Hearts and Flowers

by Xraycat

Category: Discipline, X-File

Rating: R violence and language

Disclaimer: They all belong to Chris, except the inhabitants of Kennit, Kansas. These folks are mine, all mine. No profit or gain will be realized from this exercise.

Notes: I wrote the original version of this story several months ago. Someone I like to call a friend suggested I rework it. For some strange reason it became a discipline story. Hope you all enjoy it. It is intended as bad fic, so don't complain too much about the abhorent writing style. Please?

Synopsis: Skinner asks Mulder and Scully to help an old buddy with a particularly gruesome serial murder investigation.

Fox and Dana had been summoned to Walter's office. No reason was forthcoming, so Fox was nervous. He didn't remember doing anything bad recently, but with Walter he could never be sure. He had on a particularly ugly tie and worried it incessantly.

Scully sat quietly, hands in her lap. She wished Mulder would leave his tie alone. 'Boy, that's an ugly tie!' When she could stand it no longer, "Mulder! Leave your tie alone!" She now scolded Mulder often. Walter Skinner had finally put the fear of God into Fox Mulder. Scully was able to control him most of the time. When Fox got out of hand, Scully informed Walter. Walter would then administer a spanking to her partner's usually deserving backside. Fox had been very good lately.

Mulder put his hands in his pockets. "Why do you think Walter wants to see us?"

"I don't know. Something *you've* done probably has us in hot water again," Scully snapped.

"I sure hope he's not angry!" Mulder's lip was starting its customary pout.

"Mr. Skinner will see you now," Kim, the assistant director's secretary announced.

Fox heaved an enormous sigh as they walked into their supervisor's office.

Walter looked up as they entered. "Sit down," he growled. He stared at the young couple before speaking again. Dana Scully was a beautiful, intelligent woman, he loved her like a daughter. Fox Mulder was wearing a hideously ugly tie and it hung crookedly. 'This pup will drive me to an early grave.'

Skinner finally addressed them, "I know you're curious about why you're here. You're not in any trouble, for once," Skinner glanced pointedly at Fox, and continued. "I have a case for you. An old friend of mine, Les Roberts, called me. Les is The Chief of Police in Kennit, Kansas. He's asked for my help, and since I am unable to go, I'm sending the two of you. Today. Remember, you are not only representing the F.B.I. You are representing me. I expect you to do your best work." Skinner glared at Fox, "You will follow Chief Roberts' orders as if they came from me. I'd better not find out that you have wrecked any cars, lost your cell phone or ditched your partner, either."

Fox jumped up from his chair, "I don't ditch her all the time, sir! That's not fair!"

Walter ignored him and turned to Dana, "I expect you to call me with regular updates on the case. You will also report on your partner's behavior. Don't think you can hide anything from me. I'll be talking to Chief Roberts daily as well. I'd better hear exactly the same things from the both of you. Am I making myself clear, Dana?"

Fox started pacing. He ran his hand through his hair. He turned to Walter, and opened his mouth...

"Yes, sir," Dana was concerned for her partner. She didn't like to see him this upset. When Fox got angry, he said stupid things. She didn't want to see him punished before they left for their assignment. As she stood up, she reached for the file Walter was holding. Taking Mulder by the arm, she propelled him toward the office door. "We'll make our plane reservations right now, sir," Dana threw over her shoulder as she bundled her tantrum bound partner into the reception area.

She managed to get him all the way to the elevator before he started, "Why does he talk to me like that, Scully? Why does he have to be mean *all* the time?" Fox was beginning to whine.

Scully rubbed his neck and shoulders trying to relieve some of the tension. "This assignment is just what you need, Mulder. A few days out of town will do you a world of good." Scully realized what she had under her arm. "Here Fox, check out this case file. What are we getting ourselves into, anyway?"

"Hmmm....looks pretty interesting. Three victims....hearts surgically removed....not found at the scene." Fox let a smile play about his face. "Sounds like this case is right up Old *Spooky's* alley!"

Scully rolled her eyes. 'Sounds wonderful! Serial killer in America's Heart-land. I can't wait!' The elevator door opened and the two approached their basement office, "You call the airport, I'm going home to pack a bag. Leave a message on my machine, so I can meet you at the right terminal."

