Title:  Drive-by Part One
Author:  Waddles52
Summary:  When Mulder is injured Scully must care for 
him.  Add a safe house, the attempted murderer still 
on the loose, and a chance to develop their 
relationship.  Will romance blossom?
Spoilers:  None
Category:  MT, MSR
Rating:  PG13
Distribution:  Please ask
Feedback:  Always welcomed at DASWaddles52@aol.com


Basement Office, Hoover Building

Scully was staring at an untidy pile of cash register 
receipts, charge slips and a wide assortment of paper 
scraps with various notes and dollar amounts that 
Mulder had just dumped in front of her.  She gave him 
a frosty stare.

"What?" Mulder asked.  "You said you needed those 
receipts for our expense report.  I spent quite a bit 
of time making sure I had everything before I gave 
them to you."

Scully sighed wearily.  "Mulder, did it ever occur to 
you to organize them by case number and date?"

"Why would I need to do that?  I know the case number 
and date for every one of them.  All you have to do 
is ask."  Mulder leaned back in his chair and began 
lobbing paper wads at the trash can, missing the 
target badly.

Scully stuck her arm out and caught one in mid-flight 
and chucked it in the can.

"Scully scores from three point land and the crowd 
goes wild," Mulder said in his best announcer's 
voice.

Scully gave him an extra frosty stare.  "Mulder, I 
can't believe you are taking this so lightly.  We 
just spent the last hour in Skinner's office getting 
chewed out for every past transgression and anything 
we might even think about doing in the future.  This 
expense report is due at 9 o'clock sharp tomorrow.  
We do not have time to play!"

"You're right, Scully.  I'm sorry.  Look, it's lunch 
time and I'm hungry.  I think I'll work much better 
if my stomach isn't growling every two minutes.  Why 
don't I go out and get us something to eat?" Mulder
offered.

"Oh, no you don't!  I'm not letting you out of my 
sight.  You'll get sidetracked and I'll end up 
staying here all night finishing this report.  If 
you're going out then I'm going with you.  Consider 
me your shadow."

"Okay, shadow.  The cafeteria is closed due to a 
chlorine leak in the dishwasher so the quickest lunch 
would probably be the hot dog stand down the street.

Scully turned up her nose.

"I'm just trying to save some time so we can get back 
to work on that report.  You can get sauerkraut on 
your dog so you can get your veggie fix.  Okay?"

"All right," Scully agreed.  "But you're buying."

They grabbed their coats and were out the door.


"I'm serious, Scully.  My apartment building is 
really getting wild."  Mulder finished his hot dog 
and threw the wrapper in the trashcan by the curb.

"Really, Mulder?  You're usually the cause of the 
wild things that take place there," Scully teased.

"Not last night.  I had to break up a domestic 
disturbance right outside my door."

"Really?  What happened?"  Scully finished her meal 
and deposited her trash.  They began to walk back to 
the Hoover building at a slow pace.

"My new neighbors decided to have a knock-down drag-
out right in front of my door.  I broke it up before 
any real damage was done and escorted the wife back 
to her apartment," Mulder explained.

"Did you call the police?"

"It turns out that the husband is a police officer."

"How convenient."

"Yeah, right.  Real convenient.  This morning I went 
out to my car only to find a "Denver boot" on it and 
a citation for unpaid parking fines on the 
windshield," he grumbled.

"Let me guess.  You haven't had any parking tickets."

"Bingo!  I had to take the Metro in today.  You 
wouldn't happen to know anyone who could help me get 
this fixed?" Mulder asked hopefully.

"Not right off hand.  Sorry," she apologized.

"I may have to visit him at the station and tell him 
about all of the IRS agents I know."

"That might work," Scully grinned.

They continued to walk slowly.  As they approached 
the far end of the Hoover Building, their attention 
was drawn to a car pulling out from the curb, 
squealing its tires as it accelerated.

"D.C. drivers are getting crazier every day," Scully 
thought.  She noticed a flash from the passenger side 
window, then felt herself being pushed to the 
sidewalk.  

She heard two loud cracks at the same time Mulder 
screamed, "Gun!"

Scully pushed herself up and looked around as the car 
sped away.  Several people were beginning to gather 
around a figure lying on the sidewalk.

"Mulder!" she screamed, as she got to her feet an ran 
to him.

Mulder was curled on his right side, his right hand 
gripping his upper, left arm, blood bubbling out 
between his fingers.

The spectators parted to let Scully through.

"Someone call 911!" she ordered as she knelt beside 
Mulder.  She tried to pull his hand away, but that 
only caused him to grip even tighter.

"Mulder, let me see."

"Nooo, can't let go," he groaned.

"Mulder, I need to see how bad it is.  Just relax, 
okay?"

"Can't.  Think it's broken," Mulder gasped as she 
began to pry his fingers loose.

Scully could see where the bullet entered.  "Mulder, 
I need to look for an exit wound."

Very gently she moved his arm.  Mulder bit his bottom 
lip so hard it began to bleed.  She could feel the 
bone move as she lifted up his arm.  She saw that the 
bullet had exited inside his arm, then let out a gasp 
of surprise when she saw that it had re-entered his 
body through his chest.

She gently laid his arm down and pulled his tie loose 
and began unbuttoning his shirt.  She saw blood 
welling from a small hole in his upper, left side.

"Mulder, are you having any trouble breathing?" she 
inquired.

"Can't tell.  Don't think so.  Arm hurts so bad, 
can't tell," he answered through clenched teeth.  
Tears had formed in the corners of his eyes and began 
to run slowly down his face.  Scully wiped them away 
with her left hand, her right hand smoothing the hair 
back from his forehead.

"Take it easy, partner." Sirens began to wail in the 
distance.  "You'll do just about anything to get out 
of working on that expense report," she teased.

"Rather be. . . working now."

The sirens became louder and louder and soon an 
ambulance screeched to a halt beside the curb, 
followed closely by a police cruiser.

Scully moved back to let the emergency workers move 
in.  She felt a hand on her shoulder and turned 
around to see Skinner.

"Agent Scully, what happened?"

"It was a drive-by shooting, sir.  It happened so 
fast that I didn't get a good look at the car.  A 
dark sedan, I think.  Mulder must have seen the gun 
because he pushed me out of the way," Scully 
explained, trying to keep an eye on the emergency 
workers.

"Were they aiming for Mulder or someone else?" 
Skinner queried, looking over the crowd that had 
gathered.

"As I said, it happened so fast I couldn't tell."

The EMT's had already cut Mulder's jacket and shirt 
away and were turning him to look for another exit 
wound.  There was none.

"Sir, I will be glad to talk to you later, but right 
now I'd like to see how Agent Mulder is doing and 
accompany him to the hospital."

"Of course, Agent Scully.  I'll see you later at the 
hospital."  Skinner left her and began talking to one 
of the police officers.

Scully walked back over to Mulder.  The EMT's were 
working feverishly, one establishing an IV in 
Mulder's right hand while the other was putting on an 
oxygen mask and applying cardiac monitor leads.

"What are his vitals?" Scully asked.

"And you are?"  The EMT finished taping the IV line 
and turned to Scully.

"I'm his partner.  I'm listed as his next-of-kin and 
I'm also a medical doctor."

"His pulse is 110," he answered, looking at the 
monitor.  "Jeff, did you get his BP?"

"Yeah, 100 over 60."

"We're going to transport him to Georgetown," the EMT 
informed Scully, gathering up his equipment.

"I'm going with you," Scully insisted.

"Okay, just stay out of the way."  He pulled the 
stretcher over and the two of them placed Mulder on 
it, eliciting a cry of pain as he was moved.

Georgetown Memorial

Scully was standing outside of the trauma room, 
waiting impatiently for the x-rays to be completed.  
As soon as the portable unit was out the door, Scully 
was in.  She saw that they were preparing to insert a 
chest tube.  She went directly to Mulder's right side 
and took his hand, careful of the IV.

"Mulder?"

"Mmm," he moaned.

"How are you doing?"

"Hurts. . .bad.  Hard to breathe."

"I know, Mulder.  The doctors are going to insert a 
chest tube.  That should make you feel better.  Just 
hang in there," Scully implored.

"Mr. Mulder?" the doctor asked.

"Just Mulder," he answered.

"Okay, Mulder.  Your left lung is giving you some 
problems.  Probably some blood from the bullet.  We 
need to put in a chest tube.  We're going to give you 
some pain medication and numb the area pretty well, 
but I won't lie to you.  It's going to hurt like 
hell.  Why don't you keep holding the lovely Dr. 
Scully's hand and we'll get this taken care of as 
quickly as we can."  He nodded to the nurse and she 
injected the pain medication into Mulder's IV.

