I do not own…
Kagome was at work the next day doing her normal rounds. It was her job to check on her patients, give them their treatment and other things. Bear was there as well as was the therapeutic dog on their floor. The kids and the employees loved him as he made the kids happy, giving them some hope. Being back at work has helped her forget about the dead body from yesterday. When her time was done she said goodbye to her patients and her friends that work there before heading towards the elevator. Before she could get in the elevator her boss Dr. Spree stopped her first.
"Ms. Higurashi, you like opera right?" He asked
"Yeah, I've been to a few shows." She said
"Good. You see I got these tickets to the upcoming Opera show at the Art museum this weekend...to surprise my wife but unfortunately…" He said, holding two tickets.
He had sadness in his voice as his wife was very ill and from what she heard she wasn't gonna last long.
"How is Debbie?" She asked
"She has her good days and bad days. Sadly she has been having her bad days and I feel that I should be with her." He said "I was wondering if you would like them instead?"
Not wanting to be rude she agreed to take them but did tell him that if his wife started to feel better he could have them back. With that she said goodbye to her boss and entered the elevator. She looked at the ticket with guilt as she knew how much her boss wanted to take his wife to this. Then mentally groaned as she realized that she had a second and didn't know who to take or bring. None of her friends were big one opera, unless you count Phantom of the Opera. She could only think of her male friend from Hopkins but he was still on a business and didn't know when he'd be back. When she got to the employee parking lot she did send him a text message just in case. She got to her car but froze when she saw a red lilie on her windshield. Kagome looked around as she tightened her grip on Bear's lesh. Again she didn't know how to feel about this. She had told some of her friends at work about the surprise flower delivery last weekend and to see if they might know something or if she should be worried. None of them knew but it was a split debate. Some say that she shouldn't worry while others like Barabra (the head nurse and older member of her friend group) say to be cautious, because you may never know if this could be a stalker. The flower was beautiful but her gut feeling was her not to take it. Kagome just took the flower and placed it in the back before getting in the car to head home.
After some investigation Will had gone to Kagomes' house to ask her questions. Normally he would go with someone like Jack, Alana or Hannibal but they were all busy so gave him the okay to ask by himself. When he got to the right floor he noticed a little girl reading a Madeline book in the hallway. Thinking it was one of the neighbors kids he just let her be. Emily looked up at him with curiosity before looking back at her book. When he found Kagomes' apartment number he knocked on the door but nobody answered.
"Ms. Kagome is not home yet." Emily said
"Oh, um...do you know when she'll be back?" He asked
"She sometimes has long hours at the hospital she works at." Emily said, turning a page. "But if she doesn't she should be back in a few minutes."
"Um...okay." He nodded
Emily looked at him again and recognized him from yesterday.
"You're the cop from the park yesterday." She said
"Uh kind of, I'm a special agent." He said
"You help put bad guys away, right?" She asked
"In a way, yeah. I help the cops find and capture the bad guys." He said with a small smile.
When the elevator door opened Kagome and Bear came out. The Priestess was a bit surprised to see the special agent from yesterday.
"Oh hello, Mr. Graham." She greeted
She glanced over at Emily that smile and waved at her before disappearing.
"Hi." He said
"What brings you here?" She asked
"Um may we talk in…" He said as he glanced over at the little girl. "...private."
He was taken aback when she was no longer there. Kagome held in a chuckle as Emily did enjoy freaking adults out.
"I can only assume that you're here because of the body yesterday." She said
"Uh, yeah." He nodded
Not wanting her neighbors to be noisey she offered to let him inside her apartment. Bear didn't like the idea and a noise that sounded like a protest groan.
"Now Bear, stop it." She said as she was taking out her house keys to open the door. "If you behave yourself I'll cook you your favorite sausage for your dinner."
Bears perked up when she mentioned sausages and wagged his tail. The moment she opened the door the Newfoundland hurried inside making Kagome and Will chuckle. Kagome went into her room to place her purse and jacket away. Will was in the living room, standing as he wasn't sure if he should sit down or not. He looked around the nice looking apartment. It had a cozy feeling to it with a mix of modern Japanese style. The place made him feel relaxed and calm for once but still felt out of place. Kagome came out of her room and walked over to the kitchen to put water in her tea pot.
"Would you like something to drink?" Kagome asked
"No thank you." He said
She then turned on the stove and placed the teapot on top of it.
"I made a lemon cake yesterday, would you like some?" She asked
"No, I'm good." He said
She turned the stove on low before gestured for him to sit down. The two sat down on different sides of her Sectional sofa while Bear laid down on his bed, still keeping an eye on him. It was when they sat down that Will noticed the flowers that were on the coffee table. They were the same flowers that were in the victims which was a proof to his theory.
"When did you get those flowers?" He asked
She looked at the flowers, making him glance at her and noticed that she was a bit uneasy.
