TITLE: All This Time: Out Of His Past AUTHOR: Witchy Woman E-MAIL ADDRESS: WitchyWmn@aol.com DISTRIBUTION: Please archive and send anywhere you want! Just keep my name on it! SPOILERS: Fourth Season--especially ZERO SUM RATING: R--for language and some sexual situations CONTENT WARNING: none that I can see. CLASSIFICATION: SRA, Skinner/Other LENGTH: 22.4kb SUMMARY: Assistant Director Walter Skinner is contacted by a former subordinate who has something in common with one of Skinner's current subordinates. DISCLAIMER: The characters and situations of the television series "THE X-FILES" are not mine(if they were, I'd have expanded on some of the great story lines that they let wither and die!). They belong to the Trinity of Chris Carter, Fox Broadcasting, and Ten-Thirteen Productions. I'm just borrowing them for a little fun and adventure and will return them mostly unharmed.Oh, yeah, and I don't intend on infringing anybody's copyrights, either! AUTHOR'S NOTES: I couldn't have done this with out the support, assistance, ideas, and long distance friendship of Lisa O'Brien! It if wasn't for her listening to my whining, giving me constructive criticism, pushing me when I was stuck and most importantly--posting before I did so that I HAD to put up or shut up about this posting stuff, this story would be left unfinished like nearly every other story I've ever written! Also, thank you to all of the SCREAMIN' PILEGGIANS for your wonderful feedback on the Round Robin piece that ended up being the basis for this story! Keep Screamin' Sisters! FEEDBACK: Would be greatly appreciated! I've been a fanfic writer since the 70's, but have NEVER posted anything! All praise will be shown off to my friends and relatives. All flames will be used to customize the side panels of my '57 Chevy! """"""""""""""""""""""""" Walter Skinner entered the crowded, noisy bar, wondering if it had been a mistake to come at all.He hadn't heard from Tess in nearly three years. So much had changed in his life that he had to wonder if she had changed, too. He was surprised to hear her voice on the phone this morning. Just the sound of her rich, New York accented tones brought back far too many memories. As he listened to her speak, he was surprised at the details his visual memory had retained. He could vividly picture her, the full, dark hair, the large brown eyes that betrayed her emotions so easily, the oh-so-long legs that traveled up to the body that her usual dark suits did little to conceal. She was ten years his junior and he had the honor of being her boss once he'd begun the "desk jockey trail" that lead him to his current position. Skinner got her fresh out of the Academy. They'd spent three years working together before he was promoted and she transferred to the New York office. When she left, she created a totally unexpected void in his otherwise straight and narrow life. By the time Tess had come along, Skinner had already managed to shut down what little emotion he had left. His marriage had already started the decline from "passionate" to "functional" and work had long since failed to bring him the sense of altruism he'd so desired. He was firmly mired in the oblivion that only apathy could bring. Then, along came Teresa Marie Duffy, known as "Tess" to her family and friends. She was bright, funny, and at times brash. Once she began to feel comfortable with him (Skinner estimated that it took her less than a week), she began to chip away at his perfectly honed "hard ass" exterior. Eventually, she broke through to the personality that many people thought no longer existed. They'd developed an excellent working relationship. They became as close as Agents Mulder and Scully, but not in the same intense, brooding way. Tess and Skinner were quick, efficient and always professional(at least to the public eye). She'd been an eager student and he'd learned to become a willing mentor, each wanting to assure that her cases were solved in record time. "Walter?" began a female voice, yanking him from his memories. Skinner turned to find himself face to face with Tess Duffy. "Tess," he warmly smiled. "Look at you!" Tess began, forcing a cheerful smile. "You haven't changed a bit!" Skinner could not say the same for Tess. Despite the dark hair and eyes, Tess always had pale skin. It gave her an exotic look. Today, however, her skin was a ghostly pale. Her dark eyes seemed to have lost the mischievous sparkle they'd always had. "I know," she began, her smile fading. "I look like death..." 'I wasn't going to say that, Tess," he began, placing his hand on her arm. Her tone became cool and business-like. "I know you must be wondering why I called you..." "I was surprised to hear from you this morning," he admitted, watching her carefully. Tess scanned the crowd, "Could we go somewhere more...private? We need to talk." "Where are you staying?" he asked, as they walked out of the bar. "The JW Marriott," she sighed, enjoying the cool night air. She'd felt claustrophobic and hot in the bar. This was much better. She closed her eyes for a moment and allowed the cool breeze to fan her face. Skinner watched her. In the glow of the streetlight, he could see the dark circles beneath her eyes. She'd tried to hide them with make up and in the darkened bar, it worked. It pained him to see her looking this way. He wanted, no needed, to know why she was in this state. XXXX Tess opened the hotel room door with the key card. As she walked into the room, she flipped on the light. Instead of removing her wool coat, she kept it on. She had been cold all day. Probably, one of the side effects, she thought. "Tess," Skinner began, unable to wait any longer. "Sit down, Walter," she began, turning to face him. She waited for him to sit on one of the two wing chairs near the window. She then sat on the edge of the bed. "I know that we haven't really spoken in the past couple of years..." She began, not giving him a chance to interrupt. "But...things have changed." Those were the words he'd been dreading all night. Things had changed for Tess as well. He knew it the moment he looked at her. But hearing her say it made it real. "About two months ago," she began, her voice soft and quiet, "I was diagnosed with cancer." Skinner looked at her. Cancer? The scene took on an eerie dejavu. "It's in my frontal sinus," she continued, "And it's inoperable..." "No, not Tess, too!" Skinner's mind shouted in protest. He remained mute, letting her continue. "The best estimates give me maybe a year," she continued, speaking in a matter-of-fact tone. "Tess.." he began, wanting to tell her so much. "I've been trying to tie up loose ends," she explained, then noting the look on his face. "I'm not giving in, yet, Walter. But, while I look at alternative forms of treatment, I'm preparing for the inevitable. You know me, I've always got to have every angle covered." "What treatments have you looked into?" he asked. He couldn't bring up Scully's cancer. Not yet anyway, not until he was sure this was the same situation. "There are a few..." she began, looking away. She paused a moment, then spoke without looking at him. "I need to speak to Dana Scully." Skinner closed his eyes. How could she know about Scully? "While I was in one of the clinics, l ran into a woman who also had this form of cancer," she looked up at him. "She spun an incredible tale, Walter. One which she said Agent Dana Scully could confirm. One which I don't believe." He decided to explain. "Scully has the same...cancer...that you do, Tess." Tess' pale skin went to a ghostly white. "Does she believe the story? Does she think it came from..." "Agent Scully doesn't believe it, Tess. Agent Mulder on the other hand..." "Spooky Mulder?" she asked, a brow raised, "Why wouldn't he believe it? It's right up his alley." She looked at him, noting the worry etched on his features. She wanted to breakdown and cry. Since she'd gotten the test results two months ago, she'd held it in. After all, there was no one she trusted enough to burden with this. Her parents were both dead now. Dad went with a heart attack before she'd finished college and Mom gave in to cirrhosis two years ago. Her older brother was in the Army, stationed in Greenland. He came home on leave in six months. She'd tell him in person. It would probably be too late to do anything by then. She'd told her friends in New York and her coworkers. She maintained a positive front for all of them. She didn't want her friends to worry and didn't want her fellow agents to see her as weak. She would serve active duty until she couldn't work any more, then she would just go away and wait for the end to come. Since she'd first heard the verdict on her life, she'd felt an inexplicable need to call Walter. She tried to analyze it and decided it must be his strength that she needed. She could let her guard down around him and he would be strong, he would pull her back from the edge of sanity as he'd done many times before. Her eyes began to fill with tears, but she choked them back. "Will you put me in touch with Agent Scully?" Skinner hated to admit it, but at that moment, he'd do anything she asked. He nodded. She smiled at him. "I knew I could count on you." Before she could stop herself, Tess began to sob. Two months of holding it in began to roll out of her like water through a burst dam. "I'm sorry...." She sobbed. Skinner moved to her quickly, pulling her into his arms as he sat next to her. He held her tightly, as she sobbed against his chest. He stroked her hair. "Don't be sorry, Tess. I'll do whatever I can..." He didn't know what else to say. There were no words that could take away her pain or her anguish. Instead, he held her, waiting in comfortable silence until her sobbing subsided. Once he was sure she'd stopped crying, he gently held her at arms length. She looked exhausted. "Take your coat off, Tess," he gently said, helping her ease off the wool coat. "Where's your suitcase?" She lifted her hand and pointed to the closet. He walked to the closet, opened the door and looked in at the suitcase. It was laying open on the floor. Some things never changed, he mused. She'd always lived out of her suitcase. No matter how long she stayed anywhere, she'd never put her things in a hotel's drawers. She'd hang her entire garment bag in the closet and remove the clothes only as she needed them. With a fond smile, he looked through the suitcase until he found her purple silk night shirt, then brought it to her. "Want me to help you to the bathroom?" he offered. She shook her head and stood, taking the shirt from him. Without speaking, she walked to the bathroom, shutting the door part way. She changed quickly. He tried not to look through the open door, but found his eyes drawn there. He watched as she stripped down to her pale pink silk panties. She'd lost weight, he observed. She didn't look anorexic, but she was certainly thinner than last time he'd seen her. Tess was not a small woman. She stood 5 foot 10 in bare feet and had a figure reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe or Jane Russell. Full hips and breasts, curvy, not like the current fashion models with their flat chests and narrow lines. He watched as she slipped the shirt over her head and ran a brush through her hair, remembering long ago mornings when he'd watch her dress. After about a year of working together, their relationship took a different tone. They'd been part of a team handling a hostage situation, in Texas. An escaped prisoner held a day care center hostage. Tess and Skinner had been responsible for putting this man, a here-to-fore nonviolent bank robber, in prison in the first place. The Powers That Be felt that maybe they could assist the local P.D. in diffusing the hostage situation. Unfortunately, things went bad. The prisoner, after refusing all attempts at placating him, went berserk. He killed five children and a teachers' aide before turning the gun on himself. Forced to remain in Texas until morning, Tess and Skinner hit the hotel bar, staying there until midnight, then returning to their room. Tess, who'd held her own all day, finally lost her composure and broke down. He held her, trying to comfort her. Maybe be it was the stress, maybe it was the alcohol, Skinner still wasn't sure, but they ended up making love. He assumed it was a natural reaction to what they'd been through, It changed their partnership, made them closer, more in tune. "Can you stay with me for a while?" she asked, walking back to the bed. She turned down the blankets and sat down. "It's been a while...maybe we could talk?" Skinner smiled, "I'll stay as long as you need me." She returned the smile, watching as he removed his top coat, suit jacket and tie. As she lay down, he walked around to the other side of the bed and lay on top of the covers. "Come here," he gently ordered, pulling her into his arms. Tess gratefully leaned against him. Although it had been years since they'd last seen each other, she still felt comfortable in his arms, still felt safe. She wondered if he felt as familiar and comfortable as she did. Skinner held her tightly. It felt good to hold her again. He'd been alone a long time. During some of the worst nights, he'd thought of Tess. Wondered how she was making out. He'd followed her career, heard some stories, but couldn't bring himself to contact her. He wasn't sure why. "Walter," she quietly said, looking up at him. "Thank you." "For what?" he asked, curiously. "For coming to see me tonight," she continued. Then, awkwardly, "I heard about Sharon....I'm sorry." "So am I," he replied, ruefully. "I...wanted to call you...but, I was afraid," she admitted. "Why?" "I don't know," she honestly said. "I think I was afraid to see you again. Afraid of how you'd react towards me." "Why would you be afraid?" he asked, not willing to admit that he, too, was afraid of this meeting. "Well...things between us were...well, we were really close. Then, you got promoted and I got transferred. I guess it's bothered me that we drifted so far apart." She shrugged. "I'm as much to blame. It just seems like..." "Like things were never really over?" he tried, wondering how his brain managed to let "that" get through to his lips. She nodded, "We never had any closure. Neither of us ever said goodbye." Her voice dropped to a near whisper. "Now, I need to do that, I need to say goodbye. I couldn't face this...disease, without facing you first." "I don't want to hear you give up, Teresa," he firmly said. "Dana Scully has found a treatment program in Bethesda. She's just started, but she's very optimistic. We'll get you into the program she's in. " She looked at him. He was so serious, so sure. She was afraid he'd turn her away, refuse to even see her. Now, he was offering to help her. It was too much for her and she desperately fought the urge to cry. In an effort to keep the tears at bay, she reached down for the anger she'd been feeling. "I need to know how this happened, Walter. I have my suspicions and I know what I've been told. I need to find out the truth." 