"Good thinking, G-Woman,: Mulder flashed her a brilliant smile and quickly ducked the paper wad aimed at his head.

Walter had watched Dana strong arm her partner out the door with some satisfaction. That girl was learning. His phone rang..."Skinner," he growled into the receiver. "Oh..hello Aunt Betsy...No, no, I wasn't speaking gruffly," Walter unconsciously sat up straighter. "I'm sorry, it won't happen again." His free hand started to fidget, he picked up a pen and tapped it on the desktop, "Yes, I'm all ready for your visit... I'll be on time to pick you up.... Yes, I remember how important it is to be punctual..... noise, what noise?..." Walter dropped the pen and placed his hand in his lap. "Yes ma'am... I'm sorry you had to scold, too.... Thank you, ma'am... Good bye."

Walter fell back into this chair. He wiped sweat from his brow. Les Roberts' call couldn't have come at a worse time. Walter's Aunt Betsy was due this afternoon for her annual visit. Luckily, Walter and Les had been friends long enough for Les to understand. At least Fox Mulder wasn't going to be around to sour things. Aunt Betsy was incredibly strict. Walter was afraid to imagine what Aunt Betsy would have to say about Fox.

Fox and Dana had an uneventful flight to Kennit. They collected their bags and rented a car. The rental clerk gave them detailed directions to the Police Station. Once in the car Dana asked, "Fox, did you remember to thank the nice lady for giving you directions?"

Fox just gave her the look and drove into town. The station house was a single story brick building. Fox pulled in and parked right in front of the door. The receptionist smiled at them as they entered. She thought the tall young man was very handsome. She wondered if the woman's red hair was natural or from a bottle, "May I help you?" she spoke directly to Fox.

The name plate sitting on the desk read Stephani. Fox replied, "Hi Stephani. We're Special Agents Mulder and Scully, with the F.B.I. Our supervisor, Walter Skinner sent us. We need to speak with Chief Roberts."

Stephani blushed at Agent Mulder's use of her name. She wondered how he knew it. Dana scowled and nodded towards the placard on the desk. Stephani flushed even more. 'I swear that redhead knows what I'm thinking!'

Stephani glanced at Fox. "I'll call the Chief and let him know you're here." She was still flustered and misdialed on the first attempt. Stephani had to disconnect and dial again. "Chief? Two F.B.I. agents are here to see you. They say their boss, Mr. Skinner, sent them. Stephani listened and nodded, "Okay, I'll send them right in. Bye now."

Steph hung up and looked back at Fox, "Chief Roberts says you're to come to his office right away. Through that door," she said pointing to her right. "Down the hall, last door on the left. Don't bother to knock."

"Thank you, Stephani," Fox smiled wide enough to crinkle his hazel eyes. "You've been very helpful."

Dana was scowling harder than before, if possible, "We'd better go. Chief Roberts is expecting us and we are on the Bureau's time." Dana glared ferociously at Fox.

"Bye bye, now," Stephani said. She didn't care. Agent Scully could frown all she wanted, just as long as Stephani got another smile from that handsome Agent Mulder. Stephani wished she knew Agent Mulder's first name. She would have used it. 'I bet he'd like it, too!'

In the hallway... Scully looked thoughtful.

"What?" Mulder queried.

"Nothing," Scully paused. "Just wondering what Walter would say about you flirting on Bureau time."

Mulder's jaw dropped, "I wasn't flirting, Scully! I was just being nice!" His hazel eyes narrowed, "How would Walter find out? Are you going to tell him I was flirting?"

"I don't know," Scully was engrossed in her fingernails. "Let's just see how the rest of the day goes. Shall we?" Dana answered sweetly.

Pouting again, Mulder whined, "Sometimes I can't tell if you're kidding me or not." His lower lip protruding for effect.

Before Scully could respond, the door to their left opened. A large man in a police uniform stepped into the hallway. He was similar in build to Walter Skinner, close to the same age as well. He had a mass of luxurious hair combed back from the widow's peak on his forehead. "Are you the agents Walt sent?" he demanded.

"Yes, sir," Mulder responded speedily. "Special Agent Fox Mulder and this is Special Agent Dana Scully. We're here to help in any way we can."

"I'm Chief Roberts. Walt and I go way back. He's a good friend. Come into the office. I'll explain in the case," he stepped back the way he came. He took a seat behind the desk and opened the folder in front of him, "Sit down."

