SEASONS IV: THO' THEY WITH WINTER MEET

Chapter 1

     The phone began to ring almost from the moment that they
entered the house. Walter closed the door and shut out the swirling
clouds of snow and Rae dashed to answer before the machine.

     Walter put his arms around her from behind, nuzzling her neck
and listening to her side of the conversation. It was the funeral
parlor, they were going to close because of the storm and they
wanted to know what to do with Gramma's body. Rae asked him to
hang on for an hour at least, she'd call the family.

     After hanging up she looked at Walter, but before she could
speak he said, "I'll make coffee. You do what you have to. How do
you feel about a cheese omelet and toast?" He kissed her tenderly,
cutting off her thanks then sauntered into the kitchen.

     From inside he listened to her talking to family members and
smiled. Despite the sad circumstances he couldn't help but be
happy. He was sure that Gramma was smiling from wherever she was.

     "But, Char I can't drive the van, especially in this weather.
You'll *have* to ride in my car, Greg's stuck at home with the
kids....."

     Walter motioned her to hang on, "I have a big car, honey. We
can pick her up in that."

     "What kind of car?"

     He looked sheepish. "Cadillac DeVille. I'm sure she'll be
comfortable in it, and it drives well."

     Her look said 'I'll bet.' but she turned back to the phone to
tell her cousin that they would pick her up.

     Walter grinned at her and handed her a steaming cup of coffee
as she dialed another call.

..............................................................

     There were nearly a dozen people who braved the storm to say
their final farewells to Gramma Alton. Somehow the word had spread
to others in the community and many of the people were locals who
had known the Alton's for many years. One could hardly have lived
in Pewaukee for any amount of time without making a stop in the
Alton's General Store. Both Maria and August were well known and
well loved.

     Rae and Walter helped Char to a seat and Rae went to speak to a
small group of people who were arriving. Walter went to stand beside
the casket.

     He looked at the old lady, realizing for the first time that
she must have been nearing ninety. Her face was sweet in repose and
almost seemed to be smiling. Walter put his hand over hers and made
a promise. 'I'll never leave her alone again, Gramma. We'll do like
you wanted, we'll make each other happy.' He leaned over and kissed
her forehead. He felt an arm steal around his waist and he pulled
Rae close to him.

     The others in the room watched them, including a slim, dark
haired man at the back of the room. He had walked here in the storm,
thinking that she would want support from a friend. He hadn't
expected Skinner to be here. Gradually over the last three weeks he
had let up his surveillance of her, resigning himself to the fact
that Skinner had dumped her and that he would have to leave soon. He
was both glad and sad to see this assignment ending.

     He really liked Rae. She had gone out her way to make him
welcome in the school, and had been painfully truthful with him
about her feelings for Skinner. Most of the teachers in the school
didn't even see him and if they spoke at all it was to complain
about his work. Rae formed her criticisms as suggestions for
improvement and was always easy going. He was going to miss seeing
her every day, miss the times they had met after hours for coffee.
She was the closest thing to a friend that he'd had in a long time.

     Now Skinner was back. It was obvious to Alex that they were
more together than ever. He watched them lean against each other, as
if drawing strength from each other. They seemed more in tune than
they had, more in harmony.....

     'Stop it Krycek! You're beginning to sound like a sick puppy.
This is a job, and you'd better remember that! You have no feelings
in this matter.' He was well aware of the danger involved in letting
himself begin to feel for a target. He couldn't afford to allow
himself that luxury. He'd call his superiors and tell them that
Skinner was back.....maybe.

     Rae looked over her shoulder, feeling the eyes on them and
turned in time to see Al moving toward the door. "Excuse me a
minute, Walter. I think that's Al." She stepped quickly to the door,
"Al wait."

     Alex stopped, but didn't turn. If Skinner saw him the game
would be up and they'd send someone else. Someone who might hurt
her when it came time......

     "Thank you so much for coming." She lay her hand on his arm.
"It was very kind of you. Did you know my grandmother?"

     "I stopped in the store once. Somebody told me about it, so I
stopped in. I came because I thought you'd want a friend, but I see
that your fiancee's here." He handed her a small plant. "I just
wanted to pay my respects, and make sure you were okay."

     "Al won't you come over and meet my family? They're always
anxious to meet my friends." She tried to loop her arm through his,
but he pulled away.

     "No, I'll be going. I don't live far, I walked over." He looked
at his feet. "I don't think that this is the right time. I'll see
you next week, at school." He walked out the door and into the
drifting snow.

     He looked up into the gray sky, letting the fat heavy flakes
fall on his face. Maybe there was a way he could warn her without
frightening her. Such an action would put him in danger with the
Association, though. He had stayed alive since being released from
the silo by doing exactly what they wanted. Why was he questioning
them now?

     Alex shoved his hands deep into his pockets and began to walk
to his room. Why? Because many people were nice to him here.
Because he'd never gotten to know a mark personally before, never
gotten to like one before.  His job had always been to kill, short
and sweet. He didn't believe that he was so different now that he
wouldn't be capable of carrying out the order if it came, but for
the first time he would have real regrets.

     He was also beginning to realize that he wanted to leave some
legacy besides death. If he should ever be remembered for something
he didn't want it to be for the number of marks he'd brought down.
He was still a young man. He began to wonder if, when he reached
Skinner's age he would have a woman who looked at him the way
Rae looked at Skinner.

     Alex hunched his shoulders against the cold wind. Maybe it
wouldn't come to that. They said that they wanted to work on
Skinner, frighten him, not hurt the girl. Maybe there was a way to
not hurt her. Maybe......

..................................................................

     After the service and instructions for the disposition of
Gramma Alton's ashes Rae and Walter took Charlene home with them.
Neither of them thought that she should be alone and since the roads
between Pewaukee and Waukesha were closed they couldn't take her
to her mother's house.

     They were followed to the cottage by Jim and Dave and two of
Rae's cousins in Jim's Jeep. Walter hadn't wanted to discourage
company even though he really wanted to be alone with Rae.

     'It's probably better this way. It would be disrespectful for
me to ask her to make love to me tonight.' He smiled without
thinking. 'Tomorrow we'll be alone.'

     "And what are you thinking, grinning like a Cheshire Cat
there?" He heard Char's voice next to him. Rae was sitting in the
back so that Char could be more comfortable. "You know, I can just
as easily go to the store. You two should be alone tonight."

     "Don't worry about it, Char. Walter and I have plenty of time
to be alone together." She reached over the seat and tickled his ear
with her fingertip. She had let him drive only because his long legs
needed the room, thereby giving Char more room in the front. She
hadn't been comfortable at first, but he'd proven that he could
handle the big car in the storm.

     At first Walter was surprised that *anybody* would go out in
this kind of storm, especially to a funeral. But Rae was right when
she said he didn't know Wisconsin people. He was just glad the
funeral home was just a scant 2 miles from Rae's house. He wouldn't
want to drive any further. Most of the people who had been there had
walked.

.............................................................

     "You should show Walter that picture of the four of us at the
beach, Rae. The one where you were about three." Charlene turned to
Walter, who was refilling her coffee cup. "We look like identical
twins, born ten years apart. It's creepy, really.  We had the same
color hair and eyes, the same complexion, even the same expression
on our faces."

     "I know where Rae keeps the albums...." Jim stood and began
up the stairs when Rae's voice stopped him.

     "Don't you *dare* James William! Those albums aren't for
public viewing." She was blushing deeply. There were pictures
of her at her biggest in there and she didn't want Walter to see
them.

     "Go get them, Jim. I won't look at the ones Rae doesn't want
me to." He walked past her and kissed her cheek, grinning.

     Rae followed him into the kitchen, about to argue when he
pulled her into his arms and kissed her.

     "I really *won't*, honey." He stroked her hair gently.
"Besides, when you meet my folks my mom will probably show you all
my baby pictures, even the bare bottom ones. I'm just getting a head
start." He kissed her again and hugged her.

     Rae blushed red. He knew. He knew why it bothered her. She
squeezed him back. "I'm still embarrassed. I have a hard time
looking at those pictures."

     He knew she didn't mean her baby pictures. "When should I
stop looking; ten, eleven?"

     "Try seven. "

     He leaned his forehead against hers and looked deep into her
eyes. "Okay, but there better be lots of pictures between zero and
seven." He took her by the hand and led her to the sofa.

     Walter sat next to Char with Rae beside him. The others
present pulled up chairs or sat on the floor. Jim sat on the coffee
table.

     So it was with a running narrative between Char, Jim and Rae's
two other cousins that Walter and Dave heard the story of Rae's
past. There were pictures of Gramma Alton and Gramp, Rae's parents,
brothers and cousins, friends. Char didn't stop at seven, she went
through all three books, front to back and interjected stories about
the context of many of the pictures.

     When they had reached the end of the third album Rae took the
empty cups and plates to the kitchen. She was blushing furiously and
wouldn't look Walter in the eye. That album had ended with the
photos from Rae's wedding.

     Dave rose and reached for Charlene's hand. "How would you like
to come home with a couple of bachelors, young lady?"

     "Young I am not, but if Jim still has that lovely overstuffed
chair, I can be persuaded." She glowed with sudden color. Like Rae
she had given up on finding a good man many years ago, but she
still liked to think that maybe.....

     "I do, Char, and you're welcome to occupy it for as long as it
takes the roads to open. Come along, girl."

     The two men helped Char to her feet and they all began to
dress and say goodbyes. Rae tried to protest, but Dave merely said
that they were going to move the party to Jim's so that she and
Walter could sleep.

     "You two look exhausted. Go, children and sleep. I'll see you
both tomorrow. Jim is in walking distance, so I can be here in a
tice!"

...............................................................

     Alex had dozed off on the sofa. He had been watching the snow
fall, had drunk a cup of hot tea and fell asleep. After the funeral
he'd kept on walking, trying to figure out what to do. He *had*
to report, had to tell them that Skinner was here. He kept telling
himself that. He *had* to.

     The phone woke him. His heart pounded with the suddenness of
it cutting through the stillness of the snow-filled night. The room
was dark and the snow cast an eerie blue light through the windows.

     "Yes?" He rubbed his eyes, trying to clear the fog from his
head.

     "Did you know that Skinner was in Wisconsin?"

     Of course it would be him. He could almost smell the cigarette
smoke. "Not until a little while ago. There seemed little point in
watching her closely, she never expected him to come back."

     "How close have you gotten to her, Alex? You reported a week
ago that you'd seen her after school several times...."

     "Three times. We talked. She's very open, but I didn't learn
anything worthwhile. I doubt if Skinner will be fool enough to
tell her anything of value. I think we should just drop the whole
thing and go at the X-Files through Mulder or Scully. The direct
approach...."

     "Has failed us in the past. There is a new character in the
mix, and if we can't use her we must exploit her. Skinner has
announced his intention to marry her. He had a meeting with the
director when he returned to Washington, and obviously intended to
go back to her all along. If you're not ableto do your job, Alex,
then someone else ......."

     "*No* !" Alex swallowed hard, and calmed himself. "No. I can
handle Skinner, and the girl. I just need time."

     "Time is running out, Alex."

..............................................................

     Walter climbed the steps, realizing for the first time since
his arrival how tired he was. He had been running on adrenaline for
weeks, and now it was catching up to him. He hoped, now that they
were together again there would be no dreams other than pleasant
ones. If the hag returned it meant that there was danger,but he
couldn't be certain for whom.

     He saw a soft light emanating from the bedroom. He had sent
Rae up before with a kiss and an admonition to relax.

     She was sitting on the bed, the glow of the torchiere warming
her skin. She had changed into the shell pink gown that he had
given her for her 'birthday' last month. 'She looks so lovely,'
Walter thought as he sank to the floor at her feet and lay his
hands on her thighs.

     She stroked his head gently, letting her fingers trail across
his chin and circle his well-turned ears. "Walter....." she bit
her lip. She was shy about asking this of him.

     "What, honey?"

     "Would it be okay with you if we didn't.......well, didn't? "
She looked at her hands. "It's not that I don't want to but, well
with the funeral and everything I just want to lay close to you."
Her voice got very soft. "Do you mind?"

     He pulled her off the bed onto his lap. "Of course I don't
mind. Dave was right, we're both exhausted and even though I don't
think it would bother your Gramma, I think we should wait for a bit
too. It's still pretty early, so I thought we could lay together and
talk. There's something I want to ask you."

     She smiled up at him, her eyes twinkling. "You're not going to
ask me to marry you again, are you?"

     He grinned at her as he set her back on the bed and pushed her
shoulders against the soft pillows. "No. I already have my answer on
that one." He picked up her left hand and kissed her ring. He
straightened and began to undress. "I want to know if you'd come to
Washington with me for the weekend. We could get a late flight out
on Thursday and you could come back here late Sunday." He sat on the
bed to remove his shoes and lay back, resting his head against her
stomach. He pulled her hand to his chest and held it over his heart.
"Everyone at the office wants to meet you, including the Director."

     She ran her fingers through his chest hair. "Well, going to
Washington is okay, as long as I'm back in time for school on
Monday. With the schools closed today and tomorrow it leaves me the
rest of the week for my leave. But to meet the Director? Your boss?
Are you sure about that?"

     He sat up and lay his hand on her stomach where his head had
been. "Yes, I'm sure. I want everyone to meet you. I'm very proud of
you, Rae. I want to show you off, just like you were going to do
with me." He grinned, "We didn't get a chance to make that visit to
your school, but if they're open on Thursday before we leave we
could. Didn't the principal make you promise to bring me over?"

     Rae frowned as the memory of the way she treated him returned.
"Jennifer was shocked when I came in for my classes that Wednesday.
Not only had she not had the chance to meet you, but now you were
gone. She couldn't believe I'd done it." Rae lay her hand over
his.

     Walter pulled her up into his arms. He looked into her deep
blue eyes and said, "So we'll go to the school on Thursday, then
to Washington. Hopefully over the holidays we can visit my family
and we're not going to let another misunderstanding tear us
apart again, right?"

     Raelene smiled and snuggled into his arms. "Right."

Chapter 2

     Walter smiled down at Rae's head as she slept in his arms. In
the end they hadn't slept much in the last two days. They had
talked a lot, played in the snow (as well as cleaned it up), visited
Rae's school. Now they were on their way to Washington DC and Rae
was sleeping against his chest. She had agreed to come with him on
the condition that she meet some of his agents (including Mulder
and Scully) and his pretty, young secretary.

     Before the flight she took some medication for her sinuses and
it had made her drowsy. While she slept Walter used the time to
reflect on the last couple of days.

     Charlene was still staying at Jim's. Rae's 'identical' cousin
had become Dave's soulmate. Although her body was wracked by the
paralysis and pain of MS her mind was sensitive, gentle and
incredibly bright. Her outlook was generally sunny, except for the
days when the pain got the better of her and Dave saw in her the
same common-sense wisdom and beauty that he saw in Rae.

     Walter grinned as he thought of Dave asking him if Rae would
mind if he stayed at her place while they were gone. He wasn't
ready to leave yet, he wanted more time to know Charlene. Of course
Rae hadn't minded.

     The three of them, with Char laughing on the sidelines had a
tremendous snowball fight. It had started with Rae throwing a soft
glob of snow in his face and he returned the volley of course. Dave
got into the act and it turned into a three way war. When Dave
capitulated and fell on the ground at Charlene's feet, Walter
chased Rae into the back yard and tackled her. The fight came to a
close with laughter, kisses and hot chocolate.

     At Rae's school Jennifer Miller had assessed him before shaking
his hand. He had the uncomfortable feeling that she was sizing him
up, measuring him with her eyes. Once or twice he had been the
subject of such a gaze and it always made his skin crawl. He assumed
that this was what it would be like to be a woman and have a man
ogle her chest.

