(STGBT)

The drive to the Hoover building was awkward for the both of them.  Although they tried to talk about the case, it just didn't seem to be on their minds.
As they walked through the parking lot, John stopped and reached out for Monica.  Lightly tugging on her jacket, he turned her so they were face to face.

"Monica, whatever is going on, I just want you to know that you can confide in me."  He stated with a look of compassion.

"I know John," was all she said in return.  As she began walking again, a slight smile came across her lips at the first hint of feelings from John.

They made their way through the long cold hallways of the building, around the turns, and down the elevator to the basement.  There was still a little time to talk about the case before Dana arrived.  As they entered the office, John immediately spotted a vase holding fresh flowers.  He approached them with caution wondering whom they could be from.  No one he knew would send him flowers.  Were they from Brad, the stripper, or some other man that Monica hadn't told him about?  He picked up the pink card that was attached and noticed a woman's handwriting.  After a split second, he read the card.  "It looks like these are for you."

"Um, I wonder who they could be from." She said as she smelled the fresh scent and took the card from John's hands before he had a chance to read it.

He sat as he watched the growing smile reaching from ear to ear on Monica. 
"Well, what's it say and who's it from?"  he questioned with the tone of an interrogation.

"They're from Dana," she began to answer while trying to hide her excitement, "and I'm not going to tell you," she jokingly huffed as she tucked the small memento into her pocket.

"What the hell exactly happened between you two this morning?"  He was puzzled at why she would be sending flowers to Monica.

Quickly remembering the still vivid events, an inward excitement shot through her body, "I told you John, she was just dropping off the case files."

"Monica, I might not be the most romantic person around, but when someone sends you flowers, there has to be a reason."  He got up and moved closer to her.  Trying to be slick, he reached around her as if going for the files, but instead made a move for her pants.

"I don't think so!" she laughed as she shifted leftward and out of his reach.  "It's personal, which means for my eyes only."

"Come on Mon, just tell me."

"Nope!" she exclaimed as she glided around the tiny room to avoid him. 
For the first time in what seemed like a long time, the tension between the two was gone and they were having fun again.

Trapping her against the back filing cabinet, his arms instinctively went around her waist.  He looked her in the eyes as one handed pinned her against his body, and the other fished for her pocket.  No words were exchanged as the two froze in unexpected anticipation.  For so long, both had dreamt of this very moment.  Releasing all his hang-ups, he tilted his head forward to touch those lips he so wanted.  She held her breath as his head moved in slow motion towards her.

Ring....Ring....Ring  the phone chimed out filling the air with an unwanted distraction.  Regaining his composure, John moved to pick up the phone, as Monica let out a sigh of disappointment.  She watched as he shook his head listening to the person on the other end.
"John, who was that?" she asked as he placed the receiver down.

"Follmer, he wants to see both of us right away."  He answered as he grabbed the case files and led her out the door.  "And don't think this is over, I WILL read that card."

*****

(ILS)

The meeting with Assistant Director Follmer was still a little hazy in Monica's mind as the two agents made their way to the lab and the ten o'clock meeting they had with Dana. All she could think about was that moment in the basement office, when John had held her and almost kissed her. Over and over she kept feeling his body against hers in a way she had never felt before.

In the past he had held her, to lift her after an accident or to comfort her, but the recent embrace was different. His firm body against hers, the strong arm around her back, the look of desire from his eyes, his whole being permeated a need that reflected her own. They were really going to kiss.
She imagined his lips on hers and how soft they would feel and how she would open up to him completely if he let her.

During the meeting every so often she and John would glance over to see him watching her and knowing he was probably thinking the same. At first she had been annoyed at Brad for once again coming between her chance at love but more and more she smiled inwardly knowing that John had given a sign, his first sign that his feelings for her went past mere companionship, and that was enough for the moment. There would be other opportunities for the same; she would make sure of it now that she knew.

"What a lot of BS!" John remarked as they took the elevator to the floor to meet Dana in the lab. "You really believe that Monica?" He held up the file with the photos that Assistant Director had given them.

"I know they are unclear but it would appear that they are real and not a hoax, considering the source." Monica was the first to leave the elevator when the doors opened at their destination floor.
"So you believe this could be Bigfoot doing this? Come one, Monica." John was his sceptical self.
"I'm not sure if what people call Bigfoot or a yeti is doing this but there have been sightings before in West Virginia. There were three witnesses as recently as last year in Cabell. In the last five years there have been seventeen official sightings in West Virginia alone and they are from first hand experiences." They walked side by side towards the lab once again in work mode, the mood of the basement a situation on hold.

"You've been doing your research." John leant in to lightly brush against his partner.
"I have to admit, the first time I read about this case, a yeti came to mind so I searched online for recent information."
"Well you know me Monica, I have to see it to believe it. In the meantime I'll keep looking for hard evidence."

They were just about at the lab when John lightly took Monica's elbow. She turned to face him, saw the uneasiness in his eyes and knew what he was going to say. He kept his hand on her elbow as he spoke, showing his partner that he wanted her undivided attention.

"About what we almost did...," John hesitated, taking a breath.
"It's all right John." Monica lifted her hand and gently placed a finger to his lips, silencing him with a simple touch. After a smile at his surprise she turned and smugly pushed the swing doors to the lab.

XXX

"Agent Doggett, Agent Reyes." Dana greeted them, dressed in her lab coat and with her hair tied back. After having peeled off her latex gloves, she was washing her hands in the sink.

John gave a nod and looked over to the covered body that was in mid autopsy on the gurney.
"Dana." Hoping John would see she approached her and gave her a hug that lasted a little longer than John's comfort level. "Thank you for the flowers, they're beautiful."

"I thought you might like them." Dana moved over to the gurney. "My favorite color."
"You know what they say about people who like red." Monica's eyes lit up, all was going to plan. "Intelligent, passionate and a demon in the bedroom."

"I have been told that on a few occasions." Dana also could hardly hold in the laughter as she looked across to the bewildered male agent.

"Ladies, I don't know what's going on here but we have a job to do." He lifted his suit coat to put his hands on his hips. He was in listening mode. Monica just knew that there was much more going on in his mind than coming out in his expression.

"Okay then," Dana said slowly, reverting her mind back from their game. "Let me introduce you to John Doe." Her head went in the direction of the body. "Dental records are being examined as we speak." She lifted the sheet and as she did John's face screwed up at the sight.

"What could do this?" The body was more or less drained of blood and there were deep gashes over most of the skin.
"More like 'who'." Dana looked up to see the agents' reactions.

"What do you mean Dana? You think someone did this and not an animal?" Monica questioned.

"Not exactly."

"Not exactly animal or not exactly human." John wanted to confirm. "Don't tell me you share Monica's crazy theory that Bigfoot did this?"

"We can safely rule out Bigfoot here." She looked from one agent to the other and then resumed her explanation. "I sent a sample I collected from around the wounds to be analysed and it came back that a human did this. These are human bite marks. There were traces of saliva around the wounds."

"Human." John remained puzzled.
"Dana, you're sure of that? So we're looking for someone who gets their kicks out of biting people? Is this the way he died?" Monica moved around the gurney taking a closer look at the body.
"No he died from a stab wound to the heart." She drew the agents' attention to the rough mark that looked similar to the others. "It was made with a primitive weapon. I found traces of wood inside the wound. Also from the loss of blood it looks as though he was killed before all the other attacks were administered."

It was a little heartening to the agents that this man hadn't suffered as much as recently suspected.

"So he was stabbed in the heart by a wooden weapon and then bitten post mortem by someone human." John was making sense of the material.

"Most of that seems to be the case." Dana moved over to the bench where she lifted a piece of paper and handed it to John. "Here, take a look at this."

Looking over lab result reports was not a specialty of his; he preferred them to be explained. He handed it over to his fellow agent.
"So what does all this mean Dana?"

"It means that for all sense and purposes a human did this but the lab results show an anomaly." Dana explained.

"So there was a small difference in the DNA?" Monica was making more sense of the report.
"At first sight it appears human, and is human, but there is a very minute difference. On testing the DNA the lab technician found that the normally short arm of chromosome 13 was elongated."

"What does that mean, Dana?" Monica lifted her eyes from the report.
"Well, we don't know. There's nothing on record anything like it." Dana looked towards John. "The only way we are going to solve this mystery is to find who did this."

The two partners exchanged determined glances. They would both be heading for West Virginia the next morning and then had more reason to solve what was such a puzzling case.

"Thank you, Dana. We'd better get going." Monica wanted to read up about the rest of the case that she'd missed when she's had to go home early with tension headaches.

