Chapter 5
FBI Headquarters Washington D.C. 1:20 p.m.
As Scully had driven away from Mulder's apartment, her thoughts had been clouded. She was trying to understand what had happened to her and Mulder. They had both had a vision they could not explain and yet it was almost as if they were connected somehow. When Mulder had brought up the subject of past lives, Scully had felt a shiver creep up and down her spine. Rather than discuss the subject, she had just decided to leave. She did not want to tell Mulder about the many nights she had been plagued with nightmares and the many times she had seen strange faces that seemed familiar to her. The times when she would see someone or something and have feelings come from her unconscious mind that she could not explain. Her being the skeptic that she was, she just thought it was all in her imagination. It was not the first time she had doubted herself and it most certainly would not be the last. In either case, her scientific mind seemed to always find the explanation. This was one time however that she was truly disturbed about what she felt and saw.
Pulling into the parking lot of the J. Edgar Hoover Building she inserted her card into the employee parking lot turnstile. Punching in her password she waited until the turnstile arm lifted allowing her access. Driving into the lot she searched until she found a parking spot. Turning off the car, she looked in her visor mirror making last minute checks and touch-ups to her hair. As she stared at herself she felt as if she were someone else for a brief second. She could not explain from where or how this thought came to her. Just as quickly as the feeling had come it was gone. Satisfied with her appearance, she put down the visor. Flinging her satchel over her shoulder, she stepped out of the car and locked it.
After pulling the door handle to make sure it was locked, she made her way to the parking garage elevator. Taking the elevator to the main floor, she made her way to the security desk. "Afternoon Reggie," she said to the guard standing behind standing behind the desk. He looked up from his clipboard and saw Scully's ID hanging from the lapel on her brown suit jacket. "Oh, good afternoon Agent Scully. I see you have returned to the office again." He looked behind her. "Only, I don't see Agent Mulder with you?"
"You have a good eye, Reggie. No wonder they made you a security guard!" Scully said smiling.
"Oh, very funny!" Reggie said trying not to smile.
Scully walked past the security desk and made her way towards the metal detector. Placing her firearm and all metal objects on the table, she walked through the metal detector archway. She had actually gotten used to going through this routine every time she came to work. Indicating that she was "metal free" she picked up her belongings.
As she made her way towards the main building elevator, she suddenly heard footsteps behind her. Turning around she saw Reggie making his way towards her. "Oh Agent Scully. I nearly forgot. Assistant Director Skinner left a message for you to meet him in his office."
"Thank you, Reggie." Scully said pushing the elevator button to go up. She had originally intended to take the elevator down to the basement but it looked like there were other plans in store for her. As she pressed the desired floor, she began to wonder what was so important that Skinner wanted to see her about? Her reply to the question was interrupted as the elevator reached the floor to Skinner's office. The elevator door opened revealing many federal employees bustling about in their daily routines. For some reason today, the walk to Skinner's office seemed to take longer than usual. As she walked she looked over and saw the one office that she dreaded walking by every day. The person who occupied it always gave her strange feelings and always seemed to want to be in her business. She glanced over at the nameplate on the door, "Special Agent John Doggett" and took a swallow before continuing on. She had just got past the door when she heard an all too familiar voice. "Good Afternoon Agent Scully."
Scully stopped dead in her tracks as if someone had just pulled on a string that was attached to her. "Afternoon Agent Doggett" she said still standing straight ahead. Ever since that day she had first met Doggett in the waiting room she had felt ill feelings towards him. Her compulsion to throw the water in his face had been almost like a reflex more than a controlled thought. He had been assigned to work with her on the X-Files after Mulder's mysterious disappearance and he had tried her patience more than once. While working with him she had finally understood how Mulder felt when he was criticized for his theories and beliefs. When Mulder had returned and been re-assigned to the X-Files, Doggett had been reassigned to the Violent Crimes Section. Even though he was not her partner anymore, Doggett seemed to always want to add his input when it was not needed. Doggett made it very evident that he did not like Mulder or his beliefs and seemed to always try and discredit him in front of Scully every chance he got. Doggett came up behind her. "I see that you and Agent Mulder were assigned to the Pendelton murder case?"
