Part 59
"I can't believe that after all this time of waiting to tell her how he really felt.....he broke up with her", says Byers.
"And you said there was never a chance for me", says Frohike picking up a Macy's bag and digging through it.
"What in the world did you two buy at the mall?", asks Byers. "I thought Electronic City was more your store."
"You aren't going to believe this", says Langley rolling his eyes. "He is determined to go through with this and after that phone call there will be no stopping him." He motions to Frohike pulling a woman's suit out of the bag followed by dress shoes, a bra and slip.
"You aren't really going to wear a dress to go break Scully out are you", exclaims Byers. "No one is going to believe that you are a woman. Can't you see that?"
"I'm trying to get in touch with my feminine side", says Frohike holding up the suit to himself. "Once Dana realizes how much I feel for her she will fall for me hook, line and sinker."
"Scully isn't going to fall for you", says Langley. "She has it bad for Mulder and she isn't going to look twice at you."
"He has ditched her one two many times boys. You leave it to old Frohike. The fair Agent Scully is going to be estatic to see me when I show up as she arrives in DC. I only wish I had time to get out to Nevada, but by the time I got there she may already be on her way here."
Byers roll his eyes. "This is not going to work and I hope to God that you still aren't thinking of participating in this", he points at Langley.
"I agreed to be the getaway driver and I don't have to wear a dress", says Langley.
"You don't have to wear a dress, but you agreed to wear this", says Frohike passing Langley a ladies' hat with a large flower and feather on it.
"I don't believe that you are going through with this", says Byers running his hand through his hair. I am not going. This is crazy." He turns away and sits down on the couch to watch a basketball game. He picks up a computer magazine. "You better practice walking in those heels before you go. You don't want to make a complete idiot out of yourself."
"I'll go change now and try everything on", says Frohike headed to the bathroom with his assemble. Byers is left with Langley.
"Love does strange things to people", says Langley.
"Thats not love, thats stalking", says Byers. "Besides whats your excuse and don't tell me that you're in love with Frohike."
"Not even close", says Langley. "I just want to be able to say that I was once a getaway driver."
"That can go on your resume right next to ice cream truck driver", says Byers opening the magazine.
"Hey, you said that you wouldn't tell anybody about that", says Langley. Byers gives him a mischievous look.
*********************************
Meanwhile in a warehouse nearby. "You've got to be kidding. One of those geeks is going to pose as a woman to break out Agent Scully?", says Krychek to his companion. "It'll never work."
"No, but if it does it will save us a lot of time and exposure", says his companion lighting up a cigarette. 'We want Agent Scully and what a perfect way of getting her. We don't have to make up an elaborate plan. We just have to steal her away from that dwarf when he breaks her out. This is brilliant."
"Did you hear Mulder say that he and Scully were engaged and now they're not?", asks Krychek. "Which reminds me I keep forgetting to ask you I want to talk about Marita."
"Not now", says CSM waving his hand. "We've got to keep listening in case these three stooges find out when Scully is arriving in DC. Its sad really. Mulder thinks that breaking the engagement is going to solve all of his problems and it doesn't. She may be his partner, but I'm not a fool. I know he loves her and she loves him. They would die for each other, but after finally admitting that they do love each other he will sacrifice the last shred of happiness he has for her. He may not be too happy when he realizes how unnecessary that is. We're going to get her anyway."
Part 60
Mulder lays on his cot with his arms crossed behind his head. His feet are crossed as he contemplates his situation. How can Kersh seriously consider that him and Scully would stealing from the government? Although from what they have stolen from them they deserve a little shopping spree. He thinks back to seven years ago and how that little comment of "do you believe in the existence of extraterrestrials?" would cause such a huge impact on Scully's life. He had only wanted to shock her and maybe even tick her off a little bit. He had known why she had been there. "I was under the impression that you were sent to spy on me", he had said at their first meeting. He hadn't trusted her, but she quickly won his trust. She was a victim as much as he. He should have warned her earlier. Told her to get out before any of the damage had been done to her family. Her abduction, Melissa's death, Scully's cancer and sterility was all a direct result of her association with him. He never could figure out why she chose to stay and take the punches as they came. She had a medical degree and despite her reputation as 'Mrs. Spooky' she had potential for promotion in the bureau. She would have only had to give the word and they would of pulled her off the X-Files onto something more challenging and glorifying.