The doctor waited for a few seconds and began to 
inject an area in Mulder's upper, left side with the 
numbing medication.  Mulder's eyes were closed and he 
appeared to be sleeping.  When the doctor finished 
injecting the site, he began to swab it with a 
betadine solution.  When he completed that task, he 
took a scapel from the tray and made a small 
incision.

Mulder's eyes opened and he moaned loudly.  When the 
doctor inserted his finger in the incision, Mulder's 
eyes opened wide and he screamed in pain.

"Mulder," Scully called.  "Mulder. listen to me.  
It's almost over.  Just a few minutes more and 
they'll be finished.  You need to lie quietly.  The 
more you cooperate, the sooner it will be over."

Mulder nodded yes and squeezed Scully's hand so hard 
that she knew she would have a bruise.

"We're finished, Mulder," the doctor said as he tied 
the tube in place.

The x-ray tech brought in the films and Scully went 
over to view them with Mulder's doctor.

"It's pretty much what we thought we'd find.  His 
humerus is fractured, and will require surgery.  The 
bullet re-entered his body here," he pointed out to 
Scully, "Fractured these two ribs and imbedded itself 
in his left clavical.  I'm willing to bet there is a 
laceration on the lung.  We need to go in and take a 
look around and repair what we can."

Scully shook her head in agreement.

"Shirley, call for a thoracic surgery and ortho 
consult," the doctor ordered.

Scully walked back over to Mulder and took his hand 
in hers again.  "Feeling better?" she asked.

"Some," he answered.  "Still hurts like hell."

"I imagine it does.  I'll ask if you can have more 
pain medication, but first I want to tell you what is 
happening."

Mulder nodded yes.

"As you know, the bullet entered your left arm.  It 
caused a fracture which will require surgery.  The 
same bullet re-entered your body through your chest.  
It traveled upward and fractured two ribs and 
probably lacerated your left lung.  That's why you 
were having trouble breathing.  They are calling in a 
thoracic surgeon who will explore the area and make 
any necessary repairs.  The bullet finally stopped at 
your collarbone.  An orthopaedic surgeon will repair 
your arm and your collarbone if necessary."  Scully 
finished her explanation and smoothed Mulder's hair 
back.

"Is that all?" he asked sarcastically.

"I think that's quite enough."  Scully turned to the 
nurse to ask for more pain medication.  As she turned 
back she saw Skinner enter the room.

"Agent Mulder, I see you've found another excuse for 
avoiding your quarterly expense report," their 
supervisor said sternly.

"No, sir.  As far as excuses go, this wasn't exactly 
what I had in mind," Mulder answered.

The nurse injected more pain medication into his IV, 
then hung a unit of blood and began to connect it to 
the line.

"What happened, Agent Mulder?  Was the attack meant 
for you?" Skinner inquired.

"I don't know who the target was.  I just saw the gun 
and reacted.'

"Can you think of anyone who might be going after you 
this way?"

"Only the usual suspects," Mulder yawned.  "Sorry, 
sir.  I'm starting to feel really sleepy."

"The nurse just gave him more pain medication," 
Scully explained.

"Why don't you rest, Agent Mulder?" Skinner 
suggested.  "I need to speak to Agent Scully outside.  
I'll send her back when we're finished.'

"'Kay," he mumbled, drifting off to sleep.

Scully followed Skinner to the hallway outside of the 
trauma room.

Skinner spoke first.  "How is he doing, Agent 
Scully?"

"All things considered, he's actually doing quite 
well.  His upper left arm is broken, along with a few 
ribs and his collarbone.  His left lung is lacerated 
and he will require surgery to repair his lung and 
arm.  Of course, he is in considerable pain, but they 
are being pretty generous with the pain medication," 
Scully explained.  "Do you have any ideas on who 
might be responsible for this?"

"No, I really don't.  This is not the consortium's 
style.  They have much more subtle methods at their 
disposal.  As far as I know, no one with a grudge 
against Mulder has been released from prison or 
escaped.  I honestly don't know if Mulder was the 
target, if someone else was, or if this was 
completely random.  No one got a good look at the car 
or the shooter, so right now we have nothing to go 
on.  Just to be on the safe side, I'm going to assign 
a guard to Mulder.  If the attack was meant for him, 
the shooter may try again."

"Thank you, sir."

"Keep me informed of Agent Mulder's condition,"  
Skinner ordered.  "I'll be in my office."

Scully nodded as he headed for the exit.


Georgetown Memorial-Surgical Waiting Area


Scully had just finished her fourth cup of waiting 
room coffee.  If she had a stomach lining after this 
it would be a miracle she thought, and looked at the 
doors leading to the OR for what must have been the 
thousandth time in the last five hours.  Mulder's 
thoracic surgeon, Dr. Metz, had already been out to 
talk to her.  Mulder had done so well during the 
surgery to repair his lung that the orthopedic 
surgeon had decided to go ahead with his part of the 
repair.  She thought that they should be wrapping up 
soon.  Seconds later the door opened and a man in 
surgical scrubs came through.

"Mulder family?" the man inquired.

Scully walked toward him.  "I'm Mr. Mulder's next-of-
kin.  My name is Dana Scully."

"I'm Dr. Sanchez.  I just completed the surgery on 
Mr. Mulder.  We were able to stabilize the bone in 
his upper arm with a plate and a few screws.  We 
removed the bullet from his collarbone.  It was 
fractured but didn't require extensive repairs.

"All in all everything went well.  It will probably be 
several months before that arm is back to normal and 
the collarbone should heal within four to six weeks.  
For the time being we have completely immobilized Mr. 
Mulder's arm.  I think he will be much more 
comfortable that way, considering the many fractures 
he has.  They will easily be able to reach his chest 
tube and surgical incision.  He'll be in recovery for 
an hour or so, then he'll be moved to an intermediate 
care room," the doctor explained thoroughly.

"Thank you, Dr. Sanchez.  Could I stay with him in 
the recovery room?  I'd feel much better if I could 
be there when he awakens.  There is also a 
possibility that another attempt could be made on his 
life," Scully stated.

"Well, since you put it that way, I guess it will be 
all right.  Just try to stay out of the way.  Come 
with me."

Dr. Sanchez took her to the recovery room where 
Mulder was the only patient.

"Jeanetta, this is Miss Scully.  Miss Scully, this is 
Jeanetta Slocum, one of our best recovery nurses.  
Jeanetta, I told Miss Scully it would be all right to 
stay with Mr. Mulder until he's ready to go to his 
room.  She has promised to stay out of your way," Dr. 
Sanchez made the introductions and left.

"I'm sure you won't be in the way," Jeanetta said as 
she brought a chair for Scully.  "He's a little gruff 
at times but he's one of the best orthopedic surgeons 
on staff."

"Thank you," Scully said as she took the chair.

"Mr. Mulder should be waking up soon.  Do you have 
any questions about the monitors or the surgery?"

"Actually, Dr. Sanchez was quite thorough when he 
talked to me and I'm familiar with the monitors.  In 
addition to being an F.B.I. agent, I am also a 
medical doctor," Scully explained.

"That seems like an odd combination," Jeanetta 
remarked as she recorded the readings from the 
monitors.

"Not really.  I'm a forensic pathologist.  It comes 
in pretty handy in our line of work."

Mulder moved his legs and groaned softly.

"It looks like he's waking up," Jeanetta noticed.

"He's awake," Mulder said hoarsely, opening his eyes.

"Hey.  How are you feeling?" Scully asked, standing 
up and moving to his side.

"Like an elephant sat on my left side."  He tried to 
move and gave up quickly when the pain overwhelmed 
him.  "Why can't I move my arm?" he gasped.

"Mulder, take it easy.  They immobilized it.  You 
have so many fractures the doctor thought it would be 
more comfortable," Scully explained.

"Mr. Mulder, my name is Jeanetta.  I'll be taking 
care of you until you go to your room.  You have a 
patient assist device to administer your pain 
medication." She placed a control in his right hand.  
"All you have to do is push the button and it will 
administer a pre-set amount of medication.  You can 
use it every eight minutes if you need it.  You can't 
overdose on it, so use it as often as you need to.  
Understand?"

Mulder nodded yes.

"Mulder, use it," Scully directed.  "Okay?"

"Okay," he agreed, and pushed the button.

"You should be feeling more comfortable soon," 
Jeanetta promised.  "I need to get your temperature, 
then I'll leave you alone for a while."

She finished and went off to record it in Mulder's 
chart.

"How are you feeling now?" Scully inquired.

"Must be getting some pretty good stuff.  Feel like 
I'm floating."

"Why don't you quit fighting it?  Just close your 
eyes and float on off to sleep."

"Sounds like a good idea."  He closed his eyes and 
drifted off.