When Mulder heard this, his hand went immediately for his tie. He couldn't help it, this man was making him nervous.

Scully took his arm and guided him to a seat, "Thank you, sir." She liked Chief Roberts already.

Roberts began without preamble, "We now have four victims. Each heart was surgically removed from the body. The organs themselves have not been found. No similarities between any of the victims can be determined. The victims were not acquainted with one another. We've discovered no evidence that can establish a suspect. The only clues we have are the roses. A single long stemmed yellow rose was placed in the left hand of each of the murder victims." Roberts glanced up from the report sheet, "I've got my men checking with all the florists in the county for recent purchases." He closed the folder, "Any suggestions?"

Scully spoke up, "I'm sure that you've all ready taken care of this, but is there a hospital here in Kennit? We will need a list of surgeons and surgical nurses for that matter." Scully frowned, "Is there a garden club in town? The killer might be growing the roses himself."

Roberts was impressed. "Well, Walt told me he'd send his best." He picked up his phone, "Steph, can you send Andy over to St. Mary's? I need a list of all the surgeons on staff, and have him pick up a list of the scrub nurses from payroll while he's there." He listened for a moment, "Now, get a hold of Teddy and have him swing by the garden club. He needs a list of names *and* addresses of all current members." Roberts placed a hand over the speaker, "Anything else?" Both agents hook their heads. Roberts thanked Stephani and hung up.

Mulder had been deep in thought, "Chief?" Mulder looked like a bloodhound that had caught a scent. "Does Kennit have a funeral home? A mortician could do a passing job of removing a heart. He'd also have access to the surgical instruments required. Fresh floral arrangements would be delivered regularly, if not daily." He stared at the stunned police chief, "I think it's worth checking out, don't you?"

Roberts replied. "It looks like we've got enough work to keep the entire force busy for the rest of the day. You two need to check in at the hotel, and grab a bite. Ask Stephani for directions. I'll round up the rest of the boys and make assignments." Glancing at his watch, Roberts added, "Give me an hour or so, and I'll pick you up. On second thought, make it two hours. You're dismissed." Roberts picked up the phone, as if Dana and Fox had already left.

Scully turned to her partner, "I'll get the directions, while you get the car."

Mulder smiled weakly, "Sounds like a plan. See you outside." He left without looking back.

Dana approached the chief carefully, "Chief? If you'd care to give me your number, I can call you from the hotel." She smiled, "That way you'll know what rooms we're in and our phone numbers."

Les Roberts smiled for the first time and hung up the phone. "Walt said you were a sharp one. Dana, is it?" he wrote briefly on a note pad and gave her the piece of paper. "Dana, let me ask you something. Your partner, Fox? Am I going to need to keep an eye on him? He looks like he could be trouble."

Dana was suddenly serious, "Chief, I won't lie to you. Fox has had some problems in the past. He's not very disciplined. He and Walter have been *working* oon this, though. Fox really is doing better. That reminds me," Dana was annoyed with herself for forgetting. "Walter asked that I call him with regular updates. He said that you would be speaking with him, also. We need to make similar reports, if you know what I mean." She gave Roberts her most dazzling smile, "Walter is concerned that he couldn't be here himself, and wants to be kept abreast of Fox's progress."

Roberts returned her smile. "I understand completely. If your partner manages to behave himself, Walt won't hear a bad word from me. I have *worked* with a few undisciplined officers myself. I can understand Walter's concern." He stood and took Dana's hand. "You make sure that young Fox knows what's expected of him. He also needs to know what he can expect, if he doesn't conduct himself properly." No smile accompanied this last statement.

Dana nodded and left, closing the door quietly behind her. 'Now I have the privilege of telling Fox he's under close scrutiny, as well as speaking with Stephani again. Oh, joy!'

Mulder pulled into the driveway of the Kennit House. "Scully, did you remember to thank Stephani for the nice directions?" He just couldn't resist. He stared blandly at his partner, willing the smile from his face.

"Just let me out and park the car, Mulder," Scully pretended annoyance. She relented and smiled. "I'll check us in. Don't forget my bag, okay?" Scully unbuckled and got out of the car. She entered the lobby and looked around.

