Part 47
Kate slowly enters Skinner's room and her heart drops to her stomach when she sees how pale he looks. He seems to be sleeping and she doesn't want to disturb him, however for some reason he senses her presence and his eyes slowly open. He attempts a small smile.
"What happened?", he asks.
"You were shot, three times", says Kate. "You've got to stay here for two weeks, but you're going to be okay."
"Bobby?"
"He is dead. A sniper shot him after he shot you and I have to be honest that I am glad that he is dead. He won't be able to hurt anyone else ever again." Tears stream down Kate's face as she approaches the bed and takes Skinner's hand in her own.
"How long have I been here?"
"A little over twelve hours. You were in surgery for over three of them. I've had the doctor call DC to contact Agents Mulder and Scully, but they can't seem to reach them. I'll try reaching them myself when I leave."
"You've been here the entire time", asks Skinner amazed.
"Yes, you've been calling out for me. They finally allowed me to see you. They said I couldn't see you unless I was family. Your doctor was kind and allowed everyone to assume we were engaged so I could see you. I hope you aren't uncomfortable with what I did. I just wanted to make sure that you were okay. I didn't know if you had any relatives to contact and I didn't want you to be all alone. As I said before your fellow agents will be concerned when they hear of what has happened to you."
Skinner squeezes Kate's hand. "I've never met a more caring woman than you Kate. No, I'm not uncomfortable with what you led others to believe about us. Matter of fact I kinda like the idea that someone wouldn't be offended to be engaged to me. It makes me wonder if I should jump the gun a little bit and ask you if you would ever consider living in DC?" He raises his eyes to Kate's with the question.
Kate's mouth falls open as she realizes that Skinner is seeking some sort of confirmation from her. A confirmation of her willingness for a commitment. "Are you asking me if I would be willing to move to DC to live with you?"
"No, I'm an old-fashioned sort of guy Kate. Although, in this circumstance I'm probably being a little irrational. Kate Smith, I'm asking you to marry me."
Kate looks from Skinner's hopeful face to the ceiling and then to the heart monitor that makes a constant beeping. She has seen tragedy and she has seen love and that love has been in Walter Skinner's eyes. She too has realized that life is too short and God has given her this second chance for happiness. Her eyes rest upon Skinner's once again. She smiles as her eyes tear up again.
"Walter Skinner, I would be honored to marry you."
Part 48
"Lone Gunmen." Langley answers the phone at their secret hideaway.
"I'm not being recorded am I", asks Mulder.
"No. No of course not", says Langley turning around and shrugging at the tape revolving behind him.
"I better not be as I'm in a little embarrassing situation here and I don't want any evidence of this incident existing", continues Mulder.
"Don't tell me, you're in jail for inadvertently soliciting an undercover prostitute. Mulder, how many times have we told you not to frequent those kinds of bars. You never know what kind of people hang out in those kind of places." Frohike and Byers are intrigued at this point and gather around the speaker phone that Langley has switched the call over to.
"No! What are you guys nuts? I'm with Scully. Geez, you guys give me a bad reputation", says Mulder.
"Whats up Mulder", asks Byers.
"Yeah, you and the gorgeous Agent Scully should be snuggled up a honeymoon suite by now", says Frohike sarcastically.
"Thats the problem", says Mulder. "I sorta forgot to tell you to make hotel reservations. We were going to sleep in the car, but something happened to interfere with that plan too."
"Let me guess, you guys are in jail for indecent exposure in a parked car", says Langley as the three gunmen look at each other and silently laugh.
Scully grabs the phone from Mulder. "Look here you three dipsticks, we got robbed. We have no money, no credit cards and neither of us have any baggage. They stole the car and my engagement ring, so you better come up with some dough at the Western Union or I'm going to make a Y incision on you where it really hurts when I get home."
"Touchy, touchy Dana", says Frohike. "Now see if you had agreed to marry me instead of Mulder we would be sailing the Mediterranean right now and you wouldn't be sitting on a payphone somewhere."
"If I had agreed to marry you Frohike I would have been sitting at a bar drinking too many margaritas", replies Scully smiling up at a scowling Mulder.
Mulder takes the phone back. "Quit trying to encourage my fiancee to leave me Frohike. What have you got that I don't."
"My own business, brains, good looks and guts", replies to Frohike giving a thumbs up to his pals.
