June 2nd, 1988
Pain. The closer she approached wakefulness the more pain she felt. She wanted to sink back into the darkness, but someone was calling her name, urging her to consciousness.
“Come on, Jessica. You can do it. Wake up, Jessica.”
It was a female voice she didn’t recognize. Suddenly a bright light was flashed in each of her eyes in turn as someone held open her eyelids. She felt a warm hand take hers.
“Squeeze my hand, Jessica.”
She managed a weak squeeze.
“Good girl.”
She sank back into the darkness.
***
June 3rd, 1988
“Come on now, let me see those eyes, Jessica.”
She managed to open her eyes halfway.
The nurse smiled down at her. “That’s it. My name is Elise Chambray and I’m your nurse. Don’t try to talk; you have a tube down your throat helping you breathe right now. We’ll see about getting it removed today depending on how well you do. Now, I’m going to ask you some questions. Since you can’t talk just give a slight nod or headshake to answer. Do you understand?”
Jessica gave a small nod.
“Good.”
“Are you experiencing pain right now?”
She again nodded.
“Okay. The doctor has signed an order for pain medication.” Elise pulled a syringe from her pocket and administered the medication via Jessica’s IV line. After disposing of the refuse she returned to the agent’s bedside. “You should be feeling the effects of the medication any second.”
Jessica gave a nod and the tension around her eyes eased.
“Good.” The nurse leaned down and spoke softly, “I know what you need, Jessica. What I need to know is, do you prefer human blood?”
Despite the pain medication and its mind-dulling properties, Jessica’s eyes widened and something akin to panic showed in her grey eyes.
Elise placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “It’s okay. Your secret’s safe with me.” Elise’s brown eyes turned black and her canines elongated. After only a second they changed back. Elise smiled gently. “Now, do you want human blood?”
Jessica shook her head.
“Okay. I’ll bring you some pig’s blood then.” Elise stood back up and smiled. “Now get some sleep.” She stayed until Jessica drifted off.
***
June 4th, 1988
She opened her eyes. “You’ll get stiff sleeping like that,” she managed in a raspy voice.
John’s eyes popped open. “Jessica!” He rose from the chair in the corner and moved with a cane to her bedside. He smiled. “They told me you woke up yesterday, but you were out of it when I was here.” He took her hand in his and gave it a squeeze. “It’s so good to see you.”
She gave him a small smile. “Thanks. But go home, John. Spend time with your wife and son.”
“I’m your partner, Jessica.”
“I know. But your wife needs you to be with her right now. She had to have been terrified when you were hurt, John. Go.”
Casper took a deep breath and slowly let it out. He and Jennie had actually argued about that very thing before he’d left home to come visit his partner. “Call me if you need anything.”
She nodded.
***
June 8th, 1988
She saw him as soon as she entered the waiting are from the jetway. As he took her carryon bag from her shoulder she kissed his cheek. “Hello, Edward.”
“Welcome home, Countess.” He offered his arm for support, which she took.
She smiled when they arrived at the car. It was her Austin Healey.
“I thought you might prefer the drive in this rather than the Rolls, my lady. I hope I haven’t been too presumptuous.”
“Not at all, Edward. Thank you.”
“Do you wish to drive?”
“No. You drive. It was a long flight.”
He placed her bag in the boot before getting into the driver’s seat.
***
There was a knock on her bedroom door. “Come in,” she called from where she sat in bed reading.
Edward opened the door and entered. He carried a silver salver with a large mug upon it.
She smiled. “I know my grandfather liked a hot toddy before bed, Edward, but I’ll pass.”
“It’s not a hot toddy, my lady.” He held the tray until the mug was within her reach.
She picked up the mug but then froze. The mug was filled with blood. “Edward... what is the meaning of this?” she asked in a flat tone.
“It’s pig’s blood, not human, my lady.” Jessica arched an eyebrow, which Edward correctly interpreted to mean he should explain. “I served your grandfather for many years, my lady, since before you were born. I dare say there were few secrets between us.”
She took a deep breath and slowly let it out. After a long moment she finally nodded. She drank the blood and placed the mug back on the tray. “Thank you, Edward.”
*******
July 25th, 1988
John watched as everyone in the unit welcomed his partner back. He shook his head. When Cavanaugh had told him that Jessica had passed her physical to return to duty he’d been amazed. That she was alive was a miracle, the doctors had said so repeatedly. To be back on duty a mere two months after what she’d been through was unbelievable. He watched her carefully as she moved through the room and several agents spoke to her. She would smile, thank them for their well wishes, and move on to the next. However, John could see her smile didn’t reach her eyes; not the way it used to.
She finally reached her desk. John stood and gave her a hug.
“Welcome back, Jessica,” he said softly.
“Thanks.”
They released each other and both took a seat at their desks.
“So how are you, really?” he asked.
“I’m fine, John.”
“Where did you go?”
“I went home to England.” She reached for her inbox to start getting up to speed. “How’s your leg?”
John smiled. “It’s good.”
“So, what did I miss?”
“Sharkey finally named his replacement.”
“Yeah?”
John smiled. “It’s Lou.”
She nodded. “Good for him,” she said and pulled a folder from her inbox.
As his partner opened a folder and started reading, he felt a little sad at the apparent change in her. She had always been an upbeat person, and had an easy smile. Now, she seemed so much more serious, not that she wasn’t ever serious about her work – she’d always had an outstanding work ethic. But a piece of her innocence had been taken away. The light in her eyes didn’t shine as brightly.
John silently sighed. Such was the price of their chosen profession. He had simply wished it had taken longer for the 22-year-old to reach that point.
*******
July 27th, 1988
Mulder couldn’t take his eyes off of her. She had great legs! Since he’d heard she was no longer seeing Agent Johnson, he’d been screwing up his courage to ask her out. Finally, he stood from the lunch table and walked over to hers.
“Hey, Jeffers.”
She looked up. “Mulder.”
“Are you going to Sharkey’s retirement party?”
“I plan on it.”
“How ‘bout we ride together? Then there’ll be fewer cars in the parking lot and you won’t have to drive.”
“Sure. Why not?”
***
July 30th, 1988
It was Saturday at the park, and everyone was present to celebrate AD Vince Sharkey’s retirement. After everyone had a plateful of food, they sat at the picnic tables and many of the agents took turns roasting the Great White Shark. Sharkey then stood and took his turn. Not a single agent escaped his sharp wit.
After lunch, a softball game started up, some horseshoes were thrown, and a volleyball game started.
