Part 63
"What time are they arriving?", asks Byers pouring milk into his cereal.
"Six thirty Eastern time", replies Frohike as he makes notes on a pad.
"You're still going through with this?", asks Byers.
"John, I told you there is no way you are talking me out of this, so forget it", says Frohike. "Now will you please shut up? I'm trying to go over my checklist here. Lets see, vehicle, getaway driver, disguise, weapon..hmm."
"Weapon! If something went wrong you'll get ten years to life. Are you aware of the risk you'll be taking if you take a gun?", says Byers throwing his spoon into the bowl. Milk splashes onto Frohike's list.
"Now look what you've gone and done", yells Frohike. "My list is all smeared now and as for a weapon, I've got it right here." He pulls a gun out of his pocket and shows it to Byers.
"Melvin please don't do this", pleads Byers. "Let Scully take care of herself. She is not a fair maiden in distress, God she could kick your a** and you know it!"
"Hmm that sounds like something I might enjoy", says Frohike looking at the gun as he practices aiming it. "No, I think I'll hang onto this little beauty", says Frohike as he gingerly plays with the trigger.
"Will you stop waving that around", says Byers. "You're making me nervous!"
"Does this make you nervous?", asks Frohike aiming it at Byer's head.
"Yes! What the hell are you doing?"
"You know I'm getting pretty fed up with you Byers. Especially when you called me Melvin. That really sent me over the edge." Frohike continues to play with the trigger.
"Frohike, we can work this out. Just put down the gun and we'll talk about it. Matter of fact if you promise to leave the gun home I'll even help you rescue Scully if you are so determined to do it."
"Really Byers? You would do that for me?", asks Frohike.
"Yeah, of course of would little buddy", replies Byers wiping his forehead.
"Is that your final answer?", asks Frohike.
"Yes!", yells Byers.
"Sorry, wrong answer. Especially that little buddy part", says Frohike pulling the trigger.
Byers flinches as he feels something cold hit his face. No, its not a bullet but cold water. Frohike has just shot a watergun off in his face.
"You're going to be sorry for that Frohike."
"Yeah, well I guess we're even now because you've committed yourself to helping me." Just then Langley comes in.
"What happened to you?"
"I needed a little cooling off", says Byers glaring at Frohike.
"Langley do you still have that backup outfit that I was going to return to Macy's?", asks Frohike.
"Yeah, its in the closet behind you", says Langley. "But I told you that I'm not wearing any dress. That was the deal remember?"
"I remember that you refused to wear a dress, but I don't remember our new volunteer saying anything on the subject", says Frohike turning to look at an outraged Byers.
"No! Absolutely not! I am not dressing up as a woman, no matter what the reason is. I refuse!"
Fifteen minutes later:
"Byers I never knew that you had such nice legs", says Langley laughing.
"Shut up Langley", says Byers.
"You know hot pink is really your color", says Frohike. "I've got the perfect accessory to go along with it." He smashes a red wig over Byers head. "Too bad we don't know what Dana will be wearing. I could see you as a decoy."
"Can I at least look in a mirror please?", asks Byers angrily.
"Sure, be my guest", says Frohike pointing to a nearby mirror.
"Oh my God, I look like something from a cheap Las Vegas lounge act", says Byers.
"It could get worse", says Langley.
"How?", asks Byers turning around.
"We could take pictures", Langley replies as the flash goes off on his camera.
Part 64
Mulder and Scully are being loaded into a paddywagon which will take them to the airport. They will be taking a direct flight to DC and then will be transported to the prison there.
"I always told you Scully if you stuck with me long enough we'd go places", says Mulder as he is helped into the back of the van.
"I was hoping for something more like Hawaii", says Scully as she too is helped into the van. Both of them are handcuffed from behind.
"You know Hawaii isn't a bad idea. I'd like to see you in a little grass skirt doing the hula", smiles Mulder as he sits across from Scully.
"Very funny", says Scully.
"Just another way to get my ya yas out", replies Mulder.