'It's hard to find the truth when you're dealing with men who trade in lies," he quietly said. "I'm not sure how much help I'll be with that part, but I will do what I can." Unable to keep the anger, the tears came back and began to fall from her eyes. "why are you helping me? Why do you still care?" "I never stopped caring, Tess," he simply said, looking her in the eyes. "In the morning, we'll go to my office. We'll sit down with Agent Scully and you two can discuss this. Then, we'll get you put on medical leave and start you with the treatments." "You..." she began, still crying. "I came here to make my peace with you. I was fully ready to return home and wait to die. In the space of two hours, you've completely changed my life." "Don't say that yet," he gently said, kissing her forehead. "You know me, I'm good at solving problems. It's what I do best. This is a problem we can solve, Tess. I promise you." Skinner was suddenly overwhelmed with anger. The Black-Lunged-Bastard wasn't content to dangle him in the wind over Scully's cancer. He had to twist the knife. But why Tess? He would contact Cancerman, as soon as Tess fell asleep. He would find out just what that bastard was trying to do. Maybe, he'd snap and kill the old man. But that was later, right now, he had to stop Tess from crying. He never was able to watch her cry. "Tomorrow," he continued, thinking as he spoke, "You'll check out of here. I've moved out to Crystal City. You can stay with me." "I don't want to interfere with your life," she protested. "I have no life," his mind returned, but instead he said, "There's no one in my life now, Tess. There are no relationships to interfere with . Besides, I could use the company." Tess nodded. Some small part of her was happy to hear that he wasn't involved with anyone. Skinner wasn't sure why he needed to ask, but he spoke anyway, "Besides the Fed, is there some one you need to call? To let them know what's going on?" Tess shook her head, "Just my brother..." She tried to smile, "I'm pretty much alone at this point." "You aren't alone," he tried, hoping she didn't cry again. He held both of her hands in his. "I'll call your Assistant Director in the morning and get things started. Once Agent Scully gets in, I'll have her and Agent Mulder come up to the office." "Why does Mulder need to be there?" she asked, nose wrinkled. She wasn't an X-File. Mulder couldn't help her. Skinner thought about that for a moment. He didn't want to explain what was going on to her, not tonight anyway. That would happen tomorrow. Tonight, she needed to sleep. "He's been involved in investigating Agent Scully's case," Skinner explained. "He may have some insight..." "Insight," she sniffed. "If he tries to make me believe that I was abducted by aliens and they put that freaking piece of metal in my head..." "Tess," he began, voice even and quiet. "I have no idea what Mulder will say or do. Don't get yourself worked up over it until you have to, okay?" She nodded. She had let herself start to get worked up over it. Lately, her emotions had been ruling her head. She supposed that in her situation, it was a natural reaction, but still, it wasn't the way she normally reacted. "Right now, you need to rest," he tried, gently taking her shoulders and pushing her back down to the bed. "I have to stop back at the office tonight. There's something I need to get..." "Don't go yet," she quickly said, reaching out and taking his hands in hers. "Can you wait til I fall asleep?" Skinner smiled at her. "Of course I can." He lay next to her and pulled her into his arms. After a moment of silence, Tess spoke. "I've felt so...alone...since I found out about the cancer. I've had to keep a lot to myself..." He gently kissed the top of her head. "You don't have to do that for me, Tess." She smiled, pulling back slightly to look at his face. "You...don't have to do this, you know." "Yes, I do..." he replied, his tone serious. "I promised you a long time ago..." "I know," she blushed, casting her eyes downward. "But..." He tilted her chin up so that she was looking at him. He studied her face. He could see fear in her large brown eyes. Much to his chagrin, he also trust. Pure, honest trust. He hoped he could live up to her trust. Skinner searched is mind for something to say, but no words came. As he looked into her eyes, his mind was drawn into the past-their past. He could remember, with surprising detail, the first time he looked into her eyes as he was doing now. Then, he remembered the last time. How, on the night before she left for New York, they promised to stay close. They tried, but found that it was nearly impossible to recapture the magic their relationship held. They met twice after she left. Once, in New York and once in DC. They had spent their entire weekend together, trying to catch up on what they'd missed. It should have been wonderful, instead, it felt cheap, dishonest. Now, things were different. Situations were different. He was still married, but Sharon...well, the doctors said she would never come out of the coma. Even if she did, she wouldn't be much more than a vegetable. He'd been alone a long time. He never knew he would miss having someone who cared for him, having someone who needed him. Someone about whom he felt the same. Tess saw the concern and confusion in his eyes. "Walter?" she began, concerned. "What is it?" He blinked, roused from his thoughts, then shook his head, "I was just thinking..." "About?" she tried. "The last time we were together," he replied, deciding that honesty would probably be the best way to go right now. "Oh...that..." she sighed. "I prefer to remember the night before I left for New York." She allowed a smile. They'd spent the night together in a suite at the Willard Inter-Continental Hotel. The room was opulently furnished, the dinner ,provided by room service, was delicious and the sex was exquisite. It was a wonderful, memorable way to end their time together. He had to smile at the memory. "I see you remember it, too," she teased, grateful to see his smile. "That was...some night,' he safely said, looking into her eyes again. "Mmm hmm," she nodded. "It was..." Her features clouded again. "Walter..." she began, her eyes locked on his. He leaned forward, kissing her softly on the lips. She put her arms around him and returned the kiss. He held her tightly, as they kissed, feeling her arms around him. He was at once thrilled and frightened by her response to his unplanned move. His body was urging him on, to take a step past kissing, but he held fast. He didn't want to take advantage of her, didn't want to push her. Tess could feel the excitement building with in her. This was the feeling she remembered, the feeling she missed. She could feel the intensity of his kisses, see the burning in his soft brown eyes. He was growing hard against her thigh and before she realized what she was doing, her right hand moved to the zipper of his dress pants. She pulled the zipper down and slipped her hand through the opening, then through the front of the jockey shorts he wore. He gasped when her hand contacted his skin. Her hand began to work him and he felt his control slipping away. Some part of his mind was screaming at him to stop, that he shouldn't be thinking of sex at a time like this. She needed to talk, she wanted to be held and protected. He had to stop himself before he took advantage of this situation. "Tess," he breathed, taking her face in his hands. He studied her, realizing that the fear in her eyes had been replaced with a smoldering desire. "It's okay, Walter," she replied, trying to control her breathing. She placed her hand to his cheek. "We both knew this would happen. Don't try and stop it..." She leaned forward and kissed him deeply while her right hand caressed him. "I need you..." Skinner abandoned all thoughts of control and gave in to the desire that had lain dormant for years. He pushed aside the anger and sorrow of this situation and concentrated on the here and now. He would deal with Cancerman later, but right now, he focused on Tess and the wonderful feelings she was stirring in him. Tess moaned deeply as he allowed his hands to slip beneath the nightshirt and caress her body. It had been so long since anyone had touched her like this and his touch was awakening her body and causing it to sing. She needed him to make love to her like he used to. She needed the urgency, the passion, the desire, to make her feel like she was still a woman. That she was still desirable, not an object of his pity. Maybe he could help her to find a cure, or at least the cause or her cancer. If not, at least she could spend her last days with him as opposed to spending them alone in New York. Calling him had been the right decision, she had no doubt in her mind. They would do what was necessary to find the answers to her questions and, knowing the way they used to work together, they would succeed. But now, she couldn't think about any of that. She could concentrate only on him and how desperately she needed to feel him inside of her. Feeling him enter her, her mind shut down totally and she surrendered all control to her body. XXXX Skinner walked through the parking garage of the J. Edgar Hoover building with a purposeful stride. He was going to go up to his office, grab the spare set of clothes he'd kept there, then return to the car. Once there, he would call Cancerman. He would demand a meeting as soon as the old bastard could get his malignant ass down from New York. Then, he would demand answers. "Mister Skinner," began a familiar voice. Skinner stopped in his tracks, his blood freezing instantly. Well, the old bastard had saved him a trip. He turned to find the CSM standing, as usual, half in the shadows. "I was going to call you," he began, keeping his tone even. "I assumed you would want to speak to me," CSM nodded, dragging on his filter tip. He knew that the second Skinner was told of Agent Duffy's condition, he would demand answers. "You've been with Agent Duffy." "Yes, and she told me about the cancer," he continued, anger beginning to flare. "Why her?" "I would think that answer was a bit obvious, wouldn't you, Mr. Skinner?" His tone was smug. "If you only knew the truth about Tess Duffy's abduction, Mr. Skinner," he thought. Skinner gave up on trying to appear aloof. He allowed the anger to vocalize through sarcasm." I guess I'm not that quick, why don't you fill me in." "You've gotten a...cavalier attitude as far as Agent Scully's problem," he rationalized. "Keep in mind, you thwarted our opportunity to gain control of Agent Mulder by stepping in and making the deal in his place." "So, you picked Tess Duffy to get to me?" he asked, a brow raised. "We picked Tess Duffy long before you stuck your nose into things, but I'm not going to waste this opportunity." CSM thought, but instead he said. "She meant a lot to you, didn't she, Mr. Skinner?" His tone was knowing, mocking. "Apparently, she still does." "You son of a bitch," Skinner hissed. "You had no right dragging Tess into this." "No right? I'd say that she was an effective tool in achieving our goal," he callously said, although the goals they visualized were different. "Sometimes the good of one must be sacrificed to obtain the good of all." "So, you gave her cancer to ensure my continued compliance with our deal," Skinner tiredly said. "what makes you think that would work?" "Mr. Skinner," CSM began, as if he were explaining things to a slow child. "You can't deny that you had more than a...working relationship, with Agent Duffy." "That was many years ago," Skinner shrugged. "I don't think so, Mr. Skinner," he corrected. "Our surveillance cameras prove otherwise." Skinner shut his eyes for a moment. He hadn't even remotely thought to look for bugs or cameras. So, they'd seen and heard all that went on at the Marriott. How were they going to use it? "So now what?" Skinner asked, his tone gruff. "Now, you wait until you hear from me," CSM concluded. "And watch Agent Duffy die along with Agent Scully?" Skinner dryly said. "I don't think it's going to work that way this time. You've done nothing for Agent Scully..." "No?" CSM cocked his head. "How do you think Agent Scully found out about the new course of treatment she's been trying?" "Then this treatment will work?" Skinner asked, hopefully. "If the medication remains available," CSM nodded. "However, sometimes, shipments are delayed...or lost." So, that was his game. He was giving them the cure, but he was going to have to earn it for them. "If you let them die," Skinner began, anger threatening to explode from his chest. "You are hardly in a position to threaten me, Mr. Skinner. I would remember that in the future." CSM tossed his cigarette out into the darkened garage. "I will be in touch with your next assignment." With that, the older man turned and walked back into the shadow. Skinner stood, watching him walk away, stewing as he did. After a moment, he walked to the elevator. XXXX After letting himself back into the hotel room with Tess' key card, Skinner hung his fresh suit on the door knob and tossed his gym bag onto the floor. He quickly removed his trench coat, tossing it onto a chair. He wanted a shower, thinking that the hot pulsing water would be the best thing to remove the tension from his body, but, he was in a hotel, so hot pulsing water was not an option. Plus, the sounds of the shower would probably wake Tess. He walked to the bed and sat on the edge, removing his shoes. The alarm clock on the night stand told him that it was now 4 am. Tiredly, he removed his glasses, setting them on top of the alarm clock and lay down next to her. She was sleeping on her right side, with her back to him. He was surprised that she hadn't so much as stirred since he'd returned to the room. She never used to be a heavy sleeper. Worry crept into his mind and he sat back up, leaning over her and studying her in the dim light coming in from the window. She was still breathing, but her breathing was slow and deep. He stood, slipped on his glasses and walked into the bathroom. Turning on the light, he scanned the sink, finding what he was looking for...pain killers. He held the bottle up and read the label. Strong ones. That explained why she didn't move when he returned to the room. She must have gotten up after he left and taken them. He set the bottle back down, flipped off the light, and walked out of the bathroom. After removing his glasses and laying them on the night stand, he lay down next to her. Finding her position unchanged, he turned on his side and draped his arm around her waist. Her body moved closer to him, pressing against him. Skinner closed his eyes and willed himself to fall asleep. When the alarm went off, two hours later, he woke with a start. Exhausted, he turned off the clock radio and sat up. Tess stirred, slowly opening her eyes and taking in her surroundings. She yawned and sat up slowly. The light headed feeling hit instantly, causing her to sway slightly. After she got her bearings, she looked over at Skinner and smiled. "Hi." He had watched her sit up, watched her sway, then when she turned to face him, he saw the blood. There wasn't a lot, but her nose had bled during the night. Just like Scully's. He reached back for a tissue and handed it to her without speaking. Tess sighed and took the tissue, blotting at the blood. She turned and looked at the small red stain on the pillow case. "Damn it," she quietly said. "Sorry...." "What are you sorry for?" he asked, looking at her sideways. "This happens a lot. I should have warned you," she continued, unable to look at him. "It's okay, " he dismissed, then, "If you want to take the first shower, I can wait." "I don't want to hold you up," she demurred. Getting out of bed. "I can drive myself down...hell, it's only a couple of blocks, I can walk it. You have to be there..." "I'll wait for you. I'm the boss, I set my own schedule," he smiled, studying her. "How do you feel?" She shrugged, "Kinda light headed right now, but that's from the nose bleed. I'm hungry, too." "We can get breakfast on the way," he offered. "Just a bagel will be fine," Tess dismissed, opening the closet and going through her suitcase. "If I'm hanging around for a while, I've got to get someone to ship me some of my clothes..." "Is there anyone with a key to your apartment?" Skinner asked, watching her sort through the silky undergarments in her suitcase. "Mrs. Pendelton, the woman who lives down stairs. She could toss together some stuff and have it sent down," she decided, then, "I told her where I was going and why. She's aware of what's going on." Skinner nodded, noticing that her nose was still bleeding. It was a slow drip, but a drip all the same. Tess stood, holding some beige colored items, "I'll be out in a bit." She smiled, apparently unaware of the blood. Tess entered the bathroom, pulling the door shut behind her. She then looked in the mirror. "Damn it!" she hissed, pulling a tissue from the box in the wall and dabbing at her nose. She studied her reflection with a sense of dread. She looked like hell. She was tired, pale...haggard looking. There were dark circles beneath her eyes. She sighed and turned away from the mirror. XXXX Agents Scully and Mulder waited outside of Skinner's office. Once Mulder had arrived in the office, Scully briefed him on the conversation she'd had with Skinner over the phone this morning. Skinner had been brief and not too generous with his information, but Scully dutifully reported all of what he said to her partner. The sketchy details, of course, whetted Mulder's appetite. He'd tried to play 50 Questions with Scully on the way upstairs, but it was no fun playing 50 Questions with some one who had no answers. "Do you think this Agent Duffy was abducted by extraterrestrials, too, Scully?" he tried, quietly. Scully looked at her partner. The excitement was practically glowing around him. "Mulder, I don't believe that "I" was abducted by extraterrestrials." She sighed. "But, if Skinner says our situations are similar, I'll speak to her." "And...she used to work for Skinner?" he asked, curious. "That's what he said, Mulder," Scully tiredly said. Kim, Skinner's secretary, looked up. "He'll see you now," she smiled. "Let's go see your fellow abductee," Mulder teased, as they opened the door and walked into the office. Scully scanned the room, her eyes finally coming to rest on the pale, dark haired woman who sat at the conference table. The woman sat straight, proud, but Scully could recognize the fear in her eyes. Scully had seen the same fear staring back at her in the mirror. She knew what this woman was going through and instantly decided to help her. "Agent Mulder, Agent Scully," Skinner began, standing and walking out from behind his desk. "I know the information I gave you was a bit vague..." "That's okay, Sir," Scully protested, "This is something that Agent Duffy should discuss herself." Skinner nodded, then, looking at Tess, who stood. "Special Agent Tess Duffy, this is Special Agent Mulder and Special Agent Scully." As Scully and Agent Duffy shook hands, Mulder gave the woman the "once over." She was tall and striking. Even with the severe navy blue suit she wore, Mulder could tell she had one hell of a body. He smiled and shook her hand. Her grip was firm, but her hand was cold as ice. "Thank you for agreeing to speak to me, Agent Scully," Tess began, feeling suddenly nervous. "From what little I was told, I think we have something in common," Scully smiled, as they all sat at the conference table. Mulder and Scully sat on one side, with Skinner and Tess directly across from them. "Okay," Skinner began, not sure how to begin, "I'm not sure where to begin." "If I may, Sir?" Scully asked. Skinner nodded, "By all means, Agent Scully." For once, he was more than willing to surrender control of a meeting. "From what Assistant Director Skinner has told me," Scully began, her tone business-like. "You've been diagnosed with frontal sinus cancer." Tess nodded. "And, you've spoken to someone who's given you my name?" Scully asked, curious as to who, of the MUFON group could still be left. "Her name was Deborah Trebour. She was originally from Allentown, PA," Tess sighed, "Agent Scully, this woman..." She stopped and shook her head, then continued, "She claimed that my cancer was caused by an alien abduction. She said you could verify this story..." "I need to ask you a couple of questions, "Mulder began, feeling her eyes shift to him. They were intense, defensive, hesitant. