DISCLAIMER: The X-files and its characters belongs to Chris Carter, 1013 Productions and Fox Entertainment. No infringement intended.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: If you're a fan of Mulder you may want to pass. My eternal thanks to Celievamp for the great beta. This work is better because of your help. All mistakes are my own. Constructive is feedback welcome. A special thank you to Bara_brith and Yellowsmurf6 – you both know why!
SPOILERS: Set somewhere in the first half of season six.
ARCHIVING: Only with the permission of the author.
Weak in the Knees
By Dhamphir
Chapter 46
Casper and Scully rushed out of the room to see what the commotion was. Deputy Stratton and Deputy Whitcomb were struggling with – well, wrestling with – a mud covered man to the side of the cabin. Ashlee Stratton ended up taking a punch to the jaw before she and Whitcomb got the slippery man cuffed and subdued. Both deputies were covered in mud.
"I was looking around the area and found what appeared to be a hidden storm cellar," Stratton reported to the agents. "Inside was a storage area... and him."
Casper stepped off the small porch and approached the subdued man who was on his knees. He took out a handkerchief and wiped away most of the mud caking his face. Casper turned back to Scully. "It's him," he said in a cold, disdainful tone.
"Read him his rights," Scully told the deputies. She didn't want anything to interfere with the successful prosecution of the man. She lifted her phone back up to her ear but it was dead. The battery had died. "Shit." She noticed Stratton was tenderly touching her jaw where she'd been hit. "Come here, Stratton; let me take a look at that."
"I'm fine, Agent Scully."
"I'm a doctor, so why don't I decide that," Scully said with just enough authority to get the young woman moving.
Ashlee came up on the porch and let Scully check her out.
"When we get back, make sure you put some ice on it to keep the swelling from getting too bad. You'll have quite the bruise, but that's all."
"Thank you."
Scully stepped back inside with Casper. "John, can I borrow your phone? My battery died while I was on the phone to Jess."
"I'm surprised she hasn't–" His phone rang, cutting him off.
Morgan chastised herself. Dana was a capable agent and John was there to cover her back. She did not need Jess to babysit her. But... Damn it! What the hell was going on and why was Dana's call disconnected.
She held out as long as she could. She called Casper's phone.
John didn't even answer when he saw who the caller was. With a smile he handed his phone to Dana.
Dana opened it. "Jess, it's me. Everything's alright," she assured her lover.
"What the hell happened?"
"The battery on my phone died." She smiled, "And we've got Kensey in custody," she said with satisfaction in her voice.
"What? I thought you said he wasn't there."
"One of the deputies found a hidden bunker. He was apparently hiding in with his supplies." She heard Jess let out a sigh. She could just picture Jess sinking into a chair and a huge weight lifting from her shoulders. "We did it, Jess. We got him," she said softly.
"Yeah. Finally."
Dana didn't miss the heavy emotion in Jess's voice. "You okay, Jess?"
"Yeah. I'll go tell Taylor and the Director. I'll let you know how they want to handle transport."
"Alright. I'll talk to you later then."
"Bye."
"Bye."
Jess hung up her phone and slumped in her desk chair. A painful lump quickly formed in her throat and the backs of her eyes stung. This had been such a rough case, such an emotional roller coaster. Staying and working the case through had not been her usual routine during the last three years. But knowing Kensey was in custody was so satisfying and such a relief. The release of so much of the tension of the last six weeks was almost painful.
Finally, she wiped her moist eyes, stood up and walked out of her office. She walked into AD Ben Taylor's office. "We got him," she said without preamble.
"What?"
"Scully and Casper have Kensey in custody. We got him, Ben."
The big man felt stunned. They had all hoped for it of course, but they had tried to keep their hopes from getting too high. The man was wealthy, a chameleon, and could have so easily escaped to another country... one without extradition. He stood up and came out from behind his desk. He couldn't keep from giving Morgan a comradely hug, which she returned. He let go of her and gave her a congratulatory slap on the back. "Let's go tell them," he said with nod out his doorway and towards the bullpen.
It was after 5:00, but their job wasn't a 9-5 job, so just about everyone from the taskforce not already in the field or due in for the night shift, was present.
"Ladies, gentlemen! I'd like your attention, please," Taylor called out. He waited while those on the phone either put the other party on hold, or ended their calls. When he had everyone's attention he turned things over to Morgan. "Agent Morgan has an announcement."
All eyes shifted to her. "Hugh Kensey is in custody! Agents Scully and Casper found him at his property in Illinois."
A collective cheer went up. Taylor allowed it to go on for a few seconds before calming things down. "Alright, people, job well done. But it's not over yet. We all know we have to dot every 'I' and cross every 'T'. There are still avenues of investigation for us to follow before we complete for the case."
Another cheer went up. Morgan and Taylor headed to the elevators. They were going up to tell the Director the good news.
Scully heard the deputies' raised voices outside when she hung up from talking to Jess. She went back out on the porch. What she saw was the prisoner belly down in the mud. Deputy Stratton had her right knee on Kensey's back between his shoulder blades, her left shin across his neck, and with a hand on each of his wrists was lifting them up and away from his body to put pressure on his shoulders and discourage further struggling. Meanwhile, Deputy Whitcomb was across Kensey's legs immobilizing them.
"What's going on?" Scully asked.
"Sorry, ma'am, the prisoner is being very uncooperative and combative," Whitcomb reported. "I've contacted Travers and Norwood at the cars below. They're bringing up the transport shackles."
"We've got it under control, ma'am," added Stratton as she tweaked his arms up a little further and elicited a yelp from Kensey.
An auburn eyebrow arched. "I see that," Scully said with a touch of amusement.
Stacy Drexler knew something was up when Taylor and Morgan arrived at the Director's office. "He's on a phone call right now. I'll let him know you're here as soon as he's done," she said.
"Thanks, Stacy."
The two took seats in the outer office. About five minutes later, Stacy got up and knocked on the Director's door before entering his inner office. She came right back out.
"He'll see you now."
Morgan and Taylor walked into the Director's office.
"What can I do for you two?"
Taylor smiled. "It's what we can do for you."
At the Director's confused look Morgan explained. "We got him, Lou."
His face lit up. "What? Where?"
"Casper and Scully found him in Illinois and have him custody."
The Director leaned back in his chair as he let out a deep breath. "How sure are we it's really him?"