     Rae's classroom was tidy and organized, but her desk was a
disaster. He saw the picture of himself on the desk and squeezed
her hand ("You should see my girl's chorus look at that picture! "
she'd said laughing.). She introduced him to her sub and her mixed
chorus. She pointedly looked at Kevin when she announced that he
was an FBI Assistant Director.

     He also wanted to meet this mysterious friend Al that she'd
told him about, but he was nowhere to be found. He didn't like this
shadowy man following her around. Jim had told him that the guy was
faintly slimy, but not in a threatening way. He was certain that he
meant Rae no harm, but Al made Jim uneasy, and that made Walter
uneasy. He frowned momentarily, but a stirring beside him took away
the worrisome thoughts.

     Rae swallowed hard and stretched, yawning. Her head felt clear
('Thank heaven,' she thought.) and she could breathe easily. She was
worried about getting a headache, she sometimes got them after a
flight, but she felt okay. She looked up at the source of warmth
beside her and smiled.

     "Hi, sleepy. We're almost there. How's the head?" He kissed her
forehead to emphasize his point.

     "Mmm, good, thanks." She stretched up to hit the call button.

     "What do you want?" He intercepted her hand and held it to his
lips, gazing at her over it.

     "Juice if they have any left. Apple if possible. Can I get out,
please." She tapped his knees and he rose to let her through.

     He watched her walk down the narrow aisle and felt a grin
spread over his face. Her firm rear was tantalizingly hugged by her
soft slacks and he wished she'd turn just enough for him to glimpse
her from the front. They had slept together for three days and not
made love and he could feel the hunger for her building inside him.
He could wait longer if he had to, but he hoped that a change of
scenery would help her to want him again. He smiled and turned
toward the kitchen. 'Better get that juice and sit back down before
I lose control.'

     When she returned she had freshened her face with cool water
and combed her honey blond hair until it shimmered. There was color
in her cheeks and she had put on a hint of lipstick. Walter
appreciated her from the front as she walked toward him.

     Since all they had were carry-ons leaving the airport was
quick. Walter held her hand as they walked to the long term parking
and they found his car with a minimum of fuss. He'd been so rushed
when he left Washington that he wasn't sure he'd remember where he
parked.

     On the drive to his apartment Rae seemed pensive, nervous. She
looked out the window, making an occasional comment, but was
quieter than normal. Walter took her hand. "Is something wrong,
honey?"

     She smiled at him. "I guess I'm a little nervous. I don't know
why...."

     "Well I suppose it could have something to do with being in a
strange place, going to a man's apartment, not really knowing
what's going to happen." He gave her a bright smile. "You'll be
okay as soon as you get settled in." He kissed her hand.

     Rae smiled at him. He was right. She was just unsettled. As
soon as she had a place to put her clothes and after she took a
nice hot shower she'd feel better.

..........................................................

     "Wait here and I''ll get the light." Walter left her at the
door.

     She scanned the dim interior and was just beginning to get her
bearings when the light snapped on, flooding the room with soft
light.

     It was a nice room, if rather cold. The white walls and light
furniture did nothing to reflect the owner's personality. There were
no pictures on the walls and only two photos stood on a table. One
was Walter's parents smiling and holding hands ('He looks like his
father,' she thought.) and the other was of her from California. The
coffee table was good, made from solid maple and the sofa looked
comfortable. The other two chairs sat at the edge of an area rug and
on one of them was an oil painting.

     Rae gasped and walked over to stand in front of it. It was the
painting that Dave had started before they left Anchor Bay. Although
she remembered the pose, she knew that they were not undressed.....

     She felt Walter's arms slide around her from behind and she
snuggled back against him. "What do you think?" He rested his chin
on her shoulder and kissed her ear, his breath warm and tickling.

     She stroked his cheek lightly. "Walter, it's beautiful. But why
did he paint us without clothes?" The pose was not revealing. The
way his arms encircled her covered any sight of her breasts and the
painting faded away at just about her hipline. But it was still
obvious that they were naked. It was so that intimate she was rather
embarrassed.

     "He claimed that he was under the influence of a muse. He used
that picture to blackmail me." He kissed her shoulder. Her skin was
warm and fragrant under her soft silk blouse. "He told me that if I
didn't go to Wisconsin and get you back he'd take it back and paint
me out. I told him I'd break his fingers first. Nobody's touching
that painting." He nibbled her neck, that sensitive spot right
beneath her ear.

     Rae gasped with delight at his attention. She was strung very
tightly right now and it intensified her sensations. She felt the
tingle of that light nibbling all the way down to her knees, which
began to tremble.

     "Maybe I better show you around." He whispered against her neck
and felt her tremble. "Otherwise I might not be able to wait."

     "What if I don't want you to wait?" Rae's voice was husky and
soft as she stroked the back of his hand lightly. She guided his
hand to her breast and wiggled her bottom against him suggestively.
"Walter....." her voice ended in a sigh.

     He smiled against her neck, "You certainly know how to make
your desires known."

     Rae unbuttoned her blouse and pulled it out of her slacks. Then
she pulled her arms out of the soft fabric and lowered her bra
straps. The intensity of her desire for him and her wanton way of
engaging him embarrassed her a little bit, but he *was* her man.
How was he going to know how much she wanted him if she didn't show
him? He was going to be her husband, already was her mate. She
wanted him to know it.

     Walter wrapped his arm tightly around her hips, pressing her
against him. With his free hand he unhooked her delicate bra and
tossed it aside. He returned his lips to her shoulder, working his
way up to her ear. He slipped his hand around her smooth skin and
began to caress her breast, teasing the nipple with his thumb. He
smiled against her as she gasped, then moaned his name.

     "Do you want to go into the bedroom?" His voice was deep and
gravelly.

     Rae smiled and reached around to rub her palms against his
still-clad hips. "Do you?" With one hand she undid her slacks and
pushed them down. Then she reached up to caress his cheek.

     Walter groaned against her shoulder. He was delighted, excited
and filled with desire. He felt her warm skin beneath his hand, the
soft mound of her pubic hair against his fingers, her firm bottom
moving against him. He loosened his hold on her for only as long as
it took him to undo his trousers and push them away. He was glad
now that he hadn't worn a tie for the flight because he could just
pull his shirt up and off with one swift motion.

     He reached around and slid his hand between her thighs, teasing
her. He caressed her as he kissed and nibbled the back of her neck.
Her motions were becoming less languorous as she circled her hips
against him. He wrapped his arm around her hips once more to steady
her and inserted a finger. Feeling her readiness he entered her
slowly, giving her time to adjust.

     Rae gasped and closed her eyes. 'Oh the feel of him, how I've
missed him.' Aloud she moaned his name again and again.

     He felt her muscles begin to clench rhythmically. She moved
with him as she leaned forward and grabbed the chair arms for
support. He reached for her breasts with both hands, rolling her
nipples between thumb and finger and listened to her gasps rise in
pitch. She began to buck beneath him and he obliged by thrusting
harder and faster.

     He wasn't certain how long he could last. He wanted and had
missed her so much that he was ready to lose control. As her moans
spiraled into cries he held her hips, thrusts becoming jerky and
short. She bore down on him hard just as he began to climax and he
cried her name in a howl.

.............................................................

     They stood trembling together for a few moments. Walter was
holding her tightly, leaning against her back and she was
supporting their weight by holding onto the chair. Slowly he
disengaged himself and she whimpered a little. He could barely
stand, he wouldn't be able to walk for a few more minutes, so he
sank to the floor and pulled Rae down on top of him.

     They lay too exhausted to speak, their sweat cooling them.
Walter's eyes were soft, filled with love as he looked at his woman.

     Rae's eyes were half-open and hazed with satisfaction. A small
smile curved the corner of her lips. Her hair spilled out of the
chignon that she had arranged it into and Walter began to lazily
remove the pins.

     When he had them all out he smoothed the fall of honey-gold
over her back and down over his arm. He caressed the fine strands,
letting them slide between his fingers. He watched the shimmer of
them in the dim light and admired the contrast between the gold of
her hair and the soft flush of her skin.

     'Silk and satin,' he thought and smiled. "I'm going to take you
in to bed before you get a chill."

     "Mmmmm, sure you don't want me to sleep on the sofa?" Her smile
turned into a grin and she propped her chin up on his chest.  She
reached up to trace a line along his chin and down across his sweaty
mat of chest hair. She kissed his damp chest and smoothed his hair
with her tongue.

     "You keep *that* up and we won't even make it *to* the sofa,
much less the bed." He sat up and drew her onto his lap. "And as
someone told me once, you don't sleep here if you don't sleep with
me." He tangled his fingers in her hair and kissed her deeply.
Then he pulled her face to rest on his chest. "Besides I have a
very large bed, there's plenty of room." He set her on the floor
and rose then began to laugh as he nearly tripped on his trousers.

     Rae giggled and helped him with his shoes and trousers, then
finished removing her own clothing. She gathered her things into
her arms and stood, holding on to Walter's hand.

     "Before I go to bed, though I'd like a nice hot shower and
something to eat." She leaned against him and rubbed her face
against his chest. "Do you have any food in the house?"

     "You go take your shower, I'll get us a pizza. I think I even
have a bottle of red wine around." He kissed the tip of her nose
and let his hand rest on her round, smooth bottom. "I'll even put
my stomach in jeopardy and order it with extra pepperoni."

     "You certainly know the way to a woman's heart." Her eyes
sparkled at him.

     "Yeah, coffee, pizza and lots of great sex." He grinned as she
bit his shoulder and slipped out of his arms.

     "Not necessarily in that order!"

Chapter 3

     Rae climbed gratefully into the shower. The water was hot,
cleansing and restorative. She had brought a fragrant shower gel
along and she smiled at the thought of big, strong Walter's bath
smelling like roses and geranium.

     As she washed she wondered about Walter and what he must be
thinking of her. She wondered how he felt about her earlier
advances. He certainly seemed receptive and eager to oblige her, but
she wondered if he was shocked. She was embarrassed, but was he?

     Just then she felt a breeze and saw a smiling face peek around
the shower curtain. "Smells good. The pizza's here, hon and I put
a robe on the back of the door for you." He disappeared into the
steam. "Save me some hot water, okay?"

     Rae finished up quickly feeling the hollow emptiness in her
stomach at the mention of food. On the back of the door was a soft,
fluffy flowered robe. She smiled and wondered when he'd gotten it.
It fit perfectly, of course and was the right combination of colors.
She rubbed her hand appreciatively over the nap.

     'What a sweet man,' she thought. She wondered what could
possibly have happened between him and Sharon. Didn't she appreciate
what she had with Walter? How could she not?

     'But then,' Rae reflected 'maybe she's never had to experience
the worst of a man.' Rae had, and it made her appreciate Walter's
gentleness and thoughtfulness even more.

.......................................

     Walter set the pizza on the coffee table and opened the wine.
He'd found a bottle of a fairly good Bordeaux that Dave bought.
Then he threw some pillows on the floor.

     "We're going to get a house with a fireplace." he said to the
room. "At least one."

     "Preferably in the master and mistress' bedroom."

     He turned at the sound of Rae's voice. She was leaning against
the doorjamb, arms folded and grinning. Her hair was still damp
and her skin was rosy. She walked slowly over to him and slipped
her arms up his chest and around his neck. A flowery fragrance
rose from her warm skin. Walter nuzzled her neck.

     "Mmmmm you smell good. What is it?" He smiled appreciatively
against her velvety skin.

     "It's my favorite shower gel - roses and geranium." She kissed
his cheek and held his chin. "Thanks."

     He ran his fingers along the shawl collar of the robe. "You're
welcome. My mom always said that there's nothing more comfortable
than a nice, soft robe and an old pair of slippers. There's half,
you'll have to break in your own slippers." He grinned as he kissed
the tip of her nose.

     They settled on the floor together eating the pizza and
talking. They would go in to his office tomorrow for their meeting
with Director Andrews then ride out into the countryside. Rae
wanted to head south into Virginia, but Walter wanted north, into
Maryland. They settled on north maybe as far a Baltimore.

     "I've never traveled in this part of the country before. We
mostly went west for family vacations, visiting my grandparents in
Arizona after they moved. I've always wanted to see Washington DC
and Boston and Philadelphia. I'd like to see some Civil War sites
someday and visit New Orleans."

     "We can go all those places, honey. We can travel up the east
coast together someday and around the south. But just now, I'm
more interested in looking for an area to buy a house." He grinned,
"You've got sauce on your chin."

     After dinner Rae insisted on doing the cleaning up ("You did
it at my place.") and Walter stretched out on the floor. They
continued their conversation as Rae washed the glasses and put the
leftovers away. The apartment had an open plan living space, and
Walter watched her move with delight. Every once and a while the
robe would gap open revealing a thigh or a breast and Walter found
himself waiting for those little teasing moments. Then another
movement, or an adjustment by Rae would cover the flash of
ivory flesh and he'd wait for the next.

     When she was finished she came to sit beside him on the floor.
He lay on his side and Rae leaned lightly against his stomach.

     "Do you like to dance, Walter?" She was stoking his shoulder
with her fingertips.

     "Yes, and I'd especially like to dance with you. Why? Hey..."
He reached for her as she pushed herself up and went to the
bedroom.

     She came back with a package. It was a small cube-shaped box
wrapped in blue. She sat back down and handed it to him.

     Smiling he sat up and unwrapped the package eagerly. The last
gifts she had given him were simple and thoughtful. Her house keys,
a woven coaster for his coffee mug, a silk tie. Now he set on the
rug six CD's by various artists. Rae pointed to each and explained
to him who they were and what their music was like. Then she
handed him one, "Put this one on."

     He walked over to the stereo and put the CD in. When he turned
Rae was standing close and she stepped into his arms. He held her
tightly for a moment, then began to sway to the music. Natalie
Cole's warm voice floated over them as they danced, closely and
affectionately. Walter stroked her cheek gently and Rae ran her
finger along his ear. They talked low about the weekend and moved to
the slow, romantic music.

     Eventually their conversation tapered off and they simply
danced reveling in the closeness of their bodies. Rae nuzzled
against his chest listening to his heartbeat and breathing deeply
of his rich, masculine scent. Walter rested his cheek against her
fragrant hair, the heady sensation of her closeness was both
exciting and calming.

     "Walter?"

     "Hmm?"

     She smiled at the deep rumble in his chest. "I'm going to make
an appointment with my doctor next week."

     "Why?"

     "Maybe there's something she can do. Maybe it's not as bad as
they thought."

     Walter looked deep into her eyes and kissed her soft lips. "You
don't have to do that, honey."

     "But if there's a chance I think I should find out, don't you?"

     "Yes, we should find out, but I don't want it to become an
obsession. I'm just selfish enough to want you to myself for a
while. We have to be apart for long stretches of time until June
and when we can finally be together I want to be alone with you. In
time, and if it's possible we can try, but not at any cost am I
going to let it come between us." He kissed her again. "Deal?"

     She snuggled into his arms once more. "Deal."

..................................................

     Rae stretched languorously as she listened to the sound of the
shower. Walter's deep baritone hum ran in counterpoint to the
sparkling clatter of the water.

     It took her a moment to recognize the tune from one of the
CD's that she'd brought. The song had been sung by a tenor and she
was accustomed to hearing it in the higher key. As he hummed
Walter automatically transposed the melody to his lower voice.

     'He has a really good voice,' she reflected. 'Strong and rich
and he carries a tune well.' She felt her music training coming to
the fore as she wondered what he would sound like full voice with
a piano....' I could accompany him....' but just then both the
water and the voice ceased.

