This is a short chapter. But I figured I'll upload it so, I can get past it.
Once again I want to thank Ducki, Holly Graham, DrandMrsLecter, Marcus Aurelius, Gruber, Steel, Shifter, Saavik, Hanniballover1181, Deoceres, LadyOfTruths, wolf, and all of you who kindly encouraged me to go on.

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Exchanges III
Barney

The box contained two packages. One addressed to Barney Matthews, the other, wrapped in plain brown paper, had no markings.
Two envelopes were attached to Barney's package, one atop the other.
The top envelope contained a simple note that could be viewed publicly without compromising Barney in the least.
Written in the copperplate that was Hannibal Lecter's trademark, it read

Dear Barney,
During our conversations at the dungeon, you expressed interest in some of my books
Please accept these two as a token of my appreciation for your courtesy and unfailing professionalism.
Sincerely,

Hannibal Lecter, MD

The box contained two nicely bound books, one was Dante's Divine Comedy, the other The Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, both dated and signed by Hannibal Lecter, MD.
The other envelope contained a more private letter asking Barney to deliver the second package to their "lovely common acquaintance" from the old days at the dungeon. Who, the Dr. seem to remember, Barney called "the G".

He went on to add that he would be eternally grateful if Barney would help the said friend should she be in need of further assistance.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Barney Matthews was a decent man. Dr Lecter had been the most influential element in life.

The Dr had mentored him, motivating his interest to pursue further studies. Had opened his eyes to Art and Literature. Coached him and helped him make choices that lead to additional degrees, which Barney would have considered beyond him without the Dr.'s constant guidance and encouragement.
He had not expected to hear directly from Hannibal Lecter again. And sorely missed the intellectual stimulation he derived from their late night conversations.

Where others would have felt dismayed at being contacted by the Dr., Barney felt simultaneously honored and flattered, though, somehow slightly concerned at the possible legal ramifications, should the FBI find he had withheld information and possible leads.
One thing was for sure; Barney would not turn any of the contents of the packages over to the FBI.
He knew that Dr. Lecter wouldn't expect otherwise, and was pleased to see that his integrity was still remembered after all these years.

Somehow he was not surprised by the Dr's request, in fact, the whole concept of the two ending up together had a nice ring to it. However improbably it might appear to those who never saw their interactions at the dungeon.
"After all" he said to himself, smiling, "these two seemed to balance each other perfectly, in an odd sort of way. This is not altogether unexpected".
The thought actually keep a smile plastered on his face for the rest of the day.


He went to his desk where he kept a card with Clarice Starling's office and home phone numbers.
After a few minutes, he disregarded what he considered his incipient paranoia regarding the FBI, and dialed Starling's number.

Barney Matthews was a very decent man, indeed.

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As always, I really "need you" to tell me whether is worth to go on or "what"?
Clariz