Scully turned back around to face him. "Yes, as a matter of fact we were. Can I ask how you found out about this information so quickly since it just happened this morning?"
"Oh I guess you did not hear that you and Mulder made the afternoon news?" Dogget said crossing his arms.
Scully stared back at Doggett dumbfounded. "What? Neither one of us talked to the media!"
"Well, maybe not but they televised you at the park as well as announced that you and Mulder were helping to assist in the investigation."
"Well that is not my fault then now is it? Whatever information the media obtained was not from me or Mulder!" Scully started to walk away not wanting to deal with Doggett and his attitude at that particular moment.
"You know that was supposed to be my case!" Doggett called after her. "However Assistant Director Skinner insisted that you and Mulder be assigned instead. So has Mulder come up with any of his "wacky" theories?"
Scully stopped walking. Turning back around she made her way back toward Doggett. "Is that what you automatically think Doggett? That Mulder has come up with some bizarre explanation and I am just standing by and watching him? You know believe it or not Mulder does come up with some theories that are actually accurate and his expertise is known!" She walked up to Dogget and gave him the most evil eye she could muster. "You know what really bothers you Doggett? It is the fact that Mulder was chosen over you isn't it? That he was chosen over your expertise! It just eats you alive!"
Doggett stared back right at her. "I don't know what you are talking about! I don't understand how you can work with him! How many times has he not followed protocol? How many times has he almost cost you your career! How long will it take until he is responsible for your death?! You and I both know that he is an insult to this institution and you should work with those who..."
Doggett's statement was interrupted by a slap across the face. He looked to see Scully standing in front of him retracting her hand. As he looked at her face he could see the fire in her eyes. "Don't you EVER say anything like that! Do you hear me? You have no right to talk about something that you know nothing about! Agent Mulder is my partner and I trust my life with him! He is more of an FBI Agent then you will EVER be!" Scully looked around to see that everyone in the entire room was staring at her. Normally this would have intimidated her but this was one time it did not. "Now, if you will excuse me Agent Doggett. I have a meeting with Assistant Director Skinner and I do not wish to keep him waiting." She walked towards Assistant Director Skinner's office leaving Doggett standing rubbing the side of his face where she had slapped him. Doggett was aware that everyone was looking at him and he returned their glances with a stern look. His cold stare immediately caused everyone to scatter and return to their previous duties.
Scully walked up to Skinner's secretary who had just returned to her desk. "Special Agent Dana Scully. I believe that Assistant Director Skinner is expecting me."
The secretary had witnessed the incident between Scully and Doggett but made no indication. "Yes, he is Agent Scully. Please go right in."
"Thank you." Scully walked past the secretary and knocked on the door.
"Come in." Came a voice from the inside. Readjusting her ID on her lapel, Scully opened the door. She saw Assistant Director Skinner standing by a window looking out. "Afternoon Sir. I'm sorry if I kept you waiting but I was detained."
"So I heard" replied Skinner.
"Sir?"
"Agent Scully, please have a seat" he said motioning to a chair. Feeling the tension in the room, she walked over and sat down. Skinner turned away from the window and walked back toward his desk. "Agent Scully, I don't appreciate receiving news that one of my agents was arguing loudly with another agent. Much less slapping him in public."
Scully shifted uneasily in her chair. "Sir, I can explain..."
"There can be no reasonable explanation for this Agent Scully," he said cutting her off before she could continue. He took a seat opposite her. "Look, I know that you don't like Doggett. There's been no hiding that since day one. That was the reason that I had you two separated when Mulder came back." He leaned across the desk. "I'm not particularly fond of him either and I know that he tries to harass you. However, that does not give you the right to strike him."