"Guts?", asks Mulder with a confused look on his face.
"I told her years ago that she was hot. Look at you, its taken you seven years to finally make a confession and cough up a rock."
"Well I need you to cough up some money now", says Mulder. "We're going to need enough to buy some clothes and get us home. I don't know about Scully, but I don't want to stay here in Vegas any longer. The thrill is gone." Scully nods.
"I just want to go home Mulder. This has been a very long five days."
"All right. We'll forward some money to you. I guess we can do it first thing tomorrow. You should be able to get it by 9:00 A.M.", says Byers.
"Nine o'clock!", yells Mulder into the phone.
"We can't do anything better for ya", says Langley. "All of the Western Union offices are closed here and we can't send money over the phone, so you'll just have to hang tight for the next ...oh nine hours or so."
Scully grabs the phone again. "Did I just hear Mulder say that we aren't going to get any money until TOMORROW morning? Where in the hell are we going to sleep? It was bad enough cramped up in the back seat of that Mustang convertible, but if you think I'm going to sleep in some lobby of a casino you've got to be kidding. And you must have sunflower seeds for brains." She turns and glares at Mulder. Mulder holds up his hands in helplessness.
Mulder takes the phone away from Scully. "Come on guys you don't know what I am dealing with here. Theres got to be another way." He turns to look at a glaring Scully. She has her hands folded across her chest and she is tapping her foot.
"Hmm..backseat of a convertible Mulder? How original", says Frohike.
"Okay, fine we'll wait until tomorrow. You better get your butts down to that Western Union office first thing tomorrow or else. Just send that damn money", says Mulder slamming down the phone.
The Lone Gunmen look at each other. "Whats gotten into him?", asks Langley.
"Its supposed to be his honeymoon. Its totally backfired and he is not getting any. You know Scully, if things are as bad as they sound she is not very friendly right now.", says Byers.
"I told her that he was wrong for her years ago", says Frohike walking toward the kitchen.
Part 49
Meanwhile Kate has called Washington to speak to Skinner's secretary. "I'm Kate Smith, Walter's fiancee and I need to inform you that he has been hurt out here in California", she explains.
Skinner's secretary's eyes pop open wide and she pulls the phone away from her ear and stares at it a moment before she puts it back to her ear.
"I'm sorry ma'am, I thought you said that you are AD Skinner's fiancee?"
"Thats right", says Kate.
"Okay", says the secretary apprehensively. "Now what is this about Skinner getting hurt?"
"He has been shot in a shoot out, but he is going to be fine. Actually I spoke to the doctors just moments ago and he is in a regular room now. The prognosis is good and they said he will be ready for travel in about three days."
"Can I speak to him", asks his secretary. "I just want to tell him that everything is under control and we're all rooting for his speedy recovery."
"No, I'm on a payphone down in the lobby. Actually Walter is sleeping. My other reason for this call is I wondered if you could connect me to the office of either Agent Mulder or Agent Scully. They were here out with us, but Walter made them head back to DC and had hoped I could eventually track them down."
"Well, actually Agents Mulder and Scully are on an official leave of absence for....let me see. Another full work week, not counting two weekends." She checks her computer calendar. "They share an office so if you would like I could connect you to Agent Mulder's voice mail and he will be sure to inform Agent Scully. Or I could connect you to both of their voice mails. Its up to you."
"I can't really wait that long. Is there anyway I could get their home telephone numbers?", asks Kate.
"I'm sorry that information is confidential. Please don't take this personally ma'am, but we try to protect our agents as much as possible. Theres a lot of crackpots out there seeking vengeance on the agent that put them in jail and unfortunately both Agents Mulder and Scully have been victims of such people on numerous occasions."
"Well, I guess I'll have to leave a voice message. I'll just leave one for Agent Mulder.", says Kate.
Someone walks into the secretary's office and she nods as he puts a paper in front of her. "Ms. Smith, I think that maybe you should recap your story for AD Kersh. He is AD Skinner's associate and is covering for him while he is out there in California. He is going to be interested in what you've just told me."
"AD Kersh", says Kersh.
"Mr. Kersh, this is Kate Smith and I am Walter's fiancee. I needed to call someone there at the bureau and let them know that Walter was shot three times by a fugitive."
Kersh raises his eyebrows. "I didn't know that Walter was engaged. Did he meet you in California?" Kersh is wondering about the validity of Skinner's travel expenses.