     The bathroom door opened with a puff of steam and Walter
emerged glistening and bronze with a terry wrap at his waist. He
turned and grinned at the low wolf whistle that emerged from the
bed.

     "Hey, what do you think I am - some mindless sex object?" He
sauntered over to the bed and placed his hands on either side of
Rae's shoulders.

     "Yup. You're my big boy toy." She grabbed his ear and pulled
his head down. But instead of kissing him she nibbled on his chin,
flicking her tongue over the cleft. With the other hand she bereft
him of the wrap and tossed it.

     She began to caress his stomach, gently lifting the shower-wet
hair from his warm skin and running her fingertips around his
navel. She traced patterns across his abdomen lightly with her
smooth nails. When her hand began to roam lower Walter grabbed it
just before it reached his groin and pressed it to his lips.

     "Uh-uh, baby. I have to get dressed and so do you. We have to
meet the director at ten, you know." He sank to his knees beside
the bed and caressed a strand of her honey hair.

     "I was hoping to distract you enough to make you forget." She
thrust out her lower lip in a mock pout and put on a petulant little
voice. "I don't wanna go."

     He smiled at the act and gently kissed her, pulling her lower
lip between his. "Wanna or not, we're going." He kissed her cheek
delicately and returned to the bathroom.

     Rae flopped back against the pillows after watching Walter's
muscular backside disappear into the bath. She was nervous
about this meeting, maybe even more nervous than Walter had
been to meet her family.

     Terry had told her about the way many large corporations
(including his) examined an executive's spouse as minutely as the
executives themselves. The spouse was interviewed both with and
without the executive's presence in both office and social settings.
The theory was that a person's home life and life partner affected
their judgment and well being. Happy home, happy worker. With high
ranking executives the relative content of home life could have
either a beneficial or disastrous effect on the decisions made at
the office, thereby affecting the person's progress.

     Rae wasn't experienced or comfortable in such settings. She was
a small town music teacher and corporate deportment was not part of
her education. She had accompanied Terry on a few official functions
whenever she'd been visiting Seattle or San Francisco (Paula
loathed them), but she was Terry's sister and of little consequence.
But as Walter's fiancee and future wife she would be under much more
intense scrutiny.

     'Oh well, I'll just do what Gramma always said and be myself.
I've nothing to hide and I'm no Medusa. I'll be fine.' But the pep
talk echoed hollowly in her thoughts. She was *still* nervous.

     When she heard the sound of running water she grabbed her robe
and went into the bath.

     Walter was just putting the shaving foam on his face and Rae
giggled softly at the sight. But the fluffy white suds *did*
intensify his dark, arched brows and soft brown eyes.

     His eyes met hers in the mirror. "Do you prefer electric?" He
cocked a brow at her, eyes twinkling.

     "No they don't get close enough." She maneuvered in front of
him and hitched herself onto the vanity next to the sink, placing
her knees on either side of his hips. She took the razor from him
and began to slowly draw it over his face, being careful not to
nick.

     "Where did you...."

     She placed her fingers over his lips. "Shhhh. I don't want to
cut you." Her eyes sparkled with suppressed merriment. "I used to
sleep with the varsity football team in college and the coach
required clean shaves." His eyes narrowed and she giggled again.
"Sometimes Grampa Alton needed help. His hands began to shake as he
got older and he couldn't hold the razor, so I shaved him on
mornings when I was there. But he preferred a straight razor."

     Walter slid her to the edge of the vanity and pressed her close
to him. She wiggled against him slightly to regain her balance and
pushed his shoulders back so that she could finish his shave.

     He tried hard to control himself. 'We have to get dressed,' he
told himself. 'But she's so warm.' He slid his hands under the robe
to caress her hips. Her skin was smooth and soft against his
fingers. He could feel her muscles move as she changed positions. He
moved his hands down to her thighs and slid his thumbs slowly along
their insides toward her mound.

     "Walter, I'm going to cut you if you don't, ahh...." she
couldn't finish. His creeping fingers had found a pleasure spot and
she was momentarily helpless. She grasped the edge of the vanity
to keep herself from slipping off.

     Walter wiped his face on a towel and untied her robe. Her
exposed skin was flush pink and ivory, as smooth as cream. Her eyes
were closed and her lips parted as a result of his treatment. He
moved his hands to her breasts, eliciting a low moan. He teased her
nipple erect, then lowered his lips to tug and suckle.

     Rae dropped the razor altogether and held on to Walter's
muscular shoulders. Without realizing she spoke aloud, "Oh Walter,
it's so goooood......". Her mind floated in ecstasy as he switched
sides to work on the other breast. She was aware of his every
movement as his fingers slid over her flesh, stroking and teasing by
turns. She moaned louder as he found her already moist and ready for
him.

     He grasped her firm rear and entered her, pulling her forward
into his thrust. Her cry was exciting to him as he felt her adjust
around his shaft. He tangled his hand in her hair and kissed her
deeply, still holding her buttocks with one hand. He thrust deeply,
moving a hand to her breast to squeeze and caress.

     Rae held on tight, kneading his muscular rear with both hands.
As she felt the climax begin she squeezed his taut behind and
clenched him close to her. She buried her face in his neck and
grazed him with her teeth, briefly worried about leaving a mark. But
the climax rose to her brain shutting out conscious thought. "Ohhh,
Waaallterrr!"

     She was still coming, crying out his name when he felt his own
climax starting. He tried to hold back for just a bit longer to give
her time, but there was no chance. She was grasping him tight and
her insides were pulsing against him with dizzying strength. He
clutched her hips and drove into her with his last strokes before he
came with a lusty yell.

....................................................

     "Edward, can I have a visitor's badge for Ms Craine?" Walter
held Rae's hand as they stopped at the security desk.

     "Sure, Mr. Skinner. Would you just sign it out, please?" The
young man handed Walter a clipboard and Walter signed in his
heavy scrawl. "And the reason for the lady's visit, sir?"

     Walter smiled, a rare sight within these walls. "The lady is my
fiancee, Edward. I'm going to introduce her to Director Andrews."

     Edward was as surprised by Skinner's smile as he was by his
engagement. He didn't think he's ever seen more than a corner of his
lip turned up, and most of the time Edward thought it was a sneer
rather than a smile. Assistant Director Skinner had a reputation for
being a hard-ass and tough boss. To see him smiling at this rather
attractive woman was a shock.

     "Congratulations, sir. You, too ma'am." Edward stammered as he
handed Rae the badge and waved them toward the metal detector.

     Skinner handed his sidearm and keys to the guard and Rae gave
him her purse. They passed security with no more fuss than a few
stares and headed toward the elevators.

     Skinner watched Rae as she walked slightly in front of him. She
had chosen to wear a soft-draping suit in a strong royal blue. The
skirt was full and fell in waves to mid calf. The jacket was square
cut with a belt in back that gave her waist some shape. The notched
lapels were in a muted brocade that had a hint of shimmer. She wore
it with a white lace tank. The effect was elegant and professional
in a temperate way. Skinner was proud and pleased to be seen with
her.

     They had the elevator to themselves for the moment and, even
though he knew they were monitored he leaned over to whisper
in her ear, "You look wonderful, honey." He squeezed her hand.

     She flashed him a brilliant, heart-stopping smile. "You look
very nice, too Mr. Skinner." Even though he said that he wore suits
every day, there was something about him in the somber, conservative
dress that made her heart skip a little. The deep gray wool
accentuated his dark coloring and the crisp white shirt was a
stirring contrast. She had tied the blue-gray tie that she had given
him last month and it blended well with the suit. From the top of
his sexy, bald head right down his impossibly long legs he was the
picture of authority and caged energy.

     As they walked down the corridor he pointed out various offices
and told her what he could about their inhabitants. She realized
that he couldn't tell her much, but she didn't mind. It was probably
better if she didn't know very much right now, anyway.

     When they entered his outer office a lovely, young and very
pregnant young woman stood to greet them. She held out her hand, her
smile reaching all the way to her china blue eyes. She was the
picture of a Scandinavian beauty. If she hadn't been pregnant Rae
realized that she could be very jealous of this woman who shared
Walter's days.

     "I've been looking forward to meeting you, Ms. Craine."
Kimberly's voice was friendly and warm. Her soft alto would sound
very good on the phone, Rae realized.

     Rae grasped her hand firmly. "I'm glad to meet you, too. Please
call me Rae, we don't have to rest on formalities." Rae's smile
matched Kimberly's.

     Kimberly handed a sheaf of messages to Walter, then asked him
how long he was staying in the office.

     "Not long. Raelene and I are driving into Maryland this
afternoon to scout neighborhoods and look at houses. We want to get
an idea of what's out there before she goes back to Wisconsin." He
opened the door for Raelene to enter his private office. "I'll be
right in, Rae. I need to give Kimberly some instructions."

     Rae looked around the room while she waited. The furniture was
good, sturdy and not worn. The room was spotless and Walter's desk
was perfectly tidy. She thought ruefully of her own messy desk and
made a resolve to change her ways. Then she noticed the photos on
his credenza. It was a collection of four various sizes of frames
with photos of her alone and with him from California. They were
clustered together on the corner of the table and she remembered
happily when each had been taken.

     "I have to go to a meeting and one of my agents *has* to see
me today. But I have enough time for our meeting with Andrews.
He's ready for us if you are."

     At the sound of Walter's voice she took a deep breath and
turned. "I'm as ready as I'll ever be."

Chapter 4

     Director Andrews rose and came around his desk to take
Raelene's hand. He smiled warmly at them and led them to a grouping
of comfortable chairs. He wasn't a tall man, but he was very
attractive with pure white, wavy hair and pale blue eyes.

     There was a coffee service standing ready on a small table and
a plate of cookies.

     "I trust you're having a good stay in Washington, Ms Craine?"
He handed her a cup without asking her about cream or sugar. Then
he placed a few cookies on a small plate for her.

     If Rae was at all taken aback it didn't show. 'Walter must
have told him about the coffee,' she reasoned. 'And the cookies.'

     "Well I haven't seen much, yet. It was after dark when we got
in and we got a late start this morning. But I'm sure I'll get a
chance to explore before I leave." She smiled at Walter who was
quietly observing the exchange. She saw the approval in his eyes
and relaxed slightly.

     "I plan to take Raelene up into Maryland this afternoon."
Walter accepted a cup from his supervisor. "We're going house
hunting."

     "North, Mr. Skinner? Which way?"

     "I thought we'd start off on I-95 toward Baltimore, then head
into the country."

     The conversation turned to houses, property values and taxes.
Director Andrews was a knowledgeable man and understood the process
of house hunting. He gave them tips on what to avoid and what
improvements would raise the value of a property.

        He impressed Rae with his warm, open manner. She had the
impression from Walter that all FBI personnel were dark, secretive,
clannish types who smiled little and never joked. But Director
Andrews set her nearly at ease. She remained on guard because she
knew that, despite his affable manner, she was still under scrutiny
and any slip in her composure would be noted. But she was enjoying
herself immensely.

     In the midst of their lively discussion the Director's
assistant came in with a message for AD Skinner. He read the note
and scowled. It was a look that Raelene had not seen before.

     "Trouble, Mr. Skinner?" The Director looked concerned.

     "Not exactly, its just something that I hadn't planned on. I
have to meet with Agent Farraday on an important investigation, but
I hadn't planned on seeing him today." He looked at Rae and his
expression immediately softened. "I'm sorry to cut your visit short,
Rae. You can wait in my office....."

     "Nonsense, Mr.Skinner. Meet Farraday in your office. Ms Craine
and I have a lot of visiting to do. After all," he flashed Rae a
brilliant smile, "we haven't even gotten to gardening yet."

     Skinner looked uncertainly at his superior, then at Rae. She
seemed calm, confident, and alert. He was certain that she could
hold her own with Andrews, who was basically a good guy, he was
merely concerned with her comfort level. 'This is still so new to
her.....'

     Rae reached over and placed her hand lightly on Walter's
sleeve. She was aware of his concern. "It's all right, Walter. I'm
sure that Director Andrews won't mind my staying for a little
longer." She looked over at Andrews, eyes twinkling. "And if he
knows as much about zone 6 gardening as he does about house hunting
he may not be able to get rid of me."

     For the first time since Skinner's promotion Andrews saw him
smile. Not the half-scowling, turn of the lip that normally passed
over his features, but a genuine smile that reached his eyes and lit
his entire countenance. He realized in that moment that Assistant
Director Skinner was a handsome man with the kind of grudging
admiration that one man gives another. He realized that the power
and force of his personality, a trait Director Andrews was well
aware of, was magnified when Skinner smiled. And the reason for that
blaze of a smile was sitting on his right.

     Andrews was struck by the flow of emotion and support that
connected these two people. As they smiled at each other for that
brief moment the bond of love between them was potent. Andrews knew
that it was a bond that was to be sorely tested in the months to
come and hoped with all his might that it was strong enough to
withstand the trial.

     "Then, if you'll both excuse me I'll meet with Farraday." He
uncoiled his large frame from the deep leather chair. "If you call
sir, I'll come back and get Rae." He reached out and squeezed her
hand gently before leaving the room.

     Director Andrews and Rae gazed at each other for a long moment.
Each was trying to gauge the others intent. In contrast to the
warmth that flowed between her and Walter, there was a different
type of electricity in this exchange. Rae felt the small hairs at
the back of her neck rise and all of her senses told her that this
moment was a turning point of some kind.

     Rae was certain that the call from Farraday had been planned to
take Walter out of the room. She had heard him instruct Kimberly not
to make it known that he was in the building. He was hoping to slip
out without having to meet with anyone other than those he'd planned
on. Also, they had not met anyone on their way to the Director's
office. Rae was sure that, if they had seen Farraday he would have
approached Walter immediately if the matter was so important.

     Marshall Andrews eyes glanced over the entire picture before
him and assessed Rae swiftly and surely. 'What a lovely woman... and
intelligent. She knows it's a ruse. She's nervous, but she's not
going to let *me* see it.' He smiled inwardly, 'Skinner's lady is no
fool.' He allowed the smile to light his eyes as he silently
congratulated her, 'Touche, Ms Craine.'

............................................

     When Skinner got to his office he was annoyed to find that
Farraday wasn't there. Kimberly didn't remember his calling, and she
hadn't told anyone that the AD was even in the building.

     He wasn't in his office five minutes when the door opened and
Skinner turned to see a tall, gaunt man with a cigarette clasped
between his lips. The man's shaggy fall of brown hair was shot with
gray, and his eyes were narrowed to slits.

     "Good morning Mr. Skinner. I trust that your stay in Wisconsin
was pleasant?" The man had a silken, dangerous voice and Skinner
could feel his hackles rise.

     "That's none of your business." He looked at the man with
loathing. "There's nothing in Wisconsin that could possibly interest
you."

     "Au contraire, Mr. Skinner. There is something in Wisconsin
that interests me very much." He carelessly flicked his ashes into
the wastebasket. "I didn't realize that you were such a music
lover." He stretched out the word 'music' to emphasize his thinly
veiled point.

     Skinner walked calmly around his desk and stood before the
older man. Then, with a swiftness surprising in a man his size he
grabbed the other man by the throat and began to squeeze. His arm
trembled with the force it took for him to not complete the job and
throttle the man outright.

     "What ever there is in that foul mind of yours you can forget
it right now. My fiancee has no part in my work whatsoever and if
you try to make her a part of this there won't be a corner of the
world that you'll be able to hide in." Skinner pulled the man's face
to within inches of his own. "Is that clear?"

     The man didn't fight or argue. His face merely twisted into an
ugly grinning skull. "Crystal, Mr. Skinner. But be warned: Wisconsin
is a long way from Washington DC. If something were to happen to the
lovely Ms Craine, who is there all alone you would not be in a
position to help her."