John nodded and began walking to the door.

"Wait Monica." Dana stopped her with the touch of her hand. John turned also to see that the ladies needed to talk. Normally he would have let them have their private conversation but his curiosity had peaked enough to make him stay.

"Dana?" Monica moved so that she could see both John and Dana.
"I just bought a new stereo system and an expensive bottle of red and wondered if you'd like to come over for dinner tonight and we can test both of them out?"

"Oh, I'd love to," Monica tried to look remorseful. "But I already told Brad I couldn't go out with him because we were off out of state in the morning."

"That's okay, pack your bag and stay the night." Dana looked to see an even more confused John. "Agent Doggett can pick you up from my place in the morning."

*****

(STGBT)

Caught off guard by Dana's brash statement, he stood silent questioning in his head what exactly these two were up.  "Sure, but Monica, don't you think you should get some rest?  We are probably going to have a long day tomorrow."

"Agent Doggett, it's all right.  I'll make sure she's in bed before eleven."  She shot Monica a smile and turned her attention back to their male counterpart.

"I'll be fine John.  It's not that far of a drive.  Pick me up around nine."

She sounded as if she was ordering him around, and not wanting to lose the interest he showed earlier, she walked towards him and placed a hand on his arm.  "Trust me John, I'll be ok in the morning."

All he could do to keep from melting was shake his head in agreement.  At least she's not going out with Brad, he thought as he walked out of the lab.

The journey back to his car was long and excruciating.  Images of what Monica and Dana would be doing later on filtered through his brain.  Though certain something was going on, he was sure that he was blowing this way out of context.  They're just two friends who want to share some girl time before he and Monica leave.  But why stay the night? He questioned. 
Something doesn't make sense here he thought as he reached his car.

"John, wait up!"  Monica screamed as she ran towards her partner.

He turned to see the dark hair flow in the wind that was created by her quick motions.  Good she is so beautiful he said to himself.  "What's up Mon?"

"Dana..." she huffed as she slowed down, "has some cleaning up to do." 
She stopped to catch her breath.  "Could you take me back so I can get my things."

"I thought you were going to wait for Dana?"  he asked as he opened the door for her.

"She's going to pick me up on her way out of her."  She entered the car,
"I'll really appreciate this John."

The entire ride back to her place, his previous thoughts weighed on his mind.  He wanted answers, but didn't want to push her away with an interrogation routine.  This morning had been great, and leaving the tension in the office was the best course of action he decided upon.  "So, what do you make of Dana's findings?"  He asked with his usual straight face.

"Intriguing for sure.  If it is a human doing this, then we are going to have our work cut out for us.  If it's an animal, then I doubt it wants to be caught, therefore, we are going to have a tougher time."  She turned to look at his rugged features as she answered.  It amazed her how such a rugged man could also be compassionate and caring.  Especially towards the ones he was close to.  She knew his son's case had taken its toll on him, and hoped that she could be the one to finally ease his pain.

Once they arrived at her place, he shut the ignition off and swiveled his body towards her, arm resting on the wheel.  "Monica, take it easy tonight please.  Both of us need to be thinking clear over the next couple of days.  And..."  He was lost as to phrase his next statement.

"I've already told you John, I'll be fine, but thank you for worrying."  She smiled and touched his arm that was resting on the centre consol.  "And we can talk about what's on your mind later.  We'll have plenty of time in route to West Virginia."  She opened the door and started to exit when John stopped her.

"How do you know what I was going to say?"  he questioned.

"Because it's been on my mind as well."  Leaned into the car and shot him a sexy glance before shutting the door.

As he watched her walk away, he screamed. "I was going to tell you to lay off the cigarettes" as if she would hear.  'How does she do that?' he asked himself as he started the engine back up.  If only he had seen the glow that was radiating from her face knowing she had left him puzzled and confused.
Dana grabbed the bag from the back seat and handed over to Monica.  As she pulled her own things from the trunk, she asked why such a small bag. 
Monica explained to her that she didn't think they would be out there that long, and if it became necessary to extend their stay, it wasn't really that long of a drive back.  Plus it would give her an excuse to check in with her about the case.  As Monica's eyes met Dana's, that warm feeling from
the other night returned.

They settled in to Dana's place, bags were put away, and glasses of chilled red wine were poured.  Flipping through her CD's, Dana chose one and pressed play.  As she walked toward Monica on the couch, the music started:

"A bottle of red....a bottle of white,

it all depends upon your appetite."

"Um, Billy Joel, I haven't heard this in years."  Monica stated as she closed her eyes and swayed her head to the soft tones entering her ears.

"I figured it was a good way to start out the evening.  A little slow, with the player on random, so who knows what will come on next."  Dana took a sip of her wine, "So what did John say about the flowers?"

"He was absolutely flabbergasted!  The look on his face was priceless Dana."
She laughed as she talked about.  "He wanted so bad to read the card, but there was no way I was letting him."

"So you think it's working?"  Scully asked as the CD changed and the beat picked up.

"I'd say so.  All day I could tell he wanted to ask me what happened between us."  As she answered, Dana's face was becoming red at the thoughts of their interlude, and what might happen tonight.  Monica continued, "It was cute, he was like a little kid that had to know what was going on around him.  He suspects something, but still hasn't put his finger on it."

"Well then, what do we do next?"  Dana asked with as her facial expressions went from amusement to seduction.  All she could really think about now was having Monica's naked body against hers again.

"That's a good question.  I think small playful touches and "steeling" glances from each other would really drive him nuts.  You should have seen him chasing me around the office today trying to get your card from me."

Monica just stopped talking to drink a little and let the image linger in her head awhile longer before Dana's curious nature had her breaking down.  She began tell in detail had John had insisted on reading the card and their cat and mouse game started.  As she talked about the playful manner in which moved around the usually cold office, Dana moved in closer.  Not so much as
to hear better, but to watch Monica's lips move in childlike excitement. 

With each word, Dana's inner fire heated up.  When Monica reached the point where her and John were inches away and ready to kiss, Dana lost all control, and planted her own lips onto Monica's dark rows.

"Um Dana!"  she exclaimed as she felt Dana's teeth gently bite down onto her lower lip.
Moving her hands to caress the flowing red locks, she gazed into the shiny blue orbs.  "Thank you so much for the flowers and the wonderful card."

*****

(ILS)

"I meant what I said, you know." Dana's hand moved down Monica's arm to her fingers where she lightly caressed them.
"The card, you mean?" Monica linked fingers with Dana's and squeezed, showing her pleasure at remembering what the card had said and what John would think if he ever got his hands on it.

"You should let him see it. In fact, I was half expecting him to maybe see the card first and be tempted to read it." Dana could smell Monica's perfume and together with the poetic strains of the music was putting her under the spell she had been dreaming about and hoping for all day.
"I'm not sure how he would react."
"That's all the fun of the game, no matter what he thinks it is what you tell him that matters. His mind is probably going overboard thinking the worst. He's bound to ask you for a definitive answer soon, probably on the way in the car tomorrow." Dana watched Monica's thoughtful face as the gears turned in her mind.

"I could think of a way for him to just come across it." Monica couldn't help but smile at the way Dana was so involved her seduction of John Doggett.

"I'd have to be there to see his face," The dark haired agent mentioned.
"Monica," Dana's tone softened in synchrony with the change of music.
"You love John, I know, but how does he feel towards you? How could you be certain all this is not pushing him away?" Dana had a point. There was only so much teasing a guy could take before giving up the chase.

"I've known John a long time, if it was all becoming too much I'd know. Besides, the way he is so protective of me whenever the word 'Brad' is mentioned, it's more than just partnership."
"So what did Brad say to you? He asked you on a date?" Monica shifted uncomfortable for a moment recalling their puzzling meeting.

"He said he'd talked to John who said he was okay with it." Monica turned a little side on to see Dana's expression.
"That's strange, do you think he really talked to John?"
"Maybe but I can't see John giving away his affection for me so would have brushed him off somehow."

"So what did you tell him?" Dana was curious.

"I told him I was in love with someone else." Monica's grin was impish. "That certainly stopped him in his tracks."
"So he knows it's John."
"That's the first thing he asked, so without denying it, I said I'm in love with a woman, and then left with a huge grin on my face." Monica's expression demonstrated to Dana exactly what Brad would have seen.

"I would have loved to have seen his face." Playfully Dana rested a hand on Monica's forearm. "Do you think he'll talk to John?"
"No doubt, it'll be an interesting topic when he brings it up on our car trip."

