A familiar scent, waft in Hannibal's nose. The ebbed smell of Cabernet, ink and lilies seeped across him, masking it in rose perfume far too strong for his liking, but had a peculiar novelty to it.
"As expected, you certainly have a flair like no other." The woman uttered, her slimming gown pressed snuggly against her.
"But that was to be expected since your being proceeds all standards." Bedelia muttered, with Hannibal escorting her to their seats. Their arms linked in a courteous manner, whilst a few similarly well-dressed individuals giving them long passive glances. Their presence garnering attention for their illustrious image of wealth.
"I have no intention to add the dramatics. It was a necessary step, as you were also a target. " Hannibal replied smoothly, already expecting the deadpanned look that the woman had worn.
As they neared their seats, Bedelia bent down to take it. Her dress ruffled up to an extent, where the shimmer of black and gold sequins illuminated against the dim light. In contrast Hannibal wore a classic tux, bespoken and snug against his figure. A golden watch peeking out of the cuffed sleeve. The cuff links glaring in attention, the artisan style of the scorpion with ruby beaded eyes pulsing. It was befitting of the owner, deadly and majestic.
"Hannibal, my time is . . . Precious. I do not have time for Operatic events such as this. . . 'He' is starting to wonder why you've been missing in his endeavors. . . The ring master misses his favorite beast. He wants your constant location." Bedelia muttered, as the Aria started to commence. The velvet red curtains drawn in a swift uniform motion on both sides.
"I find the ambience of the opera, a compelling and adequately solemn event. So much so that my being is in one of the most cultured places of our earth, I have taken the opportunity to . . . Enjoy the prospects." Hannibal uttered softly, as he watched the main lead's introduction, his charm eluded by an elegant white mask to symbolize his hidden image.
He was to steal the heart of a young Medici girl, that had the beauty like no other, opting to charm her with his song, soft caresses and wit. He procured multiple roses, in various shades of red offering it to the girl.
"You are wanted. You killed the pawns of a very powerful man. I don't play with wars I cannot win. . . " Bedelia started, her body easing more on the chair, as the soprano tone of the Medici girl echoed like white noise.
"And yet you joined me this evening. . . Saying your unbiased is a folly in itself." Hannibal smirked, looking deviously under his pale lashes.
"Your. . . Payment, Tobias Budge, is a significant factor of the ensued happenings. . . He was part of our, 'company'. A newcomer to the business. . . He was to say . . . Unstable. He keeps looking for the Chesapeake Ripper, of course your identity being a priority was archived and kept. But the persistence of the man is admirable—" the woman narrated seemingly unconcerned, but was abruptly cut off stiffly.
"He knows." Hannibal sauntered, sharp eyes landing on her face. A shiver of fear ran through her spine.
'Cold', was all Bedelia could muster, coupled with 'empty'. Hannibal sounded undisturbed in the least, as if he was prepared for this. In all probability it was likely he was. He turned back his attention to the stage, as of nothing said was of importance.
"He stole the information from our system." Bedelia tried to conceal her chill, putting on a confident façade.
"I have retired from the organization three years ago, I expected my information to be disposed of by now." Hannibal uttered, crossing his legs perfectly on the ball of his knee. His hands lightly clasping each other, sitting on top of the crossed legs. But still his attention to the opera was maintained to perfection.
"Yes, but . . . 'He' is still baffled by your existence. 'He' refused to dispose of anything in connection with you. . . 'He' is infatuated." Bedelia muttered contempt in her voice, already oblivious to the happenings of the opera.
"Not to mention 'he' used your occasional . . . 'Contract' with the company, to maintain your information in arm's length." Bedelia added her words sinking in her mouth.
"It seems Tobias wants to . . . Garner your attention by means of divulging your information " Hannibal's head turned slowly. His eyes softened and turned to amusement.
Bedelia knew enough to know another body was already going to be added on the counter. She didn't think twice at her inner monologue manifesting on her frown, more work would be in her care once more involving the man that sat beside her.
"Another one of your undying fans it seems." The off comment rang in Hannibal's ears, wiping the amusement away.
"Easily solved. . . I believe everyone needs a friend. On the other hand, what does 'he' want?" The tone in his voice scrutinizing and fickle.
" 'He' wants you back. 'He' practically following you every step of the way. I think it's better if you come back to the organization." Hannibal remain silent at the statement, the tempting prospects of pushing 'His' identity is appealing. But he knew better than to do so.
"And what is your concern Bedelia?" The man queried.
"I am concerned on . . . The gravity of your attraction to the man that is waiting for you." Bedelia mused, handing Hannibal a piece of paper with 'Ex Nihilo' etched on it. Before standing up, and strutted the carpeted ails, already finishing her duty. She didn't bother to even finish the show, concluding today's arrangements was enough of an excitement for the woman.
After a few minutes Hannibal followed suit, and escaped the vicinity without fail. Opting to go to the bathroom to change.
He entered the bathroom nonchalantly, before bringing out his phone and opening a preinstalled hacking system. Typing in 'Ex Nihilo', all the CCTV cameras were stalled with a 1-minute window.
Hannibal immediately locked the door, before climbing on edge of the pearlescent sink, pulling on the air vent's bars. There a bag was ready and packed with all the necessities to fulfill the mission. He peeled off his suit jacket and slacks, and opted for something more mobile and unidentifiable. Exchanging the bespoken suit for a black tee and jeans was a massive change.
Hannibal took his suit jacket and turned it inside out, revealing a leather lining that was designed to be a casual counter part of the suit jacket.
He wore it effortlessly, timing in at 37 seconds. His window is slowly closing. Hannibal crept out of the vicinity via the fire exit. He could hear the hurried footsteps of the opera's employees trying to check on the cameras.