     Skinner released his hold and balled his hands into
white-knuckled fists. "If something happens to Ms Craine you'd
better go shopping for a body bag."

     The man turned to the door and chuckled, "Empty threats don't
become you Mr. Skinner. You know what to do."

     As the door closed softly Skinner began to tremble.

.....................................................

     "Mr. Skinner tells me that you teach music, Ms Craine. Do you
give private lessons also?"

     "I have a couple young piano and voice students, but I don't
generally make a practice of taking private students." Rae
chuckled. "There's a lot of work preparing for my classes and the
concerts. I'm also an informal advisor of sorts to a group of
fellows who are starting up a band. I'm helping them get engagements
and equipment."

     "I understand that that's an area of some expertise for you.
Isn't that how you and Mr. Skinner met?"

     "I don't know if you'd call it expertise, but I have been a
singer with a band. It is how I met Walter, at the Fourth of July
party on the White House grounds." She looked into his eyes. "But I
don't plan on touring any more."

     Andrews smiled at her. "That's a good thing, Ms Craine. An FBI
Assistant Director is a position of some power and dignity. Having a
wife who sings with a band might not be considered suitable in some
circles."

     Rae's eyes grew ever so slightly larger. "Is that so? That's
too bad because I had planned to start up a group after Walter and I
got settled. We just weren't going to be a touring band, I had
something more local in mind."

     At that Andrews laughed out loud. He reached over and lay his
hand over hers. "I like your style, Ms Craine. Are you like this
with Skinner? Or do you back down with him?" He admired the feisty
glitter in her eyes and the way she tilted her chin with a defiant
air. Her actions were as refreshing as a splash of cool water on a
tired face.

     "Mr. Andrews, I *never* back down unless there's very good
reason to."

     "That's good, Ms Craine because you will need that quality to
get on with some of the Bureau staff. We can be a pretty
closed-ranks bunch and newcomers often feel intimidated. But you
seem quite calm under scrutiny, do you *feel* nervous?"

     "I have butterflies the size of blimps in my stomach," she
grinned. "But I don't usually notice them until a crisis has passed.
Did I pass this one?"

     "Yes, Ms Craine you did. But I'm afraid that this was the least
of the trials that awaits you. I like you, and I believe that you
will be good for the tough, hard-nosed AD Skinner. But he is in a
very dangerous position. That puts you in danger as well." He met
her eyes with a suddenly sad gaze.

     "Walter has apprised me of as much as he feels he can in the
matter. But he still worries. He's afraid that something will happen
to me when I go back to Wisconsin. I wish I could reassure him
somehow."

     "Don't. Worrying is what keeps Skinner from missing anything.
It keeps him alert for danger from covert sources and keeps him
checking his blind side." The man sighed deeply. "When Skinner told
me about you, and that he planned to marry you I thought that he was
unwise. I thought that he would have been much better off to have
kept you a secret, stashed away there in Wisconsin. He could steal
away for the odd weekend or vacation with you and still have had the
security of knowing that you were far from the action - and the
danger. But I now know that I was wrong. When he came back last
month, after the two of you had argued, he was more despondent than
I've ever seen him. Even though he still believed that you would
marry him he wasn't himself. It was like a part of him was missing."

     "It was a foolish fight, but I had my reasons. I know now
that I should have talked to Walter about my fears, but I didn't
want him to throw his life away if he needed something that I
couldn't give him." Rae looked at her hands.

     "Whatever your concerns were or may be I hope that they won't
trouble you in the future. Skinner needs a place to call home,
someone to be a safe haven for him. You're that person Ms Craine. I
can tell by the way the two of you look at each other and by his
reactions to you." He held her hand firmly. "But please be very
careful. I can't tell you any more than Skinner has about the danger
that you may be in. I don't want to frighten you, but you *must* be
wary.  Be aware of strangers in your neighborhood. Don't take new
people into your confidence just now."

     "I can't think of anything more frightening than veiled
warnings. Can't you be a little more specific? A name, a
description? I need to know what to look for to know if I'm truly in
danger."

     Marshall Andrews knew that he was saying more than he should,
*had* said more than he should. But he liked Skinner. It was Andrews
that had pushed for his promotion over the other candidates. It was
Andrews who was giving Skinner as much leeway as he could. How could
he tell Skinner's fiancee that he was walking a line that could get
him killed? Or her?

     He decided that to back off just now would be the wisest move.
Skinner had told him the this woman was strong, and he had seen for
himself that she didn't flap easily, but she wasn't a professional.
She *had* to be kept as far out of it as her relationship with the
AD would allow.

     "I just want you to be careful. It's likely that you will be
watched, or even approached. Be polite, but stay away from anyone
new. Always be aware of your surroundings and the people that are
near you. Try not to go out alone." To his surprise she began to
chuckle.

     "You sound like my self defense instructor. He always told us
the same things." Her eyes sparkled at him. "And he taught us to
fight dirty."

     Andrews smiled back at her. "Good. At least I know you have
some knowledge of defense. It might be a good idea for you to work
out with Skinner, just so he gets an idea of how capable you are. If
you can handle him, with his training, you should be able to handle
anyone." In his heart he knew that he wasn't being truthful with
her. No amount of self defense training could ward off a gunshot or
a knife blade, or a drug. 'But she's not stupid or foolish. I just
hope she knows when she's overmatched.'

     He purposely turned the conversation to pleasanter topics, all
the while observing her and mentally noting her reactions. Little
things revealed much about a person, and the relaxation of a casual
conversation was more telling than people cared to admit. But she
remained alert, calm and focused throughout their visit, and Andrews
began to know why Skinner cared for her so very much.

Chapter 5

        Skinner was seething and his rage threatened to boil over.
'How *dare* he threaten Raelene?' His mind repeated over and over as
he paced his office. 'Who does he think he is?' But this thought
made Skinner stop short,' He *knows* who he is, and he knows exactly
how to get to people.' His gaze focused on Rae's photo. 'Oh baby,
how can I protect you from him? Especially since he knows, the
bastard *knows* I'll do anything to keep you safe.'

        Skinner picked up the phone. "Agent Mulder, I need to see
you in my office right away."

................................

        Not knowing what was delaying AD Skinner from retrieving his
fiancee, Director Andrews decided to give her a tour of the J. Edgar
Hoover building. Something else unexpected must have come up, as so
often did in this business, and he took it upon himself to show Ms
Craine around.

        "I'm sure that Mr. Skinner would prefer to take you on a
tour personally, but since he's being detained longer than he
thought, why don't I conduct you?" He showed her into the outer
office and, asking her to wait for a moment called his assistant in.

        "Bill, find out what's happening. Skinner should have found
out by now that the call from Farraday was fake. If one of his
agents has spotted him, it could be a while before he gets away. Let
him know to take his time and I'll keep Ms Craine occupied until he
can reclaim her." His voice betrayed the slightest bit of worry.
Earlier security checks had shown that some of the slime from NSC
were prowling around, and he sincerely hoped that one in particular
hadn't been waiting in Skinner's office.

        The Farraday bit was Andrews way of getting Skinner out of
the room, watching how Rae would react without his reassuring
presence. He guessed that Skinner would be peeved when he got to his
office and found that Farraday had *not* called, but Andrews could
deal with Skinner's irritation. If the something that had come up
was any part of a certain group of former NSC associates however,
then there would be trouble.

        Even though Andrews knew of this shadowy group's existence
in the intelligence community, he had no authority over them. Not
only could they come and go as they pleased, but they could do just
about anything they wanted. It galled Andrews at times that they
could be so brazen and get away with it.

        It also galled him that he could give Skinner no assurances
for Raelene's safety. The district that served Wisconsin was under
staffed, and there simply was no one who could keep watch on her. He
remembered how Skinner had bowed his head trying to hide the worry
that was written so eloquently on his face. Andrews knew that
Skinner would make private arrangements, and that Bill Walthers was
a friend of his. But it wasn't the same as having an officially
sanctioned surveillance team on the job. There could be mistakes,
missed cues and someone could get hurt.

        All of this whirled through Director Andrews mind as he
introduced Raelene to agents that they met, other Assistant
Directors and staff. She was particularly interested in the archive,
so they lingered there while Holly proudly showed off her domain.

        As the two women talked Andrews took the time to call
Skinner's office once more. He didn't like the tight, curt sound of
Skinner's voice, so he offered to take Rae out to lunch to give him
time to cool down.

        "I'm sorry about the imposition on your time, sir...."

        "There's no imposition, Mr. Skinner. I'm enjoying your
fiancee's company immensely. She's a fascinating woman, and I can
understand why you're so possessive of her. But if you still haven't
concluded your meetings it would be my pleasure to take her to
lunch, with your permission, of course."

        Skinner heard the smile in his superior's voice and allowed
himself the smallest of grins. Yes, Raelene had considerable charm
and with any other man he'd be concerned over the amount of
attention she was getting. But Andrews was madly in love with his
own wife so Skinner had no qualms about his regard for Rae.

        "That's very kind of you, sir. I'm sure she's getting hungry
and I'd rather she not go out alone since she's unfamiliar with the
area. This looks like its going to take another hour at least."

        "Very well. We'll be at DiMico's if you should be able to
join us."

..........................................................

        When they were finally in Walter's car Rae sank back into
the seat and sighed. It was close to three pm and she could tell
that Walter was feeling stressed. He had been glad to see her
escorted back to his office by the Director, but he had been quiet
since leaving the building.

        She looked over at him now and saw that his brows were drawn
into a furrow and his lips compressed into a tight line. He was
holding onto the wheel so tightly that his knuckles were white. His
high cheekbones were stained with a dark flush and she was glad that
his brooding, silent anger was not directed at her. She was not
frightened of him, but she didn't want to travel with him in this
state.

        She reached over and trailed her fingers lightly over his
thigh, feeling his muscles through his soft wool trousers. He
glanced sideways at her and managed a clenched little smile.

        "You know, after the workout your boss gave me all I'd like
right now is a nice hot bath and a romantic movie," she said to him
softly as she caressed his knee. "What do you say we stop for some
bubble bath and a video?"

        His smile relaxed a bit and became more natural. "And just
what kind of workout did Marshall Andrews give you when you were
supposed to be eating lunch? Or should I ask *what* you were eating
for lunch?"

        She pinched his thigh. "Bad boy! Just for that I'm not going
to let you in the tub with me."

        "Uh-oh, now I've done it." He picked up her hand and kissed
it. "I don't want to mess up an invitation like that! You name the
movie and I'll spring for the bubbles, just as long as I don't come
out smelling like a garden or something."

        She watched his shoulders loosen some and his hands lost
some of their whiteness. He guided the car with more assurance than
tension and Rae relaxed. She hadn't realized that she had been
holding herself in a sort of edgy readiness, the same sort of
readiness that she had developed as a defense against her
ex-husbands violent rages.

        'I'll have to make a special effort to relax him tonight or
he'll never go to sleep.' He had returned her hand to his knee and
lay his on top. She loved the warmth of his big, strong hand above
and his muscular leg beneath. 'Of course I don't mind relaxing him,
and he's always *so* appreciative after.' Her lips turned into a
grin and she began to blush.

        Walter saw the expression on her face and knew that she was
up to something. 'Just what are you plotting, Raelene Marie?
Whatever it is I hope it includes you - all of you.'

....................................................

        In his shabby apartment a man with dark, graying hair sat
alone smoking a cigarette and staring into the darkness outside his
window. The lights of passing cars flashed upon the walls
illuminating his craggy, worn face. His eyes betrayed his
exhaustion, but he couldn't allow himself the luxury of sleep. Not
just yet. There were things to do, arrangements to be made and a
call to place.

        He had already informed Alex to stand by with the first
plan. They might have to implement a capture and he would require
some time to get and prepare a vehicle. But he had to get the final
go-ahead from his associates, and that meant calling a meeting.

        The second plan - to get her into the action was foolhardy
now. She was far to much like Skinner to allow herself to be used
by him and his associates. Skinner wouldn't tell her anything
of value anyway. No, it had to be the first line.

        It was a risky move now that Skinner had told all and sundry
that he was engaged to this woman. The only saving grace in the
first plan was that Wisconsin didn't have any agents to spare to
watch an Assistant Director's fiancee. She would be alone,
vulnerable.

        He was counting on Assistant Director Skinner's foolish need
to protect her to make this work with a minimum of fuss. They would
take her, threaten her, frighten her and force the Assistant
Director to fall into line. Perhaps he might let Alex have his head
and enjoy her for a while. That would definitely drive Skinner over
the edge he was walking. To know that Alex had tasted his tender,
ingenuous fiancee...

        'Damn Andrews! Why couldn't he simply have appointed
Whitmore to the Assistant Directorship? He was easily controlled,
biddable. But no, he has to get that jarhead Skinner - ex-Marine
Second Looie Skinner with his code of honor and his damnably
stubborn sense of duty. Well, Assistant Director Skinner is just
going to have to learn who is in charge. There's no data tape to
protect him now. He has no bargaining chips.' His lips pulled into a
deathlike grimace that was, for him, a smile. 'He'll realize that he
has no choice but to shut Mulder down and close the X-files once and
for all.'

        He sat back in his chair with a satisfied gleam in his eyes.

...................................................

        Even though Walter had rolled his eyes at Rae's choice of
movie he was glad that she didn't get the flowery bubble bath that
she had teased him with. They had picked up a deli dinner and the
other items and headed back to his apartment.

        'Time enough to go looking at houses tomorrow,' he thought.
'I won't mind spending the evening at home with Rae and a movie.
Maybe I'll be able to stop thinking about that slimy bastard's
threats for a while.'

        Rae was in drawing the bath, he could smell the fresh scent
even out here. He was skeptical about both of them in his smallish
tub (he didn't fit well alone, what would happen with two people?)
but she was insistent. He thought it was funny that, up to now she
had never let him in the bath at the same time with her. Now she
wanted to get him in the tub.

        A grin spread over his face and he felt anticipation stir in
his gut. 'Well my lover, I don't think we'll be doing much washing
in that tub.' He finished setting the deli packages on the table
with plates and silverware. He didn't want her to fuss with it
after...'After I make love to her.'

        He had taken off his tie and jacket, now he began to
unbutton his shirt as he headed into the bedroom. As he cleared the
doorway he heard the water stop and Rae's lovely voice call to him,
"Walter, the water's ready."

        He finished undressing quickly and opened the door. The
sight that greeted his eyes made him gape, then grin lustily.

        Rae was already seated in the tub with her back to the
spigot and bubbles covering her enticingly. She had piled the froth
up across her chest, but her breasts peeked suggestively out as the
bubbles dissolved. She was smiling at him and holding out a wet,
foam covered hand.

        "The water's fine." Her voice was filled with desire as her
eyes took in his magnificent, tall, muscular body. She felt that
now-familiar tingle that came every time she saw him like this. He
was beautiful, so sexy and exciting especially when he looked at her
like that. 'Oh, please let him never stop looking at me like that,'
was the silent plea that left her heart as Walter stepped into the
tub with her.

        He sat facing her and she took the large sponge and squeezed
warm water over his chest and shoulders. She raised up to her knees
to allow him to extend his long legs as far as the small tub would
allow.

        "I guess you're just going to have to sit on my lap." His
eyes got the dark, passionate look that made Rae tremble.

        Placing her knees on either side she moved up to straddle
his thighs and began to kiss his ears, washing his chest gently with
the sponge. Walter stroked her back as a low, pleasurable moan
escaped him. He slid his hands down to cup her firm rear and pull
her closer, pressing his lips to her shoulder.

        Rae stroked his chest, gently rubbing his nipples with her
palms. Walter leaned back against the wall where she had folded a
towel and let her have her way. Her silky thighs gripped his as she
began to rub herself against him. Her lips claimed his and she
slowly, oh so slowly kissed him.