Monica took a couple more sips of wine and then laid her head back on the couch, absorbing the soothing sounds of Simon and Garfunkel.

"Tell me more about the moment you had with John in the office." Dana wanted to get Monica back in the mood she was in before the mention of Brad and conducive to a visit to the bedroom. They had both had an eventful day and Monica did need to make an early start in the morning.

"I so wanted him to kiss me Dana. He wanted it too. I could almost taste his lips; they were so close. That aftershave of his drives me wild." Closing her eyes she remembered the missed moment.

"Let's say the phone hadn't rung, would you have just left it at a kiss?" Dana was becoming flushed at the thought of Monica explaining in detail what she and John would do.

"I'm not one for office sex, reminds me too much of Brad. Depending how the kiss panned out I probably would have suggested finding somewhere to finish what we'd started, if you know what I mean." Monica sighed. "Oh Dana, you don't know how much I have dreamed of the day he would take me to his bed. His arm around me today, the desire in his eyes, had me wanting him so much more, my insides ached."

"Come here," Dana alighted from the couch and held her hands out for her friend to take. As she led her in the direction of the bedroom she continued, "I have a surprise for you, I've been thinking about it all day."
"Oh?"
"No questions okay? Just get ready for bed and I'll be back soon." As Dana left the room Monica started to undress curious as to what Dana had in mind.

*****

Monica stripped down to just her underwear and threw on a floppy T-shirt over her naked breasts. Was she perhaps ringing John and telling him to come around and quell her desires for a man? There was more to Dana's invitation to spend the night than just that.

When she slipped under the covers Dana came back into the bedroom holding something in her hand. Behind her back was something else hidden.

"Here, put this on." She held out what Monica assumed to be a blindfold.
"What for Dana?" Monica complied as Dana explained.
"I'm going to be John. I want you to imagine that everything I do to you is him." Both ladies were becoming quite aroused with the fantasy, Dana with what she would do and Monica with what she'd receive.

Monica lay back; the blindfold secured around her eyes and took the bed covers off her body. She heard the switch of the bedside lamp and imagined the glow of moonlight permeating the surrounds. There were no words, only a few shuffles that Monica interpreted as clothing being removed. Her pulse rate was almost audible as she felt Dana's, no, John's body make a dip in the bed, and then there was that scent of his. Her friend had bought John's aftershave. Monica's chest rose and fell with anticipation as she felt soft fingers raking through her hair and then smooth over her cheeks and run along her lips.

The aroma came closer and John's lips were on hers, at first tenderly kissing.

"Hmm," A small murmur escaped her throat. Her tongue pushed past the warm lips into the inviting mouth of her lover. A hand dragged over the fabric of her clothing and over her breasts making her growl with yearning. John's hand then went underneath, moving up to feel over the mounds of soft flesh, teasing and tantalizing with his touch.

Their kiss slowly abated when John had other plans for his mouth. He sat astride her, immediately going for the hem of the upper garment and pulling it over her head, letting her breasts feel the air and the sudden exposure. Resisting the urge to touch the body above her she clung fiercely to the sheets as his mouth wandered over where his hand had been. The tongue lapped at her nipples, lightly twisting and turning them in his teeth and then sudden suction put Monica into critical mode.

"John, I want you to...," As if all was understood, the mouth traversed down her body on route over her stomach to the rim of her underwear. The waft of John's scent lingered near her nostrils making her truly believe that this was John pulling down and off, her only remaining piece of clothing. Kisses traced the naked path back to her engine room, pushing her legs apart with his strong hands.

"Please...," Monica implored, hoping John would instinctively know what she wanted. The heat of the mouth was millimeters from her hub of eternal desire. A tongue licked over the lips and between the small crease, opening up her furnace.

"Oh! Oh!" She sighed as the tongue ran circles around the plump piece of flesh. There was an instant when cool air hit her; the mouth was gone.
"More please..." Monica appealed, spreading her legs further and lifting her hips wanting renewed contact. Then she felt it, John's aroused mast, rubbing over her lips and pushing through the barrier to slide up and down beside her fleshy clit.

John's knees held her thighs apart when she felt his solid wand push at her entrance. Gripping the bed sheets, she willed him to push it all in, fully immersing himself inside her. With his thumb rubbing her love button, he pushed his stiff erection all the way in and began a rhythm that only a man could ride.

She willed him to speak and tell her how much he loved being inside her.

"Oh, you're so hot and sexy Monica." She imagined his throaty voice praise her state of physical desire. "Relax and let me fill you up, it feels so good inside you." His breath was belting out warmth near her mouth. The movement below increased, judging her path towards ultimate sexual pleasure. In her mind his voice continued its sexy talk. "Tonight I'm going to come inside you over and over until you beg me for some sleep."

Feeling the thickness slide in and out, imagining this to be John above her and in her, she huffed his name and then let it all flow, all her wildest wishes being satisfied with one event. Her thoughts envisioned him pumping his love juice and grunting out his own satisfaction.

Her fingers slowly released the cloth they had wrinkled and relaxed back onto the pillow, savoring the first time with her lover, John.

"Sleep for now," John whispered as his spent need for her slithered out and his body lay beside hers, contentedly stroking a line between her breasts. The last thing she remembered before sleep was a kiss on the cheek and the blindfold being slipped off her closed eyelids.

*****

(ILS)

Monica had wanted to also satisfy Dana but moreover she didn't want to wake her from her sound sleep. There was only a period of twenty minutes before John was due to pick her up to go on their trip, just enough time for a quick shower and an even more speedy breakfast.

While soaping her body her lips formed a smile as she considered what Dana had done for her. It was so much more real than just the fantasies she had experienced in the past. Her lips formed an even bigger smile knowing that she would be spending at least the next couple of days with John, day and night. She had done this on many occasions before but this time it would be different. It would be a chance to work on his mind more. Ever since the day before, with the magical moment before the promised kiss, she had known that the time was approaching that they would kiss for real. She licked her lips in the expectation of his lips on hers for the very first time.

There was only five minutes to have breakfast after she had dressed, leaving her hair to dry naturally. Monica was in two minds whether to wake a still sleeping Dana when there was a familiar knock at the door.
As planned she quickly placed Dana's card at random on the coffee table in her living room near some other papers, hoping John would see it.

"Hello handsome." Monica had decided to say something out of the ordinary to catch John off guard. "Come in. I'll just get my bag."
"So that's the new regulation now?" John entered and looked around the room for nothing in particular.  "All female agents have to address their male partners with something to do with their looks?"
"Nup, just the sexy ones," her eyebrows lifted as she went towards Dana's bedroom.

"You know that's sexual harassment." John called after her, and then saw the familiar card on the low table. Having no qualms about reading it because he had said he would at some stage, he picked it up. His eyes widened and his face flushed on viewing the words.

"You feel harassed by that John?" As Monica reappeared with her bag and a jacket draped over her forearm he dropped his hand with the card to his side.
"No, but I can see tongues wagging if anyone was to hear it."

"Don't worry John, I won't embarrass you in front of your friends. I'll only call you handsome when we're alone." She grinned then looked back to the bedroom still wondering whether to wake Dana, she had left her a note that she would see her in a couple of days and how wonderful the previous night had been. As her head turned, John slipped the card in his jacket pocket.

"That's all right then." John went along with the repartee. "Where's Dana?"
"Still asleep."

"Not anymore." Dana appeared from her bedroom door dressed in a short robe exposing a little more flesh than John was used to.
"Good morning my love," Monica greeted her newly woken lover. Dana knew she was putting on a show for John. "Wasn't sure whether to wake you, you looked so peaceful sleeping."
"You should have woken me, I wanted to wave you goodbye." Her hand went to Monica's cheek and she gently brushed it with a finger.

"My love?" John had to interject. "What's gotten into you two? First it's greeting me as handsome and now Dana is your love?"
"Just having a little fun." Monica blew it off. "We have to get going."
"What did you two do last night?"  He picked up Monica's bag for her and headed for the front door.
"I'll tell you on the drive." Monica was almost pushing him out the door. She looked back to give Dana a wink.

Dana pulled on Monica's elbow wanting her to hold up for a moment. She turned to see a gleam in her friend's eyes and she leant in for a mutual kiss on the lips. It was only for an instant but enough time for John to turn and see it. He was unusually quiet but Monica knew he would open up in the car and was excited at the prospect of where the conversation would lead.

"I'll miss you." Dana waved after them.

