Shattered Life

Part two – Events Leading to Chaos

"POLICE STILL HUNTING FOR MISSING BODY"

Fades to memory 12 hours previously

They were due to fly back to Buenos Aires tomorrow. Clarice and Hannibal's honeymoon would be ending but although Venice was beautiful they both longed to be back home.

That evening Clarice had spent a minor eternity getting ready. She had chosen to wear a flowing blue and silver gown, given to her as a gift from her husband. Hannibal himself was looking like royalty dressed in a black tuxedo with a shirt the palest of blues. Meeting in the hallway of their luxurious hotel our couple descended to where a gondola was waiting outside to carry them across water to one of the finest restaurants in Venice. Where, tonight, Hannibal had planned for dinner and dancing. The same recipe for one of their first nights together although this time the meal would not be sliced and sautéed from one of the other dinner guests.

They arrived at the restaurant at 9 o'clock and Clarice was amazed to find it was almost completely surrounded by water. A stunning floating island in a world of its own. When she relayed this thought to Hannibal he merely smiled at her and offered his arm to escort her inside.

Once inside the restaurant Hannibal spoke, much to Clarice's delight in smooth Italian, to the waiter who nodded and replied that "sir and madam's table was up on the fifth and highest floor". As they ascended the stairs Clarice glanced down at the lower floors of the restaurant which were bathed in the soft golden glow given by the many candles.

Clarice and Hannibal's table was close to one of the large windows which opened onto a small terrace. An intimate yet not a confining space where they could enjoy the last meal they would eat out in each others company.

Hannibal had ordered food and wine for Clarice as well as himself before he quickly brought his attention back to the conversation his wife was about to start.

"So," she began gazing deeply into his maroon eyes.

"Do you think it will be a boy or a girl?"

"I have to admit Clarice that I do not really mind, however, with such a question I wonder, do you have your own unique preference?"

Such a Hannibal response Clarice mused. He had just thrown another question right back at her without really answering her own. You are not getting away that easily Hannibal Lecter. Clarice had scowled at him, not tonight anyway.

They continued their meal and she didn't notice until about half an hour later. Clarice had almost finished her main course and was thinking of what dessert would be when she felt it again.

"Hannibal," she asked him, "is someone watching us?"

Memory fades out.

One of the officers standing there finally spoke.

"I will ask you one question Starling. Where is he?"

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The plot thickens but exact details will be revealed in the next chapter.

Reviews much appreciated.

xxkatyxx

Disclaimer: The plot is mine but the characters belong to Thomas Harris.