Part: 2 of 7 Manipulations of the Heart T. Rose Disclaimers in Prologue Chapter 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." Chapter