"Scully said they found a secret room at his cabin. In it was a wine rack with about a hundred bottles – each labeled with a name and place... and filled with blood."
"Jesus." He sighed. "Alright, we need everything to be done perfectly."
Taylor nodded. "I already reminded everyone that we need to dot the 'I's and cross the 'T's. We're not done until all avenues of the investigation are completed."
"If I may make a suggestion?" Morgan asked.
"Of course."
"Fly a forensics team in from St. Louis. Have them take control of the scene. And use one of the Bureau's jets to go pick him up and fly him back, avoiding a commercial flight."
The Director looked up at Morgan, thinking. He knew what was going through her mind. Using a Bureau jet was a good idea, but he knew what was her next suggestion was going to be. So, he took his time before responding. Finally he spoke. "Alright." He looked at Taylor. "Make the arrangements for the forensics team."
"Yes, sir." Taylor left since the Director's tone had made it clear he was being dismissed. He closed the office door closed behind him.
Morgan suspected what the Director wanted to talk about. She sat down in one of the chairs and looked him in the eyes. "I'm fine, Lou."
"Less than five days ago you were shot; two days ago you were still in the hospital."
"So you're saying I can't go out on the plane to get him."
He sighed heavily. He felt torn about it. He was the one who had personally approached Jessica and asked her to come back to the Bureau. And he was, of course, the one who assigned her to this case. He also knew her well enough to know how much she'd put into the case. Finally, he spoke.
"I'm going to ask you a question, and I trust you to answer honestly."
Morgan frowned. "You know I will, Lou."
He nodded. "I know you'll be honest with me... I need you to be honest with her yourself." When she nodded he continued. "Are you really up to going out there?"
"Yes, I am, Lou."
After a couple of beats he nodded. "Alright. I'll clear the use of a Gulfstream. I'll let you know when it's ready. In the meantime, let Casper and Scully know what's going on."
"I will." She stood up and turned to go, but paused at the doorway, turning back. "Thank you, Lou."
Travers and Norwood arrived on one of the ATVs. The four deputies proceeded to place Kensey in the transport shackles, which consisted of a leather belt and chain around his waist, cuffs and leg shackles which were in turn connected to the belt with chains. They then set him down on his ass in the mud, keeping him under close guard. With his feet restricted to only about 18 inches of movement, he wasn't going to be going anywhere quickly or gracefully.
With the prisoner properly subdued, two of the deputies began shuttling the ATVs back down the bluff since they would be needed by the forensics team to come up. When they were done one ATV remained up top, so that the two deputies that would be staying to secure the area until the team arrived would have a way back down.
Casper answered his ringing phone. "Casper... Hey, Jessica... Good, good... Okay, I'll tell Dana... Anything else?... Okay. Bye." He stepped into the room where Dana was writing down the name, date and town on each wine bottle label in her notepad. "Jessica called. She said the Director's approved the use of a Gulfstream to transport Kensey back."
"Good. I really wasn't looking forward to transporting him on a commercial flight. Did she say when the plane would arrive?"
"No, she doesn't know yet, but I'd be surprised if it's before morning." Casper glanced at his watch. "You about ready to head down?"
Scully sighed. "Yes. Though I'm not exactly looking forward to trudging down in all that mud."
All of a sudden they noticed the quiet – the rain had stopped.
Casper smiled. "Well at least the rain stopped."
Just as the group was about to leave, a helicopter flew overhead. Since St. Louis was only about 75 miles from their location by air, the forensics team was already arriving. The helicopter was going to land in field just across Rt. 3 from the turnoff for Happy Hollow Rd. And since the team was already there, it was decided only one deputy would remain at the cabin – Deputy Norwood.
Because of the shackles and the slippery mud, two deputies were going to have to hold onto the prisoner, one on each arm. Which left the third deputy and the agents to cover them. It was going to be a long walk down. So, with Stratton on one arm, and Whitcomb on the other, the group started down.
Their progress was slow and slippery as they made their way back. It was over a mile back to the cars. And besides having to deal with the mud there were also lots of large, uneven rocks. Not a single person escaped landing in the mud at least once, or getting scratched or dinged on the rocks. However, it was Stratton and Whitcomb that had it hardest. With the transport shackles, the prisoner often times couldn't keep his footing. So they ended up picking him up and/or being pulled down with him.
In the meantime, the ATVs, carrying the forensics personnel, passed them on their way up.
Chapter 47
It was a motley crew that arrived at the cars at the base of the bluff. The deputies muscled the struggling, though still silent, prisoner into the backseat of one of the department cruisers. Travers grabbed a rain poncho from his trunk and placed it on the driver's seat of his cruiser to keep from messing it up. Since they were almost as muddy as the prisoner, Stratton and Whitcomb decided to ride back to the department together, so only one of the cruises got messed up. They were so muddy a couple of ponchos wouldn't make a difference, so they were kind enough to loan their ponchos to Casper and Scully to protect their rental car seats.
"Thank you for the poncho," Scully said.
"No problem, ma'am," replied Stratton.
"But why didn't you wear your rain ponchos today?"
Ashlee smiled, "They aren't safe to wear on the ATVs. They could get caught."
Scully nodded. "I see your point. We'll follow you back to the office."
Only a couple miles down the road, Casper and Scully exchanged a surprised look when they saw Kensey's feet suddenly came through the back driver's side window. The patrol car quickly pulled over onto the side of the road. Casper pulled up behind them. By the time he and Scully got out of their car and approached the patrol car, Deputy Stratton and Deputy Whitcomb had managed to remove the kicking and flailing man from the back seat. Despite getting kicked a couple times, the deputies managed to reconnect the chain to the shackles to the back of the belt and shortened it, effectively hogtieing him and preventing any further kicking. They literally picked him up and put him back in the back seat on his stomach.
Both cars were soon on their way down the road again.
At the sheriff's department, the deputies pulled up and into the sally port. The outer door was lowered and Whitcomb went inside to enlist the aid of a couple of the jailers. The prisoner was taken in; strip-searched and made to shower. Once he was cleared of the mud, he was given a black and white striped jumpsuit. He was then placed in an isolation cell. There he would stay until the feds transported him back to DC.
While the jailers got Kensey settled, Casper and Scully took care of the paperwork. That done, they finally headed back to the hotel to get cleaned up and put on clean clothes. They met for a late dinner and then returned to their respective rooms. Scully plugged her dead cell phone in to charge.