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Skinner place his hand on Tess' arm, as if in reassurance. "Go ahead," Tess replied. "How long ago were you diagnosed?" he asked, leaning forward, trying to appear friendly. "About two months ago," she replied. "And prior to that," he prompted, "Did you have any...unexplained missing time?" "Missing time," she echoed, her mind racing. "Yeah, a few hours, days?" he continued, watching her carefully. "Yes," she admitted, looking down. She couldn't tell them the whole story. She'd have to fudge some of the details. "When? For how long?" Mulder asked, barely able to contain his excitement. "About six months ago," Tess quietly said, looking at Skinner. She hadn't told him any of this, there hadn't been time. "What happened?" Skinner asked, clearly concerned. "I left work on Friday night, it was pretty late. I had to ride out to a birthday party for one of the guys in the office...it was out on Fire Island...last thing I remember, the car started acting funny, so I pulled over. I got out to look at it..." She shrugged. "Acting funny?" Mulder repeated, "In what way?" "The lights were flickering, the radio went crazy...I thought it was an electrical problem." "What was the next thing you remember?" Scully asked. "I woke up in a hospital in Upstate New York, " Tess concluded. "I was a Jane Doe, till I woke up and told them who I was." "And how long after you...disappeared, did you wake up?" Mulder asked. "Three weeks," Tess quietly said. "Agent Duffy," Scully began. "Tess, please," she smiled. "Tess," Scully returned the smile, but before she could speak again, Mulder jumped in. "Was there anything...unusual that you noticed about yourself after your...missing time?" he asked. Tess thought for a moment, "No...why?" "Tess," Scully began, speaking in a confidential tone, "What Mulder's asking is...did you notice any...physical abnormalities?" "Such as?" Tess asked, she knew Scully and Mulder were after something, but she couldn't imagine what. Her mind was rattled and that annoyed her. Scully knew that Tess' mind was probably blocking out much of what happened. So, she explained. "I experienced a similar occurrence. Shortly after I...was found, I noticed something here," Scully placed her hand on the back of her neck. "It was a lump, just below the skin surface." "The microchip...or whatever it was," Tess sighed, details jelling in her mind. "Then you had it removed," Mulder concluded, a trace of disappointment in his voice. "Of course I did," Tess returned, slightly taken aback by his tone. "You find some strange, hard, lump in the back of your neck and you get it looked at..." "Tess," Scully began, her tone calm, "You've described nearly the same course of events that I experienced. We have reason to believe that removing the implant somehow caused the cancer." "So, if I left this piece of metal in my neck, I'd be okay?" Tess asked, incredulous. Mulder shrugged, "We don't know that for a fact. We're theorizing here...." Tess nodded, there were so many things she needed to ask Agent Scully. So many questions, but she couldn't ask them in front of Mulder. She felt like he had her under a microscope and it was very unsettling. "Tess," Scully began, "Would you feel more comfortable if we spoke in private? Just the two of us?" Tess smiled, "Actually, I would. There's a lot I need to ask..." "Sir," Scully fixed Skinner with her blue eyes, "Would that be possible?" Skinner nodded. He would have liked to be present, but knew this was probably the best option. "If you'd like to use the office..." He knew that wouldn't be prudent. His office was bugged, it was always bugged. He'd stopped trying to find them long ago. "I think, " Scully began, "That maybe we should go somewhere a little more...private?" Scully looked at Tess, "Do you trust me, Tess?" "Yes, I think I do," Tess allowed. Scully smiled, "Okay, let's do lunch." XXXX The meeting concluded a short while later. Scully made a phone call and got Tess enrolled in the treatment program she was attending, then Tess and Scully left the office. Mulder hung back. He was curious, very curious, and decided to do some trolling. Oblivious to Mulder's presence, Skinner lifted the receiver of his phone and dialed. He listened as the phone rang, then was answered. "New York Regional, Director Buckman's office," the young, female voice began. "This is Assistant Director Skinner, is Buckman in?" Skinner replied, in his terse, professional tone. "He certainly is, sir, if you'll hold a moment, I'll transfer you." After a moment of godawful music, the line was once again picked up. "Buckman," the male voice barked into the phone. "Paul? Walt Skinner," Skinner began, his tone changing. Mulder almost couldn't believe the warmth in Skinner's voice. "Walt? How the hell are ya?" Paul Buckman began. He and Skinner had worked together for a short time, many years ago. "I'm doing okay, Paul. How's Jeanette?" "She's great, we just celebrated our 25th anniversary," Buckman returned. "I'm sorry to hear about Sharon." "Yeah, thanks," Skinner simply said, bad news traveled fast. "So, what can I do for you, Walt?" Buckman asked. He was curious as to why the Brass in DC needed him. "It's about Tess Duffy, Paul," he began. Watching from across the room, Mulder could see the concern materialize on his superior's face. Buckman remembered that Tess and Skinner had worked together years ago, but had no idea they kept in touch. "Yeah, it's a shame, isn't it?" Buckman said, "She's taking it so well, though." "She is," Skinner agreed. "She paid me a visit..." he found it hard to explain things to his old friend. "There's a treatment center in Bethesda. One of my Agents has the same...condition as Tess and is experiencing some success with their treatment. We've put Tess in touch with them. She's going in tomorrow for preliminary testing." "Say no more, Walt," Buckman knowingly said. "I'll get the paperwork going. Tell Tess not to worry about a thing." "Thank you, Paul," Skinner quietly said. "Keep me informed, okay?" Buckman asked. "I will." Skinner replied, then hung up. He took a moment, then looked up. Mulder stood there, looking at him, expectantly. "What is it, Mulder?" "Sir, I may be way out of line here..." Mulder began, deciding to take the plunge. "But..." Skinner knew what was coming . Mulder knew what was going on with Skinner and the CSM , hell, Mulder had covered his ass. He knew that They would stop at nothing to insure the success of Their plans. So, it wouldn't be too difficult for Mulder to figure out the reason Tess was brought in to this whole ordeal. "Tess was one of my field agents," Skinner explained, quietly. "During my last field command." "She called you..." Mulder began. "Because she knew that Agent Scully worked for me," Skinner tried. "She wanted me to put her in touch with Agent Scully." Mulder knew there had to be more, he saw the way they looked at each other. He picked up on the gestures and the eye contact. "I'm curious, Sir," Mulder began, taking care to keep his tone light, "Are you always this concerned about the welfare of your past employees?" Skinner closed his eyes for a moment. Mulder wanted to know the whole story and he supposed he owed it to him. "Tess and I were close, Agent Mulder." He looked straight in Mulder's eyes, hoping that the younger man would get his message, "Very close." Mulder nodded, he figured that was the case. "If you don't mind, Sir, I'd like to look into Agent Duffy's disappearance. I'd like to find out what the "Official Version" says." Skinner nodded, suddenly feeling very tired, "Let me know what you find out." XXXX Mulder shut down the PC on his desk and rubbed his eyes. He'd done some digging, some hacking, and made a couple of phone calls. Now, he knew all of the details of Tess Duffy's disappearance. Both of the FBI's versions of it. He checked his watch, it read 10:30 PM. Scully had gone home hours ago, leaving him alone in his basement office. He'd barely noticed her absence, as he was hot on the trail of the "truth". What he found was distressing, to say the least. At first he'd wondered why Tess hadn't given them more details about her missing time. Now he knew why. As he pulled the printed pages from the printer tray and shoved them into a big brown envelope, he debated contacting Skinner. Mulder knew his boss would normally want him to contact him immediately if he found something of this nature. This case, however, was different. He was too close to this one. Mulder had to believe that Skinner now knew the FBI's official version of Tess' disappearance. He doubted that the "un-official version" had been explained to him. After another moment's hesitation, he decided that he had to tell Skinner. He also realized that this was not something to tell him over the phone. XXXX Tess yawned, her eyes unable to focus on the 10 o'clock news any longer. She felt her self falling asleep and jerked her head up, blinking rapidly. "Why don't you go to bed?" Skinner suggested, having watched her fight her exhaustion for the past fifteen minutes. "Come on, I'll take you up." He stood and held out his hand. She took his hand and allowed him to help her stand. "Are you gonna come up with me?" she yawned, not wanting to be alone in his large bed. "I'll get you settled, then I've got to come down and get the coffee maker ready for the morning," he explained, leading her to the stairs. "But, I'll come up after that, okay?" "Okay," she smiled, following him upstairs and into the bedroom. "I forgot to pack pajamas...do you have a T-shirt I could borrow?" "I think I could find one," he replied, turning and opening a drawer in his dresser. He pulled out a T-shirt, shut the drawer and turned around to find her standing in only her bra and panties. She'd shed the shoes and stockings upon entering the apartment, but left her skirt and top on . "Here." He held out the shirt. "Thanks," she held back a yawn and took the shirt from him. "I promise, I won't get that "girl smell" all over it." "You'd better not," he smiled, watching as she unhooked the bra and let the straps slip down. He didn't think she was doing this to entice him. She was way too tired for that. He decided that, despite of all the time that had past, Tess was still comfortable in his presence. Truth was, Tess was so incredibly tired that she didn't care who saw her. Had she felt better, she would have used this moment to excite him. It would work, it always used to. Tonight, however, she was emotionally drained. She wanted to lay down and have him hold her all night. Tomorrow, she had to be at the hospital by 8. They were going to run nearly every test in the book in order to test the severity of her cancer and to determine whether her body was strong enough to with stand the treatment. She was worried, but couldn't let him see that. She slipped the T-shirt over her head and pulled it down. "Okay," she began, turning down the blankets. "Go do your coffee thingy..." He waited until she was laying down, then walked over and pulled the blankets up to her chest. "Tucking me in, aye?" she smiled, causing him to blush slightly. "Yeah...well..." He shrugged, then bent and kissed her forehead. "I'll be up in a few minutes." "I'll be here," she yawned, reaching for the remote control on the night stand and using it to turn on the TV. "I'll watch the rest of the news." "Sure, " he nodded, doubting she'd last five minutes. "Good night, Tess." He said, heading for the door. "I'll be awake when you get back," she protested, as he left the room. Skinner descended the stairs and walked through the first floor to the kitchen. Once there, he did as he'd promised and prepared the coffee maker. Once that was done, he switched off the kitchen light and waked into the living room. As he bent to switch off the table lamp, there was a knock on the door. Without a moment's hesitation, he stepped to the desk and removed his gun from the left hand drawer. After removing the safety, he walked quietly to the door, just as there was another knock. He looked through the peep hole to find Mulder standing there, holding a large manila envelope. Skinner opened the door. "Agent Mulder," he began. "Sir, I apologize for coming at this hour, but I came up with some information I thought you should see," Mulder began, walking into the apartment. "Regarding Tess' disappearance?" Skinner asked, following Mulder to the living room. Mulder nodded, "I pulled up the official report on her disappearance." He opened the envelope and pulled out a group of papers held together with a paper clip. "Basically, they say she was abducted by forces unknown..." Skinner scanned the paper. "She was abducted from her car...then found three weeks later, unconscious in upstate New York, left in the hospital parking lot. She'd been beaten unconscious..." he stopped on the next line. "Sexually assaulted," he read, forcing himself not to dwell on it. "The report doesn't give the particulars, Sir," Mulder offered. "This report doesn't say much, Agent Mulder," Skinner concluded, looking at the younger man. "No, Sir," Mulder agreed, removing another small stack of paper from the envelope. "But this one does. This is Paul Buckman's personal record of Tess Duffy's disappearance and discovery. Apparently, he decided to alter the details a bit." Skinner looked at the report, not wanting to read it. "Can you give me a synopsis?" "Apparently, when they found Agent Duffy, she was in a cheap hotel. The register said she'd be staying two nights. On the third, the hotel manager used his key to get into the room and found Tess unconscious on the bed. She'd been beaten and assaulted..." "But why change the details..." "Her diagnosis upon arrival at the hospital was "heroin overdose." Mulder concluded. "Heroin?" Skinner looked at him as if he'd lost his mind, then looked at the report. It said that Tess had consumed nearly enough heroin to kill herself. She'd had needle tracks on her arms, the back of her knees and between her toes. The doctors theorize she'd gone on a binge and went too far. "No...not Tess." "I managed to get a