Toni Jeffers played volleyball until the second game was done. She then decided to take a break. She retrieved a beer from a cooler and took a long drink. She looked around and noticed Morgan sitting under a tree by herself. She watched for a few moments, trying to evaluate what she saw in the young woman’s eyes. Then she realized it was something she didn’t see the agent’s eyes.
She walked over and sat down next to woman. They sat in silence for a couple minutes. Toni finally spoke, “You did everything right, Jessica.”
***
Jessica sat watching the softball game, but soon wasn’t really seeing anything. Not for the first time, she reviewed everything that happened with Neil Croskey. She tried to figure out how the hell the man had so completely defeated her. It shouldn’t have happened, not with her superior strength. She had been able to pick up her six foot partner and carry him outside. She could out bench press any other agent. Yet faced with the killer Neil Croskey, she was all but helpless. He had a large knife, but she had a gun. In the end, that was the only thing that made a difference. By all rights, she should be dead.
She’d asked herself over and over again what she could have done differently. That’s all she did while on medical leave. Day after day she’d sat at her grandfather’s grave and asked herself what she’d done wrong.
“You did everything right, Jessica.”
The words startled her. She hadn’t even noticed the other agent even though she was sitting right next to her. “I’m sorry?”
Toni looked her in the eyes. “You did everything right. We talked to the woman you rescued, Erica Towne, reviewed your and Casper’s actions, and reenacted the events of the day. And, you did everything right, Jessica.”
The younger woman drew in a deep breath and slowly let it out. “He got the better of me.”
“But in the end you took him down, and saved Erica. You didn’t give up, Jessica, that’s what made the difference. You’re a good agent, an excellent agent. So don’t over-analyze what happened, don’t doubt your skill. If you do, it’ll only mess you up, keep you from acting when you need to.” She paused for a couple of beats. “Did they make you see the Bureau shrink?”
She let out a rueful huff. “Of course.”
“How did it go?”
Jessica looked at Toni. “I have three PhDs in psychology – I passed with flying colors,” she quipped with a smirk.
Toni was glad to see the spark in Jessica’s grey eyes, even if it was short-lived. It meant that her spirit hadn’t been broken – bruised perhaps – but not completely broken. She decided a change of topic was in order. “It’s going to be strange around here without Sharkey. He’s the one that recruited me for the VCU. Got me to transfer from Cyber Crimes.”
Jessica nodded. “He came to Oxford to recruit me.”
“So that’s how you got assigned to the Violent Crimes right out of the academy,” Toni said with a friendly smile.
“What do you mean? I was surprised when I got my assignment. As a profiler I expected to be assigned to Behavioral Science at Quantico.”
Toni looked at her appraisingly for a couple of moments. “You really don’t know, do you?”
“Know what?”
“No one gets assigned to the VCU without at least two years of experience. Everyone wondered how you managed it right out of the academy.”
Jessica took a deep breath and let it out with a sigh. “I guess that explains some of the attitudes.”
“And your exceptional skill has turned most of those attitudes around. For example, look at Cavanaugh. He wasn’t pleased you were assigned to his section, but now you and Casper are his go-to team. You’ve more than earned the respect of your fellow agents. And Casper refused to go into the field with anyone while you were out.”
She looked at the older agent. “He did?”
Toni smiled. “Yes, he did.” The older woman bumped Jessica’s shoulder with her own and held up her beer bottle. “Come on, my beer’s empty. Let’s get something to drink.”
*******
August 26th, 1988
Jess sat down at her desk shaking her head.
“What’s wrong, Jessica?”
“At lunch Toni asked me out again.”
“What is that, like the fifth time?”
“Sixth.”
John leaned back in his chair and simply looked at her in silence.
She saw his look. “What?” she demanded.
“Why don’t you accept and go out with her?”
Her eyebrows climbed into her hairline. “What?”
“Why not? You haven’t gone out once or done anything fun since you got back.”
“I think she’s a great agent, and I’ve been grateful for all the help she’s given me work wise. But
you know Toni’s reputation. She doesn’t exactly have a good relationship track record.”
“Well, hell, Jessica, I wasn’t suggesting you settle down and have kids together. I know Toni plays the field. Just go out to dinner with her and have a nice time.” He paused for a moment. “At least think about it.” He went back to his paperwork.
***
Jessica worked for a couple of hours, but found she had trouble concentrating. John’s words kept running through her mind. She hadn’t done anything fun since well before she was injured. And she’d only been on a handful of dates since joining the Bureau. And Toni had been going out of her way to be helpful at work.
And she was gorgeous.
“I’m going to get something to drink,” she said standing up. “You want anything, John?”
“No. I’m fine.”
She left the bullpen and headed down the hallway. Instead of stopping at the vending machine she paused at a door to one of the conference rooms. She knew Toni was inside the room, with her partner and a couple of other agents from her section, going through some files. She took a deep breath and opened the door. All four agents turned and looked at her.
“Um, could I talk to you a second, Toni?”
“Sure,” the older woman replied with a dazzling smile. She stepped out into the hallway with Jessica, closing the door behind her. “What can I do for you, Jessica?”
Suddenly feeling a little tongue-tied and cursing herself for the blush she felt coloring her cheeks, Jessica found herself looking at her own feet instead of the dark brown eyes of the taller woman. “About dinner...”
“Yes?”
“Is your invitation still open?” She risked a glance up.
Toni’s smiled softened. “Of course it is. Pick you up at 7:00?”
Jessica smiled shyly and nodded. “Okay.”
***
They sat at a table sipping their drinks as they waited for their meals. Toni had been pleased when she found out Jessica liked seafood. She could tell the younger woman was a bit unsettled and tried to lighten the atmosphere. She smiled, “Relax, Jessica, it’s dinner; not an execution.”
Jessica looked up, but didn’t return the smile. She needed to get something off her chest. She took a steadying breath. “Toni, I want you to know how much I appreciate everything you’ve done for me at work. You’ve been a big help and an understanding ear.”
“My pleasure.”
“I’m just not sure what you want.”
“Just dinner, Jessica, and to get to know you a little better,” she replied easily.
The tension in the younger woman eased and she relaxed back into her chair.
By the end of their meal, both women were smiling and laughing as they exchanged stories and information about themselves. Both had a good time and didn’t realize how much time had passed until the waiter indicated the restaurant was closing.
***
Toni walked Jessica to her apartment door. The younger woman slipped her key in the door and then turned to Toni.
“I had a really nice time tonight, Toni. Thank you,” she said with a smile.
“So did I. Maybe we can do it again sometime?”
“Maybe.”
“Good night, Jessica.”
