"Reunion"
by Andra Marie Mueller
Part TenSee part one for summary, author's notes & disclaimer
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Late the following morning, Jessica awoke alone, the coolness of the bed beside her indicating Doggett had been gone for some time. Glancing at the clock, she did a quick mental calculation after seeing the time and assumed he had gone for a run before heading into work. As she tossed back the bedcovers, however, she heard the tell tale bustling in the bathroom that indicated Doggett was still in the house. Leaving her crutches propped against the nightstand, Jessica limped across the room and came to halt in the bathroom doorway, taking a moment to admire the view. Doggett stood at the sink, his dress slacks on but his chest bare as he finished shaving. His tattoo stood out against the light olive skin of his well-muscled upper arms, and the scar from the injury that had gotten him discharged from the Corps was clearly visible amidst the faint ridges of muscle adorning his stomach.
Some scars aren’t as easy to see as others but it doesn’t mean they hurt any less.
The thought popped into Jessica’s head unbidden, having been a comment from Doggett when she had convinced him to share with her what had happened in Beirut. He had suffered flashbacks and nightmares during the early years of their relationship, yet once they had married it had somehow managed to exorcise Doggett’s ghosts, and the nightmares had stopped. She asked him once why he thought their marriage had managed to do what professional counselors and therapy had not, and his response had been simply, “You brought me peace.”
She smiled at the memory, thinking how very mutual the sentiment was, and at last wandered over to stand beside him.
“Good morning, Sunshine,” she greeted softly.
‘Good mornin’ yourself. How’d you sleep?”
“Very well, thank you. How long have you been up?”
“I woke up at about 5:30 and went for a run, then stopped off at the bakery to get a Danish and a cup of coffee before I came back here to shower and dress for work.”
“Are we still going shopping for a Christmas tree tonight?”
“Yes. I assume you still intend to invite Mulder along?”
“Yes. Scully is giving a lecture tonight at a forensics seminar at Quantico so he’s got Will.”
The ring of the phone interrupted their conversation and wiping the last remnants of shaving cream from his face, Doggett walked into the bedroom to answer it. “Hello?”
“Hi John, it’s Sarah.”
“Mornin’, Sarah. How are you?”
“At the moment, I’m torn between anger and confusion,” Sarah responded. “Have you and Jessica seen today’s edition of the Post?”
“Not yet. Why?”
“The first article on the front page is all about Alan Grant and Miguel Lupen being arrested for Scott’s murder, and also states that Elizabeth herself was brought in for questioning by the FBI. And the icing on the cake is the revelation that apparently Scott was killed to cover up the fact that Jessica was kidnapped as an infant and is actually the sister of one your colleagues.”
“Son of a bitch,” Doggett muttered.
“Is it true?” Sarah demanded.
“Yeah, its true.”
“I think Jessica needs to come to the house and explain to me exactly what’s going on,” Sarah said. “The kids are going to find out about this and I need to know what to tell them.”
“She’ll be there in half an hour.”
Doggett hung up the phone and turned to face Jessica, who had wandered over to stand beside him after hearing his explicative. “We’ve got trouble,” he declared.
“What’s going on?” Jessica asked.
“Accordin’ to Sarah today’s edition of The Washington Post has a front page article about Scott’s death and your kidnappin’,” Doggett told her.
“That’s just great. How did the press find out?”
“Given your mother’s public position it was only a matter of time before it became front page news, sweetheart. Get dressed and head on over to Sarah’s. I’ll call Mulder and have him meet you there.”
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ALEXANDRIA
Just under thirty minutes later, Jessica arrived at Sarah’s house and found Mulder already there. Climbing out of her car, she crossed the driveway to meet him on the walkway.
“Good morning,” he greeted.
“Hi, Fox,” Jessica returned.
“So our little family secrets are now front page news,” Mulder remarked. “I’m sure the good Senator must be ecstatic.”
“Elizabeth has an entire staff ready to handle her PR problems,” Jessica replied. “I’m more concerned about how Scott’s children are going to handle the news.”
“That’s what we’re here to find out.”
The two made their way to the front door and rang the bell, and a moment later Sarah opened the door. “Hi,” she greeted simply. “Thanks for getting here so quickly.”
She stepped aside to allow them entry and motioned them inside before she swung the door shut behind them. The trio remained silent until they reached the living room, then Jessica made the introductions.
“Fox, this is my sister-in-law, Doctor Sarah Caldwell. Sarah, my brother, Fox Mulder.”