copy of the ER notes...the confirm the presence of heroin and the needle tracks..." Mulder tried, handing Skinner the remaining contents of the envelope. Skinner took the envelope and sat down on the sofa. He carefully read the contents of each of the reports. Mulder sat on one of the arm chairs and waited. He watched his boss, noting the disbelief etched on his face. "Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Agent Mulder," Skinner concluded, standing up. "Are you going to..." Mulder began, standing. "I will speak to Tess, " he concluded, walking Mulder to the door. "I'll discuss this with you in the morning." "Okay..." Mulder returned, as Skinner opened the door. Mulder felt "let down". He wanted to get the whole story. He wanted to hear Tess Duffy's explanation for himself. Not to get it second hand from his boss. He knew by the set of Skinner's jaw that there was no room for argument. Skinner knew Mulder had expected to hear Tess' story first hand. However, he also knew that Tess would not be as truthful with Mulder present. He needed her complete honesty in order to deal with this situation. He needed to do this alone. "When you get in tomorrow morning," Skinner began, opening the door. "Could you find out what she was working on when she was abducted?" Mulder nodded. "Ill check into it, Sir." He walked out of the apartment. "Agent Mulder," Skinner began, causing Mulder to stop and turn to look at him. "Thank you." Mulder nodded, he understood the hidden meaning of his boss' words. He would be made aware of the situation. He wouldn't be let out of the loop. Satisfied, Mulder walked off down the hallway. Skinner closed the door and paused for a moment. He had to confront Tess with this information. He had to hear her version of what happened. The total, truthful version of her missing time. He couldn't believe that Tess would intentionally shoot up with heroin. She'd admitted to him that, during high school and college, she'd occasionally done some cocaine. She'd done it to stay awake studying and to lose weight. But, having lost her childhood best friend to an overdose of heroin during her sophomore year of college, she'd decided she didn't want to follow in her friend's footsteps, and "cleaned up her act.". After turning off the lights, he walked upstairs, trying to decide how to broach the subject. XXXX Hearing the front door shut, Tess awoke with a start. She'd dozed off while watching the news. Rolling over, she found herself alone in the king-sized bed. Curious, she sat up, just as Skinner entered the room. "Hey," she began, rubbing sleep from her eyes. "Where were you?" "Agent Mulder stopped by with some information," he began, sitting on the edge of the bed. Tess recognized the look on his face. "Information?" she asked, suddenly very nervous. Skinner nodded. "The details of your abduction....both versions." Tess closed her eyes, feeling as if the walls were crashing in on her. She had intended to tell him what they'd told her had happened. She wanted him to help her disprove all of it. She'd just been afraid of his reaction. She'd moved too slow and now he'd seen it all in black and white. Not that she would have spared any of the details, she just thought it might sound better coming from her. "Walter," she quietly said, looking at him with her big brown eyes. "I didn't OD on Heroin. I didn't buy any heroin. I didn't USE any...hell, I couldn't give myself a needle any more than I could take out my own appendix." "But the amount of markings on your body..." he said, trying hard to believe her. "I don't know...none of them were old..." she held out her arms. "Look...no severe scarring..." She stood up, turned her back to him and spoke, "Look at my knees...nothing...no reminders." He nodded. She was right, there were no traces of her supposed addiction. She turned around and sat on the bed, looking pale, tired, and defeated. "I don't know what happened. I don't remember any of it. Not one bit. But, I didn't take off for a drug binge...that's not me." "I know, Tess," he quietly said. "Then why did you ask?" she asked, shaking. Skinner shook his head. "I had to hear you say it." "I said it...do you believe me?" she asked, her entire body trembling. "I believe you," he truthfully said. "But who would want to do this to you?" "I don't know," she quietly said. She wanted to cry, she wanted to scream. She had no idea who was responsible for her abduction. By the time she'd been ready to investigate it herself, she was diagnosed with the cancer. Everything fell apart after that. Skinner looked at her. He believed her. He also knew that "he" would find out why Cancerman did this to her. There had to be something more than the obvious reason. If giving her the cancer was his point, he wouldn't waste time with the drugs. It wouldn't be necessary. "What are you thinking?" she asked, noting the look of determination on his face. "That you need to concentrate on your treatment," he explained, "And I'll concentrate on finding out who did this and why." "How are you going to find out, Walter?" she asked, her tone clearly showing her hopelessness. "I have my sources, Tess," he winked, then smiled. "You need your rest." "I know," she nodded, "Are you going to stay with me this time?" He nodded, watching her as she lay back down. He would have to talk to Mulder in the morning. More than ever, he wanted to know what Tess was working on right before her abduction. Somehow, that had to hold the key to everything. Right now, however, he had to make sure she got back to sleep. They would be subjecting her to all kinds of tests tomorrow and she needed to be ready for them. He quickly stripped down to his white jockeys and slipped into bed next to her. Once he'd settled, laying on his back, Tess wrapped herself around him, leaning her head on his chest. "Thank you," she quietly said. "For helping me..." He kissed the top of her head. "Stop thanking me, Tess," he gently admonished. "Wait until things are resolved. Then you can thank me, okay?" She smiled. That was the Walter she'd always known. Cautious not to think a job was done before it really was, the "Don't Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch" Mentality. If he committed to a job, he stayed til the very end. Wrapping up each loose end, signing every form. It was one of the things she admired about him, one of the things she wished she could emulate. "Okay," she quietly replied, feeling her eyes closing. She was suddenly exhausted and knew she had to sleep. "Night, Walter." "Good night, Tess," he returned. After a few moments, he could hear and feel her breathing slow and fall into a steady rhythm. XXXX Skinner illegally parked his Government plated car on the crowded New York City street. Leaving the emergency blinkers on, he decided that a motor pool car sometimes had it's advantages and this was one of them. New York was never one of his favorite places to be, it was noisy, crowded, dirty and held one too many bad memories. He would do what he came to do and get out of the city as quickly as he could. He wanted to be back in Bethesda, with Tess. Since she'd arrived, he hadn't been able to stop thinking about her. He'd tried, but somehow, she'd creep back into his mind. This wasn't good, this wasn't him. They hadn't so much as seen each other in years, but now she was back and needed his help. Of course, he would help her, there was never any doubt in his mind that he would. But what frightened Skinner most was the feelings her arrival had brought back. Had he felt this strongly for her back then? He couldn't believe that it was possible. If he had, surely Sharon would have noticed. Maybe she had noticed. By that point, their marriage had lost most of it's passion. They'd become "partners" in the business sense of the word. He had his life, had his work, she found herself things to do, clubs to belong to, charities to work for, the stereotypical government employee's wife. Some how, they had let it get to that point, never realizing that it could be fixed, it could be changed. By the time Skinner figured that out, Sharon was in a coma, never to return. Shaking off those thoughts, he ascended the stairs of Greek Revival brownstone. It so fit Tess. From the wreath ringed attic windows to the newel posts topped with cast-iron pineapples. He knew the inside would be furnished with rich woods and antiques, or at least what Tess used to call "imitation antiques". As he opened the door with Tess' key, he thought back on his day. He'd taken Tess out to the treatment facility in Bethesda and was surprised to find Agent Scully waiting for them. She had a treatment scheduled for 11 and volunteered to stick around and wait with Tess. She would be spending the night and concluding her testing in the morning, so he had planned on spending the entire day, leaving when they tossed him out that night. Instead, once she was registered and on her way, Tess told him to go back to the office and return when he was done. He agreed, wanting to get together with Mulder over this situation. Once they had met and compared notes, he'd decided he would personally drive up to New York to pick up Tess' clothes. She'd called her neighbor and had the woman pack some things for her with the assumption that they could have them shipped. Skinner decided that he would make the trip personally. He would check out her apartment to see if there were any clues to what she was working on. Also, it would give him something to do to keep his mind off of what was going on. Unfortunately, it hadn't kept his mind off of anything. The long drive from DC gave him time to dwell on the state of affairs. By the time he reached Tess' Chelsea apartment, he'd talked himself out of driving to Cancerman's cheap walkup and shooting the old bastard, many times. As he began to walk up the stairs to Tess' second floor apartment, the first floor apartment door opened and an older woman stepped out. "You're Mr. Skinner?' she asked, nervously. Skinner gave her the once over, his eyes setlling on her left hand. It was in her pocket, but the thin sweater she wore did littlle to conceal the shape of the hand gun she held. He took his id out of his coat pocket and held it up. She scanned it carefully, then smiled. "I'm sorry, but there've been all kinds of weirdoes around this neighborhood lately...by the way, I'm Claudia Pendelton." Skinner shook her outstretched hand, "Pleased to meet you," he returned, then, "What kind of weirdoes?" "Just some shady types, young punks. I hope the gangs aren't invading our neighborhood, you know?" Mrs. Pendelton didn't wait for Skinner to reply. "Her phone has been ringing off the hook, too. I went up the other night and changed the tape in her answering machine..." She explained, then, "I have the old one down here...I figured she might need those messages." "Thank you, Mrs. Pendelton." Skinner nodded. "If I may, I'd like to take it with me." "You sure may. How is Tess?" the woman asked. "She's doing well. They have her in for preliminary testing today," he explained. "Once they're done, we should know the extent of the cancer." Mrs. Pendelton shook her head, "It's a shame, you know. She's such a dear girl." She looked up at Skinner and smiled, "She told me about you. She's been wanting to call you since she found out." "I'm glad she did," he agreed. "You'll take good care of her," Mrs. Pendelton winked. "Tell her that I'm praying for her." "I will, thank you," he smiled. "I'll have her call you." "That would be great. Go on up, I'm sure you don't want to waste any time getting back home. I left the suitcases in her bedroom.I f you'll stop by on the way out, I'll give you the tape." "Thank you, Mrs. Pendelton," Skinner politely said. "I'll be down in a few minutes." With that, he walked upstairs and let himself into Tess' apartment. Shutting the door behind him, he looked around. He was right on the furnishings. In the living room, there was a large stone fireplace, the mantle was fully of candles and pictures. He stepped over and looked at the pictures. There were a few of Tess and her parents, one of Tess and her brother, and a few old, black and whites of what Skinner guessed were relatives. As he scanned those shots, his eyes rested on a more recent photo. It was of the two of them, taken while Tess was still working under him. It was taken at a seafood restaurant in Maryland. He could remember the place vividly, but could not recall the name of the restaurant. It was on the Chesapeake Bay and Tess swore they had the best lobsters in the world. It was a warm summer evening and they'd gotten a table out on the outside deck, overlooking the bay. A strolling photographer snapped their picture and it had cost them $8 to get a copy of it. Looking at it now, he was glad they did get a copy. Tess looked happy and beautiful. It was how he had remembered her. Without thinking, he slipped the frame into his coat pocket. Shaking off the memory, he made his way through the apartment to her large bedroom. Stopping in the doorway, he looked into the room. The furniture was all clearly antique. The centerpiece being a large wrought iron canopy bed. There was a wing chair in the corner, with a pair of jeans tossed across the seat and a large flannel shirt over the back. Standing next to the bed were a large Pullman, a medium sized wheeled suitcase and a garment bag. Tess had given Mrs. Pendelton a very detailed list of what she wanted packed and it looked like the old woman got each and every item. He knew the luggage would be heavy, Tess' luggage always was. He could never understand how she managed to fit so much into each bag. It was a talent, she'd said. Skinner sat on the bed. He knew that Tess wouldn't have anything here to clue him in on what she was working on. She would never bring anything like that into her home. To Tess, home was sacred, her private haven, untouched by the "Eff Bee Eye". Still, he wished he could find something...anything. With a shrug, he stood, deciding to get out of the city before rush hour. As he stood, his eyes caught a black shape on the mauve comforter. He turned and focused on a stuffed bear. It was black , with button eyes that had obviously been sewed on many times. He smiled. It was Smoky. Tess' father brought him home from a trip to Canada when she was a kid. The bear had been with her ever since. Without a moment's hesitation, he picked up the bear and lay it on top of the Pullman. On his way out of the apartment, he stopped in the living room and popped the tape out of the answering machine, then turned the machine off. Tomorrow morning, he would call the phone company and have her calls routed through his phone. That way, he could see exactly who was trying to contact her and for what reason. After a quick stop at Mrs. Pendelton's to thank her and pick up the tape, he took the luggage out to the car, loaded it in, and made his way out of the city. XXXX Skinner reached the Mc Laughlin Clinic at eight p.m. He had wanted to get there earlier, but traffic was a bitch the whole way down I-95. He stopped at the main desk to find out where Tess would be staying. Once he'd gotten her room number, he made his way up to the third floor and back to room 3A. The Clinic was set up in an old mansion. The outside was a stately stone columned affair, which gave no hint of the sterile clinical environment inside. They'd made the basement and the first two floors into clinical areas resembling a hospital. The third floor, reserved for patients who had, for some reason, to spend the night, resembled a high class hotel. The rooms did not give the appearance of hospital rooms, although within seconds, any possibly required equipment could be produced from closets, chests or the storage room down the hall. Tess' room was across from the Nurses Station. Skinner paused there momentarily, seeing her door cracked open and the room dark. "Can I help you, Sir?" began a petite, dark-haired young woman. Her voice held a faint southern accent. "I'm here to see Tess Duffy," he began. "Why sure, Sir," she smiled, looking at the man. He looked haggard and worried. He was tall and powerful looking, but held onto an obviously well loved teddy bear. "I just need to check your name against our list." "Skinner, Walter Skinner," he returned, pulling his ID from his jacket pocket and holding it out to her. She took it and looked at it carefully, then handed it back. "Go on in, Mr. Skinner. She's just resting. But, my name is Tracy, if you need anything, please let me know, okay?" "Thank you, Tracy," he nodded, pocketing