Mulder closes his eyes and bites his lip. It had been one of the most difficult things he had to do in his life. After all this time to finally know that she loved him for himself and not for any superficial reasons as others had claimed in the past. Yes, he had to act like it would be a mistake and it wasn't what he wanted. It was the farthest thing from what he wanted. But by distancing himself he was protecting her. The bureau was apt to go light on her whether or not they were romantically involved, but if it could help her further by making her appear as a loner and not as a pair he would do it. Why did this have to happen now? Only another week or so and the final decision would have been made. It had taken him months to finally decide to go and do it, but he had and he had good feelings about it. Now it mattered little and if he didn't end up in jail he'd be lucky if he didn't end up homeless. He looks up as he hears a key in the lock of his cell. The door slides open and a guard walks in.
"Some dame in the women's ward wanted me to give you this", says the guard handing him a folded note. "There is a brief exercise period tomorrow morning or half an hour in the courtyard. You may get to see the little lady there." He gives a wink to Mulder and then turns away.
"Send it back", says Mulder holding it out and looking away. "I can't read this now. Theres too many emotions going on in my brain for this."
Ricky the guard turns around. "You don't me to have to go back there and give that girl that note back do you? She's depressed enough without me going and telling her that you didn't even have the nerve to read it. God, I don't know what is the deal with the two of you, but I just brought her a food tray and she said she didn't want anything. I wouldn't want to be the result of her getting sick if I were you."
"Shes sick?", asks Mulder spinning around and eyeing Ricky suspiciously.
"Well, shes not sick.....yet", says Ricky. "But she will soon be."
"What do you mean? Quit playing mind games and tell me what is wrong with her", yells Mulder.
"Shes gone on a hunger strike", says the guard. "Read the note and see if she tells you why." He tosses Mulder the note which he catches. Ricky turns and exits the cell locking it behind him.
Mulder sits down on the edge of his bunk and glances down at the folded note in his hand. "Damn it Scully.....why are you so stubborn?" He unfolds it and something falls into his lap. He looks down and slowly picks up the cross dangling it from his index finger. He closes his eyes for a moment and then opens them to read the note.
Dear Mulder,
I don't understand why you are so angry with me. We have been through everything that a married couple could ever go through: sickness, health, separation, fights and happy times. The last seven years of my life have been scary, but they have been the most exciting of my life and I couldn't imagine them spent any differently. The best factor in the whole deal was I got to know you. Maybe you are sorry that you ever met me. I hope this isn't the case as it would make me very sad. The hardest times for me during the last seven years was when they separated me from you. Please do not shut me out. Its us against them Mulder, don't forget that. You may have lost faith in me for some reason, but I don't need your protection. I don't want to be sheltered like a china doll because I'm not. I wouldn't be where I am in my life if I was. I want to be where I am supposed to be...by your side. I still believe in us........
I love you.
S-
P.S. If you want to talk I'll be outside in the morning.
Mulder folds the note and sticks it in his pocket. He holds the cross up before his face and studies it as the light reflects off it. Silently he unclasps it and puts it on. He centers it and drops it to his chest. Glancing at his watch he lies down again.
"I believe too Scully", he whispers.
Part 61 (Sunday morning)
She hadn't been sure that he would have wanted to meet her, but she was relieved when she walked into the courtyard and saw Mulder shooting hoops. She smiles as she sees him in his orange jail uniform that matches her own. She quietly approaches as he is about to shoot. "How about a little one on one?"
Mulder turns around. "Depends on who is asking." He smiles slightly and looks down. She notices the cross around his neck.
"I'm glad that you read my note."
"I don't know why you don't give up on me", replies Mulder looking back at her.
"I'll never give up on you Mulder. You know that."