Room 332, Intermediate Care Unit, Georgetown Memorial


Mulder opened his eyes and found that his 
surroundings had changed again.  "Crap," he thought 
as he took inventory of the same tubes, wires and 
monitors that he'd had earlier.  "This doesn't look 
like the ICU, though.  Wonder where Scully is?"

He tried to turn his head and found that the pain in 
his collarbone prevented that.  He heard the door 
open and relaxed as he heard the familiar footsteps 
approach his bed.

"Oh!  You're awake," Scully observed, surprise in her 
voice.

"You caught me."

Scully set her coffee down on the bedside table.  I 
thought you would sleep a little longer.  How are you 
doing?"

"I've been better.  That coffee smells good," he 
hinted.

"Don't let the aroma fool you.  It's typical hospital 
coffee, and I don't think your stomach is ready for 
that yet.  How about a nice, refreshing spoonful of 
ice?"

"I guess I'll have to settle for that," he answered, 
making a face.

Scully fed him a few ice chips and watched as he 
allowed them to melt, then swallowed.  "More?"

"Yeah.  Feels good."

She gave him more.  "How's the pain?"

"The elephant is still sitting on my left side, but I 
think I'm getting used to it."  He tried to shift in 
bed but gasped when the pain hit.  "Bad idea."

"Yes, it was.  The control for your PAD is on your 
right bed rail.  Can you reach it?"

Mulder raised his right hand and found the control.  
"Yes, I can."

"Then use it.  It's there for your comfort."  To 
emphasize her point, Scully reached over and pushed 
the button.

"Sculleee," he whined.

"Mulder, efficient pain control is essential for your 
recovery.  Use it when the pain is bad."

"Yes, doctor.  When can I get out of here?"

"You just had over five hours of surgery, Mulder.  
You're not going anywhere until the chest tube is out 
and you can move a little more easily," Scully 
admonished.

"Wonderful," he griped.  "Any news on what the 
shooting was all about?"

"At this time it appears that it was totally random.  
Skinner has assigned a guard, but if nothing turns up 
soon he will probably be re-assigned."

"I agree that it was most likely a random shooting.  
It was just my usual luck to be in the way.  I'm 
really starting to fade out here.  Think I'll rest 
for a bit."  Mulder closed his eyes.  "Scully, go 
home.  I'll be okay."

"I think I'll stay for a while longer."

"Suit yourself."  He began to drift off, pleased that 
Scully was staying.

Mulder drifted in and out of sleep during the night, 
rousing when the nurse came in to check him, and 
going back to sleep after a mouthful of ice chips and 
another dose of pain medication,

Shortly before dawn, Scully decided to go home for a 
quick shower and a change of clothes.  Mulder was 
sleeping soundly as she told the guard she would 
return shortly.

Minutes after Scully left, the guard received a call 
relieving him of his duty.  He told the nurses good-
bye and walked away quickly, happy to soon be off his 
feet.  A nurse checked on Mulder once and then 
returned to the station to complete her chart notes 
before the shift change.

Scully returned, feeling more comfortable and 
relieved that it seemed so quiet on the floor.  As 
she pushed the door to Mulder's room open an alarm 
sounded.  As the door opened, she saw a man dressed 
in the maroon scrubs of the nursing staff holding a 
pillow over Mulder's face.  Mulder was struggling 
weakly, trying to bat the man's hands away with his 
right hand.

As Scully reached for her gun, the man turned from 
Mulder and threw the pillow at her, then charged her 
and pushed her against the wall as he ran out of the 
room.  By the time Scully picked herself up, he was 
gone and the room began to fill with nursing 
personnel.

The monitor stopped its alarm as Mulder's heartbeat 
and breathing began to return to normal.  Scully was 
quickly at his side.

"Where the hell is the guard?" she demanded as she 
observed Mulder closely.

"He was sent home," one of the nurses explained as 
she reapplied one of the cardiac monitor leads.

"Mulder, can you hear me?  Are you all right?" Scully 
asked as she smoothed the hair back from his 
forehead.

"I think I'm okay," he answered, still breathing 
heavily.

"Just take it easy.  You're safe now," Scully said in 
her most soothing tone.

"What was that about?" Mulder inquired, trying to 
slow his breathing as one of the nurses put an oxygen 
mask over his mouth and nose.

"I don't know, Mulder, but you can be sure it won't 
happen again.  Take slow breaths, in and out, in and 
out.  That's it.  Keep slowing it down.  You're doing 
better."

One of the nurses left to call the doctor, as the 
other one stayed behind to continue monitoring 
Mulder.

"Stay here," Scully directed her as she left the 
room.  She grabbed the phone at the nurse's station 
and called Skinner.  After filling him in she went 
back to Mulder.

Mulder was breathing normally once again and the 
oxygen mask had been removed.  "Well, that was 
certainly an interesting start to the day," he said, 
then grimaced.

"It certainly was.  I'm sure it didn't do anything to 
help your pain."  Scully reached for the PAD and 
Mulder grabbed her hand.

"No.  I need to be alert."

"I'm here now and Skinner is on his way with more 
guards.  You can relax.  Let me push the button.  
There's no sense in suffering if you don't have to."

Mulder moved his hand and allowed Scully to push the 
button.

"Did you recognize him?" She asked, sitting down on 
the chair beside the bed.

"Are you kidding?  The only thing I got a good look 
at was the pillow.  I could identify it anywhere.  
What about you?  What did you see?"

"I saw the back of a very large man, maybe 6'2" and 
250 pounds.  He tossed the pillow at me and pushed me 
down on the way out."

"Are you okay?" Mulder asked, concern evident in his 
voice.

"I'll probably have a few bruises, but no permanent 
damage," Scully responded, taking his hand.  "I'm 
more concerned about you.  The doctor should be in 
shortly to check you over."

"I think I'm all right.  My left side hurts like 
hell, but that's nothing new.  You saved my ass 
again.  I couldn't fight him off.  A few more minutes 
and . . ." Mulder didn't finish.  He squeezed 
Scully's hand and she squeezed back.

"That's what partners are for,' she smiled and leaned 
down to kiss his forehead.

"I don't know what I would do without you."  He 
reached up and stroked the side of her face.

"Nor I you," Scully agreed, leaning down to brush her 
lips lightly against his.

"Scully, if I weren't trussed up like a Christmas 
turkey, I'd take you in my arms and show you how much 
I can't do without you."  Instead he pulled her down 
for another brief kiss.

"Can I have a rain check on that offer?" she asked.

"Of course, any time or any place."

"Well, since Skinner is due here any time I think we 
should put this conversation on hold."  Scully pushed 
the button on his PAD again, sending another dose of 
painkiller into his IV.

"Scully, if I didn't know better, I'd think you were 
trying to dope me up so you could take advantage of 
me."  He gave her a lopsided grin as he began to feel 
the drugs coursing through his system.

"Mulder, somehow I think that I wouldn't need drugs 
to bring that about."

Mulder closed his eyes and began to snore softly.  
Scully kissed his forehead and straightened his 
covers.  She took his hand in hers and sat back down 
to wait for Skinner.

Scully didn't have long to wait.  Within five minutes 
Skinner knocked on the door and motioned her outside.  
As soon as she was in the hall he began to question 
her.

"What the hell happened, Agent Scully?"

"Evidently, the guard got a message to terminate his 
assignment.  Shortly after, a man dressed in nursing 
attire entered Mulder's room and attempted to 
suffocate him by placing a pillow over his face," 
Scully explained.  "I startled the intruder and he 
pushed me over before I could draw my gun."

"Is Mulder okay?  What about you?  He didn't hurt you 
did he?"

"Mulder was a little shaken up, but seems to be 
recovering from that quite well.  I'm fine sir.  
I'll probably have a few bruises, but nothing 
serious."

"Did you recognize the intruder?"

"No, sir, and Mulder didn't get a look at him 
either."

Skinner crossed his arms.  "This doesn't seem to be a 
professional job.  It's been too sloppy from the very 
beginning."  He opened the door and looked in on 
Mulder who was still sleeping.  "Agent Scully, can 
Mulder be moved?"

"I wouldn't recommend it until the chest tube is 
removed."

"When will that be?"

"Well, the bleeding has stopped and there has been 
very little drainage since the surgery.  I would 
think that it could probably be safely removed 
sometime today.  What are you thinking, sir?" Scully 
inquired.

"A safe house," Skinner replied.

"Mulder is still quite ill.  He's in considerable 
pain and can't move very well.  In addition, he's 
still very weak from blood loss, and infection is 
always a risk," Scully explained.

"In your opinion could he recover satisfactorily 
outside a hospital environment?"