his ID and turning to enter Tess' room. He gently pushed the door open and walked in. The television cast the only light in the room. "Hey," Tess began from the bed. "Traffic must've been a bitch." "It was, sorry I'm so late," he offered, walking around to the side of the bed. He bent and kissed her forehead. "How do you feel?" "Tired," she shrugged. "I've been poked and prodded by more people." She held up her Band-Aid covered arm. "Look at me-they must have a vampire in the basement." "A well fed one from the looks of it," he smiled. "At least I served a purpose in life," she dryly laughed. "Was my place a total mess or what?" "A total mess? I don't think you know how to make a total mess, " he dismissed, sitting on the chair next to the bed. She rolled her eyes. "Did you get everything?" He nodded, "Three suitcases full. Mrs. Pendelton sends her prayers." "I'll have to call her tomorrow," she nodded. "Oh...before I forget," he held up the bear, "I thought you might want this." Tess smiled broadly, "Smokey," she laughed, taking the bear from him. "what made you bring him?" Skinner shrugged, "He was sitting on the bed...I nearly sat on him." She raised a brow, "You sat on my bed?" "Wasn't I supposed to?" he returned, waiting for her comeback. "Only when I'm in it," she winked, holding the bear. "They said I'm to see the doctor at 10 tomorrow to go over my results." She paused a moment, "Think you could maybe be here when I do?" "Of course I can," he seriously said. He wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else. "Thank you," she smiled, suddenly feeling the need to cry. She hated it when she did this, but it seemed that she'd cried a lot lately. "Thank you for....all of this...." Skinner held her hand tightly, holding it to his lips and kissing it. "Don't cry, Tess, please?" "I'm sorry," she sniffed, with a smile. "I'm just really tired." "I'll go..." "No you won't. Not yet, anyway, okay?" she smiled again. "Think you can stay with me for a little bit? It's kinda lonely here." "Where's Agent Scully?" he asked, just noticing her absence. "I sent her home about two hours ago. She had dinner with me and left," she explained. "I couldn't make her stay any longer, she was exhausted." "I'll stay until you fall asleep, okay?" he offered, taking off his top coat. "That'll work," she yawned. XXXX Dr. Steven Mc Laughlin walked into his office to find Tess Duffy waiting in a chair by his desk. He recognized her companion as Walter Skinner. He had been to the clinic with Dana Scully once or twice. Mc Laughlin knew that Skinner was Dana Scully's superior officer, he didn't know his relationship to Tess Duffy. But, since Ms. Duffy insisted that he be present, McLaughlin assumed Skinner was close to this woman as well. "Ms. Duffy, Mr. Skinner," he nodded, sitting behind his desk. "I know you're anxious to hear your results, so I'll get right down to it..." He picked up a manila folder on his desk and studied it's contents for a few moments. He then closed the folder and looked up at Tess. "I'm afraid your tumor is further along that we expected." Tess looked at him, her eyes widening. Mc Laughlin held up a photo. "This is the CAT Scan we took yesterday. This light colored part is the tumor." "My God," Tess gasped. It "had" grown. "It seems to be pressing on the optical nerves, which would explain the cloudy vision you've been experiencing," the doctor continued. "There is no trace of any tumors else where in your body. Except for the 20 pound weight loss you've experienced, you're in very good shape." Skinner looked at Tess and back at the doctor. He'd seen Scully's CAT Scan results, her tumor was much smaller than Tess' tumor. Scully had had the cancer longer, her tumor should be bigger, or so he would think. "Doctor," Skinner began, "I've seen Agent Scully's CAT Scan results..." "Yes, Mr. Skinner, Agent Scully's tumor is smaller than Miss Duffy's." McLaughlin began, anticipating his question. "They have the same condition, but each of them is reacting differently. However, Agent Scully is responding to treatment, her tumor is shrinking." "And me?" Tess finally spoke, pulling her eyes from the photo. "Do you think I'll respond?" Mc Laughlin paused a moment, "I'll be honest with you, Ms. Duffy, we've never had someone begin treatment with a tumor the size of yours. I'm not sure how you will respond to treatment, if at all." "If at all." The words sunk into Tess' head like lead weights. She'd thought she'd prepared herself for the inevitable. She thought she'd psyched herself into accepting her fate. She thought wrong. "However," the doctor continued, "We would like to start your treatment as soon as possible. We believe that with an intensive and rigorous treatment regimen, we might be able to shrink that tumor, or at the very least, keep it from growing. There is no guarantee, Ms. Duffy. But, if you're willing, we would like to try." "If I'm willing," Tess numbly replied. She had no choice. It was either lay down and die or go out fighting. She'd take the fight. "When do I start?" "Tomorrow morning. I'll warn you, the treatment will be very exhausting. I'll need to see you every other day for the next few weeks." "Every other day, " Tess nodded. "At least I'll have a day off in between." "Those days will probably used to recuperate for the next treatment. This medication works wonders, but it will wear you out. One consolation, not one of our patients has lost their hair," McLaughlin tried a stab at levity. Tess nodded, "At least you won't have to buy a wig to bury me in," she dryly said. "Your records state you're from New York City," McLaughlin continued. "Do you have some where to stay? We do have a room available if you need it." "She'll be staying with me," Skinner quickly said. "Very well, then," the doctor nodded. "Stop by the desk and they'll give you all of the paperwork to fill out. If there are no questions, I'll see you in the morning." Tess stood, trying to ignore her shaking knees. "I'll see you in the morning, Dr." She numbly said, shaking his hand. She wanted out of his office-now. After shaking his hand, she strolled out of the door, with both men watching. "She's in shock." McLaughlin explained, noting Skinner's concerned expression. "The tumor has increased a great deal since her last exam." "Is that normal?" Skinner asked. McLaughlin shrugged, "Nothing about this type of cancer falls into the "normal" range, Mr. Skinner. It's very rare and very unpredictable. Agent Scully's tumor was slow growing. The medication is causing it to shrink at nearly it's growth rate. This is a good thing. Ms. Duffy's tumor is considerably larger and faster spreading. By trying the larger dose of medication, we're hoping that it will bombard the cancer and close down it's manufacturing cells. It will tear up the rest of her body, but she's strong. I believe she can handle it physically." "And emotionally?" Skinner asked. "She'll need a great deal of support," McLaughlin concluded. "I've spoken to Agent Scully, she's pledged her support. Sometimes dealing with some one who's been through what you're experiencing makes it a little easier for you." "I'll do what I can," Skinner pledged. "I don't know the extent of your relationship, Mr. Skinner, but she will need someone to help her through this. If you intend to be that someone, I'll warn you. It will be tough for both of you. If you need any assistance, please, don't hesitate to call me. Speak to Agent Scully, also. She can provide you great insight as to what Ms. Duffy is going through." Skinner nodded, "I will, thank you. Now, let me go find her..." "Good luck, Mr. Skinner, " the doctor said, as Skinner left the office. "Good luck, Mr. Skinner." The words rang in his head as he walked into the waiting area. He'd expected to find Tess filling out forms, instead, she was no where to be found. "If you're looking for Ms. Duffy," began the nurse who sat behind the large desk. "She said she needed a breath of fresh air and headed outside." "Thank you," Skinner replied and walked quickly out of the large double doors. He stopped for a moment, standing at the top of the steps and looked around the immaculately manicured front lawn. If you didn't know that this was a Cancer treatment center, he thought, you would think the place belonged to some rich, retired senator or something. Some of the patients were walking along walkways down towards a wooded area. He decided that she wouldn't have gone that way and walked down the stairs and to the parking lot. As he turned the corner to the lot at the back of the mansion, he could hear the sounds of a woman sobbing. He gazed around and found her, sitting on the back stairs, head in her hands. In three large strides, he was at her side, sitting next to her, placing his hand on her back. "Tess," he began. "Don't, Walter," she sniffed, "Don't say it's gonna be okay. It's not...." She shook her head, allowing herself to feel angry. "I'm gonna fucking die." "You don't know that," he countered, not wanting to believe she was giving in. "Don't I? McLaughlin just about said it. If the cancer doesn't kill me, the damn medicine probably will..." she shook her head. "I should just swallow the barrel of my gun and save the government some money." A switch flipped somewhere in Skinner's brain. "That's a selfish fucking attitude," he tersely said. "Selfish?" she shrieked. She looked at him, her eyes wide and disbelieving. "Selfish? I'm gonna fucking die, Walter. I think I'm entitled." "You may possibly die, so instead of trying to find out how to prevent that, you want to kill yourself?!" he continued, incredulous.. "You don't understand," she sighed, tiredly. "You don't understand how I feel. Why should I prolong the inevitable?" "So, go on, kill yourself. Give up, " he growled, reaching into his coat. He pulled out his gun, a Sig Sauer P 228, and held it out to her. "Here, why don't you use my gun?" "You think you're so fucking smart, huh?" she hissed, standing. "Using reverse psychology on me? That doesn't even work in theory." "So, what do you want me to do, Tess?" he snapped, standing toe to toe with her. "Sit down and mourn along with you?" "Who said I wanted you to do anything?" she continued, her voice rising an octave. "I don't need anybody's help!" "Then why did you drive down here in the first place?" he asked, as he placed the gun back into his shoulder holster. "To make peace with you. To talk to Scully and see if she had any insight on how we got this freaking cancer...to put things right so that I could die with nothing hanging over my head." She tiredly said, sitting down on the steps. "I didn't come to you to find a cure. I didn't even think there might have been one." Skinner watched her as she sat. She hung her head, her dark hair falling in front of her face. Part of him felt that he should go to her and comfort her, but he was still pissed at her attitude. He wasn't going to let her give in to this. Scully was fighting it, so could she. She looked up at him, tears running down her cheeks. "I'm so scared...." She admitted. "I'm afraid that I'm going to go through all of this and die anyway...I mean...what if I spend my last days all screwed up from this medicine. I could be spending them doing something...seeing something I've never seen..." Skinner sat next to her on the steps and spoke slowly, "You know me, Tess, I'm not going to paint you a picture of a perfect life...maybe this shit won't work for you. Maybe it is too late. But...you can't just lay down and wait for it to happen...not anymore than you can take yourself out. You have to try..." "What difference does it make, Walter?" she cried freely now. "I don't have anybody but my brother. I have no kids...no husband...no one who cares..." "That's enough, Tess," he sighed. She was dropping into the depths of self- pity and he wasn't going to sit by and watch her fall. "You are not alone. You have your brother, your friends...me." She looked at him and crumbled into a sobbing heap. He pulled her into his arms and she clung to him as she cried. When her sobs subsided, she pulled back from him, wiping her eyes with her hand. "What am I going to do?" she asked him. Her tone was quiet and serious. "What should I do?" "You want my opinion?" he asked. Once she nodded, he continued. "You're going to go back into the office and fill out those forms. Tomorrow morning, you will come in here and begin treatment." "But...what if it makes me sick?" she asked. "Then we'll deal with it," he simply said. "We can deal with whatever happens." "We..." she shook her head. "What?" he prompted, knowing she had to say more. "We. Since when did we become "we" again, Walter?" she asked. "Tess...this is not the time or place..." he protested. He wanted to get her back inside so that she could fill out those forms. Once that was accomplished, he'd take her back to his apartment and she could talk about anything she wanted. "No, maybe it isn't. But from where I'm looking at it, I don't have much time or many places. Are we "we" again, Walter? Are you saying that you're going to go through this with me?" "That's what I'm saying, Tess," he returned. "How can you do that? How can you promise that? You have your job...you have Sharon..." Sharon. He'd forgotten all about Sharon, again. It had always been easy to forget about Sharon when Tess was around. "So, instead of just having a comatose wife, you'll also have a dying girlfriend?" she laughed, a hard, dry laugh. "Martyrdom fits you like a glove." "Sharon is in a coma, Tess. She won't come out of it. There is nothing I can do for her. Nothing I have to do for her. She exists day after day, with or without me. She is not a part of what's happening now." "Isn't she? She was always a part of our relationship, Walter. She still is..." she shook her head. He could tell she was getting ready to lose it again. He knew she was frightened, confused, grasping at straws, and supposed that this was a conversation they needed to have at some point. This was not that point. They needed to worry about the here and now. He had to be the voice of reason. "Tess, I will discuss this with you...after we get you registered. If you don't get those forms filled out, they won't be able to get you the medication in time. Please...let's go in." She took a deep breath to calm herself. "Okay, fine....let's go..." She turned and began to walk back to the front entrance. XXXX Mulder sat at his desk, deep in concentration. He'd been looking into the cases Tess Duffy was handling prior to her disappearance and so far, he'd found absolutely nothing. She'd been helping out another agent and doing some research, but there was no record of anything she'd been working on individually. None of it helped to support his new theory that Tess may have stumbled onto something big and she was given the cancer to stop her investigation. He'd planned on explaining his theory to Skinner, but wanted some kind of proof to back it with. That proof was not forthcoming. When he'd told Scully his idea, she presented him with an interesting view. If they had wanted to stop Tess from investigating them, why not just kill her? He had to admit that this aspect was curious, but remembered that Scully knew nothing about Skinner's "Deal With The Devil." He knew why they didn't kill Tess Duffy, she was their trump card in controlling Skinner. But something about the situation still didn't sit right with Mulder. Sure, Tess meant a lot to Skinner, but from what Mulder had gathered, they hadn't spoken in a couple of years. Unless, he thought, sitting up, They didn't know about the connection at the time. Maybe, Tess was onto something involving Cancerman and his cronies and maybe she got too close. That was it. That had to be it. But, what could she be working on and why couldn't he find any traces of it. He needed to speak to Tess, to ask her what was going on. Mulder stood up and slipped on his suit jacket. "Where are you off to?" Scully asked, looking up from her laptop. "I need to follow up on a theory I have..." he cryptically said, walking to the door. "Care to fill me in on it?" she asked, a brow raised. That was the last thing Mulder wanted to do. He needed to do this alone. He had to speak to Tess first, then go to Skinner. Scully just couldn't be privy to what he had to say to the A.D. "I'll fill you in when I get back, okay?" Mulder said, as he walked out of the room. Scully shook her head. Mulder was prone to bolting off after an idea, but usually he brought her along. She wondered what was going through her partners warped mind. The