"Well it kind of love at first sight. He was here looking for Agents Mulder and Scully and I own the trailer park that they were staying at.:
"Trailer park?", asks Kersh turning to Skinner's secretary. He makes a motion for her to give him a notepad and pen.
"So Skinner is in the hospital?", asks Kersh.
"Yes, he is doing much better now and should be home in three or four days", says Kate.
"And you said Agents Mulder and Scully are there?", asks Kersh. He then covers up the receiver with his hand and mouths to the secretary: 'Aren't they on suspension?' She nods and he frowns turning back to the phone. He cradles the phone against his ear as he starts to take notes.
"Well, the agents aren't here right now. They said that they were going on a little side trip and then back to DC. I didn't have any way to contact them or track them down so I called. I thought they should know that Walter was wounded and I wanted to give them the good news of his recovery and of course the really good news about our engagement. I just hope it doesn't overshadow them of course. You know a woman never wants another woman to interfere with her own moment of happiness."
"No, I don't know", says Kersh readjusting the phone.
"Well I wouldn't want Agent Scully to think that her engagement to Agent Mulder meant any less to Walter and I. I haven't had a chance to tell Walter about their engagement. I've been so excited about my own I haven't even thought to tell him."
"Why don't you wait until you get to DC and surprise him", says Kersh. "I think it would even be more appropriate for Agents Mulder and Scully to tell him themselves. Matter of fact, I think I would like to be present and share in the happy or should I say career altering moment?"
"Career altering?", asks Kate.
"Oh, just a bureau expression. Something that the Agents understand. Its listed in the official manual", says Kersh. He motions to the secretary for a copy of the manual.
"Well, I need to go now, but I am going to leave a message for Agent Mulder on his voice mail. I wish there was a way of tracking them down", says Kate.
"Ms. Smith, you're talking to an AD of the FBI. I will track them down for you personally and let them know everything that you have conveyed to me. I know a sure way of finding out their location. You just concentrate on Skinner and give him my best. I'll look forward to our meeting in a couple of days."
"Thank you Mr. Kersh. I look forward to meeting you. You've been a tremendous help", says Kate.
Kersh hangs up the phone and turns to the secretary. "Get VISA on the line." After a couple of minutes she nods and hands him the phone.
"My name is AD Kersh of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and I need to track down a federal government employee that may be using a government credit card. He is needed at home for an emergency and I want to find out where he is. My badge number is JTT-787373. Yes the card number is 4334 6363 3737 77**. Yes, I'll hold." Kersh checks his notes and then his watch. He thinks how he missed breakfast this morning and he can't believe that he is working on a Saturday. With all the crazy cases everyone has been investigating lately it seemed like all of the AD's had been required to come in for short intervals on weekends.
"Mr. Kersh? That credit card is issued to a Fox W. Mulder and the location of the last charge was Las Vegas, Nevada."
"Las Vegas!", yells Kersh. "Can you tell me what was charged?"
"It looks like a $2000 advancement for cash at the Golden Nugget casino, $1500 for two nights stay at Caesar's Palace and a few smaller miscellaneous charges", says the customer service representative.
"I am going to report that card stolen and I would also like to inform you that I am going to be putting out an APB for the arrest of Mr. Mulder and his accomplice Ms. Dana K. Scully. I'll inform the local police department of the APB and I'll be faxing photos to their office as soon as I get off the phone." Kersh hangs up.
"Sir, there must be some mistake. Agents Mulder and Scully wouldn't deliberately try to steal from the bureau", says the secretary.
"I'm not surprised. Remember these are people who believe that you can't trust the government." Kersh walks out of Skinner's office toward the office of the Director.
Part 50
Meanwhile Earlier: Its Saturday morning and Scully wakes to the sound of bells, slot machine bells that is. She stretches and groans when she remembers where she is. She sits up and bumps against the large plant to her right. She glances over her shoulder at a sleeping Mulder. Despite her instant arguing he had won her over at using their last dollar of quarters playing the slots and being Mulder he won. His cup of quarters are clutched in the crook of his arm. Scully smiles as she thinks how comical this all is. She glances out over the lobby of the casino and sees a couple staring at them. She then hears them talking. The woman says, "Jim, look at that poor couple I bet they lost all of their money." The man laughs and says, "Thats what you get for getting addicted to this stuff." They walk away.