He nods as he studies the basketball in his hands. "So what now? What do we do now? Go back to DC, go through a trial and hope for adjoining cells with the right of conjugal visits?"
"No, we go back to DC and we fight. We have to figure out a way to prove that we didn't make those charges. I think the Lone Gunmen will be able to help us with those details."
"I do have good news", says Mulder turning around and making a basket.
"Whats that?", asks Scully grabbing the ball as it falls to the ground.
"I just got a call from the Gunmen and they've already done a little tapping into the computers. It seems once we are back in DC we are eligible for bail. I've already made arrangements for the money transfer. So, we may actually have a chance at getting some information from the outside of a cell. I don't know how we are going to come up with a way of tracking down the real crooks, but I figure we need to write down a description. Maybe we could hope that rental agency will have some news on the car and prints can be lifted. We should put a description of your ring and maybe somebody will spot it a pawnshop. We've got to cancel your credit cards and I've really screwed up", says Mulder looking down. Scully makes a basket and then walks up to him. She wraps her arms around him.
"Mulder, we will win. Do you understand? You have not screwed up. We will find those men. Our future depends on it and I'm not worried about it if we catch the crooks. All I am worried about is waking up every morning to Large Marge and not you." She blinks back tears as Mulder enfolds her in an embrace.
"When this is all over Scully, things are going to change. Understand?"
"No, I don't Mulder. What do you mean?" Scully looks up at him with a questioning look on her face.
"Its not finalized yet, but I'll tell you everything once I'm sure", says Mulder kissing her on the forehead.
"Mulder, you're scaring me", says Scully. "Tell me now."
"No, when the time is right", replies Mulder smiling down at her.
"You said no more secrets Mulder."
"This isn't a secret, just a surprise", replies Mulder.
"Hey you two! Two feet away from each other at all times!", yells a fat woman guard coming over. "I see we've got a little romance going on here, thank God you two are being transferred in the morning. I don't feel like dealing with this right now." She grabs Scully by the elbow and starts to lead her away. "Tell your little boyfriend you will see him later."
"See you tomorrow Mulder", says Scully looking at him.
"We'll be home soon Scully", says Mulder looking at her and then pulling the cross up to his lips and giving it a kiss. She smiles over her shoulder as she is led away.
"Come on Romeo, its time for you to go too", says Ricky coming over and slapping Mulder on the back. He leads him back to his cell. Mulder lies down and contemplates his next move as he hums "Jailhouse Rock".
Part 62 (Monday morning)
"Sir, how do you feel?", asks Kimberly as Skinner sits down at his desk.
"Not too good Kimberly, but I had to come back and straighten out this mess that Kersh has caused." Kimberly smirks which Skinner notices. "Don't comment on any of this Kimberly. I don't want your reputation hurt by what I am about to do."
"Whats that Sir?"
"I'm going to ask the Director to consider investigating Kersh for possible indiscretions."
"You won't find anything", says Kersh stepping into Skinner's office. "You would do anything to protect those two ghost chasing agents of yours. Well I'm here to tell you that it won't do you any good. They have been apprehended and are being held in custody in Las Vegas. I'm arranging for their transfer myself. They should be in DC tomorrow evening."
"Why are you doing this", asks Skinner accusingly.
"I'm not doing anything that any normal AD wouldn't do Skinner. I'm doing my job as you should be thinking about doing. You need to compile your list of interrogatory questions as well. I would suggest to you not being too soft on them. Things could turn difficult for you both personally and professionally."
"Are you threatening me Kersh", glares Skinner.
"No, I'm only thinking of your best interest Walter. You've invested over twenty-five years with the bureau. You don't want to waste all that on a couple of rebellious agents that obviously don't have any concern for the law?"
"Those rebellious agents as you so call them have saved my a** several times. You don't forget things like that", says Skinner looking down at his desk.
"I can't make you cooperate Walter, I can only advise you. I also advise you not to try investigating me. You aren't aware of where my loyalties lie. There are those in our government that won't appreciate your interference in this quest for justice, remember that." Kersh turns and leaves the office.
Skinner places his head in his hands and realizes that his hands are tied.