ringing of the telephone brought her out of her thoughts. She lifted the receiver on the second ring. "Scully," she began. "Agent Scully, " Skinner's voice began. "Sir, how's Tess?" she asked, the concern clearly showing in her voice. "That's why I'm calling...could you come up to my office?" She could read something in the tone of his voice, something she couldn't identify. Whatever it was, she knew she should get upstairs fast. "I'll be right there." XXXX When Scully entered Skinner's office, she found him sitting at his desk, intently reading from a manila folder he held in his hands. He hadn't looked up at the sound of the door closing, so Scully spoke. "You wanted to see me, Sir?" she asked, Skinner looked up and Scully could see the concern etched on his features. "Yes, please have a seat, Agent Scully," he began, closing the folder. He waited while Scully seated herself, then began to speak. "I'm sure you're aware that Agent Duffy got her test results this morning." Scully nodded. She knew this was difficult for her boss. During their lunch, she had found out quite a bit about Tess and although Tess never came out and said it, Scully could tell that Tess had more than a professional relationship with Skinner. "The results," he continued, "Were not encouraging." Scully raised a brow, but said nothing. "The cancer has spread since her last exam. Apparently, it's growing at a fairly rapid rate..." Scully closed her eyes for a moment, then spoke. "Do they think the medication will work?" Skinner allowed a brief look of desperation to pass across his features, then, quietly he replied. "They're going to administer an increased dosage to try to combat the faster growth." Scully nodded, "The side effects will be increased," she knowingly said. Skinner nodded. "Dr. McLaughlin advised me to have Tess speak to you...although, I can tell you she won't seek you out. That's the way Tess is, she's very private with her problems." "I'll call her," Scully promised, "I know that speaking to some one who's going through the same ordeal is a great help." "I'd really appreciate that, Agent Scully," he replied, his tone sincere. "Sir," Scully began, not sure she should proceed, "This may be out of line, but..." Skinner knew where she was going and raised a hand to stop her from finishing her question. "It "is" out of line, Agent Scully, but, I'll answer your question." He paused a moment, then continued, his tone quiet and calm. "Tess was one of my field agents. We were very close...both professionally and personally." Scully nodded. "I understand, Sir," she advised, not wanting him to have to explain further. "I will do whatever I can to help Tess." XXXX Tess stood in the kitchen, waiting for the timer to go off. Once she'd sent Skinner back to work, she went out for a long walk. Before she realized what she was doing, she ended up walking to the supermarket and purchased the ingredients for chocolate chip cookies. She wasn't sure why she decided to make cookies. Maybe it was to keep her busy, to keep her from sitting and thinking. Maybe it was because she really wanted a home made chocolate chip cookie. She wasn't sure, but there she stood, baking cookies. As she removed the last tray of cookies from the oven, the door bell rang. She set the tray down and walked to the front door. Holding her service weapon, she looked through the peephole. She found Agent Mulder waiting on the other side of the door. After she pulled the door open, she spoke, "Agent Mulder," she began. "If you're looking for the AD, he's back at the office." "Actually, Agent Duffy," he replied, his tone as terse as hers, "I'd like to talk to you, if that's okay." She shrugged and stepped back, allowing him to enter the apartment. The smell of freshly baked cookies was almost too much for Mulder's empty stomach to deal with. "I just made a batch of cookies," Tess began, motioning to the sofa. "Have a seat and I'll bring some out." With that she disappeared into the kitchen. "What the hell does he want to ask me? I don't remember a freaking thing!" XXXX It was nearly seven when Skinner finally arrived home. He'd told Tess he'd be home late and that she didn't have to wait for him to eat dinner. He hadn't wanted to go back to the office after visiting the clinic, but she insisted that she'd be fine. Against his better judgment, he allowed her to push him out the door. He was looking forward to relaxing and spending the evening with Tess. However, as he opened the door to the apartment, he was bombarded by music blasting from the stereo. He recognized the voice of Ozzy Osbourne. "Look into the future. Look into my eyes and tell me everything's all right. Tell me where we're going, I'm so afraid cos I don't know what's going on with my life." Skinner shut the front door behind him. As he entered the apartment, he became aware of the scent of freshly baked cookies. He took this as a good sign, Tess made cookies, which meant she was keeping active and not dwelling on things. But, the blasting stereo had to go before the neighbors complained. In three easy strides, he reached the stereo and turned down the volume. "I was listening' to that," came Tess' slurred voice from the sofa. Skinner turned to see Tess sitting on the sofa, holding a half-empty bottle of Wild Turkey. "Tess," he began, taking off his top coat and tossing it on the end of the sofa. "You've been drinking." "Damn," she giggled, "You're good. No wonder you made AD." He stepped to her and stood in front of her. "Give me the bottle." "You're gonna join me?" she smiled, holding it out to him. "Here..." He took the bottle from her and set it on the mantle above the fireplace, then stepped back to her. "Hey...I wasn't done with that..." she said, standing and stepping towards the mantle. "Yes, you were," he simply said, stopping her by slipping an arm around her waist. "Come on, Tess...you've had enough." She looked at him, slipping her arms around his neck. "Okay...if you won't let me drink anymore, how 'bout taking me to bed?" "That sounds like a plan," he agreed, although, his plans for what to once they reached the bedroom were quite different than hers. "Come on..." He led her upstairs and into the bedroom, "Do you need help getting changed?" he asked. Tess smiled, "I can take my own clothes off..." She stood and unbuttoned the large denim shirt she wore. After taking it off, she dropped it on the floor, then removed her jeans, dropping them in the same place. It was after she'd removed her bra and added it to the clothing pile that she'd noticed he was standing there, watching her. "What? What's wrong?" Skinner spoke, sounding exhausted. "I shouldn't have left you alone." He pulled a T-shirt from a dresser drawer and brought it over to her. Tess dryly laughed, "No, no, no...it's not that at all...I was doing fine by myself," she said, sitting down hard on the bed. "I went for a walk...then came home and made cookies..." She proudly said, slipping the T-shirt over her head. "Chocolate macadamia nuts..." He spoke in a quiet voice, "If you were fine, why are you drunk now?" Tess' features clouded. "I had a visit from Agent Mulder," she began, her eyes narrowing. She reached over and picked up her stuffed bear, absently pulling at it's arm. "He seems to think I might have brought all of my problems on myself..." "And just how does he think you did that?" he asked, a brow raised. "He thinks I was investigating someone big and when I got too close, they gave me cancer to stop me..." she looked at him in disbelief, "Have you ever heard anything so preposterous?" "I'd like to say I haven't, Tess," he truthfully began, pulling off his tie and leaving it on the night stand. "What? You believe this crap?" she was incredulous. "There are people out there, Tess..." he began. "Who would give me cancer to stop me from exposing them? Why not kill me out right? What's the point of killing me slowly?" she shook her head. "I don't know," he lied. He should tell her the truth, tell her about his deal with Cancerman. "Look, Walter, I have no idea what the hell he's babbling about. He showed up here and demanded to know what I was investigating at the time of my disappearance. I told him I had no memory of it. He kept at me..." She shook her head. "He was getting so snotty with me...I mean, I don't remember what was going on! They said it was trauma related memory loss." "What did he say?" Skinner asked, dreading the answer. "He said there were two possible reasons I got this cancer. Apparently, this memory stuff was one of the reasons..." "And the other was?" he asked, willing himself not to wince. "He never got to it..." she seethed, the anger returned, "I threw him out. I just got handed a freaking death sentence this morning. The last thing I want is Spooky Mulder crawling up my ass with a microscope!" She allowed the anger to spill out. "I wish more than anything I could remember what happened before I was abducted. I wish I knew what happened while I was abducted! Do you have any idea how it feels to wake up with three weeks gone? Then, to be told you were beaten, sexually molested and addicted to heroin?" She seethed. "And, as if that wasn't enough, I find out that somehow, this whole fiasco ended up with me getting inoperable cancer...DAMN!!" she pounded her hand onto the bed. "Tess," he began, standing up again. "Mulder might be a little pushy, but I assigned him to your case. I want him to find out what you were doing when you were abducted." "You assigned my case to Mulder?" she looked at him, eyes wide. "I am not an X-File, Walter!" "Neither Agent Mulder or I have turned you into an X-File, Tess. I just asked him to do some research for me." "Why do you want him poking around into my life?" she seethed. "Where do you get off opening my life to him like that?" "You are the one who wants to know how and why you got this cancer..." he quietly said, tone maddeningly calm. "I wanted," she returned, her voice a hiss, "To speak to Scully. I did NOT want to have Spooky try to convince me that I was abducted by UFO's!" "And did he do that?" Skinner snapped. Somewhere, in the rational portion of his mind, a little voice was reminding him not to argue with her. She was drunk and not in the best mental state.But Skinner was getting really good at ignoring the rational side of his mind. Too good. "No..." she quietly said. Tess was furious-at Mulder for interrogating her and at Skinner for assigning Mulder to her case. Since when was she a case?! This whole situation had gotten out of hand and she wasn't prepared to deal with it. She was tired, frustrated, and angry...very angry. "I just can't deal with this!" she spat, picking up the bear and throwing it at the wall. Skinner didn't flinch as the bear whizzed past his ear. Tess never did have good aim when she threw. However, once Smoky ended his flight abruptly, the incongruous sound of plastic hitting the wall caused him to turn. The bear lay on the floor, it's back seam split open, a computer disk sticking out through the split. He bent and lifted the bear the pulled the disk out. "What is that?" Tess asked, watching him. "You don't know?" he seemed surprised. She shook her head. "I don't remember putting it there...but it sounds like something I would do..." She shrugged. "Where's your laptop? We'll find out what it is." "Downstairs..." he instructed, as they both walked from the room. He walked to the coffee table where he'd deposited the case containing his lap top computer. He'd hated the damn thing since the Fed had mandated his having it. He had very rarely used it, but dutifully carried it back and forth to the office each day. Sitting it on the sofa, he placed it on his lap, opened it and turned it on. Tess sat next to him, watching every move. Once the system had booted up, he slipped the disk into the drive and used the mouse ball to access it. He was met by a security window, which advised him that the information on the disk was accessible only if you knew the pass word. Without a second thought, he typed in the word "Sting" and another window appeared advising that he had indeed used the proper pass word and was now able to access the information on the disk. "How did you know which pass word to use?" Tess asked, amazed. "You used the same pass word for everything," he shrugged, reading the file list. "What does this suffix mean?" He asked, pointing to a listing with the suffix .wav. "It's a wave file...a sound file..." she grew curious and took the lap top from him, setting it on her own lap. She tracked the mouse ball so that the pointer rested on the listing Phone.wav "Does this thing have a sound card?" "You're asking me?" he dryly laughed. "This is the second time I've used it..." She shook her head, muttering, "Welcome to the Twentieth Century, Walter." Then, in her normal voice. "Let's see what we can do with this..." She clicked on the listing, receiving a window with various commands. She clicked on PLAY and was rewarded with the sounds of voices. A female and a male were were speaking. Tess didn't recognize the voices, but listened intently to their conversation. Female voice: "Are you sure it was wise to involve him in this?" Male voice: "Who are you to question my judgment? His involvement is essential." Female voice: "Can you trust him?" Male voice: (laughter) "Let's just say, we've struck a bargain. He will do what we need." Female voice: "How can you be so sure Skinner will do your dirty work?" Male voice: "If he doesn't...Agent Scully will die." Tess turned and looked at Skinner. His skin had paled and his expression was a mixture of dread, shock, and pure grief. "What were they talking about? Who were they?" she demanded, glad to finally have control. "Tess..." he began, watching as she opened another file. This one was titled Bees.txt. Skinner watched her expression as she read the document. He didn't need to read it to know what it was about. He lived it. She looked at him, shock etched on her face, then opened another file. After she'd read the contents of each of the files on the disk, she popped the disk out of the lap top. She then carefully set the lap top on the table and stood, all the while, watching him. "Tess...I can explain," he began, knowing that he'd have to admit it all to her. "You....are working with Them..." she accused, the information on the disk had opened her locked memories and they all came back with startling clarity. She had been on the trail of whomever was responsible for unleashing the deadly bees that had attacked a school yard full of children in South Carolina and, unbeknownst to Skinner, a day care in upstate New York. The whole situation had disturbed Tess deeply and she'd started poking around on her own time. It had become an obsession with her, but one that she had shared with no one. She knew this was explosive stuff and didn't trust anyone enough to let it out. "It's all coming back now..." "How did you find out about the bees?" he asked. "They got a hold of a preschool in Upstate New York," she simply said. "The similarities were too great and I started digging around on my own time..." "A preschool?" he asked, removing his glasses and rubbing his eyes. She nodded, "Six children died," she explained. "I had seen the South Carolina incident on CNN...things just seemed too similar. So, I did a little research of my own." "And you found information that was supposedly destroyed..." he concluded. "Guess I found it before it was destroyed," she shrugged. A clear thought resounded through her drunken, tired mind. "Don't trust him." But she had trouble obeying it. "But, what part have you played in this whole thing, Walter?" This was it, he had to tell her the truth. "I didn't have anything to do with the bees, Tess." "What do you have to do with things?" "There is a group of men...very powerful, very private men," he began, slipping his glasses back on. "Their control goes beyond imagination." "And what does it have to do with you?" she asked, wanting to hear him explain exactly what his involvement was. "To make it as simple as possible, these men are probably responsible for Agent Scully's cancer." She opened her mouth to protest, but he continued. "They also have the cure....for a price. Agent Mulder wanted to make a deal with these men. I talked him out of it...but ignored my own warnings." She looked at him, amazed. "You made a deal with these guys to get a cure for Dana Scully?" He nodded. "She doesn't know anything about it..." "Why you? Why not Mulder?" "Mulder is on his way to finding whatever it is that he's been searching for...these