TITLE: Red Curl
AUTHOR: MatineeMad
E-MAIL: matineemad@yahoo.com
DISTRIBUTION: Archive freely
FEEDBACK: Please!

RATING: PG
CATEGORIES: MSR, T, A
KEYWORDS: Character death, Mulder Angst
SPOILERS: None

SUMMARY: Scully is kidnapped but Mulder thinks she is 
dead. Can the Lone Gunmen put the pieces together?

Disclaimer: X-Files characters belong to FOX Corporation 
and 1013 Productions. 



Skinner rushed through the swinging doors. Standing in 
the outer waiting room were eight to ten FBI agents 
milling around, talking silently. Skinner approached a 
man who was giving orders to two others. "Agent Miller, 
where is she?" he asked.

"She and two others are dead inside." Skinner headed in 
that direction but Miller grabbed his arm and stopped 
him. "You don't want to see her like that."

"Why?" Skinner was perplexed.

"Someone poured acid all over her face and upper torso. 
There is not much to identify."

"How can you be sure that it is her?"

"She had her FBI badge in her pocket...and the red hair. 
You can't miss her red hair." Skinner was suddenly 
overcome by the reality of the situation. He ran his hand 
over his bald head and bent his head down."

"Are you okay, sir?" asked Miller.

Skinner took a deep breath. "Has Agent Mulder been 
notified?"

"He is on his way."

Skinner pulled Miller over to the side. "I don't want him 
to see her. Handcuff him, sit on him. I don't care what 
it takes."

Suddenly the room was silent as Mulder walked in, out of 
breath. "Mulder," whispered Miller. Skinner turned around 
as Mulder walked toward the examination room door. 
Several agents stood in the way so Mulder could not get 
past them.

"Let me through!" Mulder yelled, as he tried to strongarm 
them. He continued to struggle but Mulder was powerless 
against three men of his size.

Skinner walked up."Mulder, let's go outside."

"I want to see her!"

"You don't. Really you don't. And she wouldn't want you 
to see her like this."

* * * * * * *

Suddenly the doors of the examination room opened as 
three gurneys came out, each with a black body bag. 
Mulder's eyes filled with tears as they passed slowly. 
The room was suddenly cleared, except for Miller, Skinner 
and an unidentified female agent.

Mulder looked like he was about to collapse. "Let's sit 
down," Skinner directed him to some chairs.

"What....what happened?" Mulder asked quietly.

"This is Agent Thompson, she was in another room when it 
happened."

Thompson sat down, still visibly upset. "Agents Parker 
and Scully were conducted the autopsy of the victim when 
Agent McReynolds barged in, yelling about jurisdiction. 
Parker finally calmed him down and he left a short time 
later. I went into the lab to run the tests on tissue and 
blood that Scully instructed me to do. About ten minutes 
later, I hear McReynolds and another man yelling in the 
examination room. The next thing I know, I hear a 
commotion. It sounded like someone was breaking glass or 
something like that. When I went to check, the door to 
the examination room was locked. I pounded and pounded 
but no one responded. Then I heard three....maybe four 
shots. By the time I went around to the other entrance, 
Parker, Scully and McReynolds were dead. The fourth voice 
that I heard had disappeared."

"What happ....how did they die?" asked Mulder.
"Thank you, Agent Thompson. That will be all." Thompson 
left. Skinner turned back to Miller. "Could you give us a 
few minutes?"

* * * * * * *

Mulder was inconsolable. "How do you know it was her?" 
Mulder asked.

"The agents made a positive ID. You don't want to know 
the rest," said Skinner.

"I don't understand. It was a simple autopsy. A 
poisoning. The husband confessed and was arrested."

"I don't know all the details, Agent Mulder, but right 
now you need to go home. There is an agent outside 
waiting to take you."

Mulder stood up and looked around aimlessly, a bit 
confused about where he needed to go. "I need to tell 
Mrs. Scully...She shouldn't hear this from another 
agent...I..." Mulder bent down and put his hands on his 
knees. "Why her?" Skinner put his arm around Mulder as he 
sobbed.