It was an old building, but had been well maintained. The furniture looked expensive, although it was outdated. She really didn't care what the place looked like, as long as it was clean. She made her way to the registration desk. An elderly man was sifting through some papers. Scully cleared her throat to catch his attention. He turned to her and smile, "How can I help ya, Missy?"

Scully decided to ignore the *Missy* part and answered, "Yes, thank you. I'm Dana Scully with the FB.I. You should have rooms reserved for my partner, Fox Mulder, and myself." She smiled at the old man.

"Well, let me see what we've got for such a pretty little gal like yourself," he started to rummage through his stack of papers again.

Dana did her best not to be angry. She reasoned that the man was old, and was accustomed to demeaning women in this manner. It wasn't working. She took a deep breath and tried again. "Sir? My partner and I are on a time limit. We really need to check in. Chief Roberts is coming to pick us up. Soon. We don't want to make him wait. Do we?"

"Now, hold your horses! No nee to worry your pretty little head about it. I've got your room keys right here, darlin'." The old man smiled and made things worse, much worse by adding, "My, you do have a temper to match that red hair, don't ya? I always heard that dynamite comes in small packages!"

Dana held her breath and counted to ten. She strove for a civil tone. "Sir. Please do not address me as anything but Agent Scully." She paused, "Do not refer to my *pretty little head* again. And Don't Call Me Little Missy!" the last was forced through clenched teeth.

The clerk was shocked. He shook his head sadly, "You're a handful, aint ya? Okay, *Agent Scully*, your rooms are 101 and 102. Upstairs, first door on the right and straight across the hall. I won't insult you again by offering to carry your bag," he finished in an injured tone.

Mulder entered the lobby and was met with the sight of his partner and the desk clerk glaring at one another. He hurried to Scully's side, "What's going on? Anything I can do?"

Scully broke her gaze and turned to Mulder, "No, nothing. I've got everything under control. Let's just go upstairs and get settled in our rooms."

Mulder had no intention of making Scully angry with him too, "Okay, can I get your bag?"

Her face darkened like a thunderhead, "I've got it, thanks!" Dana snatched up her bag and went stomping up the stairs. Rounding the landing she called down, "Coming Mulder?" She didn't wait for his reply.

Fox gave the clerk a puzzled stare, then grabbed his own bag. He hurried up the stairs without looking back.

"City folk!" The old clerk scratched his head, and went back to his stack of papers.

Chief Roberts had finished with his men. He'd even called in the reserve officers, so he could send two man teams. Stretching his tired back and neck muscles, he went for coffee. He returned to his office, and dialed another number.

"Walter Skinner," the voice on the other end of the phone sounded strained.

Les laughed, "Hey Walt! Has Aunt Betsy blown into town yet?" He couldn't resist teasing his old friend just a little.

"Yes, thanks for asking," Walter's was unhappy reply. "Les, you wouldn't want to trade places for a couple of days, would you?" Walter sounded hopeful.

"Not on your life, pal! I know Aunt Betsy, remember?" Les snickered. "My seat feels warm just thinking about her. I feel for you Walt, but I'm not taking your place. No way."

"It was just a thought. How are my agents doing? Have they come up with anything new for you yet?" Walter was all business now.

"They are a couple of crackerjacks, all right," Les was really pleased. "They both offered suggestions that I hadn't even thought of, as soon as I explained the case to them. Dana's a beaut, I can see why you think she's so special. That young Fox, he'll need to be watched, I expect. He's wound too tight, and that's not good." Les left it at that.

Walter enjoyed the praise Les had offered, "They really are special to me, Les. Fox is a good kid. He just hasn't figured it all out yet. I have been trying to keep him under control. He's learning, but if you don't mind, I would appreciate you looking after him."

Les smiled, "Walt, I don't mind at all. If you think he's worth it, that's good enough for me. I spoke with Dana a little bit earlier. I told her as much, then. She's going to mention it to Fox." Les laughed again, "I don't hear the old battle-ax. Who's cage is she rattling right now?"

Walter laughed out loud, "Stop it! You're going to get me in hot water, Les!...What, Aunt Betsy?... Yes, it's a work related call.... I'm sorry to have disturbed you, ma'am.... Yes, I'll be finished in just a few moments." Walter sighed, and in a much softer tone, "Les, I swear. If you get me in any more trouble, I'm sending her to see you! Sounds like you could use a refresher, yourself!"

