TITLE: Secondchance.com AUTHOR: The Fox E-MAIL: xmarksthespot8@hotmail.com SPOILERS: Perhaps up to season 7 RATING: PG-13 (language) CLASSIFICATION: M/S Case file DISCLAIMER: Now it's over, we can rummage around for scraps. SUMMARY: A case file in cyberspace. AUTHOR'S NOTE: This story was placed on the shelf for some time as RL just seemed to get in the way. The idea that I shared with Kimpa expanded into a plot for a story and ended up with two chapters that we wrote together. After that it sat around gathering dust again while RL intervened. I've picked it up again to make it possibly the last X-File story I write. The interest is waning since the series finished, well, really since all the re-runs ran out. Kimpa didn't mind me finishing this off on my own, so this is dedicated to you. Thank you for always being there. Thank you also to those constant readers who continued to travel with me on my journey thru the few stories I've written. Maybe I might take up a challenge or two in the future, who knows. Also a big thank you to Lisa who, even tho was not having the best of times like myself, still sent support and encouragement. I also cannot forget Teresa, who never failed to read all my stories (however late) and send feedback. Becks, I ain't forgotten you either! Thank you ladies. You've made this journey well worth the ride. Now, I hope this story shapes up to your liking! XXXXXXXXXX Secondchance.com by The Fox Prologue A gleam of light reflects onto the blade from the street lamp above, bestowing the knife with a surreal appearance. I rotate the knife in my hand to regard the streaks of blood along the serrated edge. This is the ultimate moment, the climax of my task. This is the time to contemplate my handiwork, to breathe in the scent of fear, death and above all power. XXXXX Chapter 1 Act 1 FBI Headquarters Hoover Building Washington D.C. Thursday morning "Hey, Scully!" Mulder pushed through the basement door; thick files stuffed under one arm and his briefcase in the other. Scully peered over her own file, one eyebrow arched at him. Her eyes shifted to the clock on the far wall. Ten eighteen. "You're late!" Mulder dropped the files onto the desk. A few papers slid out from their cover. His briefcase landed on the floor beside the desk with a dull thud. He glanced over his shoulder at Scully, with a feigned hurt look. "Well, good morning to you, too." "Where have you been?" "Out." Mulder collapsed into his chair, leaned toward the desk and switched on his computer. He felt a burning sensation fixed onto his forehead and raised his eyes to meet bright blue ones glaring back at him, eyebrow still arched. He exhaled in what seemed exasperation, but a grin threatened at the corner of his mouth and he leaned back in his chair, tapping a pencil lightly on the blotter in front of him. "Okay, Scully, stop looking at me like that." Scully closed the file she had been reading, placed it on her lap and folded her arms, all the while silent but not wavering the glare. "Scully..." he dropped the pencil. "Okay, I was checking the recent murders with VCU. You know, what seems to be looking more and more like a serial killer." "Mulder, that's not an X-File. Why would you even..?" Scully slammed the file on her desk, stood and strode over to stand in front of Mulder's desk, both hands on her hips, brows creased. "They asked you, didn't they? They asked you and you accepted! Mulder, after they used you last time, why would you even consider." Scully threw her hands up, tilting her head up to the ceiling as if all answers to life could be found within the ridges of the plaster there. "Scully, we haven't had a real case in a while and this has an element of mystery involved." "'Mystery', Mulder? Are you so bored that you have to see a mystery in a case that has nothing to do with the X-Files!" "Scully." "Mulder, I thought there was nothing more important that the X-Files to you." "That's not fair!" He pushed back from his desk and stood, looming over Scully. "The X-Files are important to me, but I do have other things that're important to me too, but I..." Mulder's eyes shifted to his feet and back up to focus on his partner again. Scully's brows relaxed, her jaw dropping slightly. "Mulder, you didn't go there voluntarily, did you? They requested you and went through Skinner, didn't they?" "Skinner couldn't get around it and it's only this one case. Doesn't seem too hard to profile." Mulder slumped back into his chair again, avoiding her scrutiny. "Fine!" Scully folded her arms again, returning to her own desk. "I suppose I'll finish all the paper work that's been piling up over the past few months. I was bound to be the one to finish them anyway!" Mulder cleared his throat. "You won't have time." Scully swung around to see a rather sheepish smile on Mulder's face. "What do you mean?" "I... er... I requested that you be with me on this case." "What?!" "That was my negotiation point to... er... Scully, you pissed at me?" The corners of Scully's mouth twitched and she turned to her computer screen trying to conceal the full-on smile forming. XXXXX Act 2 Apartment of Fox Mulder Thursday evening "They don't seem related, Mulder." Scully pushed the fourth file across the table next to the other pile, stretched her legs out in front of her under the table from her position on the floor and leaned back against the couch. Mulder had monopolized the entire expanse of the couch about an hour ago after recounting each detail he had learned about each victim and their lives that had been tragically cut short recently. When she didn't hear a response, she turned to look over her shoulder at the long form stretched out on the couch. His eyes were closed with one arm draped across his forehead. Asleep. Great. Scully sighed, moving her head from side to side trying to pop the tension building in her neck and shoulders. She jumped slightly as Mulder's fingers touched her neck and started to knead at the base and on her shoulder. "I thought you were asleep." Mulder's fingers continued to knead. "Just thinking." "Want to share with the rest of the class?" "Well." Mulder's fingers drifted along her shoulder. "I was thinking about what connection there might be between the victims." "And I said there didn't seem to be one." Scully added, peering over her shoulder again. Mulder's eyes were still closed, but his hand continued its adoration of her shoulder. "Well, I remember checking out the photos of each victim's apartment. Each had a personal computer that seemed to be used quite frequently. Maybe they belonged to the same chat room." "Chat room?" "Yeah." Mulder removed the arm from his forehead and looked at her with half closed lids, seeming oblivious to the kneading of his hand. "Maybe there's a connection there somewhere. You remember we've seen something like this before." "You're not expecting to see an X-File in this are you?" "No, but the connection may be similar. They may belong to the same chat room. Can we find that out?" "Sounds like one of your leaps, Mulder, but we can do that first thing tomorrow." Scully stretched her arms high above her head