*****

(ILS)

For the first minutes of the drive Monica busied herself with the map, giving John directions to West Virginia. There was no time for personal conversation until they were safely on the highway heading northwest. It was clear that John was mulling over the events of the morning. She knew he had seen the card, she had seen the aftermath of his astonished face and that the card was in his hand by his side. What had happened to it after that, she didn't know.

"The officer in charge is expecting us at about six this evening." John was the first to talk. Monica was surprised it was work related but she knew they would eventually talk about the inevitable. "Follmer filled him in on Dana's findings. He was as skeptical as I was about this thing being human."

"Dana's results don't lie." Monica added.
"No, but neither do they tell the whole truth just yet. The locals still believe it to be animal, a predator, maybe more than one." John was silent for a moment. "Oh, by the way, they've found some human bones in the general vicinity of the other three bodies. They're on the way to Dana now."

"So you think they might be connected?"
"Could be so but the puzzling thing is that they have the same bite marks on them." John did a customary check in his rearview mirror.
"Why is that puzzling?"
"Well, the three bodies had bite marks but none of the flesh was missing. If they hadn't been found then they would have decomposed as whole skeletons."

"Not necessarily." Monica went to get a drink bottle from her bag to take a swig. "Other predators could have come along and finished them off."
"Okay, we'll see what Dana has to say after she's examined the possible new evidence." John looked across to her bottled water. "Do you have another one of those?"

"No, but you can share mine." He received the container willingly and took a long drink and then handed it back. "Thanks." With the back of his hand he wiped a stray droplet from his lips. Monica found herself focusing on John's lips and reminiscing about Dana's kiss the previous night. She had imagined it was John. What would it really be like to kiss those lips and for him to return the pleasure?

"So Follmer asked you on a date?" Monica wondered if he would bring up that conversation. "You'd think the man got his message back in New York."
"It's funny you should say that John." Monica turned her body slightly to face him. "He told me he had your sanctions. Since when does he ask permission from another man to date a woman?"

"I just thought he was trying to dig up some dirt." John stared ahead at the road not wanting his partner to read his expression. "I didn't think he would go through with it."
"Maybe it was a bit of both." Monica braced herself for the reaction to what she was going to say next. "I don't think he'll ask me again."

"Oh, why not?" John was a little relieved.
"Because I told him I was in love with someone else." It was Monica's turn to look straight ahead.
"What?" Was that a slight swerve in the steering? "You were joking weren't you?"

"I am in love with someone," Monica's statement was genuine.
"What did you tell him?" There was a little urgency in John's question.

"I told him I was in love with a woman." She tried to keep a calm face but a smile was creeping through.
"Monica!" John's voice was filled with frustration.
"It was said to get him off my back. If anyone questions me about it I'll just say it was a joke."

There was a long silence that Monica had no intention of interrupting. She wanted him to think it all through and connect the dots.

"So did it feel good?" John broke the extended quiet.
"Feel good?" Monica pretended not to understand.
"Kissing Dana. What's with you two? Sending flowers, staying the night, farewell kisses, a card that tells you that how good you smell and feel as you lie beside her all night?" John briefly looked over to the passenger seat to see an unfazed partner.

"We're just becoming better friends. Can't work colleagues be friends too?" Monica looked out at the passing scenery deciding not to mention that he knew the contents of Dana's card.
"Tell me about last night. What did you two do to make you all chummy?" Monica had been waiting patiently for that question.
"We decided we'd experiment."

"Experiment?"
"You don't want to know, just girl stuff." The pink flush was rising on Monica's neck.
"Try me."
"Promise me you won't think I'm weird?"
"I already thought that since the numerology case we did awhile back," he chuckled.

"Okay, well Dana and myself decided to kiss. Not just a peck on the cheek but full blown passion." Monica saw the frown begin on her partner's face. "Told you, you didn't want to know."
"Why?"
"We were having a discussion about men and Dana said she didn't think that a woman could kiss as well as a man. I decided to prove her wrong."
"So what was her diagnosis?" John played along with more determination than Monica had predicted.
"She agreed with me."

"So if I were to kiss you it wouldn't be as good as Dana?" John looked over and noticed her shifting and licking her lips. He knew what he had to do and pulled into a rest spot beside the road.
"What are you doing John?"

He shut off the engine and then turned on his side to talk.

"I am sick of all this nonsense between you and Dana. I am going to prove to you that you are wrong."
"I don't think so John."

He moved in closer and put his right arm around her back, drawing her even closer than in the basement office the day before. With his left hand his fingers splayed through her hair and drew her lips to his. They tilted heads, hearts madly beating, until there was contact. Monica left her mouth a little open as John kissed all over the sensitive rows of flesh and then she responded back. Her left hand moved in slow motion to his back drawing him close until the pressure of their joined bodies was building.
Her tongue was the first to venture past her lips and into his open mouth and was met by his, gently caressing the hot wet muscles. Their jaws moved languidly, devouring every ounce of sexual energy released by something as simple as a mutual kiss.

The heat rose in the cabin as they stayed for ages, absorbing what they had both wanted, had dreamed about for years.

"Hmm," Monica took a breath through her nose and then kissed his lips lightly as his eyes closed internalizing the sensation. An almost silent croak came from John's throat as he once more put more pressure into the union. Neither of them wanted to stop. Monica's hand felt over John's back through his shirt, wishing she could just rip it off him and feel the hot, energized muscles first hand. John absently played with her hair while the other hand traversed every inch of her back.

It took the sound of a car horn blaring for them to break from the spell they had woven for each other. Their lips broke the lock and they were left staring at each other in awe.

*****

(STGBT)

Still in a state of shock over their intense kiss, John's hands instinctively reached for the keys and started the car again.  He was in such a heated state that he hadn't pulled all the way into a parking spot and was blocking the lane.  Monica sat and starred with a wide smile across her face as she watched John and the inevitable thoughts that were turning in his head.

"John, I always knew you were a take charge kind of guy, but I never expected that!"  Actually she had, but had to play into his machoism.

"Well Monica, there's a lot you don't know about me.  So, was I as good as Dana?"  He asked with a new found brashness.  He could still taste her on his lips, and every so often would lick his own to recapture the essence.

"It was different."  She noticed that her words had stung his pride a little.  "But in a good way," she attempted to save face, "You have to understand that there is a certain chemistry between two woman, a more gentle feel.  You had more passion in your kiss."

He glanced over at her and smiled, "So is that a good thing?"

"Yes John, it is."  She answered as she placed a hand on his arm.

Passing a sign that said, "Welcome to West Virginia", his good mood suddenly turned sour at the thought of what might be waiting for them.  Whether human or animal, something was wreaking havoc in the distant hills, and not knowing enough about what was waiting for them made him uncomfortable.

Though a small state in comparison with the other forty-nine, the drive from Washington had them cutting across the widest part of the state.  Their travels took them through small towns in the flat lands, across long stretches of highway, and eventually to the base of the mountains in the
Appalachian region.

The Appalachian Region was a densely wooded range that connected the Northeast part of the country with the Southeast.  A trail stretching from Vermont to the Carolina's cut across this portion of the state.  Though heavily travelled in the summer months, the rest of the year it was a desolate area.  Thinly populated with poor farm families who have never left, most of the area was untouched by the advances of civilization. 
Even those persons still surviving were poor in everything but spirit, and epitomized the term country-folk.

They entered the last of the small towns before the countryside turned into giant mountain ranges in front of them.  Driving through the narrow streets, they both looked for any sign of local law enforcement.  Since they entered the state, their unknown future weighed on their minds, and no more was said about the kiss.  Both knew they had a job to do, and personal issues would have to be pushed aside.

Feeling hungry, Monica suggested they stop for a late lunch before moving around the town anymore.  They had made better time then expected, so John agreed.  Pulling into a spot along the side of the road, John paid the meter and looked up at the Diner sign that glowed neon red.  "I don't know about this Monica?"

"Get used to, because who knows how long we'll be here."  She pulled on his arm to drag him inside.

He looked around at the joint, and felt less then at ease with the scene.  There were only three other people in the place.  A cook behind the open faced hole in the kitchen, a plump red haired waitress, and a man who looked about fifty, sitting at a stool, smoking a cigarette and drinking a coffee.  As they approached the counter, John stopped Monica and pointed at a booth.

"How ya'll doin t'day?"  The woman asked as they took their seats. 
"What can I geeet fur ya two?"

John's turned his face towards the window trying to hide his disgust at having to be here.  "Some coffee, and menu's please."  Monica interjected before John could say something stupid.

XXX

The lab:

Preparing to look over the fresh set of bones, Dana pushed her arms through the slots of the lab coat.  Feeling the warm material brought thoughts of Monica back to her brain.  The two nights she had spent with Monica were exhilarating.  In her wildest imaginations, never would she have thought that making love to another woman could be so intense and pleasurable.

