TIPPING THE BALANCE

It is often said that good can't survive without evil and in turn evil can't survive without good. You can't have God without the Devil. As it goes with human nature, ignoring both sides of human nature is nothing short of disastrous. When people learn to accept and appreciate all sides of their nature then they truly can be centered. And as anyone can tell, tipping the balance either way usually has consequences.

J Edgar Hoover building, DC

Mulder sat at the desk and was just moments away from twiddling his bored little thumbs. Sure, it was great to be working back at the FBI and on the X-Files. Even though the previous case had been interesting, but there was no real substance to it. Just misquoted accounts and an attention seeking teenage girl usually meant Scully and he went around chasing after BS. But it was good to get out of DC for awhile. He had managed to finish the report in record time overnight and had it sitting in front of him and was ready for the big trip upstairs.

"I can't believe you spent last night on the report." Scully blinked as she looked away from the monitor, "Are you sure you don't want me to proofread it first?" She asked as she went back to typing.

"I should proofread your work Scully." Mulder was smiling as he watched her type, "I have a high IQ you know."

"Maybe so Mulder." Scully adjusted her glasses that seemed to be slipping down the bridge of her nose, "But you're the laziest report writer I've ever seen."

He laughed, of she was right about that. His job was to investigate the cases and sort out the fact from fiction not sit at a computer and write about it, "But that's why God invented the spellchecker."

Scully shook her head as she tried to not laugh at that comment. Instead, she gave him a playfully scorning look. It was great to see him back at the X-Files and back to his old self. When he didn't have something to do, Mulder would get bored easily.

"Hey why don't you rough up the office a bit if you're that bored?" Scully didn't even look at Mulder to know he was sporting a confused look on his face, "Make it look like your old office."

"Really funny." Mulder said in deadpan tone as he crunched up a small piece of paper and threw it at Scully, hitting her at the back of the head and when Scully looked at him Mulder pretended to look around, "What?" He asked innocently, "It wasn't me."

The telephone rung before Scully could respond to Mulder's behavior, "Agent Mulder." Mulder answered the phone, "Yes sir. Right away." Mulder put the receiver down, "We have to go see Skinner."

"Hang on." Scully said, "I just need to make a hard copy and I'll be ready."

"He said to drop everything Scully." Mulder said… Skinner's tone was serious and it even sounded worse when he told them to drop everything and come running. He picked up his report on the way out just in case.

Their assistant director Skinner wasn't the only superior in the office waiting for him. Mulder's heart skipped a beat as he and Deputy Director Kersh exchanged a not-so-friendly glance. JESUS! He cursed Kersh deep within his mind. Some things are destined to never change. He'd gone through every action and everything he had said since returning to find the plausible reason why they had summoned him on such short notice and such urgency but for the life of him he couldn't think of one reason.

"Have a seat." Skinner said pointing to the chairs.

Mulder placed his report on the desk, this was one of those rare occasions when Mulder got the report in first, and "I was working on mine when you called us Sir." Scully suddenly felt the urge to defend herself even though nothing was said, "I was about to print it out but you said it was urgent." But she sat back in the chair after Skinner just picked up the file and placed it to one side of the desk without reading it.

Skinner pointed to the television set in the office just behind them so the Agents adjusted their chairs so they were now facing the screen. They watched the television come to life and Mulder managed to bite back a comical remark… Since Kersh was there he wanted to act as professional as possible. With him there, he'll forever on a knife's edge.

FOX NEWS ALERT! The words flashed on the TV screen from a program that was recorded yesterday morning judging by the time and date on the bottom of the screen. The three familiar faces of Brian Kilmeade, Steve Doocy and ED Donahey sat on the couch of the Fox News Studio.
"We're joined now by our Fox News Correspondent Rick Levanthal." The short, black haired man said, "Rick… What can you tell us?"

Rick was tall and looked like a stick, "The town of Falls Church has been rocked by a grizzly double homicide during the night. Residents of Falls Church were awoken to this disturbing scene. Winchester Way is now etched in people's minds. People are in shock and the Local PD is refusing to hand out any details to the press." He said to the camera.

"So Rick." Brian said, "Are there any details on the victims. How were they killed?"

"Stab wounds we think." Rick answered, "As I say they're not releasing any information… It's almost like they're inducing a media blackout as to remove any chance of media speculation."

"What are the residents of Falls Church saying about the victims?" ED asked.

