Usual disclaimers: I do not own any of the characters, they are the sole
property of Mr Tom Harris. I'm just borrowing them for a wee while.
Ok, here's a little more of the story. I'm not sure I know what direction I want this to take, so any advice, good or bad would be appreciated. I have a mountain of story's saved onto computer, all Hannibal, but I've never had the confidence to post anything before. I would just like to thank the people who have reviewed so far. You have given me my confidence. Thank-you.
Rubbing her wet palms over her kaki trousers, she started towards the door once again, very slowly. Her eyes never left the dark wood, she didn't notice the people bumping into her large backpack, nor the curses and looks she received when she bumped into people. Standing once again on the large steps outside, she raised her right hand to the intercom. She had to squint in the dimming light to see the name she was looking for,
Dr fell
She looked at it for a long time. Looking behind her again she noticed it had become quieter, she must have been sitting on the bench longer than she thought, and it had begun to get dark. Its now or never she scolded herself and turned back to the intercom. Raising a trembling hand she hovered over the button, before taking a deep breath and pressing it. She squeezed her eyes shut as though expecting the sky's to fall upon her. A frown slowly appeared on her brow after a few seconds, after a minute she pressed it again, this time holding it down a little longer. Nothing.
She couldn't believe it. Of all the times he had to be out! Slumping down onto the step, feeling the cold of the age-old stone, she held her head in her hands, shaking it.
"Well ill just have to wait," she muttered to herself
"In the dark, alone, in a strange city" she added a moment later, looking around herself.
"Good thinking girl"
Moving her rucksack, she leaned against the cold stonewall to her right, letting her head rest on the bag. Bringing her knees up to her chest, she made herself as small as possible, the cold starting to permeate her bones. Reaching into the large pocket in her trousers, she pulled out a bar of chocolate. She suddenly realised she was starving and began to eat the bar in haste, her stomach settled enough now that she knew she maybe had a wait. Resting her head against the bag once again, she thought for the millionth time what the meeting would be like. Would he give her a chance to explain, or simply cut her throat? The thought made her shiver. The plaza was deserted now except the occasional couple holding hands in the moonlight or the occasional cat that scampered across the cobbles, chasing imaginary mice.
She was fighting sleep. It had been over two hours ago when she had first pressed the buzzer and there was still no sign from him. In the two hours she had been propositioned three times by men, ate two candy bars and a chewing gum and nodded off once for a few minutes. She had considered checking into a hotel and coming back tomorrow at least a thousand times, but did not trust herself to be as courageous as she was at this minute. Wrapping her coat more tightly around her she let her eyes close for a second, thinking about what she would say. She got as far as hello before sleep caught up with her.
1.1 Chapter 4
Walking briskly over the cobbled street, Dr lector was tuned to every sound around him. He could hear his footfalls, the whisper of lovers as he passed an alleyway, could smell the distinct smell of coffee from a café in the next street, could hear the shouting of youths even farther away. All in all a typical night in this city that held a special place in him. Fishing his keys from his pocket he made his way across the plaza, noticing almost immediately the dark object on his steps. His pace slowed, although a normal person would not have noticed. They also wouldn't have noticed the smooth way his harpy had slid into his palm, not held but waiting to be used at lightening speed if the need should arise. As he got a little closer he could make out that is was indeed a person, a female. Slowing his pace to a gentle walk he approached the sleeping bundle on the stairs. Tilting his head slightly he could see one side of her face. She was young, maybe seventeen or eighteen, with no make-up or perfume. He noticed the backpack and the airport tags that were still attached. America, New York to be exact. How interesting, he pondered. Walking closer still so that he was looking directly down upon her, he noticed the empty wrappings of a candy bar protruding from her pocket, her clean clothes and the clean scent that was coming from her in warm waves through the chill of the night. She obviously wasn't homeless, or a street beggar. Her clothes told him that much, too clean, too expensive. After finding out all he could from his vantage point, he took a large step away.
Now, he thought. There was a chance that he could be recognised by this young lady, if indeed she was from New York. That wouldn't do. It was also incredibly rude for her to be where she was in the state she was, not to mention unwise. It was rather late; the opera hadn't finished till after midnight. He knew he would be able to tell almost immediately whether or not she recognised him, from a simple look at her face. With this in mind and the comforting cold steel of the harpy within easy reach, he took a small step forward and placed a hand on her arm. The reaction was not what he expected. With agility only the young possess, her yes snapped open and she jumped to her feet, taking a defensive position.