Les had covered his mouth so Walter wouldn't hear him laughing, "What, Walt? I think the connection's breaking up. I didn't hear you. The static's so bad, I'm going to hang up. I'll call you back tonight, or in the morning." Les had a good long laugh at Walt Skinner's expense. 'Some days I'm really happy I don't have aunts of my own!'

Dana heard a quiet knock on her door, "Mulder, is that you?"

Through the closed door she heard, "Why no ma'am, I'm the flower delivery man. I have a yellow rose and a scalpel here with your name on it."

She giggled, and opened the door. Seeing Mulder, she feigned disappointment, "Oh, it's just you. I guess you can come in."

Mulder was pleased he'd made her laugh. He also hoped she'd forgotten about Stephani. If he could keep Dana in a goo mood, maybe she wouldn't mention the incident to Walter. He looked around her room, walking to the window. "I think that your room probably has a better view than mine." He smiled and came back to the bad, moving her suitcase he sat down. "So, where do you want to eat? I didn't notice if the hotel has a restaurant of not. Did you?"

Dana frowned. "No, I didn't notice. That clerk certainly is a creep!" She closed the closet doors and came to sit by Fox. "I need to tell you something. Just listen to me, okay? Don't interrupt, you can ask questions when I finish," she waited, giving him a chance to reply.

"This doesn't sound good, but go ahead." Mulder was apprehensive. He was afraid she'd called Walter already, and he was in trouble.

"I spoke with Chief Roberts after you left the office. He is aware of the agreement between Walter and yourself. He supports the idea completely. He said that if you didn't behave yourself while you are here, he will *act* as Walter's substitute. Fox, he *will* punish you, if you get out of line. You have got to remember that. This is a small town, you won't be able to get away with anything. Chief Roberts will find out about it, and you'll be in trouble with him, *and* Walter when we get back to D.C." Dana had placed her hand on his arm, she looked squarely into his eyes. "I don't want that to happen, okay? Please, for me? Be good."

Fox shook his head, "I can't believe this! I can't even do my job without worrying about who knows my business! Dana, you know I won't do anything on purpose. Help me. Just remind me periodically, okay? I don't want any problems with Chief Roberts, but I do want to catch a serial killer. I know how to do that. It's what I excel at, remember? My methods may be questionable, but I always get the job done!" Fox clenched his hands into fists and hammered the bed, "Damn!"

Dana tried to soothe him, "I know it's frustrating, Fox. That's what it's all about, though. Walter wants you to do your job, he just wants you to change your *questionable methods*. I'll help you as much as I can, I promise." She stood beside him, pulling him to her. She held him close, "Don't worry about it any more. You'll do fine. We need to get something to eat, and be back here in time for Chief Roberts to pick us up. I don't want to be late."

Back in the hotel lobby, the clerk watched the agents speaking with Chief Roberts. He didn't approach them, preferring to keep his distance. No way was he going to give that red-headed spitfire a chance to yell at him again! He couldn't understand why that young man let her get by with acting out. Why, in his day no self respecting woman would dare talk to a man like that. No self respecting man would put up with it, either. This kid did look kinda sensitive, though. Maybe his mother was a bossy broad, too.

The Chief had just arrived. He was glad to see the young agents in the lobby waiting for him. Very respectful, yep. Walter seemed to be doing a pretty good job with these two. He approached them, "Did you get settled in all right? I forgot to tell you about the Caf� across the street, hope you found somewhere to eat."

'He's smiling. It looks good on him,' Dana thought. Fox wondered just what the chief found so amusing, "Did you get a chance to call Walter?" He was even more surprised when Chief Roberts laughed.

"Yeah, I spoke with old Walt," he replied. "He doesn't seem to be having a very good day." Roberts laughed again, but didn't elaborate, "Time's awastin". We'd better get going." He turned and headed out the lobby door. Fox and Dana had no choice but to follow.