"So the guys are going to have the money when we get there?", asks Scully.
"I guess so. I haven't talked to them again. Byers called just before I saw you yesterday morning. I changed my instructions to make sure we had enough bail money for both of us. Your Mom has been informed of our situation and she should be waiting for us upon our arrival."
"At the jail", asks Scully in disbelief.
"Yeah, she insisted upon being there", replies Mulder looking away.
"This must be so difficult for her. I can't even imagine the embarrassment that I have caused her and Bill, oh God Bill. He is going to have so much to say", says Scully shaking her head.
"Scully stop it. Just stop it right there", says Mulder. The van is now on the highway.
"What do you mean?"
"Stop worrying about what your brother is going to say. I can't help it, but Scully your brother is a real idiot. He hates me, but does he take the time to really know me? No, he hasn't. All he does is complain about me and call me Spooky Mulder. I'll tell you one more thing Scully, he is not interfering in our marriage."
Scully smiles. "So I take it the engagement thing is on again?"
"If you think you can put up with me", says Mulder.
"Hmm, I think I'll I have to think about it a little more carefully this time around", says Scully.
"Scully?", says Mulder questionably.
"Well there are pros and cons that I should of considered before", says Scully.
"What are the cons?", asks Mulder sitting up straight and eyeing her with that intense look that borders between fear and annoyance.
"Well theres my family of course." Mulder looks really annoyed now. "And of course we both have our own lifestyles. You said your life is filled with darkness, but you haven't done anything to change that. Your apartment could be made very bright and cheerful, but you don't redecorate it."
"Whats wrong with my apartment? I like my apartment", says Mulder.
"And then of course there are those annoying habits of yours", says Scully looking up at the ceiling of the van.
"What habits", ask Mulder whining.
"You actually have to ask? Those sunflower seeds all over the floor of the trailer was a slight hint as to what our carpets would be like. I should have realized that that case at Arcadia Falls was a trial run. Toothpaste, toilet seat, empty orange juice container in the refrigerator, need I go on?"
"Scully, I don't know what to say. If that is all you can come up with then I guess I was right when I said you had a compulsive sense of neatness. I mean just because my place doesn't look like your place which I think looks like a model home that no one lives in. Its like you don't even feel comfortable sitting on the furniture because you are afraid of leaving a dent in it."
"And whats wrong with keeping a neat house?"
"Nothing, its just I don't want a showplace, I just want a place that you can live in and be yourself in", says Mulder. He turns to the guard sitting next to him. "Don't you agree? I mean does your wife have all these fancy pillows on the couch and she gets mad if you actually put your head on one?"
The guard chimes in, "Yeah, she says I'm going to get oil all over it from my hair. I mean whats a pillow for?" Mulder smiles and nods.
"See someone agrees with me. Now come on Scully what are the pros of marrying me?"
Scully tilts her head and thinks for several moments. "Hmm lets see. I guess it would save on gas."
"Save on gas? Thats all you can think of?", asks Mulder his voice squeaking.
"Well I am always driving over to your place late at night. It would be a big help if we were living together. I wouldn't have far to go to meet with you. I mean we could actually review the X-Files over dinner or maybe even in bed at night."
"Thats it Scully! You are making fun of me!", says Mulder. "She's making fun of me. Can you imagine that?", he looks at the guard.
Scully finally laughs. "Okay, you win. I am teasing you. One pro of marrying you would be that you would hopefully throw out your video collection and I would finally get to know your fish better as they would be moving in too."
"Oh come on. Theres got to be a better reason than that", says Mulder as the van pulls up to the security section of the airport.
"Oh there is", says Scully as the guard takes her by the elbow and pulls her to her feet.
"Well? What is it?", asks Mulder looking up at her.
"The best reason would be because it would be wonderful. It would be wonderful being married to my best friend in the whole world and knowing where my G-Man was all the time." Scully smiles as she is helped off the back of the van.
"Now thats a good reason", gloats Mulder.