* * * * * * *

Mulder finally regained his composure. As Mulder started 
to walk away, Skinner grabbed his arm. "You are in no 
shape to talk to Mrs. Scully. I will go do it myself."

"I want to go too. I promise I can handle it...I need to 
go..."

* * * * * * *

Maggie Scully opened her door to find Mulder and Skinner 
standing there. "What is it, Fox?" Mulder looked like he 
had pulled himself together - somewhat.

Mulder looked down. "We need to talk."

"Sure, come in. Do you want some coffee?" 


* * * * * * *

Mulder and Maggie were sitting on the couch. Mulder was 
still holding her hand. "Mrs. Scully, this is Walter 
Skinner, Dana's boss."

"Yes, we have met."

"Mrs. Scully, Mulder and I...I am afraid that I have bad 
news for you. I don't know how else to tell you. Your 
daughter was killed tonight."

"Oh my God!" Mulder put his arms around Maggie to comfort 
her. Skinner wasn't sure who needed more comforting at 
this point.

* * * * * * *

"That will be fine," said Skinner as he hung up the 
phone. 

"What happened, Fox? Were you with her?" Maggie had a 
million questions.

"I dropped her off about 6:30 at the Morgue to do an 
autopsy on a woman that we found earlier today that was 
poisoned. Another agent was with her," said Mulder.

"We are still piecing the facts together but someone came 
in around 8:15 and attacked them. That is all we know."

"I'll stay with you, if you like, Mrs. Scully," offered 
Mulder.

"I'd like that."

"I have two agents outside for your protection and to 
assist Agent Mulder if you need anything." Skinner stood 
up to leave. "Can we talk privately outside, Agent 
Mulder?" Mulder joined him on the front porch.

"I am not sure that this is good idea - you staying here. 
You are exhausted and really not...well you know."

"I understand, sir. I will be okay."

* * * * * * *

Mulder was partially dozing on the couch when he heard a 
knock on the door. He got up to answer it. "Yes, Agent 
Andrews?"

"It's 6am. Our replacements are here."

"Thanks."

"You look worn out, Agent Mulder. Can one of us relieve 
you?"

"No. I am just waiting for Agent Scully's brother to get 
here." Mulder closed the door and leaned against it, 
trying to get the strength that he so desperately needed.

Maggie was at the top of the stairs. "Who was that?"

Mulder slowly looked up. "The agents outside. They were 
changing shifts."

There was a knock on the door. "I guess they forgot 
something," said Mulder, as he opened the door. 

"I am here to relieve you, Agent Mulder," said Skinner as 
he entered the house.

"I'm fine, sir."

"Mrs. Scully," acknowledged Skinner. "Your son Bill will 
be here at noon. A military transport is bringing him. I 
will stay with you until he arrives."

"I can stay," pleaded Mulder.

Maggie walked down the stairs. "You look dead on your 
feet, Fox. I couldn't take it if something happened to 
you too."

Mulder's tired eyes met hers. "I guess you're right. Will 
you call me if you need anything?"

"I promise. Now go get some rest."

* * * * * * *

Mulder slowly walked into his apartment. He tossed his 
overcoat on the chair and went into the kitchen. He 
pulled two aspirin out of a bottle in the cabinet and 
poured himself some water. He took the pills and drank 
the water.

He dragged himself into the bathroom to wash his face. 
His eyes were bloodshot and he looked like he hadn't 
slept in days. 
      
Suddenly he heard the front door open. He pulled his gun 
and slowly walked toward his living room. A figure in a 
black T-shirt and blue jeans was standing near his 
computer with his back to Mulder. "Turn around very 
slowly," said Mulder.
      
"I...I..." The figure didn't move.
      
"Slowly..."

"Mulder..." The figure turned around. It was Langly.

Mulder put his gun away. "I could have shot you, dude. 
What are you doing here?"

"Skinner sent me. He's worried about you."

"I am fine. Just tired."

"Why don't you crash and I will stand guard."

"I don't need a bodyguard."

"Skinner gave me orders."

* * * * * * *

Mulder came out of the bathroom wearing some gray sweats 
and a gray T-shirt. He pulled the covers back on his bed 
and laid down and then turned on the television.

