VII. Mezzanotte.
Hannibal opened the door of his office and surprised, looked at Jack Crawford sitting and waiting.
"Good evening, Crawford."
"Good evening Doctor. I see you are surprised by my visit."
"I wasn't expecting you. Please, I stopped by."
Jack gladly rose from the chair and stepped into the office. Once there he looked at the place and marveled at how it had changed in recent months.
"It's just more books," Hannibal said, leaving him puzzled by such sudden words. It was as if he had read his mind. "The top floor will have more booksellers, as soon as I manage to bring them in," he concluded with a smile. "Please," he pointed to one of the chairs and Jack obeyed him. "Wine?"
"No, thank you. I'm still on duty." courteously Hannibal took a seat in the attached chair. "To what do I owe your visit, Jack? Is there any news about Alan Gardner?"
"I'm afraid not yet, Doctor Lecter."
"Nothing has come up?" He asked strangely.
"Nothing. We're planning a visit to that bar we were mentioned at the Verger residence. But I don't want to rush things, maybe Alan could be informed and he no longer set foot in that place; I want to wear everything as discreet as possible."
"I'm fine with your idea, I wouldn't want us to just stick with the image the Verger gave us. I'm glad you think so." He mentioned sour.
"Do you suspect them?" He questioned intrigued, at the tone with which Hannibal released those words.
"I'm just saying we shouldn't trust Alan's close relatives. As you says, anyone can be an informant."
"It is true..."
"But let's forget about work for a while and tell me, what brought you here? Since I don't think you want a consultation." He said with a smile. Jack answered the same way.
"No Doctor, my visit is to tell you that my wife and I have bought some things for little Elisa."
Hannibal kept his smile as he settled into his chair.
"Thank you for such a noble act."
"I want to help, not just catch that bastard, in every possible way."
"You reminds me of Will, Crawford. He too is determined to help by all means."
"Yes, I've noticed... speaking of Will, I'd like to ask you, do you already consider him fit to return to the case."
"Do you really need it, Jack?" He asked ironically.
"Would I look like an idiot if I denied it?"
Hannibal could not contain a laugh and let out a scathing laugh. Jack accompanied him, thinking it was a typical laugh, not imagining that Doctor Lecter was really mocking him.
"Oh Jack, if you really need him I can give you the green light. But remember that Alana was also part of this suspension."
"I'll talk to her and convince her."
"I wish you luck with it."
"I think I'll need it," he said, smiling. Slowly the laughter faded. "Doctor Lecter," he continued, "what day can we leave what we bought the girl?"
"I thought I was bringing it with you."
"Not really, it's just..." he stopped and scratched his neck. "Bella would like to meet Elisa."
The Doctor changed his face to a serious one.
"Have you spoken to your wife about temporary custody?"
"No, no, not yet. Bella just wants to meet the girl, live with her a little..."
"Do she feel sorry for her?" He interrupted. Jack sighed terribly at that question. "I would not like to put it that way, Doctor Lecter."
"I understand, Jack, but because of Elisa's circumstances, it's only natural to generate those feelings. We should not be surprised or preoccupied with creating those emotions, we are human and it is part of that."
"I know, but it sounds very hard, very forced... Tell me, did you welcomed her in for pity?"
Hannibal didn't flinch, he knew that question would come.
"I won't deny it, at first, yes. Compassion sheltered me at the time, but in these weeks that I have lived with the little girl, I can guarantee that it does not only that motivate me to help her."
"So what motivates you?"
Doctor Lecter's presence was stoic, never bent. But within him his real reasons were so personal, so painful and so unforgivable. These made him help and have Elisa at his side.
"I'm motivated that I can help make the little girl really cheerful, happy, willing to overcome herself, no matter her deafness," he stopped and looked at a dead end in the room. Those memories came to his mind that he had so zealously kept in a small room in his memory. Through the door a childlike echo was emitting distressingly «Anniba» and he resented it. He came to, regained his sight with Jack and even with the bitter sting of his memories he said, "And once I've overcome your conflicts, I'll wait until one day he comes and thanks me for bringing her back to life."
For a few moments Jack watched Hannibal strangely.
"I understand," he said, moments later. Deep down, Lecter knew he didn't understand him, but it was no longer good to talk about it.
"Crawford, what do you say, this Saturday, you and your wife join me for dinner at my house?"
"A dinner," he mentioned curious to himself. "You haven't invited me to one of your wonderful dinners in a while, Doctor."
Hannibal smiled at me.
"I think it's a good time for one, so you and your wife could live with Elisa."
"Great idea," he said with a smile.
"I'm glad you like the idea. Anything special for dinner?"
"Please, Dr. Lecter, surprise us."
And Hannibal spread his smile at Jack Crawford's wish.
Port Haven Psychiatric facility — Baltimore, Maryland.