"I can't believe that after all this time of waiting to tell her how he really felt.....he broke up with her", says Byers.
"And you said there was never a chance for me", says Frohike picking up a Macy's bag and digging through it.
"What in the world did you two buy at the mall?", asks Byers. "I thought Electronic City was more your store."
"You aren't going to believe this", says Langley rolling his eyes. "He is determined to go through with this and after that phone call there will be no stopping him." He motions to Frohike pulling a woman's suit out of the bag followed by dress shoes, a bra and slip.
"You aren't really going to wear a dress to go break Scully out are you", exclaims Byers. "No one is going to believe that you are a woman. Can't you see that?"
"I'm trying to get in touch with my feminine side", says Frohike holding up the suit to himself. "Once Dana realizes how much I feel for her she will fall for me hook, line and sinker."
"Scully isn't going to fall for you", says Langley. "She has it bad for Mulder and she isn't going to look twice at you."
"He has ditched her one two many times boys. You leave it to old Frohike. The fair Agent Scully is going to be estatic to see me when I show up as she arrives in DC. I only wish I had time to get out to Nevada, but by the time I got there she may already be on her way here."
Byers roll his eyes. "This is not going to work and I hope to God that you still aren't thinking of participating in this", he points at Langley.
"I agreed to be the getaway driver and I don't have to wear a dress", says Langley.
"You don't have to wear a dress, but you agreed to wear this", says Frohike passing Langley a ladies' hat with a large flower and feather on it.
"I don't believe that you are going through with this", says Byers running his hand through his hair. I am not going. This is crazy." He turns away and sits down on the couch to watch a basketball game. He picks up a computer magazine. "You better practice walking in those heels before you go. You don't want to make a complete idiot out of yourself."
"I'll go change now and try everything on", says Frohike headed to the bathroom with his assemble. Byers is left with Langley.
"Love does strange things to people", says Langley.
"Thats not love, thats stalking", says Byers. "Besides whats your excuse and don't tell me that you're in love with Frohike."
"Not even close", says Langley. "I just want to be able to say that I was once a getaway driver."
"That can go on your resume right next to ice cream truck driver", says Byers opening the magazine.
"Hey, you said that you wouldn't tell anybody about that", says Langley. Byers gives him a mischievous look.
*********************************
Meanwhile in a warehouse nearby. "You've got to be kidding. One of those geeks is going to pose as a woman to break out Agent Scully?", says Krychek to his companion. "It'll never work."
"No, but if it does it will save us a lot of time and exposure", says his companion lighting up a cigarette. 'We want Agent Scully and what a perfect way of getting her. We don't have to make up an elaborate plan. We just have to steal her away from that dwarf when he breaks her out. This is brilliant."
"Did you hear Mulder say that he and Scully were engaged and now they're not?", asks Krychek. "Which reminds me I keep forgetting to ask you I want to talk about Marita."
"Not now", says CSM waving his hand. "We've got to keep listening in case these three stooges find out when Scully is arriving in DC. Its sad really. Mulder thinks that breaking the engagement is going to solve all of his problems and it doesn't. She may be his partner, but I'm not a fool. I know he loves her and she loves him. They would die for each other, but after finally admitting that they do love each other he will sacrifice the last shred of happiness he has for her. He may not be too happy when he realizes how unnecessary that is. We're going to get her anyway."
Part 60
Mulder lays on his cot with his arms crossed behind his head. His feet are crossed as he contemplates his situation. How can Kersh seriously consider that him and Scully would stealing from the government? Although from what they have stolen from them they deserve a little shopping spree. He thinks back to seven years ago and how that little comment of "do you believe in the existence of extraterrestrials?" would cause such a huge impact on Scully's life. He had only wanted to shock her and maybe even tick her off a little bit. He had known why she had been there. "I was under the impression that you were sent to spy on me", he had said at their first meeting. He hadn't trusted her, but she quickly won his trust. She was a victim as much as he. He should have warned her earlier. Told her to get out before any of the damage had been done to her family. Her abduction, Melissa's death, Scully's cancer and sterility was all a direct result of her association with him. He never could figure out why she chose to stay and take the punches as they came. She had a medical degree and despite her reputation as 'Mrs. Spooky' she had potential for promotion in the bureau. She would have only had to give the word and they would of pulled her off the X-Files onto something more challenging and glorifying.
