Manipulations of the Heart

On a sunny Saturday afternoon, 2 weeks after his confusing reflections in the
dungeon cell, Fox was walking with the Professor through the park.

He noticed immediately when his companion stiffened. He looked around, wondering
who had attracted Grysher's attention. A young mother walked past; ignoring them
as she pushed a stroller ahead of her. An older man hobbled by, using a cane. A
few teenagers passed, talking and laughing. Then he saw the attractive young
man, tall and lean with short black hair, dressed in a pair of black slacks and
a purple velvet shirt, walking towards them cautiously, but without fear. He
could see the man's eyes were gleaming with good humor and he envied the man for
his cheer.

Guiltily, he slipped his eyes away from the beautiful man to Grysher. He saw his
lover frowning and knew his disloyalty had been noted. Fox lowered his eyes to
the ground, dreading the punishment he'd suffer when they returned to the
castle. He knew he deserved it, but it didn't help quiet the voice inside his
head that was growing increasingly resentful.

Satisfied that Fox knew his wrong-doing, the Professor's attention left his
repentant lover to turn his wrath onto the stranger who dared intrude, with his
flirting eyes and cheerful smile. He recognized the appreciation in the other's
gaze when it landed on Fox, and was furious to realize Fox was again returning
the other man's regard. His Fox should never look at anyone else like that...
ever. He began to wonder if this stranger might become a threat.

The stranger addressed himself to Fox. "Cory Raines."

Fox shook his hand. "Fox Mulder. This is my partner, Professor Grysher."

Cory winked at Fox and then turned to Grysher. "I've met your 'partner' before."
He spoke to Grysher though his words were aimed at Fox.

"I don't know you." He growled at Cory suspiciously.

"Sure you do. Back in the Colonies. You were using that pretty little bond girl
to do your dirty work, remember?"


Furious, Grysher suddenly and vividly recalled where he'd met this man.

~~~

1729--- Lynn, Massachusetts


"Please, sir. I've never done such a thing before. Don't make me do this. I'll
get caught." His pretty, young indentured servant pleaded with him as she pushed
her long black hair back off her face. The rouge she wore displayed her high
cheekbones. Grysher idly wondered if she were part indian as he slapped her for
arguing with him. She fell backwards, and landed on her bottom unceremoniously.

"Ramsey Corwin, ma'am. At your service." An attractive man with flashing green
eyes gallantly helped the frightened girl to her feet.

She lowered her eyes shyly. "Charlotte."

Corwin was surprised. The girl's clothing had given him the impression that she
was a tavern wench of many charms. He had come to her assistance believing the
other man's advances were unwelcome.

"Get off with ye. She belongs to me." Grysher snarled possessively, and grabbed
the woman's wrist tightly to pull her closer to him.

Charlotte winced, but didn't argue.

Corwin shrugged and sauntered off.

Dismissing the intrusive immortal's presence for the meantime, Grysher hissed
into the whimpering girl's ear. "Now listen here, Charlotte. I want Lord Hampton
dead." He pointed to the young dandy they'd been discussing before the
interruption. "Now get over there and seduce him. Once he's dead, I want you to
go through his things and take anything of value. I'll wait for you at the
hotel." He left her there alone, confident she'd not dare disobey him.

The next day, when Grysher realized the girl had not yet returned, he went off
in search of her. He learned that she had been seen leaving with the immortal
from the night before. The young lord he had sent her after was alive and crying
theft. His bond girl and the money were gone... with Ramsey Corwin.

~~~

Grysher's hands fisted as he attempted to control his temper. "1729. You stole
my bond servant."

Cory grinned, reminiscently. "She was desperate to escape and I've never been
one to ignore a damsel in distress, especially when she knows where to find a
good stash of money." He shrugged.

Grysher began to grind his teeth.

Cory had carefully watched Fox's reaction to Grysher's announcement about
meeting him in 1729. The young man hadn't even blinked, indicating to Cory that
he already knew about immortality. But how much?

"So Fox, how long have you and the Professor been together?"

"About 3 years."

"Are you happy?"

Fox blinked. Lately, this very question had been entering his own mind quite
often. He'd been doing his best not to dwell on it. As long as Grysher was
pleased with him, all was well. "Of course." He wasn't particularly convincing.

Cory was well used to seeing abuse, both physical and psychological, and he
recognized it in Fox now. He had a sixth sense about that type of thing. Problems that could be taken care of with a robbery and a good-sized check were more fun to deal with, but the only reason he had approached Grysher now, after successfully avoiding the man for 250 years, was because he had noticed the attractive young man walking with him and was reminded of Charlotte. He figured that if this Fox Mulder was in a situation he wasn't sure how to escape, he
could come up with a plan to help.

Grysher could already see the ideas forming in this man's eyes. "We are both
happy. Fox is not desperate to get away from me. Good day to you." He abruptly
turned and began walking away from Cory.

Fox shrugged apologetically before he moved to catch up with the Professor.

Once they were driving home, Fox dared to ask him about Cory. "Who is he,
Professor?"

Grysher's reply was short. "A thief with no honor."