Thanks so very much -- I'm delighted you enjoyed the story, especially since you're not an X-Files fan. If you ever catch the XF episode Hungry on TV, though, you should watch it -- Mulder plays Columbo to a very sympathetic (?) cannibalistic mutant fast food worker, even down to complimenting the fiend on his housekeeping skills. Surprisingly, it's an amusing satire on support groups and counseling, and the Columbo-style cat-and-mouse game (down to the cannibal's "Quick, where do I hide the clue?" moments and the third act second murder common in the vintage Columbos. I like to think of this episode as a tribute to the influence Columbo's had on other shows over the decades -- it was probably where I got the idea of linking our Lieutenant with fellow oddball Mulder.

BTW, I'd been trying to find a place for that mythology clue for nearly five years. And thanks, too, for your patience as I fixed the link.