“Good night.”
*******
September 16th, 1988
Toni Jeffers was frustrated. It had been three weeks since her dinner date with Jessica Morgan, and she had yet to get the younger woman to agree to a second date. She sat at her desk, tapping a pen against her teeth. Jessica intrigued her. She was obviously smart, the fact that she was so young and had more than one advanced degree proved it. She was also extremely insightful; she missed very little, if anything, when observing crime scenes or people, even casually. But all of that was information that could be gleaned from her personnel file.
What had surprised Toni, was how much she like the woman beneath the personnel file. In fact, she hadn’t been able to stop thinking about her. The next day was Toni’s birthday, and she had turned down more than one offer to take her out to celebrate. And that was out of character for her. Everyone knew Toni was quite the social butterfly – never in want of a suitor and seldom dating anyone more than a month or two. However, she had not gone out once since her date with Jessica.
She finally tossed the pen down on her desk. She got up and headed to the cafeteria. She smiled when she saw Jessica sitting at one of the tables. She carried her tray over to the younger woman’s table. “Mind if I join you?”
Jessica looked up and smiled. “Not at all. Have a seat.”
Toni was uncharacteristically unsure of herself. She’d never had trouble getting someone to go out with her, male or female. She had never had to persuade anyone before. She wasn’t sure what to say. “Jessica?”
“Yes?”
“Tomorrow is my birthday, and...”
“Happy Birthday.”
“Thanks.” She took a deep breath. “I don’t have any plans and I was wondering if you’d be willing to help me celebrate.”
“What did you have in mind?”
Toni mentally scrambled; she had expected another polite refusal. “I was thinking something fun and playful. Will you join me for a day at Kings Dominion?”
Jessica was surprised the older woman suggested a day at the amusement park. “Are they still open?”
“Yeah, on the weekends.”
She thought about it a couple moments before responding. “Okay. It sounds like fun,” she said with a smile. Jessica was rewarded with a bright, dimpled smile.
***
September 17th, 1988
Toni picked Jessica up in the morning and they headed to Kings Dominion, which was 75 miles south of DC on I-95. They arrived at 11:00 and spent all day there. They screamed on the rollercoasters; laughed as they played games; stuffed themselves on hotdogs, pizza, and cotton candy; got soaked on the log flume and white water rafting ride; browsed the souvenir shops; and found themselves holding hands on and off for most of the day.
Once again they stood at Jessica’s apartment door. Brown eyes gazed into grey. Toni brought her hand up and tenderly caressed the younger woman’s cheek with the backs of her fingers. She slowly bent her head and pressed her lips to Jessica’s.
Jessica closed her eyes as the taller woman’s soft lips met her own. She accepted the kiss and returned it, but when Toni started to deepen it she pulled back. God, she wanted to give in to the beautiful woman, but she needed to be clear about some things. She looked into Toni’s dark brown eyes. Like everyone else, she was attracted to Toni. She just didn’t want to end up like everyone else did – with a broken heart. “Toni...”
“What is it?”
“We need to talk.”
“Uh oh.”
Jessica smiled. “It’s not anything bad. Why don’t you come inside for drink?”
“Okay.”
Jessica unlocked her apartment door and led the way in. She turned on the lights and invited the other woman to sit down. “Would you like some wine?”
“Sure.”
Jessica retrieved a bottle of wine from her kitchen along with two wineglasses and a corkscrew. She joined Toni on the couch and uncorked the bottle. After pouring two glasses she handed one to her guest. Holding her glass out she said, “Happy Birthday, Toni.”
“Thank you.” They lightly clinked their glasses and sipped the wine. “Mmmm, this is good.”
Jessica smiled. “One of the things my grandfather taught me was an appreciation of good wine.”
“I thought you said he died before you joined the Bureau.”
“He did. But I was living in England where the drinking age is lower.”
“That’s right, you graduated from Oxford.”
She nodded.
“So, what did you want to talk about?” Toni finally asked.
“Well, first off, I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed today.”
Toni smiled. “I did, too.”
“And I want to thank you for everything you’ve done to help me at work.”
“But?” Toni asked, suspecting a shoe was about to drop.
“I guess I’m just wondering.”
“Wondering what?”
“Why? Why me? You can have anyone you want – male or female. So why spend the day with me?”
Toni took another sip of her wine and dropped her gaze. “I know I have a reputation–”
“Not a bad one,” Jessica rushed to assure her. “Just...”
“I know what my reputation is, but I’m not ashamed of anything. I work hard and I play hard. I do what’s fun and spend time with people who interest me. And I move on when I’m no longer having fun and get bored. But I don’t lie or mislead anyone.” She looked Jessica in the eyes as she paused for a beat. “I respect your work as an agent. You’re smart, insightful, and probably the best at what you do. And I’ve enjoyed getting to know you on a personal level. I find you a very interesting person; intelligent, kind, wiser than your age, courageous, and beautiful.”
Jessica nodded. “I just don’t want to be another in a series of broken hearts.”
“We’re just getting to know each other, Jessica; I don’t know what the future will bring. I can’t make any promises. But, I won’t ever lie to you.”
There was only a slight pause before the younger woman responded. “Fair enough.”
They both smiled and relaxed.
Since they finished off the bottle of wine, it wasn’t safe for Toni to drive. She stayed the night... on the couch.
*******
October 13th, 1988
“Hey, Toni!”
She stopped in the hallway and turned around.
“You going to Shanahan’s for Purdue’s birthday?”
“I thought I’d stop by for a little while.”
“How ‘bout I pick you up, so you don’t have to drive?”
“Okay.”
“Great! I’ll pick you up at 6:00,” Mulder said with a grin.
She turned back towards her destination. Toni had been disappointed to find out that Jessica wasn’t going to be able to make Section Chief Reggie Purdue’s birthday get-together. She had just found out that Jessica and her partner, Casper, were on stakeout duty.
***
October 14th, 1988
It was almost 2:00 a.m. and John and Jessica were waiting for the next team to arrive and relieve them from their stakeout watch.
“So, you got any plans for the weekend?” John asked.
“Toni and I are going to dinner and a movie tomorrow night.” She looked at her watch. “I mean tonight. We haven’t planned beyond that.”
John looked away from the house they were watching and glanced at his partner. “How long have you been dating now?”
“Not counting the first dinner we had, four weeks.”
***
October 15th, 1988
Toni was woken up by loud knocking on her apartment door. She looked at the clock on her nightstand and growled. She and Jessica had been out late and no one should be knocking on her door so damn early on a Saturday morning. If something had come up at work her cell would have rang.