"....the murder of three FBI agents have police baffled. 
The agents are identified as Joseph Parker, a 15-year 
veteran, Dana Scully, a 7-year veteran, and Jason 
McReynolds, a 2-year veteran of the FBI. All three were 
killed...."

Mulder turned off the television and laid on his side. He 
was asleep in minutes.

* * * * * * *

"Hey, Leo. Come in here." A long-haired, bearded man 
froze the television image with the names of the agents 
on it.

"What is it, Patrick?" said a short man with a buzz 
haircut and a scar across his face.

"They think Scully is dead. Our plan must have worked," 
said Patrick.

"That was clever putting the ID in her pocket. Let's hope 
they don't do an autopsy. I don't want to really have to 
kill her!" He turned to the corner where Scully was bound 
and gagged and handcuffed to an old radiator. 

"How's Damon today?" asked Patrick.

"Dr. Scully removed the bullets and bandaged him up. I 
guess we will have to wait and see."

* * * * * * *

About eight hours later, Mulder came stumbling out of his 
bedroom. Byers was at his computer. "What time is it?" 
asked a sleepy Mulder.
      
"About 5:30."
      
"AM or PM?"
      
"PM, Mulder. You slept most of the day."
      
"Did anyone call?" asked Mulder sitting on the couch, 
rubbing his eyes.
      
"Skinner called at noon and then a Bill Scully called 
about an hour ago."
      
Mulder rolled his eyes. "What did HE want?"

"He...said...his exact words were that he was going to whip 
your ass..."
      
Mulder rubbed his temples. "Oh, great!"
      
There was a knock on the door. "I'll get it," said Byers, 
crossing in front of Mulder.
      
It was Skinner at the door. "How is Mulder?" he asked.
      
"Come in, sir."

"Mulder, I thought you were resting."
      
"I just got up. What's up?"
      
"Byers, could you give us a few minutes alone?" Byers 
headed to the door.
      
Mulder sat up straight on the couch. "What is it?"
      
Skinner sat down and took a deep breath. "Mulder, I 
wanted to come over here in person to talk to you..."
      
"What is wrong? Does Mrs. Scully need me?" Mulder started 
to get up but Skinner put his hand on Mulder's leg to sit 
him back down.
      
"Mulder, you and Agent Scully were as close as any two 
agents possibly could be. I don't want you to take this 
the wrong way..." Skinner stood up and started pacing. "The 
Scully family has requested...I mean Bill Scully has asked 
that you..."
      
"I know what you are going to say, sir."
      
"Bill Scully has barred you from the memorial service."
      
Mulder bent his head down and let out a slow deep breath. 
"I understand, sir," he mumbled.
      
"He is hurting. I don't think Mrs. Scully feels the same 
way."
      
"I understand. I really do. I prefer to do my mourning 
privately anyway."
      
"We have another problem with him anyway," said Skinner 
exasperated.
      
"What?"
      
"We performed autopsies on the other two agents but he 
has refused to allow us to perform one on Agent Scully."
      
"Why would you need an autopsy?" asked Mulder.
      
"Just standard procedure."
      
"I could talk to Mrs. Scully," offered Mulder.
      
"I don't think that is a good idea. You don't want...Bill 
Scully has a hot temper. I wouldn't feel right if you 
intentionally provoked him." 

Byers poked his head back in the door. "Is it all right 
to come back in?"
      
"Sure," said Skinner. "Our business is completed here. By 
the way, thanks for the duty. I didn't think Mulder could 
handle some FBI watchdogs."
      
"Yea. What is the deal with this protection?" asked 
Mulder.
      
"Parker and McReynolds were partners and they are both 
dead. You may have been targeted along with Scully."
      
* * * * * * *

Mulder watched the memorial service on television. He 
felt like he was watching some like of surreal episode. 
Nothing seemed right. Langly sat with him, but after a 
while he even had enough. "Want to go shoot some hoops, 
man?"

* * * * * * *

Leo was sitting on Damon's bed, feeding him some soup. 
"They were watching the same memorial service. "This must 
be a big deal. FBI agents killed in the line of fire," 
said Leo.
      