“Nice to meet you Dr. Caldwell,” Mulder said.
“Likewise, Agent Mulder. I just wish it were under better circumstances.”
Mindful of the lieutenant’s healing knee, the three quickly settled themselves on the couch and in chairs before continuing.
“I’m sorry you had to find out about the arrests in the paper, Sarah,” Jessica apologized. “I was planning on calling you in the next couple of days so I could tell you myself, but I never dreamed the media would get wind of the news as fast as they did.”
“How did all of this happen?” Sarah asked. “Last time we spoke you told me that the police were treating Scott’s case as an accident. Now suddenly its part of some grand conspiracy to keep you from finding out you’re adopted?”
“It’s a bit more complicated than that, but in essence, yes. Scott discovered that I had been adopted by the Caldwells as a baby after being kidnapped, and somehow figured out that I was actually Christina Mulder. When he discovered Alan Grant was behind the kidnapping ring, he took what evidence he had to Lupen, who in turn confronted Grant and wound up becoming a part of the conspiracy. He had been working with Grant’s partner to keep the news from becoming public knowledge, but unbeknownst to him Grant’s partner was leaking clues to me about what they had done.”
Sarah glanced at Mulder. “How did you become involved in all of this?”
“The day after Scott’s funeral, Jessica received a note intimating that Scott’s death may not have been an accident,” Mulder explained. “Accompanying the note was a copy of the newspaper article about my sister’s Christina’s kidnapping thirty-eight years ago, and Jessica decided to bring me in on the case. When we went to Scott’s office to look around, I found a folder in the back of one his filing cabinets that was labeled with Jessica’s name, and inside I found a copy of the forged adoption certificate. I presented it to Agent Doggett, who indicated that it was his understanding Jessica was not adopted. We originally felt that Jessica and Christina had been victims of a black market kidnapping ring for baby girls, but some friends I was having research the kidnappings felt there was more to it than that, and managed to uncover the fact that Jessica is in actuality my sister Christina.”
“Have you been able to prove it?” Sarah pressed.
“Yes. A blood test was done and the DNA match ratio proved that Jessica is my sister.”
“This is all so unbelievable,” Sarah muttered. “Did your parents know you were actually an abducted baby when they adopted you?”
“My father did,” Jessica confirmed. “When I confronted my mother she claimed that Edward told her I was an orphan, and the testimony from Lupen and Grant seems to support that.”
“And how much of this did Scott know?”
“As far as we can tell he only found out I was adopted when he uncovered Grant’s kidnapping ring,” Jessica answered. “I have no way of knowing why he didn’t come to me or John when he did, but Grant had him killed to prevent him from telling anyone what he knew.”
“Scott never mentioned anything to you about what he had found?” Mulder prompted.
“Not a word. He’d been a little preoccupied for a week or so before his death, but I just assumed it was because he was busy with work.”
“More likely he was trying to find a way to deal with what he knew and come up with the best way to tell us,” Jessica responded.
Sarah met her sister-in-law’s gaze. “For whatever its worth, Jessica, I know Scott would never have kept the truth from you if he had known about it sooner. He adored you and would have done everything in his power to keep you from getting hurt.”
“It seems to me that he did exactly that,” Mulder interjected softly.
The women both flashed him appreciative smiles before Sarah spoke again. “Well I’m not quite sure what to tell Kim and the boys,” she said. “I don’t want to lie to them, but I certainly don’t want them knowing the full details about what happened to Scott.”
“Maybe you can tell them part of the truth,” Mulder suggested. “Explain that Scott discovered Grant was stealing babies and had him killed because he didn’t want Scott to tell the police. But as far as the specifics of the Caldwells’ involvement, it’s probably best that they don’t discover that aspect of it.”
“Maybe, but I’m not sure I want Elizabeth around the children if the company she keeps is responsible for murdering their father.”
“That’s a choice you have to make yourself,” Jessica allowed, “but whatever else she’s done Elizabeth has always been a doting grandmother and they need that right now.”
“What about you?” Sarah asked. “How are you holding up through all of this?”
“I’m doing okay, all things considered. John’s been my rock, of course, and Agent Mulder over here is doing a pretty good job of filling those older brother shoes Scott left behind.”
Sarah smiled. “I’m glad.”
The children chose that moment to make their appearance, and spotting Jessica, they all walked over to give her a hug. Once the greetings were done, Eric glanced at Mulder. “Who are you?”