and stifled a yawn. "I'm beat." Mulder stilled his hand on her shoulder. "It's late; you can crash here tonight if you want. Take the bed." "Thanks Mulder." Scully stood, brushing her slacks down. "I think I'd like to take a long bath and sleep in my own bed tonight." Mulder continued to watch her from his position on the couch as she retrieved her coat from the rack. "I'll pick you up around 8 then." "Okay." Scully turned at the door. "I'll see myself out, thanks Mulder." "I knew you would." Mulder grinned from across the room. XXXXX Act 3 Apartment of Ms. Joan Halcott (deceased) Friday morning "Hey, Scully, check this out." Mulder held a print out from the computer for Scully to see. "These are some of Ms. Halcott's last saved entries into her hard drive." Scully scanned the sheet held in front of her. "So, your chat room theory seems like a viable lead?" "Scully," Mulder placed a hand over his heart. "You doubted the soundness of my theory?" Scully smiled in response, snatching the paper from Mulder's hands. "I'll check the readouts from the other victim's computers." "No," Mulder retrieved the paper, "I'll do that. I need you to..." "Go over the autopsies of the victim's?" It was Mulder's turn to smile. "Scully, our communication is downright spooky sometimes!" Scully motioned towards the apartment door. "Just keep me informed Mulder." She threw over her shoulder as she exited. Mulder turned back to the computer screen, then at the paper he held. "Secondchance.com. Let's see if this is worth exploring." He reached into his coat pocket, withdrawing his cell phone and punched in a speed dial. "It's me. Turn off the tape. Yeah, I need you guys to check something out for me." XXXXX Act 4 Diner on 23rd Street Washington DC Friday afternoon Scully choked on her sandwich, spluttering as she reached for the water glass. Mulder leaned over the table from his seat across from her and lightly patted her back, a slightly amused grin planted on his face. "You okay?" "Mulder..." Scully gulped two mouthfuls of water and coughed weakly before continuing. "You want me to what?" "It'll be similar to undercover work, Scully, but in cyberspace." "Why don't you discuss this with the detective in charge? I'm sure they'll place a capable candidate." "No, Scully, they won't have the right person." "Oh, and just how am I the right person? And how can you be so sure that the murderer is a member of this chat room?" "Trust me, Scully. When have my instincts ever been wrong?" Scully raised an eyebrow at him, remaining silent. Mulder shifted in his seat and carried on. "Well, hardly ever. Scully, I know he's there. I need to have someone who's not going to be entranced by him and to draw him out." "And how do you know I'm not going to be 'entranced', Mulder?" Scully urged, peering at him over her glass as she sipped water again, her throat still tingling. "You have more intelligence and common sense than most people I know, Scully. He won't fool you, but I need for you to string him along, get him to meet with you and then we'll nab him." "Bait." "What?" "I'm bait. Thanks Mulder, I think you've just wounded my intelligence." "Scully, that's not what I meant and you know it. I need to see how he works and you can relay all this to me. I'm certain he's preying on lonely hearts websites, this one in particular." *So now I'm a lonely heart.* Scully did not express this thought out loud. She took another sip of water and reached for her coat on the seat beside her, nodding her head as she did so. "Fine, Mulder. I have the website, I'll join the chat room tonight." "Great!" Mulder grinned up at her as she stood. "Let me know if you need any tantalizing words from my vocabulary to assist you!" "I'm sure I can handle this on my own. I have a lot more tantalizing words in my own vocabulary than you know!" Scully exited the diner leaving Mulder to ponder those parting words. XXXXX Fade-out Act Apartment of Dana Scully Friday evening Scully sat at her computer, both hands clasped together under her chin. She stared at the screen, the initial information for the chat room completed. Just a matter of pressing enter and the membership would be complete. Her index finger hovered above the key. She was unsure as to her hesitation, glancing at the telephone beside her and then shook her head as if to be rid of another thought. She depressed the key. "Welcome to Secondchance.com!" XXXXX To be continued... XXXXX Secondchance.com by The Fox Work is but a necessity. It provides me with funds for sustaining daily essentials but does not bestow me with any fulfillment. I am an average-looking person, who dresses in average clothes in an average job where I am successfully camouflaged during the daytime hours. The average Joe. No one sees me; no one cares. I live for the night when I can release the true me. The night is when my imagination can be unleashed. XXXXX Chapter 2 Act 1 Apartment of Dana Scully Friday Evening Scully immediately entered a chat room named "Thirty-something Singles" remembering that all of the victims had be in their mid to late 30's. She sat for a moment in the midst of the rapid-fire conversations of singles engaged in this new and strange cyber-mating dance. There had to be about 20 people in the room and at least 10 different conversations going on simultaneously. Scully decided to absorb the vibe of the room for a while, trying to quickly learn the lingo and the group dynamic. How did I let Mulder talk me into this, she thought as she debated the best way to throw herself into the frenzy of conversation that was flitting over her screen. Before she had scrounged up the courage to jump in with both feet someone noticed her first. Hey FoxyRed! Welcome! Why don't you tell us about yourself? Hi! I'm a SWF 35 in the DC area. Anyone from the DC area out there? I myself am a SWM from deep in the heart of Texas! Several SecondChancers responded affirmative including someone who called himself or herself Crowe'sFoot.. So do you call yourself Red for a reason? And are you really Foxy? Scully could hear the leer through the screen! Well I actually have red hair. That's where the red part comes from. And as for Foxy? I'd like to think so but you would have to be the judge of that. So are you red haired all over or are you the product of the bottle? Scully had been using Clairol for years but wasn't about to admit that to this bunch of lonely strangers. Well a lady has her secrets and this might have to be one of them. There's really only one way to find out and only a few have been given the privilege. Scully cringed even as she hit the enter key. She sounded ridiculous and she knew it. Where were the witty comebacks when she needed it?? She was floundering. *bling* Various conversations continued around the "room." Groups of 3 and 4 people immersed in their own private world of flirtation and cyber-lust. Hey Rob she sounds like she's the real thing. Feisty!!! You know how those red heads are!! Rob??? Ok, Crowe's Foot must be Rob. That's just how I like them, feisty. So Red, how can someone earn the privilege of finding out for sure?? I'm in Virginia right outside