"Yes, sir.  He's stable and as long as he has 
adequate pain control, hydration and antibiotics he 
will probably be all right.  Of course, he couldn't 
travel far.  The safe house would have to be fairly 
close and he would need skilled nursing care for a 
few days."

"Let's talk to his doctor then.  If he agrees, I'll 
make the arrangements."

End Part One

Drive-by Part Two
Disclaimer, etc. in Part One

"Let me get this straight," Mulder said.  "We're 
going to pretend that I died from complications due 
to the attempt on my life?"

Scully nodded yes.

"You're going to sneak me out of the hospital through 
the morgue and take me to a safe house in a hearse?"

"That's right, Mulder."

"Whose brilliant idea was this?"

"It was my brilliant idea, agent," Skinner said as he 
entered the room.  "Do you have a problem with it?"

"No, sir.  I've always wondered what my final journey 
would be like.  Thank you for giving me that 
opportunity," Mulder answered facetiously.

"You're welcome, Mulder.  I would suggest that you 
prepare yourself for that journey.  As soon as the 
gurney arrives we'll transfer you to the morgue," 
Skinner informed him.

"Yes, sir."

Skinner went back to the hallway to wait for Mulder's 
transportation.

The door opened and two agents disguised as orderlies 
brought in the gurney.


Safe house-Falls Church, Virginia

The hearse quickly deposited its occupants behind the 
house and left just as quickly, trying not to draw 
attention in the quiet neighborhood.  Scully held the 
back door open as Skinner helped Mulder up the steps.  
He was leaning heavily on Skinner, using what little 
strength he had in reserve.

"Damn, Mulder!  You're heavier than you look," 
Skinner huffed as they reached the top step.

"Must be all of that good food we eat when we're in 
the field," he explained sarcastically.

"Agent Scully, there's a bedroom just on the other 
side of the dining room.  It should be set up and 
ready to go.  If you could get the bed ready, I'll 
have Agent Mulder there as quickly as I can."

"Yes, sir."  Scully moved ahead of them to find the 
room.

"Sir, if it's all right with you, could I sit down at 
the kitchen table for a few seconds?" Mulder asked, 
breathing heavily.  "I've got to rest."

"You won't get any arguments from me."  Skinner 
pulled out a chair and helped Mulder sit.

The short walk up the stairs had just about done 
Mulder in.  He was beginning to perspire heavily and 
could feel nausea rising in his throat.  The pain was 
about to overwhelm him again and his vision was 
beginning to waver.

Scully came back in to see why they had to stop.  
"Mulder, what's wrong?"

"Think I need to lie down.  Starting to feel sick."  
With that he began to heave and Scully grabbed a 
nearby trashcan just in time as Mulder began to empty 
the contents of his stomach.  There wasn't much to 
come up, but the dry heaves continued for several 
minutes.

"Shit!" Mulder exclaimed shakily when he was 
finished.  "I've got to get to bed before I pass 
out."

Skinner hauled him up by his good arm and Scully put 
an arm around his waist.  Together they were able to 
get him to the room and sit him on the side of the 
bed.
  
Skinner grabbed his legs and swung them around while 
Scully supported Mulder's back as they eased him into 
a prone position.

"Damn, shit, hell . . .arrgh, it hurts!" he cried out 
and began to heave again.

"Mulder, calm down.  Remember to take slow, deep 
breaths.  I'll give you something for the pain and 
nausea as soon as I get your IV going again."

Scully quickly got the supplies for the IV together 
and attached the tubing to the hep-lock that was left 
in place and started the flow.  She then prepared 
injections of phenergan and morphine and added them 
to the solution already running.  She smoothed the 
hair off his forehead and prayed that the medication 
would soon help.

Mulder visibly relaxed as the medication began to 
work its magic.  His eyelids fluttered, then closed.  
Soon he was sleeping soundly.

Scully pulled the covers up and checked the IV pump 
to be sure the settings were correct.

"Is he okay?" Skinner asked, not bothering to hide 
his concern.

"I think so.  I believe it was just too much exertion 
for his weakened condition.  I'll check his vitals, 
but I think he'll be all right after he sleeps for a 
while."

"I'll leave you to it then.  I'm going to call and 
see when the nurse will be here.  You're dead on your 
feet.  I want you to rest as soon as he gets here," 
Skinner ordered.

"Thank you, sir.  I am rather tired."  

When Skinner returned from his phone call, Scully was 
sitting beside Mulder with her head on the side of 
the bed, fast asleep.  He closed the door softly and 
went back to the kitchen to wait for the nurse.

When Scully awakened she found herself in a nice, 
comfortable bed.  "How did I get here?" she wondered 
as she looked at her watch.  "Damn!"  She pulled 
herself up as she discovered that four and a half 
hours had passed.  "I've got to check on Mulder."

She made her way down the stairs, trying to figure 
out where everything was.  She found Mulder's room 
and looked in.  After she was satisfied that he was 
sleeping peacefully, she made her way to the kitchen 
where she found Skinner drinking coffee with another 
man wearing surgical scrubs.

Skinner looked up.  "Agent Scully!  I didn't expect 
you to awaken so soon.  Sit down and let me get you a 
cup of coffee."

"Thank you.  That would be wonderful."

Skinner rose and went to the counter to pour her a 
cup.  As Scully sat down he introduced her to the man 
seated across from her.  "Agent Scully, this is Chris 
Smith.  He usually works in the infirmary at 
Quantico, but I asked him to help us out."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Agent Scully," Chris 
said extending his hand.  "I've heard many good 
things about you."

"Thank you, Mr. Smith," Scully smiled, taking the 
coffee from Skinner and shaking Chris' hand.  "How is 
Mulder doing?"

"Please call me Chris, and Mulder is doing well 
considering what he's been through.  He's been 
sleeping since I arrived."

"Good.  He needs the rest."  Scully turned to 
Skinner.  "Sir, how did I get upstairs?  I don't 
remember walking up there."

"You fell asleep with your head on Mulder's bed.  You 
were so tired that I couldn't rouse you, so I carried 
you upstairs where you would be more comfortable," 
Skinner explained.

"Thank you, sir; although, that really wasn't 
necessary."

"Agent Scully, you haven't had any sleep in over 24 
hours.  You won't be any help to Mulder if you 
collapse from exhaustion.  In fact, you should try to 
get some more sleep.  Mr. Smith is here to give you a 
break.  You can stay with Mulder when Mr. Smith 
takes a break.  That is an order, Agent Scully."

"If you put it that way, I don't guess I have much 
choice.  I would like to check in on him before I go 
back upstairs," Scully stated, taking another swig of 
her coffee.

"I think that will be acceptable, but no more than 
five minutes.  I sent someone to your apartments to 
bring back some clothes and toiletries for you and 
Mulder.  I hope you don't mind.'

"No, sir.  A hot bath and a change of clothes would 
feel heavenly right about now."  She rose from her 
chair.  "Thank you, sir for being so thoughtful."

"You're welcome, Agent Scully.  I'm going back to the 
office to see how the investigation is going.  When I 
return, I expect to see you well-rested."

"I'll try, sir"

"Don't try.  Do it," Skinner ordered.  He turned and 
left through the back door.

Scully started to move towards Mulder's room.

"I'll come with you, Agent Scully.  I can show you 
the chart I've started and fill you in if you have 
any questions," Chris offered.

"That would be nice, Chris.  It would also be nice if 
you would call me Dana."

"Okay, Dana."

When they entered Mulder's room he was beginning to 
awaken from his long nap.

"Hey, partner.  How are you feeling?" Scully inquired 
as Chris handed her Mulder's chart.

"Well, I don't have a pillow over my face, so I guess 
I'm feeling pretty lucky."  He looked in Chris' 
direction, trying to figure out what he was doing 
there.

"Mulder, this is Chris Smith, a registered nurse from 
the infirmary at Quantico.  He's going to help with 
your care for a few days until you're stronger," 
Scully informed him.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Mulder.  I must say you're 
quite a legend at Quantico."

"Call me Mulder.  I guess 'Spooky' Mulder will always 
be fodder for some pretty tall tales.  Don't believe 
everything you hear, especially if it's something 
good."

"Mulderrr . . ." Scully groaned.

"I must admit I've heard some unbelievable stories," 
Chris grinned as he put a blood pressure cuff around 
Mulder's right arm.  "How is the nausea?"

"It's not giving me any trouble at the moment.  In 
fact, I'm rather thirsty," Mulder replied.

"I think we can probably let you have a little bit of 
water.  How would you rate your pain on a scale of 
one to ten?"

"Mulder, tell him the truth," Scully warned.

Mulder sighed.  "Yes, Dr. Scully.  I'd rate it around 
a three."

"Mulder," Scully started.

"All right, all right."  He rolled his eyes at her.  
"Maybe it's more like an eight.  Satisfied?" he asked 
Scully.