"People are being questioned by the Police and are being advised not to speak to any media." Rick said.

"We'll keep you up to date as this story unfolds." Brian said.


Skinner used the remote control to turn off the television set and Mulder and Scully readjusted their seats so they were facing their superiors once again to await their orders.

"You two are going to be part of five man team investigating these deaths." Skinner waited for Kersh's nod of approval before continuing, "You'll be meeting them at Winchester Way."

"A five man team to investigate a double homicide?" Mulder commented before he had a chance to bite his tongue, "Isn't that a bit…" He refused to finish that sentence.

"Two weeks ago…" Skinner handed him a file, "Actually not far from Winchester Way there was another double homicide a couple of weeks ago. The case was well buried until yesterday."

"Vancouver Police are at a loss Agents." Kersh spoke for the first time since they entered, "And basically have handed this case to us, because they wished to wash their hands of this case. You'll go to the Vancouver Police Department to pick up their information and then meet your other team members at the site."

"Yes Sir." Scully said as they stood up.

"If you're wondering why you two are going." Skinner looked up, "You two are a great team and teamwork may seem like an essential ingredient here."


Mulder and Scully packed their clothes and Mulder picked her up in the car. He let out a sigh as she threw her bag in the backseat before entering.

"What's the matter?" Scully asked him.

"I'm thinking that when we get back to DC." Mulder drove the car towards Vancouver, "My mind's thinking that when we get back… The X-File basement is going to be changed into another Janitor's closet."

All this time, Mulder had not lost his passion or his paranoia for the X-File division and swore that if he left them unattended for any length of time Kersh was going to take the X-File office away. Scully tried hard not to laugh, "Careful Mulder. You're starting to get obsessive again." This was something Mulder had agreed on so that Scully would come back to work with him… That was to not let the X-Files run their lives.

"Yeah, you're right." Mulder grinned, "Hey we might get a chance to visit John Doggett while we're in Falls Church."

Doggett had left the DC field office just before they were contacted to help the FBI look for the missing agents. They're not sure what had become of Monica, she just seemed to disappear off the face of the Earth.

"I doubt that Mulder." Scully said, "We're going to be busy with this one. I can clearly feel it."


Vancouver Police Department, Falls Church

There was a media frenzy outside the Vancouver Police Department and immediately swarmed onto the dark suited couple. They surmised that since they were wearing dark suits and entering the department that they had to be FBI.

"Things must be bad to warrant the involvement of the FBI." A news reporter said, "What are your thoughts on this case?"

Mulder and Scully had a difficult time trying to maneuver their way passed the mob of rats, "No comment." Mulder said to the reporter. Scully nudged him in unspoken warning to not say anything at all. You give them something, and they'd want more. They were relentless in their pursuit for precious soundbytes to boost their ratings. Mulder adjusted his tie as they entered the Police Department. They quickly closed the door behind them.

The area had the hustle and bustle of a city in such a small area, "How can I help you?" The officer at the desk asked, "As you see we're pretty busy."

Mulder flashed his ID, "Agents Mulder and Scully… FBI." Mulder said, "We've been sent from DC and are here to take over the Winchester case."

"Right." The officer said, "Wait here."

"I expected him to be friendlier." Scully said looking around the Department, "This place is crazy."

"It's a busy day." Mulder observed.

"I'm Officer Stephen Peterson." The young officer extended his hand to Mulder.

"Agent Mulder and this is my partner Agent Dana Scully." Did they have to send a kid to work with us? Peterson barely looked twenty.

Scully shook his hand, "Pleasure." He bit his lip… It wasn't really a pleasure actually, "Here's the file on the previous murder of Paul and Claudette Smith." Stephen said, "Including autopsy report and crime scene photos." He handed the folder to them, "Oh and here's all we have on the murder Andrea and her son Lewis Price."

The folder was almost empty and the kid looked like he was going to burst if they didn't say something. It seemed that the Vancouver PD had just plucked him out of the Police Academy, "Good." Scully said.

Stephen smiled broadly, "I have to take you to Winchester Way." He said, "We'll be working with a couple of experienced officers."

Thank God for that. Mulder shuddered at the thought of having a rookie working on a case like this with them. Clearly, this case called for experience and this kid had none, "Can I just say that it's an honor to be working alongside the FBI." Stephen said as they went to the Department's car lot. At least they didn't have to worry about navigating their way through the horde of leeches waiting at the front.