She shook her head in disbelief at her actions, and how much she enjoyed them.  The feel of Monica's skin was like a fine suit of silk clothing. 
She smiled at how much delight she was getting from this.  Somewhere in her thoughts however, she started to wonder if it was her that Monica was actually making love to last night, or if it was John.  Had she taken it too far by allowing Monica that fantasy?  Tilting her head back, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath to help clear her mind.  She then turned her attention back to the remains lying behind her.

She studied the bones as if trying to decode a puzzle.  The coroner had left several bones, but not in a recognizable manner.  After careful examination, she laid them out according to placement in the body.  Before her laid two leg fragments, some pieces to a rib cage, and some arm and finger bones. 
Everything looked normal, until she picked up the ribs.  Two small indentations were cut across two of the bones.  These lined up with a split between the two pieces above the ones she was looking at.  She concluded that a weapon of some sort caused the cut.

Peering closely at the rest of the fragments under a magnifying glass, she found bite marks throughout the structures, some small, some large. And for the first time, in any of the remains, noticed long slice marks. 
Comparing the bite marks with these, she found the size to be relatively the same.  In her head, she was beginning to paint a picture of what had happened to this person, and compared it with what she had found on the previous victims.

Wanting to make sure of her findings, she sent the bones for further testing: not wanting to call John or Monica until she was sure.  A couple of hours passed before she had any reply.  It was conclusive, the same person or thing did this, but the smaller marks could only be identified as human, and not from the same one as the larger marks.

Picking up the phone, she called Monica right away.  She knew full well that John would want definite answers, and that Monica could understand better. 
"Hello, Monica, it's Dana."

"Why, hi Dana."  She made sure to answer with a glint of excitement.  As Dana talked, she looked over at John who was still trying to avoid the waitress and her questions.  "Uh huh, I'll tell him.  I'll check in with you later.  Bye."  As she hung up the phone, a broad smile was shot at John.

"So, what did she have to say?"  John asked as he pushed his half full plate aside.  "And how can anyone eat this garbage?"

"It would appear that there might be two of whatever it is that's out there."

"Two, come on!"  He said in disregard of Dana's finding.

"Yes John.  It would seem that there is a large and a small one.  If indeed human, Dana thinks that it is a parent and offspring.  There were two sizes of bite marks, but only one set that actually scraped anything from the bone. This indicates that the larger one was helping to feed the smaller one."

"Do they match the other evidence that was found?"  As he asked, he noticed the waitress hovering around.

"I don't mean to interrupt or anythang, but are you two here 'bout those dead bodies?"  She moved in closer as if keeping a secret.

"Yes ma'am, we're with the FBI, and are here to investigate."  Monica answered.

"Well, I sure do hope you catch that animal.  It's bin scaring people  'round here to death.  Bad for business too, keeping all them hikers away."

"We'll do our best, and if you could get the bill please, we have to be going now."  John stated as he looked at the waitress with a get out of here stare.  "Did Dana tell you anything else?"

"Yes, the large incisions and bite marks match the others.  I'll tell you the rest as we locate the sheriff."  As Monica finished, she laid some money on the table.

Before she could walk away, John picked it up and handed back to her, "I'll get this!" he said with a smile and walked her out to the car.

*****

(ILS)

John gently knocked on Monica's door and on hearing nothing, turned the knob to find it unlocked. He shook his head and smiled. Monica was too trusting sometimes. Here they were in a place close to where bodies were being found and she kept her door unlocked, inviting anyone to enter.

"Monica?" he quietly called from the open door, then moved inside. There she was just lying on the bed taking a nap. Taking the opportunity to watch he sat on a nearby couch and waited until she stirred.

After lunch they had decided to check into their motel and freshen up before visiting the Sheriff. He wasn't expecting them until later anyway. The two agents had been given rooms a few doors apart, something about renovations but John saw no hint of any work being done. They had decided to take about an hour to settle in, shower and change and meet at reception, but Monica had not shown.

As he settled into the comfortable seat there was an opportunity to just watch her and reflect on how their relationship was progressing. John chuckled at his own thoughts, 'What relationship!'. She looked so peaceful lying there just in her black dress pants and a white shirt that had ridden up exposing a little midriff. How he wanted to simply reach out and run his hand over the soft skin and then maybe underneath if she would let him. Then he would run his fingers through her dark tresses and kiss her again. This time they wouldn't be interrupted but would let it progress past just a kiss and as far as Monica would let it go.
John hoped it would be all the way.

He had dreamed about the day he and Monica would make love for the first time. He wanted it to happen so badly but he also wanted Monica to be ready. The past few days had put those thoughts on hold. There was something about her behaviour that had changed. For some reason she was spending more time with Dana and to him it seemed more than just friendship.

His thoughts went back to the conversation in the car about their experimental kiss. Had the two ladies really had the discussion about who were better kissers, men or women? So his kiss was different, just different? John couldn't get the feel of her lips on his and her body so close, off his mind ever since the incident at the side of the road. There would have to be a repeat, he wanted to feel all those sensations again. Surely she'd had the same reaction or they wouldn't have kissed for so long and so passionately.

As she stirred there were small sighs from her throat and her body moved sensuously. John imagined that body beneath him, making those same sounds as he gave her oral attention. Instinctively, he rose from the chair and made his way to her bed. Without being able to control his actions he gently sat and began moving wisps of hair away from her face.

"Hmm, John." Her eyes were closed as if dreaming. Monica's body kept moving in a way that was slowly driving him wild, so his fingers moved further. Over her cheeks he felt their dewy texture then traced her lips that parted, leaving his fingers warm from her tepid breath. "More." Was she awake or was she half asleep? Either way she was calling his name, not Dana's.

His fingers drew lazy lines over her jaw and then down over her neck on a path to the top shirt button.
"John," she whispered as her chest lifted to meet his fingers. He was tempted to undo the buttons but he was still unsure as to her state of consciousness. Instead he went to that alluring piece of flesh he'd had his eye on as he'd entered the room. Running the backs of his fingers over her abdomen he felt just how soft it really was. He wanted to go further and feel more skin and by the sound of it Monica wanted it too but there was something holding him back.

"John, lie with me?" Monica's eyes were still closed but he then knew she was awake.
"Only for a moment." He rose and took off his suit coat and rested it on the chair, then took off his shoes. Monica smiled as she made room for her partner to lie beside her.

They lay close, breathing in each other's warmth and scent. John draped an arm over her and traced a soft line over her hips and then up again to rest on the small of her back.

"Hmm," Monica moaned pleasure. "Kiss me John." For the first time her eyes opened and he saw the delightful auburn irises looking back at him with desire.
"We have to get moving." He knew that what they were doing shouldn't be happening, especially out of town and on a case together.
"Just one kiss, you started this," she implored and he couldn't resist.

Anticipating the feeling of their lips joined once more it was so much better than even imagined. This time they weren't in the confines of a car cabin but on a soft bed, a medium conducive to restful pleasure. His eyes closed as he kissed her softly at first. Several kisses grew in intensity until it was one extensive session just absorbing all the delightful sensations that two people in mutual bonding could elicit. Both their arms pulled their bodies closer until they could feel each other's definite arousal. Monica threaded a knee between John's thighs and then hooked her leg with his, pulling on him to lie on top.

John's body lightly lay on hers as they continued their devouring kisses. Monica widened her legs allowing John's groin to brush and push against her. He could feel her hands amble over his back and then make their way to just below his belt. The way her fingers managed his body made him ache for her, to be complete with her. Fingers outlined his belt from the back to the front where she began undoing the buckle. There was something wrong about what was happening. It wasn't until she had undone his pants button and was going to unzip when he unlocked his lips and spoke.

"Monica," John breathily appealed but seriously wanted to let his body comply. "This is very unprofessional." He lay over her, wanting her, needing her but the practical side was winning as it had for too many recent years.

"I know," she sighed smiling and began doing up his pants button again. He gave her one last kiss and was proud that she understood where they were and what they should be doing. "Later?"

"I don't know," It was true, he didn't know, John didn't know what to think. To him it was all a little too fast and awkwardly timed. He knew she would be disappointed and so was he but how could he possibly concentrate on the case after having made love to this beautiful woman. There were people dying here. What if one more was to die because they were absorbed with each other rather than looking for the killer?

He sat on the edge of the bed tying his shoes and shaking his head trying to make sense of why he had lost control. Her hand made its last journey down his back as she got off the bed to get ready to pay a visit to the local Sheriff's office.