She slipped her robe on and tied it. She looked through the peephole and frowned. She opened the door. “What the hell are you doing here?”
“We need to talk.” Mulder pushed past her and inside her apartment.
Toni did not care for his tone. “What the hell is your problem, Mulder?”
“I saw you last night.”
“What?”
“I saw you last night... with Morgan.”
She crossed her arms and her eyes hardened. “And what, precisely, does that have to do with you?” she demanded.
“What does it–” Mulder couldn’t believe his ears. “We’re dating and you go out with someone else?! You go out with the Freak?!”
“What the fuck do you mean we’re dating?! We’ve never been on a date, Mulder!”
“Sharkey’s retirement? Reggie’s birthday? Any of this ring a bell with you?”
“Jesus Christ, Mulder, we carpooled a couple of times to work-related events. We did not go on any dates! Now get the hell out of my apartment, and don’t ever come here again,” she finished with a growl.
Mulder’s face turned red with rage, but after a moment or two he marched out of her apartment, slamming the door behind him.
*******
December 24th, 1988
They had elected to spend a quiet Christmas Eve together at Toni’s, rather than going out. Toni had cooked a wonderful dinner and Jessica had brought the wine. They stood side by side at the sink, washing and drying their dishes. Both content with the quiet domesticity of the moment. With the dishes done, they filled their wineglasses and settled together on the couch to watch some TV.
Before long they started kissing and stopped paying any attention to what was on the television. They were stretched out on the couch. Jessica was lying on top of Toni. She was showering Toni’s neck and throat with sensuous, open-mouthed kisses. The older woman’s hands slid up her back under her shirt. She deftly unhooked Jessica’s bra as Jessica latched onto a particularly sensitive spot on her throat.
“Mmmm, Jessica...”
Jessica was moving her body on top of Toni’s. She lifted her head and captured the older woman’s mouth with her own. Toni slid one hand down and grabbed Jessica’s butt, at the same time she raised a thigh between her legs. That move put wonderful pressure on the younger woman’s clit. As she ground against Toni’s thigh she was getting more and more worked up.
They usually put the brakes on before things got that far. But neither one was slowing or backing off. They had agreed to take their time getting to know each other, to take things one step at a time, so they hadn’t slept together yet.
“I want you, Toni...” Jessica breathed between kisses.
“I want you, too. I want to taste you... make you come...”
Toni brought her hands to Jessica’s face and kissed her passionately. When they parted they silently agreed to move from the couch to Toni’s bedroom.
***
December 25th, 1988
She woke up rather early in the morning, despite their late night activities. She watched the woman in bed next to her sleeping. It suddenly hit her like a ton of bricks. She had fallen in love. The realization made her heart skip a beat. She felt a little lightheaded. She drew in a deep breath and slowly let it out. A tear trailed down her cheek without her awareness. A light touch of a fingertip wiping away the tear startled her. Not realizing she had closed them, she opened her eyes.
“What’s the matter? Why the tears?” her companion asked softly.
“I’m in love with you,” she whispered.
Sparkling grey eyes gazed up into dark brown eyes. Jessica slid her hand to the back of Toni’s head and pulled her down. “I love you, too,” she replied just before their lips met.
***
Toni was nervous. Jessica had promised her partner that she would come to his house for Christmas dinner. She knew Casper was protective of his partner, and he was well aware of her playgirl reputation. She wasn’t sure how he’d react to her showing up for dinner with Jessica. The younger woman told her to relax and not to worry. That was easier said than done. Despite the fact they were coworkers, going to Casper’s felt like going to meet her lover’s family for the first time.
John opened the door and wrapped Jessica in a bear hug. “I’m so glad you’re here.” He let her go.
“I brought someone with me,” she said with a happy smile. She held her hand out and Toni took it, stepping into view.
“Hi, John. Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas, Toni. Come on in.”
As John hung up their coats, Jessica slipped into the kitchen to see Jennie. “Do you need help with anything, Jennie?”
The blonde smiled. “If you could grab the mashed potatoes, we’re just about ready.”
“I hope you don’t mind, but I brought someone with me.”
“Of course I don’t mind. There’s enough food here for an army. I’ll set another plate.”
Meanwhile, in the living room, John closed the coat closet and looked at his partner’s date. “Forgive me if this comes out the wrong way, but how long is this going to last?”
“What?”
“You and Jessica. You’ve been together what? Three months now? Isn’t that some kind of record for you?”
Toni took a deep breath and let it out. “Four. Yes, I suppose it is. But one thing no one has ever been able to accuse me of is being a liar.” She paused. “I’m in love with her, John. It’ll last as long she wants me. I’m not going anywhere.”
He looked in her brown eyes and saw the truth of her words. Finally he nodded and smiled. “Hope you’re hungry. Jennie’s cooked a ton of food.”
*******
October 6th, 1989
“I can’t believe I’ve got to get all dressed up for this thing,” the younger woman whined.
“Relax, you’re beautiful.”
“You’re biased.”
“Perhaps. But that doesn’t change the fact that you’re beautiful,” Toni replied as she slipped her arms around Jessica’s waist from behind. She looked in her eyes in the mirror and smiled.
Jessica put her hands on the arms around her waist. She gazed at the dark brown eyes in the mirror. “You’re going to make me late,” she said with a smile.
“Move in with me,” the older woman suddenly said.
Jessica turned in her lover’s arms. When she didn’t immediately say anything Toni tried again.
“Or, if you don’t like it here we can find a new p–”
She was silenced by a passionate kiss.
“Is that a yes?”
“Yes!”
***
“For an act of valor above and beyond the call of duty exhibiting exceptional courage, extraordinary decisiveness, presence of mind and unusual swiftness of action regardless of her personal safety in an attempt to save or protect human life, it is my honor to present Special Agent Jessica Morgan with the FBI Medal of Valor.”
The Director, flanked by the Deputy Director and AD Cavanaugh, motioned her up onto the dais.
An embarrassed agent stood on the dais and reluctantly accepted a medal she didn’t feel she deserved. If not for the encouragement of her partner and her lover, she would have declined the medal. But John and Toni had finally convinced her to accept it. Still, she couldn’t wait to get out of the spotlight and slip back into her comfort zone.
*******
October 14, 1989
“Okay, that’s the last box,” John said as he set the box down on the kitchen table.
Jessica handed him a cold soda and kissed his cheek. “Thanks for all your help, John.”
He gave her a quick hug. “No problem.” He smiled. “Though I must admit I never thought I’d see the day.”