“My name’s Mulder. I’m a friend of your Aunt Jessica’s.”
“You dress fancy like Uncle John does,” Kim observed.
“That’s because he works with Uncle John at the FBI,” Jessica told her.
“You’re an agent too?” Eric asked. “Cool. Do you have a gun?”
Mulder permitted himself a small smile. “Not with me, no.”
Cameron gestured at her leg brace. “What happened to your leg, Aunt Jessica?” he asked.
“I hurt my knee fighting with the man who burned my house down,” the lieutenant answered honestly.
“I thought he shot you?” Cameron asked.
“He did. I hurt my leg when I fell from my loft after he shot me.”
“Did it hurt?” Kim asked innocently.
Jessica smiled. “Yes, sweetie, it hurt a lot.”
“Can I try your crutches?” Eric asked.
Jessica exchanged an amused look with Mulder, as Sarah answered, “No you may not. I want you three to finish your breakfast and get your books. I don’t want you to be late for school.”
The instruction earned her a chorus of groans but the children reluctantly did as they were told and bid farewell to Jessica and Mulder before vanishing into the other room.
“So that’s what I have to look forward to with Will in about twelve years,” Mulder remarked. “Oh, joy.”
“Well I hate to rush you off, but I need to get the kids to school,” Sarah said, and stood up. “I appreciate you coming by to explain what happened, Jessica.”
“I just wish I had done it before it made headlines,” Jessica returned, and she and Mulder stood as well. “If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to call me.”
“I won’t.”
The two women exchanged a hug, then Sarah bid farewell to Mulder and went off in search of her children. Once she was out of earshot, Mulder addressed Jessica.
“She seems to be doing quite well under the circumstances,” he said. “So do the kids.”
“They’re a strong family,” Jessica replied. “They’ll get through this just fine.”
“We all will,” Mulder amended.
She smiled. “I think I’m going to like having you around.”
“Likewise, little sister. Although we really must discuss your taste in men.”
Jessica promptly swatted him with a crutch.
****************************************
HOOVER BUILDING
Seated behind his desk, Mulder was reviewing his notes on a recent case when the ring of the phone interrupted his reading. Closing the file, he reached over to pick up the receiver. “Mulder.”
“Good morning, Agent Mulder,” a feminine voice replied. “This is Elizabeth Caldwell.”
“Senator,” Mulder greeted coolly.
Doggett’s head shot up at that, realizing Mulder’s caller must be his former and future mother-in-law, and he silently mouthed, “Elizabeth?”
Mulder nodded in confirmation as Elizabeth continued.
“I took the liberty of contacting you directly because Jessica isn’t returning my calls.”
“Gee, I can’t imagine why.”
“Spare me the sarcasm and patronizing tone, Agent Mulder. I get enough of that from my daughter.”
He refrained from snapping back “She isn’t your daughter” and simply said, “What do you want, Senator?”
“I assume you’ve seen the morning edition of The Washington Post?”
“If you’re referring to the article that’s preceded by the jumbo-sized headline ‘Virginia Attorney and Police Detective Arrested In Death of Senator’s Son’, yes I’ve seen it.”
“I’ve spoken with my attorney and he feels I need to make some sort of official statement regarding the article,” Elizabeth told him. “I’ll be holding a press conference at 2:00 this afternoon in front of the Senate Building and I was calling to ask if you and Jessica wanted to collaborate with me and make a joint statement.”
“At this point in time, I think I can safely speak for Jessica and myself when I say that we wouldn’t collaborate with you to determine if the Pope is Catholic,” came the droll reply. “Have a nice day, Senator.”
Without giving Elizabeth a chance to respond, Mulder hung up the phone and met Doggett’s inquiring gaze. “This day just gets better by the minute,” he said.
“I take it Elizabeth was callin’ about the Post article?” Doggett asked.
“Oh, yes. It seems the senator has decided to make an ‘official statement’ regarding the article and is holding a press conference at 2:00 at the Senate Building. She was calling to ask if Jessica and I were interested in making it a joint statement.”
Doggett shook his head. “For a prominent politician, Elizabeth can certainly be clueless when it comes to protocol,” he muttered. “We’d better call Jess and give her a heads up. I’m sure she’s gonna want to hear what her mother has to say.”