        He pulled her up further, using his fingers to excite her as
he did, then pushed her down entering her deeply, slowly. Rae gasped
as she adjusted to his size. He held himself still to give her time
and waited in sweet agony until she began to move. She braced her
hands against his chest, looking at him with eyes gone deep blue
with excitement. He scooped water up in his palms and rinsed the
foam off her breasts, then lowered his lips to one succulent nipple.

        Rae gasped at the sensation and arched her back, pushing
more of her breast into his mouth. She wrapped her arms around his
neck and kissed his head and ears, whimpering and moaning her
pleasure.

        Walter felt her climax begin to build and placed his hands
firmly on her hips, feet against the tub and thrust hard. Rae cried
out and dug her fingers into his shoulders. She threw her head back
as the lightening bolts flickered through her body and screeched.

        The strong pulsing of her muscles sent Walter over the edge.
He wrapped his arms around her and moaned hername with each thrust.
Each time he repeated it his voice got deeper and more intense until
his cry madethe walls vibrate and he collapsed back against the
wall pulling Rae on top of him.

..........................................

        After lifting Rae from the cooling water Walter dried her
gently, following the towel tenderly with his lips. Rae had grabbed
a towel from the rack and was similarly ministering to him. Then she
smiled up at him, her eyes deeply satisfied.

        "You seem much more relaxed now, Mr. Skinner." Her voice was
a soft purr.

        "Mmmm, bathing with you is very relaxing. How come you never
let me do it before?" He draped the towel around her, rubbing her
back and shoulders through the fluffy softness.

        "I never wanted to have to tell you how I got the scar on my
back." She leaned her forehead against his shoulder. "But you know
the whole story now, so it doesn't matter any more." She closed her
eyes and asked her next question with some trepidation. "Does it
bother you?"

        "The scar? No. The only thing that bothers me about it is
how you got it." He put his arms around her and kissed the top of
her head.

        "I could see about having it removed if you...."

        "No. Just don't let me get within a hundred feet of your
ex-husband, okay?" He closed his eyes and thought that, should he
ever meet Tom he would be in serious danger of ripping him to
shreds. Breathing deeply to dispel the thought he tilted her face
up. "While we're on the subject can you do me a favor?"

        "What subject?"

        "Your ex. After we get married do plan on using my name?"

        "Raelene Skinner? It has a sort of ring to it. Why?"

        "Because I don't want you to ever go by the name Craine
again. If you don't want to use Skinner, would you go back to your
maiden name? I don't want any reminders of him in our life. The scar
is a part of you, something you can't help, but I don't want you
using his name when you're my wife. Okay?"

        "Do you want me to take your name, Walter?" She reached up
and stroked his cheek gently. She hadn't realized that it would be
important to him.

        "Yes, I do. Call it ownership, or pride, whatever. I want to
introduce you as Mrs. Skinner, not Ms Gray. I want everyone we meet
to know that you're *my wife* not just some dame I picked up." He
grinned at her as he watched his last comment raise a fire in her
eyes.

        "Dame? Did you call me a dame, Mr. Skinner? Mr. Leatherneck,
Jarhead, Gyrine Skinner? I'll just show you who's...."

        Walter never let her finish. He held her chin firmly in his
hand and kissed her. When he stopped to catch a breath and she began
to speak he kissed her again. And again. And again until her arms
slipped around his neck and her body pressed warmly against him. He
tightened his arms around her and lifted her off her feet. Then he
carried her into the bedroom and fell onto the bed with her.

        He cuddled her against his side and ran his fingers over her
smooth skin. Her flesh was still warm and rosy from the bath and her
eyes were still soft and relaxed from their loving. Her honey hair
lay damp across his arm and her mouth was full and inviting.

        He leaned over her and kissed her yet again and lay his hand
on her stomach. He chuckled a moment later when he heard and felt a
deep rumble under his palm.

        "I forgot, you need food after. I wouldn't want to be
responsible for starving you, not after promising myself to feed you
up a little."

        At that Rae grabbed a pillow and hit him with it. Then,
before he could respond in kind she rolled off the bed and made a
dash for the living room.

        Walter was right on her heels and made a grab for her, but
she eluded him. When he managed to get a grip on her shoulder she
reached back, planted her feet and threw him. Taken by surprise he
fell with heavy thud, but in a matter of seconds his training kicked
in and he rolled smoothly to his feet. He reached for Rae's arm, but
she reached around and grabbed his wrist and used his forward
momentum to bring him around and trip him on her outstretched leg.
Then she fell astride his lower torso and pinned his wrists at his
sides.

        Walter grinned up at her and turned his hands over in her
grasp to lace his fingers into hers. "I can still get out of this,
you know."

        Rae's grin matched his as her breathing returned to normal.
"And I can stop you, you know."

        Walter began to slide their linked hands outward along the
floor, lowering her toward him. "Not without damaging me permanently
and I know you don't want to do that." When her face was close
enough he reached up and kissed her lightly, teasingly, flicking his
tongue across her lips.

        Rae lay atop him, her legs stretched out beside his, her
hair falling over her shoulder. She sank into his kiss like sinking
into a warm sea. She concentrated on him alone; his scent, his
taste, his feel and let her conscious mind drift. She also let her
fingers drift up to caress his head, and her foot rub sensuously
along his shin.

        Walter caressed her shoulders and wrapped her in his arms.
His playmate and lover, soon-to-be-wife, his......

        But Rae's body was not to be denied. The mood was
interrupted by a low rumbling sound from her stomach as it protested
the lack of food. Rae dropped her head to Walter's shoulder and they
both laughed softly.

        "I knew you'd be too hungry to fuss, so I set dinner on the
table." He rolled her off of him and rose gracefully. Then he
extended his hand to help her.

        Rae looked at him and smiled as she took his hand. He was
completely unsuspecting as she pulled on him with force and
unbalanced him again. The she scampered into the bedroom and the
bath beyond.

        Walter lay on the floor laughing. 'Oh, honey you're
certainly full of surprises tonight. Let's hope that the rest are
tamer.'

        Rae listened to the sound of his laughter and grinned. Well
he certainly *sounded* more relaxed. Now for the movie and some
cuddling and maybe later.....

......................................

        Alex got a conversion van and began making plans for a quick
get away. The call he'd gotten from his superior disturbed him more
than he would have believed possible. He found that he was unable to
comply with his supervisor's demand to take Rae and frighten her.

        But he had to be careful. He knew that his plan would be
capable of frightening Rae just as much as the Associates' was. She
would undoubtedly fight him for a while. But, he didn't want to
frighten Rae. He wanted to save her. He *had* to save her, for
Amelia.

        She would have liked Rae, would have been friends with her.
She would be horrified at the Association's plan to harm her, 'But
then, if she were here I'd never have...' Alex dashed the thoughts
from his mind. He had to concentrate. He couldn't let the past
interfere.

        But it would be difficult. Especially since keeping her safe
meant that neither of them could ever come back.......

Chapter 6

        It seemed to Rae that they were forever saying goodbye. In
airports, in houses it didn't matter where or for how long she
always felt the same: empty and alone. Thankfully this separation
would be a short one. In two weeks Walter would come back to
Wisconsin for Thanksgiving and a four-day weekend. It was originally
going to be six, but he had wanted to begin saving his vacation time
for their honeymoon.

        Rae smiled at the thought.....honeymoon. She watched Walter
carry two cups of cappuccino and thought of the trip they wanted to
take. Walter knew of another AD who had a time share on an island in
the Bahamas. He had told Walter in glowing terms of the private
beach, the crystal waters, the airy house. It sounded too good to be
true, but Walter was going to contact him and find out more. Neither
of them wanted to do anything too touristy and both wanted *some*
privacy. Rae had suggested a Canadian fishing trip as a back up
plan, and she would get details about that.

        "So tell me just why Marshall Andrews wanted you to work out
with me?" Walter's voice was faintly puzzled as he handed her a
steaming cup.

        Rae took a long, appreciative sniff before answering. "When
I told him that I had had self-defense training he said that I
should. Maybe he thought it might reassure you if you saw first hand
that I could take care of myself." She looked at him and smiled. "I
don't know how much I proved with out little wrestling match Friday
night, but I certainly enjoyed it more than working out with Roger."

        Walter leaned close to her ear and nibbled, whispering, "I
certainly hope so." He felt the shiver pass through her and he
looked into her deep blue eyes. "And I hope you weren't nekked when
you worked out with Roger."

        They talked quietly until the time came for her to board the
plane. Rae forced her lips into what she hoped would pass as a smile
and held tightly to Walter for a long moment. She hated saying
goodbye to him. At least she was going to home and family, but he
was left here all alone.

        By his own admission Walter had few friends in the DC area.
He didn't see Bob very often, and there were a couple guys that he
ran or worked out with, but no one that he could just hang out with.
Most of the people he knew were married and were forever trying to
fix him up with sisters, cousins and friends. He didn't want that
after his divorce so he mostly went his own way. The women that he
had dated or slept with never engaged him emotionally or
intellectually and so he turned into a lone wolf of sorts.

        This worried Rae. She knew too well how lonely such a life
could be and how it could compel a person to make a series of wrong
choices. It had happened to her in her choice of husband the first
time, and to Walter she realized. They had both chosen the wrong
companion, married for the wrong reasons, and suffered painful
divorces.

        'How do such things happen?' Rae thought as she clung to her
man. His strong arms tightened around her and he buried his face in
her hair. At least she knew she was making the right choice this
time. She felt his lips close to her ear, felt the warm tickle of
his breath as he whispered to her.

        "You behave yourself, Raelene Marie. I don't want to have to
come up to Wisconsin in two weeks and have to discipline you." He
held her face in his hands and kissed her hard. Then he pulled her
back against him.

        "Just remember how much I love you." Rae pulled back and
looked at him. His eyes were glistening and intense. She stroked her
fingertips over his cheekbones and leaned up to kiss his eyelids.
"And be careful." With one final, long squeeze Rae said goodbye.

........................................

        Walter lay in his empty bed that night and thought how cold
it suddenly was. With Rae beside him he hadn't felt the need for
blankets or covers. Now he was shivering under a quilt.

        He had called her soon after she'd arrived home. Dave was
still there, was spending the night. No, everything was fine, it was
just cold there was all. No nothing was wrong, she was just tired,
and she had a headache. Going to bed early. Love you, Walter.

        She had sounded upset. Of course, if she did have a headache
he knew she wouldn't want to talk. But he couldn't get the feeling
out of his chest that something was waiting for her, something bad.
He reached over and laid his hand on her pillow. Two weeks. How was
he going to survive this empty bed for two weeks?

........................................

        Rae sat on the bathroom chair in shock. She had unpacked,
put away her things, set apart the laundry. She had been putting her
sinus medication back in the medicine chest when she saw them. An
unopened pack of birth control pills. Unopened?

        She had begun to count back days when Walter called. If her
suspicion was correct, she hadn't taken a pill in two weeks. She did
her best to keep the worry out of her voice, she didn't want to
upset him. She also didn't want to talk about this over the phone.

        She thought back: The week before Gramma's death had been
her week off. One week. She should have begun her new pack on
Sunday, but the pills were still there, all of them. Two weeks.
While she visited with Walter in Washington that had made
love......how many times? How many times did it take?

        Rae put her head in her hands. 'What a mess.' She looked at
the pills laying in her lap. 'If I take all of them, the whole
week's worth.....' She closed her eyes and a vision of Walter swam
on the backs of her eyelids. With shining eyes he had asked her
about having his children, with hope in his voice and promises of
whatever she needed. "What am I going to do?"

        "Whatever it is you tell Walt."

        Rae looked up with a start. She hadn't realized that she had
spoken aloud. Nor had she realized that Dave had come up and was
standing in the doorway. She shook her head.

        "I don't know how to tell him *this* one, Dave."

        "There's no *way* about it, Little Rae. If it's that bad
then you just *tell*. But I don't think you could ever do anything
so bad that Walt won't forgive you." His voice was kind and caring.
He walked over to her and lay his big paw on her hair. Even his
blind eye was gentle.

        "But what do I do in the meantime? This isn't something I
want to discuss over the phone, it's too private. I want him to be
here, and that won't be for another two weeks." She sounded worried.

        "You do what you've always done, Rae. You make your decision
and stick by it. Walt will be with you, you know that. He'll support
what ever you do. Don't begin to waffle just because you're going to
marry the big oaf. You know what you have to do, you've always made
your own choices. Don't stop now." He held her chin and looked into
her eyes. She *was* afraid, but not of making a decision. She was
afraid to make the wrong one. He stroked her cheek gently with his
thumb. "He won't hurt you, Rae. Believe that. He's not like that
other one." He rubbed his thumb gently over her chin and left her
alone. 'She has to make her own mind. I can't help or influence
her.'

        Rae stared at her hands for a long time. She shook her head,
but the vision remained: Walter happy and expectant at the thought
of having a child of his own. 'Of *our* own.' She sat back and
closed her eyes. Visions played across her mind like movies of
things already happened: Walter gently holding a tiny baby; the
three of them walking in the park; playing catch in the back yard;
her and Walter reading bedtime stories to a sleepy head. Such sweet
visions, sweet dreams.

        Then the cold echo of a doctor's voice, "It would be better
if you don't get pregnant Ms Craine..... don't get pregnant....
don't..."

        Tears sprang to her eyes as she realized that, if she *were*
pregnant, it might be their only chance. Walter was 45, she was 38.
There simply wasn't that much time left. Of course he could father
children well into his 60's, and he was robust and healthy. But her?
If there was a chance it had to be now.

        She realized that the pain in her hand was from the package
digging into her clenched fist. She had two weeks until Walter
arrived for Thanksgiving. She smoothed the package onto her palm,
then calmly threw them into the garbage can. Dave was right: the
decision was hers to make. She had never depended upon anyone
before, and she wouldn't start now. Rely upon: yes. Lean on a
little: yes. Emotional support: definitely. But she wasn't going to
let anyone else make her choice.

........................................................

        While Rae was visiting Washington Alex was busy. Very busy.
He had much to prepare for his 'trip' with Raelene.

        He scouted out locations in northern Minnesota and Canada,
finally settling on a remote cabin in southern Ontario near Rush
Lake. It was a rustic setting and far from civilization. He stocked
the cabin well with plenty of provisions for the winter. If they
left the first week of December and were frugal they would have
enough to last until March. Of course Alex was a good shot so he
could get fresh meat through the winter and the lake was only three
miles away.

        He made certain that the cabin would be comfortable as well.
He bought thick blankets and lofty quilts, books, and a supply of
puzzles. He tried to anticipate her wants and provide her with
things to keep her amused.

        The cabin was one large room with a collection of
mis-matched furniture and two large beds. One bed sat upon an old
brass headboard and to this Alex had fastened a long thin chain of
high tensile steel. He made certain that it wouldn't be too
restrictive, but hoped just the same that wouldn't have to use it.
He hoped, desperately hoped that Raelene would understand that he
only wanted to protect her, not harm her.

        When he returned to Pewaukee he purchased an old,
dilapidated pick-up that had been hard used by a farmer. The truck
was seeing its last days and was in need of major repair. He wasn't
concerned, though because it wouldn't have to take them far.

        Alex had stashed his four-wheeler in an oak stand on the
back end of a farm field. This was where he would leave the pick-up
and all traces of himself and Rae. They would take his four-wheeler
into Canada where he would switch to international plates. He would
just be a man going off to start a new life away from the city with
his sleepy wife.

        Now in the quiet of the snowy Sunday before Thanksgiving
Alex sat in his dim little room and went over every aspect of his
plan. He *had* to be thorough. If he missed *anything*, if he
slipped up it would mean his life----and probably Rae's as well.