Part 65
"Is this really necessary?", asks Mulder as he looks at each of the guards sitting on either side of him on the plane. Across the aisle sits Scully with a guard on either side of her as well. "I haven't seen this much security since they arrested the Unibomber, and we haven't even sent Christmas cards in the last five years. Right Scully?"
"Speak for yourself Mulder", replies Scully from across the aisle. She flips through a magazine, her handcuffs clinking in front of her.
"What? You sent Christmas cards? I didn't get one. Why didn't I get one?"
"Because I see you every day in the office. Why should I be sending you a card?", says Scully leaning over and attempting to look at him around the guards.
"Haven't you heard the Hallmark expression, "reach out and touch someone?"
"Mulder, thats an AT & T commercial, not Hallmark", replies Scully looking back at her magazine.
"Why can't we at least sit next to each other?", Mulder asks one of the guards. "I mean we're at 15,000 feet. Do you actually think we're going to make a break for it? That first step would be a real doozy."
"We've had our orders, but I guess it can't hurt. Just don't try anything and don't cause any undue attention to yourselves. There are other passengers on this flight and I'm sure they aren't going to appreciate the presence of a couple of fugitives", replies the guard as he gets out of his seat. He motions to the other guards and after a couple of awkward moments of musical chairs Scully finds herself next to a window with Mulder sitting next to her. One armed guard sits on his left and the other three sit across the aisle.
"What are you reading?', he asks her as she turns back to her magazine.
"Top ten reasons you can tell your man is insecure", replies Scully.
"Whats number one?", asks Mulder.
"Won't leave your side", replies Scully biting her lip from laughing.
"You're not serious", says Mulder straining to look at the magazine. "Whats number two?"
"Does not take your opinions seriously", says Scully.
"Now thats not true. I always take your opinions seriously Scully, its just I don't always agree with them. But that, is a two way street."
"Hmm I guess so", says Scully flipping the magazine closed. "So, what is the plan when we get back? Do you have a lawyer? Because my Mom already contacted mine and I'm sure that he would be more than willing to represent you too. Actually a united front on this may prove to be more effective than having dual representation."
"I plan on neither of us needing any representation Scully. I've already had Langley tap into the FBI database and he is doing a search for the real thief. It should be only a matter of days before our names are cleared. I'm just hoping that the thief left some fingerprints on the credit card slips that he signed. That may be our godsend."
"So you are saying that we shouldn't even bother building a case?", asks Scully looking at him amazed.
"No, I think we are going to work this all out. I was really beat down the day before yesterday, but after talking to you and then the Gunmen I feel invigorated and I think we can beat this thing. Actually I know we can beat this thing."
"Now that sounds like the Mulder I know ..... and love", replies Scully looking up him smiling.
"Did you here that?', he pokes the guard sitting next to him. "She loves me."
"I don't know why", replies the guard going back to the newspaper he is reading.
"Is that an abduction story? Can I have that section when you are done?", Mulder asks the guard.
"Shut up", says the guard.
"Mulder?"
"Yeah Scully?"
"I can't explain it, but you seem so bubbly since we left the prison. Is there something you had wanted to tell me? I mean you said that there was some big thing that you were waiting to tell me and we do have a couple more hours until we land. Do you want to talk about it now?"
"No, its not time yet", replies Mulder taking her hand in his. "And yes I guess thats the reason for me being so 'bubbly' as you call it, although I would call it more ecstatic than anything."
"Fine, don't discuss it", says Scully turning to her right and leaning her head against the window. She closes her eyes to take a nap. "We don't discuss anything anyway. What else is new?"
"I'll give you a hint. It involves paint."
"Paint?" Scully looks over and eyes him. "You are going to paint your apartment a different color?"
"Hmm not exactly, but you know a deep shade of blue would be kinda nice now that you mention it", says Mulder placing his chin in his hand and pondering the thought.
"Wake me up when we get to DC", says Scully closing her eyes again.
Mulder smiles to himself.
Part 66
A black sedan pulls into the airport and parks in the pickup area. Walter Skinner gets out with two other agents.