Dana's cell phone woke her up.
"Scully."
"Hey, it's me."
Dana smiled. "Hey, Jess."
"Sorry if I woke you."
"No, no. I'm glad you called. Any word on the plane?" she asked taking care of business first.
Jess smiled. "You'll be able to fly back tomorrow."
"Good."
"How was your day?"
"Could have been worse. I'm afraid I got mud in places I didn't know I had places," she said with some mirth. "I took a shower before dinner and a long bath before going to bed. I'm still not sure I got it all."
"Really? Well, perhaps someone should make sure."
Dana's eyebrow arched in reflex. "And just who would you recommend for the job?" she said playfully.
"Hmm, good question." Jess's tone changed from playful to seductive. "I'm available for the job."
Dana's heart fluttered and she felt warmed. "If only you really were. I wish you were here."
"Dana?"
"Yes?"
"Close your eyes and listen to my voice." She paused for a beat. "Are your eyes closed, Dana?"
Eyes closed, Dana smiled. "Yes, they are," she answered softly.
"Good. Imagine me there; sitting next to you, on the edge of the bed. I reach down and oh so tenderly caress your cheek with the back of my fingers. As your breath slightly quickens, I lean down and place a soft kiss on your other cheek. I take a deep breath, taking in your natural scent. I kiss along your jaw line until I get to your ear. Then I breathe softly into your ear, 'I love you.' I pull back to look into your bright, blue eyes, before claiming your lips in a long, slow, deep kiss." Jess could hear Dana's breathing change.
A small whimper escaped Dana throat as she pictured, and felt, Jess there with her. "God, Jess... I wish you were here!"
"Dana?"
"Hmm?"
"Open your door."
Dana frowned. "What?"
"Get out of bed and open your door." Jess snapped her phone shut and waited as she heard Dana's footsteps approach the door.
Dana unhooked the chain and opened the door to see Jess standing there with a beautiful, soft smile. She shot her hand out, grabbed Jess by the arm and quickly pulled her inside. Kicking the door shut she shoved Jess up against the wall and kissed her hungrily. Jess dropped her bag and wrapped her arms around Dana, holding her close, as she returned her kiss with equal fervor.
After a minute or so, Jess reached down with her left arm and scooped Dana's legs up. As they continued to kiss she carried Dana to the bed and laid her down on it. She laid down on top of her, but quickly found herself rolled over onto her back as Dana kissed and nuzzled her neck and throat.
Dana's deft hands made quick work of Jess's clothes. Her pajamas quickly followed them onto the floor. When Jess started to roll Dana over again, the redhead put her hands on Jess's shoulders and pressed down as she lifted her head to look at her. "Not this time," she said.
The next thing Jess knew was that Dana's fingers were inside her, moving and stimulating all those special places. She let out a moan which Dana swallowed as she reclaimed her mouth in a passionate kiss. Jess was completely lost in the sensations Dana was creating with her hands, lips and tongue. When Dana trailed kisses down to her breasts she sunk her hands in her fiery tresses. Every nerve in her body was alive. She was so close!
Dana could tell from the way Jess's warm channel clenched at her fingers that her lover was close to coming. She settled her full weight on top of Jess and nipped at her earlobe. "That's it... come for me, Jess... come for me because you're mine..."
Dana's hotly whispered words, especially her words of possessiveness, were like gasoline on fire. The heat within exploded, drowning out all thoughts, all words, all sounds. She didn't even hear her own primal cry as her orgasm rocked her to the core.
Lying on top of Jess as she came was a like a thrill ride. Her body writhed and bucked, threatening to dislodge Dana. She simply held on and drew out Jess's orgasm as long as she could. Finally the brunette collapsed into the mattress as her oxygen starved body gasped for air. Dana gently withdrew her fingers, cleaned them with her tongue, and pulled Jess to her as she rolled to the side. She tenderly caressed a cheek as she gazed into the face of her lover... her lover who had fainted.
When Jess came to, she settled into Dana's embrace. There was so much she wanted to say, but her mind had turned to mush. Only one thought made it past the fog of befuddlement. "I love you, Dana," she whispered. She felt her lover's arms tighten around her and her lips press a kiss to her forehead.
"I love you, too, Jess."
She took a slow, deep breath. "Guess I passed out." She didn't mistake the feel of Dana's lips turning into a smile where they rested against her forehead. As blood flow slowly returned to parts of her brain she pulled back just enough to be able to look at Dana. "Feeling proud of ourselves, are we?"
Dana blushed but didn't contain her smile or the mirth in her eyes. "Actually..."
Jess chuckled lightly as she laid her head back on Dana's shoulder. "You should be... That's never happened to me before."
Dana answered with a squeeze of her arms. "Well, I guess we're even then, since it never happened to me before yesterday morning in the shower."
Jess shifted to lean on her elbow and look down at Dana. "Do you have any idea what you do to me?"
Dana gazed intently into sparkling grey eyes. "I hope it's half of what you do to me." She took Jess's hand and placed it palm down over her heart, covering it with her own. "I feel alive with you, Jess."
Jess's insides were flooded with a soul-warming heat. She lowered her head and gently captured Dana's mouth with her own. She spent the best part of the next hour worshipping her lover.
Dana woke and found herself wrapped around and spooning Jess. Yes, she loved being held by Jess, but it felt just as good to hold the younger woman as well. Whether in Jess's arms, or Jess in hers, being with her was the way things were supposed to be. She knew that with a certainty that came from her soul. "I love you, Jess," she whispered before placing a kiss on her shoulder.
Jess woke up just in time to hear Dana's softly whispered words. She pressed back against the warm and curvy body behind her. "I love you, too," she sleepily replied. She felt Dana's arm tighten around her. "Is it time to get up yet?"
Dana glanced over her shoulder at the clock radio. "Not yet."
"Good. I don't want to move."
Dana nuzzled her neck.
"Mmmm..." Jess smiled.
"Do you want to go back to sleep?"
Jess let out an amused chuckle. "Like that's likely to happen – especially with you fondling my breast."
Dana stopped squeezing the breast in her hand. "I can stop."
Jess shifted, turning in Dana's arms to face her. "Not unless you want to."
Dana looked deep into sparkling grey eyes. "I don't want to stop. I like touching you," she replied as her hand traveled down her side and rested on her hip.