Scully looked down at the floor. "Sir, you have no idea what it is like dealing with him. Having to listen to him put down Mulder and the X- Files all the time..."
"I understand more than you think I do."
Scully looked up. "You do?"
He looked into Scully's eyes. "Yes I do. The only thing is I don't want you to risk everything you have worked for and throw it all away on some jerk like him. He has connections Scully and he is not afraid to use them. Nothing would please him more than to bring Mulder and the X-Files down. Don't give him any more ammunition than what he already has." He grabbed Scully's hand. "I think of you and Mulder as almost my children. I don't want to see my son and daughter harmed in any way."
Scully looked deep into his eyes and began to choke up overcome with emotion. "I....I had no idea you felt that way, Sir."
"I have for a long time. After everything we have been through, I guess it was just a matter of time before I admitted it. When Mulder disappeared I felt as if I had lost my own son. That is why I was so intent on finding him." He paused before continuing. "Now that I have you and Mulder back, I don't intend on losing you."
"Don't worry Sir. You won't," she said with a reassuring smile. After a brief pause she spoke. "So, what is it you originally wanted to see me about Sir?"
Skinner cleared his throat and let go of her hand. "I saw that you and Agent Mulder were on the afternoon news. I know that you did not tell the media anything. I'm not blaming you for that. I just want you to keep all the details of this case to yourself for the time being. I don't know if you understand just how important this case really is Scully. We are talking about the mysterious death of a well-known businessman. A man who has influenced the future of companies throughout the world. If any rumors get started about this case it could prove fatal."
"Yes, I do understand Sir. I will make certain that nothing leaks out about this case." Scully said rising up from her chair.
"Thank you." Skinner rose up from his chair and walked Scully over to the door. "How is Mulder doing by the way?"
"Mulder? Oh he is fine. He just had some kind of shock I guess. I gave him some medicine and he should be fine by tomorrow."
"Good. I would not want anything to happen to my two best agents." He said with a slight smile. "Just think of me as your Guardian Angel"
"Thank you Sir. I will be sure and inform Agent Mulder that you were inquiring on his condition and also that we keep information on this case a secret."
"Good. Have a good day Agent Scully."
"You too, Sir."
Scully walked out of Skinner's office and made her way back towards the elevator. As she walked she could feel people's glances on her. She knew that it had to be because of the incident that had happened with Doggett. She ignored their stares as she walked to the elevator and pressed the button to go down. As she waited for the elevator, she began thinking about what had just taken place between her and Skinner. After the conversation they had she no longer saw him just as her superior but rather as her father figure. The elevator finally reached the floor and she stepped in pressing the button to go to the basement. The elevator reaching the basement, she stepped out and headed to the X-Files office. Unlocking the door, she opened the door and turned on the light. It was always dark in the office and sometimes even the lights did not help. She made her way over to the file cabinet and grabbed some folders labeled "blood lettings" and "vampirism". Scully sighed as she looked at the folder labeled "vampirism". She could not believe that Mulder would even subscribe to such a ridiculous theory but she took the folder for his sake. Grabbing the folders she turned back around and saw a vase full of roses sitting on Mulder's desk.
"Now where did those come from?" she wondered. She could swear they had not been there when she had first entered the office and yet here they were. As she looked closer she could see that there were a dozen red roses and there was a note attached to them. Wanting to satisfy her own curiosity, she picked up the note and read it.
These dozen roses I send compare nothing to you.
Your beauty has haunted me across the centuries.
Calling me like long lost soul searching for its eternal mate.
Hoping that one day fate would bring us together... All I ask is that you meet me so that I might see you again. If you long to see me as I do you then meet me at the "La touterelle" restaurant tonight at 8:00
-Your secret admirer from afar
Scully stood awestruck as she held the note in her hand. As she had read the words it was almost as if they were actually speaking to her very soul. As if a voice were speaking to her from somewhere across time....