"Mulder, wake up!", says Scully elbowing him. "Its morning and business is picking up. We can't stay here."
Mulder wakes up and yawns. "What time is it?" He scratches his chest and looks down into his cup of quarters.
"Its 8:30 A.M. and its almost time for the money wire to be coming in", says Scully. "I vote we go freshen up and then use our quarters to buy some breakfast. Why didn't you cash that in the first place?"
"Because I figured we wouldn't spend it as fast and it sorta looks like a lot of money the way it is", says Mulder looking into the cup again.
Scully gets up and stretches again. Mulder follows and they head to the nearby restrooms. Ten minutes later they meet again and head to the nearest cashier's window.
"Wow, I'm....I mean we're rich Scully!", exclaims Mulder. "Our $1.00 investment is now worth $22.75. Just enough for the all you can eat breakfast buffet."
Scully rolls her eyes. "No more buffets while we are here. I vote for a bagel and some fresh fruit. Lets head to the food court." She tucks her arm through Mulder's and they start walking.
"You really take the fun out of the word vacation Scully. The next thing you will be doing is suggesting that we donate the remainder of the money to a homeless shelter."
"Thats a good idea Mulder", says Scully. "It takes the sin out of where the money came from." She gets in line at the bakery and looks up at the menu. Mulder makes a silly face and tosses his head back and forth imitating her. He mouths, 'It takes the sin out of where the money came from.' She turns around as he is just finishing.
"What is the matter with you?", she gives him a look.
"Nothing, I think I got a creak in my neck from sleeping on that lobby floor", says Mulder pretending to crack his neck. She turns around and realizes she is next in line.
"Yes, I'll take a cinnamon raisin bagel with cream cheese, a small fruit cocktail and a cup of coffee. Mulder, what do you want?"
"I'll take the sausage and egg sandwich with a large orange juice", replies Mulder. Scully turns around and gives him a sympathetic look.
"You just can't live without the grease can you?"
"I cant' help it Scully. I'm addicted to junk food. Just eat your bagel and fruit and be thankful that you are my beneficiary on my life insurance policy." He reaches over to pay the cashier.
"Mulder, you never told me that. Why would I be your beneficiary?", asks Scully.
"Well it used to be 50/50 between you and my mother, but once she died I changed the policy so you are the soul beneficiary, but don't get any ideas."
"Ideas?"
"Don't start working on a secret plan on eliminating me. I'm here to stay, so don't think that I would let a little cholesterol get in the way of me continuing to prove you wrong about your scientific theories. Yes, Fox Mulder the paranormal expert plans on living a very long and productive life."
They take their food and sit down to eat. "Mulder, I can't understand this trip. We've had bad luck on cases before, but this has been unreal. Everything has gone wrong", says Scully.
"I wouldn't say everything", replies Mulder taking a bite out of his sandwich.
"Name one thing that has gone right?", asks Scully stabbing a piece of pineapple with her fork.
"You finally got up the courage to say what I couldn't for seven years", replies Mulder. "What I was afraid to say. You Scully got me to actually believe in us. That there was hope for us after the FBI. When you told me that you loved me in the trailer that was the best thing that has happened to me since I started this quest. Everything in my life has been dark. My parents are dead. My sister is dead. I'm a puppet in a never-ending play that only has a tragic ending. You see how I live, my apartment is dark, my office is dark. But through it all there has been one beacon of light on the horizon. A beacon that I could look to for hope and encouragement. That beacon almost went out a couple of times during the years. Why did it go out you ask? Abduction, Cancer, Pfaster, Antarctica... need I go on? You Scully were my beacon and after you opening up to me I now realize that I have to stop holding back, stop running and walk toward that beacon so that my life can be lit up by you." He looks away.
Scully stares at Mulder as he opens to her. She is touched as he has never been so open with his feelings and the dramatic symbolism he has just described feels familiar to her as she has often thought of him as her anchor. She reaches across the table and takes his hand in hers. "Oh Mulder, that was a beautiful thing that you said and I want you to know that whatever happened on this trip was bearable because I was with you. Thats the only way I would ever want things to be because I love you." She gives him a smile which he returns to her. She knows because of his difficult life that its hard for him to say the words, but her heart flutters anyhow.
"I love you too Scully", he says as he kisses her hand.
"Lets go get that money and go home Mulder", says Scully.
"Yeah, home", replies Mulder .