Jess leaned into Dana. "And I like the way you touch me," she whispered before their lips met in a kiss. She moaned as Dana's hands sought out and found all the places that made her melt.
When the alarm did go off the two women got up. Dana quirked an eyebrow as she watched Jess pull on her clothes from the night before. Jess smiled when she saw her lover's expression. "I'm going to go to my room and take a shower." With a deliberate look at Dana's state of undress she added, "Because if I don't, I doubt either of us will be ready on time." She picked up her bag. "I'll meet you and John in the restaurant."
Dana returned her smile. "You're probably right. See you shortly." She turned and entered the bathroom.
John was surprised to see Jessica walk into the restaurant. He stood up as she approached the table and gave her a quick hug before they both sat down. "What are you doing here?"
"I came on the transport plane. I thought I might take a crack at Kensey on the way back; see if I can get him to talk."
"He's been pretty combative and uncooperative." He paused for a beat. "And does the Director know you're here?" he asked with a suspicious tone.
"That is a good question," Dana added as she arrived.
Jess smiled at both her companions. "Yes, I have the Director's permission to be here. I just wish the plane could have been ready sooner than it was."
"When do you want to pick up Kensey and fly out?" John asked.
"Doesn't really matter. All you really need to do is drop me and pilots off at the airport on the way so we're ready for you when you pick up Kensey."
"What airport?"
"Southern Illinois. I'm sure you've seen the sign. It's about halfway between here and Murphysboro on Route 13."
"Oh, yeah."
Jess looked up and saw the two pilots enter. She waved them over. She made the introductions all around. Agent Marks and Agent Denison joined them for breakfast.
After breakfast all the agents checked out of the hotel and left.
Chapter 48
Kensey changed into the orange jumpsuit of a federal prisoner and was then placed into transport shackles – both of which were provided by the feds. Once Casper took care of all the necessary paperwork, two deputies, with Kensey in the back of the patrol car, followed Casper and Scully to the airport.
A strategy had been worked out at breakfast. Even though Kensey had been combative and uncooperative, he had been completely silent, refusing to speak a single word. Morgan was going to try to use their similar backgrounds to break through that silence and to get him talking.
Morgan was not on the plane when they arrived. She waited in the terminal, watching. Inside the plane Casper placed Kensey in a seat and secured his seatbelt.
Casper turned to Scully. "Any sign of her yet?"
"Not yet."
"I still don't see why we have to wait for her," he said in an irritated tone.
"She's here at the request of the Director himself."
Casper waved his hand dismissively. "Well if we've got to sit around on our asses waiting for her I'm going to have something to drink. You want something?" he asked as he passed her on his way into the small galley.
"No thank you."
The co-pilot, Denison, was pouring himself a cup of fresh coffee in galley.
Casper stuck his head back out. "There's fresh coffee if you want it, Scully."
"No thank you."
Casper came back with a glass filled with contents made to look like scotch.
Scully gave him a disdainful look. "You know better than that, Casper."
He again waved her off dismissively.
Casper gave Kensey a sneer. "Oh, do you want a cup of coffee or a cigarette while we're waiting?"
The pilot, Agent Marks, came back. "She's here, so we'll be taking off in just a few minutes."
"Thank you," Scully replied. She shot a dirty look at Casper who quickly downed his drink.
Both Scully and Casper stood when Morgan entered the plane.
"Welcome aboard, ma'am. It's a pleasure having you aboard. I'm Agent Marks, your pilot. Agent Denison is my copilot today. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to let us know," the pilot said in greeting before closing the hatch behind her. "If you make yourself comfortable we'll be taking off in only a few minutes. Unfortunately we do not have a flight attendant for this flight; however, once we are at altitude you make help yourself to the refreshments available in the galley."
"Thank you."
Marks returned to the cockpit. Scully and Casper each stood and introduced themselves and shook her hand in turn.
With the plane at altitude Morgan released her seatbelt and approached Kensey. She looked him in the eyes and gave him a nod of respect. "Hugh, it's good to see you again."
He looked up at her in confusion. "Excuse me?"
"You may not remember me, but we met about 20 years ago... at one of the socials MIT and Harvard held for their younger students. I'm Jessica Morgan – my father was Philippe Rodier."
He frowned in thought for a few moments, but then a look of recognition came over his face. "Oh, yes, the Rodiers of Vancouver. My family owns some stock in Rodier International."
She nodded. "That's right, and my accountant would be glad to hear that," she said with small smile.
"I remember you. Didn't you leave Harvard in '82 to take a Rhodes scholarship?"
She nodded. "I graduated in '82. I took the Rhodes scholarship to pursue a degree in Theology and Religious Studies," she replied, surprised he'd remembered.
He cocked his head to the side. "You didn't come to very many of the socials."
She smiled softly. "No I didn't."
He smiled roguishly. "As I recall, you were quite taken with a certain Vanessa Turner."
Morgan arched an eyebrow and smirked. "As were you, I believe."
Kensey laughed. "True! Great minds do think alike, don't they?"
After a shared laugh Morgan gestured to a small table toward the back of the cabin. "Let's sit back here where we can have a little bit of privacy."
Because of the transport shackles, Kensey struggled to undo his seatbelt and to stand.
"Hold on, Hugh." Morgan called to Casper. "Agent Casper, come undo these shackles."
"I don't think that's a good idea, ma'am."
"I didn't ask you if it was a good idea, Agent, I gave you an order. Where's he going to go? We're on a plane several thousand feet in the air. All three of us are armed. He'll still be cuffed. There's no need for the shackles."
"You don't understand, ma'am. The prisoner has been violent and uncooperative while in custody. He kicked out a window of a sheriff's patrol car and had to be hobbled as a result."
Morgan looked at Kensey in surprise. "Did you really?"
Kensey actually looked a little embarrassed and sheepish. He nodded.
She looked him in the eyes. "Will you give me your word you won't try anything, Hugh?"
"I give you my word, Jessica," he said solemnly.
"Alright." She looked at Casper. "Remove the shackles."
"Ma'am–"
"Agent Casper, either remove the shackles or give me the key so that I can. There are no car windows present for the man to kick out, and he has given me his word not to try anything in any event."
Casper put on a show of reluctantly following her orders. That done, Morgan and Kensey moved to the small table, sitting opposite of each other.
"Hugh, I'm sure you understand that I need to ask you some questions."
He nodded. "I know."