Jessica simply smiled. She had known Toni’s reputation, but something had made her take a chance and go on a second date with the woman. Toni had never given her a reason to second guess or regret that decision.
In the bedroom, Toni relieved Jennie of her burden so she could get a diaper out of her bag. She played with Jeremy as Jennie prepared everything for the task of changing his diaper. “Thanks again for helping with Jessica’s move, Jennie.”
The blonde smiled as she took her son from the brunette. “It’s our pleasure, Toni.” She paused and smiled at the woman. “So, when are you and Jessica going to have one of your own?” She laughed at the look on Toni’s face. “Relax. Breathe. I was just joking.”
Toni chuckled at herself. “Sorry. I guess I’m still getting used to the idea of actually living with her.”
*******
March 5th, 1990
Casper took in the tanned skin of his partner and the radiant smile on her face. “So how was the vacation?” he asked as she sat at her desk.
“It was fantastic!”
“Well, from the color of your skin, I’d say you went somewhere warm.”
Her grey eyes sparkled as she grinned. “We went to Bora Bora.”
His eyes widened in surprise. “Wow. That’s some surprise!”
“It was incredible, John. We stayed at a beautiful resort. Our bungalow was in the water on stilts. The water was so clear and blue. We went kayaking and snorkeling and horseback riding and parasailing. I didn’t want to come back!”
*******
July 4th, 1990
Casper sat down on the grass next to his partner’s lover. She was intently watching the volleyball game. He watched her a few moments before turning his attention to the game as well. “So who’s winning?”
“Huh?” She seemed almost surprised there was someone sitting next to her.
“Who’s winning?”
“I don’t know.”
“But you’ve been sitting here watching the game since it started.” He saw her shake her head from the corner of his eye. “Then what have you been doing?”
She grinned. “Watching her.”
John chuckled. “You’ve got it bad.”
“Yep.” She took a breath and turned her head to look at him. “Is this how you felt when you met Jennie?”
He nodded. “Yeah.”
“You know I never thought I’d meet someone like her.” She turned back to watch her lover playing volleyball. “I’d marry her if I could, John.”
That surprised him. He knew Toni loved Jessica, he saw it in her eyes every time she looked at his partner. And it was obvious that Jessica felt the same. However, he hadn’t expected that.
*******
March 7th, 1991
Morgan and Casper stepped off the plane and walked up the jetway. In the airport they headed straight to baggage claim. While Jessica waited for their bags, John rented their car. Once they retrieved their bags, they left the airport and headed to the Atlanta Police Department headquarters.
When they arrived at the police department they met with the detective that was working the serial rape case that had brought them to Atlanta, Detective Bobby Marinelli. He shook both agents’ hands.
“I want to thank you for coming down and helping with us with this case. This rapist is... different somehow.”
“Well, you couldn’t ask for a better profiler than Agent Morgan,” Casper said with some pride.
***
March 8th, 1991
She was in an office going through the original files of the rapes. Casper had slipped out to get something to eat. She would have preferred sleep, especially since they hadn’t even arrived in Atlanta until after 9:00 p.m. Oh well. It wasn’t the first time they’d worked through the night, and she really wanted to get a handle on the UNSUB.
Det. Marinelli entered and leaned against a wall, just watching her. Eventually she looked up at him.
“Something I can do for you, Detective?”
“He doesn’t know, does he?”
“What?”
“You’re partner. He doesn’t know about you.”
She frowned.
“He doesn’t know you’re a half-breed.” He smirked at her shocked expression. “Don’t be so surprised.”
She then closed her eyes and took a calming breath... and recognized him for what he was. She opened her eyes and looked at him again. “No wonder you work nights.”
His smile was wide and genuine. “It suits me.” He paused for a beat. “I’m surprised you didn’t recognize me as soon as you arrived.”
She sighed. “My thoughts were elsewhere.” A vision of her and Toni making love before having to leave for the airport flashed in her mind.
The door opened and admitted her partner, bearing food from an all-night McDonald’s.
***
March 11th, 1991
Jessica’s profile had greatly narrowed the pool of suspects, and the three of them – Morgan, Casper, and Marinelli – were closing in on the house of their suspect, William Stevenson. They split up so that each of the front, side, and back doors were covered.
She heard Marinelli at the front door as he talked to the person who answered. Casper was around the back while she entered the side door. Their goal was to sneak in and secure his latest victim while Bobby kept Stevenson at the front. Of course things don’t always go as planned.
Jessica ended up having to shoot the suspect while he held Bobby at gunpoint. It was a shot that no one else could have made, because he and Bobby were in the dark and their location only given away by their voices. Only after letting her eyes shift was she able to pierce the cover of darkness and see their exact positions.
Afterwards, with the victim safely ensconced with her family, and the paperwork mostly done, Marinelli spoke to Jessica quietly. “Thank you. You risked being found out to save me.”
She looked at him. “What other choice was there? Certainly not to let him kill you.” She looked back down at her report. “Besides, I won’t hesitate to use my advantage when someone else is at stake.”
Hearing her tone of voice he sat down. “I take it that you have before.”
She gave an almost imperceptible nod. “Not consciously at the time, but yes, I did.” She looked back up at the vampire cop. “All my life, my grandfather taught me that actions have consequences. I’ve never had human blood and have always carefully guarded my ‘secret.’” Her grey eyes hardened. “But inaction also has consequences. I cannot put my personal wants before my duty or the safety of another.”
They held each other’s eyes for a few moments in silence and then nodded in complete understanding. Marinelli was quite impressed with the young agent.
*******
May 24th, 1991
“Hey, Jessica.”
The woman looked up at the sound of her lover’s voice and smiled. “Hey. How’s your day been?”
“I just finished up my paperwork on the Johansen case. I’m officially done for the day, and ready to get out of here. What about you?”
“I’m afraid I’ve got at least another 20 minutes of work left. If you want, you can go home and get ready. I won’t be far behind you. John can give me a ride home.”
“What do you mean I can give you a ride home?” John asked as he returned from the copy room. He grabbed a folder off his partner’s desk.
“Hey, I’m not done with that yet.”
“Yes, you are. I know you and Toni have special plans for this weekend. Now get the hell out of here.”
Jessica just sat there and looked at her partner as he opened the folder. “John.”
He looked up at her and smirked. “It’s not like you haven’t put in a lot of extra hours lately, Jessica. You’re not shirking your duty. I’ll finish this up and then go home to my wife and son. In the meantime, you and Toni go enjoy your long weekend.”
She finally nodded. “Alright.”