"I really don't know from who. It was delivered on saturday." She sighed "Even the guy who delivered it didn't know who it was."
"Sounds like this isn't a normal thing." He said
"Not really." She said
He then took out some photos of the victim from yesterday and five other victims. Jack believed that this was the Rippers work and Will agreed but something off. The Ripper normally killed three in order, that they know of, before going into hibernation. Will felt that the Ripper had more anger and hatred when he was killing these people, as if they were personal.
"Do you recognize any of these people?" He asked
He placed the photos on the coffee table and let her take a look at them. She looked at the six photos and only recognized three of them. Two only because they made scenes and crude comments. The other one is because he worked at the same hospital as her.
"Um...I don't really know them but I've only seen these two once. But this is Ricky Stabler. He worked at the hospital. He's been reported missing for over a week." She said "I don't know much about him, only that he worked on a lower level than me."
"What do you remember of these two?" He asked
"With the guy, I've only met once about a month ago at a bar that my friends and I have gone to." She explained "He tried to flirt with me but when I turned him down he became extremely rude. It got to the point that the bouncer at the bar got involved and kicked the guy out."
"And the woman?" He asked
"Just a racist woman from the grocery store one time. She got mad that I grabbed the last item on the shelf and lied to one of the employees that I stole it from her." She explained "The Managers and employers know me and didn't believe her. They offered to look at the cameras and that when the woman backed away and left. But not before called me a 'Fucking Chink'."
She looked at him with a worried look.
"I'm guessing that these people are dead if you're showing them to me." She said
"Stabler was the body that you found yesterday." Will replied "The others were killed weeks apart in the last month."
"And...you guys think I have something to do with it?" She asked
"Have you heard of the Chesapeake Ripper?" He asked
"I have heard of him from the News." She said
"We believe that this area has become his new hunting ground." He answered "You should be careful and beware of your surroundings just in case."
He stood up to leave and Kagome stood up to show him to the door. She glanced at him when she noticed him staring at her but averted his eyes away. The Priestess has noticed this before and started to believe that he didn't like eye contact.
"You don't like eye contact, do you?" She said
He did look at her for a few minutes before looking away.
"Not with some people." He claims "I have an ability that makes me see too much."
"That must be hard. With your line work I can only guess that you use this ability to get in the killers mind." She said "That has to take a toll on you."
"At times but...I managed." He muttered with a soft chuckle.
After looking into his aura she could sense that his mind was becoming over flowed with darkness. So she decided to help him. After hearing the teapot whistle she gestured for him to follow her to the kitchen. She turned off the stove and poured a cup half way. Then she walked towards a locked cabinet that had all her own medical remedies that she made. After unlocking the cabinet she took out a bottle and poured it in the same cup.
"What's that?" He asked
"It's a special remedy that I made. It's to help cleanse the mind." She explained. "This will help with the demons in your mind."
When she was done stirring the cups she handed it to him. He looked at it with a raised brow before looking back at her.
She chucked.
"I grew up in a shrine and have learned all sorts of things from another priestess." She said "I have my own gifts too. I can sense and read auras. With yours I sense that it's getting plagued with the darkness you're stepping into."
He took the cup but still had some hesitations. When he looked at her again something told that he could trust her and took a few sips of the tea. When he was done he left her his number in case anything happens before leaving. She watched him leave before shutting the door.
"He's a strange one." Emily said
The little girl was sitting down next to Bear, petting him.
"Everyone is strange Emily." Kagome replied
"Do you think he could help me too?" Emily asked
"Maybe. But I'm not sure if he would believe us." Kagome sighed
The priestess has tried everything she could to find out how the little girl died and where body was. Sadly something was blocking Kagome's way in searching for Emily's body. Needing some relaxation she headed to her room to get a change of clothes so she could take a nice hot bath.
.
.
.
After a couple of days had passed Kagome was careful with her surroundings. There haven't been any killings lately but another flower delivery arrived. Then there are the dreams that appeared every few nights with the strange creature. She had to use her own special remedy to ease her dreams. Then two days later her male friend Carl called telling her that he'll be in town tomorrow and would love to go to the opera with her Saturday. So when Saturday came she had dressed herself in a lovely blue evening dress while Carl wore traditional tuxedos with a matching blue bowtie. He was the type of guy that loves to match up for events like this.
"Opera at an art museum, lovely." Carl smirked
He helped her out of his car before taking the ticket from valet and gave him his car keys. When they entered the place it was pretty crowded. They were either looking at the painting and sculptures or just talking among their own group. While there Kagome felt like she was being watched. She couldn't pinpoint who but after so many years of trying to enhance her senses she knew the feeling. After a few minutes someone announced that it was time for everyone to be seated. She and Carl were in the middle of the third row and had a great view of the stage. When the show started Kagome did her best to enjoy the show as much as she could but that feeling was still there. The opera lasted for three hour with one intermission. The music was beautiful and was able to ease Kagomes' mind as she got lost in the music. When the singer was done someone quickly clapped before anyone else did. Kagome and Carl stood up with the rest of the crowd and clapped as well. After everyone headed out to mingle again. Being a respectful business man, Carl was flagged down to talk to some people.
