Disclaimer: The characters of Hannibal Lecter, Clarice Starling, Jack Crawford, Clint Pearsall and Paul Krendler do not belong to me, but to Thomas Harris. No copyright infringement intended. I won't make any money of it. Just borrowing them for a while. Lecter' s blue eyes belong to Anthony Hopkins, though (I'm not sure there's a copyright on this).
Chapter 3: Forensic Identification Program
" - Professor Lanterbach ! Professor, please may I have a word with you ?" The young man was running on the campus yard to catch up with his professor. He had been waiting for him for half an hour and almost missed him. The elder man finally heard him, stopped and turned back to him.
" - Mr. Williamson ! May I ask you what makes you run so fast his morning ? You did not accustom me to such haste and enthusiasm.
- Good morning sir. I was wondering if I could talk to you before the class started.
- Why not. But I suggest we talk while walking. We would not like to be late for the class, would we ?
- Yes. I mean no. Well yes for the walk and no for being late.
- I see. What if you told me what it is you have on your mind now."
They started to walk towards the new university building.
" - It's about the essay you asked us to write sir.
- And what about it ?
- I know the deadline is tomorrow ... but I wonder if ... well, I wonder if you would accept to grant me a little delay.
- And why should I do such a thing ? The fact that I appreciated your previous work does not give you any special privilege, Mr. Williamson.
- I know sir, I know. It's just that ... I'm having difficulties.
- What kind of difficulties, may I ask ?
- I've been working sir. I promise I've been working hard. But I've been stuck on the last chapter for two weeks. I just can't figure out how to bring the end. I've written eight versions of it, but none that satisfies me.
- A good ending is the key to a good story, young man.
- I know. You taught me that. I think I've got a good piece, but I was not able to write an end that matches up."
Lanterbach stopped walking and look at his student in the eyes for a few seconds.
" - I cannot give you additional time Mr. Williamson. But here is what we're going to do. Come to my office after your classes. We'll see if we can do something for this ending problem.
- Thank you sir.
- Join your fellow students now. I'll be with you in a minute.
- Yes sir."
Williamson watched him go away. This man was definitely no ordinary man, he thought. For a moment when he looked at him, he was almost scared by the intensity of his blue gaze: the man had a way to look at you that made you feel naked.
And one second later, the tension was gone ...
Neil Lanterbach had been teaching criminology at the university of West Virginia for about six months now. His course was part of the recently created Forensic Identification Program. His mission was to teach young men and women everything they needed to catch criminals.
Nothing fascinating really. Most of his students would end up in one of the United States law enforcement agencies. But he had to admit he found a few kids with a little more imagination. Who knows ? They might be able to make something decent of their lives. John Williamson was one of them.
For the end of the semester, he asked his class for an essay, the theme of which was 'The Perfect Crime'. The idea was to make them imagine and construct a crime for which the criminal would never be caught by one of their future employers. He liked the irony of it. Though the first result he had already received were not really convincing: in some cases, even the county sheriff would have solved the case without any difficulties. He was expecting more from Williamson, and a few others.
The wind was cold this morning. He pulled the collar of his coat and had a look at the building where his office was. The FIP was located in one of the most recent part of the campus, Evansdale campus. He would have much preferred to work in downtown campus but that was just a detail he could deal with. He entered and went directly to his classroom: another exciting day in the wonderful world of education !
Two days more and holidays would come. He could then dedicate himself to more gratifying activities.
To be continued ... Thanks for reading. Reviews welcome.
Absolut