Abigail and Elisa walked through the gardens looking at the plants and flowers that adorned the place. Young Hobbs, somewhat exhausted from walking with the girl, looked for a seat on one of the chairs and let the girl continue to contemplate the herbs lying around. Elisa went to the tulips, took one, tore it off and ran to Abigail to give it to her with a smile.
"You can't cut them!" she exclaimed, shaking her hands with a "no". Elisa erased her joy, and sadness along with grief took hold of her. Abigail snorted tired. "Well, it doesn't matter anymore," she continued as she took the tulip. "I'll keep it, but remember not to do that. All right?"
The young woman placed the flower on the edge of her ear, raised her face with the little one and smiled at her. Elisa regained her smile and tasted how Abigail posed the tulip, which rolled in her brown hair. As the flower was lost in her hair, the girl paid attention to the scarf that covered her neck and discovering herself a little, she noticed a swollen wound. Elisa aimed at her neck then at Abigail's, who was surprised and quickly moved the scarf.
"It's nothing," she replied.
"Does it hurt?" The girl asked curiously.
"Not... always," Abigail said awkwardly.
"What happened?"
"An accident. But don't ask again," she rebuked.
"No!" She exclaimed, as she shook her head.
Abigail sighed terribly, but in that moment, she heard one of the nurses calling and telling her she had visitors. Imagining who might be she rose from the place, she stretched out her hand for Elisa to take and returned to facility. Once in the visiting area the young woman was surprised to see her visit.
"Are you the one who...?"
"I am glad to find you alone at last, Abigail," greeted a bold young Freddie Lounds. Though not entirely alone, she continued as she looked at the little girl, "weren't you an only child?"
"It's... it's a long story."
Freddie Lounds analyzed the girl and noticed the hearing aids, deducing with simplicity the auditory problem; she calculated that the baby would be between five or seven years old and that infantile air that detonated failed to fit the young Hobbs. No matter how hard she took her little hand. But Elisa was amazed at the young woman, who would be in her twenties, her extravagant dress made her look like a fairy godmother and her wavy hair was the one that most captivated the girl; It was huge, the opulent hair were perfectly wavy and the reddish color made them look like rings on fire.
"What's your name?" Lounds questioned.
The girl got scared.
"What do you want?" Abigail stepped in.
"What's the girl's name?"
"Elisa," she replied, as she put it behind her. "I didn't imagine you were so protective."
"I'm not. If I don't take good care of her, I'll get in trouble."
"Are you a nanny now?"
"Temporary, but this is beside the point. What do you want?"
Freddie Lounds, without erasing her smile, took a seat and invited the girls to follow her. Abigail obeyed her, sat Elisa beside her and gave her some newspaper sheets and feathers to entertain her.
"Abigail, I would like you to consider me a friend to you," the young woman could not contain a mocking laugh. Freddie ignored her. "They have tried to keep me away from you, but I want you to know that my intentions have been good."
"Really?" he asked ironically.
"Of course! That's why I'm here, taking advantage of this moment to offer my way to help you."
"What are you talking about?"
"I want to help you, Abigail, I want to help you raise your voice," the girl arched an eyebrow, confused. "I'm willing to help you write a book about your father."
Hannibal arrived at the Port Haven and for his private treasury, found both young girls putting together a puzzle.
"Good evening."
Abigail looked up and Elisa noticed him and copied her action, smiled at Hannibal and raised her hand as a greeting. His response was a smile.
"Hello."
"Is that a tulip?" Delighted he asked.
So quickly that question arose, the young woman moved her hands in search of the flower. She had difficulty removing the flower from his scalp and, in doing so, threw it to the table.
"Yes," she replied exhausted.
"Interesting."
"Elisa gave it to me."
"Oh, really?"
"Yeah. We went for a walk in the gardens and she ripped it out for myself."
Doctor Lecter sat next to the smiling girl, asked her the reason for the gift and Elisa responded with her childish frankness.
"Did I understand well?" the teenager asked confused.
"What did you understand?"
"Something like sister."
"That's right," Hannibal replied with a slight nod. "Elisa considers you her older sister, and she loves you for it," Abigail looked at the cheerful child in a strange look. She did not respond and resumed finishing the puzzle they had assembled. "Is something wrong?" He questioned after her discomfort.
"No, nothing."
Hannibal examined her, she was trying to fit an erroneous piece into the puzzle. Elisa touched the back of her hand, she looked up and gave her one of the pieces. Abigail took it and placed it where she was trying. She had discovering that this was the right piece.
"I sense jealousy," Hannibal mentioned out of the blue. Abigail looked up, confused. "Excuse me?"
"Are you jealous of Elisa?"
"Me?"
He arched an eyebrow. He didn't believe her.
"Your question is something, redundant."
"Well, it took me by surprise..."
"It's just you and me talking."
"I'm not jealous," she replied tensed. "Really?"