“Thanks, John,” Toni said as her lover locked up her desk.
“Just have a piña colada for me while you’re sunning yourselves down in the Caymans,” he said with a smirk.
*******
December 11th, 1991
The phone woke her up. She fumbled for it on the nightstand. “Morgan.”
“Jessica, it Lou.”
She was instantly wide awake. Getting a call from the assistant director at – she looked at the clock radio – 3:17 in the morning was not a good thing. “What happened, Lou?” she asked with trepidation.
“I’m afraid Toni was shot.”
“How is she?”
“I don’t know. She was unconscious.”
“Fuck!”
“I’m on my way to the hospital now.”
“Which one?”
“Memorial.”
“I’m on my way.” She hung up and rushed around the room quickly getting dressed.
***
She burst through the doors of the ER. She’d made it to the hospital in record time. She quickly scanned the room and saw Cavanaugh. “Lou!”
He turned and saw the young woman. They met halfway and he gave her a quick hug. “I haven’t heard anything yet.”
“What the bloody hell happened?” she demanded.
“Toni and Lance had to make a move on Wieder while on stakeout tonight.”
Just then a nurse came out. “Mr. Cavanaugh?”
“Yes?”
“The doctor said you can come back now.”
“Come on, Jessica. Let’s go see Toni.”
Jessica ran to the side of gurney Toni was lying on as soon as she saw her. “Toni!”
“Hey, Jessie.”
She took her lover’s hand and bent down to kiss her. “I was so worried about you.”
Toni reached up and wipe an errant tear from the younger woman’s cheek. “I’m okay. Just a couple of busted ribs and a knot on the back of my head.”
“They said you’d been shot.”
“She was, but fortunately she was wearing her vest,” said the doctor who joined them. “Hi. I’m Dr. Ross.” He shook hands with both Cavanaugh and Jessica.
“When can she go home?”
“We can’t let her go home alone. She’s needs to be observed because of the concussion.”
“That’s okay, she won’t be alone.”
The doctor took in the look the two women were sharing and their entwined hands. He nodded.
“Alright. I’ll have a nurse go over after care instructions with you while I prepare the discharge papers.”
*******
June 12th, 1992
“Don’t forget I’m leaving half a day today, John.”
“That’s right, you’re starting your vacation today. Where are you two off to this time?”
“Aruba.” She smiled.
Casper smiled widely at his partner’s happiness.
*******
January 1st, 1993
She wasn’t sure what woke her up. But she knew instantly something wasn’t right. The empty place next to her in bed let her know that her lover hadn’t made it home yet... Or had she? She got out of bed, slipping her robe on as she moved to the bedroom door and down the hallway. It was extremely rare that she could ever sneak up on her lover, but from Jessica’s posture, it was clear she was completely unaware of her presence.
Toni slipped her arms around her lover’s waist from behind and held her close. The tension just rolled off of Jessica’s body. She kissed the shell of her ear and whispered, “What’s wrong?”
After several moments, Jessica allowed herself to relax back into her lover’s embrace, the tension slowly seeping from her muscles. “Sorry I didn’t make it to the party.”
The older woman gave her a gentle squeeze. “I couldn’t care less about a New Year’s Eve party. I’m concerned about you. Talk to me. What happened?”
The younger woman let out a soft sigh. Toni always knew how to make her feel better without even trying. “It’s the case.”
Of course Toni already figured that much out. But she waited patiently for Jessica to continue.
“He’s made it personal, Toni.”
The rough edge to her voice concerned Toni. “What do you mean?”
“He left a message...” her voice broke as tears finally spilled, “carved into the body of the newest victim.”
“Oh, God.”
“And then there was a letter waiting for us when we got back to the office. It had been dropped off by courier while we were at the scene.”
“What did it say?” She felt the younger woman tense up in her arms again.
“‘Now the game really begins.’”
Toni could tell there was more to it from the slight tremble than ran through her lover. “And?”
“It was addressed to me personally,” Jessica whispered.
Fuck! Toni let go of her, placed her hands on her shoulders and turned her around so they were face to face. “Don’t let him throw you off your game, Jessica. Don’t let him win that way.”
She sighed. “I’m not going to let him win, but...”
“But it’s hit you from out of left field,” she said with a knowing tone. “Come on,” she said, leading her to the couch. “You’re not the first one this has happened to.”
Jessica settled into the arms of her lover. “I know. I told Purdue I didn’t want to do that damn press conference, you know. That has to be how he knew my name.”
“Not necessarily. You’ve been seen at a number of the crime scenes. And, you’ve been in the news before. Only a little research would provide him with a name.”
***
January 25th, 1993
“Okay, people, we’ve got a sketch of the UNSUB from the description the latest victim gave us before she died. I want everyone to take a good look at the sketch and commit it to memory. We’ve got a face, now we need a name to go with it.” With that Cavanaugh ended the meeting. However, he did pull Jessica aside as the others filed out of the conference room. “Jessica–”
“You don’t have to say it, sir. I know. He’s escalating.”
“With this last one he’s gone past taunting you; he’s now threatening you.”
“I know,” she said softly.
“I’ll understand if you want off the case. I don’t have a problem reassigning you.”
She looked into his understanding eyes but didn’t say anything.
“Think about it, okay? If you decide you want out, just let me know. Come to me anytime; my door is always open to you.”
“Thanks.”
***
“So what did Cavanaugh want?” Toni asked when she met Jessica in the cafeteria for lunch.
She signed. “He said if I wanted off the case he’d reassign me.”
“What did you say?”
“Nothing.”
Toni reached across the table and placed her hand over her lover’s. She gave it a squeeze. “I’ll support whatever decision you make.”
“I know. But what do you think I should do?”
“Catch the bastard and put him behind bars.”
*******
February 17th, 1993
She’d had a long day and was looking forward to getting home. Actually it had been a long month. And what she wanted more than anything was to go home, take a hot shower, and crawl into bed with her other half. She needed to feel Toni’s arms around her. She had told Toni she’d be home by 6:00, but then they got a possible lead on the killer they were after. And Jessica was the best interviewer of witnesses and suspects. Even the jerks who resented her presence in the division came to her for the really tough interrogations.
Anyway, after the interview of the reluctant witness she was finally able to call it a night at 10:30. Jessica had to stop and get gas on the way home. When she went inside to pay for it, she bought a small stuffed bear on impulse. She smiled at the little five-inch bear as she started the car and pulled away. Toni had a secret collection of the cute stuffed animals that she’d kill to keep a secret from her fellow FBI agents. It didn’t fit with her tough as nails, no nonsense image. Jessica’s smile widened. Settling down with one person for the last four and half years didn’t fit with Toni’s reputation either. It was the last thing anyone thought Toni would ever do. But that’s how long Jessica and Toni had been together.