The trio left together in Roberts' Bronco. Fox sat 'shotgun' and Dana sat in the middle of the back seat. Roberts was driving. He began his report of the last two hours, "I've sent my men to cover all the things we spoke of earlier. I thought that we would go to the funeral home. Silas Dillon has lived here all his life. He has only one daughter, and she moved away after she got married. Si is getting ready to retire and doesn't have anyone to turn the mortuary or funeral business over to. He's recently hired a young man. His name's Jacob Granger. He's not from around here. No one seems to know anything about him. Keeps to himself. Doesn't go to any of the churches here in town. Hasn't joined any clubs, doesn't attend any community functions. I thought it might be worth our time to meet this Jake Granger for ourselves."

Fox was impressed, he wondered if Chief Roberts had really needed their help after all. He chose his words carefully, hoping he wouldn't offend. "Chief, when we get there, you should speak with Mr. Dillon, handle the introductions. Keep it comfortable. If it's okay with you," Fox took a deep breath, "I think that when Jake Granger becomes involved Dana and I should handle the interrogation. That's what we do best," he smiled.

Roberts shrugged, "Sounds fine by me. I don't know him either. I doubt he'll be comfortable who ever is asking the questions." He smiled back, he didn't want to admit it, but he was really starting to like these kids. Walt sure could pick 'em. Thinking of Walt made him chuckle again, 'Got to call him back, later. See how things are going. Hope Aunt Betsy's not on the warpath!'

They parked and entered the funeral home office. A pretty young woman smiled and greeted them, "Chief Roberts, it's so nice to see you. How can I help you today?" She approached and took the police chief's hand as she was speaking.

Roberts awarded her a devastating smile, "Why Audrey, I do believe you get prettier every time I see you. How do you do that?"

They all laughed and Roberts continued, "Is old Si around? I need to speak with him, if he's available."

Audrey flushed a little as she ushered them to a private sitting room. "I'll go get him right now. Why don't you and your friends make yourselves comfortable while you wait?" Audrey smiled and winked at Roberts. "Not *too* comfortable though, I'll be back in a second." She left them, putting an exaggerated swing in the walk. Roberts and Mulder watched her retreat, enjoying the show.

Fox was glad that Roberts had done all the talking. Dana surely wouldn't try reporting to Walter that his old friend, the Chief of Police, was flirting while on duty!

True to her word, Audrey returned less than a minute later, with Silas Dillon in tow. As she opened the door to leave, Audrey turned. "Mr. Dillon? I'll be at my desk should you need me. Chief Roberts? I'll see *you* later." She closed the door quietly behind her.

Roberts and Silas Dillon smiled at one another and shook hands. "Si, how have you been?"

"I've been just fine, Lesley. Thank you, and yourself?"

'Dillon's an old world gentleman, that's strange, since he comes from Kansas,' Dana mused. Tall, thin and well dressed. Expensive, yet conservative dark suit. White cotton shirt, linen handkerchief, and a muted tie. 'Mulder should ask Mr. Dillon's advice on buying ties,' Dana tickled herself, sometimes.

"Well Si, not so good. I guess you've heard about the murders?" Les was no longer smiling. "These young people are Fox Mulder and Dana Scully. They work for the FBI. They've come to help us out."

Silas Dillon shook hands with Fox and Dana, as Chief Roberts made the introductions. "I'm pleased to meet you both. I certainly hope you can help put an end to this terrible business."

"We intend to do just that, sir," Dana replied sincerely.

"I'm so glad," Dillon smiled at Dana. He turned back to Roberts, "How may I be of assistance, Lesley?"

"Well Silas," Roberts began, "We understand you've hired a new man. Jacob Granger? I would like you to tell us whatever you know about him."

Dillon nodded, "I'm afraid I know very little about my new assistant. He changes the subject when asked a personal question. I've not been able to draw him out as all." Dillon's face brightened, "Jacob is here now. Would you like to speak with him personally?"

"That's a great idea, Silas," Roberts smiled, as if he'd not thought to ask.

"I'll just go fetch him," Dillon turned towards the door. "Where are my manners? Would you like coffee? There's a fresh pot in the employee's lounge," he offered.

"Coffee sounds great," Roberts answered. "I'll get the coffee while you go and get Jake Granger."

"Fine, fine," Dillon left them.

"Do either of you want coffee?" Roberts queried.

"No thanks," Fox and Dana answered in unison. Roberts laughed and walked out shaking his head.

