The van sped away, rear doors still gaping, leaving the naked body lying in the road. Mulder raced to kneel beside Skinner, tenderly drawing the bruised torso onto his lap. The steady rain fell, glittering in the wash of light from the street lamp.

Skinner's eyes opened and he spoke huskily:

"What did you give them, Mulder?"

"What I had to, to get you back."

The dark eyes looked at him searchingly and Mulder held the older man even closer. Sirens sounded in the distance as he leaned in to whisper:

"You're worth it, Walter."

THE END

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