"Turn it off, man. I don't want to be reminded," said 
Damon.
      
"Hey, you should be glad that McReynolds helped get you 
out of there. What were you doing at the morgue anyway?" 
asked Leo.
      
"I had to kill Parker. He knew too much."

* * * * * * *

Langly was sitting on the bench while Mulder shot some 
free throws. Mulder's shirt was covered with sweat. "Come 
on, man. You have been at this for four hours. You have 
to be tired."
      
"I love basketball, Langly. I could do this all night." 
      
Langly rolled his eyes. "I hope that wasn't an 
invitation."

* * * * * * *

Langly dropped Mulder at his apartment about 11PM. 
"Thanks, man," said Mulder exhausted. "I needed that."
      
"You need to get some sleep, Mulder, and then take some 
time off. That is what Skinner told me to tell you."
      
"Babysitting me?"
      
"I will if I have to. You..." He couldn't really find the 
words.
      
"I do want to get away for a few days. Can you guys feed 
my fish?"
      
"Absolutely. Take care." Langly watched as Mulder 
disappeared in the building. He had a sinking feeling 
that Mulder was not doing that great - but putting up a 
brave front.

* * * * * * *

It had been ten days since Dana Scully's funeral and 
Skinner was checking Mulder's basement office for any 
sign that he had been there recently. He saw a two-week 
old newspaper on the desk like it was being read when the 
occupants left.
      
Skinner had Mulder's FBI badge checked for entry into the 
building but he hadn't used it. Mulder had no family ties 
since Teena's death so that was a dead-end also. 
Skinner's next inclination was to check with Maggie 
Scully, Dana's mom, but he knew that she was still 
visiting her sons in San Diego and was not scheduled back 
for several more days.
      
Skinner was sure that Mulder blamed himself somewhat for 
what happened to Dana and, with no support system, he 
wondered what deep abyss was swallowing up one of his top 
agents.

* * * * * * *

Frohike sat in front of a computer screen staring blankly 
at the view of Mulder's office. "Where the hell are you, 
friend?" he mumbled to himself. The Lone Gunmen were 
extremely worried about him. Even when he was totally 
stressed out, he felt the need to talk to them to help 
him sort out his feelings - the sign of a long and 
supportive friendship. He had sent them a few emails to 
discuss cases since Scully died - but nothing else. 

Byers and Langly were on the way to Mulder's apartment to 
check on him - again. Their previous attempts had 
produced no sight of him.

* * * * * * *

Suddenly their private line beeped. Frohike activated the 
switching equipment to view it on his screen. He did not 
recognize the number so he didn't answer the phone. On 
the screen came the number 555-2719. Their automatic 
voice answering equipment replied but no one was on the 
line. Two more "hello"s provided nothing. After a long 
pause, 7332875 were displayed on the screen and then the 
caller disconnected. 


Frohike immediately ran a trace on the number. To his 
chagrin, the national database was down for repairs. Next 
he began a trace on the 7332875 number to determine its 
significance. No luck! He really needed Byers here. He 
was the expert on cryptography.

* * * * * * *

Byers and Langly had no luck finding Mulder in his 
apartment. As they headed to their car, Langly suggested 
that they check Scully's apartment. That search produced 
nothing either. 

* * * * * * *

As they returned to the Lone Gunmen office, Frohike was 
beyond frustration. The phone number was traced to Delman 
Shipping, out on Route 20. Attempts to get more 
information had been unsuccessful.
      
"Where have you guys been?" Frohike asked.
      
"Checking for Mulder - at both of their apartments," 
replied Byers. "What is up?"
      
Frohike explained the mysterious phone call and Byers 
went immediately to work.

* * * * * * *

Their main phone line rang. The caller-ID indicated it 
was Skinner's private line. "Oops, the big guy," said 
Langly sarcastically.
      
"Yes, sir...yes, sir...We'll be there." Both Byers and 
Frohike looked at him perplexed as he hung up.
      
"Skinner wants to see us ASAP!" Langly said nervously.
      