of DC. Whoa there boy! I'm not THAT feisty! Besides I don't think you're ready for the challenge! Michael I think I'm in love, man! You know how I feel about a challenge! A definite hottie! So what do you look like Ms. Foxy? Gentlemen, I think you underestimate this lovely Irish Rose. I believe that our FoxyRed maybe of a superior quality and refinement. Scully's eyebrow headed toward her hairline as she read the last entry. Maybe it was his formal way of addressing the group. Maybe it was his assumptions about her Irish heritage. Maybe it was the use of the word refinement. Or a combination of it all that sparked her interest but whatever the reason, she was intrigued. Allow me to introduce myself, as my moniker states, I am known as Rev1311 but most people just call me Rev. Hi Rev. Nice to meet you. You can call me Red. Uh oh Rob, it sounds like someone is moving in on your territory. Scully bristled at someone referring to her as if she where property! This was probably why Michael and Rob were sitting in the chat room! Believe me the pleasure is all mine... So, Rev how did you make out with that honey from Philly? I haven't seen her around lately?? As you know gentlemen, if something were to have occurred I am not the type that would divulge this information to you. It would be disrespectful and crass. And as you gentleman can see we are in the presence of a lady. Scully's interest in the mysterious Rev. increased ten-fold. This was not the usual, run of the mill cyber-Romeo. Rev definitely warranted closer inspection. Ah c'mon Rev! You know I didn't mean anything by it. It's just that she sounded so ... nice? So you're from the Philadelphia area Rev? Let's just say that my job takes me around the country a bit but particularly the east coast. Oh? What do you do Rev if you don't mind my asking? Oh he's in big time law enforcement. Some kind of super FBI kinda guy. Yeah the streets are safer with Rev1311 out there. Let's just say I take my job seriously.... Scully had to smile at that one. This Rev reminded her of own partner; a man who took his job seriously. Probably took it all too seriously. Just like her Mulder. Scully shook her head to clear it of all the "her Mulder" silliness. Mulder could and would never be her anything except her "work" partner. But still, even if this whole Secondchance.com thing turned out to be a bust, it was possible that she could make a friend out of this. Maybe there was more to these chat rooms than she had thought. What was Mulder always saying about "infinite possibilities"? Maybe Rev was a possibility.... XXXXX Act 2 Apartment of Fox Mulder Friday evening Mulder surfed through the channels, settling on a documentary on forensic science. He glanced at the phone then turned back to the television. He tried to concentrate on the DNA sampling being performed on the screen but his mind kept returning to Scully's words as she left the diner earlier. He considered what tantalizing vocabulary she had in her repertoire, smiled and reached for the phone. He dropped the receiver, reconsidering. She had called herself bait and in a sense she was just that. Perhaps she was pissed at him for once again drawing her into another extremely uncomfortable situation. He knew she would never refuse him and he played on that too many times. He should not have risked her in this situation but the thought of cyber-hunting a criminal seemed new, exciting and yet safe. He picked up the receiver and pressed the first speed dial. Fuck the assignment. He would apologize to Scully and have someone else as bait. Bait. He cringed at the thought of her word. She'd been hurt and he'd just joked. God, he could be such an asshole! "Hello?" "Hey, Scully." "No, Mulder." "No? I haven't asked anything." "Whatever it is, the answer is no." "Scully, what do you think I'd ask you at..." he paused to check his watch, "...at 9pm?" "Check a file? An autopsy? Do your overdue report? Fly to Timbuktu? How about..." "Ok, ok." Mulder had to tread carefully. "I was actually calling because..." "How about bait?" Scully cut in. Ouch. "Ok Scully, you got me. I'm sorry. I called to apologize for being a jerk and shouldn't have assumed you to intercept this guy. I should never put you at risk like that and I was only thinking of catching this guy regardless of how. But you know, I did call to see if you..." Mulder realized he was talking on his own. By now, Scully would have intervened. "Scully?" "Hmmm?" "Are you okay? Have you been listening to me?" "Yeah, I heard you. You're a jerk and you're always putting me at risk." Again, ouch. "Geez, Scully, you only hear the bad parts." "Was there a point to this call, Mulder?" "I was apologizing." Mulder waited for a response but could only hear her shallow breathing in his ear and a faint tapping. She was probably at her laptop. "Scully? I said I was apologizing." "Mulder, you always apologize and then you go and do the same things over again." "But I apologize so well and bring the best pizzas." "It's late." "It's never too late for pizza." "Extra cheese." "Of course." "And mushrooms." "Don't push it." "Mushrooms." "Okay. I'll be there in half an hour." XXXXX To be continued... Secondchance.com by The Fox I realize I am salivating. The blade is still warm and the touch of it against my tongue is invigorating. The taste is inexplicable. It is everything of which was the life I have taken. It is rich, luxuriously rich and so satisfying. XXXXX Chapter 3 Act 1 Apartment of Dana Scully Friday evening Mulder balanced the pizza box in one hand and holding the 6 pack of beer in his other, stood outside Scully's door. He raised the hand holding the pizza, lowered it, then raised the hand with the beer, sighed and leaned against the doorframe. He could knock with his head but short of a concussion, he didn't think it would look very smooth at all. He decided to move the six-pack under his arm and knock. There didn't seem to be any response to his first rapping. Could she have fallen asleep within the half hour it had taken him? He knocked again, slightly harder and waited. He couldn't hear any movement coming from within but just as he was about to set the beer down and rummage around for his keys, a faint tapping caught his attention. So she was on the laptop, probably engrossed in some article on forensics or wrapping up another report. She was so goddamned efficient sometimes, it drove him nuts. A slight smile formed but then faltered as he realized that she could still be checking the chat room. Could she still be chatting? Surely it had been more than an hour? Could she be so absorbed in it that she wouldn't hear him knocking? This time, becoming impatient, he pounded harder than he anticipated. "Scully?" The sound of papers rustling. "Scully, are you okay?" "Umm, Mulder. Yeah, hold on." Relief washed over him as he heard her reply and he returned to leaning against the doorframe to wait. Scully's slight frame appeared at the door in a large white robe. Perhaps Mulder was mistaken, but he thought there was a slight flush to her face. "Did I get you out of the tub?" "No, I've been... finishing reports." "Ah..." Flushed