"They're only flagging me down because I'm with you." Carl muttered "When I'm with Roger it's a whole new story."
Kagome gave him a sad smile. Carl had come out when he finished up collage and his family turned out to be homoicphoic. She met Carl when they were at Hopkins and she was the first person he came out to. It was Kagome that introduced him to Roger three years ago as they had kickboxing class together. He works as a Newspaper reporter, was funny, and caring as he volunteered to feed the homeless and help abusive kids as he has grown up in an abusive home.
"How is Roger?" She asked
"His job has become more demanding and stressful than before thanks to Chesapeake Ripper." He said "Which reminds me are you okay? He told me that you found one of his victims last sunday."
"I'm fine. A little shaken but I'm good." She said
"You know you can always come to us for anything." He smiled and gave her a side hug."I don't want anything to happen to my little sister."
"Shut up." She laughed
"Carl! Carl! Over here, darling!"
Over to the side they saw a woman in a red dress and had a bob cut style hair.
"Oh goodie, Mrs. Komeda. I'm gonna need to down this." Carl muttered
He went to chug his champagne but Kagome chuckled and stopped him. He pouted as he wasn't drunk enough to deal with the woman but placed on a fake smile as they headed to the group. They were the same posh and uptight group as any other they have talked too. Kagome tensed a little when there was one man in the group that had a dark soul.
"Good to see you again, Carl. Who's your friend?" The man said and shook Carls' hand.
"Dr. Lecter, good to see you too. This is my good friend, Kagome Higurashi." Carl said "Kagome this is Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant psychiatrist."
"Hello, nice to meet you." Kagome said
She gave him a hearty smile, trying to be polite as she didn't trust him.
"Pleasure to meet you as well." He said as he took her hand and kissed it.
She had to hold the urge to cringe as he did this before quickly taking her hand back. After that the others started to talk about other things. During the whole time Kagome had noticed that Hannibal had been eyeing her. When she felt his stare he would glance at him but he wouldn't look away.
"It's been too long since you've properly cooked for us, Hannibal." Mrs. Komeda said to the man.
"Come over and I will cook for you." Hannibal said
"I said properly. Means dinner and the show." Mrs. Komeda scolded "Have you seen him cook? It's an entire performance. He used to throw such exquisite dinner parties."
Kagome noticed as he drank his drink he was glancing at someone. That's when she sensed another dark soul that was heading their way.
"You heard me. Used to." Mrs. Komeda said
"And I will again, once inspiration strikes." Hannibal replied
The woman gave him a look, like she didn't believe him.
"I cannot force a feast. A feast must present itself." He explained
"It's a dinner party, not a unicorn." She scoffed
"But the feast is life. You put the life in your belly and you live." He explained
It wasn't long till the dark soul and another man came to the group.
"I believe this young man is trying to get your attention." Mrs. Komeda said
He had a friendly smile on his face but Kagome could tell that he was irritated.
"Hello." He said
"Hi. It's so good to see you." The chubby man said as he shook Hannibals' hand. "This is my friend Tobias."
"Good evening." Hannibal said, before shaking the dark souls one's hand.
"How do you two know each other?" Mrs. Komeda asked
"There should remain some mystery to my life outside the opera." Hannibal said
Komeda seems to accept this but the chubby man decided to explain that he was one Hannibal's patient. There was an award paused and Hannibal gave him a sharp look before being polite.
"Did you enjoy the performance?" Hannibal asked
"I did. I loved it. Every minute." The chubby man smiled
"His eyes kept wandering." Tobias replied "More interested in you than what was happening on stage."
"Don't say too much." Hannibal said "You must leave something for us to discuss next week. Franklyn, good to see you."
He shook their hands again and watched them leave. With him and Tobias it felt like too alphas glaring down at each other to Kagome.
"Who's hungry?" He asked to ease the moment.
Everyone laughed while Kagome just gave a half smile. Sensing her discomfort Carl finally decided to cut things short and take Kagome home. When they were leaving Kagome felt the doctor's eyes again. She glanced over her shoulder and saw him staring at her with a strange look. After getting in the car Kagome felt like she could finally breathe.
"Are you okay?" Carl asked, as he drove.
"I don't know. I just felt a little uncontrollable with Dr. Lecter." She said
"He sometimes has that effect on people." He said "I...noticed how much he was staring at you. Almost as if he wanted to eat you."
"Thanks for that." She scoffed
"Sorry. Hannibal may be intimidating at times but he is very respectful and kind towards others." He said
"I don't know. There's just something...off...about him." She mutters quietly