After Monica donned her suit coat they were ready to go.

"John?" she stopped him before he exited. He turned, trying to keep his features in control. "I really enjoyed what we just did and I know you did too."

"Monica, I don't want to talk about it now, okay?" He gave a small exasperated look, wanting and needing to get back into case mode.
"I understand but we will need to talk sometime. We need to be open with each other if we are going to be clear headed to solve this mystery."

She had a point and wasn't going to let him out the door until she had some sort of deal.

"All right, tonight then, over dinner." John conceded.  Monica smiled as she opened the door and walked through. "But not at that diner."
"I'm sure we can find somewhere a little more fancy."

*****

(ILS)

The township of Beruga would have populated no more than five hundred, although it was difficult to tell. The wooded areas meant that much of the housing was hidden between trees and other vegetation; the only sign of residential status seemed to be a mailbox and a dirt track for vehicle access. The motel's owner had told them that it was against the law to cut down any trees or clear land without the proper authorization. It had been back twenty years since the townsfolk had decided that they wanted their town to be their sanctuary, left in much the same environment it had been for eons.

The Sheriff's station was near the end of a line of strip shops that meandered the slope of the mountain on a gentle upward gradient. It was a converted house with a worn picket fence and a path that led right from the gate to the front door.

The two special agents took a breath and gave each other a final look as if to say, 'From here on we pass into the realm of the unknown'. John knocked and entered.

"Sheriff? Anyone?" John called as Monica walked behind him. The place was quiet. There were a few desks strewn with papers in what possibly was once the living room. An extensive wall map of the area took up half of one of the walls and filing cabinets part of another. One large window on the opposite side of the room afforded a view of yet more of the forest.
Two closed doors on opposing sides of the space led off to other rooms.

"Anyone here?" Monica chimed. "He was expecting us?" She shot a glance at John.
"Possibly not this early. We could have called." He opened one of the doors that lead to a smaller room that was outfitted like a games room. It had a smallish pool table in the center, a pile of board games lay in a stack on a side table and there were two hookey boards side by side on a wall.

"Looks like these guys have some time on their hands," John remarked as he closed the door and eyed the rest of the room.
"The kitchen's through that way." Monica's head went in the direction of the only other door.

"Looks like they just stepped out." Partially hidden by some papers from one of the desks John picked up a cup of coffee that was still steaming.

At that moment the front door opened and in walked a large man dressed in the usual sheriff's garb. He was carrying what looked to be a shopping parcel.

"You must be Agents Doggett and Reyes." He placed the package on a nearby chair and went to shake their hands. "I'm Sheriff Watts. Call me Reg."

"Hello Reg, I'm Reyes," Monica replied warmly as she accepted his hand.
"You always leave your door unlocked when there's a killer on the loose?" John did his usual squint at the seemingly amiable man. It was a wonder more people were not put off guard by his cool initial approach.

The Sheriff grinned and picked his parcel up, taking it to the kitchen. Through the open door they could hear him busying himself as he spoke.

"There's been no need in the past. We're pretty much a peaceful township." He entered the room again. "You two want coffee?"
"No thanks." Monica responded and John just shook his head. Momentarily he went back into the kitchen and appeared with a steaming cup for himself, clearly having forgotten the one he had left under the papers on his desk.

"No big time stuff here, we may have to attend minor disputes here and there, check out the local hotel at closing time." He trailed off as he sat at his desk. Sheriff Reginald Watts was not looking as though he would spring into action any time soon.

"You have a lovely town here Reg," Monica had a way with making her questions seem natural. "Hope you don't mind me asking but how do you all make a living? I see no industry here."
"Well, we more or less rely on the hikers who come through here. There are some well known walking tracks. There are a few market gardens selling their organic produce to the big city and many just come to live here on retirement. We pretty much want to lead the simple life."

"So a few dead bodies would be a big thing for you." John stated, wanting the pace to move along.

"Yes, and that's why I'd appreciate it if the bureau could keep it under wraps from the press just until we could shine some light on all this." He leant forward to take a sip of the hot liquid.

"Reg," Monica's calmer voice continued the questions. "Has anything like this happened in the past? Do you have any records of unexplained disappearances that might be connected with this case?"

The Sheriff shuffled through some of the papers on his desk and drew out a folder.
"Here, this is a file outlining all the disappearances from here and the surrounding towns in the last twenty years." He took another sip and then relaxed back in his chair. "As you can see most of them were found later, safe and well. Like many disappearances these people just didn't wanted to be bothered for a while."

Monica flicked through a few of the pages and handed the file to her partner.
"So what these files are telling us is that there have been only two unexplained vanishing acts in the last twenty years." John couldn't believe what he was reading. He looked intently at the Sheriff as he replied.

John's female partner stood.
"I think Agent Doggett and myself would like to visit the scene now." They had received the background they had required to hear and wanted to look over the area to glean information only their experienced eyes might see.

Sheriff Watts once again busied himself in the papers eventually pulling out a map.

"Here, head up the mountain," he pointed with a finger. "About three miles along, you will come to a walking track on the right. You will need to go on foot about a mile."

John interrupted,
"You're not coming with us? We're not familiar with this area."
"It's getting late and I have a two week old baby at home." He looked from one surprised agent to the other, and then continued his instructions as if letting two FBI agents out in a strange area by themselves approaching nightfall was the most natural thing in the world. "Call me if you have any questions but not after eight."

"Do you have a deputy?" John looked around at the other desk.
"Strachan is on leave, due back tomorrow." He hesitated, thinking. "Look, if you want to leave this until morning..,"

"No," Monica placed a hand on John's arm. "That's okay, we'll investigate now." She could tell he was about to explode concerning the lack of manpower when there were unexplained savage deaths on their hands. She gave his arm a knowing squeeze and John also stood. He was not happy but he knew he would get nothing else out of the man that evening.

*****

"Monica, this is nonsense." Looking back in frustration at the Sheriff's station John then opened the car door for his partner.
"I know John, highly inconsistent." He turned the ignition and the rumble of the car engine replaced the outside silence.
"He was hiding something. Did you see the look he gave you when you said you wanted to see the scene?" John placed the gear in drive and slowly moved off.

"He was frightened."
"Well why the frikkin' hell doesn't he have more men here?" John's jaw clenched from the irritation of the situation.
"He knows more than he's letting on." Monica stated the obvious.

"You don't say, did you see that expensive gold Rolex he was wearing?" He shot a glance at his passenger. "And the shoes weren't exactly small town general store material."

"I think we should just play along. We should do our job and report back anything we find. We can ask for reinforcements from the bureau if we have to." It was not until Monica was about to place a hand on John's thigh and stroke it did she flash back into lover mode. It was only briefly but enough to make her smile and feel a rush of adrenaline remembering John's warm body above her on the bed. It felt so right, his lips on hers and their bodies pressing into each other. She wished she could just let time stand still around them, blocking out reality, so that they could go further.

He looked over to see her faraway expression.
"Monica?" She broke out of her daydream to remember what he had asked.

Monica eyed the map and placed a finger where she believed they were. "The track should be coming up any time soon." Even a moment thinking about what they could be doing, what she desperately wanted to happen between them, was enough to give her renewed motivation to solve the case and move on.

The afternoon light was beginning to fade but there was still a good hour before dark. Following Sheriff Watts' instructions they found the small natural clearing about ten meters off the walking track cordoned off by police tape. It was heavily wooded all around cutting off visibility to about two meters from the edge of the clearing.

"What is it Monica?" John had seen his partner's body stiffen and face go into alert as soon as she had stepped under the tape.
"Shh," She put her finger to her lips and did a complete turn, looking into the woods. John followed suit, not quite knowing what was happening. "I just thought I heard something."

"This place is creepy." John felt a shiver run down his spine. 'Let's get this over with and get the hell out of here." Monica nodded and they both went into investigating mode, carefully moving around the scene looking for anything that was missed. By the lack of manpower in town then there was probably something vital yet to discover. In his scouring of the area John saw what were clearly two different pairs of shoes prints answering his former question. He huffed annoyance but moved on.

"How were the bodies discovered?" He called over to his partner.
"By a hiker, probably walking off track for a pee," she echoed back.
"Must have had company hiking, he wouldn't be seen from the track." The male agent looked back in the direction from which they'd come.