"Before we get started, would you like something to drink?"
"He offered me some coffee... and said I could have a cigarette."
"Well that was rude of him, since you don't smoke or drink coffee," she said with smirk. She leaned to the side to look around Kensey. "Casper, get us some tea," she called out.
"There's some fresh coffee in the galley," he replied.
Morgan stood up and marched over to Casper. "Agent Casper, I don't know what your problem is, but I've had enough of your insolence. And don't think I haven't noticed the alcohol on your breath! When we land you will surrender your badge and weapon and consider yourself on suspension until further notice. Now, get your ass in the galley and get us some tea – two cups, hot, and one empty cup, please."
As Casper went into the galley Morgan returned to her seat. "I'm sorry, Hugh. You know how hard it is to find quality help."
He sighed and nodded in agreement.
Scully watched everything in silence. Even though they had discussed their strategy that morning at breakfast, she was a little surprised that Kensey had already broken his self-imposed silence to speak to Jess. But she had already established a tentative rapport with him. Having the same socio-economic and education background had certainly been a factor, as had their shared experience of being gifted students.
Casper returned with two cups of hot tea and an empty cup.
"Is there any lemon?" Morgan asked.
"Uh, no."
She exchanged a look of disappointment with Kensey. "Sorry, Hugh."
He shrugged, as if to say he wasn't surprised. When Morgan carefully placed her teabag in the empty cup between them he gave her a surprised look.
"What? You didn't think I would squeeze the bag did you, releasing the tannic acid into my tea?"
He smiled as he removed his own teabag and placed it in the cup. "I shouldn't have doubted someone of your breeding and intelligence."
Several moments were spent in silence sipping their tea. Morgan knew exactly what she wanted to accomplish. Even though they had a lot of evidence to prove Hugh Kensey was the Reaper, she wanted a confession so he didn't plead insanity in a trial. Finally she broke the silence.
"Did they inform you of your rights, Hugh?"
He waved his hand dismissively. "I know my rights."
"Are you willing to talk to me then?"
He nodded.
Morgan reached into her jacket pocket and withdrew a microcassette recorder. She pushed record and set it on the table. "This is Special Agent Jessica R. Morgan, badge number JTT0330703, interviewing Mr. Hugh Kensey. Today is Sunday March 28th, 1999. Mr. Kensey has been advised of his rights and is voluntarily answering questions without the presence of a lawyer." She looked at him. "Would you please verify that, Hugh, for the record?"
"Of course. This is Hugh Kensey; I know my rights and am willing to answer any questions posed to me by Jessica Morgan." He paused. "But only by her," he added, then smiled. "How's that?"
"That's fine, Hugh." She paused for two or three beats. "When was the first time you killed, Hugh?"
"Animal or human?"
Not expecting him to be quite so forthcoming, Morgan fought to keep her expression impassive. "Animal."
"When I was seven. I hated the neighbor's dog. It was an annoying yippy little thing. One day I'd just had enough of its incessant yip yapping. I snapped its neck. There was something so satisfying about it."
"What did you do with the body?"
"Tossed it in their back porch," he replied with a nonchalant shrug.
Morgan frowned. "But you grew up in Manhattan, Hugh, on Park Avenue."
"Oh, this was in the summer, in the Hamptons."
"I see. And when was the first the time you killed a human?"
Kensey didn't answer; he appeared lost in thought.
"Hugh?"
"Do you remember Calvin Thibodeau? You probably met him at one of the socials that first year. Dirty blonde, blue eyes, horn rim glasses, lanky."
Morgan nodded slowly.
"When did you see your first dead body, Jessica?"
"My mother; I was six."
"But that was the funeral, right?"
"Yes."
"When was the first the time you saw a body, before it was made to look 'pretty?'" he asked using finger quotes.
"I was 21."
"Calvin was the first one I saw."
Morgan's eyes widened. "Are you saying you killed him?"
"No. He killed himself; I found him. He hung himself in the lab the night we were suppose to finish our project for Professor Kensington's class."
"I'm sorry you had to go through that, Hugh."
He shrugged. "No big deal. He was weak; he couldn't take the pressure." A second shrug. "I thought it would have been interesting to autopsy the body."
The guy had no feelings whatsoever about the suicide of his lab partner. He really was a psychopath!
"When did you start killing, Hugh?"
"The first time was in '87... it was an accident really. Crystal Norris."
Morgan flipped through the names Scully had written down. "I don't see that name as one of the ones labeled on the bottles, Hugh."
"No, it's not. Like I said, it was an accident really. The ones on the bottles were planned."
The flight time to DC – well, Baltimore-Washington International – was an hour and a half. However, at a signal from Morgan, Scully got up and went to the cockpit to tell the pilots to circle until further notice. As long as Kensey was talking, Morgan was going to get all she could from him. And the Gulfstream could stay in the air up to ten hours if necessary.
Chapter 49
For over seven hours Kensey sat and told Morgan about the women he'd murdered. Finally Morgan gave the signal to have the plane land. When they landed Morgan ushered Kensey out of the plane and into the back of the waiting vehicle – without the shackles. He'd given her his word he wouldn't try anything. And she believed him... at least as long as she was present. She had no doubt that if she wasn't present that Kensey would be completely uncooperative.
As the SUV pulled away from the plane he turned to her. "Just out of curiosity, it was you that figured out about my refuge, wasn't it?"
She shrugged. "It was the only piece of property you tried to hide, Hugh." She gave him a hard look. "But did you really have rig booby traps. A detective was injured, could have been killed."
He looked surprised. "I haven't set any of the booby traps in years. Which one tripped?"
"A piece of rebar just about impaled him near the heart – would have if he hadn't been wearing Kevlar."
Kensey shook his head in thought. "That shouldn't have happened. I swear, Jessica. After the first couple years and no sign of anyone knowing I was up there, I stopped setting the traps. Hell, the only reason I wasn't inside the cabin when they showed up is because I went to the storage cellar for some soup."
"And what would you have done if you had been in the cabin? I understand you put up quite a fight. And then you kicked out the backseat window of a deputy's car."
Kensey actually looked sheepish. "I had always thought if I was caught I'd just accept it." He shrugged. "But after almost 12 years and no one even coming close to catching me I guess it took me by surprise and kind of pissed me off."
"And now?"
Kensey shrugged. "I went almost 12 years without anyone even coming close. And I didn't leave any incriminating evidence behind. Not many can say that."