FBI Headquarters Washington D.C. 1:20 p.m.
As Scully had driven away from Mulder's apartment, her thoughts had been clouded. She was trying to understand what had happened to her and Mulder. They had both had a vision they could not explain and yet it was almost as if they were connected somehow. When Mulder had brought up the subject of past lives, Scully had felt a shiver creep up and down her spine. Rather than discuss the subject, she had just decided to leave. She did not want to tell Mulder about the many nights she had been plagued with nightmares and the many times she had seen strange faces that seemed familiar to her. The times when she would see someone or something and have feelings come from her unconscious mind that she could not explain. Her being the skeptic that she was, she just thought it was all in her imagination. It was not the first time she had doubted herself and it most certainly would not be the last. In either case, her scientific mind seemed to always find the explanation. This was one time however that she was truly disturbed about what she felt and saw.
Pulling into the parking lot of the J. Edgar Hoover Building she inserted her card into the employee parking lot turnstile. Punching in her password she waited until the turnstile arm lifted allowing her access. Driving into the lot she searched until she found a parking spot. Turning off the car, she looked in her visor mirror making last minute checks and touch-ups to her hair. As she stared at herself she felt as if she were someone else for a brief second. She could not explain from where or how this thought came to her. Just as quickly as the feeling had come it was gone. Satisfied with her appearance, she put down the visor. Flinging her satchel over her shoulder, she stepped out of the car and locked it.
After pulling the door handle to make sure it was locked, she made her way to the parking garage elevator. Taking the elevator to the main floor, she made her way to the security desk. "Afternoon Reggie," she said to the guard standing behind standing behind the desk. He looked up from his clipboard and saw Scully's ID hanging from the lapel on her brown suit jacket. "Oh, good afternoon Agent Scully. I see you have returned to the office again." He looked behind her. "Only, I don't see Agent Mulder with you?"
"You have a good eye, Reggie. No wonder they made you a security guard!" Scully said smiling.
"Oh, very funny!" Reggie said trying not to smile.
Scully walked past the security desk and made her way towards the metal detector. Placing her firearm and all metal objects on the table, she walked through the metal detector archway. She had actually gotten used to going through this routine every time she came to work. Indicating that she was "metal free" she picked up her belongings.
As she made her way towards the main building elevator, she suddenly heard footsteps behind her. Turning around she saw Reggie making his way towards her. "Oh Agent Scully. I nearly forgot. Assistant Director Skinner left a message for you to meet him in his office."
"Thank you, Reggie." Scully said pushing the elevator button to go up. She had originally intended to take the elevator down to the basement but it looked like there were other plans in store for her. As she pressed the desired floor, she began to wonder what was so important that Skinner wanted to see her about? Her reply to the question was interrupted as the elevator reached the floor to Skinner's office. The elevator door opened revealing many federal employees bustling about in their daily routines. For some reason today, the walk to Skinner's office seemed to take longer than usual. As she walked she looked over and saw the one office that she dreaded walking by every day. The person who occupied it always gave her strange feelings and always seemed to want to be in her business. She glanced over at the nameplate on the door, "Special Agent John Doggett" and took a swallow before continuing on. She had just got past the door when she heard an all too familiar voice. "Good Afternoon Agent Scully."
Scully stopped dead in her tracks as if someone had just pulled on a string that was attached to her. "Afternoon Agent Doggett" she said still standing straight ahead. Ever since that day she had first met Doggett in the waiting room she had felt ill feelings towards him. Her compulsion to throw the water in his face had been almost like a reflex more than a controlled thought. He had been assigned to work with her on the X-Files after Mulder's mysterious disappearance and he had tried her patience more than once. While working with him she had finally understood how Mulder felt when he was criticized for his theories and beliefs. When Mulder had returned and been re-assigned to the X-Files, Doggett had been reassigned to the Violent Crimes Section. Even though he was not her partner anymore, Doggett seemed to always want to add his input when it was not needed. Doggett made it very evident that he did not like Mulder or his beliefs and seemed to always try and discredit him in front of Scully every chance he got. Doggett came up behind her. "I see that you and Agent Mulder were assigned to the Pendelton murder case?"