"The local PD said they would come and pick up Mulder and Scully, but I said that I would take responsibility for them. I've already contacted Mrs. Scully that the bail has been paid. They're in our custody now boys and just because they're being accused of a crime there is no reason to take advantage of the situation", says Skinner as they walk toward the main entrance of the airport.
"Oh come on Sir, this is a great excuse for having a little fun with Spooky Mulder. He's always bugged me a little bit", says Agent Collins.
"Yeah, and the very image of Agent Scully in a pair of handcuffs is setting my heart aflutter, says Agent Randolph elbowing Collins.
"That, is enough", says Skinner stopping to open the door. He turns to them and says, "You are out of line agents. Remember how long you've been out of the academy. You start annoying me and background check duty is going to last a little longer than you originally anticipated." He glares at the two agents as he enters the airport with the two of them following close behind. Skinner stops to look at the arriving flight board and sees that they are arriving at Gate 17. They walk to the correct gate and he looks at his watch.
"We're early", says Skinner. "Its only 5:45 and they are due at 6:30. Go get lost and come back at exactly 6:25."
Agent Collins and Agent Randolph walk towards the coffee shop, Skinner sits down in a nearby chair and picks up a New York Times. Seeing a story about the increase in tourism in California he notices that camping is listed as one of the suggested activities. He sighs as he thinks of Kate. He hasn't thought of her over the last 48 hours or so that he hasn't seen her, but now he is wondering if he has been too harsh on her. Maybe after he drops Mulder and Scully at home he will give her a call to see how she is doing.
Despite Kersh's attempts it seems that Mulder and Scully have a good chance at coming out of this unscathed. Although the X-Files are in danger of being closed again. The Director had just suggested to him that afternoon that Mulder and Scully be reassigned to the drug enforcement unit to eliminate the ridiculous cost of the continuing with the paranormal investigation division. Skinner doesn't know how he is going to be able to tell them. He pulls out two small black rectangular transmitters and shakes his head.
"How am I going to tell them that until this is completely settled they are under house arrest?"
He looks up and sees a couple of women lurking around the telephone booths. One is a redhead with a hot pink dress and the shorter one is wearing a large hat and a turquoise suit. They finally turn and he looks right at them.
"God, what ugly women", he comments to himself. "Talk about wanting to draw attention to yourself. Could they have worn any brighter clothes?" He looks closer and is surprised to see that one of them has a beard. "Is that the bearded lady? No, it couldn't be." He gets up and starts to walk toward them.
*************************
"You fool! He saw us!", hisses Frohike. "I told you to shave that damn mustache and beard off! Now he is coming over here. Quick dart into the ladies room. He can't follow us in there." Frohike pushes Byers into the ladies room and they shut the door. When they turn around they see a woman at the sink whos mouth drops open when she sees them.
"What are you looking at?", says Frohike as the woman takes a paper towel and quickly wipes her hands. She tosses the paper towel away and cautiously scoots around them to get out the door.
"We can't stay in here all day", says Byers. "Someone is going to get suspicious and we're going to have to leave and Skinner is out there. What the hell is he doing here? I thought the PD would be picking them up."
"I guess because they're feds Skinner pulled some strings to give them preferential treatment", says Frohike adjusting his hat in the mirror. "I know what you mean its already 6:10 and we can't miss Dana's flight."
All of a sudden there is a knock on the door. "Ladies, I don't want to alarm you, but I am a United States Federal Agent and on the count of three I am coming in..one......", yells Skinner.
"Oh crap!", says Frohike looking around. "Theres no where to hide. We are screwed." Byers has already run into a stall and shut the door. He steps up onto the toilet and waits.
"Two!"
Frohike takes Byers lead and does the same.
"Three!" The door comes slamming open and Skinner comes in waving his gun. He looks around and sees no one. "I know you are in here. Step off those toilets and come out with your hands up!" A pair of hot pink heels and turquoise pumps appear and the doors slowly swing open. Byers and Frohike come out with their hands up.
"I don't believe this", says Skinner slapping his hand on his forehead.