Kate slowly enters Skinner's room and her heart drops to her stomach when she sees how pale he looks. He seems to be sleeping and she doesn't want to disturb him, however for some reason he senses her presence and his eyes slowly open. He attempts a small smile.
"What happened?", he asks.
"You were shot, three times", says Kate. "You've got to stay here for two weeks, but you're going to be okay."
"Bobby?"
"He is dead. A sniper shot him after he shot you and I have to be honest that I am glad that he is dead. He won't be able to hurt anyone else ever again." Tears stream down Kate's face as she approaches the bed and takes Skinner's hand in her own.
"How long have I been here?"
"A little over twelve hours. You were in surgery for over three of them. I've had the doctor call DC to contact Agents Mulder and Scully, but they can't seem to reach them. I'll try reaching them myself when I leave."
"You've been here the entire time", asks Skinner amazed.
"Yes, you've been calling out for me. They finally allowed me to see you. They said I couldn't see you unless I was family. Your doctor was kind and allowed everyone to assume we were engaged so I could see you. I hope you aren't uncomfortable with what I did. I just wanted to make sure that you were okay. I didn't know if you had any relatives to contact and I didn't want you to be all alone. As I said before your fellow agents will be concerned when they hear of what has happened to you."
Skinner squeezes Kate's hand. "I've never met a more caring woman than you Kate. No, I'm not uncomfortable with what you led others to believe about us. Matter of fact I kinda like the idea that someone wouldn't be offended to be engaged to me. It makes me wonder if I should jump the gun a little bit and ask you if you would ever consider living in DC?" He raises his eyes to Kate's with the question.
Kate's mouth falls open as she realizes that Skinner is seeking some sort of confirmation from her. A confirmation of her willingness for a commitment. "Are you asking me if I would be willing to move to DC to live with you?"
"No, I'm an old-fashioned sort of guy Kate. Although, in this circumstance I'm probably being a little irrational. Kate Smith, I'm asking you to marry me."
Kate looks from Skinner's hopeful face to the ceiling and then to the heart monitor that makes a constant beeping. She has seen tragedy and she has seen love and that love has been in Walter Skinner's eyes. She too has realized that life is too short and God has given her this second chance for happiness. Her eyes rest upon Skinner's once again. She smiles as her eyes tear up again.
"Walter Skinner, I would be honored to marry you."
Part 48
"Lone Gunmen." Langley answers the phone at their secret hideaway.
"I'm not being recorded am I", asks Mulder.
"No. No of course not", says Langley turning around and shrugging at the tape revolving behind him.
"I better not be as I'm in a little embarrassing situation here and I don't want any evidence of this incident existing", continues Mulder.
"Don't tell me, you're in jail for inadvertently soliciting an undercover prostitute. Mulder, how many times have we told you not to frequent those kinds of bars. You never know what kind of people hang out in those kind of places." Frohike and Byers are intrigued at this point and gather around the speaker phone that Langley has switched the call over to.
"No! What are you guys nuts? I'm with Scully. Geez, you guys give me a bad reputation", says Mulder.
"Whats up Mulder", asks Byers.
"Yeah, you and the gorgeous Agent Scully should be snuggled up a honeymoon suite by now", says Frohike sarcastically.
"Thats the problem", says Mulder. "I sorta forgot to tell you to make hotel reservations. We were going to sleep in the car, but something happened to interfere with that plan too."
"Let me guess, you guys are in jail for indecent exposure in a parked car", says Langley as the three gunmen look at each other and silently laugh.
Scully grabs the phone from Mulder. "Look here you three dipsticks, we got robbed. We have no money, no credit cards and neither of us have any baggage. They stole the car and my engagement ring, so you better come up with some dough at the Western Union or I'm going to make a Y incision on you where it really hurts when I get home."
"Touchy, touchy Dana", says Frohike. "Now see if you had agreed to marry me instead of Mulder we would be sailing the Mediterranean right now and you wouldn't be sitting on a payphone somewhere."
"If I had agreed to marry you Frohike I would have been sitting at a bar drinking too many margaritas", replies Scully smiling up at a scowling Mulder.
Mulder takes the phone back. "Quit trying to encourage my fiancee to leave me Frohike. What have you got that I don't."
"My own business, brains, good looks and guts", replies to Frohike giving a thumbs up to his pals.
"Guts?", asks Mulder with a confused look on his face.
