure?"
It was Morgan. He stood a bit away from Mulder and Blake, squinting through the heavy rain to get a clear look at Mulder. He couldn't get a clear look, but something about Mulder said he wasn't telling all. *What the hell happened in that room?*
"Trust me, Blake."
*He used 'Blake'*. And Blake, despite being a 'simple sheriff', could tell there something hidden inside Mulder. For an instant he tried to read Mulder's face. The rain fell and soaked Blake's body and soul. But he could make out Mulder's eyes. They had a hard edge. Distant. Dark. *There's something else there. But what?* Blake only had an inkling. So he would take a leap of faith.
"I do, Agent Mulder. I do."
Morgan strained to hear. He felt like he had just missed something. *What just happened between those two?* He didn't like being out of the loop. In his business, if you were out of the loop you were dead. He'd have to retake the advantage.
"Let's get out of the rain. I've got some documents in my car," he called over the wind.
They ran under the angry sky and made it to Morgan's car. Rain drummed the cheap plastic roof. Morgan fumbled in his coat pocket for the keys.
"Well you obviously found more than we did, Agent Mulder. We talked to a dozen employees, and they only spoke, excuse the pun, goldenly of GIE. If you-"
Morgan felt the cold ring of steel against his neck. He looked over his shoulder. His eyes were wide, like a deer in headlights.
"Just what's going on here, Agent Mulder?"
Morgan turned slowly and faced Mulder. He held his gun on Morgan. Rain poured down Mulder's face, and his hair was matted to his head. His jaw was set like stone. He had a wild look. Morgan stared harder through the water. He recognized the look in Mulder's eyes. He had seen it before. On his own face, just before he took a life. The situation was getting out of hand. Fast.
"Ag-Agent Mulder?" Morgan asked again.
Morgan looked to Blake for answers. Blake looked even more surprised than Morgan. It was like his uncle turned out to be a serial killer.
Blake tried to find his voice. He licked his lips, though the rain already had them soaked.
Mulder turned his dark gaze to Blake. "He's with Deger," were his only words.
"Agent Mulder, this guy's another federal agent. We saw his badge."
Mulder shook his head, and droplets flew from his hair. He laughed softly to himself.
"No, Blake. We're being played. Hell, we've been played this whole time. From start to finish. The murders, Deger, this man, they're all connected by whatever was in that box. Whatever Sampson found at the bottom of the sea. That's what everyone is after."
Mulder searched Blake's open eyes for some sense of understanding. Some recognition of the Truth. Blake's mouth hung slightly open. He was searching for the words.
"Agent Mulder, I-I want to believe you. I do. But for there to be-"
Morgan saw his chance. As Mulder looked to Blake, he sprang forward. He grabbed the gun with one hand, and Mulder's collar with the other. Then he swung Mulder into the car. There was a crunch. A sweet little noise Morgan couldn't help but enjoy. Mulder gasped for air like a fish. Morgan was smiling. He had the advantage again.
Morgan leaned forward and whispered, "Looks like you're not much of a hero, are you Agent Mulder?"
Morgan's voice had changed. He now had an accent.
He saw a blur in the corner of his eye, and pointed his gun at Blake.
"Oi! What're you up to, mate? You wanna be a hero too? Come on then! Let's see it!"
Blake stopped in his tracks. Morgan winked at him.
"No? Guess not then, eh mate? Best hand me your gun then."
Blake's eyes were narrow. They focused on Morgan's gun. He may not have been the brightest during investigations, but he knew what he had to do when there was gunplay. His knuckles tensed for action. Blood pumped though his veins. His teeth were clenched tight. He was ready for a fight. Damn ready.
But Blake grudgingly handed over the gun. Morgan nodded his appreciation. He threw the gun under the car. Then he smiled. *Stupid hick sheriff*. Blake slowly backed away. He would wait for his chance. All Blake needed was an instant. An instant when his back was turned. An instant.
The rain kept on falling. They all stood frozen in time.
-----------------------
Vero Beach, Medical Examiner's Office. 9:50 p.m.
The body had no new answers. *What did I expect? He just wanted me out of the way.*
She was done cutting up the South African. Now she washed her hands. The warm water ran over her fingers. Her mind wandered.
