Fort Wayne Forensics Department, 8:37 AM
"Here's what they found." Mulder said, handing Scully a piece of folded paper, "It was inside the metal thing."
Scully unfolded the paper, and realized what it was.
"It's a page ripped form the bible, the book of Mark." Mulder said.
Scully looked over the paper, and her attention was caught by a highlighted area.
"Thefts, covetous, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All of these evil things come from within, and defile the man."
Scully furrowed a brow, "What do you think this means?" She asked.
Mulder sighed, "I think this guy is playing God, trying to play his role, I'm not sure."
Scully nodded, "Yeah...you think this is just the regular religious nut?" She asked.
Mulder shrugged, "Maybe. But Gary's a small town, the people would have noticed a new face. Plus, there was no evidence left at the scene, no fingerprints, no murder weapon...nothing."
"Agents?"
Scully and Mulder turned around, and saw a desperate looking man, a deep fear set in his eyes.
"I'm Sheriff Balmsley...We have another one."
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Epson Dairy Farm, 9:08 AM
"Carl Rightheart, local pastor...God, i don't know what kind of bastard would do this." Balmsley said, shaking his head.
Scully studied the body, it was lying face up, the face was splattered with small, round burns, and the words, "False Prophet" had been branded into the man's stomach. His mouth had been sewn shut and his index finger and thumb on the right hand had been cut off.
"Who found him?" Scully asked.
"The local farmer, Ernie Roads." The Sheriff said, "But I don't think-"
"Is he here? Can I speak with him?" Scully interruptted.
"Well, I suppose you can. But he ain't all brains, he's a little strange." He said.
"I think we can handle strange." Mulder said, "Where can we find him?"
"He's down at the station now, he was lookin' a little shook up."
Mulder nodded, "All right, Scully will be back later to examine the body. Until then, tell everyone to keep a lookout."
The sheriff nodded, "Sure thing."
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Fort Wayne Sheriff's Department, 9:49 AM
"Mr Roads? I'm agent Mulder, this is agent Scully. We'd like to ask you a few questions."
The man looked up, his eyes darted from Scully to Mulder, his fear set deep in his wrinkles.
"When did you find the body, Mr. Roads?" Scully asked.
"Well, I found it 'bout 8:30 this mornin'. Was just a lyin' there starin' up at me." He said.
"And, did you hear anything prior to finding the body? screams? rustling? Anything odd?" Mulder asked.
The man looked at the ground, thinking.
"Well, no. I don't think so, but my hearin' ain't what it used to be. The man could've had a band playin' and I don't think I would be 'a hearin' it."
"I see...So you didn't hear or see anything?" Scully asked.
"No ma'am. Just the ol' cows callin' in the field like every night."
Mulder nodded, "All right, thank you, Mr. Roads."
Scully and Mulder turned back, and walked out.
"What do you think Mulder?" Scully asked when they were out of the station.
Mulder shook his head, "I don't think that man's smart enough to operate a remote, much less kill a man..." Mulder Scrunched his nose, "Pew, what's that?"
Scully sniffed, then looked down.
"Oh, damn it."
She scraped her shoe on the ground, which was perfumed with cow manure.
"Must've stepped in it when we down at the farm." She said. "Let's go."
Please R&R!