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SENATE BUILDING
The steps to the Senate Building were swarming with reporters when Mulder, Scully, Jessica and Doggett arrived a few minutes before two o’clock. Although a few flashes of their respective badges could have given them front and center position in the crowd, the foursome remained in the background, hoping to avoid detection as Elizabeth made her statement. Mulder stood with his hands in his pockets and his attention focused on the small podium where Elizabeth would make her stance. Scully stood at his side with her arms crossed, and next to her Doggett stood beside Jessica, one arm draped around her waist in a silent gesture of support.
Elizabeth emerged from the building at exactly two p.m., dressed in a conservative charcoal suit and shadowed by Michael Kelly. Making her way to the podium, she adjusted the microphone before flashing the crowd a nervous smile.
“Good afternoon, Ladies and Gentlemen,” she began, “and thank you for coming. As you were told on the phone, I have asked you all here today in response to the article about my son’s death that appeared in The Washington Post. While the investigation is still ongoing and I am limited as to what I am allowed to discuss, I will attempt to be as forthcoming as possible. Before I open it up to questions, however, I do have a brief statement I wish to make.”
Glancing over her shoulder, she nodded at Kelly who handed her a piece of paper and she placed it on the podium before her to read it aloud.
“My family remains deeply saddened by the tragic and senseless death of my beloved son, Scott Caldwell. Recent developments in the investigation into the accident that took his life have revealed that a decision made long ago by my husband and myself was the catalyst for a series of events that resulted in his death. In an effort to protect their own interests, others involved in that decision made the choice to protect our secret at any cost. Unfortunately the cost was the death of my son and the near death of my daughter, Lieutenant Jessica Doggett of the Alexandria police department. I make no excuses for my actions, and I know that I will one day atone for what them. Until then, myself and those affected by these events will have to live with the consequences of my actions. While no words can express the pain and regret I feel knowing that a choice made so long ago had such terrible ramifications to those I care for in the present, I offer my sincerest apologies to my family and the other families involved in this matter.”
Elizabeth finished her statement and glanced at the crowd. “I’m sure all of you have questions, and as I said a moment ago I will attempt to answer them to the best of my ability.”
Several hands shot into the air and a chorus of questions flew at Elizabeth. Scanning the crowd, she pointed at a reporter near the front. “Yes, Richard?”
“Senator, is the decision you mentioned in your statement the fact that you never told your daughter that she was in fact adopted, and not your biological child?”
“Yes,” Elizabeth confirmed. “At the time Edward and I felt it would be better for both of our children if neither they nor the general public knew Jessica was adopted.”
A woman toward the rear of the crowd shouted out, “Is it true that your daughter was in fact kidnapped prior to her adoption?”
Elizabeth again glanced at Kelly, who gave a curt nod, and she answered the question. “At the time I was told by my husband and the attorney handling the adoption that Jessica’s birth mother had died in childbirth, and until the events of the last two weeks transpired, I never had reason to believe otherwise.”
“Isn’t it also true that your daughter is in fact the sister of FBI agent Fox Mulder?”
“It is my understanding that DNA tests have determined that, yes.”
Another male report in the middle of the crowd called out, “Have you or your daughter had any contact with your daughter’s birth parents?”
“Unfortunately the Mulders are deceased, so Jessica is unable to initiate a meeting. However, I do know that she and Agent Mulder have begun to develop their brother-sister relationship.”
“Why isn’t your daughter here today, Senator?”
“I would not presume to speak on her behalf,” Elizabeth evaded. “I spoke with Agent Mulder earlier today and informed him that I would be conducting this press conference. I assume that he passed the information along to Jessica and she chose not to be present for it.”
From her position behind the crowd, Jessica stiffened at Elizabeth’s remark and anger flickered across her refined features as she glanced at Mulder. “I don’t know about you, but I’m getting nauseous just listening to her.”
“You want to leave?” Doggett queried.
“Actually I was thinking of making my own statement after all.”
“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Mulder asked.
“Either that or I’m going to get my crutches out of the car and started whacking people,” came the wry retort.
“Well we can’t have that,” Mulder responded lightly.
Excusing themselves from Scully and Doggett, Mulder and Jessica began to push their way through the crowd, hearing the murmurs ripple around them as they were recognized. Reaching the front of the crowd, brother and sister made their way to stand beside Elizabeth at the podium.
“Good afternoon, Senator,” Jessica greeted with false cheer. “I hope you don’t mind if we crash your little party.”
“Jessica,” Elizabeth responded evenly. “I wasn’t expecting to see you here.”
“Yes, well, life is full of little surprises, isn’t it?”