Scully had found herself drifting away from Mulder. Lately he seemed so irritable to her. Like a kid who never stopping dreaming up schemes. *Why can't he be stop and think about what he's saying? Or is he always so sure he's right? He probably doesn't even value a single thing I say.* She shook her head wistfully and sighed. Maybe that was why she liked Blake so much. He listened to everything she had to say. Well that, and he was pretty cute.
She finished washing up and dried her hands. She left the autopsy room, and went into the main office. She was the only one there. She sighed again. She could remember a time when, on a night like this, she would've been out with friends. But that seemed so long ago. Now she spent her nights cutting up dead bodies.
Scully started to shuffle some papers. She stopped. She sighed yet again. She'd have to call him. Though she didn't really want to, she had to fill him in. She picked up a phone and dialed his cell number. She brushed aside a strand of hair as she waited.
*If he acts the slightest bit condescending, I'll kick his-*
-----------------------
Vero Beach, 3 Auric Plaza. 9:49 p.m.
He was drowning. He needed help. *Scully! Scully, help me!*
Mulder gasped. He felt the cold pavement. *Scully? What the hell's going on?*
Then the fog began to lift. He could hear voices. Mulder began to comprehend what was going on again. He blinked. The rain stung his eyes. Morgan came into form, then Blake. He stood off away from the car. Mulder still lay slumped against the car. He tried to shake sense
"-and how do you think this'll end up? You don't attack a federal agent, and just walk away, buddy," Blake said.
Mulder saw him through the rain. Blake paced back and forth. Like a cat waiting to pounce. But Morgan, or whoever he was, didn't seem the slightest bit worried. He just coldly laughed.
"You're in over your head, mate! If I were you I'd-"
The sharp ringing cut him off. Morgan turned to Mulder. That was all Blake needed. He charged in low. Morgan swung his gun at Blake. But Blake already had him up against the car. He pounded his fists into Morgan's ribs. Crunch! Crunch! Crunch! Morgan gritted his teeth tight. His sides were on fire. But Instinct was in charge. Morgan had a wild, animal look in his eyes. He brought his elbow down on Blake's head. Hard.
Blake hit the ground with a thud. Water splashed up over his face. His face was submerged in a puddle. He felt the cool rain hitting his back. He felt so tired. He just wanted to drift away. In the distance he heard a dull bang. His body registered a distant sting. But he just wanted rest.
Morgan rolled Blake over with his foot. His chest heaved. Blake had hit him hard. With each intake of air, his ribs cried out. He was angry. *Goddamn yokel!! What did he think he could do!?! Now he'd be dead for his trouble! Nobody ends up a hero!* His shot had hit Blake in the thigh. Morgan's face was primal with rage. The rain did nothing to cool his boiling blood.
"Hurt does it!?! Now, how does it feel, Sheriff!?! How does it feel!?!"
Blake did not respond. His eyes were glazed over. He stared blankly at the writhing sky above. Rain pattered down his face. Morgan pulled back the hammer. The click was loud. But he couldn't hear it above falling rain.
"Never mind. You can tell me when we meet in Hell."
The shot startled Blake back to life. For an eternal moment the world stopped turning. There was only falling rain. Blake exhaled. It seemed his life was escaping from his mouth. He waited for it all to end.
Then Blake heard a thud. A small wave of water hit his face. He turned his head. The cold pavement kissed his cheek. Blake blinked. He squinted through the wetness. A wide-eyed face greeted him. The eyes were pale as ice. Morgan. A trickle of crimson streamed from his mouth. It flowed into a puddle, slowly inching its way to Blake. Blake turned away. Rain fell into his open mouth. He was too tired to stand. A shadow blocked his view of the far heavens. The shadow moved. Like it was talking.
"-are you ok? Blake? Blake!"
Mulder reached down and felt Blake's pulse. He neck was cold from the downpour. But there was a pulse. Mulder saw the blood dripping from Blake's leg. *Damn!*
"Blake? Can you hear me? I'm going to get you out of the rain."
Mulder had a pained look on his face. Blake had saved his life. He had saved Blake. It was the sort of bond that men don't take lightly. Now Blake couldn't die. Mulder wouldn't let him. He saw the keys lying in a puddle. Next to Morgan's pale hand. Mulder kicked away the hand. He snatched up the keys.