"Mulder, you need to be truthful.  Your recovery will 
move along much faster if the pain is under 
control."

Chris finished taking Mulder's vitals and recorded 
them quickly.  "I'm going to get you some water and 
prepare some anti-nausea and pain medication to go in 
your IV.  I'll be right back."

As soon as Chris left the room, Scully bent over 
Mulder and gave him a kiss, which he gladly returned.

"Scully, a few more of those and I'll forget about 
the pain."

"Well, that will have to hold you for a few hours.  
Skinner has ordered me to get some more sleep."

"Need any help?"

"Mulder, with you in my bed, I doubt that either one 
of us would get any rest," Scully smiled.

"You're probably right, but I wouldn't mind trying."  
He tried to shift onto his right side so he could see 
her more clearly.  "Ahhh, shit!"

"Mulder, if you'll wait until Chris returns, we can 
shift you to another position."

"I'm all for trying new positions," he panted, trying 
to bring the pain under control.

Even though he was in considerable pain, Scully knew 
that he was getting better.  His innuendo gland was 
functioning again, and quite well too.

Chris came back with a pitcher of water, a cup and a 
straw.  He set them down on the bedside table.

"Before I go upstairs we need to move Mulder onto his 
right side," Scully said.

"Okay.  I'm sure you're tired of lying on your back 
so long.  Ready, Mulder?"

"Yes."

"Just let us do the work," Scully directed.  "Don't 
try to help."

"Okay, Doc," Mulder agreed.

Between the two of them, the task was accomplished 
quickly.  Chris poured a cup of water, placed a straw 
in it and held it so Mulder could drink.

"Thanks, Chris.  That really hit the spot."

"Dana, you need to get back upstairs.  Remember AD 
Skinner's order," Chris reminded her.

"You're right.  Mulder, I'm going upstairs and relax 
in a nice, hot bath, then sleep for a few hours.  
Chris will stay here and take care of you."

Mulder looked disappointed.

"Mulder, I know you'd rather look at Dana, but AD 
Skinner left orders for her to rest.  She'll be back 
in about four hours.  Until then you're stuck with 
me.  I'm going to give you your medication and you'll 
probably sleep for about the same amount of time.  As 
soon as Dana wakes up, she'll take over while I rest.  
Can you live with that?"

"Of course.  Scully needs to rest and so do I."  He 
looked at Scully.  "Hear that?  Follow Skinner's 
orders and rest up."

"Okay, Mulder.  I'm on my way.  You rest too and 
don't give Chris any trouble," Scully agreed.  "See 
you in about four hours."

"I'll be waiting," Mulder smiled and closed his eyes.

Four and a half hours later, Scully felt rested, 
refreshed and ready to tackle anything.  When she 
entered Mulder's room she was surprised to see Chris 
hard at work taking Mulder's temperature and bathing 
his face with cool water.  He turned as he heard 
Scully enter the room.

"Oh, Dana.  I'm glad you're up.  I was just about to 
come and get you."

"What's wrong?" she inquired, moving quickly to 
Mulder's side.

"He's started to spike a fever."

"How high?"  She reached out to feel Mulder's 
forehead and found that it was quite warm.

"It was 102.8.  I've started cooling measures and 
have given him a Tylenol suppository."

"It could be a reaction to all of the exertion today, 
or he could be losing blood or developing an 
infection.  I think we need to draw some blood and 
get it to the lab," Scully thought out loud.

"I'll do that while you continue to bathe him."

Scully took the washcloth and basin from Chris and 
ran the cloth around Mulder's face and neck.  Mulder 
sensed that she was back and opened his eyes.

"Scully, I'm so cold," he shivered.

"I know, Mulder.  You have a little bit of fever," 
she explained symphathetically.  "Chris gave you some 
Tylenol so you should be feeling better soon.  In the 
meantime, I get to give my favorite G-man a sponge 
bath." 

"As much as I've dreamed of your hands roaming all 
over my body, I'm just a little too cold to enjoy it 
right now," he shivered again as Scully pulled the 
covers back to bathe his legs.

"Just remember that when your fever breaks and you're 
so hot you can't stand it."

Mulder felt something cold on his inner arm, then 
gasped as Chris slid the needle in to draw blood.  
"Shit!  How about giving a guy some warning next 
time.!"

"Sorry, Mulder.  I'm kind of in a hurry and I thought 
you were so distracted that you wouldn't notice."  
Chris finished up and began to label the vials.  
"Dana, I've got a courier coming to pick this up.  I 
put in a stat request and they'll call us with the 
results as soon as they're finished.'

"Thank you, Chris," Scully acknowledged as she 
continued to bathe Mulder.  She finished and reached 
for the thermometer and put it in Mulder's ear.  The 
readout indicated 102.  "Well, Mulder, it's coming 
down.  There may be hope for you yet."

Chris took the basin from Scully.  "I'm going to 
empty this and fill it with fresh water."

"Scully, could I have my blanket back, and maybe some 
sweats or pajama bottoms?  I'm freezing," his teeth 
chattered as he talked.

"I know you're cold, but we've got to give your body 
a chance to cool down.  I'll put the sheet over you 
until your temperature is closer to normal."

"I guess I'll have to settle for that then."

Chris came back with a fresh basin of water along 
with two hypodermics.

"It's time for your pain medication, Mulder," he said 
as he handed the water to Scully.  "I'm also going to 
give you more anti-nausea medication.  Between the 
two of them you should sleep for a while and maybe 
your temperature will be down when you wake up"

"Okay," Mulder sighed.  "Maybe I won't feel as cold 
if I'm asleep."

Chris emptied the hypodermics into the IV port.

Scully continued to bathe Mulder's face and arm until 
he dozed off.

"What was his last blood pressure?"  Scully inquired, 
sitting down in her usual place by Mulder's bed.

"It was 112 over 68," Chris reported, handing her the 
chart.

Scully looked it over and handed it back.  
"Everything looks fairly normal for a post-op 
patient.  I'm hoping he's just worn out."

"We should know within a few hours," Chris said as 
the doorbell rang.  "That must be the courier."  He 
started for the door.

"Wait!" Scully pulled her gun.  "We can't take any 
chances.  You open the door and I'll cover you."

After a very thorough interrogation, it was 
determined that the courier was legitimate.  Chris 
handed over the blood and they both went back to 
Mulder's room.

"Chris, why don't you take a break?  I'll call you if 
I need you," Scully offered.

"I think I'll take you up on that.  Be sure to call 
me if you need me.'

"I will," she promised as he left the room.

Scully sat with Mulder.  After a while he began to 
become restless and moan from time to time.  She took 
the aural thermometer and placed it in his ear.  
After a few seconds she read the results-100.2.  She 
breathed a sigh of relief.  She noticed that Mulder 
was beginning to perspire and had kicked the sheet 
away.  He groaned loudly and opened his eyes.

"Hot," he sighed, wiping his forehead with his good 
hand.

"Actually, hot is good.  Your fever is breaking.  How 
about another sponge bath?" Scully suggested.

"Sounds good.  Where's Chris?" Mulder queried, 
looking around.

"He's taking a break.  Why, would you rather he gave 
you the sponge bath?"

"No!  It's just that I uh . . ."

"You what?"

"I uh, need to, you know . . ." Mulder squirmed.

"You need to what?" Scully grinned.

"I need to pee!" he exclaimed, clearly embarrassed.

"Mulder, you have a catheter.  If you feel like you 
need to go, just go right ahead." she laughed.

"It's not funny," he pouted.  "I thought they took it 
out before we left the hospital.  Who put it back 
in?" he asked cautiously.

"Relax, Mulder.  Chris put it back while we were both 
sleeping.  Why are you so embarrassed?"

"Scully, although I'd love for you to become very 
familiar with that part of my anatomy, that wasn't 
the way I had in mind."

"I understand.  Now how about that sponge bath and a 
clean gown?"

"I would like that very much, but how about some 
sweats or pajama bottoms instead?"

"Not until the catheter is out."

"Please," he pleaded.

"No, sorry.  We need easy access," she said firmly.

Mulder looked like he was going to say something, 
then clamped his mouth shut.  Scully was quite 
surprised that he would pass up a line like that.

"Mulder, are you okay?"

"I'm fine.  I just realized that I'm in a no-win 
situation at the moment; but be warned, I will 
eventually come out on top," he grinned as Scully 
picked up a spare pillow and gently swatted him with 
it.

"Ow!  Take it easy!"

"Sorry.  I didn't hit you that hard."

"How about that sponge bath?"  He wiped the 
perspiration from his forehead again.

"Let me get some fresh water and towels.  Don't go 
anywhere," Scully directed.

