The Following

Peace, Love, and Happiness

Season 3

Episode 3: Hannibal

Ryan let go of Jack's hand and pointed to his niece. "This is Max and this is Mike," He pointed to his right.

"Nice to meet you guys," Jack said turning away from them. "Now, it is time, "He motioned for them to follow him. "It is best if we get this done as quickly as possible."

"I understand," Ryan said following Jack.

They made their way through the police barricade and through the front door ff the warehouse. There were rows of shelves filled with boxes labeled in messy hand written. They ranged from kitchen to bathroom supplies of all sorts.

It was in the back of the warehouse where the body was located. The body was of a young man, probably in the late twenties. He was in the standing position with electrical tape around his waist. There were bungee cords strapped below his shoulders, supporting his own weight. The cords were attached to the ceiling.

The man's eyes were gorged out and missing. There was a light bulb in the sockets replacing where the eyes were supposed to be. The light bulbs were brightly lit as a thin stream of half dried blood slowly leaked down his face.

"Oh god," Max said grossed out and shocked. She had never seen anything like this before.

"It gets even better," Will simply said. He pointed behind the man's skull.

Ryan peered behind his skull and saw there were two holes drilled into the back of the head. Electrical wire attached to the wall entered the back of the skull where the two holes were.

"What is this?" Mike asked confused.

Hannibal took a step toward Mike. "This is a murder," He pointed out.

"I know that," Mike snapped at Hannibal. He gave him a harsh look. "My question is, why the electrical wiring and the light bulbs? What is the killer trying to prove?"

"I am not sure," Jack said with a shrug.

Ryan continued to stare at the body with disturbed curiosity. "Anytime there is a murder, it is of course a terrible thing." He asked, "But what does that have to do with me?"

Jack took a step toward the body. "Brian, show Ryan what you saw," He ordered. He kept his eyes on Ryan.

Brian stepped up to the body and lifted up the man's shirt to show a note cut into his stomach. The note read four words. Ryan Hardy must die!

"That is why you were called, "Will said with a small shrug. He swallowed anxiously continuing to eye the body studying it at every angle.

"The name cutting, if you want to call it, was done prior to death," Brian said pointing to the wound with a gloved finger. "After the name was carved it, then came the cerebroectomy, and then the light bulbs."

"Then came the what?" Ryan asked looking at Brian perplexed.

Brian looked at Ryan and found himself chuckling. He worked with Jimmy at the Behavioral Science Unit, determining the cause of deaths of the victims that are brought to him. He had a Medical Degree and often forgot that your average John Doe, didn't understand most medical terminology.

"Look over here," Jimmy said pointing at the head. "You see the six inch stitch mark over there." He stepped closer to the body and touched the stitching with a gloved finger. "The brain was lobotomized through here and then for some reason was stitched up."

"After that, two holes were drilled into the back of the skull where live wiring was pushed through and attached to the light bulbs that are secured in the man's eye sockets," Brian said pointing to the hole in the back of the head.

"Damn," Max cursed. She shook her head disgusted. "That is insane."

"There is one more thing," Jack said handing Ryan a plastic bag with an envelope and a pair of gloves.

Ryan gave Jack an odd look as he put on the gloves. He took the bag and removed the envelope. He opened the letter, taking note of a clearly handwritten note. He began to read it as a feeling of dread and annoyance grew with each passing word.

"Dear Ryan,

I bear a gift a gift for you. Although it isn't nicely packaged, I do think it will light up a smile on your face. It has been too long since I have last spoken to you and I can honestly say you have not left my mind. You will always have a special place in my heart. The other belongs to Joe. You and Joe are so similar, you could almost be brothers. It is scary to just think about that. Except for the fact that Joe is in prison and you are fighting the good fight. Don't worry though, he won't be trapped there for too long. And you, until death, will always be fighting the good fight. Ryan, I really look forward to the time we could see each other again, but until then, be well and watch your back. We both know how dangerous it is out there. Also, I like the new piece of ass you got in your life. That Miss Cook, she is indeed a feisty one.