"I need to work on this code," said Byers, engrossed in 
his work. "You two go and see what he wants."

* * * * * * *

Langly and Frohike nervously walked into Mulder's office. 
No one was there. "Are you sure he said to meet him 
here?" asked Frohike.
      
Suddenly Skinner appeared at the door. "Sit down, 
gentlemen," he said formally as he shut the door. The two 
traded glances.
      
"Why are we here?" asked Langly.
      
"Our surveillance showed that you visited Mulder's AND 
Scully's apartments today. WHY?"
      
Frohike took a deep breath. "We were searching for 
Mulder. He has not been heard from in about a week."
      
"Did you find him?" Skinner seemed concerned.
      
"No...." Frohike hesitated.
      
Skinner stood up and started pacing. "I am concerned 
about Mulder's mental state - and his whereabouts. 
Without Scully to keep him grounded..." Skinner couldn't 
think about that. "You guys are not doing them any favors 
by keeping any pertinent information from the FBI."
      
"We assure you that we are just as interested in finding 
Mulder as you," said Langly.

* * * * * * *

Maggie put her purse on the table and set her suitcase 
down at the bottom of the staircase. She checked her mail 
and then tossed it on the table. She carried her suitcase 
up the stairs. As she passed Dana's old room, she put her 
hand on the door, hoping to draw comfort from the lost 
feeling in her heart. She decided not to open the door 
and continued walking down the hall to her room. She 
unpacked her suitcase and stored it at the top of her 
closet. She went into the bathroom and closed the door.

* * * * * * *

"Did you figure out the code?" Frohike asked.
      
"Not really. It could be see, ped, sed, red - you name 
it." Byers was perplexed.

* * * * * * *

Maggie came out of the bathroom in her nightgown. She 
passed Dana's room again but this time she felt the need 
to feel its warmth. As she turned on the light, she 
gasped. Lying in the bed was Fox Mulder, fast asleep. She 
checked his pulse and his forehead and discovered he was 
truly only sleeping. She put the comforter at the end of 
the bed over him and turned off the light.

* * * * * * *

It was 3:12AM and Frohike couldn't sleep. He decided to 
look at the list of names that Byers had determined were 
possible names for the 7332875 code. Finally he saw one 
that sparked his interest. He ran over to wake up Langly. 
"Hey, man. You have got to see this!"
      
"W-w-hat?" Langly said sleepily.
      
He dragged Langly out of bed and plopped him into the 
chair in front of the computer. He pointed to a name on 
the list.
      
"Red curl? What is that?"
      
"Red curl. Red curl. RED CURL." Each time Frohike said it 
louder and louder.
      
Finally Langly's eyes registered the connection. "Oh my 
God! Do you think....."
      
"It has to be," said Frohike. "Remember that time....."
      
"Yea. He said that she...." They looked at each other. "We 
have to find and tell Mulder."

* * * * * * *

Maggie opened her eyes. Her alarm read 6:30. She quietly 
got up and headed down the hall. Had she been dreaming 
last night when she saw Mulder? Skinner had called her 
once while she was in California, asking if she had heard 
from him. When she looked in the room, the bed was 
unoccupied - but the blanket she placed over him was 
wadded up on the bed. 
      
She heard water running in the adjacent bathroom. She 
slowly opened the door. He was wiping his face and didn't 
see her enter. "Fox?"
      
"Oh, Mrs. Scully. I am so sorry. I..." He was clearly 
embarrassed.
      
"What are you doing here, Fox?" 

"I don't really know. I went to Melissa's gravesite 
yesterday to talk to her and then just started walking. 
The next thing I remember is waking up in Dana's room."
      
"Why Melissa's grave?"
      
"She always had a way to reading me so well. I guess I 
needed her to help me sort things out."
      
"You know that you are always welcome here, Fox. Just 
don't give me a heart attack next time."
      
Mulder straightened his clothes. "I guess I need to get 
going." He suddenly felt very uncomfortable. 
      
"Stay. I could use the company." Mulder's phone began 
ringing from the bedroom. "You better go get it. Your 
friends are probably worried about you."
      
Mulder rushed to answer it. "Mulder."
      