"No, not many can say that."
"Tell me, Jessica, how long have you been after me?" he asked with genuine curiosity.
"I was brought in six weeks ago today."
"Six weeks?"
She shrugged. "I might have found you sooner but I was distracted by someone who pretended to be you."
"Really?"
"It's not important."
"Actually, I was thinking six weeks was damn good considering how careful I was. Well done," he said with a smile.
At the Maryland Correctional Adjustment Center Morgan accompanied Kensey as far through the booking process as she was allowed.
"Jessica."
She turned back when he called out to her.
"It was good to see you again."
"Try to behave, Hugh," she replied with a nod.
He nodded and she left.
Dana took one look at Jess when she exited the prison and knew she'd reached her limit. She walked up to Jess and wrapped her arms around her. "It's over," she whispered in her ear. She tightened her arms around Jess as she felt the woman sag a little. "Come on, let's get out of here."
"Where's John?"
"He headed back to the office." Dana opened the passenger side door for Jess before getting in the driver's seat. She looked over at Jess before starting the car. "John called Taylor when we landed at the airport. The Director was with him who said to take the morning off."
"Good."
"I thought since we were in Baltimore anyway we could have that dinner with my mom, but I think I'll call her back and cancel."
Jess reached out and put her hand over Dana's. "No, don't cancel, Dana. It's early and I like your mom."
Dana turned her hand under Jess's and gave it a squeeze. "Are you sure?"
Jess nodded.
When Maggie opened her front door she gave her daughter a hug. Then she got a look at her daughter's new friend. Jess looked like she was about to drop. She pulled the young woman into a warm hug. She exchanged a look with her daughter that clearly expressed her concern.
Dana nodded, letting her mother know that while she was concerned about Jess she'd be okay.
With her arm around Jess's waist, Maggie ushered them inside. "You look like you're ready to drop, Jess. Come in and rest while I finish making dinner."
"I'm fine, Mrs. Scully."
"Now you know better than that! It's Maggie."
Jess smiled. "Sorry. And I'm just a little tired, Maggie. It's been a long day."
"Do you need some help with dinner, Mom?"
"No, no. You two just make yourself comfortable." Maggie disappeared into the kitchen.
Dana and Jess sat on the couch.
"Are you sure you're alright, Jess?"
"Yeah. Kensey was just..." She sighed.
"A sick bastard."
She nodded. "A true psychopath. He has absolutely no remorse, no feelings about killing at all. Nothing would have stopped him. And he was perfect, Dana. He didn't leave any evidence behind. By all rights we shouldn't have caught him. The only reason we did is because we caught a lucky break with a nanny cam." She let out a slow breath. "I really do need a break from dealing with these guys."
Suddenly her phone rang.
"Morgan... Just a second." Jess looked at Dana as she stood up. "Would you excuse me, Dana?"
"Certainly."
After Jess walked outside to take the call Dana went into the kitchen.
"Dana, are you sure Jess is alright?" Maggie asked.
"Yes. She's just had an extremely long day interrogating a psychopathic serial killer for over seven hours straight."
"Oh my."
"Anything I can help you with?"
"Nope. The chicken is in the oven; we just need to wait for it to cook."
They walked back out to the living room.
"Where's Jess?"
"She stepped outside to take a call."
Just then Jess came back in from outside. "Sorry about that."
"Everything okay?" Dana asked since Jess looked a little shell-shocked.
"Yeah. That was the Director. You know he's been trying to get me to Quantico."
Dana nodded.
"Well, he said that wasn't my only choice. He just offered me my choice of three SAC postings."
"Where?"
"Miami, San Francisco and London."
Dana's eyes widened. All prime postings... and all some distance from DC. "Wow. Those are all choice postings."
"What exactly is a SAC?" Maggie asked.
"It's a Special Agent in Charge. They command a field office," Dana answered her mother.
"And the FBI has field offices overseas?"
"Well, actually they're legal attaché offices within American embassies rather than field offices," Jess explained.
Maggie looked at Jess as she sat down. "Would you want to go overseas?"
Jess took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I think the Director offered me London because he knows I have home there."
"You do?"
"It was my grandfather's."
"Well, it sounds like you have quite a decision to make. Congratulations."
"Thank you, Maggie."
"How soon do you have to give him your decision?" Dana asked.
Jess looked at her lover and smiled. "Not until after I get back from vacation."
"Oh, you're taking a vacation?" Maggie asked.
"Yes." She chuckled. "I think I shocked the Director. I haven't taken a vacation in years."
"You sound like my daughter."
"Mom."
"Well it's true," Maggie quipped.
"Actually, I've invited Dana to go on vacation with me, Maggie."
Maggie looked at her daughter. "Are you going to go?"
Dana felt herself blush. "Yes, I am."
"Good!" Maggie said with a smile. "You're long overdue for a vacation."
After dinner Dana and Jess drove back to DC. Despite wanting to talk to Jess about what posting she was thinking about taking, Dana recognized Jess's need to decompress from the very stressful day. So they made the journey in a comfortable and companionable silence.
As soon as they entered the apartment Dana reached out and caught Jess's hand. Jess turned and looked at her.
"Why don't you go and get undressed while I start a hot bath for you?"
Jess was touched by the offer. "That would be wonderful. Thank you."
Dana went into the bathroom and started a hot bath, adding some bubble bath to the water, while Jess entered the bedroom and undressed. Jess slipped on a robe and entered the bathroom, a little surprised not to find Dana present. When the water reached the correct level she turned off the water and shed her robe. She let out a sigh as she carefully eased herself down into the large claw foot tub full of steamy water and bubbles. She closed her eyes and laid her head back. After a couple minutes she opened her eyes when she heard Dana's voice.
"Mind if I join you?" Dana was wearing a robe and holding a tray with an opened bottle of wine and two wineglasses.
Jess smiled widely. "Not at all."
Dana pulled over a small stand and set the tray on it. She then shed her robe and slipped into the tub behind Jess. After pouring two glasses of wine and handing one to Jess she pulled the brunette back against her, kissing her temple.
"Mmmm, this is nice. Thank you."
"You had quite a day."
Jess closed her eyes and allowed herself to fully settle against Dana. "God, to sit there and listen to him recount every one of the murders so dispassionately as if they were nothing..."