" Stay away from me or I swear ill kick your ass!" she said, as she swung around, her eyes dark and still sleepy.
Dr Lector didn't jump. Didn't move at all actually. Simply stared at the young girl with an amused air about him. It was only when he noticed her eyes widen and her mouth slightly part that he felt the need to speak. This wasn't looking good for the brave young girl. Not good at all.
" Good evening. I'm sorry that I startled you. My name is Dr Fell, I live here. What may I ask, where you doing sleeping in my doorway? Have you nowhere you should be?"
She couldn't believe it was he. Standing not four feet in front of her. She couldn't seem to speak, couldn't seem to do anything apart from stare at him. He had asked a question, what was it again?
" I I I I ….." was the best she could do. She frowned at herself, looking down to her feet. What was wrong with her, she had spent years practising this speech. Damn it!
"I'm sure your feet don't have the answers to the question my dear," he stated quietly
She looked up at him, her face colouring slightly.
"I I I'm sorry. I didn't mean to fall asleep, I was waiting for what seemed like forever and its been a long day and I didn't want to go anywhere just in case I missed you and there was guy with really bad breath hovering around and when he went away I suddenly felt soooo tired and…"
"Your adolescent charm is quickly wearing thin my dear, I suggest you tell me what it is that you want"
She mentally kicked herself for babbling. She didn't think she would be this nervous. She missed her mom.
" Dr Lecto…"
She froze. This was it; this was how she was going to die.
Dr Lector tilted his head slightly to the side. She was scared now. He let his harpy slip into his waiting hand. The moonlight gleamed wickedly off the curved blade. He smiled unpleasantly.
" What's your name?" he asked gently
Watching the blade slip into his hand, she closed her eyes against the tears.
"Emily" she croaked her eyes still closed. She decided to keep them closed; she didn't want to see it coming.
" Emily" he repeated
" Emily i'm confused. I'm confused because you obviously know who I am, and yet you still seek me out. Now unless you have a death wish, or an obsessive crush, both I doubt very much, I can't think of a reason for you standing before me."
The tears were falling freely now from between closed eyes, her face downcast. Except for the occasional hitch in her breathing, she remained silent. Her breathing stopped all together when she felt the cold metal press against the underside of her chin. The slight pressure forced her head up.
"Emily i'm going to ask you to come into my home. Now be a good girl and don't scream ok?"
She nodded her head numbly and opened her eyes. She was met with an intense maroon stare. He started to back away slightly removing the blade as he moved; letting is disappearing as if by magic. She found herself moving forward, drawn by the two pinpoints of light in his eyes. She signed a heavy sign and when the door opened and he motioned her inside, she raised her head high and walked through the wide entrance, shivering as the warm air touched her chilled bones.
" Now Emily" he said as he removed his overcoat revealing an obviously expensive tux.
" The reason you are not dead is due to my own selfish curiosity. I want to know your reasons for tracking me down. I also want to know how you did it and who else knows you're here."
He led her through the exquisitely furnished hall into the living area, where she was motioned to sit on the plush sofa while he settled himself in an armchair facing her. She almost smiled at the memory of her mother taking a similar position whenever they had to have a 'talk'. Once a psychiatrist, always a psychiatrist.
He didn't say anything else, but steeple his fingers under his chin and gazed at her intently.
She took a deep breath, held it and let it out slowly, like her mother had shown her.
He noticed with some amusement the way she was composing herself. If he didn't know better he would have said she had received council at some point in her short life.
"My name is Emily McKenzie. My mother's name was Catherine McKenzie."
She was happy her voice hadn't failed her and had sounded strong.
Dr Lectors breathing stopped momentarily, and then continued as though nothing had happened. In one short sentence he know all he needed to know.
" About four years ago my mother told me of the relationship she had with yourself Dr Lector. She told me everything. I'm sure I don't have to share any of the history with you sir, but there's something that I would like to talk to you about. When you left………"
She took another deep breath. This was even harder than she thought it would be.
" She, She found out that she was pregnant. I was born eight and a half months later. My mother died three months ago in a road accident, and I have no-one else left in America. Ever since I found out about you I have wanted to see you. I know perfectly well what you have done, what you do. I came here knowing the risks I was taking. But as I said I have nothing left, and my mom, my mom…."