"I told her years ago that she was hot. Look at you, its taken you seven years to finally make a confession and cough up a rock."
"Well I need you to cough up some money now", says Mulder. "We're going to need enough to buy some clothes and get us home. I don't know about Scully, but I don't want to stay here in Vegas any longer. The thrill is gone." Scully nods.
"I just want to go home Mulder. This has been a very long five days."
"All right. We'll forward some money to you. I guess we can do it first thing tomorrow. You should be able to get it by 9:00 A.M.", says Byers.
"Nine o'clock!", yells Mulder into the phone.
"We can't do anything better for ya", says Langley. "All of the Western Union offices are closed here and we can't send money over the phone, so you'll just have to hang tight for the next ...oh nine hours or so."
Scully grabs the phone again. "Did I just hear Mulder say that we aren't going to get any money until TOMORROW morning? Where in the hell are we going to sleep? It was bad enough cramped up in the back seat of that Mustang convertible, but if you think I'm going to sleep in some lobby of a casino you've got to be kidding. And you must have sunflower seeds for brains." She turns and glares at Mulder. Mulder holds up his hands in helplessness.
Mulder takes the phone away from Scully. "Come on guys you don't know what I am dealing with here. Theres got to be another way." He turns to look at a glaring Scully. She has her hands folded across her chest and she is tapping her foot.
"Hmm..backseat of a convertible Mulder? How original", says Frohike.
"Okay, fine we'll wait until tomorrow. You better get your butts down to that Western Union office first thing tomorrow or else. Just send that damn money", says Mulder slamming down the phone.
The Lone Gunmen look at each other. "Whats gotten into him?", asks Langley.
"Its supposed to be his honeymoon. Its totally backfired and he is not getting any. You know Scully, if things are as bad as they sound she is not very friendly right now.", says Byers.
"I told her that he was wrong for her years ago", says Frohike walking toward the kitchen.
Part 49
Meanwhile Kate has called Washington to speak to Skinner's secretary. "I'm Kate Smith, Walter's fiancee and I need to inform you that he has been hurt out here in California", she explains.
Skinner's secretary's eyes pop open wide and she pulls the phone away from her ear and stares at it a moment before she puts it back to her ear.
"I'm sorry ma'am, I thought you said that you are AD Skinner's fiancee?"
"Thats right", says Kate.
"Okay", says the secretary apprehensively. "Now what is this about Skinner getting hurt?"
"He has been shot in a shoot out, but he is going to be fine. Actually I spoke to the doctors just moments ago and he is in a regular room now. The prognosis is good and they said he will be ready for travel in about three days."
"Can I speak to him", asks his secretary. "I just want to tell him that everything is under control and we're all rooting for his speedy recovery."
"No, I'm on a payphone down in the lobby. Actually Walter is sleeping. My other reason for this call is I wondered if you could connect me to the office of either Agent Mulder or Agent Scully. They were here out with us, but Walter made them head back to DC and had hoped I could eventually track them down."
"Well, actually Agents Mulder and Scully are on an official leave of absence for....let me see. Another full work week, not counting two weekends." She checks her computer calendar. "They share an office so if you would like I could connect you to Agent Mulder's voice mail and he will be sure to inform Agent Scully. Or I could connect you to both of their voice mails. Its up to you."
"I can't really wait that long. Is there anyway I could get their home telephone numbers?", asks Kate.
"I'm sorry that information is confidential. Please don't take this personally ma'am, but we try to protect our agents as much as possible. Theres a lot of crackpots out there seeking vengeance on the agent that put them in jail and unfortunately both Agents Mulder and Scully have been victims of such people on numerous occasions."
"Well, I guess I'll have to leave a voice message. I'll just leave one for Agent Mulder.", says Kate.
Someone walks into the secretary's office and she nods as he puts a paper in front of her. "Ms. Smith, I think that maybe you should recap your story for AD Kersh. He is AD Skinner's associate and is covering for him while he is out there in California. He is going to be interested in what you've just told me."
"AD Kersh", says Kersh.
"Mr. Kersh, this is Kate Smith and I am Walter's fiancee. I needed to call someone there at the bureau and let them know that Walter was shot three times by a fugitive."
Kersh raises his eyebrows. "I didn't know that Walter was engaged. Did he meet you in California?" Kersh is wondering about the validity of Skinner's travel expenses.