"What time are they arriving?", asks Byers pouring milk into his cereal.
"Six thirty Eastern time", replies Frohike as he makes notes on a pad.
"You're still going through with this?", asks Byers.
"John, I told you there is no way you are talking me out of this, so forget it", says Frohike. "Now will you please shut up? I'm trying to go over my checklist here. Lets see, vehicle, getaway driver, disguise, weapon..hmm."
"Weapon! If something went wrong you'll get ten years to life. Are you aware of the risk you'll be taking if you take a gun?", says Byers throwing his spoon into the bowl. Milk splashes onto Frohike's list.
"Now look what you've gone and done", yells Frohike. "My list is all smeared now and as for a weapon, I've got it right here." He pulls a gun out of his pocket and shows it to Byers.
"Melvin please don't do this", pleads Byers. "Let Scully take care of herself. She is not a fair maiden in distress, God she could kick your a** and you know it!"
"Hmm that sounds like something I might enjoy", says Frohike looking at the gun as he practices aiming it. "No, I think I'll hang onto this little beauty", says Frohike as he gingerly plays with the trigger.
"Will you stop waving that around", says Byers. "You're making me nervous!"
"Does this make you nervous?", asks Frohike aiming it at Byer's head.
"Yes! What the hell are you doing?"
"You know I'm getting pretty fed up with you Byers. Especially when you called me Melvin. That really sent me over the edge." Frohike continues to play with the trigger.
"Frohike, we can work this out. Just put down the gun and we'll talk about it. Matter of fact if you promise to leave the gun home I'll even help you rescue Scully if you are so determined to do it."
"Really Byers? You would do that for me?", asks Frohike.
"Yeah, of course of would little buddy", replies Byers wiping his forehead.
"Is that your final answer?", asks Frohike.
"Yes!", yells Byers.
"Sorry, wrong answer. Especially that little buddy part", says Frohike pulling the trigger.
Byers flinches as he feels something cold hit his face. No, its not a bullet but cold water. Frohike has just shot a watergun off in his face.
"You're going to be sorry for that Frohike."
"Yeah, well I guess we're even now because you've committed yourself to helping me." Just then Langley comes in.
"What happened to you?"
"I needed a little cooling off", says Byers glaring at Frohike.
"Langley do you still have that backup outfit that I was going to return to Macy's?", asks Frohike.
"Yeah, its in the closet behind you", says Langley. "But I told you that I'm not wearing any dress. That was the deal remember?"
"I remember that you refused to wear a dress, but I don't remember our new volunteer saying anything on the subject", says Frohike turning to look at an outraged Byers.
"No! Absolutely not! I am not dressing up as a woman, no matter what the reason is. I refuse!"
Fifteen minutes later:
"Byers I never knew that you had such nice legs", says Langley laughing.
"Shut up Langley", says Byers.
"You know hot pink is really your color", says Frohike. "I've got the perfect accessory to go along with it." He smashes a red wig over Byers head. "Too bad we don't know what Dana will be wearing. I could see you as a decoy."
"Can I at least look in a mirror please?", asks Byers angrily.
"Sure, be my guest", says Frohike pointing to a nearby mirror.
"Oh my God, I look like something from a cheap Las Vegas lounge act", says Byers.
"It could get worse", says Langley.
"How?", asks Byers turning around.
"We could take pictures", Langley replies as the flash goes off on his camera.
Part 64
Mulder and Scully are being loaded into a paddywagon which will take them to the airport. They will be taking a direct flight to DC and then will be transported to the prison there.
"I always told you Scully if you stuck with me long enough we'd go places", says Mulder as he is helped into the back of the van.
"I was hoping for something more like Hawaii", says Scully as she too is helped into the van. Both of them are handcuffed from behind.
"You know Hawaii isn't a bad idea. I'd like to see you in a little grass skirt doing the hula", smiles Mulder as he sits across from Scully.
"Very funny", says Scully.
"Just another way to get my ya yas out", replies Mulder.
"So the guys are going to have the money when we get there?", asks Scully.