men don't want that to happen." He explained. "So, you would think they would have bargained with Mulder," she tried. "They might have, if I hadn't talked him out of it, then called them myself." "So, you did this to get a cure for Dana and to keep Mulder out of their clutches?" she asked, trying desperately to see his view point. He nodded again. "Very selfless, Walter," she quietly said, then, her voice rising an octave. "And very freaking stupid! Where the hell was your head?" "No one else could make this deal, Tess. I couldn't sacrifice Mulder. I had to do it." He protested. "So you sacrificed yourself," she shook her head. "What about you? Your life? Your career? Is saving Dana Scully and keeping Mulder's nose clean worth ruining your own life?" "What life, Tess?" he snapped. "What was so important about my life? I'm a desk jockey. That's all..." "And Sharon?" she tried. "Sharon wouldn't know if I died, Tess. She's in a coma. She will never come out of it. If something happens to me, she'll have survivors benefits." "And your family? And friends?" she tried, losing momentum. His only response was a pained look. Tess sat down hard. She was tired, very tired. Part of her knew she should leave. He was mixed up in something that she didn't want any parts of...yet, from what she'd been told by Agent Mulder, she was part of this whole fiasco. She'd stumbled on the information and been abducted to stop her from looking any further. Mulder also believed that she was given this cancer as part of their attempts to stop her. Scully , too had the same cancer. But, why her? "Why Dana?" she asked, not looking at him. "Why was she given this cancer?" "To keep Agent Mulder in line?" Skinner shrugged. "To keep them away from discovering whatever these men are trying to cover up." "Why not kill her?" she wrinkled her nose. Skinner quoted his cigarette smoking nemesis. "There's nothing as dangerous as a man with nothing left to lose." She raised a brow. "There is something worse, Walter. A woman with nothing left to lose." "Tess, you have to believe me," he began, growing very tired. "I didn't know what was going on with the bees. I had nothing to do with Agent Scully getting her cancer...I went into this with the best intentions." "Yes, Walter, I don't doubt that you did," she sighed. She wanted to lay down and sleep. She'd been working on one of those sick, drunken headaches and it was nearly at it's peak. She knew she'd have to start with the medication tomorrow and that it would wreak havoc with her body. In retrospect, drinking was a pretty stupid idea. Skinner watched her carefully. Her skin had rapidly drained of it's color. Standing, he held out a hand. She took his hand and allowed him to help her upstairs and into the bedroom. Once there, she lay down on the bed. He pulled the blankets up over her. "Walter..." she began, tiredly. "You need to sleep," he gently said. "No...please," she continued, her eyes closed. "Lay with me?" "I can do that," he returned, stripping his clothes off and slipping into bed next to her. Tess allowed him to pull her into his arms and hold her. She knew that Skinner couldn't have willingly participated in anything as heinous as the bees. He might have become jaded by the things he'd seen, but deep down inside, he still had that core of Honor. He still knew right from wrong. From the expression on his face during his explanation, she could tell how much this whole thing had taken from him. Yes, the deal he made was dangerous and completely stupid, but his intentions were pure. He truly believed that Agent Mulder could find whatever it was that he was searching for, and he put his life on the line to save Dana Scully's life. That showed dedication to his agents, support for their cause. She knew from experience that he was very protective and supportive of his charges. Skinner held her, not wanting to hold too tightly for fear she would pull away. He wasn't sure what he'd thought her reaction would be, but she was very calm. Maybe that was due to the fact that she was trashed. He knew that she'd been shocked, had the positions been reversed, he too would have walked away in a daze. He hadn't wanted to tell her about any of it, but she needed to be told. She needed to be aware of every detail...in order to understand it. For whatever reasons, whatever purpose, she was a part of it and had the right to know all about it. Feeling her press her body closer to his, he tightened his hold on her, resting his chin in her hair. Tess' head was spinning. Between the alcohol, the news this morning, and now discovering the disk, she wasn't sure which end was up. She knew she had to start treatment tomorrow and was now determined to start the treatment and do what ever she could to make it work. She needed to rest and she felt so comfortable laying in his arms. No matter what he did or didn't do, she knew that he was on her side, that was something she never doubted. Relaxing, she allowed her eyes to close and drifted into sleep. XXXX Skinner sat at his desk, his head pounding. He was used to the pressure headaches caused by stress, considering the frequency of which they'd been occurring. He'd left Tess at the clinic this morning. She would be receiving the medication at 11 and spending the afternoon under their care. He would pick her up at five and take her home. They had explained that she would probably sleep most of the night and awake tomorrow to the side effects of nausea, dizziness, and a burning sensation under her skin. They'd given him some pain relievers and sedatives to keep on hand. He stood and slipped on his jacket. He had to talk to Mulder, to tell him about the disk and what it contained. This would please Mulder immensely . They would finally have proof to nail that Black Lunged bastard once and for all. Carrying a manila folder, he walked out of his office like a man with a purpose. XXXX Mulder sat at his desk, he'd hit another dead end in investigating Tess Duffy's activities prior to her abduction. This was really frustrating. He knew, from speaking to Skinner, that CSM was involved in this somehow-but how? Mulder sipped at his coffee, finding it cold. He'd gotten used to cold coffee. Drinking it was much easier than getting up to retrieve another cup. Although, at this point, getting up and walking around was probably the only thing he could do to get his thoughts in order. There had to be something he was missing. Something obvious. He'd spoken to Tess and Skinner and felt he had a "feel " for the way she would think and act, but he still couldn't put it all together. Tiredly, he stood, deciding to get another cup of coffee. The walk up to the cafeteria would probably do him good. As he slipped on his jacket, the door to the office opened. He knew it wasn't Scully. She'd planned to stay in Bethesda with Tess all day. Mulder spun quickly, on guard. Standing in the doorway, holding a folder, was Skinner. "Sir," he began. "Agent Mulder," Skinner nodded, pulling the door shut behind him. "I keep hitting one dead end after another..." Mulder began. "Don't worry about it," Skinner dismissed, his tone tight. "We solved the mystery last night." "Tess remembered?" Mulder hopefully asked. "No...well, yes, she did. But only after finding the computer disk she'd hidden." "Disk?" Mulder asked, barely able to control his excitement. "What was on the disk?" "Information about the bees," Skinner simply said, sitting in the chair in front of Mulder's desk. "The bees," Mulder laughed. "The bees?" This was too good to be true. "What about them? What was on the disk?" "Information that we thought was destroyed," Skinner concluded. "A recording of a telephone conversation between a certain cigarette smoking friend of ours, which could nail my ass to the wall." "Anything else?" he asked, hopefully. "Oh, lots of stuff," Skinner dryly returned. "Apparently, the South Carolina school wasn't their only testing grounds. They also used a pre-school in New York and had targeted a High School outside of Boston." "Had targeted?" Mulder asked. "According to the notes after that information, the bees were destroyed in transit." Skinner concluded. "Did it give any of the transit route details?" Mulder hopefully asked. Skinner shook his head, "Not from what I could make out. However, there is a lot of information on that disk, some of which I just can't figure out." He held up a folder. "After Tess fell asleep, I tried to figure out what she'd stumbled on to. She's got the disk and won't give it up, but, I managed to print out some of the files I can't figure out..." He handed the folder to Mulder. Mulder set the folder on the desk and opened it. He scanned the papers inside. "It looks like some kind of autopsy results...." Skinner nodded, "That's what I thought. But I can't make out what the abbreviations and notations are explaining." Mulder scrutinized the pages, his brow furrowing. Of the stack that Skinner had handed him. The first fifteen pages were definitely some type of autopsy reports. If Scully were here, she'd be able to figure the whole mess out. But, even if she were here, he soberly remembered, she couldn't be a part of this. She would find out about the deal Skinner had made in his place. It would probably turn her from both of them. He shook his head and moved on to the last ten papers in the file. They appeared to be test results of a different kind. "Well?" Skinner asked, peering over at the file. Mulder shrugged, "You've got me. Scully would probably be able to figure this out in a heartbeat." "Agent Mulder..." Skinner cautioned. Mulder raised a hand, "I know, Sir. I know." He sat for a moment. The Gunmen. They would be able to figure this mess out. He'd take this to them. "I have some sources that could anylize this..." "Then by all means, do it," Skinner advised. "Can I take the disk?" he tried. He really wanted to see what was on that disk. Skinner shook his head. "I can't do that, Agent Mulder. Until we figure out exactly what this information is, I can't turn that disk over to anyone." Like Tess would give it to you in the first place, the little voice in the back of his head reminded. Mulder nodded in understanding. He was disappointed, but would proceed with what he had here. "I'll get right on this," Mulder said. "I'll let you know as soon as I get any results." "Thank you, Agent Mulder." Skinner concluded, standing and turning towards the door. "Sir..." he began, causing Skinner to stop and turn back to face him. "This may be the weapon with which we can destroy Them." "Or not, Agent Mulder," Skinner flatly returned, "It could be the weapon with which we destroy ourselves...and take Agents Scully and Duffy with us. Guard this carefully...and keep the optimism to a bare minimum." "Yes, Sir," Mulder returned, properly put in his place. He watched as Skinner left the office, listening as the door shut with a resounding finality. XXXX Skinner had returned to his office to find he'd been summoned into a meeting with the State Department about another totally separate matter. By the time he'd gotten out of the meeting, it was 4:30. He was due to pick Tess up in Bethesda by five. With traffic and such, he would be late. After calling the Clinic to advise them he would be a bit late, he grabbed his lap top and left his office. He rode the elevator down to the lower levels of the subterranean parking garage and stepped off. Quitting time was five p.m., so the garage was filled with cars, but not people. He walked to where he'd parked his dark gray Crown Victoria, on the far side of the garage. As he approached the car, he smelled cigarette smoke. "Mr. Skinner," began an all-too-familiar voice. He turned, instinctively, towards the shadows. "What do you want?" "I think you know," Cancerman began, carefully stepping forward, but not completely out of the shadows. Skinner closed his eyes. The disk. Of course he knew about it. Cancerman spoke again. "I want that disk, Mr. Skinner." "And if you dont get it?" Skinner asked, already knowing the answer. "It would be a shame for Agent Scully to stop receiving treatment so close to it's completion," he simply said, then added. "And then of course, there's Agent Duffy. Such a tragedy for someone so young to have so little time left." "You son of a bitch," Skinner hissed. "I want the disk, Mr. Skinner...or there will be no more treatment, for either woman." "I'll need time..." he said. "You have until tomorrow. Contact me then..." Cancerman said, stepping back into the shadows. Skinner stood next to his car, holding the key in his hand. He heard the old man's footsteps retreating out of the garage. "Now what are you going to do?" his mind raged, as he got into the car. "Tess will not give up that disk...not knowing what it could possibly contain. But if she doesn't give it up, she'll die. Agent Scully will very likely suffer a return of the cancer that the treatment had so greatly reduced. So...what are you going to do now?" Skinner started the engine and sat for a moment, hands gripping the steering wheel, eyes closed. He wasn't sure what he would do. Sure, he could just take the disk from Tess, or more likely, fight her for it. He would probably win if the battle got physical. But what would that solve? Cancerman would have the proof of what he, Mulder and Tess all knew. He couldn't trick Tess into giving up the disk, she was way too smart for that. With a gnawing dread, he realized there was only one alternative. Tell her the truth. Let her decide. That was what he would do, tonight. XXXX By the time Skinner arrived at the McLaughlin Clinic, it was nearly six p.m. There were very few cars left in the parking lot and upon entering the lobby, he could see that there were very few staff still on duty. He stopped at the desk, where an older woman sat. "Can I help you?" she smiled. "I'm here to pick up Teresa Duffy," he began, holding up his ID. The woman scanned the contents of the small leather case and smiled again, "Certainly, Mr. Skinner. She's waiting for you. Are there any questions before you go back?" He nodded, "How did it go?" The woman scanned a file in front of her. "She seems to be tolerating the medication. As is expected with such a large dose, she had quite a bout of nausea and vomiting. She complained of pain in her joints and the burning feeling beneath her skin..." the woman recited. "But, she finally dozed off around 4:30. She's been asleep since then. Go on back. If you need anything, just call." "Thank you," he returned, then walked through the double doors to the treatment rooms. The lights were off in five of the six cubicles. As he approached, he could see Tess, sitting in the large leather recliner which sat next to the hospital bed. She was alone. She must've sent Scully home, he thought. "Tess," he began, stopping at the front of the room. He was surprised at the change in her appearance from this morning. Her skin was very pale and her eyes had a hollow look to them. She sat in the chair, not with her normal, upright posture, but with the caving-in look of one who was exhausted. "Hey," she smiled, tiredly. "I'm sorry..." he began, helping her up. She shook her head, "It's okay...I just woke up." "How did it go?" he asked, not letting on that he'd asked. She shrugged, as he helped her slip on her coat. "It went. I'm so tired..." "Come on, I'll take you home. Are you hungry?" he tried, then remember the nausea. "Actually, yeah..." she smiled again, trying to focus her eyes. They'd been mildly blurry all day. She meant to ask if that was from the tumor or the medication, but once she began to vomit, she'd forgotten all about her vision. "Do you feel up to going somewhere?" he asked, hoping she'd say no. She shook her head, "Think we could get take out?" He smiled, "I think we can manage." XXXX Skinner deposited the dirty paper plates and napkins into the trash can. They'd picked up a pizza on their way back from the clinic. Despite Tess' earlier nausea, she managed to eat a slice and drink a can of Coke. She was exhausted, but her spirits were still high. He was grateful for that. He'd been trying to come up with a way to broach the subject of the disk and Cancerman's deal and so far, hadn't been able to come up with much. He supposed he could just flat out tell her the truth, but in her weakened condition, he was afraid to do that. He smiled, knowing that if she heard him thinking of her like that she would be reaming him a new asshole. She didn't want to be spared from any detail of life, no matter how detrimental it could be. Tess liked to approach every situation