Part 3.

What the hell was that? Mulder whispered as he rolled out of bed and grabbed his gun.

I have no idea.

Scully rose out of bed as well and pulled on her robe. They both crept to the door and jumped when they heard the loud banging on the door. Mulder peered through the peep hole and threw open the door.

We're screwed. Doggett said to them as he marched into Scully's apartment.

What do you mean? Scully slid on the couch and rubbed her tired eyes. We tried to call you after your meeting with Skinner but you weren't answering your phone.

Yeah I know. I had to do some thinking. I went to the bar down the street from Monica's apartment John left his sentence hanging in the air and flopped down onto the easy chair. Since he didn't seem to want to say anymore Mulder decided to tell him about the meeting he and Scully had had with Skinner.

We know that Skinner refused to tell you about Monica's whereabouts or why she was suddenly transferred. When John didn't say anything Mulder continued on. Look, Scully and I have worked for Skinner long enough to know that if he thinks this is absolutely necessary, then it is.

We know you're hurting but I think we need to leave this as it is for awhile until we learn what is really going on. Scully got up and kneeled down in front of John's chair and forced him to look into her eyes. I know, believe me, what you are going through. But you will see her again. Don't give up hope.

At that, Mulder came to stand up behind Scully and rested his hands on her shoulders. Scully reached up and touched his right hand. John stared at them and knew..just knew he had to get Monica back. He jumped up and walked to the door.

Scully went over to him as Mulder stayed by the chair. Don't be stupid. You could put yourself, the X-Files and Monica in a lot of danger.

This is insane! John exploded and Scully winced. Monica never did anything! She has been there for mefor us ... this whole time and now that she needs our help and you two are just going to stand back and do nothing!

You know it's not like that! Mulder walked over and put his face right into John's. You know we would do everything that was possible to bring her back if we believed it was the right thing to do. But its not. You're not thinking straight. You're letting your emotions get the better of you and now you may just end up getting her or both of you killed. Is that what you want?

Gathering all the control that he could muster, John said, You know the answer to that. And with that he walked out of the apartment.

He's going to get himself killed. Mulder stood staring at the closed door, then turned and looked at Scully.

I knowbut he's in love with her and blames himself for her disappearance.

But why? That's just stupid. He-

Scully laid a hand on Mulder's arm to shut him up. she whispered, I blamed myself for your disappearance. Before he could say anything she laid her other hand over his mouth. I know it seems crazy, but I hated myself for not telling you my true feelings before they took you. I was so angry with myself and more determined to find you because of that. I wanted you back to tell you. AndI think that's what John wants too.

Mulder wrapped his arms around her and they stood there for a long time, lost in each other.

Part 4.

Monica walked through the double glass doors and precisely 7:45 am. She straightened her black suit jacket as she stepped through the security and presented her identification. Once she was done she got into the elevator and rode it up to the seventh floor. When she walked up the AD's secretary and gave her her name, she was told by the prissy secretary to wait in the chairs across the hall. Monica walked over and sat down numbly. This was just a typical first day of a new location. She had been through this in New York, in New Orleans, in Washington DC.well, that hadn't been typical, Monica thought with a smile. She remembered the way Doggett bullied Kersh into letting her in. No! She was not going to think of John. Not right now. Instead, she forced herself to keep busy by flipping through the LA Times that had been left on the table beside her. When nothing interested her, she found herself gazing out the windows at the view. And what a view it was. She could see the magnificent buildings of the heart of Los Angeles and the beautiful hotels. To her left she could catch the brilliant blue of the sparkling ocean. That was one good thing about her new apartment. It was walking distance from the ocean. Wouldn't it be nice to walk down there later this evening? She could put on some jogging pants and

The Assistant Director is ready to see you now.

Monica forced herself to clear her head and got up as the secretary smirked at her. Monica entered the office and closed the door at her back. She marched confidently, at least she hoped she looked confident, up to the AD's desk and shook his hand.

Assistant Director Stevens, I'm Special Agent Monica Reyes.

Ah, it's a pleasure to finally meet you. This is Special Agent Sean Ryan.

Monica looked to her left and saw the most gorgeous man she had ever seen in her life. A strong build with golden skin and hazel eyes that Monica was sure made every girl within 5 feet of him swoon. Including herself, Monica admitted and deliberately shook his hand quickly and faced the AD again.

Please, both of you sit down. Now I was just filling in Agent Ryan in on your first case together. He thinks-

Excuse me sir? Our first case together? Monica looked from him to Agent Ryan with confusion, she knew, written all over her face. So he was her new partner. This was just great, she thought with an inward scream.

Well yes, I thought you had already been briefed by Skinner. I insisted you join us as we are involved in a little crisis that may involve your expertise. Skinner had informed me that you were in need of a quick transfer and I told him we would appreciate your talents.

Oh, well then, I can't wait to get started.

Pleased, the AD then told Agent Ryan to give her a quick tour of the building and to take her to their office. He then told her that Agent Ryan would fill her in on the case and that he wanted to be kept up-to-date daily. With that, Monica and Agent Ryan got up and left the office. On the way out Agent Ryan gave the secretary a wink and Monica could hear her still giggling as she and Agent Ryan got into the elevator. Oh yeah, Monica thought, this was just great.

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