Jessica parked the car and picked up the little bear with a smile. “Come on, buddy, let’s go make Toni smile.”
She rode the elevator up to their floor, and had her keys out before she got the door. With a heartfelt smile she unlocked the door and stepped inside, turning on the light in the hallway... and stopped. There was blood on the wall and floor. Her heart dropped like a stone. “Toni... Toni!” she called. She rushed into the living room. “TONI!!”
Jessica dropped to her knees and pulled the lifeless, bloody body of her lover into her arms. The stuffed bear forgotten in a pool of blood. “NOOO!!!”
***
February 18th, 1993
As Casper drove to his home, he kept a watchful eye on his partner in the passenger seat. He was more than concerned. She was... too quiet. No crying, no talking, no anything. While she was obviously in shock, her lack of reaction was disquieting and worrisome.
When he pulled up to the house, he got out and went around to the passenger side. He opened her car door after getting her bag from the back seat. He had to actually reach in and grab her arm since she didn’t move a muscle. “Come on, Jessica. Let’s go inside.”
She moved as an automaton, without thought. Jennifer was up when they got inside.
“John?”
“Jessica’s going to stay with us for a little while.” He led his partner into the guest room. “If you need anything, just ask.” He closed the bedroom door behind him when he left.
Jennifer was waiting for him in the kitchen. “John, what’s wrong? What happened?”
Tears welled in his eyes and he swallowed. “Toni...”
“Did they break up?”
He shook his head. “Toni was killed.”
“Oh, God.”
***
February 23rd, 1993
It was a cold, clear day. Literally hundreds of agents had showed up to pay their respects to a fallen agent. However, John Casper was only concerned about one – his partner. Jessica didn’t break down, but he would have felt better if she had. She remained silent, not shedding a single tear. John didn’t like it. He knew she needed to mourn.
While John spoke quietly with a couple of agents that had known Toni in Cyber Crimes, Jessica moved toward the grave.
“It’s all your fault, you know.”
“What?” She looked up at the sneering voice.
“You’re the reason she’s dead!”
She didn’t know what to say to Mulder, who stood within her personal space, seething.
“You just had to be the fucking hero, didn’t you?! You wouldn’t back off the case and now Toni’s dead because of you!!”
A hand clamped down hard on Mulder’s shoulder and bodily spun him around. “That’s enough,” growled John.
“It’s not nearly enough! Toni’s dead because of the Freak! She may as well have killed her herself!”
John unconsciously balled his fist. “Get out of here, Mulder. You’re not welcome. Go back to the basement and your dusty files, your little green men and ridiculous, paranoid, conspiracy theories. Go back to the only person willing to put up with you, Spooky, your partner Diane Fowley. Oh, wait – you can’t go back to her, because she left your sorry ass and moved on to better things. Apparently no one is willing to put up with you and your bullshit.”
Mulder was apoplectic, but Casper calmly brushed past him and led Jessica away.
*******
March 4th, 1993
Stone faced, she walked up to the agents and the suspect they had in their custody. She simply stared at Devon Conrad. No one – not the agents present, not the police, not her partner, not AD Cavanaugh, and not the suspect – said a single word. Barely a breath was taken as she gazed at her lover’s murderer. The tension in the air was palpable. Finally she drew a breath and spoke in a disturbingly calm tone.
“Get him the hell out of here.”
The agents silently pulled Conrad away and put him in the back of a patrol car. With lights flashing and two Bureau cars as escorts, they headed to jail.
Lou walked up to Jessica where she stood, still as stone. He waited; when it appeared she wasn’t going to say anything he spoke. “Why don’t–”
She cut him off. “I quit.”
“What?”
She removed her gun and holster, turned to face him, and placed them in his hands. She reached into her pocket and pulled out an envelope. She shoved the envelope and badge into his hands. “I quit.” With that she turned and walked away.
“Jessica! Wait! We need to talk about this,” he insisted, following her.”
“No, we don’t,” she replied without even a glance over her shoulder. She got into her car and drove away.
***
She used the key John had given her to enter the house. She packed up her things and paused at the front door. She placed an envelope on the shelf near the door where John and Jennie always dropped their keys. She placed the house key on top it and walked out of the house, closing the door behind herself.
***
March 5th, 1993
The taxi pulled up to Essington manor and she paid the driver. Grabbing her bag, she got out and walked to the front door. She paused for a couple of moments before entering. Edward came rushing (well, as much as a proper English butler rushed) out of the parlor.
“Countess!”
“I’m tired. I’m going to bed.” Jessica simply turned and headed upstairs to her room.
Edward watched with sadness, his heart aching for the young woman’s loss.
*******
July 20th, 1993
Edward sadly shook his head at the woman in the parlor. “I’m sorry, miss, Lady Essington is still not receiving any guests.”
The tall, dark-haired woman actually growled. “Well she’s getting a visitor, whether she wants one or not.” She looked the butler in the eyes. “Unless, of course, you intend to physically stop me from going up there.”
Edward suppressed the smile that threatened to break out. “I would never lay my hand on a lady.” He received a smile in return.
Mallory Whattley was a friend of Jessica’s. They’d met at Oxford and had a number of classes together. Edward hoped that Miss Whattley would be able to get through to his distraught employer. She was too young to give up.
Mallory walked past Edward, out of the parlor and up the stairs. She barged into Jessica’s room without even knocking. “It’s time you and I had a talk.”
“I don’t want to talk.”
“That’s fine. You just need to listen.”
***
August 11th, 1993
It took more than one uninvited – and unwelcome – visit by Mallory to pull Jessica out of her black hole enough to acknowledge that life was indeed continuing despite her painful loss. Toni was gone, but she was still alive. Jessica couldn’t face going back to the Bureau... or anything that had to do with her life with Toni.
At a loss to know what to do, she picked up on a suggestion – one of many Mallory had thrown at her – and decided to run with. She would go back to school. However, it was well past any application dates to begin the fall term.
She picked up the phone and placed a call to her alma mater, Harvard. And for the first time, she used her family name and wealth, in conjunction with her own scholastic reputation, to pull some strings. Jessica was going to start medical school in less than two weeks.
*******
April 19th, 1996
Jessica arrived at her apartment after the last of her tests for the day. It was the one concession she’d allowed herself upon returning to Harvard. A place of her own – a refuge – a place to be alone with no one to see her fall apart occasionally. Fortunately that was happening less frequently, but it did still happen.