from reports. Right. Scully stepped aside, allowing him to enter. "I hope there's extra cheese and mushrooms on that." "Ask and you shall receive." Mulder set the pizza box on the kitchen table and proceeded to the fridge where he placed four of the six-pack on a shelf, grabbing two bottles in one hand and turned to see Scully hurriedly tapping at the keyboard of her laptop. He skulked behind her. "What's that?" Scully physically jumped in her chair, fingers hovering over the keys. "Finishing up surveillance." "Surveillance?" "You asked me to join." "Oh..." Mulder leaned closer to the screen over her shoulder. "Secondchance.com. Ooo Scully, you being nasty?" "Doing what you asked." "Use any tantalizing words?" Mulder grinned from ear to ear. "I can help with that, you know." "I'm perfectly capable, Mulder. I've actually started making contact already." "Yeah? Anyone interesting?" "As a matter of fact, yes." Scully stood, smiled knowingly and virtually slunk into the kitchen, swaying her hips more than usual. Mulder's first thought: shit. XXXXX Act 2 Apartment of Dana Scully Friday evening "So Scully, what's the deal?" Mulder wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. "Are you going to tell me about this interesting person or what?" Scully reached over and wiped the tomato paste from the back of Mulder's hand then placed it into his palm, possibly for later utilization. "Well, there are three so far that I've made contact with. Two of them are the usual macho-types." "'Usual'? Scully, have you been existing in another realm?" Mulder waggled his eyebrows. "Are you one of those closet chat room babes?" "Mulder," Scully rolled her eyes, gulping down a mouthful of beer, "Unlike you, I don't usually occupy my time in chat rooms." "I don't frequent places like that." "Right." "Well, maybe once." Scully blinked, not smiling. "Okay," Mulder grinned sheepishly, "maybe twice. I swear." "Mulder, what you do in your spare time is your business." "Scully, my spare time is basically spent with you or at the office." "True, but there are occasions that you have to yourself. Some days even when you go off on your own." "C'mon Scully. Don't use that against me. You know I always tell you where I go." "After you get back." "That's not true." "Or if you get into trouble." "Scully..." "But your own time has nothing to do with me." "Scully, can we get back on track here?" Mulder didn't like the way the conversation was curbing toward him. Why did this woman have the power to make him squirm this way? Scully seemed to be in thought for some time, tracing the drops of condensation on the side of the bottle. "Scully?" "Well, as I was saying..." She didn't look up. "Those first two guys seemed harmless, just very *male*." She glanced up to gauge Mulder's reaction. He kept his mouth shut but she was sure he was definitely commemorating all this to his eidetic memory. "Then..." she continued, "there was another man that entered the chat room. He seemed very intelligent and even charming." "Charming?" "Yes. There are charming men out there Mulder." "You mean I'm not the only one?" Scully began to clear away the remainder of the pizza, her peripheral vision focused on Mulder. "Scully?" "That's it." "What do you mean 'that's it'?" "I mean just that, Mulder. I'll try again tomorrow night." "He could kill someone in that time." "And he also may not be the killer. I can't just jump into something. Besides, I don't think he works that way. I think he probably takes his time to win over his victim." "Is he?" "Is he what?" "Winning you over?" "I was analyzing, Mulder. I didn't mean me per se." "Could he?" "Could he win over his victims? Yes, this man is very suave and somewhat sophisticated and knows exactly what to say and when to say it." "Sounds like he has already." "What?" "Won you over." XXXXX To be continued... Secondchance.com by The Fox Selection is critical to my creative abilities. Expressive eyes are the key. They say that the eyes are the mirrors to the soul. I truly believe in this. I like to watch the pain, the horror, the fear, life draining away and then the final moment of death. All of these emotions depicted in the eyes of my prey. Eyes are important to me for this particular reason. XXXXX Chapter 4 Act 1 Saturday morning Apartment of Dana Scully Eyes. She could see eyes. Eyes burning into her very thoughts. They saw everything she felt. This made her feel uncomfortable, yet slightly invigorated, delighted... maybe even... aroused? If only that church bell would stop ringing to remind her she should be embarrassed not brazen. Why should she have to be Ms. Ice maiden? Sometimes it felt good to be watched, noticed. Why wouldn't those damn bells stop? Bells? Church? Church bells? "Mmph." Scully opened her eyes to find herself in bed, on her stomach, face almost submerged into her pillow. It was still dark. Bells? Damn phone. Through bleary eyes she read the luminescent numbers on the clock as 5.10. AM? Shit. "Scully." "Were you asleep?" A long sigh escaped her lips. "Mulder, what else would I be doing at this hour?" "Downtown with me." "Mulder..." "There's another victim. Looks the same." "Can't it wait a couple more hours?" "Scully, I've already been here an hour. The body's gettin' cold." "Mulder, it's not going anywhere." "Great. See you in 20." "Mulder, no..." She spoke to the signal that advised her the other end had hung up. "Shit." She returned the receiver and let her head hit the pillow. "Why do I let him get to me?" Her muffled voice cried out. "Why? Why?" XXXXX Act 2 Apartment of Ms. Kathleen Biggs Saturday morning "Check this out, Scully." Mulder waved a computer printout in front of him. Scully glanced around from the photographs adorning the deceased woman's walls, not really seeing him. The photographs were possibly friends and family. She wondered how a person who seemed so popular would even consider frequenting a chat room. Loneliness came in many forms even with friends and family. "Hellooooo Scully. You there?" Scully mentally shook herself, taking in the piece of paper Mulder was holding. "Another chat room member?" "Yeah. Scully are you okay?" "I'm fine Mulder." Scully clutched the printout to get a better view. "The same one?" "So it seems. He always takes them into alleyways for attack and disposal." "Habitual?" "Convenience too." "How so?" "It's cover for him and the body won't be discovered for a while." "He wants it to be discovered." "Of course. He wants the world to see what he can do." "But why lonely hearts? Why not anyone off the street?" "Maybe it's the chase. Maybe part of a power game. Maybe he believes he's doing them a favor." XXXXX Act 3 Apartment of Dana Scully Saturday evening Scully sat by her computer, staring at the screen again. She needed to draw the killer out but she wasn't so sure that she'd found him. 