Blake felt the reassuring patter of water end. His view of the sky was replaced with a cheap felt interior. He was lying on the rear seats. It felt so warm. He drifted off, ignoring the dull pain in his leg.
Mulder sat in the driver's seat. He ran his hands through his soaked hair. He put down the gun that had saved Blake's life. The gun Morgan had carelessly thrown under the car. The gun that had lain right next to Mulder. His breath came in short, sharp bursts. His mind felt lost. Mulder punched the steering wheel. Again and again. His mind had found something. Anger. People would pay for this. They would pay.
But Mulder didn't know where he could go. Who he could trust. Who he could count on. No. That was wrong. There was always one person he could count on. She could help Blake. She could help him.
-----------------------
Vero Beach, Medical Examiner's Office. 9:56 p.m.
Scully angrily hung up. *Oh, now he's too busy to pick up his phone!* She was really going to kick his-
Thunder cracked in the distance.
----------------------- -----------------------
Oh, so some people think criticism helps!!! Well I happen to find constructive criticism to be extremely below me! If you don't find what I write brings you Enlightenment, then maybe you should read something else!! --- Naw, I'm just kidding you ;-) I'm glad you could pick up my change in style. You see, most stories I write (that are non-fanfic), are noir/tough- guy themed. My friends (well, at least the girl ones, who're the only ones I do stupid things for), would rather I try more flowery writing. So every once in a while I gotta try that style to impress them. I guess I always end up trying foolish things for gals. So if you're a girl, and you write a review, you can be sure I'll take it close to heart. Anyhoo, I gotta go and wash off some hearts that were drawn all over my arm (by guess who?),
- Your Pal Writer (who's just a sucker for the fairer sex)
P.S.- Right now I'm writing a noir story called "Sahara West"- maybe you'll see it in your local bookstore soon. (I wish!) ;-)
Chapter 7:
Good Guys and Bad Guys
Vero Beach, outside 3 Auric Plaza. 9:40 p.m.
They stood like three dark sentinels against the elements. Rain fell sharply around them. It seeped around their coats. Under their clothes. Into their skins.
"So you think Deger's involved in the murders, Agent Mulder?"
Blake had a look on his face like a student. All he needed was a teacher. Mulder was willing to fill the role.
"Sheriff, I'm sure he was involved."
"But how can you be so sure?"
It was Morgan. He stood a bit away from Mulder and Blake, squinting through the heavy rain to get a clear look at Mulder. He couldn't get a clear look, but something about Mulder said he wasn't telling all. *What the hell happened in that room?*
"Trust me, Blake."
*He used 'Blake'*. And Blake, despite being a 'simple sheriff', could tell there something hidden inside Mulder. For an instant he tried to read Mulder's face. The rain fell and soaked Blake's body and soul. But he could make out Mulder's eyes. They had a hard edge. Distant. Dark. *There's something else there. But what?* Blake only had an inkling. So he would take a leap of faith.
"I do, Agent Mulder. I do."
Morgan strained to hear. He felt like he had just missed something. *What just happened between those two?* He didn't like being out of the loop. In his business, if you were out of the loop you were dead. He'd have to retake the advantage.
"Let's get out of the rain. I've got some documents in my car," he called over the wind.
They ran under the angry sky and made it to Morgan's car. Rain drummed the cheap plastic roof. Morgan fumbled in his coat pocket for the keys.
"Well you obviously found more than we did, Agent Mulder. We talked to a dozen employees, and they only spoke, excuse the pun, goldenly of GIE. If you-"
Morgan felt the cold ring of steel against his neck. He looked over his shoulder. His eyes were wide, like a deer in headlights.
"Just what's going on here, Agent Mulder?"
Morgan turned slowly and faced Mulder. He held his gun on Morgan. Rain poured down Mulder's face, and his hair was matted to his head. His jaw was set like stone. He had a wild look. Morgan stared harder through the water. He recognized the look in Mulder's eyes. He had seen it before. On his own face, just before he took a life. The situation was getting out of hand. Fast.
"Ag-Agent Mulder?" Morgan asked again.
Morgan looked to Blake for answers. Blake looked even more surprised than Morgan. It was like his uncle turned out to be a serial killer.