Scully turned back around to face him. "Yes, as a matter of fact we were. Can I ask how you found out about this information so quickly since it just happened this morning?"
"Oh I guess you did not hear that you and Mulder made the afternoon news?" Dogget said crossing his arms.
Scully stared back at Doggett dumbfounded. "What? Neither one of us talked to the media!"
"Well, maybe not but they televised you at the park as well as announced that you and Mulder were helping to assist in the investigation."
"Well that is not my fault then now is it? Whatever information the media obtained was not from me or Mulder!" Scully started to walk away not wanting to deal with Doggett and his attitude at that particular moment.
"You know that was supposed to be my case!" Doggett called after her. "However Assistant Director Skinner insisted that you and Mulder be assigned instead. So has Mulder come up with any of his "wacky" theories?"
Scully stopped walking. Turning back around she made her way back toward Doggett. "Is that what you automatically think Doggett? That Mulder has come up with some bizarre explanation and I am just standing by and watching him? You know believe it or not Mulder does come up with some theories that are actually accurate and his expertise is known!" She walked up to Dogget and gave him the most evil eye she could muster. "You know what really bothers you Doggett? It is the fact that Mulder was chosen over you isn't it? That he was chosen over your expertise! It just eats you alive!"
Doggett stared back right at her. "I don't know what you are talking about! I don't understand how you can work with him! How many times has he not followed protocol? How many times has he almost cost you your career! How long will it take until he is responsible for your death?! You and I both know that he is an insult to this institution and you should work with those who..."
Doggett's statement was interrupted by a slap across the face. He looked to see Scully standing in front of him retracting her hand. As he looked at her face he could see the fire in her eyes. "Don't you EVER say anything like that! Do you hear me? You have no right to talk about something that you know nothing about! Agent Mulder is my partner and I trust my life with him! He is more of an FBI Agent then you will EVER be!" Scully looked around to see that everyone in the entire room was staring at her. Normally this would have intimidated her but this was one time it did not. "Now, if you will excuse me Agent Doggett. I have a meeting with Assistant Director Skinner and I do not wish to keep him waiting." She walked towards Assistant Director Skinner's office leaving Doggett standing rubbing the side of his face where she had slapped him. Doggett was aware that everyone was looking at him and he returned their glances with a stern look. His cold stare immediately caused everyone to scatter and return to their previous duties.
Scully walked up to Skinner's secretary who had just returned to her desk. "Special Agent Dana Scully. I believe that Assistant Director Skinner is expecting me."
The secretary had witnessed the incident between Scully and Doggett but made no indication. "Yes, he is Agent Scully. Please go right in."
"Thank you." Scully walked past the secretary and knocked on the door.
"Come in." Came a voice from the inside. Readjusting her ID on her lapel, Scully opened the door. She saw Assistant Director Skinner standing by a window looking out. "Afternoon Sir. I'm sorry if I kept you waiting but I was detained."
"So I heard" replied Skinner.
"Sir?"
"Agent Scully, please have a seat" he said motioning to a chair. Feeling the tension in the room, she walked over and sat down. Skinner turned away from the window and walked back toward his desk. "Agent Scully, I don't appreciate receiving news that one of my agents was arguing loudly with another agent. Much less slapping him in public."
Scully shifted uneasily in her chair. "Sir, I can explain..."
"There can be no reasonable explanation for this Agent Scully," he said cutting her off before she could continue. He took a seat opposite her. "Look, I know that you don't like Doggett. There's been no hiding that since day one. That was the reason that I had you two separated when Mulder came back." He leaned across the desk. "I'm not particularly fond of him either and I know that he tries to harass you. However, that does not give you the right to strike him."
