Chapter Three: Elegance Deadly
Hannibal relaxed as he drove the totem that arrived at his door step at the back of his mind. It was possible someone was playing with him since he had taken Rhea as a patient, maybe even Jack. The man was vindictive when he wanted to be there was no putting it past him or anyone for that matter. He would be able to know more once he arrived at the dinner and got to observe Rhea and the others. Turning down onto the private drive he wondered why she chose such a remote location considering her personality didn't have the avoidances issues aspects of Will. The answer was actually quiet simple as he pulled into the drive, this was a custom built house. It was made with a sort of stone yet gave it a very castle like feel, if castles could have the conveyance of modern windows and lighting that is. The property was well kept, the lush lawn was green. There was a side garden moving up the sides of the house leading to the porch.
Hannibal rather liked it, it was unique yet organized, wandering if that was a happy coincidence or if the person had built it to be that way. Smoothing his tie before opening his door he grabbed the wine bottle in it's case and closed his door looking up the path to the house. Eisner came out around the corner and to Hannibal. He moved around his well dressed pants and dress shoes to sit by his feet looking up at him. After a silent moment he seemed to snort and move then stop waiting. Amused Hannibal realized it wanted him to follow and going after the small dog it went to the front door and inside a smaller dog door to the left of the wall. A moment later there was a sound of a latch and the heavy wooden door with it's cross iron motif opened. No one there. Stepping in after making sure to wipe his feet he saw the Corgi it had bitten a cord that had pulled the latch and unlocked the door. Rigged that way, smart. Even smarter still the dog ran at the door jumping up hitting his paws against it and the door semi slammed shut.
Jack peeked around the corner as Hannibal took off his outer jacket and hung it up.
"I see you've met the door keeper," Jack teased looking down at Eisner as he ran toward the kitchen pushing open the door where Rhea was glimpsed cooking for the briefest moment.
"Yes, he is very intelligent and very trained. " He observed curious as to what she was making in the kitchen.
Jack had watched the dog as well to now see his gaze and smiled. There was music playing in the kitchen but not opera or any of the sort or modern music. Listening closer Hannibal could hear samisen being played like they used to at old Geisha houses but this one was more softer, a tale of a samurai in it's strings perhaps.
"She didn't want me or Bella in the kitchen you are welcome to try but don't make her too mad she might throw the knife at you." He teased.
Hannibal smiled at Jack to move to the door to knock softly before slightly opening the door.
"I don't mean to intrude but I have something that would be better if it was in the kitchen." Hannibal said softly holding the wine bottle in view.
The door opened she was there wiping her hands, "The cellar is to the right of the fridge."
Going in he caught the aroma's of many different things at once but nothing definitive as to the exact dish she was making but he didn't dawdle he didn't like it when someone bugged him when he was cooking if and when he had people over when he did so in the first place. Putting it in a closer singular empty spot turning to her to smile and go back out to Jack.
"Hannibal," Rhea said softly he turned arching a brow at the use of his first name.
"Thank you for knocking," she inclined her head with a smile Hannibal felt his own closing his eyes as he inclined his head for the compliment going back out.
By the time he came out Eisner was with someone new, he was with Alana and Will. Staying close to Will who felt generous having brought treats for the dog this time. Smiling as Eisner did simple trained tricks for him. Dogs were Will's safety, his escape. Alana giggled entertained but saw him to smile. Hannibal returned it as she came to him and joined his side.
"This house is bigger then I thought it would be. According to Jack though she designed it a long time ago when she was younger but finally got it built a few years back after becoming part of the FBI." She said as she looked at the designs.
Hannibal took in this new information letting it sink as he looked around the dinning room. The table was a hard dark solid oak finely carved. Of course nothing upon it just yet they had arrived early or at least judging by the empty wine bottle Jack and Bella had arrived earlier then Rhea had intended. Moving to the living area it was comfortably furnished for guests, turning with Alana he saw Rhea close off the dining area locking it. Alana arched a brow.
"I guess she doesn't want anymore kitchen visitors." Bella laughed teasing Jack.
Hannibal sat down amused as Will tried to get Eisner to jump in his lap but he did laying in it to please Will. Ears going up watching the dinning room door despite Will's attentive touch to his head and ears. It didn't take long to see why as Hannibal heard the faintest tune closing his eyes as it grew. Rhea seemed to treat it as if they were not there right now. Handel, Piangero la sorte mia was playing, Hannibal closed his eyes again and just listened that was one of his favorite opera pieces. At the end of the song the door unlocked and she opened the door to slide it back the dinning table was set. Hannibal looked to his right to see it. Smiling. She had places set for everyone already. Hannibal and Will to her left and right then Alana beside Hannibal, Bella beside Will and Jack facing her at the other side of the table. She had her apron off. She was in pants with a dress shirt that opened a bit but yet pulled and laced to the side becoming part of the Cincher. Her gloves were on still.
She had made a sort of Tartare, various sushi rolls including the dragon roll, seasonal Sashimi and Sea Urchin. Opening the steamer trays she had Dim sum and had prepared Egg drop soup to be eaten first. She had fruit skewers in drizzled honey. She had special tea prepared as well with steamed sushi rice to the side she had two sets of Onigiri. Hannibal traced his Chopsticks after taking his seat watching her take out a small bowl and set it down for Eisner at his spot he waited at. Silent, patient and he didn't try eating it until she stepped away. A well trained dog, respecting that his owner was the alpha and master. Hannibal could actually appreciate the bond she shared with the intelligent corgi.
It was Jack's wife that finally asked Rhea about the gloves that she wore. Jack trying to shoot her a look but she had obviously missed it though Will hadn't.
"My hands are still healing and It's easier to keep them clean by keeping them gloved when eating or out and about doing things," she said as she took them off to show her arching a brow as she did.
There were cuts crossing her palms that had been carefully and delicately stitched with precision of a specialist. Some of it even crossed her fingers. She slipped the gloves back on and resumed picking up her chopsticks using them on her dim sum. Eating in near silence afterward. Will was watching her Hannibal noticed, she seemed to interest Will and she sensed it. Asking about the dogs he rescued since Jack had been apt to tell her about it. Will shot Jack a look which he smirked shrugging but they had polite conversation that soon became involved on exchange of breed knowledge setting Will at ease he carried on a decent conversation without need of careful prodding. Hannibal was impressed with Rhea more intrigued by his future patient.
With the meal finished Jack and his wife left but Will spent more time with Eisner in the yard. Hannibal arched a brow as he walked her home in search of Rhea to find her setting up her swords. Seeing the Armor that had been made for her. Feeling like stepping into the past for but a moment when he was much younger and staring down the armor of Lady Murasaki's ancestors.
"I promised you I would show it." Rhea spoke not turning knowing Hannibal was there.
Hannibal took off his shoes stepping into the room, it wasn't just because Rhea had hers off but because it was a tradition of respect. The crest had an ancient Raven slaying the wolf. Hannibal eyed it glancing Rhea, the messenger had used the same story motif. Yet it was very hard to gauge if she had sent it or not. Time would tell as he tried to unravel the mind of dear Rhea. Question was would he enjoy the trip down the rabbit hole?