"John?" He walked over to see what his partner had discovered. Between a set of tweezers she held up what looked like a small piece of torn material.
"I found it attached to this broken twig." She handed it to John for an examination.
"Looks like some sort of light weave, maybe Hessian?"
"Part of a hiker's backpack?" Monica produced an evidence bag from her kit and let John place the cloth inside.
"No, backpack material would be more sturdy. This is light." As Monica place the bag in her kit he looked close by to a small mound of vegetation and saw something out of the ordinary.

Lifting a few stands of long foliage revealed something unique.
"Monica, we have a footprint." It was small but unusual in that the big toe seemed to be out of proportion with the other toes, almost looking claw like but still definitely human.
"Now what would make someone run around in the bush barefoot?" That strange feeling that they were being watched came back and Monica stood quickly to look around her. Behind her she thought she heard some rustling a few meters away. "Who's there? Come out and show your face."

After moments of silence Monica headed in the direction of the sounds, gun at the ready, while John took a cast of the print with some quick drying plaster from the evidence bag.

"Monica?" John called after she had been away for five minutes. He lifted the plaster cast and wrapped it in cloth. "Monica, talk to me!" There were anxious moments when she didn't respond. He stood and walked in the direction his partner had gone, calling her name but with no answer. His heart thumped madly thinking the worst. If anything bad happened to her he wouldn't forgive himself for going into the woods without backup.

Then her saw her form, very still, unmoving.

"Monica?" It was as though she was in some kind of trance. Her eyes stared into nothing and her body was rigid. It was only when he decided to wrap his arms around her that she suddenly broke from the spell. He left his arms there not so much romantically but as a companion who cared for her. It was a sign that he wanted her safe. "What happened?"

"I can't tell you exactly." She looked wide-eyed into his.
"What did you see?"
"It was more a feeling, not from within me but something external." She was clearly trying to make sense of her experience.
"Was it evil?" John knew his partner had a sixth sense from other cases they had worked on. He was not about to dismiss this as an illusion on her part.
"No, something else." She also put her arms around him and leant into his shoulder, enjoying the comfort his embrace gave. "The feeling was of something frightened."

"Could it be this creature? Is that what you're sensing?"
"I don't know John but I want to get out of here for now. This is not a happy place."

John led her back to the clearing where they collected their evidence and headed back to the track.

"Will you be okay?" he touched her lower back and she gave a small smile.
"I'm always okay with you here." John moved on the track towards her and gave her another mutual embrace. This time it was tinged with more affection than just colleagues. He imagined what it would be like if they were in a romantic relationship. He would be taking her back to the motel and sharing a bed and their bodies for the whole night. Those thoughts would have to be put on hold until after the case. He knew that no matter what, he would be sharing a bed with Monica within the week.

It was that time of evening when the sky began forming wonderful colors. As he hugged his partner the track ahead changed and seemed to light up in contrast to the dimness caused by the tall trees around them.

"Monica?" She turned to witness what he was seeing. They began walking towards the light that was estimated at about one hundred meters along the track. The closer they came to the anomaly the more he knew what it probably was. "Don't tell me!"

The two special agents stood in shock at the edged of an area the size of a football field that had been totally cleared of trees. This was no natural clearing.

*****

(STGBT)

Turning in small deliberate circles, the two agents eyed the clearing, with mouths dropped in awe.  What could cause such an opening in the middle of no-where?  The clearing was void of all vegetation and signs of any timber cutting.  John was the first to notice the tree lines.  He walked towards the forest moving his head from side to side, as if he was trying to find something.  As he reached the end of the clearing, he turned his body left and just stared.  "Monica, tell me what you think of this?"

Monica followed his footprints and stood along his side, staring straight ahead.  "John, I'm not sure what I'm supposed to be looking at?"  She questioned with a puzzled tone.

"The tree line, look closer."  He instructed as he pointed forward.  "See anything strange?"

"John, this whole situation is strange."

"Look at how the tree line is perfectly straight.  There's no bends, stumps, or trees that jut out into the field.  It's like someone cut this like you would cut a piece of paper with scissors.  And there is no sign of what happened to cut timber.  You would think there would be drag marks or small pieces of wood lying around, but there's nothing.  And where is that glow coming from?"  He turned in astonishment at his findings.

"I'm getting a really bad feeling about this John."  She reached out for his hand.  "The sun's almost down, and I do not think it is safe for us to be here after dark."  She started to pull him towards the path.

Not feeling in the bravest of moods, he concurred and followed her lead.  He was shaking his head in disbelief as they walked through the field.  'What the hell could have done this' he thought to himself.  He also thought about Mulder, and what his reaction would have been at seeing all this.  He would probably claim it was some UFO and that aliens were responsible for the disappearances.  'Nonsense', he told himself.  There has to be a good explanation for this. 

John began driving back down the mountain as Monica started dialling her cell phone.  She needed to check in with Dana, and see if she found anything else out about the bones.  As she talked, John tried to listen in to her conversation, seeing if he could pick up anything about their night together.  All he could conclude was that Dana was on her way up, and that tomorrow, she would take today's evidence back with her to be analysed. 

"Dana's on her way, she should be here in about two hours.  Why don't we get something to eat before she arrives?" She suggested as she placed her hand along John's leg.  It was a soft touch, but one that held infinite messages.  She hoped John would realize that all he had to do was ask, and she would be his. 

As he pulled in front of what seemed like a better restaurant than the diner, he thought about Dana coming up so soon.   Secretly, he wished that she had stayed in D.C.  He was starting to go weary of Monica and Dana's closer relationship.  Though working on a case, he wanted this trip to be the foundation of his own feelings towards Monica.  The setting of the area, and the seclusion of the town, he wanted to move things past the kissing stage, but now with Dana coming, he would have to put it off until a later time.

"Monica, about what happened in the hotel earlier..." John started to talk about what happened between them, "I think we need to clear something up, before this..." he cleared his throat, "we, go to far.  We need to focus on the case."  The words left his mouth, but his brain couldn't believe it.  Looking across at the soft glow coming from her face, there was no place in the world he would rather be right then, except maybe lying in a bed next to her.

"John, nothing happened.  And besides, I was probably having a fantasy before I woke, and instinct took over."  She needed to cover her tracks.  In her mind, she was testing him on the bed, but she could see the hesitation in his face as he talked, and could tell he was still uncomfortable with mixing business with pleasure.

Their food came as the two sat silently.  As they dug into the meals, each was wondering what the other was thinking about.  John's thoughts shifted from the clearing in the field to what it would be like to have Monica all to himself, and vice versa.  For the sake of his own sanity, he wished this case would go quickly so he could pursue things further with his partner.  As Monica ate and glanced up at John periodically, she was busy planning her next move in this game of sexual chess.  She didn't like using John or Dana as pawns to get what she wanted, but she knew it was the only way to reach her ultimate goal.  And besides she thought, why not have some fun with the luscious red head before John gave in.  As the whirlwind of ideas swirled through her head, all she could do was smile.

With both their plates clear, Monica broke the silence, "So, was it better than what you had for lunch?"

"Yes."  He wiped his mouth with a napkin.  "And a lot better atmosphere too.  That last place was a little too country for me."  After his time in the Marines, John had become accustomed to the lifestyles of the big city, and his hardened demeanour found it hard to adjust to the laid back attitude towards life that the inhabitants of this town were used to.

"John, why are you always so stiff.  You have to learn to lighten up and relax."  She leaned forward and took hold of his hand.  "Life's too short, and there is so much you're missing because you all no-nonsense and straight forward."  She knew that the death of his son had a lot to do with it, but she also knew that he had been holding on for too long, and that it was time for him to move on.

"Life is not all fun and games Monica.  There is a lot of bad out there, and we should never let our guard down.  That's what we're trained to do Monica, and I'm not going to be able to change that."  He tried not to come off cold and heartless.

She started to rise from her seat, "I understand that, but wouldn't it be nice for once, to just live life in the moment, instead of thinking about the consequences."  She walked over to his side,  "I have to go to the restroom."  Before she left, she leaned over and kissed him on the check.  "You never know John.  You just might like it."

As she left his sight, the feel of her lips on his flesh lingered.  "What the hell did she mean by the that?" He asked out loud and shook his head.  'One day, I'm going to figure that woman out.' He thought to himself as the waitress brought the check.  He threw down some money and waited by the counter for Monica to emerge from the back.  "What now?" He questioned as they headed out onto the street.

"I could use a change of clothes after walking around in the woods, and Dana should be here in an hour, so we should stay close to the hotel."  She suggested.

The two made their way back and parted for a brief time so they could change into fresh outfits.  Knowing that work was done for the day, they both chose something casual.  Jeans, loose shirts, and comfortable shoes were the garb of choice for each.  Finishing tucking his shirt in, he made his way to Monica's door and knocked. 