"Well it kind of love at first sight. He was here looking for Agents Mulder and Scully and I own the trailer park that they were staying at.:
"Trailer park?", asks Kersh turning to Skinner's secretary. He makes a motion for her to give him a notepad and pen.
"So Skinner is in the hospital?", asks Kersh.
"Yes, he is doing much better now and should be home in three or four days", says Kate.
"And you said Agents Mulder and Scully are there?", asks Kersh. He then covers up the receiver with his hand and mouths to the secretary: 'Aren't they on suspension?' She nods and he frowns turning back to the phone. He cradles the phone against his ear as he starts to take notes.
"Well, the agents aren't here right now. They said that they were going on a little side trip and then back to DC. I didn't have any way to contact them or track them down so I called. I thought they should know that Walter was wounded and I wanted to give them the good news of his recovery and of course the really good news about our engagement. I just hope it doesn't overshadow them of course. You know a woman never wants another woman to interfere with her own moment of happiness."
"No, I don't know", says Kersh readjusting the phone.
"Well I wouldn't want Agent Scully to think that her engagement to Agent Mulder meant any less to Walter and I. I haven't had a chance to tell Walter about their engagement. I've been so excited about my own I haven't even thought to tell him."
"Why don't you wait until you get to DC and surprise him", says Kersh. "I think it would even be more appropriate for Agents Mulder and Scully to tell him themselves. Matter of fact, I think I would like to be present and share in the happy or should I say career altering moment?"
"Career altering?", asks Kate.
"Oh, just a bureau expression. Something that the Agents understand. Its listed in the official manual", says Kersh. He motions to the secretary for a copy of the manual.
"Well, I need to go now, but I am going to leave a message for Agent Mulder on his voice mail. I wish there was a way of tracking them down", says Kate.
"Ms. Smith, you're talking to an AD of the FBI. I will track them down for you personally and let them know everything that you have conveyed to me. I know a sure way of finding out their location. You just concentrate on Skinner and give him my best. I'll look forward to our meeting in a couple of days."
"Thank you Mr. Kersh. I look forward to meeting you. You've been a tremendous help", says Kate.
Kersh hangs up the phone and turns to the secretary. "Get VISA on the line." After a couple of minutes she nods and hands him the phone.
"My name is AD Kersh of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and I need to track down a federal government employee that may be using a government credit card. He is needed at home for an emergency and I want to find out where he is. My badge number is JTT-787373. Yes the card number is 4334 6363 3737 77**. Yes, I'll hold." Kersh checks his notes and then his watch. He thinks how he missed breakfast this morning and he can't believe that he is working on a Saturday. With all the crazy cases everyone has been investigating lately it seemed like all of the AD's had been required to come in for short intervals on weekends.
"Mr. Kersh? That credit card is issued to a Fox W. Mulder and the location of the last charge was Las Vegas, Nevada."
"Las Vegas!", yells Kersh. "Can you tell me what was charged?"
"It looks like a $2000 advancement for cash at the Golden Nugget casino, $1500 for two nights stay at Caesar's Palace and a few smaller miscellaneous charges", says the customer service representative.
"I am going to report that card stolen and I would also like to inform you that I am going to be putting out an APB for the arrest of Mr. Mulder and his accomplice Ms. Dana K. Scully. I'll inform the local police department of the APB and I'll be faxing photos to their office as soon as I get off the phone." Kersh hangs up.
"Sir, there must be some mistake. Agents Mulder and Scully wouldn't deliberately try to steal from the bureau", says the secretary.
"I'm not surprised. Remember these are people who believe that you can't trust the government." Kersh walks out of Skinner's office toward the office of the Director.
Part 50
Meanwhile Earlier: Its Saturday morning and Scully wakes to the sound of bells, slot machine bells that is. She stretches and groans when she remembers where she is. She sits up and bumps against the large plant to her right. She glances over her shoulder at a sleeping Mulder. Despite her instant arguing he had won her over at using their last dollar of quarters playing the slots and being Mulder he won. His cup of quarters are clutched in the crook of his arm. Scully smiles as she thinks how comical this all is. She glances out over the lobby of the casino and sees a couple staring at them. She then hears them talking. The woman says, "Jim, look at that poor couple I bet they lost all of their money." The man laughs and says, "Thats what you get for getting addicted to this stuff." They walk away.