"I guess so. I haven't talked to them again. Byers called just before I saw you yesterday morning. I changed my instructions to make sure we had enough bail money for both of us. Your Mom has been informed of our situation and she should be waiting for us upon our arrival."
"At the jail", asks Scully in disbelief.
"Yeah, she insisted upon being there", replies Mulder looking away.
"This must be so difficult for her. I can't even imagine the embarrassment that I have caused her and Bill, oh God Bill. He is going to have so much to say", says Scully shaking her head.
"Scully stop it. Just stop it right there", says Mulder. The van is now on the highway.
"What do you mean?"
"Stop worrying about what your brother is going to say. I can't help it, but Scully your brother is a real idiot. He hates me, but does he take the time to really know me? No, he hasn't. All he does is complain about me and call me Spooky Mulder. I'll tell you one more thing Scully, he is not interfering in our marriage."
Scully smiles. "So I take it the engagement thing is on again?"
"If you think you can put up with me", says Mulder.
"Hmm, I think I'll I have to think about it a little more carefully this time around", says Scully.
"Scully?", says Mulder questionably.
"Well there are pros and cons that I should of considered before", says Scully.
"What are the cons?", asks Mulder sitting up straight and eyeing her with that intense look that borders between fear and annoyance.
"Well theres my family of course." Mulder looks really annoyed now. "And of course we both have our own lifestyles. You said your life is filled with darkness, but you haven't done anything to change that. Your apartment could be made very bright and cheerful, but you don't redecorate it."
"Whats wrong with my apartment? I like my apartment", says Mulder.
"And then of course there are those annoying habits of yours", says Scully looking up at the ceiling of the van.
"What habits", ask Mulder whining.
"You actually have to ask? Those sunflower seeds all over the floor of the trailer was a slight hint as to what our carpets would be like. I should have realized that that case at Arcadia Falls was a trial run. Toothpaste, toilet seat, empty orange juice container in the refrigerator, need I go on?"
"Scully, I don't know what to say. If that is all you can come up with then I guess I was right when I said you had a compulsive sense of neatness. I mean just because my place doesn't look like your place which I think looks like a model home that no one lives in. Its like you don't even feel comfortable sitting on the furniture because you are afraid of leaving a dent in it."
"And whats wrong with keeping a neat house?"
"Nothing, its just I don't want a showplace, I just want a place that you can live in and be yourself in", says Mulder. He turns to the guard sitting next to him. "Don't you agree? I mean does your wife have all these fancy pillows on the couch and she gets mad if you actually put your head on one?"
The guard chimes in, "Yeah, she says I'm going to get oil all over it from my hair. I mean whats a pillow for?" Mulder smiles and nods.
"See someone agrees with me. Now come on Scully what are the pros of marrying me?"
Scully tilts her head and thinks for several moments. "Hmm lets see. I guess it would save on gas."
"Save on gas? Thats all you can think of?", asks Mulder his voice squeaking.
"Well I am always driving over to your place late at night. It would be a big help if we were living together. I wouldn't have far to go to meet with you. I mean we could actually review the X-Files over dinner or maybe even in bed at night."
"Thats it Scully! You are making fun of me!", says Mulder. "She's making fun of me. Can you imagine that?", he looks at the guard.
Scully finally laughs. "Okay, you win. I am teasing you. One pro of marrying you would be that you would hopefully throw out your video collection and I would finally get to know your fish better as they would be moving in too."
"Oh come on. Theres got to be a better reason than that", says Mulder as the van pulls up to the security section of the airport.
"Oh there is", says Scully as the guard takes her by the elbow and pulls her to her feet.
"Well? What is it?", asks Mulder looking up at her.
"The best reason would be because it would be wonderful. It would be wonderful being married to my best friend in the whole world and knowing where my G-Man was all the time." Scully smiles as she is helped off the back of the van.
"Now thats a good reason", gloats Mulder.