'Rev' didn't seem psychotic, in fact she found herself slightly attracted. Maybe it was one of the other two that had drooled their virtual tongues at her. She was still hesitant to enter the chat room again yet strangely compelled to. Just as she was about to enter her password the phone shrilled, making her jump, fingers retreating back from the keys. "Scully." "What are you wearing?" "Mulder not now." "Busy?" "Yes as a matter of fact." "Do you want extra cheese on your pizza?" "Mulder, I said not now." "How about in an hour?" "Mulder what part of 'I'm busy' don't you understand?" "You know you want pizza." "No thank you." "C'mon Scully. I'll let you choose the video." "Mulder, some other time." "You really are busy?" "Is that so hard to believe?" "Well... no." "Goodbye Mulder." She didn't catch the last comment as she cut him off. Why was it so implausible for her to have a life beyond him, beyond the Bureau, beyond the endless cases? She was still relatively young and there were some people that thought she was attractive. She depressed the enter key. "Welcome back FoxyRed!" There were quite a few conversations going on like before, some she thought that would make even Mulder blush. Hey Red! Where you been hidin darlin? Hi. I just had time to drop by tonight. You kinda left us all of a sudden the other night. Well things happen. Darlin if you were here things would REALLY be happening. ALL THE TIME! ;) Michael man you're too much! You'll scare her off again. I don't scare you do I Red? I've heard worse. Do tell! Has Rev been around lately? Now what would you want with a boring fart like that when you could have a much better time with us? *bling* The Irish Rose has bestowed us with her presence I see. Aw shit now where did you come from? Obviously just in time to save this poor woman from your crassness once again. Scully smiled. She certainly liked the idea of being an 'Irish Rose' especially when no physical appearance could be detected. Hi Rev. So you believe I need saving? I can handle myself. I'm sure you can dear lady, however I believe that crassness has its time and place. I am under the impression that you are far above the likes of these two and should be treated accordingly. Where do you get off Rev? Don't worry Michael I see Lovebug in a separate chat. Good one Rob. Later Red when you get sick of all that formal crap. Adieu and farewell brothers. So little Irish Rose, where have you been? How do you know I'm Irish or even 'little'? I know a lot about you. How can you? Let's say I have a gift for that sort of thing. You can tell what I look like just by reading my words? Writing can be very intimate. What do you mean? You can tell a lot about a person by the way they write. When you can't see the other person sometimes you lose your inhibitions and you can free your mind to be whoever you want to be. Scully felt her cheeks become warm. She was sure a flush was rising from her neck. Why did that make her feel embarrassed? It was much like her dream had made her feel. So how do you think you know so much about me? Red obviously was chosen due to either your liking of the color or your auburn locks. If I am correct in this observation then this could also mean that you are of Irish decent. I can also tell that you are well educated and very confident in your manner. Scully felt the flush increase. Are you a psychiatrist? I've dabbled. Dabbled? I thought you were in law enforcement? Those gentlemen believe what they want to believe. What is your line of work Red? Scully hadn't even thought about that one. I'd like to keep that a mystery. She gave herself a mental pat on the back. Ok. We shall keep our own opinions of the other's line of work then. I see you as a top executive though, the power play is a skill of yours but I also see the need to help others. How do you see all that? I see that I have assumed at least some things correctly. It's a talent I have. But I also believe that it's all to do with a connection. A connection? Yes. Sometimes you can just feel a connection with someone. Do you believe that? Scully found herself almost mesmerized by these words. Perhaps connections like that did exist. Physical appearances were sometimes deceptive. She was a believer in words and so was this man. He certainly had her interest piqued. Yes I believe I do. XXXXX To be continued... _________________________________________________________________ Secondchance.com by The Fox I do not hunt directly near my home or office but there is no need for me to travel far for prey is plentiful in this concrete jungle where I am free to roam, stalk, hunt and feast. XXXXX Chapter 5 Act 1 Fox Mulder's apartment Saturday evening The two hundredth and seventy-fifth raindrop to make a trail down the windowpane was the very last he could take. Mulder tapped the glass with his index finger then fell back onto the couch. Watching the television upside down was also not making any difference to his boredom. The clock was not going any faster either, even upside down. He twisted his body around to mould himself into his usual spot but was just not comfortable. Mulder glanced toward the phone. No. He was not going to call again. She said she was busy and he should respect that. She said she was busy. A date? Scully? Well it was plausible and he knew it. She had the right to have a life away from him. He knew only too well how attractive she was. Maybe it wasn't a date. Maybe she was just tired. Maybe she was washing her hair. Maybe. Shit. He gave himself a mental shake and slid across the couch. The phone rang once, twice, three times. She probably took a bath. Four, five, six times. She probably went out. "You've called Dana Scully, please leave a message after the tone." Beep. Beep. Beep. Mulder hung up without leaving any message. He should leave her alone. He should. XXXXX Act 2 Dana Scully's apartment Saturday evening Mulder killed the headlights before approaching Scully's apartment. He stopped on the other side of the road but if she was near the window, her keen sense might notice his car. Why didn't he just pull up in her parking lot? Because he was snooping, that's why. He felt guilty about checking up on her but he couldn't shake this feeling he had that something was wrong. The lights were on in her apartment. He was sure that he could see her figure sitting at the table. Everything seemed okay. For the next five minutes he sat staring at her window. She didn't seem to move at all. Everything seemed okay. She wasn't moving. Nothing appeared to be wrong. Why wouldn't that damned feeling go away? He usually went with his gut instincts. He sat in the car for a while gathering his courage. XXXXX Act 3 Dana Scully's apartment Saturday evening Scully sat back from the computer to take a breath. Wow. The guy was good. He certainly had a way with words and she was definitely in awe. He made her feel... feel what? Perhaps that was just it: feel. He made her feel. She certainly felt special and definitely feminine. She had blushed several times during the conversation. She checked the clock. A very long conversation. She hadn't felt like this in a long time. It was always work. Always on the go. Always having to think of others. Always Mulder. A small gasp escaped her lips when three hard raps to the door awoke her from her reverie. Damn. All she wanted to do now was to take a nice long bath and let all the words sink in