with her eyes wide open and as much knowledge and background as she could. Her cancer was no different. She'd surprised him with the amount of knowledge she'd obtained on the subject. She handled it matter-of-factly, as if discussing someone else. That was Tess. Not that she couldn't lose control, she'd done that more than a few times since he'd known her. Hell, their whole relationship was a product of both of them "losing control." "Hey," Tess voice began from the doorway. "Did you forget about me?" He looked at her and smiled, closing the lid of the trash can. "Sorry...my mind was somewhere else...." She stood, supporting herself with the door frame. The dizziness she'd felt all day had subsided some, but she still couldn't walk too straight. "Are you ready for bed?" he asked, walking over to her. She smiled, "Is that all you think about?" He was caught off guard by her remark. "No.." he then laughed. "Very funny. Come on...I'll carry you up." "I can walk, Walter," she protested. "Yeah, but you want to get up there sometime before sunrise," he countered, lifting her into his arms. Her body hung tiredly in his arms, despite her protestations of not being tired. He carried her up the stairs and to his bedroom, where he gently set her on the bed. He then handed her the T-shirt she'd taken to sleeping in. "Need help?" "I think I can dress myself," she sniffed, her pride wounded by his prior action. "When you're settled, we need to talk," he began, wondering if he should bring it up now. He then realized that he had to bring it up now. There was no choice. Tess got changed as quickly as she could, then allowed him to help her slide under the covers. "Okay," she began, laying back against the pillows. "What do we need to talk about?" "The disk, " he began, waiting for, but finding no reaction in her eyes. "The Men I told you about last night..." he began. "The ones responsible for providing Dana's and my cure?" she asked, forcing her tired mind to remember. Skinner nodded. "They contacted me. They want the disk..." "Or?" she knew there had to be an "or". "Or they will withhold the treatment." He concluded. Tess expected as much. She was just surprised that they knew about it so fast. But, while she was laying on the treatment bed this afternoon, waiting for the burning to subside, she forced her mind to focus on coming up with a plan. She had this information and was not about to give it up. "So, how are you supposed to get the disk?" she asked, trying to be sarcastic. "Anyway I have to," he concluded. She nodded, "I need some time to think about it..." "Tess...there is no time," he cautioned. "When will you hear from them?" she asked, her mind racing with ideas. "I'm to contact them tomorrow..." he concluded. "Tell them you need more time...give me until the day after tomorrow to make my decision, okay?" she asked. "Tess, there is no decision..." he firmly said. "There is, Walter. And the decision, like the disk, is mine alone," she concluded. She'd come up with a plan, but would she be able to pull it off in a day? Hopefully, if the reaction to her medication wasn't as severe as it was today. "But, Tess," he protested. She held up a hand. "I don't care, Walter...buy me a day. I promise, I'll spend tomorrow thinking about it and give you your answer tomorrow night." He knew better than to argue with her. She'd made up her mind and that's all there was to it. He nodded, hoping that Cancerman would buy this bargain. "Come on....let's get some sleep," she said, patting the bed next to her. Skinner tiredly stripped off his clothes, then got into bed next to her. He reached over and turned off the light then lay back. Tess rested her head on his chest, her arm draped up and over his shoulder. He wrapped his arms around her and held her close, kissing the top of her head. There was nothing he could say to her, so he remained silent. Waiting and listening while her breathing slowed and she fell asleep. He envied her, knowing that he would not be able to sleep tonight. XXXX Upon arriving at his office, Skinner contacted Cancerman and explained the situation. The old bastard wasn't thrilled by it, but gave him until the next morning to produce the goods. Once that was accomplished, he felt himself relaxing a slight bit. He called home to see how Tess was making out and to tell her she had the additional time. She'd asked him to leave his lap top at home for her to use. He gave in, knowing he had a PC on his desk. She'd said she wanted to connect to the Internet and research some possible natural cures to her side effects. When he called home, the line was busy, so he assumed that she was connected to the Net. As he hung up the phone, it rang again. He lifted the receiver and placed it to his ear, "Skinner." He barked. "Sir, it's Mulder, can I see you?" Mulder's voice began. Skinner could tell by the tone of Mulder's voice that he was on to something. "I'll be right down." He replied and hung up the phone. Standing, he made his way out of his office and to the elevator. After riding down to the basement, he made a "Bee-line" to Mulder's office. "Agent Mulder," he began, entering the office. "Sir," Mulder said, trying not to smile. "I take it your sources came up with something?" Skinner asked, sitting down. "I'd say so," Mulder said, allowing the sarcastic smile to show. He handed Skinner a folder. "There's the laymen's terminology to all of those reports. We were right, the first ones were autopsy results. From the both the South Carolina and the New York trials. Apparently some of the children died before the Small Pox could hit their systems." Skinner raised a brow and Mulder explained. "The trauma of the multiple bee stings shocked their bodies to death," he spat, as if the words had a vile taste. Skinner winced, "anything else?" "In New York...some of the adults survived. Others took longer to show the effects of the small pox. My sources think that maybe some had been vaccinated or even that some may have a natural immunity. Apparently, there is a lot more to this report." Skinner nodded, "It's a fairly large file." "Here's the best part," Mulder continued, "The last few pages showed the trials on a antidote or vaccine for the strain of Small Pox they'd created." "A vaccine?" Skinner repeated. Mulder nodded, "Guess they have to protect themselves..." Skinner nodded, then spoke. "I had a visit from a mutual friend of ours last night." Mulder closed his eyes, Cancerman. "What did he want?" Skinner looked at him, as if to say, "What do you think he wanted?" "Or what?" Mulder asked, already knowing the answer. "Or he withholds treatment to both Scully and Tess," he concluded. "Son of a ..." Mulder hissed. "I'm to get the disk to him by tomorrow," Skinner continued. "How are you going to get it from Tess?" Mulder asked. "I don't know that I am," the older man honestly replied. "I told her everything..." Seeing Mulder opening his mouth in protest, he continued, "She knew half of it already, Agent Mulder. I wanted her to have my half, too." "Fair enough," Mulder acquiesced. "And what did she say?" "She said she needs time to think," he tiredly said. "She will give me her answer tonight." "And if she says no?" Mulder posed. Skinner's reply was flat, "I don't even want to think about it, Agent Mulder." XXXX Tess sat at the desk, watching the screen of the lap top, trying her hardest to focus her eyes. She'd felt better today, but was still nauseous and dizzy. Her vision didn't get blurry until she'd been working for a while. She hadn't eaten all day, she was too intent on her work, but her growling stomach made her aware that it was nearly six pm. Walter would be home soon. He'd called about an hour ago, to ask if she wanted him to bring dinner home. She agreed to Chinese and got him off the phone quickly. She pushed the small button near the disk drive on the lap top and the hard disk popped out. Tess smiled. It looked exactly like the real one. No one would ever know the difference. She turned off the computer, closed the lid and slipped the disk into the back pocket of her jeans. As she stood, the front door opened. "Hi," she smiled. Skinner entered carrying a large brown bag. "How do you feel?" he asked, noting that her skin had regained a bit of color and her eyes had some of their normal sparkle again. "Better," she smiled, taking the bag from him. "God that smells good. I'm starving." "Didn't you eat?" he asked, taking off his top coat. "The Doctor said..." "I wasn't hungry," she sheepishly said, carrying the bag to the kitchen table. "The thought of food made me nauseated..." "Well, I got your beef with snow peas and pork fried rice...are you sure you can handle it?" he asked, walking into the kitchen and pulling off his tie. She watched as he folded the tie and set it on the counter, then unbuttoned his collar. "Yeah...I think I can handle it." "I got WonTon soup, just in case," he instructed, unpacking the bag. Tess smiled,"You're turning into quite the Mother Hen." He rolled his eyes and set the containers on the table. "Did your friend agree to the time extension?" she asked. Skinner nodded. "I wasn't going to ask you for your decision until after we ate," he admitted. Tess reached into her back pocket and produced the disk. She held it out to him. "Here..." He took it, surprised at her action. "I couldn't do it to Dana, Walter," she said. "It doesn't matter what happens to me..but she's almost there..." "I promise you, Tess," Skinner said, his voice gravely serious, "You will continue your treament..." "I hope so," she smiled. "Don't worry," he simply said, having devised a few plans of his own, "You will." XXXX Skinner walked along the darkened shores of the Potomic. He hated this cloak and dagger stuff. It all seemed like something out of an episode of "Get Smart." But, he supposed it was necessary, and went along with it. He stopped, at the base of the Jefferson Memorial and turned up the collar of his overcoat. It was cold and damp and a fine drizzle had begun to fall. Why couldn't these exchanges ever take place on a nice, warm sunny afternoon? "Mr Skinner," Cancerman began, from behind. "Always from behind," Skinner noted, then turned to face the older man. "Do you have what I want?" Cancerman asked, dragging on his omnipresent Morely. Skinner nodded, holding up the disk. "Fine..." Cancerman smiled, reaching out. Skinner pulled the disk back, "Not so fast..." Cancerman glared at him. "We're going to do this on my terms this time," Skinner continued, with a voice of icy steel. "I don't think there's room for discussion," Cancerman simply said. "There is," Skinner smartly returned, "Now listen to me and listen good....this is how it will work...You will get your disk, but not tonight. Agent's Scully and Duffy will continue to receive their treatment as planned...no changes, no stoppages, no freak accidents. Once they have both been completely released from the active treatment, you will get your disk." "Mr. Skinner," Cancerman protested. "In case you've forgotten, I'm not stupid. I have ways of protecting my information," Skinner smiled evilly. The old man instantly recalled the Indian named Hosteen. Skinner had him translate the DAT tape and as the tradition of his tribe went, Hosteen had told twenty other men. Skinner had surprised the old man with his resourcefulness that time and the old man had nearly forgotten it. Cancerman angrily tossed his cigarette into the Potomic. "You win, Mr. Skinner. But don't think I will forget. I will contact you in one month, Agent Duffy's treatment will be completed by then. If you don't hand over the disk...no strings attached..." Skinner nodded, "There's no need to threaten me. I'll keep up my side of the bargain." Cancerman nodded, then sharply turned on his heel and walked away. Once the old man was out of sight, Skinner released the breath he didn't realize he was holding. He'd done it. He'd pulled it off and still had all of the information right in his hot little hand. Trying to contain the cockiness he felt, Skinner turned and walked away. XXXX Tess carried her duffle bag down the stairs of Skinner's apartment and dropped it next to the rest of her luggage. Although she'd felt better than she had in months, he'd insisted on carrying all of her luggage down to her car. She still could not believe that it had taken only a month to reduce her tumor. Growth had stopped completely and all side effects were gone. She'd gained back ten of the twenty pounds she'd lost. She knew she had to continue to take daily medication to keep the tumor at bay, but that medication was readily available and she could obtain it with no problems. Seeing the way Scully had recovered was truly inspirational to Tess. Dana had been out of treament for two weeks more than Tess and she'd resumed her normal life. It was now time for Tess to do that, too. "Everything's packed," she smiled, as he walked over to her. "Tess, are you sure I can't talk you into staying?" he asked. He'd gotten so used to having her around, he didn't want her to go. "Walter," she said, reaching out and taking his hand. "I need to get back to New York...I've got to get back to my life..." He nodded. "Hey," she smiled, "I thought we discussed this last night...." "We did," he said. "I just..." Emotions were not something Walter Skinner was used to displyaing. He wasn't sure what he wanted to say to her. The weaker part of him was telling him to beg her to stay, to plead with her, anything to keep her from walking out of his life again. He didn't want to think of the lonliness he'd feel once she'd gone. Instead, he remained silent, pulling her into his arms and kissing her passionately. She wrapped her arms around him and returned the kiss. She would miss him, a lot. They'd resumed their closeness in the time she'd been in DC, but she knew that returning to New York was best. She had her own life there. "I've got to get out of here," she smiled, "or I won't leave." "Can't say I'd complain," he lightly said, still holding her. "Walter..." she began, trying not to fill up with tears, "I know I said it all last night, but...thank you." "Don't thank me, Tess," he gently said. "You did it yourself." "Was your friend satisfied with the disk?" she asked again. He nodded. "I told you...he was very happy..." He'd met Cancerman this morning, in the garage below his apartment and handed the Old Bastard his prize. It killed him to give away all of the hard evidence of their heinous plan, but he couldn't sacrifice Agent Scully's or Tess' life for it. Tess smiled at his expression. She could read his thoughts."Walter...don't mourn that disk..." "But..." he began, "the information..." "Trust me, walter," she cryptically said, "All is not lost." "Teresa..." he sternly said. "What are you talking about?" to think. Let's just say that your friend will be in for more than he bargained for when he sees what's on the disk." "I'm not following you, Tess," he tiredly said. "Walter, the information is safe and sound...and the good guys won this battle..." she smiled, "Trust me on this one, okay?" XXXX Cancerman sat in the boardroom, confident that he'd scored a major coup. The Men of the Consortium sat around the large table, looking at him in expectation. "Gentlemen," he began, "I've got the disk. The last remaining evidence to our little failure." The Well Manicured Man spoke, "And you're sure that the information is all there?" "See for yourself," Cancerman said, popping in the disk. He clicked the mouse onto the file icon, then chose "read". After a moment, the directory tree appeared. He scanned it, noticing the titles. "See Gentlemen, each file is here..." "Let us see one," Well Manicured Man prompted. "If you wish," Cancerman smartly said, clicking on a file marked results.doc. The computer took a moment, then the screen went dark. Cancerman waited, growing slightly nervous. He was certainly not a frequent computer user, but he knew that files opened quicker than this. As he began to feel a cold nervousness, the screen flickered and turned white. He confidently turned back to the assembled men and smiled. Noting their grave expressions had not changed, he turned back to the computer screen. The white background was replaced with a vivid yellow background. Cancerman read the words written in bright red across the screen and felt a cold sweat begin to bead on his forehead. Again, the Well Manicured Man spoke, "Could you read that to us?" "It says," Cancerman began, his voice not showing a trace of the fear he felt, "You're screwed. Better luck next time. Tess Duffy." THE END--FOR NOW!