Dana tightened her arms around Jess. "They weren't nothing. They were 98 women who were loved and are missed by their families."
"Those are just the ones he planned and took blood from."
"What do you mean?"
"The first one wasn't planned; a woman named Crystal Norris. He killed her in his office at Boeing. When he got away with it without any questions he quit and started planning and executing murders."
"Well, he was flawless."
"Until Claudia Keenan in Chicago. Kensey was sure he'd been spotted. So he followed Ben Lufkin home. It turned out Lufkin was a cop. He made him call in to work and quit. Then he killed him, his wife and two kids. He cleared out their home making it appear they'd moved. He even had the nerve to use Lufkin's name and give his lieutenant's name as a reference to your pal Chief Bud Calhoun in Midway, Georgia. Lt. Sawyer was so relieved to hear from Calhoun that Lufkin was in Georgia that he simply gave a glowing reference without questioning if it was really him."
"Damn."
"Yeah."
"And he told you about all of them?"
Jess nodded and sighed. "Seems he found me worthy. 'Someone of proper breeding and intelligence,'" she quipped mockingly. She let out a derisive huff. All because my 'father' was Philippe Rodier – a misogynistic bastard who could never be described as nice on his best day."
Dana kissed Jess's temple. "Well, you were certainly a gifted student."
Jess waved her hand dismissively. "There are plenty of people who could excel scholastically if given the same advantages."
"Can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"Why is your name Morgan if your parents' name was Rodier?"
"Ah, that. Elizabeth was a little flighty, and Philippe was a cold-hearted bastard. Sometimes Elizabeth would go off on her own, especially when they traveled on business trips. Often times it was the only way she could get his attention. When he eventually noticed he would send someone after her. He became a little more attentive once he was told she was pregnant with his son. However, on a business trip in the States, Elizabeth once again took off and checked into a hotel under her maiden name. She ended up having some complications and was rushed to the hospital where she was given an emergency c-section. It was the next day before Philippe realized she'd taken off again. When the family lawyer tracked her down he'd told Philippe she'd already given birth. He showed up with a large bouquet of flowers... which he promptly threw in the trash when presented with his daughter instead of the son he expected. Anyway, Elizabeth had been checked into the hospital under her maiden name and that's what was put on my birth certificate. When Philippe was asked about changing it he said only his son would bear his name."
Dana set her wineglass down and wrapped both her arms around Jess. Her heart ached for her lover. "Oh, Jess. I'm so sorry."
Jess shrugged. "It's okay. Morgan was my grandfather's name and he was a good man... a very good man," she said softly.
Chapter 50
After their relaxing bath Dana and Jess turned in for the night. They curled up together with Dana spooning Jess.
"So, which posting do you think you'll take?" Dana finally asked.
Jess smiled as she shifted to roll over and face Dana. "That depends."
"On what?"
"On where you'd like to go."
"What do you mean?"
Jess reached up and caressed Dana's cheek. "Do you really think I'm going anywhere without you? And in case you need that answer spelled out for you, it's 'no.'" She leaned in and captured Dana's lips in a tender kiss.
Dana felt her heart swell at Jess's quiet but firm declaration. It then skipped a beat when she kissed her.
Jess pulled back from the kiss and gazed into crystal blue eyes. "You still have your choice of postings, Dana. I'll go wherever you want."
"After we came back from the West Coast I had put in a request to go back to Quantico once the case was over."
"Alright, if that's still what you want, we can go to Quantico."
"I don't know if that's what I want. I requested it as a stopgap until I could figure some things out. I don't know where I'd like to go."
"Well, we don't have to decide until after vacation. And if we still don't know by then there's nothing wrong with Quantico. It might be kind of nice to have regular hours for a change. We certainly don't have to decide right now."
They drifted to sleep in each other's arms
After sleeping in and some languorous lovemaking Dana and Jess showered and dressed. They went out for brunch and then reported to work. John arrived at the same time so they rode up together in the elevator. When they entered the bullpen all the agents present stood and started to applaud.
Jess smiled, moved to stand with the other agents and started to clap as well.
They were startled by the voice behind them.
"Job well done – by everyone."
Dana and John turned to see the Director standing behind them and smiling.
"Taylor, Morgan, Scully, Casper, with me, please."
The four followed the Director to elevators and rode up with him.
"Hold my calls, Stacy. And bring us some fresh coffee, please," he ordered as they passed through his outer office.
"Yes, sir."
He indicated for the AD and the agents to take a seat in the sitting area of his office. Everyone took a seat.
"Okay, bring me up to date," the Director ordered.
"As you know, Scully and Casper apprehended Kensey in Illinois. On the plane back he freely confessed to each and every one of the 98 murders represented by the bottles of blood in his cabin. He also confessed to the murder of Crystal Norris, his first victim, and Chicago police officer Ben Lufkin, his wife and their two children," Morgan answered.
"Is he sane?"
"He's a true psychopath; he has no remorse whatsoever. Even though I got his complete confession on tape I'm afraid it'll still end up being argued by lawyers and decided by a judge."
There was a knock on the door before Stacy entered with a tray. She brought the pot of fresh coffee to the sitting area and poured a cup for the Director and everyone else, except Morgan. Knowing Morgan didn't care for coffee, she handed her a mug of hot tea. Each person took care of adding cream and sugar to his or her own preference.
"Thank you, Stacy," the Director said.
"You're welcome, sir." Stacy closed the door behind herself as she left.
The Director looked at Taylor. "And what of the forensics team? What did they find?"
"The wine bottles full of blood, obviously, four bottles of Joy perfume, driver licenses for over two dozen identities, empty wine bottles and some trocars with tubing."
Scully's eyes lit up. "That must be how he took their blood and filled the wine bottles."
Morgan frowned. "But wouldn't you have found evidence of him having used a trocar during the autopsies?" she asked.
"I don't understand. What is a trocar?" asked Casper.
"It's a device used in the embalming process to drain bodily fluids," Morgan answered.
"That's not all they're used for. They're also used in laparoscopic surgery and small ones are used to place intravenous cannulas. And with the wounds on the victims it would have been very easy to destroy any evidence of its use," Scully explained.
"What about the booby traps he had set up at the cabin?" the Director asked.
The one Detective..." Taylor checked his notes, "Whitten was injured by was the only one that was set at the time."
"Kensey did tell me that he hadn't set any of the traps in years. He said that after the first couple of years there and no sign of anyone knowing he was up there he stopped setting the traps altogether," Morgan said.