................................................

        Skinner spent the morning reading reports and writing
investigative progress reports. Samuels was preparing his final and
would be in this afternoon. Mulder and Scully were in Maine and
Torrey was in Vermont. It was shaping up to be a quiet day.

        For that Skinner was grateful. He was proud of the fact that
his agents were busy and, for a change his entire division was
running smoothly. There was no surliness to endure, no reprimands to
give and no visits from the 'cancer man'.

        Skinner took a few moments to reflect on this. In the week
since Rae's departure he had expected to see the man at least once,
if only to renew his threats. He felt a vague unease at the man's
continued absence, a pricking at the back of his neck. Skinner
wondered what he could be up to. Could he be planning a 'surprise'
for the upcoming Thanksgiving weekend? Maybe finding a way to
prevent his visit to Raelene?

        But no, his plane reservation was made on a commercial
flight, albeit a late one. The 'cancer man' wouldn't dare tamper
with a commercial airline, he'd have the FAA on his back faster than
a flea on a dog if he tried.

        He turned to the window and thought of the weekend. Rae's
family and a few friends were coming for dinner and the game and it
promised to be a boisterous day. Rae and her family were die-hard
football fans and she already warned him not to make any disparaging
remarks about the Packers while the family was assembled..."It's the
quickest route out the door, darling." Walter grinned, of course he
hadn't told her yet that he was a Colts fan.

        On Saturday if the weather permitted they were going to go
to Door county for cross country skiing and a night at Rae's
favorite B&B. He'd have to rent a pair of skiis, but she said that
there were some very good pro shops in the area. Then a leisurely
return on Sunday and his flight would leave late that night. Plenty
of time to cuddle and talk. Plenty of time to play and make love.
His grin relaxed into a soft smile.

        He'd continued to house hunt this past weekend and found
three very nice prospects. His favorite was a cozy colonial with a
white picket fence, a garden and partially finished basement. He
especially like the remodeled master suite that had not only Rae's
fireplace, but a bath with a large whirlpool tub. 'A tub built for
two.' The couple who was selling was moving to a larger residence,
having just had their fourth child and expecting a fifth. Walter
chuckled softly, 'Must've gotten good use out of the tub.'

        In any case he took a full roll of film at each house and
was taking them to Wisconsin with him. If Rae liked any of them she
could come down next weekend and look for herself. If they agreed on
a house and a price they could be in their own home by Easter. Then
she could begin sending her things to Washington and, when June came
all she'd have to bring in the car would be her personal items and
clothes.

        He looked at Rae's photo, the soft smile fading a little
from his lips. 'But you've got to be very careful until then, my
love.'

...................................................

        The kids were in a rowdy, holiday mood and Rae knew she'd
never get them to concentrate. Tomorrow was Thanksgiving Day and a
long weekend beckoned. There would be no work done today. She shook
her head and gave up trying to keep order after the first five
minutes. Out came the boombox and the dance music and third period
became a party. As long as they didn't get *too* noisy or wander the
halls they could dance to their heart's content and blow off steam.

        'Besides,' Rae thought as she watched them dance the
'Macarena', 'they're not the only ones who can't concentrate.' She
looked across her now-tidy desk at Walter's beaming picture. There
was a deep expectant humming in Rae's stomach ('and further down'
she thought with a faint blush). Walter was due in late tonight. He
had to take the last flight out of DC because all the others were
booked solid and his only other option was to get to a nearby town
and drive in. Rae didn't want him to drive up from Chicago or down
from Green Bay, it was much too far with November's traditionally
dicey weather. Besides, she told him, he might like the effect that
the day of anticipation would have on her.

        She tidied a stack of manuscript paper and thought again how
grateful she was that Al had come in on Saturday to help her clean
her office. He had brought a thermos of coffee and a big barrel and
together they had rearranged the furniture, filed and re-filed
papers, and tossed armloads of junk that had been hanging around for
years.

        She smiled at the image of Al standing in the doorway at the
end of the afternoon, scratching his head and remarking that he
hadn't realized the room was this big. His soft voice held a note of
amused wonder and his blue eyes had twinkled.

        It was the first time that Rae had seen him without his
ever-present baseball cap and his shaggy, dark hair fell over his
forehead. She got a strange feeling in her gut, looking at him like
that. He reminded her of someone.....but she couldn't make the
connection. She shook her head, 'Everybody looks like somebody...'

        As the music swelled in the other room Rae thought about her
little empty house. Dave had left on Friday night and it made her
lonely to think of going home to the emptiness.

        He had pleaded with Charlene to join him in California. The
two of them had been nearly inseparable during the weeks since the
funeral. They had spent nearly every waking moment together either
at her house or at Jim's. Char couldn't bear to return to the store
alone, so she had made arrangements to sell it stock and all.
Without the store to hold her she agreed to join Dave in Anchor Bay
as soon a her business here was wrapped up. She was sad to leave her
home and family, but she was looking forward to the change.

        Both of them were realistic enough to know that they might
not have a lot of time. Charlene's disease precluded many of the
plans that they would have liked to have made, but they would be
together. For the first time in his life Dave would have another
human soul to commune with. Someone who understood him in an
elemental way, beyond the bounds of the physical world.

        In Charlene Dave would get a tender, intelligent companion
whose gentle soul was untouched by a body wracked by disease. She
had trusted few people in her life, and had let no man get close
since being dumped two weeks before her wedding. But with Dave she
was able to really express her feelings and fears. The artist in him
brought out her beauty and allowed her the freedom to truly open up.

        It seemed to Rae that everything was going to work out. It
was like a magic time, a happy time. She beamed back at Walter
feeling the deep tingle in her stomach. 'Just wait until I get you
alone tonight, darlin'. You're going to have to go back to
Washington to rest!'

        With that thought she threw caution and decorum to the wind
and went out to dance with her students.

...........................................................

        It was a still cloudy night and the air bit an icy trail to
the lungs with each breath. The jetway was frozen and wouldn't
deploy, so the tired, cranky passengers had to deplane on the
tarmac. Tired and cranky but for one.

        Walter Skinner got off the ramp shrugging into his leather
jacket with a huge, happy grin on his face. He was filled with eager
anticipation for the weekend and couldn't contain his good humor. He
felt benevolent and excited as he helped an elderly couple get their
bags up the stairs. They were here to visit their children, they
said. And their new grandchild.

        Walter imagined happily that this could be he and Rae in
twenty years, coming home to visit the family. 'Funny,' he thought
as he watched the couple embrace their son-in-law,'how I think of
this as home.' He looked out at the dark line of trees in the
distance. 'But then, Rae's here.'

        The thought spurred his feet to the rental desk. It would be
another late arrival at Rae's house. The flight had been delayed at
takeoff and it was now midnight in DC. That meant eleven here in
Wisconsin. Another hour to get a car and drive to Pewaukee---she'd
be asleep when he arrived. Walter grinned, he didn't mind. He'd
simply climb into bed and wrap himself around her.

        The roads were in good shape, but then Wisconsin roads would
be. They were used to snow and ice here and were experts at keeping
the roads clear. The blanket of snow had deepened since his last
visit and glowed eerily in the reflected city lights. Winter had
come early, and would last long.

        He pulled into the drive at about 12:10 and was slightly
disappointed to find a darkened house. He had rather hoped that Rae
would be waiting, smiling and warm to welcome him. All through the
drive over the dark Wisconsin highways he had kept a mental image of
her before him. He fantasized about bursting in the door to the snug
little kitchen to find her barefoot, preparing some dish or other
for the Thanksgiving feast. He would shout "Honey, I'm home!" and
Rae would leap into his waiting arms, kiss him soundly and say in
her lovely voice, "You hardly need to announce it my, love. I
couldn't miss you if I tried."

	She had a lot to do tomorrow, though and her day at school
had doubtless been rough. Walter was aware of how fidgity teens
could get on the day before a holiday. She was probably exhausted
from teaching and cooking. He musn't be selfish.

        In the kitchen he found four pies on the counter and
breathed deeply. They were still warm. In the sink was the largest
turkey he'd ever seen for his last thaw. In the dining room were the
serving dishes and platters. Propped against them was a sign:

                "Welcome home Walter,
                 Come join me in bed and
                 keep your fingers out of
                 the cherry pie!"

        He chuckled softly and lay his keys, wallet and pocket
change beside the sign.

        In an almost deja-vu repeat of last time he began to undress
before heading upstairs. He almost expected Jim to be waiting at the
top.

        But there was no sad news this time. No fear of rejection,
no concerns about Rae's reaction. If she were awake she would
welcome him with her loving smile and sweet lips. If she were asleep
she would snuggle into his warmth and he would kiss her gently
before sleeping himself.

        He set his bag in the spare room and was met at the bedroom
door by a blast of cold air. He closed the window, shaking his head.
She was sleeping, the sound of her soft breathing barely audible.
She was curled on her side buried deep under a fluffy quilt.

        Walter finished undressing and felt the chill of the air
dimple his skin before sliding under the warm covers. He wrapped his
arms around Rae and cuddled her close to him. She murmured softly
and cozied back, pressing her bottom against him. He lay one large,
warm hand against her abdomen and with the other gently cupped her
breast, feeling the warmth of her skin through her satin gown.

        He felt her strong fingers curl around his as she raised his
hand to her lips, then return it to her breast. Her sleepy, soft
voice whispered "Welcome home, darling." He closed his eyes with a
sigh of pure contentment.

..............................................

        The gunmetal grey, overcast sky was threatening when Walter
awoke. He was alone in the bed, but luscious aromas drifted up from
the kitchen and his stomach rumbled audibly.

        He looked around to find his shirt missing and smiled. Rae
had probably appropriated it again. On his way to the bathroom he
saw his suitcase open in the sitting room and his sweats laying on
top.

        In the bathroom his shaving kit was in its accustomed place
and she had set out extra towels for him, near the heating duct to
warm them. He smiled and rubbed his stubbled cheek. 'Maybe I'll
wait. She might like to shave me again.'

        Downstairs he leaned against the kitchen doorway and admired
Rae's satin draped bottom. She had tied his shirt tails around her
waist to keep them from dangling and it pulled the smooth fabric
tighter across her rear.

        She was humming softly and moving about when she turned and
spotted him. A blush leapt to her cheeks as her eyes roamed across
his muscular, magnificent form. Even the sweatsuit couldn't hide the
power of that body, and it made Rae tremble.

        She walked slowly over to him and ran her hands up his chest
and around his neck. "And how's my big boy toy this morning?"

        He grinned, eyes twinkling and slid his hands to her bottom.
"Ready to have you play with him." He pulled her tight and nuzzled
her neck.

        She swallowed to hide the sight tremble in her voice. "You
might not want to play when you hear what I have to tell you."

        He pulled back, puzzled by both her words and her tone.
There was fear, elation and nervous anticipation in her voice. He
cupped her face and peered into her eyes. She was frightened and
excited.

        "What is it, honey?"

        She took his hand and led him to the sofa. Then she gently
pushed him down and took a deep breath before sitting, facing him.

        "I forgot something when I went to Washington with you." He
shook his head slightly, even more puzzled. "I forgot my birth
control pills."

        She watched his reaction closely as the implications of her
words set in. Fear, joy, puzzlement and concern flew across his
handsome features. His eyes grew wide as he realized in a flash what
this could mean, then they clouded with worry.

        "Are you.....?"

        "I don't know yet. I have an appointment with Gale on
Wednesday before school. She's going to pull blood and do the test
then. We'll know by next Friday."

        "How...? I mean...."

        "I'm not sure, Walter. Two weeks before Gramma died was my
week off. All I can think is that I was so upset, I thought you were
gone for good, that Gramma died angry with me, I was feeling like
'What the hell'. I was feeling sorry for myself, like nothing
mattered." She looked down at their hands. "Then everything happened
at once. You were here, and Dave. The funeral, the storm, leaving to
go with you to Washington." She looked into his eyes.

        "But that means that you were off for three weeks?"

        "Uh huh."

        "And we...."

        "Uh huh."

        They looked at each other for a long moment.

        "I didn't do it on purpose, Walter please believe that. I
didn't do it to trap you or....."

        But he pulled her against him and cut off her words with a
fierce kiss. He kept on kissing her, her eyes, her ears, her brows
and back to her lips.

        "Then you're not angry with me?" She murmured between
kisses.

        "No. No.....no." He pushed her back, laying her down against
the sofa and kissed her neck and shoulders. He nibbled gently on her
breasts through the smooth satin gown and heard her pleasured sigh.
Then he stroked her cheek gently with his fingertips and gazed into
her deep, blue eyes. "I've heard about the options women have in a
situation like this. My sister had a friend in high school who took
all her pills at one time when she figured she might be pregnant.
Thank you for not doing that, for letting me be a part of your
decision."

        She smiled at him. "I didn't want to tell you over the
phone. It was something I wanted to discuss together, but I had to
do something right away. It'll be a few weeks before Gale will do an
ultrasound to see if everything's okay, and that's only *if* I'm
pregnant. I might not be, you know."

        "Well since you're not sure, and you can't take anything
until you are I'd better get my shoes on and get to the store. There
should be something around here open until noon, huh?" He sat up and
pulled her with him. Then he gathered her tightly against him. "I
love you, Raelene Marie."

        He got up and took the stairs by twos, leaving a puzzled
Raelene in his wake. "Store?" She looked at the seal sculpture.
"What do my missed pills have to do with a store? What could he
possibly need on Thanksgiving morning?"

        She felt a kiss atop her head and a deeply mischievous voice
saying: "Ramses (R) Magnums." She looked up at him in surprise and
he winked at her. "Lubricated."

.....................................................

        Rae was just opening the oven door when she heard the back
door slam and felt Walter's arm steal around her waist.

        He kissed the back of her shoulder. "What do you have to do
in here?" His hand wandered up to gently squeeze her breast.

        "Well I have to baste the bird, but not much else for a
while." She turned to meet his lips.

        "Good. Meet me upstairs, and I'll give you a basting." He
grinned and winked then set a package on the counter. With a final
squeeze he sauntered out of the room.

        Rae looked at the box and began to giggle. Condoms. She
laughed even harder when she noticed the words "economy size". She
finished as quickly as she could, filled with excitement and desire.

        She picked up the box and walked into the dining room, where
she found another. On the coffee table was another, and on the
stairs. By the time she got upstairs she was grinning broadly. She
leaned against the doorway and looked over at Walter, laying naked
on the bed bathed in soft lamplight with a decidedly 'come hither'
look on his face.

        "Did you forget something?" She held up the four boxes.

        "No." He waved to the bedside table and Rae's eyes lit upon
one of her ornamental bowls filled to the brim with the small
packets. She burst out laughing. "I wanted to be prepared. I might
not always have my pants on, you know."

        Rae dropped the boxes on the floor and climbed up to sit
astride his thighs. Her soft gown formed a pool around his hips. He
pressed his hand to her stomach his eyes gone deep and serious.

        "Honey, what if...."

        She pressed her fingers to his lips. "Don't. We don't know
anything yet. There's no sense getting worried until we do." She
pressed her hands to his abdomen and ran them in a long caress over
his chest. She let his dark, slightly coarse body hair run through
her fingers and flickered her fingers lightly over his nipples. His
quick, indrawn breath told her to continue so she stretched out
above him and kissed his face: his beautifully shaped, dark brows,
his high cheekbones, his strong cleft chin.

        Then she trailed her tongue in a long, teasing line to his
nipple, reveling in the tickle of his hair against her cheek. She
taunted him gently with her tongue and teeth before she continued
lower, lightly grazing his skin with her nips.