Blake tried to find his voice. He licked his lips, though the rain already had them soaked.
Mulder turned his dark gaze to Blake. "He's with Deger," were his only words.
"Agent Mulder, this guy's another federal agent. We saw his badge."
Mulder shook his head, and droplets flew from his hair. He laughed softly to himself.
"No, Blake. We're being played. Hell, we've been played this whole time. From start to finish. The murders, Deger, this man, they're all connected by whatever was in that box. Whatever Sampson found at the bottom of the sea. That's what everyone is after."
Mulder searched Blake's open eyes for some sense of understanding. Some recognition of the Truth. Blake's mouth hung slightly open. He was searching for the words.
"Agent Mulder, I-I want to believe you. I do. But for there to be-"
Morgan saw his chance. As Mulder looked to Blake, he sprang forward. He grabbed the gun with one hand, and Mulder's collar with the other. Then he swung Mulder into the car. There was a crunch. A sweet little noise Morgan couldn't help but enjoy. Mulder gasped for air like a fish. Morgan was smiling. He had the advantage again.
Morgan leaned forward and whispered, "Looks like you're not much of a hero, are you Agent Mulder?"
Morgan's voice had changed. He now had an accent.
He saw a blur in the corner of his eye, and pointed his gun at Blake.
"Oi! What're you up to, mate? You wanna be a hero too? Come on then! Let's see it!"
Blake stopped in his tracks. Morgan winked at him.
"No? Guess not then, eh mate? Best hand me your gun then."
Blake's eyes were narrow. They focused on Morgan's gun. He may not have been the brightest during investigations, but he knew what he had to do when there was gunplay. His knuckles tensed for action. Blood pumped though his veins. His teeth were clenched tight. He was ready for a fight. Damn ready.
But Blake grudgingly handed over the gun. Morgan nodded his appreciation. He threw the gun under the car. Then he smiled. *Stupid hick sheriff*. Blake slowly backed away. He would wait for his chance. All Blake needed was an instant. An instant when his back was turned. An instant.
The rain kept on falling. They all stood frozen in time.
-----------------------
Vero Beach, Medical Examiner's Office. 9:50 p.m.
The body had no new answers. *What did I expect? He just wanted me out of the way.*
She was done cutting up the South African. Now she washed her hands. The warm water ran over her fingers. Her mind wandered.
Scully had found herself drifting away from Mulder. Lately he seemed so irritable to her. Like a kid who never stopping dreaming up schemes. *Why can't he be stop and think about what he's saying? Or is he always so sure he's right? He probably doesn't even value a single thing I say.* She shook her head wistfully and sighed. Maybe that was why she liked Blake so much. He listened to everything she had to say. Well that, and he was pretty cute.
She finished washing up and dried her hands. She left the autopsy room, and went into the main office. She was the only one there. She sighed again. She could remember a time when, on a night like this, she would've been out with friends. But that seemed so long ago. Now she spent her nights cutting up dead bodies.
Scully started to shuffle some papers. She stopped. She sighed yet again. She'd have to call him. Though she didn't really want to, she had to fill him in. She picked up a phone and dialed his cell number. She brushed aside a strand of hair as she waited.
*If he acts the slightest bit condescending, I'll kick his-*
-----------------------
Vero Beach, 3 Auric Plaza. 9:49 p.m.
He was drowning. He needed help. *Scully! Scully, help me!*
Mulder gasped. He felt the cold pavement. *Scully? What the hell's going on?*
Then the fog began to lift. He could hear voices. Mulder began to comprehend what was going on again. He blinked. The rain stung his eyes. Morgan came into form, then Blake. He stood off away from the car. Mulder still lay slumped against the car. He tried to shake sense
"-and how do you think this'll end up? You don't attack a federal agent, and just walk away, buddy," Blake said.
Mulder saw him through the rain. Blake paced back and forth. Like a cat waiting to pounce. But Morgan, or whoever he was, didn't seem the slightest bit worried. He just coldly laughed.
"You're in over your head, mate! If I were you I'd-"
The sharp ringing cut him off. Morgan turned to Mulder. That was all Blake needed. He charged in low. Morgan swung his gun at Blake. But Blake already had him up against the car. He pounded his fists into Morgan's ribs. Crunch! Crunch! Crunch! Morgan gritted his teeth tight. His sides were on fire. But Instinct was in charge. Morgan had a wild, animal look in his eyes. He brought his elbow down on Blake's head. Hard.