She stopped. Her voice was wavering and her eyes were tearing up, but anger at herself pulled her together, she was determined to finish this
" My mom never thought you a monster. She always thought of you whether she told me or not, and I think her thoughts were happy ones. I don't know what she would say if she knew I had came to you."
She smiled then
" She would probably go mad actually."
Dr Lector sat immobile, his mind a turmoil of thoughts. If she was telling the truth and he had no reason to doubt what she was, then this was his daughter. His flesh and blood. The thought was overwhelming.
" I don't know why I wanted to see you. I don't have any questions I need answered and I don't need a dad. I I think I just needed you to know. Now you do. You're my father."
She reached into her backpack and took the letter out of its safe haven once again. With trembling legs she managed to stand and take the few steps towards him. With a surprisingly steady hand she held it out to him.
Dr Lector studied her as she stood before him. She looked like her mother he realised; he didn't know why he hadn't spotted it earlier. He recognised the letter instantly as the one he had sent to Catherine. Taking his time he finally stood, looking down at the trembling girl before him. His face showed no emotion as he took the letter from her small hand, feeling the familiar paper between his fingers. He quickly placed it in his breast pocket, before addressing her once again.
" Thank you for bringing me the letter Emily. Obviously I had no idea that you existed. I'm not saying if I did that I would have played any more of a part than I have in raising you. Your mother was a special person; it saddens me deeply to hear of her passing. You must understand Emily that this isn't a safe place for you to be."
Noticing the slight tremble that went through her body he quickly explained.
"You are in no danger from me Emily." He said gently, noticing immediately the wave of relaxation ripple through her small frame, the way she seemed to sag.
" I'm sorry I came here Dr Lector. I didn't mean to endanger you. I can assure you that no one knows of my whereabouts. As I said I don't have anyone left back in America. No one followed me, I made sure, and the only reason I managed to find you was mainly through information my mother gave me. It was a lot of guesswork without her. I'll leave on the next flight available to England, ill spend a month there before heading to L.A."
He studied her face. She wasn't lying.
" You seem to have it all figured out." He said with a little more of his usual demeanour back
She looked up at his face and smiled a daft half smile
" I wonder who I take that from"
Ok, here's a little more of the story. I'm not sure I know what direction I want this to take, so any advice, good or bad would be appreciated. I have a mountain of story's saved onto computer, all Hannibal, but I've never had the confidence to post anything before. I would just like to thank the people who have reviewed so far. You have given me my confidence. Thank-you.
Rubbing her wet palms over her kaki trousers, she started towards the door once again, very slowly. Her eyes never left the dark wood, she didn't notice the people bumping into her large backpack, nor the curses and looks she received when she bumped into people. Standing once again on the large steps outside, she raised her right hand to the intercom. She had to squint in the dimming light to see the name she was looking for,
Dr fell
She looked at it for a long time. Looking behind her again she noticed it had become quieter, she must have been sitting on the bench longer than she thought, and it had begun to get dark. Its now or never she scolded herself and turned back to the intercom. Raising a trembling hand she hovered over the button, before taking a deep breath and pressing it. She squeezed her eyes shut as though expecting the sky's to fall upon her. A frown slowly appeared on her brow after a few seconds, after a minute she pressed it again, this time holding it down a little longer. Nothing.
She couldn't believe it. Of all the times he had to be out! Slumping down onto the step, feeling the cold of the age-old stone, she held her head in her hands, shaking it.
"Well ill just have to wait," she muttered to herself
"In the dark, alone, in a strange city" she added a moment later, looking around herself.
"Good thinking girl"
Moving her rucksack, she leaned against the cold stonewall to her right, letting her head rest on the bag. Bringing her knees up to her chest, she made herself as small as possible, the cold starting to permeate her bones. Reaching into the large pocket in her trousers, she pulled out a bar of chocolate. She suddenly realised she was starving and began to eat the bar in haste, her stomach settled enough now that she knew she maybe had a wait. Resting her head against the bag once again, she thought for the millionth time what the meeting would be like. Would he give her a chance to explain, or simply cut her throat? The thought made her shiver. The plaza was deserted now except the occasional couple holding hands in the moonlight or the occasional cat that scampered across the cobbles, chasing imaginary mice.
