Ch. 2 News Far Away...

Disclamer: Just so everyone knows, Hannibal, Krendler, Crawford, and Starling are property of Thomas Harris. I am simply borrowing them to bring a new idea to life.

Quietly, Professor Johnathon Stone rose from his chair to get his daily paper. The gentleman who delivers his paper had been late everyday for the past two weeks, very rude indeed. The man would have it in his best interest not to be late another day. Professor Stone had very little tolerance for rude people... though their taste was simply exquisite.

Johnathon Stone, a.k.a. Dr. Hannibal Lecter, unfolded his morning news in his small Chateau just south of Paris. How the good doctor loves to keep up on the news of the day, to always be aware of what happens around him. 'Ah,' thought Lecter, 'Perhaps Clarice has graced my paper with her presence today...'

The headline on the first page brought on enough amusement to make the doctor forget his query: "Hannibal Strikes Again!"

The good doctor laid down his cup of coffee on the end table to give this article his full attention. As he read the story of "his" recent murders, his amusement gave way to intrigued shock.

"Terror lives in the hearts of Americans once again. The deranged sociopath, Dr. Hannibal "The Cannibal" Lecter has killed two people in the Washington area. Lecter, a psychologist, was incarcerated 15 years ago for the murders of several of his patients. While being relocated, Lecter escaped, killing police and civilians in his path. After he alluded capture from the American FBI five years ago, Lecter disappeared without a trace. Top agent Clarice Starling was assigned to this case years ago, and is now presiding again. Starling received recognition for her help with the "Buffalo Bill" murders and for her involvement with the Lecter case. Now, these two murders are a wake-up call to all those who dared forget the doctor's presence."

Lecter ran his eyes over the front page again. There were pictures, he saw. One of him in his prison garb, not a very good likeness. A map of the murder points. And one picture of Agent Starling.

Lecter let his eyes absorb Clarice's likeness. "My, Clarice, this picture doesn't do you justice..."

Though Lecter knew he could spend the better part of his day staring at the fiery Clarice, he pulled his attention back to the article. These murders were certainly interesting, very peculiar indeed...

Lecter rose from his chair and made his way to the back of the chateau. Slowly, savering each movement, he sat at his desk and opened the middle drawer. He laid before him heavy linen paper, his finest pen, and a sleek envelope. 'I believe,' pondered Lecter, 'that Clarice knows something she isn't telling...'

And he began to write.