In The Realms of the Unreal

Chapter 9

"It just doesn't add up!" The Doctor said, pacing up and down Marlowe's office. Since they'd left Hagen's place, the group had spent the last half hour trying to work out why he'd be investing in such a shoddy picture. Unfortunately no matter what they came up with, it always lead to a dead end and they'd end up back where they started.

Marlowe's office was surprisingly clean for a private eye. Marlowe himself was sitting at the back of the room behind his desk while the rest of the group were spread out sitting in the other chairs or even on the floor.

"Come on now, we're getting nowhere" Emma said "There must be more to this. Something that we're not getting"

"But what?" Scully frowned "We know that the mafia's involved in the financing of a terrible low budget movie. But why? Why are they interested in funding this film?"

"Maybe they're just trying to diversify their income" Jerry suggested "I mean film production is probably a good way to earn lots of money. And if they invest in a cheap film and it's a success than it'll be a good return for little money"

"But that film ain't gonna be a success" Mcclane replied "The whole thing's a complete bomb waiting to happen"

Before the group could ponder the situation further, a knock sounded out from the office door

"Hello?" Marlowe called out

"It's me" replied a female voice "Faye Greener."

Mulder proceeded to open the door. The group were greeted by the sight of Faye Greener standing there, looking slightly nervous

"Can I come in?" she asked

Once Faye had been brought in and sat down, the Doctor was the first to speak

'So what brings you here"

"I saw how you stood up to Don earlier and I figured you're the people I can trust" Fay explained

"Trust with what?" Scully asked

"With the things I need to tell"

"What sorta things" Mcclane asked "Something horrible happen between you and Don?"

Faye shook her head "No it's not that. There's things going on at that studio and I need to tell somebody"

"Ok then" Marlowe replied "Start from the beginning"

Faye took a deep breath

"It was a few days ago. I showed up to the set as usual and Mr Denham was there. Only... it wasn't Mr Denham"

"What do you mean?" Scully laid a supportive hand on Faye's shoulder "Like an imposter?" "No" Fay shook her head "Like he was Mr Denham and he wasn't Mr Denham at the same time."

"Ok then" Emma nodded "How was he not Mr Dehham?"

"He just was different." Faye blinked to hold back tears "Like he was a different person. And now the same thing's happened to Don. It's like they're different people...and...and"

At that, Faye broke down in tears. While Scully consoled her, the rest of the group gathered into a small group.

"So our hunches were right" Mulder said "It looks like something rotten really is going on at that studio"

"Yeah" Mcclane nodded "And I'd bet millions that Hagen has something to do with it." Mcclane then folded his arms "If you ask me, now's about the time to take off the kid gloves and engage in a little criminal know how"

Not long after, the group gathered together and the Doctor proceeded to explain their plans "We're through playing nice" The Doctor told them "So if Hagen wants to play dirty, then so can we. We'll be dividing into two groups. Me, Mcclane, Jerry and Emma will investigate the studio while Mulder, Scully and Marlowe will search Hagen's home. Any questions?"