She was fighting sleep. It had been over two hours ago when she had first pressed the buzzer and there was still no sign from him. In the two hours she had been propositioned three times by men, ate two candy bars and a chewing gum and nodded off once for a few minutes. She had considered checking into a hotel and coming back tomorrow at least a thousand times, but did not trust herself to be as courageous as she was at this minute. Wrapping her coat more tightly around her she let her eyes close for a second, thinking about what she would say. She got as far as hello before sleep caught up with her.
1.1 Chapter 4
Walking briskly over the cobbled street, Dr lector was tuned to every sound around him. He could hear his footfalls, the whisper of lovers as he passed an alleyway, could smell the distinct smell of coffee from a café in the next street, could hear the shouting of youths even farther away. All in all a typical night in this city that held a special place in him. Fishing his keys from his pocket he made his way across the plaza, noticing almost immediately the dark object on his steps. His pace slowed, although a normal person would not have noticed. They also wouldn't have noticed the smooth way his harpy had slid into his palm, not held but waiting to be used at lightening speed if the need should arise. As he got a little closer he could make out that is was indeed a person, a female. Slowing his pace to a gentle walk he approached the sleeping bundle on the stairs. Tilting his head slightly he could see one side of her face. She was young, maybe seventeen or eighteen, with no make-up or perfume. He noticed the backpack and the airport tags that were still attached. America, New York to be exact. How interesting, he pondered. Walking closer still so that he was looking directly down upon her, he noticed the empty wrappings of a candy bar protruding from her pocket, her clean clothes and the clean scent that was coming from her in warm waves through the chill of the night. She obviously wasn't homeless, or a street beggar. Her clothes told him that much, too clean, too expensive. After finding out all he could from his vantage point, he took a large step away.
Now, he thought. There was a chance that he could be recognised by this young lady, if indeed she was from New York. That wouldn't do. It was also incredibly rude for her to be where she was in the state she was, not to mention unwise. It was rather late; the opera hadn't finished till after midnight. He knew he would be able to tell almost immediately whether or not she recognised him, from a simple look at her face. With this in mind and the comforting cold steel of the harpy within easy reach, he took a small step forward and placed a hand on her arm. The reaction was not what he expected. With agility only the young possess, her yes snapped open and she jumped to her feet, taking a defensive position.
" Stay away from me or I swear ill kick your ass!" she said, as she swung around, her eyes dark and still sleepy.
Dr Lector didn't jump. Didn't move at all actually. Simply stared at the young girl with an amused air about him. It was only when he noticed her eyes widen and her mouth slightly part that he felt the need to speak. This wasn't looking good for the brave young girl. Not good at all.
" Good evening. I'm sorry that I startled you. My name is Dr Fell, I live here. What may I ask, where you doing sleeping in my doorway? Have you nowhere you should be?"
She couldn't believe it was he. Standing not four feet in front of her. She couldn't seem to speak, couldn't seem to do anything apart from stare at him. He had asked a question, what was it again?
" I I I I ….." was the best she could do. She frowned at herself, looking down to her feet. What was wrong with her, she had spent years practising this speech. Damn it!
"I'm sure your feet don't have the answers to the question my dear," he stated quietly
She looked up at him, her face colouring slightly.
"I I I'm sorry. I didn't mean to fall asleep, I was waiting for what seemed like forever and its been a long day and I didn't want to go anywhere just in case I missed you and there was guy with really bad breath hovering around and when he went away I suddenly felt soooo tired and…"
"Your adolescent charm is quickly wearing thin my dear, I suggest you tell me what it is that you want"
She mentally kicked herself for babbling. She didn't think she would be this nervous. She missed her mom.
" Dr Lecto…"
She froze. This was it; this was how she was going to die.
Dr Lector tilted his head slightly to the side. She was scared now. He let his harpy slip into his waiting hand. The moonlight gleamed wickedly off the curved blade. He smiled unpleasantly.
" What's your name?" he asked gently
Watching the blade slip into his hand, she closed her eyes against the tears.
"Emily" she croaked her eyes still closed. She decided to keep them closed; she didn't want to see it coming.
" Emily" he repeated
" Emily i'm confused. I'm confused because you obviously know who I am, and yet you still seek me out. Now unless you have a death wish, or an obsessive crush, both I doubt very much, I can't think of a reason for you standing before me."