In a few minutes she returned with the supplies.  
"Let me get your vitals before we get started."  She 
took out the blood pressure cuff and stethoscope.  
After she had finished and recorded her findings, she 
began to bathe Mulder's face and neck.

When she had finished there she pulled his gown down 
to his waist and after rinsing the cloth ran it down 
his right arm and the chest area that was free of 
bandages.

"Mmm, that feels good.  I don't suppose you could 
remove some of those bandages?" he asked hopefully.  
"It's kind of itchy."

"Sorry.  Not for a day or two, and before you ask; 
the arm has to remain immobilized."

"I didn't know you were into torture," he teased.

"There are a lot of things you don't know about me," 
she replied, pulling off his gown.

"This is getting interesting," Mulder thought.  "I 
can't wait to see where she goes next."

To his disappointment, Scully pulled the sheet up 
over his legs and folded it discretely over his lap.  
She gave him a sly grin and began to bathe his legs, 
stopping just a few inches past his knees.  She dried 
him off and pulled the sheet back down, then grabbed 
the clean gown.  "Put your arm through."

Mulder complied, disappointment evident on his face.

Scully brought the gown around and tied it in the 
back.  "I think we'll let Chris take care of the rest 
of your sponge bath."

"What's the matter, Scully?  Can't trust yourself 
around me?"  Mulder decided he might as well joke 
about it.

"Mulder, you know me too well," she answered.  
"Besides, we don't want that catheter to irritate 
you, and I think there is less of a chance of that 
happening if Chris is in charge."  She leaned over 
and kissed him lightly.

Mulder pulled her in closer and deepened the kiss.  
After a few seconds Scully pulled back and smiled 
broadly.  Mulder smiled too as he pulled her back for 
an even longer kiss.  After a few seconds more. 
Scully broke it off.

"Remember what I said about catheter irritation?' she 
asked.

"Too late," Mulder grinned.

"If we keep this up you'll need another sponge bath."

"I wouldn't mind," Mulder answered, trying to pull 
her close again.

"I'm sure you wouldn't, but we need to keep your 
temperature down."  She left his hold and began to 
gather up the towels and basin.  "I'll be back in a 
few minutes to take your temperature again.  In the 
meantime you need to rest.'

In a few minutes she returned, her right hand behind 
her back.  "Guess what I have for you."

"The way my luck has been running it's probably an 
enema."

"No, that would be Chris's department anyway," she 
laughed.  She pulled her arm around to reveal a 
plastic cup of strawberry Jello.

Mulder was relieved it was nothing that would 
torture him, although it came close.  "What, no 
green?"

"Not this time.  How about it?  Do you think you can 
keep it down?"

"I think so.  I'm really feeling weak though.  I 
might need a little help holding the spoon."

"Poor Mulder.  I'll just have to see if I can help.  
Let's get your temperature first."  She took it.  "I 
think you're going to live.  It's 99.8.  Now let's 
see how this Jello goes down."  She pulled off the 
top and proceeded to spoon feed him until he finished 
it.

"Thanks, Scully.  As much as I detest Jello, you made 
it bearable."

"Well, I'm glad I'm good for something."

"Oh, I think we haven't even started to tap into your 
talents yet."

She handed him a glass of water.  "Drink this and try 
to rest for a bit," Scully ordered.

"Okay.  I am a little tired."  He accepted the water 
and took a few sips.

"How's the pain?'

"Bearable"

"Good.  Let me know if it gets worse.  You rest and 
I'm going to see if they have the results of your 
bloodwork back."  She kissed his forehead and waited 
until he closed his eyes, then went in search of a 
phone.

The phone rang before Scully could find it.  She 
followed the sound of the ring and located it.  It 
was the lab.  Mulder's blood count was close to 
normal, with no sign of infection.  "Maybe our luck 
will begin to change," she thought as she made her 
way back to Mulder's room.

End Part Two
Drive-by Part Three

Disclaimer, etc. in part one

Safe House-Falls Church Virginia

"What a difference 24 hours makes," Scully thought as 
she entered Mulder's room.  Chris had relieved her at 
midnight and she had gone straight to bed and slept 
until 7:30.  After a quick shower she was ready to 
take over Mulder's care for the day.

"Hey!" Scully called out her greeting.  She was 
surprised to see Mulder sitting in a chair beside the 
bed.  His gown was gone and he was wearing a pair of 
gray sweatpants and white socks.  His chest was bare, 
revealing the many bandages.  "Damn!" she thought.  
"Even with all of those bandages and a serious case 
of bedhead, he is still the sexiest man I've ever 
laid eyes on!"

Chris interrupted her thoughts.  "Mulder wanted to 
surprise you.  I took the catheter out after his 
sponge bath and helped him dress and get in the 
chair.  He's been sitting for about five minutes," he 
explained.

"I am surprised.  I wasn't planning on getting you up 
until tomorrow."

"I'll have to admit I'm pretty bushed," Mulder said, 
" but it feels so good to be out of that bed."

"I told Mulder if he ate a good breakfast and lunch I 
would help him walk to the bathroom this afternoon."

"Well, I guess I'll have to get busy and prepare 
something," Scully grinned.  "You're going to need 
more than Jello if you begin moving around.  Do you 
think you could handle some scrambled eggs and 
toast?"

"I'm willing to give it a try," Mulder answered as 
his stomach began to rumble.

"I guess that makes it unanimous," Chris laughed.  
"I'll help him back to bed while you work your magic 
in the kitchen."

Fifteen minutes later Scully entered Mulder's room 
with two plates of scrambled eggs, toast, orange 
juice and a cup of coffee for herself.

"I thought I'd join you," she said as she set the 
tray on the bed table.  "Chris, I left you a plate in 
the kitchen.  Don't bother with the dishes.  Just eat 
and get some rest.'

"Sounds like a plan.  I'll see you around 4:30," 
Chris agreed as he left the room.

Mulder had already reached for a slice of toast.  He 
quickly took a bite, set it down, took a sip of juice 
and after putting down the glass grabbed a fork and 
tore into the eggs.  He was able to finish half of 
them before pushing his plate back.  "My compliments 
to the chef, Scully.  It was wonderful, but I'm just 
too tired to finish."  He shifted uncomfortably on 
the bed.

"I think you did pretty well for your first real meal 
in several days.  How's the pain?" she inquired, 
slipping back into doctor mode.  "How would you rate 
it on a scale of One to ten?"

"About a six," he answered truthfully.

She flipped through his chart as she finished her 
toast.  "You're due for some more pain medication."

"It can wait until you're finished with your 
breakfast."

"Thank you, Mulder."

He watched her as she daintily ate her eggs and 
sipped her juice.  "Damn!" he thought.  "She even 
makes eating breakfast sexy!"  He shifted in bed 
again, causing a small gasp of pain to escape.

Scully finished her last bite of toast.  "I'll get 
your pain medication now."

Scully got up and got the vial of medication and a 
syringe.  She noticed Skinner standing in the 
doorway.  "Good morning, sir.  I was just getting 
Mulder his medication," Scully explained.

"You're looking better than the last time I saw you, 
Agent Mulder.  How are you feeling?"

"Better, I think.  I've had some excellent care,"  
Mulder answered.

"How is the investigation going?" Scully asked as she 
put the medication in Mulder's IV.

"It's going nowhere.  We know there is a threat, but 
we haven't been able to turn up anything," Skinner 
answered.  "I'd like for you to stay here until 
Mulder is stronger.  Maybe we will make some 
progress.  We're not going to let this drop."

"Thank you, sir," Mulder said.

"Agent Scully, if you would make a list of any 
supplies that you need, I'll make sure that they are 
delivered later today."

"Yes, sir.  I'll get right on that."

"I'll meet you in the kitchen when I'm ready to 
leave," Skinner announced.  "I'd like to talk to 
Agent Mulder for a few minutes."

He made himself comfortable in the chair.  "Is there 
anything you'd like that would make your stay here a 
little easier?"

"I really can't think of anything, sir.  Agent Scully 
informed me that there is a pretty extensive video 
and DVD collection for when I'm feeling better, and I 
really don't have much of an appetite.  If I think of 
anything I'll let you know," Mulder promised.

"Fair enough, Agent Mulder.  In the process of 
investigating this case, we found that one of your 
neighbors committed suicide."

"Who?" Mulder asked, a surprised look on his face.

"A Mrs. Helena Delgado, in number 45.  It seems she 
used her husband's spare service weapon to re-arrange 
her sinus cavities and brain," Skinner explained.

"When did this happen?"

"The ME estimates the time at mid-morning the day you 
were shot.  Most tenants were at work, so no one 
heard anything.  Did you know her?