"Really, I don't understand why she thinks that. Sister was a new thing. You knows I'm an only child, I never had sisters, so it was weird for me."
"I understand," he said, surprising the young lady.
"Really?"
"Of course, Abigail. I understand how you feel, but I know this will be good therapy for you."
"Ah... thank you."
Hannibal smiled subtly and let her believe that he had accepted those false words.
"Abigail," he called, looking to change the mood, "I'll make some purchases this afternoon. Would you like to join me?"
"Of course! I want to breathe some of the city air."
Downtown of Baltimore, Maryland.
Hannibal, accompanied by both girls, was in one of the favorite shops of this one. The shop was dedicated to selling the finest and most eccentric spices, vegetables and meats for any gourmet dish. Inside the venue, Elisa watched curiously as she followed Hannibal; Abigail set out to get the rest of the list, drawing on food information.
Across the street, seeking to hide from the crowd that was coming and going, Alan Gardner was walking aimlessly, his left arm bandaged and cursing in a low voice for how tired he was. He had wandered for days, had nowhere to go and the one person he trusted had sent him to hell. He stopped at a telephone booth, was willing to insist that he receive it and remember how he had helped him; he took the apparatus, placed the coins and started dialing, but something caught his attention. He moved his gaze to the place in front where he was standing. He threw the telephone and crossed the street to be able to say what he saw. He hid his face in the neck of his coat and peered through the glass of the shop; he was surprised at what he saw.
He looked at her daughter, next to a young girl who became familiar but did not remember where. Elisa looked different, did not seem to be her daughter and had to fix her gaze to be able to say if it was her. She detonated a fresh air, a change of wardrobe superior to what his mother had for him, looked like a wealthy family girl, someone took good care of him and he was surprised. Without taking his eyes off, he devised a quick plan to take the little girl, if she was next to that young girl it wouldn't be difficult to take her away, but while he was looking to act, he saw how a man approached them and his idea went overboard as fast as he analyzed that man.
This guy reached him in stature, a few inches too much; he saw a refined person, just looking at his clothes: an elegant suit that in his life could pay, Alan finished drawing his conclusions. He was to be the one with whom Elisa lived, and to her head came a: why?
They had finished shopping, Alan walked away from the place and continued his walk aimlessly. Once away from them, he looked for them and saw the three of them get into a state-of-the-art Bentley; he was amazed. The car moved forward and turned around on the first street. Alan tried to memorize the plates and get going to get his daughter back.
Barts Motel - Baltimore, Maryland.
Freddie Lounds was digging into the newspapers she'd collected over the past few weeks. The intrepid woman had on alert her reporter's instinct, when she saw that little girl became known to her, but she did not remember from where. She expanded all the papers on her bed, figuring out what it might be when he paid attention to the TV. There was local news and a note caught her attention, took the remote and turned up the volume.
"In other news the police are looking for the murderer and rapist Alan Gardner, for attacking his wife and daughter..."
The picture of the man and his wife and daughter, who were censored, appeared on the screen, but Lounds perfectly identified the girl. She solved her doubt and for her the case was irrelevant, not her typical things, but what caught her attention was that she was along with Abigail Hobbs. Her instinct wasn't completely off.
Hannibal Lecter's Residence - Baltimore, Maryland.
Dr. Lecter opened his directory, started looking at every business card he had in it. He read every name, and in his mind came the images of those people he once knew, in good or bad circumstances. Elisa was eating a plate of cookies and a glass of milk, curious she observed Hannibal who had forgotten her presence reading those cards. Moments later he chose one, closed his directory and looked at the girl. She smiled at him and responded in the same way.
"Ready to go to sleep?" He asked, as he moved his hands.
Elisa nodded and gave the last drink to her glass of milk.
There was no problem in tucking the girl in, she fell asleep early. And Hannibal got ready for a night out.
The night was cold and wet. Hannibal Lecter was driving to his next destination. He stopped his car; he settled his gloves and prepared a small cooler. He began to walk the icy streets, and for an instant, he contemplated the full moon that adorned the midnight sky. She was beautiful, a huge white pearl, like the moons of his childhood. That memory turned out to be beautiful as bitter, a sigh arose and continued his journey to his destination.
The owner of the antique shop, Miss Copana, about 28 years old, was reviewing today's sales. She was tired, wanted to go home and sleep, but she had to finish accounting for the business. Copana let go of her pen, threw out the calculator and placed her hands on her neck to massage her out of stress. While she was controlling herself a noise in the back room upset her. She took one of the selling umbrellas, lifted it up to her chest and stared at the back; she knew it was night, she was in the center of town and Baltimore, lately, was not the safest district in America.
Miss Copana cursed herself but at the same time memorized that she had closed all the doors of the place, she gathered courage, and with a voice disguised as security called: "Who's that in there?"