The tears were falling freely now from between closed eyes, her face downcast. Except for the occasional hitch in her breathing, she remained silent. Her breathing stopped all together when she felt the cold metal press against the underside of her chin. The slight pressure forced her head up.
"Emily i'm going to ask you to come into my home. Now be a good girl and don't scream ok?"
She nodded her head numbly and opened her eyes. She was met with an intense maroon stare. He started to back away slightly removing the blade as he moved; letting is disappearing as if by magic. She found herself moving forward, drawn by the two pinpoints of light in his eyes. She signed a heavy sign and when the door opened and he motioned her inside, she raised her head high and walked through the wide entrance, shivering as the warm air touched her chilled bones.
" Now Emily" he said as he removed his overcoat revealing an obviously expensive tux.
" The reason you are not dead is due to my own selfish curiosity. I want to know your reasons for tracking me down. I also want to know how you did it and who else knows you're here."
He led her through the exquisitely furnished hall into the living area, where she was motioned to sit on the plush sofa while he settled himself in an armchair facing her. She almost smiled at the memory of her mother taking a similar position whenever they had to have a 'talk'. Once a psychiatrist, always a psychiatrist.
He didn't say anything else, but steeple his fingers under his chin and gazed at her intently.
She took a deep breath, held it and let it out slowly, like her mother had shown her.
He noticed with some amusement the way she was composing herself. If he didn't know better he would have said she had received council at some point in her short life.
"My name is Emily McKenzie. My mother's name was Catherine McKenzie."
She was happy her voice hadn't failed her and had sounded strong.
Dr Lectors breathing stopped momentarily, and then continued as though nothing had happened. In one short sentence he know all he needed to know.
" About four years ago my mother told me of the relationship she had with yourself Dr Lector. She told me everything. I'm sure I don't have to share any of the history with you sir, but there's something that I would like to talk to you about. When you left………"
She took another deep breath. This was even harder than she thought it would be.
" She, She found out that she was pregnant. I was born eight and a half months later. My mother died three months ago in a road accident, and I have no-one else left in America. Ever since I found out about you I have wanted to see you. I know perfectly well what you have done, what you do. I came here knowing the risks I was taking. But as I said I have nothing left, and my mom, my mom…."
She stopped. Her voice was wavering and her eyes were tearing up, but anger at herself pulled her together, she was determined to finish this
" My mom never thought you a monster. She always thought of you whether she told me or not, and I think her thoughts were happy ones. I don't know what she would say if she knew I had came to you."
She smiled then
" She would probably go mad actually."
Dr Lector sat immobile, his mind a turmoil of thoughts. If she was telling the truth and he had no reason to doubt what she was, then this was his daughter. His flesh and blood. The thought was overwhelming.
" I don't know why I wanted to see you. I don't have any questions I need answered and I don't need a dad. I I think I just needed you to know. Now you do. You're my father."
She reached into her backpack and took the letter out of its safe haven once again. With trembling legs she managed to stand and take the few steps towards him. With a surprisingly steady hand she held it out to him.
Dr Lector studied her as she stood before him. She looked like her mother he realised; he didn't know why he hadn't spotted it earlier. He recognised the letter instantly as the one he had sent to Catherine. Taking his time he finally stood, looking down at the trembling girl before him. His face showed no emotion as he took the letter from her small hand, feeling the familiar paper between his fingers. He quickly placed it in his breast pocket, before addressing her once again.
" Thank you for bringing me the letter Emily. Obviously I had no idea that you existed. I'm not saying if I did that I would have played any more of a part than I have in raising you. Your mother was a special person; it saddens me deeply to hear of her passing. You must understand Emily that this isn't a safe place for you to be."
Noticing the slight tremble that went through her body he quickly explained.
"You are in no danger from me Emily." He said gently, noticing immediately the wave of relaxation ripple through her small frame, the way she seemed to sag.
" I'm sorry I came here Dr Lector. I didn't mean to endanger you. I can assure you that no one knows of my whereabouts. As I said I don't have anyone left back in America. No one followed me, I made sure, and the only reason I managed to find you was mainly through information my mother gave me. It was a lot of guesswork without her. I'll leave on the next flight available to England, ill spend a month there before heading to L.A."
He studied her face. She wasn't lying.
" You seem to have it all figured out." He said with a little more of his usual demeanour back
She looked up at his face and smiled a daft half smile
" I wonder who I take that from"