Chief Roberts returned with a steaming mug of coffee in hand. It smelled wonderful. Before he had a chance to speak Silas Dillon returned with a younger man. They entered the sitting room and Roberts stepped forward to greet them. When the young man saw the policeman's uniform, he panicked. Pushing Silas Dillon into Chief Roberts he spun and fled across the lobby. When Dillon's body impacted with Roberts' the mug of hot coffee was upset, spilling all over both of them. Fox didn't think, he just reacted. Pulling his weapon, he ran for the door. "Dana, check them out. See if their burns are serious. I'm going after Granger!" He never looked back as he sped across the lobby and out to the parking lot.

"Mulder! Wait!" Dana shouted after him. She looked at Chief Roberts, he was furious. "I'm a doctor. Are either of you seriously burned?" Dana felt weak.

Neither Silas nor Roberts were injured. Roberts took immediate control of the situation, "Silas, get all your employees. Lock them and yourself in the office. Do not open the door for anyone but one of the agents or myself." He pushed Silas gently, to get him moving. "Dana, you come with me," he was heading for the door, pulling his weapon form it's holster as he spoke.

They stepped out of the door, carefully. Roberts motioned to his left, Dana nodded. They proceeded slowly, hugging the building.

When they reached the corner, Roberts' risked a quick glance around the side of the building. There was no one visible. He and Dana walked on cautiously. Dana noticed something wet on the pavement. She stopped and knelt down. Placing a fingertip in the substance she lifted her hand, "It's blood!" Her eyes widened. "Chief, did you hear shots fired?"

Roberts shook his head, "No, I didn't. No more blood than there is here, I figure it's not from any gunshot wound." He looked about them. "There's more over there. Just a few drops, but enough to make a decent trail. Come on, Dana." He touched her arm and started walking toward the next set of blood stains. They rounded the next corner of the building, with Roberts in the lead. They found the service door to the mortuary. It was standing slightly ajar. Using a series of hand signals, Roberts' indicated that Dana should stand behind the door. On his signal, she would open the door, he would enter first, and then she was to follow him in. Dana nodded and took her place, ready and waiting for his sign.

Once their eyes adjusted to the darkness, they began to look around. Dana whispered, "Do you have any idea where we are?"

Roberts nodded, his face was grim. "Kennit doesn't have an official morgue. The county coroner performs any required autopsies right here. I know the place, all right," Roberts whispered as well.

They started when they heard noises. The sounds seemed to come from behind a door labeled: EMBALMING ROOM. Roberts and Dana approached silently. Roberts indicated that he wanted to use the same entry procedure as before.

Dana nodded.

When they entered the Embalming Room they saw Fox strapped to the embalming table, unconscious. A thin trickle of blood on his forehead.

Granger was poised over Fox, scalpel raised. As he plunged his hand toward Mulder's chest Dana shouted, "NO!" Her cry was drowned out by a gun shot.

Granger dropped the scalpel and it clattered to the floor, no longer a threat. A large, red stain blossomed on the front of his white shirt. "Don't you see? Can't you understand? The hearts... I had to take them back... Weren't theirs to begin with... " He staggered and fell to his knees. "Don't forget my roses." Granger collapsed onto the floor in a heap.

Dana ran to him, kicking the scalpel far away from the fallen man. She knelt and felt for a pulse, "He's dead." She looked at Chief Roberts. He was still in shooting stance, smoke issuing from the barrel of his service revolver.

After Dana had pronounced Granger dead, Roberts slowly relaxed. He holstered his weapon. "What do you think he meant? Take the hearts back?"

Dana shook her head, "I don't know, and don't ever want to know, actually." She walked to the embalming table where Fox was restrained. She gently brushed his hair back to examine his injuries.

He started to rouse, "Dana!" Mulder groaned. "Watch out for Granger! He's here, and he has my gun."

Dana pushed him back down, "Granger's dead, Fox. Relax." She started to undo the straps holding him to the table. "You can thank Chief Roberts for saving your life, any time now."

'Uh oh!' Mulder began to worry. 'She sounds mad!' He sneaked a peek at his partner's face, 'She's mad, all right.'

Roberts approached the embalming table. "You mind telling me, just what you thought you were doing back there?"

'Oh no!' Mulder was in for it now. 'Roberts is mad, too!' That means Walter's just a phone call away from being furious!' Mulder tried to get up.