"Not really.  I stopped her husband from beating the 
shit out of her the night before she died, but that 
was the only contact I had with her.  I didn't 
realize she was in such bad shape emotionally.  Maybe 
I could have done something . . ."

"Mulder, stop!" Skinner ordered.  "Don't blame 
yourself for this.  You barely knew her.  You 
couldn't be expected to know what kind of problems 
she had.  It sounds like the husband should be 
shouldering most of the blame.  Just put it out of 
your mind and concentrate on recovering."

"Yes, sir.  I'll try," Mulder said softly.

"Don't try.  Do it!"  Skinner rose from the chair.  
"You look like you need to rest.  I'll see Agent 
Scully on my way out and send her back when we're 
finished."

"Thank you, sir."  Mulder closed his eyes.

"Take care, Mulder."

Skinner found Scully in the kitchen.  "I think I've 
written down everything we need," Scully said, 
handing him the list.

Skinner glanced at it and put it in his inside suit 
pocket.  He proceeded to tell Scully what he and 
Mulder had discussed.  "I should have known better 
than to say anything.  He thinks he should have been 
able to help her, even though he didn't really know 
her."

"Leave it to Mulder to lay a guilt trip on himself.  
Thanks for telling me, sir.  I'll try to help him 
through it."

"I'm sure you will, Agent Scully.  I'll send those 
supplies over later today, and don't let your guard 
down.  Even though we haven't turned up anything, I 
feel that this isn't over," Skinner warned.

"You're right, sir.  I'll try to stay alert," Scully 
promised.

"I'm sure you will."

Skinner left and Scully went back to Mulder's room to 
check on him.  He was sleeping so she gathered up the 
breakfast tray and went back to the kitchen to load 
the dishwasher.  When she finished straightening the 
kitchen she went back to Mulder.  He was still 
sleeping, but not comfortably.  Scully knew that a 
nightmare was coming on and decided to wake him 
before he started to thrash around and hurt himself.

"Mulder, can you hear me?  Wake up."

He slowly opened his eyes.  "Scully, what . . .what's 
wrong?"

"You were starting to have a bad dream.  I didn't 
want you to hurt yourself," she explained.

"I was dreaming about Mrs. Delgado."

"Mulder, I want you to stop this.  You need to think 
of yourself for a change.  There was nothing you 
could do to help her.  Worrying about it won't help 
your recovery.  Let it go.  Please . . .for me?" she 
pleaded.

He reached for her and she very carefully enfolded 
him in her arms.  "Scully, I'll try not to think 
about it.  I don't want you to worry about me.  
Okay?"

"Mulder, I do worry about you.  I just want you to 
get better."

"I am getting better, Scully.  Just having you here 
makes me better."  He held her tighter.  "I couldn't 
make it from one day to the next without you."  He 
kissed her forehead.

"And I want to be there for you, Mulder."  She kissed 
him softly on the lips.

He returned the kiss.  "Could you hold me for a bit?"

"Of course."

"Why don't you climb up here with me?" he suggested.  
"I think there will be plenty of room if I just scoot 
over a little."

He moved over very carefully.  Ever so slowly and 
gently she eased herself in beside him.  After 
arranging the IV tubing so it wouldn't become 
tangled, she leaned against his right shoulder and 
carefully put her right arm around his waist.  "Am I 
hurting you?" she asked.

"No, Scully.  It feels good having you this close," 
he sighed contentedly.

"Try to rest then.  I'll be right here."

Mulder closed his eyes and was soon snoring softly.



Mulder was awakened by the sound of Scully's 
footsteps.  He opened his eyes to find her putting a 
tray on the bedtable.

"Hello, sleepyhead.  Did you have a good nap?" she 
asked, smiling broadly.

"Yes, I did.  It must have something to do with the 
company I keep.  Is it lunchtime already?"

"Yep."

"What's on the menu?  I actually feel somewhat 
hungry," he proclaimed.

"Don't get too excited.  It's just chicken noodle 
soup from a can and crackers.  I want you to take it 
easy on your stomach for the rest of the day.  After 
Skinner sends the supplies, I should be able to fix 
something more substantial tomorrow.  Do you need any 
help?"

"I don't know.  I'm kind of off-balance with my arm 
unable to move," he hinted.

"Then I'll help you.  I don't think you want a lapful 
of noodles," she laughed.

"You're right.  Feed me woman," he teased.

"If you keep that up you will have a lapful of 
noodles," Scully threatened.

"All right," he sighed.  "I'll be good."

With Scully's help, Mulder made quick work of the 
soup and crackers.

"Wow!  I'm impressed.  Would you like seconds?"

"No.  That filled me up.  Thank you.  Uh, Scully, is 
there any way I could take that walk to the bathroom 
a little early?"

"No," Scully decided.  "I really think we should wait 
for Chris, just in case you need help."

"Please," he begged.

"Sorry.  Here."  She handed him a urinal.  "Use that 
while I take the tray to the kitchen.  I'll empty it 
when I get back."

"But, I only have one hand."

"I think you can handle it, big boy."  She patted him 
on the head and grabbed the tray.  "I'll see you in a 
few minutes."

When Scully returned she was in doctor mode.  She 
took Mulder's vitals, asked him to rate his pain, and 
checked his incisions.'

"We'll probably change the bandages this afternoon, 
then get you up for your walk and let you sit for a 
while.  How does that sound?" she asked.

"I think I can live with that," he answered, shifting 
to find a more comfortable position, wincing as he 
moved.

"Mulder, let me help you move onto your side," Scully 
offered.

"I think I'll take you up on that.  I've got a cramp 
in my back and my butt is going numb," he explained.

"Poor Mulder."  She helped him maneuver onto his 
right side.  "Better?"

"A little."

"Let me get your pain medication then I'll give you a 
back rub."

"Sounds good."

Scully put the medication into his IV and began to 
gently rub his back.

"Mmm, don't stop.  Feels good."

She continued to massage the kinks out of his back as 
the medication took hold.  Soon Mulder was sleeping 
soundly, a smile on his face.

Scully sat down in the chair by his bed and took his 
hand and intertwined her fingers with his.  After a 
few minutes she leaned her head against the bed and 
was soon sleeping too.


At 4:15 Chris entered Mulder's room and found that 
Mulder and Scully were still holding hands and still 
snoozing.  As he walked across the room to take a 
look at Mulder's chart, his patient groaned and 
opened his eyes.

Mulder moved his hand and Scully straightened up and 
opened her eyes.  She yawned, looked around and 
spotted Chris.

"Sleeping on the job, Agent Scully?" he teased.

"You caught me.  I've probably slept so much that I 
won't be able to sleep later.  Chris, if you don't 
mind, after you help me change Mulder's bandages and 
walk him to the bathroom, I'll stay with him through 
the evening."

"Sure.  I'll rustle us up something to eat later on 
and then check out that video collection and big 
screen TV until around 11.  Is that agreeable?"

"Yes.  Mulder has done quite well today.  His vitals 
have been good and his appetite is returning," Scully 
reported.

"That's me, your star patient," Mulder beamed.

"Chris, while I'm washing my hands could you take 
Mulder's vitals and gather up the supplies we'll 
need?"

"Sure thing."

Several hours later Mulder and Scully were enjoying a 
dinner of vegetable soup, crackers and applesauce 
while Chris put away the supplies that had just 
arrived.

"You know, Mulder, you're doing so well that we'll 
probably remove the IV tomorrow morning," Scully told 
him.

"I wouldn't be upset if you removed it tonight."

"Not so fast.  You still have another dose of 
antibiotics later on, and the IV pain meds will help 
you sleep better.  Tomorrow will be soon enough."

"It was worth a try," he said.

"I wouldn't expect anything less, Mulder."


The next morning Scully was finishing up breakfast 
when Chris came in.

"Good morning, Chris," Scully greeted him.

"And a good morning to you too, Dana.  Mulder had a 
very good night.  I've already removed the IV and we 
have a surprise for you."

"Oh, really?"

"Morning, Scully," Mulder grinned as he walked slowly 
and carefully into the kitchen.

"Well, this is quite a surprise.  Sit down Mulder and 
I'll pour you a cup of coffee."

Chris helped Mulder into the nearest chair while 
Scully brought him his coffee.

"Is this the real thing?" Mulder asked.

"Yes, Mulder.  I thought we'd celebrate your return 
to a regular diet."

"Wow, caffeine.  Be still my heart," he joked.

"I've got some eggs, bacon and biscuits to go along 
with it," Scully informed him.

"Bring it on."

Mulder continued to gain strength during the day and 
by lunchtime was able to roll out of bed without any 
help.  Scully talked to Skinner and they agreed that 
Chris was no longer needed.  Skinner promised to stop 
by in the evening and update them on the 
investigation and make plans for the next few days.