Winchester Way, Falls Church

The two storey house didn't seem to stand out from any of the other houses. There didn't seem to be any reason why this particular place would have been singled out. Mulder's mind went back and forth to his profiling days. If this was the case of a serial killer, then choosing the location was sometimes as important as the motive. That would be unless these people were singled out and stalked.

Mulder and Scully showed their badges to an Officer guarding the crime scene from journalists and onlookers. The man waved them in. Inside he could see flashes going off from a camera. The house was in immaculate condition and happy family photographs lined the wall including graduation photos. It seemed that they had the perfect family.

The three of them approached where the flashes of light were coming from, "You must be from the FBI." The man taking the photos said. He hadn't turned around to see them but saw the three reflections in a painting on the far wall. After all, who else would be entering the house?

The man's voice sounded familiar, "Yes." Mulder said, "Let's get one thing straight before we continue… Once the FBI gets called in that means that the PD has relinquished the case to us. We're in charge here… Remember that and we'll work together just fine."

"I know how the FBI works." The man replied as he turned around. This caused Mulder's mouth to open wide.

"John Doggett." Mulder said.

"Fox Mulder?" Doggett asked with the same expression, "What are you doing here?"

"We're taking over the case." Mulder answered, "Scully." He called out.

"They let you back in the FBI?" Doggett said, "It's great to see you again."

"Yeah been awhile." Mulder replied as they shook hands, "I helped them with a major case and all sins were gone. Hey they even reopened the X-Files."

Scully came into the main living area and was shocked to see Doggett standing there, "Well I left the bureau and now work for the Vancouver PD." Doggett showed his badge.

But that was enough chit-chat, there was more work to be done, "So what you got?" Doggett went through the photos on the digital camera and Mulder took a good look at them and grimaced. Some scenes just seemed to hit the nerve and Scully took a look at the photographs to.

Mulder looked at the roof of the living area which was where the bodies had been discovered, "Can someone get me a ladder?" Mulder asked.

Stephen was still wondering how on earth Doggett knew the FBI agents so intimately. But was quick to act when someone had needed something and he was out the door looking for a ladder. It wasn't long before he was dragging one in.

Mulder climbed up and looked closely at what looked like barbed hooks stuck into the roof. After donning the latex gloves he carefully began to remove them and stick them into an evidence bag. When it came to the final one he studied it more closely there was bits of flesh hanging off the barbed bits and it was covered in blood.

"They were holding them up by the feet." Doggett informed him.

Doggett pointed to the roof as he explained the way they were found. Hanging upside down and dripping blood into two messy pools beneath them. Scully looked up as well before taking down some notes.

"Uh, do you mind if I take the ladder outside." Stephen said. Suddenly feeling the need to get outside.

"Sure." Scully said, "It's only getting in the way in here." She'd already noted the distress in his tone but decided against going to see if he was alright.

Doggett scoffed at that… He knew exactly what was going on, "The bodies of Andrea and Lewis Price are at the morgue. I think you two are going to want to examine them closely and personally."

"Yes." Scully said as she looked down at the blood staining again. Wondering what kind of person would do this… And to take the time and effort to get the bodies hanging them upside down, "Mulder?" Scully said as they were leaving. He was just standing still.

"Coming Scully." His mind was already ticking over as he tried to picture what had went on here. Even though he was out of the profiling game, he still relied on his skills when it came to catching killers.

"Wait a minute." Doggett said just before they stepped into the car, "You're forgetting about someone."

Scully and Mulder looked blankly and a female officer came outside from the next door neighbor and approached Doggett. Mulder and Scully's jaws dropped as they noticed that the girl in uniform was Monica Reyes.

"Was just having a cup of tea and biscuits from Miss Lema." Reyes said, "She was telling me all about Mister and Mrs. Price. Nice lady, but a bit lonely."

"The FBI's here." Doggett replied.

"Oh right." Reyes turned to greet them, "Mulder! Dana!?" She exclaimed in delight as she hugged them enthusiastically, "You're back with the FBI?"

"Yeah." Mulder said, "We have only been back a short time and they sent us on this case out here. Like old times."

"Maybe not." Doggett said, there was just so much they had to catch up on. But that would have to wait until this case gets solved, "When they said they were sending in a couple of Agents… I didn't expect them to be you."

Mulder just shrugged as they stepped into their respective cars.