Part 65
"Is this really necessary?", asks Mulder as he looks at each of the guards sitting on either side of him on the plane. Across the aisle sits Scully with a guard on either side of her as well. "I haven't seen this much security since they arrested the Unibomber, and we haven't even sent Christmas cards in the last five years. Right Scully?"
"Speak for yourself Mulder", replies Scully from across the aisle. She flips through a magazine, her handcuffs clinking in front of her.
"What? You sent Christmas cards? I didn't get one. Why didn't I get one?"
"Because I see you every day in the office. Why should I be sending you a card?", says Scully leaning over and attempting to look at him around the guards.
"Haven't you heard the Hallmark expression, "reach out and touch someone?"
"Mulder, thats an AT & T commercial, not Hallmark", replies Scully looking back at her magazine.
"Why can't we at least sit next to each other?", Mulder asks one of the guards. "I mean we're at 15,000 feet. Do you actually think we're going to make a break for it? That first step would be a real doozy."
"We've had our orders, but I guess it can't hurt. Just don't try anything and don't cause any undue attention to yourselves. There are other passengers on this flight and I'm sure they aren't going to appreciate the presence of a couple of fugitives", replies the guard as he gets out of his seat. He motions to the other guards and after a couple of awkward moments of musical chairs Scully finds herself next to a window with Mulder sitting next to her. One armed guard sits on his left and the other three sit across the aisle.
"What are you reading?', he asks her as she turns back to her magazine.
"Top ten reasons you can tell your man is insecure", replies Scully.
"Whats number one?", asks Mulder.
"Won't leave your side", replies Scully biting her lip from laughing.
"You're not serious", says Mulder straining to look at the magazine. "Whats number two?"
"Does not take your opinions seriously", says Scully.
"Now thats not true. I always take your opinions seriously Scully, its just I don't always agree with them. But that, is a two way street."
"Hmm I guess so", says Scully flipping the magazine closed. "So, what is the plan when we get back? Do you have a lawyer? Because my Mom already contacted mine and I'm sure that he would be more than willing to represent you too. Actually a united front on this may prove to be more effective than having dual representation."
"I plan on neither of us needing any representation Scully. I've already had Langley tap into the FBI database and he is doing a search for the real thief. It should be only a matter of days before our names are cleared. I'm just hoping that the thief left some fingerprints on the credit card slips that he signed. That may be our godsend."
"So you are saying that we shouldn't even bother building a case?", asks Scully looking at him amazed.
"No, I think we are going to work this all out. I was really beat down the day before yesterday, but after talking to you and then the Gunmen I feel invigorated and I think we can beat this thing. Actually I know we can beat this thing."
"Now that sounds like the Mulder I know ..... and love", replies Scully looking up him smiling.
"Did you here that?', he pokes the guard sitting next to him. "She loves me."
"I don't know why", replies the guard going back to the newspaper he is reading.
"Is that an abduction story? Can I have that section when you are done?", Mulder asks the guard.
"Shut up", says the guard.
"Mulder?"
"Yeah Scully?"
"I can't explain it, but you seem so bubbly since we left the prison. Is there something you had wanted to tell me? I mean you said that there was some big thing that you were waiting to tell me and we do have a couple more hours until we land. Do you want to talk about it now?"
"No, its not time yet", replies Mulder taking her hand in his. "And yes I guess thats the reason for me being so 'bubbly' as you call it, although I would call it more ecstatic than anything."
"Fine, don't discuss it", says Scully turning to her right and leaning her head against the window. She closes her eyes to take a nap. "We don't discuss anything anyway. What else is new?"
"I'll give you a hint. It involves paint."
"Paint?" Scully looks over and eyes him. "You are going to paint your apartment a different color?"
"Hmm not exactly, but you know a deep shade of blue would be kinda nice now that you mention it", says Mulder placing his chin in his hand and pondering the thought.
"Wake me up when we get to DC", says Scully closing her eyes again.
Mulder smiles to himself.
Part 66
A black sedan pulls into the airport and parks in the pickup area. Walter Skinner gets out with two other agents.