Roberts placed a hand behind his back and helped him to a sitting position, "I don't think Walt is going to think very highly of one of his agents running off without back up, do you?" He was working up a full head of steam, "Or his agent being over-powered by his quarry and losing his weapon." Roberts squeezed Fox's arm, "Come to think of it, I don't like it very much, myself."

Fox felt like crying. He turned to Chief Roberts, "Thank you sir, for saving my life. I'm really sorry about running off like that. He turned to Dana, "My head really hurts."

Dana helped him down from the table. "Can you walk?" She placed an arm around his waist. "Chief, as much as Fox has this coming, I think we'd better wait. Let's take him to the hospital and get his head checked out. There will be time for this later." She glared at Mulder, "We'll make the time."

As she helped him into the Bronco's back seat, Dana hissed, "You'd better enjoy this while it lasts, because I'm calling Skinner as soon as we get back to the station house. He's going to tear you up, partner. What ever's left when Chief Roberts gets finished with you, that is!"

Fox couldn't believe it. He'd fouled up again and his head hurt so bad. 'Scully is furious with me, she's not going to help as all. Chief Roberts was waiting for a piece of his ass. To top it off, Skinner will be waiting for his return so he can share in the festivities!' Fox felt like crying but figured that would only make things worse.

Les Roberts left Dana and Fox to get to the truck by themselves. He went back inside the funeral home. He located Silas Dillon and informed them that it was all over. They were safe.

He called Stephani and told her to dispatch some officers to the mortuary so they could preserve the crime scene. He and the federal agents would come straight to the station from the hospital. They would make formal statements at that time. He reassured Stephani that Agent Mulder was fine. Roberts thought, 'At least right now, he is!'

He then drove Dana and Fox to St. Mary's Emergency Room. While Dana and Fox were in the x-ray department, Roberts went to the waiting area to use the pay phone.

"Skinner's residence," a feminine voice answered.

'What luck!' Roberts was thrilled. "Aunt Betsy? Is that you?" Roberts crowed, "This is Lesley Roberts, Walter's friend. Do you remember me?... No, don't bother to call Walter to the phone. You can just give him a message for me. Would that be all right with you ma'am? Thank you, ma'am."

Roberts proceeded to tell Aunt Betsy the entire story of Fox Mulder's undisciplined and childish behavior. He didn't want to blame Walter, you understand, but Walter was Fox's superior office, and therefore, responsible for him. Maybe Walter had been a little remiss in his duties towards his agents. Les wasn't one to point fingers, but...

Before he hung up Les heard a very angry voice calling, "Walter Sergei Skinner! You come here to me, right now!"

Les was feeling better already.

Back at the station house....

Chief Roberts had sent Stephani home. He recorded statements from Fox, Dana, and himself. He took the tape and placed it on the transcriptionist's desk. It would be typed the following morning.

He asked Dana to wait in the squad room. The chief then escorted Fox down the hall and back into his office, "Boy, you are now going to pay for your behavior this afternoon. Don't give me any nonsense about a head injury, either. I'm not going to do any damage to your head." Roberts was speaking calmly, as well as removing his belt. "Get your pants off and bend over the desk. Don't make me tell you twice."

Fox's fingers were numb as he fumbled with his trousers. He managed to remove them without falling down. Once he'd bent over the desk he said, "Chief Roberts? I'm truly sorry. This is exactly the kind of thing that gets me in trouble with Walter. I didn't think about putting my life at risk. I didn't think about endangering Dana, you or any of the unarmed civilians. I guess I just didn't think."

Roberts doubled the belt, "You didn't think about it then, but you are going to think about it now!" He swung the belt. It whistled through the air, before striking Fox's unprotected backside. "You go ahead and cry if you need to, son. This is going to be a hard one. I know you think Walter's tough, but he's a big softy. I won't think less of you, if you cry."

Fox cried long before it was over.

Back at the hotel....

Dana was in Fox's room. She'd laid him face down on his bed. She'd wetted a towel with cool water and covered his abused bottom.

She'd called Walter earlier, but he sounded strange. She could tell that there was someone with him. He'd asked her to call him at the office tomorrow morning. She thought he might have a cold. His voice was hoarse, and his nose sounded stuffy. It was just as well, Fox couldn't take anymore tonight. Tomorrow was another day.

End