Blake hit the ground with a thud. Water splashed up over his face. His face was submerged in a puddle. He felt the cool rain hitting his back. He felt so tired. He just wanted to drift away. In the distance he heard a dull bang. His body registered a distant sting. But he just wanted rest.
Morgan rolled Blake over with his foot. His chest heaved. Blake had hit him hard. With each intake of air, his ribs cried out. He was angry. *Goddamn yokel!! What did he think he could do!?! Now he'd be dead for his trouble! Nobody ends up a hero!* His shot had hit Blake in the thigh. Morgan's face was primal with rage. The rain did nothing to cool his boiling blood.
"Hurt does it!?! Now, how does it feel, Sheriff!?! How does it feel!?!"
Blake did not respond. His eyes were glazed over. He stared blankly at the writhing sky above. Rain pattered down his face. Morgan pulled back the hammer. The click was loud. But he couldn't hear it above falling rain.
"Never mind. You can tell me when we meet in Hell."
The shot startled Blake back to life. For an eternal moment the world stopped turning. There was only falling rain. Blake exhaled. It seemed his life was escaping from his mouth. He waited for it all to end.
Then Blake heard a thud. A small wave of water hit his face. He turned his head. The cold pavement kissed his cheek. Blake blinked. He squinted through the wetness. A wide-eyed face greeted him. The eyes were pale as ice. Morgan. A trickle of crimson streamed from his mouth. It flowed into a puddle, slowly inching its way to Blake. Blake turned away. Rain fell into his open mouth. He was too tired to stand. A shadow blocked his view of the far heavens. The shadow moved. Like it was talking.
"-are you ok? Blake? Blake!"
Mulder reached down and felt Blake's pulse. He neck was cold from the downpour. But there was a pulse. Mulder saw the blood dripping from Blake's leg. *Damn!*
"Blake? Can you hear me? I'm going to get you out of the rain."
Mulder had a pained look on his face. Blake had saved his life. He had saved Blake. It was the sort of bond that men don't take lightly. Now Blake couldn't die. Mulder wouldn't let him. He saw the keys lying in a puddle. Next to Morgan's pale hand. Mulder kicked away the hand. He snatched up the keys.
Blake felt the reassuring patter of water end. His view of the sky was replaced with a cheap felt interior. He was lying on the rear seats. It felt so warm. He drifted off, ignoring the dull pain in his leg.
Mulder sat in the driver's seat. He ran his hands through his soaked hair. He put down the gun that had saved Blake's life. The gun Morgan had carelessly thrown under the car. The gun that had lain right next to Mulder. His breath came in short, sharp bursts. His mind felt lost. Mulder punched the steering wheel. Again and again. His mind had found something. Anger. People would pay for this. They would pay.
But Mulder didn't know where he could go. Who he could trust. Who he could count on. No. That was wrong. There was always one person he could count on. She could help Blake. She could help him.
-----------------------
Vero Beach, Medical Examiner's Office. 9:56 p.m.
Scully angrily hung up. *Oh, now he's too busy to pick up his phone!* She was really going to kick his-
Thunder cracked in the distance.
----------------------- -----------------------
Oh, so some people think criticism helps!!! Well I happen to find constructive criticism to be extremely below me! If you don't find what I write brings you Enlightenment, then maybe you should read something else!! --- Naw, I'm just kidding you ;-) I'm glad you could pick up my change in style. You see, most stories I write (that are non-fanfic), are noir/tough- guy themed. My friends (well, at least the girl ones, who're the only ones I do stupid things for), would rather I try more flowery writing. So every once in a while I gotta try that style to impress them. I guess I always end up trying foolish things for gals. So if you're a girl, and you write a review, you can be sure I'll take it close to heart. Anyhoo, I gotta go and wash off some hearts that were drawn all over my arm (by guess who?),
- Your Pal Writer (who's just a sucker for the fairer sex)
P.S.- Right now I'm writing a noir story called "Sahara West"- maybe you'll see it in your local bookstore soon. (I wish!) ;-)