"The local PD said they would come and pick up Mulder and Scully, but I said that I would take responsibility for them. I've already contacted Mrs. Scully that the bail has been paid. They're in our custody now boys and just because they're being accused of a crime there is no reason to take advantage of the situation", says Skinner as they walk toward the main entrance of the airport.
"Oh come on Sir, this is a great excuse for having a little fun with Spooky Mulder. He's always bugged me a little bit", says Agent Collins.
"Yeah, and the very image of Agent Scully in a pair of handcuffs is setting my heart aflutter, says Agent Randolph elbowing Collins.
"That, is enough", says Skinner stopping to open the door. He turns to them and says, "You are out of line agents. Remember how long you've been out of the academy. You start annoying me and background check duty is going to last a little longer than you originally anticipated." He glares at the two agents as he enters the airport with the two of them following close behind. Skinner stops to look at the arriving flight board and sees that they are arriving at Gate 17. They walk to the correct gate and he looks at his watch.
"We're early", says Skinner. "Its only 5:45 and they are due at 6:30. Go get lost and come back at exactly 6:25."
Agent Collins and Agent Randolph walk towards the coffee shop, Skinner sits down in a nearby chair and picks up a New York Times. Seeing a story about the increase in tourism in California he notices that camping is listed as one of the suggested activities. He sighs as he thinks of Kate. He hasn't thought of her over the last 48 hours or so that he hasn't seen her, but now he is wondering if he has been too harsh on her. Maybe after he drops Mulder and Scully at home he will give her a call to see how she is doing.
Despite Kersh's attempts it seems that Mulder and Scully have a good chance at coming out of this unscathed. Although the X-Files are in danger of being closed again. The Director had just suggested to him that afternoon that Mulder and Scully be reassigned to the drug enforcement unit to eliminate the ridiculous cost of the continuing with the paranormal investigation division. Skinner doesn't know how he is going to be able to tell them. He pulls out two small black rectangular transmitters and shakes his head.
"How am I going to tell them that until this is completely settled they are under house arrest?"
He looks up and sees a couple of women lurking around the telephone booths. One is a redhead with a hot pink dress and the shorter one is wearing a large hat and a turquoise suit. They finally turn and he looks right at them.
"God, what ugly women", he comments to himself. "Talk about wanting to draw attention to yourself. Could they have worn any brighter clothes?" He looks closer and is surprised to see that one of them has a beard. "Is that the bearded lady? No, it couldn't be." He gets up and starts to walk toward them.
*************************
"You fool! He saw us!", hisses Frohike. "I told you to shave that damn mustache and beard off! Now he is coming over here. Quick dart into the ladies room. He can't follow us in there." Frohike pushes Byers into the ladies room and they shut the door. When they turn around they see a woman at the sink whos mouth drops open when she sees them.
"What are you looking at?", says Frohike as the woman takes a paper towel and quickly wipes her hands. She tosses the paper towel away and cautiously scoots around them to get out the door.
"We can't stay in here all day", says Byers. "Someone is going to get suspicious and we're going to have to leave and Skinner is out there. What the hell is he doing here? I thought the PD would be picking them up."
"I guess because they're feds Skinner pulled some strings to give them preferential treatment", says Frohike adjusting his hat in the mirror. "I know what you mean its already 6:10 and we can't miss Dana's flight."
All of a sudden there is a knock on the door. "Ladies, I don't want to alarm you, but I am a United States Federal Agent and on the count of three I am coming in..one......", yells Skinner.
"Oh crap!", says Frohike looking around. "Theres no where to hide. We are screwed." Byers has already run into a stall and shut the door. He steps up onto the toilet and waits.
"Two!"
Frohike takes Byers lead and does the same.
"Three!" The door comes slamming open and Skinner comes in waving his gun. He looks around and sees no one. "I know you are in here. Step off those toilets and come out with your hands up!" A pair of hot pink heels and turquoise pumps appear and the doors slowly swing open. Byers and Frohike come out with their hands up.
"I don't believe this", says Skinner slapping his hand on his forehead.