Mulder closes his eyes and bites his lip. It had been one of the most difficult things he had to do in his life. After all this time to finally know that she loved him for himself and not for any superficial reasons as others had claimed in the past. Yes, he had to act like it would be a mistake and it wasn't what he wanted. It was the farthest thing from what he wanted. But by distancing himself he was protecting her. The bureau was apt to go light on her whether or not they were romantically involved, but if it could help her further by making her appear as a loner and not as a pair he would do it. Why did this have to happen now? Only another week or so and the final decision would have been made. It had taken him months to finally decide to go and do it, but he had and he had good feelings about it. Now it mattered little and if he didn't end up in jail he'd be lucky if he didn't end up homeless. He looks up as he hears a key in the lock of his cell. The door slides open and a guard walks in.
"Some dame in the women's ward wanted me to give you this", says the guard handing him a folded note. "There is a brief exercise period tomorrow morning or half an hour in the courtyard. You may get to see the little lady there." He gives a wink to Mulder and then turns away.
"Send it back", says Mulder holding it out and looking away. "I can't read this now. Theres too many emotions going on in my brain for this."
Ricky the guard turns around. "You don't me to have to go back there and give that girl that note back do you? She's depressed enough without me going and telling her that you didn't even have the nerve to read it. God, I don't know what is the deal with the two of you, but I just brought her a food tray and she said she didn't want anything. I wouldn't want to be the result of her getting sick if I were you."
"Shes sick?", asks Mulder spinning around and eyeing Ricky suspiciously.
"Well, shes not sick.....yet", says Ricky. "But she will soon be."
"What do you mean? Quit playing mind games and tell me what is wrong with her", yells Mulder.
"Shes gone on a hunger strike", says the guard. "Read the note and see if she tells you why." He tosses Mulder the note which he catches. Ricky turns and exits the cell locking it behind him.
Mulder sits down on the edge of his bunk and glances down at the folded note in his hand. "Damn it Scully.....why are you so stubborn?" He unfolds it and something falls into his lap. He looks down and slowly picks up the cross dangling it from his index finger. He closes his eyes for a moment and then opens them to read the note.
Dear Mulder,
I don't understand why you are so angry with me. We have been through everything that a married couple could ever go through: sickness, health, separation, fights and happy times. The last seven years of my life have been scary, but they have been the most exciting of my life and I couldn't imagine them spent any differently. The best factor in the whole deal was I got to know you. Maybe you are sorry that you ever met me. I hope this isn't the case as it would make me very sad. The hardest times for me during the last seven years was when they separated me from you. Please do not shut me out. Its us against them Mulder, don't forget that. You may have lost faith in me for some reason, but I don't need your protection. I don't want to be sheltered like a china doll because I'm not. I wouldn't be where I am in my life if I was. I want to be where I am supposed to be...by your side. I still believe in us........
I love you.
S-
P.S. If you want to talk I'll be outside in the morning.
Mulder folds the note and sticks it in his pocket. He holds the cross up before his face and studies it as the light reflects off it. Silently he unclasps it and puts it on. He centers it and drops it to his chest. Glancing at his watch he lies down again.
"I believe too Scully", he whispers.
Part 61 (Sunday morning)
She hadn't been sure that he would have wanted to meet her, but she was relieved when she walked into the courtyard and saw Mulder shooting hoops. She smiles as she sees him in his orange jail uniform that matches her own. She quietly approaches as he is about to shoot. "How about a little one on one?"
Mulder turns around. "Depends on who is asking." He smiles slightly and looks down. She notices the cross around his neck.
"I'm glad that you read my note."
"I don't know why you don't give up on me", replies Mulder looking back at her.
"I'll never give up on you Mulder. You know that."