"Come in." He heard her reply.  As he entered, she was just tying her second shoe.  Looking over her, he was amazed at no matter what she wore she always looked beautiful.  Not wanting to waste this moment sitting in a dark and dreary hotel room, he asked if she wanted to take a walk.

"That sounds like a good idea.  And it's a beautiful night for it too."  She jumped from her chair.

As the two slowly walked down the cobblestone walkway, they would glance to the sky, and the amount of stars that were shining above, and occasionally look at each other, and the smiles they were wearing.  Not much was said, and it didn't need to be.  They both understood why they were smiling, but neither wanted to end the romantic moment.  Taking a few more steps, Monica couldn't pass up this perfect opportunity, and placed her hand inside his, and intertwined her fingers with his.  He turned his head downward to see her face. 

Seeing the confused but welcoming look in his eyes, all she said was, "This is nice." 

Their walk continued for about thirty minutes before Monica realized they needed to be back when Dana showed up.  Quickening her pace, she led him through the lamp lit streets.  As they approached the hotel, John spotted the familiar grey colour of FBI Field vehicles.  Seeing the driver's side door open, he immediately released his grip from Monica's hand.  She was disappointed, but understanding.

"Dana, hope you haven't been waiting long?"  She spoke to ease the tension she sensed coming from John.

"No Monica, I just pulled in a couple of minutes ago and was checking my messages.  Agent Doggett."  She greeted John with a smile and look of pleasant suspicion.  "Give me a couple of minutes to check in and settle down, then we can discuss what you two found out today."  Dana was reaching for her wallet when Monica interjected.

"Dana, you're not going to find a room here.  There is a group of hikers coming through tomorrow, and they have the place booked solid.  John and I got the last two rooms available."

"This doesn't seem like the type of place to have its hotel completely full."  Dana claimed as she glanced around the empty streets.

"Some Appalachian Trail group is coming in.  It seems they do it every year.  Bad timing on their part if you ask me."  She was referring of course to the case they came to investigate.  Just then, her plan was beginning to take shape.  "You can share my room for the night, the bed is a queen, and there's plenty of room for your things." 

Dana smiled at her offer, wondering what she had in mind.  She agreed and Monica asked John to help her with her bags.  As he stuck his head in the trunk, his mind switched back to the morning he saw Dana exiting Monica's place, and pictures of the two of them "experimenting" flooded him.  'This just gets weirder and weirder' he whispered under his breath.

*****

(ILS)

The ladies sat on the bed and John in an armchair in Monica's room. Dana had unpacked an overnight bag and John found it comforting that she would probably be leaving in the morning and once again he would have his partner to himself.

"This case is getting more complicated with each new discovery." Dana moved into a more comfortable position on top of the bed covers. "Tell me more about your discoveries and I'll mention what I've found back in the lab."

"Well you know about the foot print and the fabric, there's more we preferred to talk to you about in person." Monica moved a little closer to her female friend as she spoke. It was hardly noticeable to John at first until after her explanation of the clearing and how devoid it was of any signs of how the tree cutting had been achieved, she ended up almost touching shoulders.

Little did John know but Monica had rung Dana earlier when she had been alone. They had hatched another plot to get John's attention using the plan to collect the evidence and courier it back to DC as an excuse for a personal visit.

"There was a strange aura about the clearing?" The red head looked from one agent to the other for clarification.
"It only became visible when the day's light began to fade. There was a glow coming from the place that I haven't seen before." John added his discovery.

Dana tilted her head and raised eyebrows telling the agents she had something to add.

"It's funny you should say that because there's been some new evidence come to light, so to speak." She gave a small chuckle at the pun. "I did a more detailed examination of the bodies and under ultraviolet light found remnants of a chemical on the fingertips of all victims."

"Chemical?" Monica added showing her growing curiosity.

"Nothing like we've ever discovered before. On analysis it had faint luminescent qualities which would have faded with time." Dana paused for the others' thoughts.

"So what you're saying Dana, is that the glow we saw in the woods was probably coming from the same chemical that you found on the bodies?" Doggett leant forward in his seat; he also wanted to make the connections.

"Quite possibly, I'm going to have to go out there in the morning to take some samples for verification."

"No need," John looked smug. "We took some soil samples. That should be enough right?"

"That should be enough." Dana said slowly then understood that John probably didn't want her hanging around for too long. The girls gave each other a knowing look. Monica had explained to Dana about the car trip and that kiss. She was yet to tell her about how they had almost consummated their relation there on the bed the two ladies were sitting on. Maybe later she would even show her what John had done and perhaps what would have happened if it had gone further. Her mouth formed a slight smile with those pleasant thoughts.

"So what chemical are we talking about?" Monica broke the shift in atmosphere.

"I ran a thorough search through the database and it came up zilch. There is no known evidence of any such chemical in existence on Earth." Her eyebrows rose once more.

"Don't tell me you think it's alien Dana, because you'd be taking a leap here." John shook his head and sniffled.

"All I'm saying is that we don't know the origin of the substance. We'll run a spectrograph and analysis on that soil sample of yours to look into this more deeply."

Monica then placed a hand on Dana's thigh, the same hand that had touched John in the car on the way to the crime scene that evening.

"Dana, there's more." Monica's hand began to move and John wished it was his thigh she was caressing. "I felt something out there."

"Someone was watching?" Dana asked and placed a hand lightly on her friend's shoulder.

"No more than that, it seemed to be calling me. I have had similar feelings before but this was a feeling of torment, of deep despair, for moments it had me unable to move." Her eyes went vacant as she remembered, then snapped out of her trance and into reality. "I'll tell you more about it in bed."

"Have you told the sheriff all this?" Dana questioned.

"That's a job for tomorrow, I want to see him face to face on this one." John looked stern. Monica imagined him possibly getting too gruff with the man if his answers were not forthcoming. She would be there to temper him and possibly still get the responses they needed.

Dana gave a small yawn that triggered the others to do likewise.

"Well, I'll be heading for bed." John stood and hesitated a little before moving towards the door. He had hoped Monica would follow him a short part of the way so they could have some parting words for the night. He was not disappointed. As he opened the door and stepped outside into the cool night air Monica caught up with him.

"John?" She slipped outside the door with him and closed it behind her. He turned to face her, letting his partner talk first. "About today."

"What about it?" He wanted to stay calm and keep the romantic thoughts at bay but with her right there, with her warmth within arm's reach it was a difficult task. She took his hands in hers and wrapped them around her body.

"I want to say that I really enjoyed today." Monica didn't want or need to say any more. The looks they gave each other told that if Dana weren't in the room behind them then probably only one bed would be slept in that night.

"Monica, we shouldn't." Not taking 'no' for an answer her hands smoothed down over his clothes until they reached that part of him she had wanted to touch whenever he bent over. Pulling him into her, she leant back into the doorjamb with John gently resting against her.

"You want it and I want it," she said simply before pulling him in for a kiss. As their lips once again parted and finding themselves yet again in a wonderful kiss, John couldn't help but think of what it would be like to just take her back to his room and make love, too bad about what Dana thought. The evidence of his arousal was far too obvious as he lifted one of her thighs and let his crotch push between her legs. She was taking everything he offered and groaned her pleasure into his mouth.  "John, I want you."

Even though he was highly aroused and also wanted her he couldn't shake the thought that Dana was on the other side of the door.

"Monica," he broke the kiss and moved away slightly. "I want this too but not here, not now."
That time there was true disappointment in her eyes and he felt bad but he couldn't extract those feelings that told him that the timing was out.

"Okay, " Monica said slowly. "But when this case is over promise me you won't drive me to sexual frenzy and then leave me hanging like this?"

Is that what he did to her or was she trying to make him feel worse?

"I'm sorry Monica." His voice rumbled in the crisp night air. She just nodded and went back inside the room.

John stood outside the door for a few minutes just listening to what was happening inside. They were laughing and giggling at something about which he had no idea but wondered if it was about him.

He shook his head as he went to walk past the few suites back to his own for another lonely night. His pants were still very uncomfortable and he continued to wonder if he had made the right decision. Thoughts of what the girls would do in bed were something he didn't want to imagine at that time. Even though he was reluctant to admit it, Dana coming along when she did had stopped his thoughts of possibly sleeping with Monica himself that night.

As his hand hit the cool metal of the door handle he slowly turned to realize something that only just occurred to him. It was quieter than expected. How had Monica known about the Appalachian Trail group occupying the hotel and if they were coming tomorrow why couldn't Dana have her own room that night?

*****
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