"Hunting High and Low" by A-Ha, from Headlines & Deadlines (Hits of)

Skinner's office smells like fresh paint, reminding Scully that it is springtime, renovation season. She barely remembers the transition between seasons, having spent it almost entirely driving between work and Samantha's room at the Fairfax hospital. The overpowering aroma reminds her of the specificity of time and space, reminds her that she has a career that does not revolve entirely around Mulder and his long-lost sister.

While the world is busy turning upside down, the basement office is filling with paperwork and case files. Meetings are called, deadlines pass, but the monotonous train of daily life at the FBI has chugged along its course without her.

Until now.

Two weeks have passed since Mulder disappeared. She has every reason to believe that he left willingly, but not that he is still alive. She has even fewer assurances when it comes to Samantha.

It surprises her to think of how much she misses the presence of the young woman in her life. It has been such a short time, compared to Mulder's twenty-five year quest, but already this second loss stings at her, a gnawing irritation within the larger void left by her partner's absence.

The scent of paint and Skinner's voice brings her back to the present.

"The Bloomfield case, Agent Scully?"

She realizes that she has been drifting off. "I've assembled enough evidence to determine that she was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. She had no criminal record, no history of incident at all. It may have been a random shooting...regardless, our jurisdiction over the case is tenuous at best. And it hardly qualifies as an X-File."

For a moment, he seems to accept this explanation without question, glancing briefly at the wall to her left. He knits his fingers together, clears his throat, adjusts his glasses. Anything, Scully thinks, to avoid giving voice to his suspicions.

"Are those the findings you intend to submit?" he asks.

"With one addendum." All day, she has been debating whether or not to offer this one last theory. Skinner's unease confirms her decision. She is alone on this case, and it is already too personal. "There is a possibility the murder may be connected with the disappearances of Mulder and his sister."

As soon as she says the words, she knows that they are exactly what Skinner expects to hear. He can play neutral, innocent, if he likes. But they share a silent understanding. No amount of professional demeanor can hide this.

"Because of our proximity to the crime scene..." she begins.

"You think whoever killed this woman is responsible for Agent Mulder's disappearance?"

"I think that Agent Mulder was the intended target," Scully says, "I believe that he realized his life was in danger, and that was why he left."

"I see." Another glance at the wall - Scully wonders what it is that Skinner finds so interesting there. Maybe he likes watching paint dry.

"Sir?"

"I suggest that you do not put that in your report, Agent Scully."

She nods, and slips out of the door without another word.

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