with the warmth and bubbles. Three more raps, more insistent this time. She was now becoming irritated for being disturbed from her private moment. Without checking the peephole, as she was usually pedantic about, Scully opened the door a crack, leaving the chain attached. Mulder's face appeared from around the corner. "Hey Scully." "Mulder what are you doing here?" "Can't you smell it?" "What?" Her brows knitted together in complete puzzlement. "What are you talking about?" A flat cardboard box drifted back and forth atop Mulder's hand in front of the door. Pizza. "Mmmmmm Scully." "No Mulder." "Scully how can you turn up pizza?" "It's late and I didn't ask for any." "It's your favorite." "Mulder, do you have any idea what time it is?" "That's never stopped us before." "Go home Mulder." "I can't eat this by myself." "Then you shouldn't have bought it. Go home." "Scully... c'mon..." "Mulder I'm tired and I don't want to talk shop." "Who said we were going to?" "Mulder, we always talk shop. Go home." "You really don't want any pizza?" "No, I don't." She was definitely not releasing the chain on the door to allow him entry. He pursed his lips in thought for a moment then seemed to concede defeat. "Okay, sorry I bothered you then. I'll see you Monday morning." Scully watched as he turned on his heels and sauntered toward the elevator. The door snicked shut against her weight, her head heavy against the wood. Why did he have this ability to make her feel this way? Damn him. She unfastened the chain, swung open the door and leaned against it. "Mulder that pizza better not have anchovies on it." Mulder's finger paused just before depressing the elevator button. He turned to see Scully standing by the door with her arms crossed. It was hard to tell whether she was particularly annoyed or definitely pissed off. "No anchovies. And no shop talk, I swear." XXXXX Act 4 Dana Scully's apartment Late Saturday evening "So Scully," Mulder leaned back against the couch, "did you go out before?" "When?" "Earlier this evening." "Why?" Hmmm. Evasive. "I called and you didn't answer." "Then I must've been out." "What'd you do?" Scully arched her eyebrow at him. "Mulder why do I get the impression you're grilling me?" "Me?" He placed a hand over his heart. "Scully, why would I do that?" "Exactly. Where I go and what I do in my own time is my business." Mulder set his half empty beer bottle on the table. "Sorry for intruding." There it was again. Damn him. "Mulder..." "I wasn't prying Scully, I was just... worried." Well, he had been. That and lonely but he wasn't about to admit that. "Mulder, I'm perfectly capable of looking after myself." She leaned forward on the couch and squeezed his hand. "Thank you for your concern though." A heavy silence followed until Mulder noticed the computer. "Did you come up with any leads?" "What?" Scully frowned. "What leads?" Mulder nodded toward the computer. "Mulder, no shop talk, remember?" He nodded, reaching for his jacket on the floor. He shrugged into it as he headed for the door. "Thanks for the company Scully. I'll see you Monday." "Mulder..." "Sorry I kept you up so late." He reached the door. "Mulder?" "Yeah?" "Thanks for the pizza." "Any time Scully." XXXXX Fade-out Act Fox Mulder's car Early Sunday morning Something was wrong. Something was definitely wrong. Mulder clutched the steering wheel as he stared at Scully's window, at her shadow silhouetted in the light. He knew that he wasn't the best of company at most times but she had never shut him out completely before. The fact that she hadn't released the chain in his presence was certainly evidence of that. They practically watched the movie on television in silence. He couldn't even recall what had been on. It hadn't seemed like Scully at all. She wouldn't talk to him. She had shut him out. XXXXX To be continued... Secondchance.com by The Fox I had the privilege of witnessing the final trickle of life drain away from those clear blue eyes. The fear that I witnessed was displayed only for me. The only witness to the final act of life. That feeling is exhilarating! XXXXX Chapter 6 Act 1 Caf Vertigo Washington DC Sunday afternoon What on earth was she doing? This wasn't like her at all. She was usually very practical and used common sense. Always. This was different. He was different. She felt compelled to be here even though they had met on-line and only a few days ago. She had been attracted and now curious to know this man in person. It was unusual for her to even be placed in a situation like this and yet she couldn't stop herself. A little embarrassed about arriving early, she sipped her water, tentatively watching the pedestrians passing by the window. "You're even more lovelier in person." She was slightly startled, yet quickly placed at ease when he took her hand in his and gently kissed the back of her hand. "And such beautiful red hair." And he was even more charming in person... XXXXX Fade-out Act An alleyway Washington DC Dusk Sunday The skin is still warm to the touch but has now paled somewhat. The eyes, those beautiful blue eyes, the windows to the terrified soul, are now glazed and filling with the droplets of rain starting to fall from the dark, pregnant sky. The alleyway is quiet and obscure, away from prying eyes, a short distance from the city and my home. I never feel the need to wander far. An abundance of prey is here for the selection. I turn into the predator, the hunter. I enjoy the hunt and of course the kill, but most of all the power. The power of taking a life. It overwhelms my senses and is a feeling like no other. The sensation of power, the power that is in my own hands. I need to focus on the remaining task, to dispose of the body, but not quite discreetly. My handiwork should be discovered so that the world can admire the precision to which the incisions were made. To see the obvious attention I have placed with each slice of the blade. XXXXX To be continued... Secondchance.com by The Fox I lightly graze my fingers over each laceration to savor this moment, to revel in my power. Each cut has been made so precise, so lovingly like an artist that has completed a sculpture. My masterpiece. XXXXX Chapter 7 Act 1 An alleyway Washington DC Sunday evening Mulder's heart was pounding so hard and fast he could hear it in his head. It was drowning out all other thoughts as he ran from his car into the alleyway, almost tripping over the detective in charge. Panting, he fumbled for his badge to quickly thrust it in front of the detective's face. "Tell me." "Like I said on the phone, Agent Mulder, Caucasian female around 5'1", red hair, blue eyes. Similar pattern to the last..." He couldn't hear any more. Mulder headed toward the body bag they were loading into the back of an unmarked van. It took all the effort he could muster to even touch the zipper with his trembling hands, let alone pull back the black sheet. Time seemed to stand still. Every inch revealed a gruesome nightmare to add to his repertoire of bad memories. He hadn't realized he'd closed his eyes at the last moment. He opened them to the soft yet lifeless features of a woman