He nods as he studies the basketball in his hands. "So what now? What do we do now? Go back to DC, go through a trial and hope for adjoining cells with the right of conjugal visits?"
"No, we go back to DC and we fight. We have to figure out a way to prove that we didn't make those charges. I think the Lone Gunmen will be able to help us with those details."
"I do have good news", says Mulder turning around and making a basket.
"Whats that?", asks Scully grabbing the ball as it falls to the ground.
"I just got a call from the Gunmen and they've already done a little tapping into the computers. It seems once we are back in DC we are eligible for bail. I've already made arrangements for the money transfer. So, we may actually have a chance at getting some information from the outside of a cell. I don't know how we are going to come up with a way of tracking down the real crooks, but I figure we need to write down a description. Maybe we could hope that rental agency will have some news on the car and prints can be lifted. We should put a description of your ring and maybe somebody will spot it a pawnshop. We've got to cancel your credit cards and I've really screwed up", says Mulder looking down. Scully makes a basket and then walks up to him. She wraps her arms around him.
"Mulder, we will win. Do you understand? You have not screwed up. We will find those men. Our future depends on it and I'm not worried about it if we catch the crooks. All I am worried about is waking up every morning to Large Marge and not you." She blinks back tears as Mulder enfolds her in an embrace.
"When this is all over Scully, things are going to change. Understand?"
"No, I don't Mulder. What do you mean?" Scully looks up at him with a questioning look on her face.
"Its not finalized yet, but I'll tell you everything once I'm sure", says Mulder kissing her on the forehead.
"Mulder, you're scaring me", says Scully. "Tell me now."
"No, when the time is right", replies Mulder smiling down at her.
"You said no more secrets Mulder."
"This isn't a secret, just a surprise", replies Mulder.
"Hey you two! Two feet away from each other at all times!", yells a fat woman guard coming over. "I see we've got a little romance going on here, thank God you two are being transferred in the morning. I don't feel like dealing with this right now." She grabs Scully by the elbow and starts to lead her away. "Tell your little boyfriend you will see him later."
"See you tomorrow Mulder", says Scully looking at him.
"We'll be home soon Scully", says Mulder looking at her and then pulling the cross up to his lips and giving it a kiss. She smiles over her shoulder as she is led away.
"Come on Romeo, its time for you to go too", says Ricky coming over and slapping Mulder on the back. He leads him back to his cell. Mulder lies down and contemplates his next move as he hums "Jailhouse Rock".
Part 62 (Monday morning)
"Sir, how do you feel?", asks Kimberly as Skinner sits down at his desk.
"Not too good Kimberly, but I had to come back and straighten out this mess that Kersh has caused." Kimberly smirks which Skinner notices. "Don't comment on any of this Kimberly. I don't want your reputation hurt by what I am about to do."
"Whats that Sir?"
"I'm going to ask the Director to consider investigating Kersh for possible indiscretions."
"You won't find anything", says Kersh stepping into Skinner's office. "You would do anything to protect those two ghost chasing agents of yours. Well I'm here to tell you that it won't do you any good. They have been apprehended and are being held in custody in Las Vegas. I'm arranging for their transfer myself. They should be in DC tomorrow evening."
"Why are you doing this", asks Skinner accusingly.
"I'm not doing anything that any normal AD wouldn't do Skinner. I'm doing my job as you should be thinking about doing. You need to compile your list of interrogatory questions as well. I would suggest to you not being too soft on them. Things could turn difficult for you both personally and professionally."
"Are you threatening me Kersh", glares Skinner.
"No, I'm only thinking of your best interest Walter. You've invested over twenty-five years with the bureau. You don't want to waste all that on a couple of rebellious agents that obviously don't have any concern for the law?"
"Those rebellious agents as you so call them have saved my a** several times. You don't forget things like that", says Skinner looking down at his desk.
"I can't make you cooperate Walter, I can only advise you. I also advise you not to try investigating me. You aren't aware of where my loyalties lie. There are those in our government that won't appreciate your interference in this quest for justice, remember that." Kersh turns and leaves the office.
Skinner places his head in his hands and realizes that his hands are tied.