"Mulder, wake up!", says Scully elbowing him. "Its morning and business is picking up. We can't stay here."
Mulder wakes up and yawns. "What time is it?" He scratches his chest and looks down into his cup of quarters.
"Its 8:30 A.M. and its almost time for the money wire to be coming in", says Scully. "I vote we go freshen up and then use our quarters to buy some breakfast. Why didn't you cash that in the first place?"
"Because I figured we wouldn't spend it as fast and it sorta looks like a lot of money the way it is", says Mulder looking into the cup again.
Scully gets up and stretches again. Mulder follows and they head to the nearby restrooms. Ten minutes later they meet again and head to the nearest cashier's window.
"Wow, I'm....I mean we're rich Scully!", exclaims Mulder. "Our $1.00 investment is now worth $22.75. Just enough for the all you can eat breakfast buffet."
Scully rolls her eyes. "No more buffets while we are here. I vote for a bagel and some fresh fruit. Lets head to the food court." She tucks her arm through Mulder's and they start walking.
"You really take the fun out of the word vacation Scully. The next thing you will be doing is suggesting that we donate the remainder of the money to a homeless shelter."
"Thats a good idea Mulder", says Scully. "It takes the sin out of where the money came from." She gets in line at the bakery and looks up at the menu. Mulder makes a silly face and tosses his head back and forth imitating her. He mouths, 'It takes the sin out of where the money came from.' She turns around as he is just finishing.
"What is the matter with you?", she gives him a look.
"Nothing, I think I got a creak in my neck from sleeping on that lobby floor", says Mulder pretending to crack his neck. She turns around and realizes she is next in line.
"Yes, I'll take a cinnamon raisin bagel with cream cheese, a small fruit cocktail and a cup of coffee. Mulder, what do you want?"
"I'll take the sausage and egg sandwich with a large orange juice", replies Mulder. Scully turns around and gives him a sympathetic look.
"You just can't live without the grease can you?"
"I cant' help it Scully. I'm addicted to junk food. Just eat your bagel and fruit and be thankful that you are my beneficiary on my life insurance policy." He reaches over to pay the cashier.
"Mulder, you never told me that. Why would I be your beneficiary?", asks Scully.
"Well it used to be 50/50 between you and my mother, but once she died I changed the policy so you are the soul beneficiary, but don't get any ideas."
"Ideas?"
"Don't start working on a secret plan on eliminating me. I'm here to stay, so don't think that I would let a little cholesterol get in the way of me continuing to prove you wrong about your scientific theories. Yes, Fox Mulder the paranormal expert plans on living a very long and productive life."
They take their food and sit down to eat. "Mulder, I can't understand this trip. We've had bad luck on cases before, but this has been unreal. Everything has gone wrong", says Scully.
"I wouldn't say everything", replies Mulder taking a bite out of his sandwich.
"Name one thing that has gone right?", asks Scully stabbing a piece of pineapple with her fork.
"You finally got up the courage to say what I couldn't for seven years", replies Mulder. "What I was afraid to say. You Scully got me to actually believe in us. That there was hope for us after the FBI. When you told me that you loved me in the trailer that was the best thing that has happened to me since I started this quest. Everything in my life has been dark. My parents are dead. My sister is dead. I'm a puppet in a never-ending play that only has a tragic ending. You see how I live, my apartment is dark, my office is dark. But through it all there has been one beacon of light on the horizon. A beacon that I could look to for hope and encouragement. That beacon almost went out a couple of times during the years. Why did it go out you ask? Abduction, Cancer, Pfaster, Antarctica... need I go on? You Scully were my beacon and after you opening up to me I now realize that I have to stop holding back, stop running and walk toward that beacon so that my life can be lit up by you." He looks away.
Scully stares at Mulder as he opens to her. She is touched as he has never been so open with his feelings and the dramatic symbolism he has just described feels familiar to her as she has often thought of him as her anchor. She reaches across the table and takes his hand in hers. "Oh Mulder, that was a beautiful thing that you said and I want you to know that whatever happened on this trip was bearable because I was with you. Thats the only way I would ever want things to be because I love you." She gives him a smile which he returns to her. She knows because of his difficult life that its hard for him to say the words, but her heart flutters anyhow.
"I love you too Scully", he says as he kisses her hand.
"Lets go get that money and go home Mulder", says Scully.
"Yeah, home", replies Mulder .