Hindsight -Chapter Two

Hannibal Lecter observed the young woman from his cot. Young woman? More of a child- far too young for this cess pit. He wondered why Chilton had put her into his cell when there was an empty cell just down the hall- he could sense it's lack of occupant by the gap in scents. This was surely a breech on the rules regarding different sex sharing in the minimum security but to have two occupants sharing in the maximum security ward was definitely against the rules. What did Chilton expect him to do? Harm her? Surely Chilton didn't think he would grow fond of her and use her as another thing to take away for punishment- it was clear to any half-baked psyche student that he was not emotionally dependant on others.

He could sense she was blind by her tentative body language, always alert even as she slept she had her hands spread on the floor to sense any movement towards her. Skitterish thing, he thought. If she gave him a god reason it would be great entertainment to break her mentally...or would she be better to befriend? You're on the scales of fate little one- build or break, build or break?

The rough sting of the net leaving the rivets it had formed in my face during my sleep brought me quickly to my new surroundings. The floor smelt cold and metallic so there must be no windows and the smell of charcoal was stronger but apart from that it was as I remembered it. I felt his eyes on me turned to face out into the corridor as if I was looking at something. I didn't want some psychopath knowing I was blind, the ultimate weakness.

"Good Morning." His voice was soft, almost pleasant. I was shocked at how articulate he was. He sounded cultured and...well, normal although I hated that generalisation. I didn't trust him- so many people I had judged wrong and paid dearly for my wrongly placed trust.

I offered him a jerky nod and turned back to the netting- I didn't trust my voice at the moment. I feared it would sound weak. I was sick of people overpowering me because they saw my blindness as a weakness.

"No reply?" He sounded sharper now, irritated. I hoped he didn't perceive my fear for rudeness. I hated rude, boisterous people. I had enough of that kind, as I seemed to attract them like flies to honey when I was living normally. But what did I say?

"I am sorry, I don't mean to be rude but I'm just...I...I'm... I assure you I don't know why I'm here. I didn't request it."

God, that sounded weak and desperate and foolish. There was a silence.

"I did not think you were here by choice. Who would be? What were you going to say?"

I turned in the direction of his voice.

"Excuse me?"

"You started saying why you seemed rude but never explained. I'm intrigued."

I look down, furious at myself for starting such a line of conversation.

"Nothing. I wasn't going to say anything."

"I didn't take you as a liar."

I didn't reply. He moved closer. I could sense a shift in the still air of the cell and his scent teased my nose for the first time.

"I believe I asked you a question." He sounded more menacing now than ever but always he had a tone of courtesy in his voice that masked it.

"I believe I answered it."

"No. You lied. What do you feel right now? Why do you stink of fear? Do you fear me?"

"I do not fear you." I spat. "You have given me no reason too. I'm afraid you will...see me as weak. People who saw me as weak always used me, took advantage of me and I am sick of it all. I..."

I had said far too much. God that man could wheedle things well. I would have to be more reserved in future.

"See you as weak due to your blindness?" I nodded. "Thank-you .I do not see you as weak. May I ask your name?"

"You can ask."

"You really don't make this easy, do you?"

I turned away again.

"Please leave me alone." I tried to sound commanding but the words came out weak, a catch on the last word.

Thank-you for reading! What d'ya think? It's a little slow but I kinda need to plan this story out properly and wanted to put the first dialogue in. Need constructive criticism on any flaw. Thank-you again to all those who reviewed last chapter-personal replies at start of next chapter to all reviewers. CAPPONI