After dinner Scully helped Mulder get situated on the 
couch in the living room.  "Comfy?" she asked as she 
placed a pillow behind his back.

"No.  Something's missing," he pouted.

"What did I forget?"

"I won't be totally comfortable until you're snuggled 
up next to me," he answered, patting the space beside 
him.

"Let me find us a movie to watch first.  Any 
requests?"

"No, I'll let you choose.  Nothing too girlie, 
though."

"You mean I can't watch "Titanic" again?"

Mulder rolled his eyes upward.  The finally settled 
on 'Dr. Dolittle', of all things.  Scully started the 
movie and was on her way to the couch when the wail 
of sirens caught her attention.  She turned to look 
out the window.

"What's going on?" Mulder inquired as the sirens 
became louder.

Scully looked out and saw several fire engines rush 
by.  They came to a stop just down the street.

"It looks like a trash fire," Scully reported.

"I guess they can handle it, then," Mulder commented.

"I hope so.  It looks like they have quite a few 
onlookers to contend with."

"They'll be all right.  Come on.  The movie's 
starting."

Scully turned around and saw a man standing in the 
doorway leading from the hall.  It was the man who 
had tried to kill Mulder in his hospital room.  She 
made a move to reach for her weapon.

"I wouldn't do that, little lady," he warned, showing 
her his gun.

Scully put her hands by her side as Mulder slowly 
turned around.

"Delgado!" he exclaimed.

"Evening, Agent Mulder," he sneered.

Suddenly it all made sense to Mulder.  "Your wife 
didn't commit suicide.  You killed her!"

"That's going to be hard to prove.  You're the only 
one who knew about that little argument and you're 
going to be out of the picture pretty soon.  All 
right, little lady.  Raise your hands and turn 
around."

Scully complied.

"Now, back up over here to me," Delgado ordered.  As 
soon as she was close enough, he pulled her gun from 
the holster, pushed her over to the couch and sat her 
down hard.

"Scully!" Mulder exclaimed, trying to stand up.

Delgado pushed him down, sending waves of pain 
through his left side.

"Leave him alone!" Scully screamed.

"I'm okay, Scully," he gasped.

"Not for long, fed.  You guys are always sticking 
your noses where they don't belong. This time you're 
going to pay."

"It won't work, Delgado.  They'll figure it out," 
Mulder told him, still breathing heavily, trying to 
get the pain under control.

"You feds aren't as smart as you think you are.  I'm 
the grieving husband.  I'm the last person they'll 
suspect."

"You're not smart enough to pull this off," Mulder 
badgered him.  "Your diversion won't be enough to 
keep the guards occupied for long.  They're probably 
already on their way back and they'll check on us 
first thing."

"Shut-up!" Delgado screamed and clipped Mulder on the 
temple with his gun. Mulder fell over on his right 
side, stunned.

"Stop it!" Scully screamed as she brought her feet up 
and shoved them into his stomach.

Delgado fell backward, but didn't lose his grip on 
the gun.  He brought it up and pointed it at Scully.  
His finger tightened on the trigger.

"No!" Mulder yelled, his scream punctuated by the 
sound of a gunshot.

Delgado looked down at his chest, surprise on his 
face as he saw the rapidly spreading crimson stain on 
his shirt.  He fell back to the floor, then was 
still.

Scully whirled around to see Skinner in the doorway, 
his gun still pointed at Delgado.

"Agents, are you all right?"

"Mulder!" Scully exclaimed, moving over to kneel by 
him.

"I'm okay, Scully," he assured her as she helped him 
sit up.

"Are you sure?  You've got a pretty big lump on your 
head."

"Nothing that an ice pack won't help."

Skinner knelt down beside Delgado and checked his 
pulse.  There was none.  "I presume this is Harlan 
Delgado?"

"Yes, sir.  I told him you would figure it out," 
Mulder said, trying to move away from Scully's 
probing fingers.

"Yes, Mulder.  It seems that you weren't the only 
witness to their altercation.  Their next-door 
neighbor also witnessed it through her peephole, and 
the next morning heard him threaten to kill his 
wife."

"What took Mrs. Greene so long to come forward?  
She's 
usually right in the middle of everything."

"She went to visit her sister and just returned this 
afternoon.  As soon as she heard about Mrs. Delgado 
she contacted the police.  When she told them about 
your involvement it all fell into place and a warrant 
was issued for his arrest.  I came here to fill you 
in.  You're lucky I didn't stop for dinner along the 
way," Skinner explained.

"I'll be glad to fix you something as soon as we get 
this cleared up," Scully offered.

"I may take you up on that, Agent Scully.  Why don't 
you check out Agent Mulder to be sure he's okay, and 
I'll call the police and see about getting this mess 
cleaned up."  He turned to look at the TV where the 
movie was still playing.  "Dr. Dolittle?" he 
questioned.

"We thought some comic relief would be nice," Mulder 
grinned.  "Ouch!  That hurt!"

"Come on, Mulder.  Let's get some ice on that and get 
you a pain pill," Scully said, helping him up.

"Sounds like a plan, Dr. Scully.  Lead on."

By the time everyone had been questioned, crime scene 
photos taken, evidence gathered and the body removed, 
it was well after midnight.  Mulder was resting while 
Scully fixed Skinner a sandwich.

"That hit the spot, Agent Scully.  Thank you," 
Skinner acknowledged as he rose from the table.  
"I've got to go to the police station and give a 
formal statement.  The outside guards have been 
released and I will be talking to them later today 
about the proper way to guard a safe-house."

"That might be appropriate, sir," Scully agreed.

"I've been thinking," Skinner started.

"Yes, sir?"

"This place is well-supplied and very comfortable.  
Why don't you and Mulder stay here for a few more 
days?"

"I don't know sir.  I'll have to see how Mulder feels 
about it."

"See how I feel about what?" Mulder asked, slowly 
making his way into the kitchen.

"AD Skinner has offered us the use of this house for 
a few more days.  I didn't want to give him an answer 
until I checked with you," Scully explained.

"It's fine with me.  It's a lot more spacious than my 
apartment.  It'll be much easier to maneuver around.  
Besides, we didn't get to watch our movie."

"It's all right with me," Scully agreed.  "We may as 
well stay here until Mulder's first check-up."

"Fine.  I'll send over a car for your use, just in 
case you need some transportation.  You can call me 
when you're ready to leave."

"Thank you, sir."

"Don't mention it, Agent Mulder.  I'm just glad 
you're on the mend and didn't suffer a serious 
setback due to the guard's fascination with fire."  
Skinner opened the back door to leave.  "Agent 
Scully, I'll see you in my office to talk about re-
assignment during Mulder's recuperation as soon as 
you return."

"Yes, sir."

Skinner left.

"Well, that was quite a surprise," Mulder stated.

"I agree.  How are you feeling?" Scully inquired as 
she began to clean up the kitchen.

"A little more beat up, but nothing I can't handle."  
He walked over to Scully and put his right arm around 
her waist.  "Why don't you leave that until later?"

"Fine, Mulder.  I am a little tired.  I think I'll 
call it a night."  She put the dishcloth down and 
turned to face him.

"Scully, did you know that there is another bedroom 
downstairs?" Mulder asked, kissing her on her 
forehead.

"Yes, I did, although I really haven't checked it 
out," she answered, kissing him on his left cheek.

"Well, I did while you were talking to Skinner.  It 
must be the master bedroom.  It has a king-sized bed, 
an entertainment center and the bath is huge.  It 
even has a Jacuzzi," he told her and then kissed her 
softly on the lips.

"Oh, really?"  She returned his kiss.  "You can't get 
your incisions wet, you know," Scully informed him as 
she gave him another kiss, lingering just a bit 
longer.

"I know.  I'm not ready to give up my sponge baths 
just yet."  He kissed her again, much longer and 
deeper than the first.  "I just thought you might 
like to relax in it.  I could sit beside you and 
massage your back, maybe read to you or feed you some 
of those strawberries I saw in the fridge."  He 
leaned in to kiss her again and Scully came to him 
eagerly.

"I think I would like that," she said after they 
broke the kiss.  "Do you think you would be 
comfortable sleeping in a regular bed?"

"As long as you're there I'll be fine," he assured 
her.

Scully began to place little kisses on the right side 
of his neck and then moved up to his mouth once 
again.  She kissed him passionately and then put her 
hand on the back of his neck and carefully pulled him 
forward.  "Why don't I give you another sponge bath 
before we go to bed?  I need to check your injuries 
again, and I'm a little concerned that there might 
still be some irritation from the catheter."

"Oh, I can guarantee you that there is a lot of 
irritation."

Scully put her left arm around his waist and began to 
guide him toward the bedroom.  "I think I want to 
cash in on that raincheck."



End