that was still beautiful in death. He released the breath he had been holding. It wasn't her. It wasn't Scully. Thank God. He honestly felt pity and sadness toward the victim before him, but... It wasn't her. He let the sheet drape across the pale form once more and wiped the sweat from his brow. His hands were still shaking and he now needed to compose himself. Where the hell was Scully? She hadn't answered his calls and she hadn't been home all afternoon. The phone call he'd received not half an hour ago from the detective in charge of the investigation described the victim almost too like Scully and it damn near drove him over the edge. That gut instinct of his was going to drive him insane. XXXXX Act 2 Caf Vertigo Washington DC Sunday evening What the hell was she doing? This wasn't like her at all. She wasn't even fashionably late, which probably made her look over-eager. Shit. What would he think? Scully motioned to stand, her rear just lifting off the chair and then she planted herself back down again. This was ridiculous; she was a grown woman and could look after herself. She deserved a little adventure, a little time away from everything. Away from... everything. She felt compelled to be there. She felt compelled to meet this man. He was interesting and he was interested in her. She hadn't met a man as interesting as him since... well, since meeting Mulder. But Mulder was... different... and he wouldn't understand this. Hell, she didn't understand it herself. She continued to fiddle with the napkin on the table and the hem of her skirt. She almost knocked over the water glass when a figure approached the table beside her. "You're even lovelier in person dear lady." She felt her hand being touched and raised to a more than decent-looking face. His lips softly grazed the skin on the back of her hand, increasing her temperature almost immediately. She could feel goose bumps forming and almost too quickly retrieved her hand before an embarrassing flush could redden her cheeks. "May I sit?" She nodded seeing the approval in his eyes. "So, I can't keep calling you Red. What shall I call you?" "Dana." "Well Dana, it's certainly an honor to meet you. I'm Nathan." Scully could feel herself relax. This wasn't so bad after all. XXXXX Act 3 Dana Scully's apartment Sunday evening "Guys, cut the crap. Can you recover the last conversation on this damn thing or not?" Frohike's face appeared around the side of Scully's computer. "Are you sure the fair Scully would even be moonlighting in a chat room?" "It was actually undercover surveillance." "Right." Langly's voice came from under the table. "Now I've heard everything." "Mulder it's hard to believe you know." Byers handed a print out to Frohike. "We just can't imagine Scully chatting on one of those forums." "It was surveillance." "Right." Langly and Frohike in unison. Mulder jumped off the table in front of Frohike, who took a step back. "Just get the fucking data!" "Geez, Mulder." Langly bumped his head on the table as he crawled out from under the table. "Chill out, man." "You think Scully's been doin' the dirty on you?" "Frohike, what the hell are you talking about?" "You think she's been getting' jiggy with some guy on a chat room?" "Man, now that would be something I'd like to read!" "Shut up, Langly!" "Touchy, touchy." Frohike squinted up at Mulder. "You got it bad." "Got what?" "Shit, Mulder." Langly rubbed the bump forming on the back of his head. "If you don't know what you've got then you've got it worse than we thought." Byers snorted. He stifled it as Mulder's glare burned into the side of his face. "Well," Langly tapped on a few keys, "here we go. You ready Mulder?" Mulder leaned closer to the screen. "FoxyRed?" Frohike smirked. "She has a wild side we didn't know about." "Man." Langly leaned back from the computer. "Even Byers could get embarrassed reading this." Byers sniffed, trying to ignore the remark. Mulder was oblivious to their banter. He concentrated on the screen. Revelation1311? Rev. "Hey Mulder, for a preacher he sure lays on the charm real thick." "He's no preacher, Frohike. He's proclaiming." "Proclaiming what?" "His next victim." Are you game? Game? To meet. So soon? I feel like I know you very well. We have such a special connection, you and I. I'm not sure. You don't feel the connection? I would like to gaze upon the image that I've formed of you. I'm sure that you are a true Irish rose. Please bestow me this pleasure. All I am suggesting is to meet. Your image of me could be completely inaccurate. I've told you that I have a talent for this. I believe I'm correct. You're very confident. Because I know you. You only think that. I know you. Meet me Red. When? Tonight. We can even meet in a public place if it makes you feel more comfortable. Do you know Caf Vertigo in Rosslyn? No but I can find it. 8pm. I'm not sure if I'll be able to contain my anxiety. See you at 8. The pleasure will be all mine. Please don't tarry and cause me too much distress. Caf Vertigo. Bingo. Byers stepped in front of Mulder as he marched toward the door. "Mulder it may not be what you're thinking." "He's the guy." "You don't know that. He's just a suspect." "Suspect my ass! Scully was priming him." "Mulder don't let your personal feelings cloud your rational thought." "My pers...? I'm going on my gut instincts and they're usually right." "Are you? Mulder, stop and think." "Out of my way, Byers." "Mulder, you could make things worse especially if it's a real date. Be careful how you handle this." The glasses rattled on the sink from the slamming of the door. Byers shrugged at Langly and Frohike. Frohike sighed. "Ain't love grand." He scratched his barren head. "I think we should tag along just in case." "It's none of our business." "Yeah, as if that's stopped us before." "True." XXXXX Act 4 Caf Vertigo Sunday evening Mulder scanned the restaurant disregarding the waiter's protests. "Sir, if you just tell me..." "A redhead." "Sir, are you sure you're looking in the right establishment." Mulder produced his badge. "Was there a redhead in here around 8pm?" "There are a lot of redheads that come in here." Great. He scanned the interior of the caf one more time for good measure. No Scully. He checked his watch. 