She dropped her bag, coat, and hat on the hall table and turned to head into the living area. If she hadn’t been so damned tired, after three days with no sleep, she’d have noticed his presence sooner. “Fuck! Bloody hell, Lou!” She put away the concealed weapon she carried whenever she was off campus and not at the hospital. “Bloody wanker, are you trying to get yourself killed?” She took a couple of breaths to slow her heart rate. “What the hell are you doing in my apartment?” she asked while glaring at him.
“I understand you’re about to graduate from medical school.”
“Yeah. So what?”
“There’s been a lot of changes at the Bureau since you left.”
“Again, so what?”
“I was appointed as the Director last year.”
“Congratulations. What does that have to do with you breaking into my apartment?” she asked not particularly kindly.
He shifted forward in the chair a little. “I want you to come back to the Bureau. Come back and work for me.”
Jessica sat down heavily on the sofa. “You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.”
“No, Jessica, I’m not. It would be completely different this time.” He continued when she didn’t say anything. “You’d report directly to me, no one else, not even the Deputy Director. And you’d be senior agent on any case I sent you on. All you’d have to do is go in, profile the UNSUB and then move on to the next case.” He paused. “So what do you say, Jessica?”
“I say get out of my apartment, Lou.”
“Jess–”
“Get out!”
He stood and left the apartment. But as he closed the apartment door behind himself he heard the unmistakable sound of something made of glass or porcelain impacting a wall. He’d be back.
***
April 20th, 1996
Jessica rolled her eyes when she opened the door and saw Lou. She turned and walked away, but didn’t close the door. He followed her into the living area.
“You don’t give up, do you?” she asked.
“No. And neither do you. Which is why you need to come back to the Bureau,” he said gently. He sat on the sofa facing her. “You have a gift. There’s no one better than you are at figuring out the really hard ones. I need you to be my ‘go to’ agent, the one I can send in to shake things up and break the logjams – just like you did the first day you walked into the VCU.”
Jessica sighed. “If I came back to the Bureau then what I have I been doing in medical school the last three years?”
“I’ll grant that you needed to get away for a while and do something different. But I think you know where you truly belong.” He retrieved a business card from his wallet and handed it to her. “That’s my private line. Call me.”
*******
May 31th, 1996
It felt strange to walk into the J. Edgar Hoover building. It had been a little over three years since she’d walked away from the Bureau. Part of her couldn’t believe she was back. She went to check in at the security desk and was surprised to find her new ID and badge already waiting for her.
“Just sign for these, and you can go right up, Agent Morgan.”
“Thank you.”
She signed, accepted her credentials and walked to the elevators. On the top floor she exited and entered the outer office of the Director.
“May I help you?” asked the woman at the desk.
“Hello. I’m Jessica Morgan and I have an appointment with the Director.”
“Hi! It’s nice to meet to you Agent Morgan. I’m Stacy Drexler, the Director Cavanaugh’s personal assistant. He’s on a phone call right now, but should be available shortly.”
“Thank you.”
“Would you care for some coffee?”
“No thank you, I don’t drink coffee.”
“Perhaps some tea then?”
“That would be nice.”
No sooner had Stacy handed a freshly made cup of tea to Jessica then the Director opened his office door. “Jessica!” To the surprise of his assistant, he gave the agent a hug. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“Thanks, Lou.”
They parted.
“Come in.”
They entered his office and sat on the couch together. “I was a little surprised you wanted to start today.”
She shrugged. “No use delaying.”
He nodded. “Well everything has been set up for you. All you need to do is see the range master and re-qualify with your weapon.”
“I can do that this morning.”
“Anytime before Monday morning is fine.”
“Don’t you have a case for me?”
“Well, yes, but it’s Friday. It can wait until Monday.”
“There’s no reason to wait, Lou.”
He looked at her for a few moments, gauging her. Finally he nodded. “Alright.” He stood, walked to his desk, and retrieved a case file. He came back and handed it to her. “It’s a serial rapist case in Oklahoma City. See Stacy for information about your expenses.”
She stood up. “I’ll book a flight as soon as I’m done at the range.”
“Good luck. And remember, you’re answerable only to me. If anyone has a problem with it, let me know.”
“Alright. Talk to you later.” They shook hands and she stepped out of his office and approached Stacy. “The Director said to see you about my expenses.”
“Oh, yes.” Stacy pulled an envelope out of her desk. “Rather than have you fill out expense reports every week, you have a Bureau credit card. Use it for all your expenses – travel, meals, hotels, car rentals, photocopying – everything. Also, you’ll find my number in there. If there’s anything you need just give me a call. I’ve been authorized to assist you in whatever way I can. And if I can’t handle it the Director will. He’s included his direct and private number as well.”
“Thank you.”
“Is there anything you need at this time?”
“No. I’m just need to re-qual before I head to Oklahoma City.”
“I’ll call the range and let them know you’re on your way,” Stacy said with a friendly smile.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
*******
February 14th, 1999
Jessica was surprised to find someone waiting for her when she stepped off the jetway and into the waiting area. She even more surprised to see that someone was the Director himself, Lou Cavanaugh.
He gave her a smile and took her bag from her shoulder. “It’s good to see you, Jessica.”
“Thanks. But why are you here to pick me up?”
“I just wanted the chance to talk to you face to face.”
“You mean you want to try again to convince me to teach at Quantico.”
He smiled. “Well, now that you mention it.”
She rolled her eyes.
“Give me your claim tickets. I’ll have someone get your baggage for you and bring it to the office.”
She handed over the baggage tickets, which Lou gave to an agent waiting by his car at the curb.
“Takes us to Headquarters, Bill,” the Director ordered the driver.
“Yes, sir.”
Lou looked at Jessica appraisingly. “How are you doing, Jessica?”
She arched an eyebrow in response.
It was just three days until the sixth anniversary of Toni Jeffers’ murder. Whether she admitted it or not, he knew it was on her mind. After several long seconds of her continued silence he quietly sighed. “So, have you given any more thought to becoming an instructor?”
“Not really. I just finished up with the case in Indianapolis this morning.”
***
At headquarters, Lou escorted Jessica up to the taskforce bullpen. Assistant Director Ben Taylor was waiting for them as soon as the elevator doors opened. The Director handled the introductions.
They then followed Taylor to his office. On the way, Jessica couldn’t help but notice the cold stare coming from a face from the past – Mulder. She sighed internally. Maybe the case would take her mind off things.
FIN
XF Snapshots pt 2