There was no response.
Copana began to take small steps; there were no more noises and that worried her. She thought about calling the police, but if there was anyone waiting to steal her day's winnings she wouldn't let him. First dead before to be robbed of what little she had earned. She went to her phone, picked it up and was paralyzed to discover that there was no line. Panic took hold of her. She raised her umbrella again, took courage and walked to the back room ready to face whoever was there.
"If somebody's there, I've turned on the alarm!" She warned. "The police will be here soon!"
She continued to walk, hopeful that the intruder would surrender her false threat, but as she approached the backstage, she was more guided to her fateful end. Copana came into the warehouse, it was dark and she was desperately looking for the switch. She turned on the lights and saw no one there, only a box on the floor exposing how a porcelain figure had been destroyed. Copana sighed relieved but saddened by the lost piece. She turned around and, in horror, looked at a man leaning against the wall.
Copana did not have time to shout. That person, with great agility, covered her mouth and knocked her to the ground causing certain pieces of porcelain to fit into the young woman's head. The pain she felt was fleetingly horrible, the young woman's eyes rolled back and the blood began to spread around the floor. With no time to waste, he pulled a scalpel out of his cooler, lifted up the woman's shirt and began dissecting into her abdomen.
Elisa woke up suddenly, the whole room was dark; she didn't remember where she was. Tears ran down her cheeks and the crying was there, she called her mom but she never came. Desperate Elisa looked for some plug until she found the lamp on her nightstand, turned it on and looked around. It wasn't her room and she remembered she wasn't at home. She came out of bed and walked away from the room. The hallway was obscure but she didn't care, she went down the stairs to the ground floor and turned on the lights. She looked into the living room and remembered where she was, the place she considered Doctor Lecter's castle.
She walked everywhere, turned on all the lights but never found him. She was alone in that place and fear took hold of her. Elisa arrived at the dining room, took a seat in one of the chairs and continued crying. She had had a nightmare and the loneliness was beginning to make it harder than the bad dream.
Midnight turned to three in the morning and Hannibal came home. To his surprise, he discovered how his place detonated a great illumination. He got out of the car, made sure he didn't have any stains that would give him away, and took the cooler with him to hide it.
He entered through the door of his beloved kitchen, settled the cooler quickly in the refrigerator and went out to the dining room, ready to face whatever it was but what he found was little Elisa, frightened and crying. For a few moments he was surprised, then he worried. He approached her and took her off her shoulders, she was shaking a little bit and turned to see him.
"I didn't find you!" she mentioned, upset.
"What are you doing awake?"
"They killed cotton!"
"Who?"
Elisa could not answer, the cry made her prey again and desperate, she demanded her mother. Hannibal tried to control the attack the little girl suffered; it had been a nightmare that was clear to him. He managed to hold her in his arms and walking around the place, promised her that nothing bad would happen to her little friend, also told her that he would keep his promise to take her to his mother but wanted she to tell him who, besides her father, had threatened her. He needed names; he had his suspicions but he couldn't enforce them if she didn't talk. Elisa placed her chin on Hannibal's shoulder and had calmed down a bit, but there were no answers from her.
"I told you, you could trust me," he said, very close to her ear. Elisa was impressed by his tone of voice, in all this time, she had not managed to modulate his voice well and now, having spoken so closely she was amazed. "I will always help you, whenever you need it. But I want you to trust me," Hannibal waited for a few moments and got no answer. He moved his head slightly and looked at the girl, she was still well-off on his shoulder and looking at a fixed point. "Don't you trust me?" The little girl moved her head slightly and their eyes met across; the little one nodded. "Then will you tell me who hurt you?" Elisa looked back at the front. The truth was she was not ready to speak. "All right," he ended with a bitter sigh.
"Pa... Pa," confessed the little one.
"I know."
"Fri...end."
"Friend of your dad?" he asked. Elisa nodded. "What's his name?"
And his answer was shrug. Hannibal placed one of his hands on the girl's scalp, as comfort and continued to walk until he stopped near a window. He looked up at the sky and appreciated the full moon; it was as beautiful as it was a few hours ago.
"Look," he called. Elisa rose and paid attention to where Hannibal was watching, "the moon. Do you like it?" She moved her head again. "It's beautiful, isn't it?" Elisa smiled this time. "You don't always enjoy such a view. I remember, when I was younger, where I lived the moon was greatly appreciated. And it never ceases to amaze me."
"Moon," she said, shaking her hands. Hannibal smiled.
"That's right. I promise, someday, I will take you to a beautiful place so you can better appreciate the moon."
Elisa nodded cheerfully and both beheld the moon, until the little one was reconciled to the dream again. After that night, Elisa was not disturbed by nightmares, at least for a long time.
A/N:
Thanks so much for reading. I will be deeply grateful with any comments, constructive criticism, opinions and / or suggestions :3