“Lieutenant Doggett,” Richard the reporter shouted. “Would you care to issue a response to your mother’s statement?”
“As a matter of fact, I would. I’m certain most of you recognize the gentleman beside me, but for the record, allow me to present to you Special Agent Fox Mulder. Now, as for the Senator’s statement, most of what she told you is valid. Yes, it is true that until Scott was killed I was not aware that I was adopted, and yes it’s true that I was born Christina Mulder and am Agent Mulder’s sister. In regards to the woman I have believed to be my mother, I am understandably angry and hurt that she chose to keep the truth from me. Not only did it prevent me from being able to seek out and know my birth parents prior to their deaths, it also cost my brother Scott his life. The men who are directly responsible are now in the hands of the legal system and I trust that justice will be served when the courts pronounce their fates. In the meantime, Agent Mulder and I are adjusting to the events of the last several days and with the help of the people we love, are managing quite nicely.”
“Agent Mulder, how did you feel when you discovered that Lieutenant Doggett was in fact your long lost sister?” a reporter shouted.
“To be perfectly honest I was relieved that there was finally someone in my family who is better looking than I am,” came the deadpan reply, earning Mulder a chuckle from the crowd.
“Lieutenant Doggett, have you spoken to the men who were arrested yesterday for their roles in your brother Scott’s murder?”
“Yes. I was present for their testimony and when they were taken into custody.”
“Have they offered any explanation for their actions?”
“Nothing that justifies murdering Scott,” Jessica responded.
“Agent Mulder, do you or Lieutenant Doggett intend to press charges against Senator Caldwell?”
“Technically there really isn’t anything we could charge her with,” Mulder answered. “However, Lieutenant Doggett and I both feel that the Senator has paid a high enough price for her duplicity with the loss of her son.”
Kelly chose that moment to step forward and put an end to the press conference. “Ladies and Gentlemen, we thank you for your time and interest, but unfortunately it’s time to end this little gathering. Senator Caldwell, Lieutenant Doggett and Agent Mulder all have jobs that they need to get back to.”
The crowd reluctantly took the hint and slowly began to disperse, talking amongst themselves as they did so. Once they were gone, Jessica started back down the steps with Mulder a step behind. She had only taken a few steps when Elizabeth called to her.
“Jessica, wait, please.”
The lieutenant stopped and turned back toward her mother as Elizabeth walked over to stand in front of her. “We have to talk about this,” she said.
“I have nothing else to say to you,” came Jessica’s icy response. “You made your choice the day you decided to let me live my life with a lie, a lie that cost Scott his life. Even if I could forgive that, I can’t forget it. From now on, I don’t want to see you or hear from you for any reason. As far as I’m concerned, you’re as dead to me as Scott is.”
Elizabeth blanched at the harsh declaration. “I suppose I should have expected that,” she replied. “But whatever else I’ve done, Jessica, I’ve been a good mother. I gave you the best of everything and loved you as much as any mother could love a child. Does one mistake erase all of that?”
“Up until Scott died I would have said no, but an innocent man died because you were worried about what people would think. In your office yesterday you made a comment that losing my own son should make me more sympathetic to your pain over losing yours. I won’t begrudge you your grief, but don’t begin to compare Luke’s death with Scott’s. My son was stolen from me and killed in a random act of violence; yours was assassinated because he knew too much about your secrets. That is something you’ll have to live with. Have a nice life, Senator.”
Without waiting for Elizabeth’s response, Jessica turned her back on her and resumed her walk back to Scully and Doggett, Mulder close behind.
“You were ‘relieved that there was finally someone in the family that was better looking than you’?” Scully repeated.
“It was a joke, Scully. I wasn’t going to bare my soul just so that guy could get a thirty second sound bite for the evening news.”
“I don’t know if you made the situation better or worse by buttin’ in on your mother’s press conference,” Doggett said to Jessica, “but I think you did a good job answerin’ the questions they tossed at you.”
“Thanks.”
‘Well we’d better get back to headquarters before Kersch sends out his bloodhounds to track us down,” Mulder replied.
“Funny you should mention dogs…” Jessica began.
“Don’t even go there, sweetheart,” Doggett said.
“You don’t even know what I was going to say.”
“You were goin’ to make a comment about wantin’ to get a new dog to replace Trouble, and it aint gonna happen. I like my rugs and my shoes in one piece, thank you.”
“I also hope you like sleeping on the couch,” Jessica retorted.