        When she arrived at his hips she kissed and nibbled inward
as her hand caressed him. She licked him lightly, teasing the tip of
her tongue over him and he groaned. She took as much of him as she
could, circling him with her fingers so that he entirely encased in
warmth. She kept up an opposing rhythm with her mouth and her hand
until he was nearly ready, then with a mischievous gleam in her eye
she squeezed firmly at his base.

        "Ouch!" He looked down at her, surprised. "Where did you
learn *that* trick?"

        "Never you mind. You going to put one of those things on,
now that you went to all the trouble to get them? Or are we going to
'damn the torpedoes'?" As she spoke she climbed back to her previous
position on his thighs. With one fluid motion she pulled the satin
gown over her head and tossed it on the floor.

        Walter's hands reached up to caress her. In the lamplight
her body looked like sculpted ivory. She had lost weight again and
he could feel her ribs. He took one of the packets from the bowl and
held it out to her. "Why don't you help?"

        Rae chuckled. "I've never done it before, so don't blame me
if I pinch." But she didn't pinch as she put the item on carefully
and gently. She caressed him as she did, then moved higher up onto
his hips.

        Walter sat up and shimmied back to lean against the
headboard, pulling Raelene with him. He fastened his lips onto an
erect nipple and suckled firmly. At the same time she lowered
herself onto him and sighed.

        She held his head tightly against her breast, kissing his
ear and sighing against him. Their mating was more that simply
making love. Beyond the act was the caring, the shared emotion and
the communication of souls. They were one in more than body, and
when they pleased each other to climax they became one in spirit.

        Walter's big, warm hands caressed her bottom as he helped
her move with him. He planted his feet on the bed, bending his knees
and Rae leaned back against them with her hands on his shoulders.
She tossed her hair aside as his hands moved over her body, like a
musician playing an instrument. His fingers trailed fire along her
nerves and she felt the flame in her most secret place, that place
deep within where her most primal senses lay. She began to moan and
cry, tossing her head and digging her fingers into his flesh. She
pleaded and whimpered, close to release.

        Pulling her close, Walter wrapped his arms around her and
rolled her onto her back. He pulled his weight onto his elbows and
thrust hard. The slight decrease in sensation from the condom was
giving him more time to enjoy her. He moved with a deep, steady
rhythm, bringing her to the very edge of climax, then he backed off
and was still. Rae wailed and bucked beneath him, pounding on the
bed to make him continue.

        But Walter looked into her eyes and grinned. He kissed the
droplet of sweat that trickled off her nose and nibbled her glowing
cheeks. He felt her hands caress his rear, rubbing deeply along his
hips and thighs. Her feet were crossed against the small of his back
and her heels were digging into him.

        "What is this? Break time?" She gasped between rasping
breaths.

        "I was waiting to hear you say my name like you did in the
bathroom in my apartment." He kissed her deeply, thrusting his
tongue against hers.

        She grabbed his ears and pulled his face up. "As soon as you
resume the festivities, I'll think about it."

        He chuckled deep in his chest, and Rae could feel the
vibrations in her breasts. "Well that's an offer I can't refuse." He
drew back, nearly out then thrust deeply. "How's that?"

        "Ahhh, keep it up and I'll let you know....oooooh"

        He kept up the long slow rhythm for as long as he could, but
soon her strong contractions began to have their effect. His thrusts
became shorter and faster, and he began to moan her name. Rae was
writhing and twisting the sheets in her fists and Walter pulled
himself onto his hands and gave his last effort. Then he grinned as,
just as he let loose he heard Raelene's wail: "Oooooooh
Waaaallllttteeeerrrr!"

Chapter 7

        They lay together sated, exhausted, sweaty and elated.
Walter rolled off Rae and held her close, drifting between sleep and
wake. The room was so quiet that Rae could hear his heart beating as
his breathing slowly returned to normal. She stroked his matted,
sweat-soaked hair and pressed a kiss to his chest.

        "I have to go see to the bird. Wait for me?" She tried to
rise, but he held her tight.

        "No. Don't go yet. The bird'll wait. When is the family
coming over?" He pressed small, sleepy kisses to her forehead.

        She snuggled back into his arms, not wanting to leave
herself. "Oh, about twelve thirty. We'll have dinner before the game
starts, then get out your ear plugs. Nick, Greg, Jim and I tend to
get pretty rowdy during football games. That's why I have so many
soft pillows on the sofa, so we can throw things without causing
damage."

        He smiled softly. It was something he was anxious to see:
his soft, gentle, sweet woman getting rowdy and loud. His smile
turned into a grin as he thought of her howling his name just a few
minutes ago. 'Oh she can get loud, alright.'

        Rae saw the grin with the slightly wicked turn and pinched
him. "*What* are you grinning about?"

        "I was just thinking about you getting loud." He trailed his
finger down along the bridge of her nose to her lips. "I take it as
a sign of appreciation, you know."

        She bit his finger and began to rise, but he held her tight.
She settled back into his embrace, laying her head on his chest.

        After a few silent minutes Walter smiled again. "Can I make
a decorating request in advance for our new house?"

        "Of course you may. It is going to be *our* house, you
know."

        "Can you put your Packer posters someplace other than the
bedroom?" He went on quickly as he felt her take in a deep breath.
"I just don't care to have Brett Favre looking over my shoulder
while I'm making love to my wife."

        Rae grinned wickedly as she raised her head to look at him.
"What's wrong, he giving you a complex? I notice you didn't mention
Reggie White or Robert Brooks."

        "Somehow I think Brett is more your type. Young, strong
arms, lots of hair." He pushed another pillow behind his head and
settled Rae against his side, then looked up at the posters on the
walls.

        Rae sidled up along his side and pulled his head against her
chest, stroking it lightly. She kissed him all over the top of his
head as she continued, "Who says I like guys with lots of hair?
You've got all the hair I need, and in all the right places." She
cuddled his head against her, laying her cheek against it and
whispered softly in his ear. "Besides bald men are very sensuous."

        Now it was Walter's turn to grin. "And you have so much
experience in that arena, I suppose."

        Rae grabbed his ears and and held his head up to look into
his eyes. "Enough experience with *one* big, lovely bald man to
know, darlin'." She kissed him soundly, then pushed him off her. "I
really *do* have to look after that bird now."

....................................................

        Rae had just enough time to shower and dress before the
family began arriving at noon. Walter was surprised at the early
arrival, until he saw the quantity of food that arrived with them.
He shook his head in wonder that the whole family didn't weigh two
hundred pounds.

        He was also surprised that the entire group right down to
Becky was wearing some sort of football garb. Nick had on a Bills
jersey, Cheryl was 49er's and Greg and Becky were wearing Packer
shirts and hats. Walter thought it somewhat comical that Rae, with
her Packer posters in the bedroom was the only one *not* dressed in
green and gold.

        Dinner began soon after the later arrival of Jim, Peter,
Charlene and Rose. The table nearly groaned under the food as a line
formed toward the living room. When Walter carried out the huge
turkey the whole group applauded, then dug in. He soon understood
why there were so many different dishes. Everyone seemed to have a
favorite, and if Rae didn't make it they brought it. Walter sampled
as many as he could.

        But soon everyone was settled about the house in small
groups, chatting and eating, occasionally going back for seconds (or
thirds). Charlene had brought a non-alcoholic punch that was
liberally distributed and there was also sparkling cider and waters.
He wondered at the lack of stronger libations until Greg, sensing
his question explained the policy.

        "Rae doesn't serve alcohol at her gatherings because
everyone *has* to drive someplace. She just feels it's safer not to
offer temptation. Besides, with all this food, who wants to fill up
on liquor?"

        Walter beamed over at Rae, who was sitting with Cheryl, Char
and Peter. It was a thoughtful and caring thing to do for her
family and typically Rae. 'She'll make a wonderful mother,' he found
himself thinking.

        Rae saw the soft look that crept into Walter's eyes and
could nearly read his thoughts. 'He's so sure I'm pregnant.' She met
his look and hoped that she was.

        After dinner and dessert (Walter surprised even himself by
having a piece of cherry pie *and* a piece of sweet potato) Rae, Jim
and Greg got everyone to their feet, got Char into her scooter and
organized the entire group for a walk. Walter soon discovered that
the 'after dinner walk' was another Gray family tradition begun at
Rae's behest.

        She started walking alone after dinner when she was losing
weight. Soon Cheryl joined her, then the kids. Soon the entire group
was walking out in the Wisconsin countryside, enjoying the crisp
air, the scenery and the companionship of the family. Often it
snowed, but that never stopped them. Whether the dinner was at Rae's
or Greg's they always went for their walk.

        Today, though Nick ran ahead with Jim and Peter, Becky
stayed close to Walter and Rae. He walked in the center of the two,
holding both of their hands and they fell over themselves telling
him stories of Thanksgiving walks past.

        "Do you remember the year that we raided the pumpkin patch?"

        "Yeah and I wound up paying Mr. Davis for damages. At least
he thought it was funny. How about the time Nick was chased by the
raccoon?"

        "He was so scared. I'm glad I was walking by dad. Do you
remember.....?"

        They went on, laughing and talking with Walter contributing
an occasional "You don't say?" or "You *must* be joking!". He smiled
continuously, enjoying their voices and their stories and feeling
close to family again. They had accepted him as one of them, sharing
with him their traditions and their tales and Walter felt more at
home than he had since he was a child.

        On the return walk Rae encouraged Becky to walk with Jim and
Char. They herded the group of younger folk while Greg and Cheryl
and Walter and Raelene walked slower. The two couples talked quietly
about the future, at least as far as making plans for the December
holidays, then Greg and Cheryl walked on, giving Walter and Rae a
brief moment alone.

        Walter stopped for a moment and leaned against a tree,
pulling Rae against him. His face was flushed from the walk and his
expression relaxed and happy. They needed no words, merely to cuddle
together for a moment before returning to the house was enough. Rae
loved the company of her family, but realized that it could be a bit
much for someone who was uninitiated. Walter seemed to be holding up
pretty well, though.

        He was energized by the walk and the brisk air. There was
the promise of new snow on the wind, which meant fresh powder for
skiing on Saturday. He looked down at Rae's wind-pink face and
stroked her cheek gently. There was something in her expression that
spoke to him of a question, so he cocked an eyebrow at her.

        "Walter, if I *am* pregnant I'll be nearly eight months by
June."

        He grinned, "Pretty big for a wedding gown."

        She punched him in the shoulder. "I'm not going to *wear* a
wedding gown. I did that once, the whole nine yards and it was a
disaster nearly from day one." She tapped a fingertip against his
chin. "But how would you feel about getting married sooner?"

        Walter stood up straighter and cupped her face in his hands.
"How much sooner did you have in mind? April? Valentine's Day?"

        "How about December?" She rushed on before she was
overwhelmed by his transparently happy expression. "We could still
do the holiday things we planned, Christmas here, then New Year's
with your family. We could get married in between and take a
honeymoon next year."

        Any other words were smothered by Walter's lips. He held her
face and kissed her with enthusiasm. "Have they found another
teacher? What about the sub? You say he's good, couldn't he fill in
for the rest of the year?" He pulled her tight against him. "We can
get married on the 27th, so we don't interfere with Terry and
Paula's anniversary. Bob and Kath will come, I'm sure and I can pick
up my folks on the way here." He held her face again and looked into
her eyes. "Are you sure we can get everything together by then?"

        She was nearly blinded by the twinkle in his eyes, the joy
and hope. "I can get it all together. It's going to be simple,
though. If you want to do the whole reception thing....."

        "No." He kissed her again. "Oh no. I did it, too, with
Sharon and you know how well that worked."

        "I'm glad. I just want it to be us, and the people we love:
our families, Bob and Kath, Dave and Char, Jim and Peter. Is there
anyone else?"

        "I should invite Andrews, and a couple others. How long do I
have to get in touch with them?"

        "Soon, darlin'." She reached up to kiss him, letting her
lips linger as she said, "Should we tell the troops when we get
back?"

.................................................

        The news was greeted with cheers and hugs. Greg began
shaking Walter's hand then pulled him into a great bear hug. Becky
and Nick each hung on Rae and a tear rolled down Char's cheek. There
hadn't been a wedding since Greg and Cheryl and, even though this
was going to be small and simple it was very happy news.

        Char pulled Rae aside in the kitchen and hugged her tight.
"I have a lot to be happy for this winter, Rae. I have you and
Walter and I have Dave. When the two of you have time, please come
to see us in California. After all, if it wasn't for you, Dave and I
would never have met."

        "Oh, Char. I'm sorry to see you go, but I understand why.
It's funny, isn't it? How we both fell for men who live so far away.
And to think you didn't want me to go on tour last summer. I think
we were just looking in the wrong places."

        "Oh boy if *that* doesn't sound like a song I don't know
what does!"

        They dissolved into laughter just as Walter came into the
room. He put his arms around both women and kissed the tops of their
heads. "What's so funny?"

        "Nothing, dear." Char held him for a moment. "Take care of
yourself and my cousin, will you? She's a good kid, but she needs
looking after sometimes."

        "You sure we can't take you to the airport tomorrow?" Rae
was reluctant to say goodbye. Char was joining Dave tomorrow.
Despite the fact that she hadn't traveled out of state in nearly
twenty years, she was looking forward with nervous anticipation.

        "No. Stevie's taking me and mom's coming to see me off.
Don't worry, Rae, I'll call as soon as I can." The two women hugged
again and said their goodbyes.

        With Gramma dead and Char leaving Rae felt many of the ties
that held her to Pewaukee slipping away. She loved the village, but
soon it wouldn't be the place that she knew so well. Newcomers were
moving in every day, and strange faces greeted her on the streets.
She had at least one new student each month and the tone of the
school was changing, becoming more urban. It was time to move on.

.......................................

        Rowdy wasn't the word for the next few hours. The game
between the Redskins and the Cowboys had never seen such a
vociferous and outrageous group. Pillows flew, a tear-apart referee
doll was hung in effigy and every Redskin touchdown was greeted with
more and more enthusiasm.

        Before the game Rae changed into her green and gold, even
though the Packers weren't playing and tossed a Packer hat in
Walter's direction. He stunned the family by admitting his loyalty
to the Colts and was pelted by green pillows. In defiance he put the
hat on the coffee table and rested his feet on it, which brought a
howl from Rae and a snigger from Cheryl. The brief wrestling match
that ensued was cut short by the national anthem and the player
introductions.

        They were loud and boisterous and the lone Cowboy fan
(Peter) found himself shouted down by a chorus of seven. When he
stood to imitate Deion he was tackled and when he tried to discuss
the merits of the reverse that resulted in a 'Boys touchdown he was
nearly tickled to death. The three women present were just as loud
and knowledgeable as the men and Walter enjoyed the whole evening
immensely.

        During the third quarter, when the 'Skins were down by ten
he pulled Rae onto his lap and wrapped his arms around her. He
realized his mistake all too soon when she wriggled and bounced as
the plays went by. He was especially embarrassed when Becky turned
to him and looked puzzled.

        "Why're you blushing, Uncle Walter?"

        He hemmed and hawed for a moment, then excused himself to go
to the bathroom, mumbling that it was hot in the room. He dumped Rae
unceremoniously to the side and hit the stairs two at a time.

        As he splashed cold water on his face he heard an especially
loud yell and figured it must be another touchdown. When he returned
he found that it had been a commercial with Brett Favre. Rae had
stood and led the yelling, cheering for 'her favorite' quarterback.

        "Oh yeah, *you* don't like Brett Favre!" He said as he
pulled her against him.

        "What can I say? I'm an admirer of the beauty of a
first-class athlete." She looked up at him and kissed his chin as
Nick let out a whoop. Then Peter, Greg and Jim whistled and clapped
as Walter bent Rae in a low dip and kissed her playfully.