9.45. Shit. XXXXX Act 5 A discreet alleyway Sunday evening "I thought this was the way to your home?" Scully became aware of the darkened surroundings after they had walked for some time from the caf. "It is. Dana, you're not comfortable with me?' She met his gaze and instantly her fears seemed to dissolve and the tenseness she was beginning to feel relaxed again. "No. I'm... I'm okay." "Good. Just a little further." He took her hand and led her further into the shadows of the alley. He stopped just shy of a massive pile of trash. "What...?" "Shhh. You're so lovely, so sweet. So much life in your eyes. The perfect treasure." He lightly touched Scully's chin with his index finger then traced along her lower lip. The longer she looked into his eyes, the more at ease she felt yet his touch was like ice. In the far recesses of her mind she could hear her own voice cry out at the icy touch but could do nothing to prevent it. XXXXX Act 6 A street in Rosslyn Washington DC Sunday evening Mulder stood under the streetlight, turning left then right. Fuck! Where? Where? He was at a total loss, the adrenaline playing havoc with his senses. His knees buckled from under him and he dropped to the curb hugging his knees to his chest. His throat constricted, his stomach seized. He rubbed his face, trying to clear his thoughts. If he lost it now, it wasn't going to help Scully. Maybe Byers was right; it could just be a simple date. This guy Rev could just be another lonely heart. Maybe. Maybe not. Mulder sucked in a huge breath, looking up to the sky for answers. All thoughts stopped as he stared at a large billboard across the street. He stood on shaky legs, taking in all the buildings on both sides of the street. Why had his eidetic memory failed him? Was it the shock and overwhelming thoughts of Scully in danger? The street was familiar. Shit. Why hadn't he noticed sooner? He gave himself a mental slap and forced himself to move. The alleyway where the body was found that afternoon was less than a block away from where he had been standing. Mulder gripped the pistol, tightening his finger against the trigger as he closed in on the alleyway. He silently prayed to Scully's God that his assumptions were correct although he somehow felt that Scully was near. It was his gut instincts again. He'd better be right. He wouldn't want to sneak into the alleyway and just find some homeless guy taking a leak. As he neared, he could hear a soft voice repeating the same sentence over and over again. Just around one wall he focused in on shadows. One, maybe two, it was difficult to tell. Maybe they were standing close together mingling the shadows. Mingling. He gritted his teeth so hard that his jaw began to ache from the pressure. Something metallic glinted, perhaps reflecting from a distant light. XXXXX Act 7 Discreet alleyway Sunday evening He stared into the depths of those large blue eyes to catch the acknowledgement of what was happening, of the fear. This was his moment of the ultimate feeling of power. "You are so lovely. So sweet. So full of life." Scully blinked. Her mind screamed for her to move, to fight but she remained powerless against those eyes. A sole tear trickled down her cheek as realization settled in. "So lovely. So sweet. So full of life." A large knife came into view. She could not focus on it but could see it in her peripheral vision. The point pierced her chin as he traced along her jaw line. She could feel it trace down her throat, down along her breastbone and tickle just above her navel. "So lovely. So sweet. So full of life." With all the will she could summon, Scully closed her eyes against the touch. "No my sweet Irish rose. Open those doors to your soul." "The only doors you'll see are cell doors. Put the knife down. Now!" Nathan whirled around to see a man aiming a pistol directly at him. Rage swelled within him on this intrusion. He turned back to his present masterpiece. Her eyes were no longer upon him but on the intruder to their private moment. The fear that was recently within those blue pools was now longer evident. "No!" It was ruined. His divine moment was completely ruined. He raised the knife, screaming something unintelligible to Mulder's ears. Before the knife could strike home, a searing pain pierced his hand and the knife tumbled to the concrete. Nathan crumbled on the ground gripping his injured, bloodied hand tightly against his chest. Scully collapsed back against the wall, eyes still focused on Mulder as he lunged toward her. He gripped her arms to steady her but found her sobbing against him as soon as she was on her feet. He welcomed her trembling body and held her as she sobbed, kissing the crown of her head. "It's okay now Scully. It's all o... Shit!" Pain in his leg forced him to release Scully. He'd momentarily forgot the bastard on the ground and in that moment he had sliced into his right calf. Blood seeped through the cut in his trouser leg and double over agony, his ass hitting the concrete hard. Nathan took the opportunity to wield his knife again. Scully managed to wake from her stupor and scramble on the ground beside Mulder, searching for the pistol that she was sure she heard drop but couldn't see it in the shadows. Mulder watched as Nathan lunged toward him in a split second, knife diving toward his chest. A projectile seemingly came out of nowhere, striking Nathan on the side of the head, the force of the impact sending him flying back and dropping the knife once more. Mulder searched the shadows. Three figures he hadn't noticed before approached. "Man, how was that for a shot! I tell you it pays to have been a frisbee champion." "We're never going to hear the end of this one." Mulder grinned, despite clutching his leg. "Guys. I should kick your butts for being here but I'm glad you are." "Mulder," Frohike knelt beside his friend, "you ain't kicking anyone's butt for a while." XXXXX Fade-out Act Lone Gunmen's car Late Sunday evening "Mulder?" Byers checked on his companions in the rear view mirror. "Are you sure you don't want to ride in the ambulance to the hospital?" "No. I prefer this. Why, do you mind?" "Well," Frohike leaned against Mulder, "you're bleeding all over the interior." Mulder smirked. "Some friend you are. Ouch! Shit, Scully, will you stop that!" Scully finished tying another tourniquet around Mulder's leg. "I'm trying to stop the bleeding." She returned to her position beside Mulder, feeling his eyes on her. He smiled and in that smile she knew that he understood. She returned the smile. "So Scully," Langly leaned over the front seat, "you knew this Rev guy was the one you were looking for?" Scully lowered her head, wringing her hands in her lap, unable to answer. Mulder's hand covered hers. "Not a matter of knowing," Mulder answered on her behalf, "it was a matter of feeling." "What did the Rev stand for?" "Revelations 1311. Bible Revelations Chapter 13 Verse 11: 'And he performed great and miraculous signs.'" Scully stifled a sob. Mulder held her close, giving her as much reassurance as he possibly could with this gesture. Byers turned back to the road, momentarily embarrassed as if he'd intruded on some intimate moment. "He was probably believed that he was actually justified in murdering those women." "Because they were lonely?" "Maybe. I think he might even think that he was given a power and in believing that he felt like a God." "Those women were just lonely and gullible?" Mulder felt another sob from Scully against his chest. "Or maybe they just wanted to be noticed or appreciated. But this guy did have a type of power to say exactly what was needed or what these women wanted to hear." "But they were all beautiful women, Mulder." "Even beautiful women can be overwhelmed when they think they're not appreciated. Chat rooms can sometimes give them that appreciation." Mulder leaned down so that his lips were almost against Scully's ear. This was only for her to hear. "You are appreciated Scully. I'm sorry I didn't see it coming." XXXXX The End