Scully looked down at the floor. "Sir, you have no idea what it is like dealing with him. Having to listen to him put down Mulder and the X- Files all the time..."
"I understand more than you think I do."
Scully looked up. "You do?"
He looked into Scully's eyes. "Yes I do. The only thing is I don't want you to risk everything you have worked for and throw it all away on some jerk like him. He has connections Scully and he is not afraid to use them. Nothing would please him more than to bring Mulder and the X-Files down. Don't give him any more ammunition than what he already has." He grabbed Scully's hand. "I think of you and Mulder as almost my children. I don't want to see my son and daughter harmed in any way."
Scully looked deep into his eyes and began to choke up overcome with emotion. "I....I had no idea you felt that way, Sir."
"I have for a long time. After everything we have been through, I guess it was just a matter of time before I admitted it. When Mulder disappeared I felt as if I had lost my own son. That is why I was so intent on finding him." He paused before continuing. "Now that I have you and Mulder back, I don't intend on losing you."
"Don't worry Sir. You won't," she said with a reassuring smile. After a brief pause she spoke. "So, what is it you originally wanted to see me about Sir?"
Skinner cleared his throat and let go of her hand. "I saw that you and Agent Mulder were on the afternoon news. I know that you did not tell the media anything. I'm not blaming you for that. I just want you to keep all the details of this case to yourself for the time being. I don't know if you understand just how important this case really is Scully. We are talking about the mysterious death of a well-known businessman. A man who has influenced the future of companies throughout the world. If any rumors get started about this case it could prove fatal."
"Yes, I do understand Sir. I will make certain that nothing leaks out about this case." Scully said rising up from her chair.
"Thank you." Skinner rose up from his chair and walked Scully over to the door. "How is Mulder doing by the way?"
"Mulder? Oh he is fine. He just had some kind of shock I guess. I gave him some medicine and he should be fine by tomorrow."
"Good. I would not want anything to happen to my two best agents." He said with a slight smile. "Just think of me as your Guardian Angel"
"Thank you Sir. I will be sure and inform Agent Mulder that you were inquiring on his condition and also that we keep information on this case a secret."
"Good. Have a good day Agent Scully."
"You too, Sir."
Scully walked out of Skinner's office and made her way back towards the elevator. As she walked she could feel people's glances on her. She knew that it had to be because of the incident that had happened with Doggett. She ignored their stares as she walked to the elevator and pressed the button to go down. As she waited for the elevator, she began thinking about what had just taken place between her and Skinner. After the conversation they had she no longer saw him just as her superior but rather as her father figure. The elevator finally reached the floor and she stepped in pressing the button to go to the basement. The elevator reaching the basement, she stepped out and headed to the X-Files office. Unlocking the door, she opened the door and turned on the light. It was always dark in the office and sometimes even the lights did not help. She made her way over to the file cabinet and grabbed some folders labeled "blood lettings" and "vampirism". Scully sighed as she looked at the folder labeled "vampirism". She could not believe that Mulder would even subscribe to such a ridiculous theory but she took the folder for his sake. Grabbing the folders she turned back around and saw a vase full of roses sitting on Mulder's desk.
"Now where did those come from?" she wondered. She could swear they had not been there when she had first entered the office and yet here they were. As she looked closer she could see that there were a dozen red roses and there was a note attached to them. Wanting to satisfy her own curiosity, she picked up the note and read it.
These dozen roses I send compare nothing to you.
Your beauty has haunted me across the centuries.
Calling me like long lost soul searching for its eternal mate.
Hoping that one day fate would bring us together... All I ask is that you meet me so that I might see you again. If you long to see me as I do you then meet me at the "La touterelle" restaurant tonight at 8:00
-Your secret admirer from afar
Scully stood awestruck as she held the note in her hand. As she had read the words it was almost as if they were actually speaking to her very soul. As if a voice were speaking to her from somewhere across time....