“Actually, I do.”
The Major glanced around the room before he answered. “I’m tracking murders in the metro area.”
“But it says the psychiatrist overdosed.”
“Do you believe everything you read, Mulder?” the Major asked.
Mulder smiled, thinking about his American history test. “No, sir.”
“There’s only one book you need.” The Major sorted through a stack of books under the map and slid a thin green paperback from the middle.
“Tell me when it’s over,” Gimble called out.
The Major handed the book to Mulder. On the cover a warrior with snow-white hair and skin held a black sword above his head below the title—Stormbringer. It was the same book he’d seen multiple copies of earlier.
The one the Major had started reading after Gimble’s mom died.
“Michael Moorcock figured out what was happening before the rest of us,” the Major said, tapping on the author’s name. “He realized mankind had upset the balance between Chaos and Law, throwing the world into chaos.”
Mulder wasn’t sure what a fantasy novel had to do with it, but the Major was right about one thing. The world was out of control. People were killing one another in wars, and on the streets, with drugs and violence.
“It’s an interesting theory.” Mulder handed the novel back to the Major and watched as Gimble’s dad slid it back into the stack.
“I have proof,” the Major continued. “I discovered a pattern. They were not random murders and accidents, like the press reported.” He gestured at the map. “All these people were murdered, and their deaths are connected.”
“How do you figure? The guy in Severn got attacked by wild animals.” Mulder moved closer to the map. Maybe he had missed something. “How are their deaths connected? Did the victims know each other?” He felt guilty for encouraging the Major’s delusions, but he wanted to hear his theory.
“No. But they did have one important thing in common.”
“Dad!” Gimble bolted off the sofa. It was the first time Mulder had ever heard Gimble refer to his father as anything other than the Major. “Mulder doesn’t need to hear your theory. We talked about this.”
“Your friend wants to know the truth, Gary. He doesn’t want to live in the dark like you do.”
Mulder felt the tension ratchet up in the room. It reminded him of the heated interactions he had with his own father. He didn’t want to put Gimble in that position, but if he didn’t hear the Major out now, it might cause more drama.
“It’s okay.” Mulder gave Gimble a bored look, as if he were throwing the old guy a bone.
Gimble nodded, giving him the go-ahead.
“What did the victims have in common?” Mulder asked.
After a long, uncomfortable silence, the Major cleared his throat. “They were all abducted by aliens.”
Mulder almost laughed, but the look on the Major’s face made it clear that he was serious.
“The clues are here if you know what to look for,” the Major added. “I’ll show you.”
“He has to get home,” Gimble said, signaling Mulder.
“Yeah. My dad is probably back from work by now.”
“What about the telescope?” the Major asked.
“I’ll check it out next time.”
“We’ll talk more then.” The Major turned suddenly and ducked into the kitchen.
“I’m sorry,” Gimble whispered. “I should’ve known he would go all Close Encounters on you. You’d better get out of here before he comes back and tells you his theory about why Abraham Lincoln was really assassinated.”
Mulder was halfway to the door when the Major returned, carrying a cereal box.
“Wait.” He reached into the box and tossed a few handfuls of sugar-coated cornflakes on the floor. “I have something for you.”
“That’s okay, sir. I had a big lunch.”
For a moment, the Major seemed confused, but he shook it off. He reached into the box again and pulled out a book—a green paperback exactly like the one he had pulled out earlier. “Take this.” He offered it to Mulder.
“I wouldn’t want to take one of your books.”
“Just take it,” Gimble said in a low voice, heading for the front door. “He probably has fifty or sixty copies in the house.”
The Major shoved the book into Mulder’s hand. “There are no coincidences. You and Gary meeting, and him bringing you here today, it was all part of a bigger plan. Stormbringer has answers. Moorcock understood their ways.”
Mulder knew he was referring to aliens again. He held up the copy of Stormbringer as Gimble pushed him toward the door. “Thanks, sir. I’ll read it.”
“Or burn it,” Gimble muttered under his breath as Mulder slipped outside.
“Keep your eyes open, Fox Mulder,” the Major called after him.
Before Gimble shut the door, Mulder heard the Major say one last thing. “The truth is out there.”
CHAPTER 4
Mulder Residence
6:18 P.M.