“C’mon, Jess…”
“Looks like the honeymoon’s over before it’s even started,” Mulder remarked.
“Shut up, Mulder!” the others chorused.
****************************************
When the Baron arrived at his home, Spender knew it wasn’t a social call. His arrival had been a surprise, not only because Spender had not been forewarned of his coming, but because his own failing health made him no longer a threat to the other man’s position. Despite the years and dirty deeds that bound them together, Spender knew only that the German man’s surname was Stuckhold and that it was his financial empire that had founded the Syndicate in the years following World War II. As far back as Spender could recall he had been addressed simply as the Baron, as if he were above such trivialities as a given name.
“Baron,” he greeted. “This is an unexpected surprise.”
“Is it?” Stuckhold countered, his once thick German accent now tempered after his years in North Africa. “You forget with whom you are speaking. My intelligence network is as efficient as ever, and given recent events they have certainly had much to report.”
“Then you saw the Senator’s press conference.”
“Oh, yes. How convenient that she has managed to cover her tracks and convince Grant and his police lackey to take the fall for her.”
“Do you want her eliminated?” Spender asked, and took a drag from his cigarette.
“No. Her position in the government may yet prove useful when we are ready to initiate our agenda at the higher levels. But Grant and the detective have served their purpose, and in light of their sloppiness have forfeited their chances of a reprieve. I intend to ensure those particular loose ends are tied up as quickly as possible.”
“What of Lieutenant Doggett and Agent Mulder?”
“Agent Mulder will no doubt continue his quest to uncover the exact nature of the experiments you and his father conducted all those years ago,” Stuckhold replied. “Lieutenant Doggett will be kept under continuous observation to determine how much of the genetic enhancement is still viable. Perhaps her impending remarriage will prove fruitful and we will be granted an opportunity to continue our efforts with a new generation.”
“So you’ve chosen not to proceed with the plans for Agent Mulder’s son,” Spender surmised.
“He may be a medical miracle but the child is of no use to us,” Stuckhold replied. “After our attempts to manipulate his genetic development while he was still in his mother’s womb proved unsuccessful, the decision was made to focus our efforts elsewhere. The revelation that Jessica Doggett is in actuality Christina Mulder will allow us the chance to do so.”
“At the risk of pointing out the obvious, in order to get to Lieutenant Doggett you will need to not only go through Agent Mulder, but Agent Doggett as well. And if his skills are half as lethal as they are rumored to be, it could prove to be a fatal confrontation.”
“I am well aware of the darker side of Agent Doggett’s abilities, and for the time being I have no wish to put them to the test by taking further action against his wife. If and when it becomes necessary to place the lieutenant under direct observation, I intend to ensure that we will be able to contain Agent Doggett.”
“And in the meantime?” Spender prompted.
“In the meantime, I will be returning home to continue the preparations for my son’s ascension to my place in the Syndicate,” Stuckhold answered. “I find that my age is catching up with me and it is imperative that there is someone whom I can trust ready to assume my position.”
“Of course.”
“As long as we’re on the subject of trust, I must say it was quite distressing to learn you had broken mine.”
Spender’s hand paused in mid air, the cigarette smoldering between his fingers. “I’m afraid you’ve lost me.”
“It’s quite simple really. When you first told me that Senator Caldwell’s son had stumbled onto the secret of his sister’s true identity, I instructed you to ensure the secret was kept at any cost. Yet now it’s public knowledge and the publicity has brought unwanted attention to members of our ranks.”
“That wasn’t my doing,” Spender protested. “I had Scott Caldwell eliminated as soon as I could and personally directed the dissemination of the truth to Lieutenant Doggett and Agent Mulder. Grant and Senator Caldwell made the choice to confess to their crimes.”
“Which they would not have had to do if you had properly covered our tracks in the first place,” Stuckhold countered. “I was willing to overlook your frequent games of cat and mouse with Agent Mulder over the years; each of us in the Syndicate has our own agenda and he seemed to be yours. But our work with Christina Mulder and the other infants was too important to risk exposure, and now the only surviving subject is front-page news. That is a lapse I cannot ignore.”
“Are you going to kill me?”
“I’m afraid so.”
Without giving Spender a chance to respond, Stuckhold withdrew a gun from beneath his coat and shot the other man through the middle of his forehead. The forgotten cigarette fell to the floor as Stuckhold replaced his gun and calmly exited the house.
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Part Eleven to follow asap!
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