"Where have you been, man?" asked Langly.
      
"I just needed time for myself," said Mulder as he sat on 
the bed.
      
"Can you come over here right now?"
      
"What have you got?"
      
"We don't trust the phones. Just get over here."
      
"I want to take a shower and change clothes and then I 
will be over there."

* * * * * * *

Patrick was tying Scully's arm again as Leo came in the 
door carrying groceries. "How is Damon?" Leo asked.
      
"About the same. This Dr. Scully must not be as good a 
doctor as you think."
      
"She will have to do. Damon must get well so he can lead 
us to the loot."


* * * * * * *

Mulder knocked on the Lone Gunmen's door. He was dressed 
in a black turtleneck, black leather jacket and black 
pants. He looked tired but seemed to be in a sullen mood. 
      
"Thanks for coming," said Byers.
      
"This better be important." His patience was short.
      
"We would not show you this if we didn't think it was 
very important," said Byers.
      
"We love you, man, and we know you are hurting big time," 
said Frohike.
      
"We can't just sit back and ignore this," said Langly.
      
"Okay, so you three are the mutual admiration society. 
What is up?"

* * * * * * *

Is that why you staged this whole charade?" Leo asked. 
"For some loot?"
      
"Four point five million dollars in gold bullion - not 
traceable!"
      
"Are you kidding. Is that what McReynolds help him do?"
      
"Absolutely. They intercepted the Federal Reserve 
transfer back in April. No one has even missed the money 
- yet."

* * * * * * *

"That's impossible!" said a shocked Mulder. "No way."
      
"I checked it twice," said Byers.
      
"Scully is dead. Skinner saw her."
      
"How do you explain 'red curl'. That was her nickname at 
the Academy, wasn't it?"
      
Mulder paced back and forth. "Is there any way we can 
verify this?"
      
"Road trip - to Delman!" Langley shouted.


* * * * * * *

Leo was washing out a bloody cloth in the bathroom when 
Patrick came running in. "Company - at the end of the 
road! Let's get out of here."
      
"What about Damon?" Leo asked.
      
"He died about ten minutes ago," Patrick said.
      
"Run!" said Leo as he heard banging on the front door.
      
A hail of gunfire greeted the fleeing fugitives. After a 
twenty-minute chase through the adjoining woods, both men 
were shot dead. 

* * * * * * *

Two policemen searched the house for the next hour. "Did 
you find anyone else?" asked Officer Nelson.
      
"No. I found a body in one of the bedrooms. That's all," 
Officer Mason said.
      
"HOLD IT!" said Officer Nelson. "Listen!" Both turned 
toward a sound in the basement.
      
"Help me!" came the faint sound. 

* * * * * * *

"Here, drink this," said Byers handing a glass of water 
to a shocked Mulder as they stood in the basement where 
Scully had previously been held. Frohike and Langly were 
looking around for clues - but coming up empty.
      
"Is it possible that she is alive still? I should have 
figured it out. Is she okay?" Mulder's mind was having 
trouble grasping the chain of events of the past few 
hours.
      
"Hold on, man. We are not that sure." 

Suddenly Mulder saw a shiny object on the floor. He ran 
to the spot and picked up something. The other three 
joined him.
      
Mulder held up a small gold necklace. "This belongs to 
Scully. I would stake my life on it....Now where do we find 
her?"

* * * * * * *

Mulder, Byers, Langly and Frohike entered the police 
station. Mulder walked up to the front desk to talk to 
the officer in charge. "I am Fox Mulder of the FBI." He 
flashed his badge. "I understand you raided Delman 
Shipping today."
      
A policeman stepped over from another conversation. "Did 
you say Agent Mulder?"
      
"Yes," Mulder said anxiously.
      
"Please come with me."
      
"Wait here guys." The other three sat down.

* * * * * * *

The officer was leading Mulder down a long hall when 
Mulder saw a familiar face come out of a bathroom at the 
end of the hall. He just stood there frozen.
 
Scully ran down the hall, losing the blanket that was 
wrapped around her shoulders. "Oh my God! Mulder!" She 
fell into his arms.

THE END