"And you believe him?" Casper asked
"Actually, I do."
"The forensics team did say it appeared to have actually been a malfunction rather than a deliberate act," Taylor agreed.
They continued to discuss the specifics of the case for the next hour or so before the Director called the meeting to an end.
"Alright, Casper, you can go ahead and report to Norfolk for your original assignment. Good work."
"Yes, sir. Thank you." He got up and left since the Director's tone made it clear he was being dismissed.
He then looked at Morgan and Scully. "And I understand you both have put in for a couple weeks of vacation before deciding on your next assignments." He continued after they nodded. "Your vacation is approved starting next week.
"Thank you, sir," Scully replied.
Morgan nodded.
"In the meantime," he paused, "take the rest of the week off. I don't want to see either of your faces around here until two weeks from next Monday. Now get out of here," he said with a smile.
Outside the Director's office Dana turned to Jess. "Did he just give us practically another week of vacation?"
Jess grinned. "He sure did. And I, for one, plan to make good use of it. Come on, let's get out of here."
Once they were in Dana's car Jess turned to her. "You said a secluded beach somewhere. I know of a couple of wonderful places. Let me make some phone calls and we can be there tomorrow. What do you say, Dana?"
Dana smiled, unable to resist. "I say yes, of course."
Jess placed her phone calls and received a return phone call. She hung up and smiled at Dana.
"It's all set."
"What?"
"A small private villa on the beach in Saint Martin. We fly out of BWI at 7:00 in the morning, change planes in Charlotte and land at 1:15. A car will be waiting to drive us to the villa. Then we'll fly back the Saturday before we're due back at work at about 3:30 in the afternoon with a direct flight to Dulles, landing at 7:45.
Dana and Jess spent the rest of the afternoon getting ready for their vacation. They packed light knowing they weren't going to be venturing out often. After an early dinner they showered and turned in since they had to get up and leave so early.
Dana laid her head on Jess's shoulder as they settled. "You know, I've never actually gone on vacation with anyone besides my family."
"You haven't?"
"Nope."
"Well I'm very glad you've decided to go with me."
Dana pulled back so she could look at Jess. She reached up and caressed her cheek. "I know we've only known each other a matter of weeks but I've never felt this way about anyone, Jess. I know in my heart that I belong with you."
Jess felt her heart skip a beat and then race. She knew that she and Toni had loved each other but Dana... Dana touched her heart and soul in a way no one ever had.
Dana was gazing directly into Jess's eyes as she continued. "I feel like I was born to love you," she said softly. She saw sparkling grey shift to fathomless obsidian and back to sparkling grey again. It surprised her... and excited her. But then she saw a hint of concern and reticence in those beautiful eyes. She rolled Jess onto her back, straddling her hips, and took her face in both her hands. "No, Jess. No. Don't ever hold back; not with me."
"You don't understand, Dana."
"Yes, I do. I know that you've never been able to be completely yourself with anyone. But that's exactly what I need from you. I need you to not hold back, Jess. I love you – all of you."
Jess held her eyes for a few moments before her eyes once again shifted to black and she raised her head to claim Dana's lips with her own. She wrapped her arms around Dana and rolled them over, deepening the kiss.
Dana broke their kiss only long enough to peel Jess's tank top off over her head. She then slipped her hands under the waist of her pajamas bottoms and panties and squeezed her ass cheeks. Jess brought her hands up and started unbuttoning Dana's top. She trailed open-mouthed kisses down the slowly exposed skin until she captured an erect nipple and suckled. Dana let out a quiet moan and arched up into Jess.
Jess continued to kiss her way down and slid Dana's pajama bottoms and underwear off. Dana's knees raised and parted of their own volition as Jess kissed, licked and nipped her way down her torso. Jess settled between Dana's thighs and took her in her mouth.
Dana's head slammed back into the pillow and she buried her hands in Jess's silky tresses. Her body bowed when she felt Jess's fingers push inside her and stroke that special place. It didn't take long for her to come. She immediately pulled at Jess, urging her up and wrapping her arms around her. Dana tasted herself on Jess's lips and tongue as they kissed.
Dana's deft hands made quick work of removing and discarding Jess's pajama bottoms and panties. She ran her foot down the back of Jess's thigh and calf. Then she slipped a hand in between them, her fingertips sliding through the evidence of her lover's arousal and zeroing in on her clit.
Jess's back arched and she bucked against Dana's hand. She kissed her way down and suckled at Dana's breast, shifting so she was straddling the redhead's hips. She felt Dana's fingers slide inside her, making her moan.
Dana urged Jess back up from her breast so that she could kiss her again. Jess ran her fingers through silky, red hair. She broke the kiss and pulled back just enough to gaze into sapphire blue eyes. Dana saw something in those obsidian eyes and instinctively knew exactly what her lover feared... and craved. Wrapping her hand around the back of Jess's neck she pulled her down and whispered hotly in her ear.
"I love all of you! Don't hold back!"
She heard what could have been a stifled sob... but then felt the momentary flash of pain that came with the piercing of her skin by Jess's fangs, instantaneously followed by intense, blinding pleasure that had her convinced she was having an out of body experience. For the first time in her life, she gave herself over completely, body and soul, to another person.
For the first time in Jess's life she completely and totally gave in to her other side... and to another person. She placed her complete and abiding faith and trust in Dana, and her love, to be there to catch her when she fell. When she gave into the urge to bite Dana she didn't drink her blood... she tasted her soul.
Dana cradled Jess in her arms as they slept.
The driver of the car handed Jess a message when they landed on the island the next afternoon. She closed her eyes and rubbed her forehead as the driver loaded their bags in the trunk.
"What's wrong, Jess?" Dana asked as they got in the backseat.
Jess sighed. "There was a screw up at the prison yesterday afternoon – a violation in security protocol. Kensey tried to kill Mulder; he stabbed him. Kensey's obviously still in isolation but Mulder was taken to the infirmary." She paused. "Apparently he wasn't as hurt as he let on... he escaped last night from the infirmary." Jess looked at Dana. "We can turn around and head back."
"No. I've given up too much of my life to Mulder and his personal quest. No more. He's a fugitive. Let the Bureau and the Marshal Service worry about him. He's not my problem anymore." Dana leaned over and kissed her lover. "My future is with you."
The End