        The fourth quarter was long and painful for the Redskins
fans as they took an offensive and defensive beating from the
Cowboys. Two sacks and a fumble nailed the coffin as the Redskins
lost and the home crowd began to pick up pillows, pieces of referee
and the contents of a snack bowl that had been overturned in the
fray.

        Greg and Becky helped Rae put up leftovers and clean the
kitchen. Cheryl and Nick tidied up the living room and Jim and Peter
got out the vac. Walter wasn't sure where to turn to lend a hand
until Rae called him into the kitchen.

        "Garbage duty for you, darlin'. Scraps into the compost bin,
rest in the garbage. Off with you." She laughed as Walter saluted
her before heading out the door.

        Greg met him in the back as he paused to look up at the
clearing sky. The clouds flew in gray edged tatters across the face
of the moon and the air was biting cold.

        "You two have a lot to get together in a short time, Walter.
What made you decide to push things up so far?" He handed Walter a
cup of steaming coffee and took a sip of his.

        "It was Rae's idea." He looked down, not wanting to reveal
too much. He wasn't certain how Greg would feel about knowing that
his sister might be pregnant before she was married. "She just
didn't want to wait until June. I think I've found a house she'll
like and she's hoping that the school will hire her sub. If
everything works out we'll be together in our own house by Easter."

        Greg grinned. Walter couldn't hide the expression on his
face. 'He looks the same way I did when I was waiting for news of
Cheryl's pregnancy. He doesn't want to say anything if it's not so,
but he feels certain that it is.' But he only said, "Well whatever
the reason, just let us know what we can do to help. Cheryl's
already agreed to do the cake and Peter will do the flowers. I'll
take the pictures. We know a lot of people in the wedding biz, just
let us know, okay."

......................................

        The rest of the weekend flew in a sort of frenzied,
slow-motion dance. They went to Door county and walked rather than
skied, they drank hot cider and snuggled by the fireside in their
room. On Sunday they talked much, looked at the pictures of the
houses and called Terry and Paula, then Walter's family.

        His parents were guardedly happy. They liked the way Rae
sounded and they like the relaxed, happy sound of Walter's voice.
But he had made a mistake before. They didn't want to see him hurt
again.

        His sister and brother-in-law, however had no such
reservations. If Walter was in love, then more power to him. Tim and
Lisa were all in favor of Walter remarrying, in fact he had taken
too long to find some one.

        "But, guys. I had to find the right one, you know," Walter
protested.

        But all too soon came the time to say good bye again. They
clung to each other on the doorstep until the last minute. Rae would
call Walter on Wednesday night and let him know how things went.
Then she would come on the weekend to look at the house with the tub
for two.

        "And you'll call me right away if anything, well if
there's..."

        "It'll be okay. Like I said, it'll be a couple more weeks
before we know for sure if anything's wrong. Don't worry, please."

        He buried his face in her hair, holding tight. They had said
good bye before, too many times. Soon, in four more weeks they
wouldn't have to say it any more ('At least only for the day, only
when I go to work.'). Why was he having such a hard time, this time?
What was wrong?

        Her soft voice penetrated the fog of worry. "I love you,
Walter. Everything will be okay."

................................................

        The week was nerve wracking for Rae. The kids took a long
time to settle down. They knew the semester was almost over. Besides
she wasn't sleeping well.

        She kept having strange dreams of a man with green eyes. He
was taking her somewhere. He seemed familiar, but she didn't
recognize him. Then she was running through the snow, she kept
falling, but she'd always get up and run. It felt like she was
running away from something. Or was she running toward?

        With the stress of not knowing about her condition, the
excitable kids and beginning to plan their impromptu wedding her
nerves were beginning to wear.

        On Wednesday morning she got to the hospital at six, just
catching Gale as she finished with a delivery. It had been a
c-section and had went well. Rae was glad that the mother and baby
(and the father) were all doing well.

        "How long since your last ultrasound, Rae?" Gale's warm
voice asked as she got up onto the exam table.

        "About eight years. You remember when I brought you the
results? You thought we should wait before doing another, then it
just never came up."

        Gale gently palpated Rae's lower abdomen, applying steady
pressure. She asked Rae a number of questions about the
circumstances surrounding her missed pills and made small humming
noises in answer. She paused over a spot an Rae's left side, and Rae
winced a bit.

        Gale's eyes narrowed. "That could be something. It feels
....irregular. Not a lump, exactly, but hmmmm." Her fingers moved
on, then she extended her hand to Rae to help her up. "I'll have
Jean come in and we'll do an internal, then she'll pull the blood,
okay?" She patted Rae's knee, smiling.

        After the internal was complete Gale helped Rae sit up.
"Well there's definitely softening of the cervix and uterus. But I'm
worried about that spot on your left side. It might be a section of
scar tissue has developed there. I'm going to have another look at
the ultrasound. You can get dressed after Jean does her vampire
act."

        After Jean left Rae had nothing to do but look at the
childbirth pictures that lined the walls. There were progress
diagrams and birth weight tables, apgar equivalents and inoculation
schedules. She had never paid attention to these things before, but
she did now. She had no idea that there was so much involved in
having a baby.

        "Well the pictures don't really show anything. I don't know
where they got their diagnosis." Gale returned with a folder. "That
doesn't mean that there's no scarring, especially after the beating
you took. It just means that it doesn't show up on the last ultra."

        "So what does that mean? I'll be okay? What?"

        "Itmeans I don't know. I want to do another ultra in three
weeks. If you're pregnant it will tell me how long, if you're not it
will tell me if you can, okay?" Rae nodded and Gale made some
notations on her chart. "The results should be back on Friday, do
you want me to call you ASAP?"

        "Yes, please and can you call Walter? He wants to hear as
soon as possible." Rae handed her Walter's business card.

        "FBI Assistant Director? Well, I hope he's not the typical
g-man type. How about I conference call you both at the same time?
I'm liable to regret it if there's a lot of crying and whooping, but
if it means so much to you two...."

        "Gale, that would be great. He's so excited that I almost
couldn't get him to leave Sunday." Rae beamed at the thought. Of
course he'd be unbearably disappointed ifshe weren't but....

..............................................

        After her last class she stayed a little late to file a few
papers when Al knocked on her door. "Hi."

        She looked up and smiled at him. "Come in, Al. I haven't
seen you much lately. How was your holiday?" She took the coffee cup
he offered her.

        "Okay. I didn't do much." He shifted uncomfortably on his
feet. "Uh, Rae? Can I ask a huge favor?"

        "Well you can ask."She grinned when he hesitated. "What is
it, Al?"

        "Can you ride with me out to Allenton? I need a part for my
truck, and that's the only dealership I could find that has it
in stock. I guess they wouldn't either if they didn't service farm
machinery. The guy I bought it from made some modifications so he
could use it on his farm, and well....." his voice trailed off.

        Rae looked at her watch. "Well its nearly four. I promised
to call Walter at around eight. Will we be back in time?"

        "Sure. I just need to pick up the part. I'll install it over
the weekend." He beamed.

        Rae agreed and packed up her things. She finished her coffee
and left with Al carrying her briefcase.

        His truck was of a dubious vintage, and Rae wasn't sure it
would make the sixty mile trip to Allenton. But Al assured her that
the part was non-essential, that she shouldn't be nervous.

        She settled into the seat and yawned deeply. The hectic and
high-strung week was beginning to have its effect. She yawned again.

        "I'm sorry, Al. I guess I didn't realize how tired I was.
I'm afraid I'm not being very good company."

        "Oh, it's okay. I just wanted someone to keep me awake, you
don't have to read a map or anything."

        "But I'm not doing a very good job of that if I can't keep
*my* eyes open."

        His voice was soft as he handed her a pillow that he had
stashed behind the seat. "Here go ahead and nap. I don't mind,
really." He tucked the pillow behind her head as they stopped for a
light and she dropped off into a heavy doze.

        He smiled over at her sleeping form. He hoped the rest of
the trip would be this easy.

.......................................................

        Skinner finished signing the last report of the day and
began to put papers in his briefcase. Rae was going to call tonight
at eight, and he had to stop by his lawyer's office before going
home. He put an earnest deposit down on the white colonial and Jane
had papers for him to sign.

        He looked up at a knock and Mulder entered. "May I speak to
you, sir?"

        "Sit down Agent Mulder. I hope it's important, I was just
leaving."

        Mulder swallowed hard. This wasn't the kind of news he liked
to give AD Skinner. The report he had was sketchy, with no details
and it would worry Skinner to no end.

        "What *is* it Mulder?"

        "I'm sorry, sir. I got a report from a friend of mine in
Wisconsin that a man matching Alex Krycek's description was seen
leaving Pewaukee High School with the chorus teacher, Ms Craine." He
was reading from the report in his hand. "They got into the man's
pickup truck, leaving her car there and headed out of town on
Interstate 94 then turned north onto State highway 41. He followed
them as far north as Jackson before he lost them in traffic....." He
looked up briefly and was stunned by the look on Skinner's face.

        All the color had drained from his face and his eyes held a
degree of horror that Mulder had never seen there before. Such
distress was painful to see in a man so strong and Mulder found
that he couldn't meet his superior's eyes.

        "Where did this come from, Mulder?"

        "Sir, when Ms Craine returned to Wisconsin a couple weeks
ago I asked a friend of mine who has some experience to keep a
casual eye on her."

        "Why didn't you tell me? Who is this person?"

        "Sir I knew that you were concerned for her safety and my
friend used to be in law enforcement. He's....well he's not the most
dependable person, sir, but he knows how to do a stake out and his
reports have always been helpful to me."

        "Then how can I trust the validity of this report? If he's
not dependable, why should I believe this?"

        "Because I didn't tell him anything about Krycek. I didn't
tell him *what* to watch for, just to watch. Everything he's sent me
so far has been routine: she went here, did that. But this, this was
the first mention of her leaving the school with anybody other than
her friend the English teacher."

        "Jim. If he doesn't know about Krycek, why does he say that
the man looks like him? Krycek has an average build, is an average
height. Why specifically Krycek?"

        "Because he knows him, sir. He used to be Krycek's partner.
I don't know if you remember Agent Michols, but he and Krycek were a
team before he got turned in for off duty indiscretions. He used to
drink a bit and when he got involved with a student at the Academy
Krycek reported him. Ever since he's run a little investigative
service in Mequon. Michols and I had a few classes together, we kept
in touch and he's helped me with information when I've called him.
He's a good man, sir just not good FBI."

        Skinner sat back in his chair and fixed Mulder with a dark
stare. He didn't like this. He didn't like this at all. His agents
should clear all survelliances with him *before* they were
instituted. And yet......Mulder was trying to help. He'd probably
heard that there was to be no official coverage for Raelene,
everyone had.

        He checked his watch and, without a word to Mulder dialed
Rae's number with his private outside line. It rang on and on, then
her machine picked up. It didn't mean anything, he knew. She could
have a rehearsal tonight, or could have gone out for coffee with her
friend Al, or to Jim's.... Skinner knew that he was grasping at
straws, anything to make Rae be safe. But this was Alex Krycek, an
assassin and renegade FBI agent. Skinner knew that he was capable of
anything.

        "Okay, Mulder I want you to check this out personally. It
may be a misuse of Bureau resources, but it's also my fiancee. As of
right now you are on vacation and bound for Pewaukee, Wisconsin. You
know this Michols, I don't. Get in touch with him, find out where
they went and why." He picked up the phone and called out to
Kimberly. "I want you to get hold of Bill Walthers for me, Kimberly.
Yes it could be extremely urgent. No connect it in here, I'll be
here for a while. And draw up a set of travel plans for Agent
Mulder, he's going to Wisconsin. Then see if Director Andrews is
still around."

        "Sir, this may be nothing...."

        "Mr. Mulder I don't take *anything* regarding my fiancee's
safety lightly. Nor do I wait for confirmation where Alex Krycek is
concerned. If he has her, we've got to move fast before he .....
he..." Skinner found that he couldn't even finish the thought. He
put his head in his hands and pleaded with the forces that be,
'Please protect them. Please protect Rae.'

..............................................

        Alex was reasonably certain that he'd lost the tail. He
thought he recognized the man, but wasn't sure and didn't want to
take chances. About four miles north of Theresa he pulled off the
highway and onto a small road. A few miles further was the spot
where he'd left the Blazer (R). It might be tricky, transferring Rae
to the other vehicle, but she seemed to be sleeping deeper now, and
might not awaken.

        He hadn't wanted to put too much oxazepam in her coffee but
he had to make sure that she was out. Since the drug was short
acting it might not keep her sedated for the length of time
necessary to drive to the cabin. But she was tired anyway: rowdy
kids, late nights and restless sleep were bound to increase the
action of the drug.

        The shadow gray Blazer(R) was just where he left it, still
locked and filled with the last things he needed to stock the cabin.
He pulled up along side and turned the truck off. Rae stirred at the
cessation of motion, but didn't wake. Alex went around and picked
her up, amazed at her lightness and put her in the passenger seat of
the four-wheeler. Then he put on the leg shackles and handcuffs and
covered her with a quilt. From the other side he settled her head
onto a pillow and locked her door.

        He left her purse, briefcase and other personal items in the
truck along with his wallet and credit cards. He had others. He also
left the blue contact lenses since there was no need to pretend
he was Al anymore. Then he put the truck in neutral and rolled it
into the marsh that lay below the hill.

        Rae was too warm and awoke feeling heavy and groggy. She
never napped, but when she did she usually awoke refreshed. Now,
however she felt even more tired. She tried to stretch, but found
her movements restricted. She looked down in slow-motion horror at
the chains on her ankles and wrists. She scrabbled at the door,
trying to open it, but it wouldn't budge. She was just going to try
the driver's side when that door opened and Al got in the car.

        But it didn't *look* quite like Al. Rae couldn't figure out
what was different, but this was a different man. His clothes were
the same, but something in the way he moved, the set of his
shoulders was different from the man she knew. He looked over at her
to speak and she covered her mouth in dismay. He had *green* eyes.
Green eyes, just like the man in her dreams. Just like the man in
the hotel in San Francisco......

        "Noooo!" she cried out and pulled frantically at the door
handle. She pounded at the window and tried to power it down.

        "It won't work. I've disabled all the power systems on your
side of the car. I'm the only one who can get the doors or windows
open." His voice was calm, but only a ghost of her friend Al's.
"It's bulletproof, so I doubt if you can break it."

        "Who are you?Why?" She swung around and tried to hit him
with her chained hands. Her eyes were seeing double and she was
dizzy.

        He grabbed her hands before they reached his face. "You know
who I am, Rae. I'm sure Skinner has told you about me. My name is
Alex Krycek."

        Rae tried to maneuver her feet around the stick shift to
kick him, but to no avail. The dizziness was making her nauseous and
she was certain that she was going to be sick.

        "Don't make me tie you any tighter. I have plenty of rope in
the back. I also have this." He held up a small, deadly looking
Beretta. "I won't use it unless I absolutely have to. I don't want
to hurt you, Rae. Someday I hope you'll believe that."

        "What do you mean?" Her head was swimming and she was close
to losing consciousness.

        "I'm trying to keep you safe. I have a cabin in Canada,
we'll stay there for the winter, then move on. Nobody will believe
that I've gone north with winter setting in. They'll look in Mexico
or further south. Then, after ice out, when it's safe we'll move on.
To France maybe, or Spain. We'll stay ahead of them, Rae. We'll be
safe."

        Her voice was a mere whisper as the horror of it set in and
the drug began to reclaim her. "How long....?"

        In a fog she heard his calm voice. "We can't come back, Rae.
Ever."


The End