Love you always,

M"

Ryan stopped reading and looked at Max who was eyeing him with concern. He replaced the letter in the envelope and then slipped it into the bag. "It seems I have a fan," He said with a strained smile. He handed it back to Jack.

"A fan who knows you on a personal level," Hannibal pointed out. He took a step toward Ryan who looked at him not in the mood to delve into the letter. "Perhaps even on an intimate level."

Ryan was quite aware of the public knowledge with his relationship of the Joe Carroll case. It was headline news. Everyone was talking about it. Colleges were even having students write thesis papers on the psychology of the book, The Gothic Sea, which was written by Joe himself. It was kind of sad how idolized the case was getting.

He had no wish to delve more into his personal life then what was already publicly known. The less they knew, the better. Did people pity his life or did they ignore it, thankful that their life was nothing like his? He didn't know, nor did he really care. All he wanted was to close this case and try to live a normal life. But he knew that would probably never happen. Not with everything that had already occurred.

"Do you have any idea who wrote the note?" Jack asked Ryan. He handed the letter to jimmy who placed it with the rest of the evidence.

"Not at all." Ryan shrugged. He ignored the continuous questioning looks that Max was giving him.

At that moment Will took a step toward the body and closed his eyes. He began to delve into the crime scene as he removed everything that wasn't there when the murder occurred. Everything around him rewound until it came to the moment when the body walked in with the killer. At first he saw a man, all dark and with large deer antlers, walking silently beside the victim. Will caught eyes with the both of them watching from a few feet away.

Soon, he replaced the man with antlers and was walking beside the victim. They made their way to the back of the warehouse, almost like leading a sheep to the altar. When they got there, the man turned to Will and nodded as he lifted up his shirt. Will reached for his hunting knife and eyed the blade as it glistened in the light, looking so sleek and dangerous.

He then began to carve a note into the man's stomach ignoring his painful moans. When he finished, he took a few steps backward to inspect his work. Satisfied, he smiled and said, "Now his will hurt."

"It is my part in the story," He said proudly, but in obvious pain.

"If you say so," Will said with a no care attitude.

Will ignored the man's screams as he cut into his skull. Soon the man stopped screaming and his head went limp as he cut deeper. He sliced large enough to reach in and removed the brain. He set the brain aside and then cut out the eyes.

He then drilled two holes into the back of the skull and pushed wires into each of the holes. The wires were then attached to light bulbs that he had placed in each eye socket. After that, he sewed up the cut on top of the head. Next he took a wet towel and began to clean the blood off of himself as well as the body.

Will opened his eyes and looked at Ryan ho was watching him curiously. "This murder was consensual," He began with a nervous gulp. "Both the killer and the victim knew their part in it. It was not their design, but they definitely added to it."

"How do you know that?" Ryan asked looking confused.

Will turned to Ryan and said, "I am able to see things in a crime scene that most people can't. I have a vivid imagination and am able to recreate the crime almost as if I am getting in the head of the killer."

"Will's extensive knowledge in that department has helped us solve many crimes," Jack said proudly. He looked at Will who didn't seem to want the acknowledgment.

"So what else can you tell us about what happened here?" Max asked looking at Will.

"As I mentioned," Will continued, "These two knew their part in it. They were okay with it. He was okay with it as well as the killer."

"Are you sure?" Mike asked curiously. He couldn't believe that Will seemed to know so much about what happened after studying it for just a few minutes.

"Yes, I am sure," Will said looking at harshly. He didn't like it when people questioned him.

"There is one question I have though," Max said with a gulp. She didn't want to ask it, but knew it was an important one. "Where is the brain and eyes?"

Jeffery had three open files in front of him. The files belonged to Brandon Welsley, Kenji Au, and Mark. He was currently reviewing Brandon's file trying to find more information about him. There was a cup of tea next to a plate of apple pie that had been untouched so far.

Brandon's file seemed to be one that belonged to an Ivy League student. He was always a straight 'A' student. From elementary school, through high school, and in college. All his teachers boasted of him, quoting none stop about how perfect of a student he was and helpful he was with his peers.

His father, Mark, built and fixed computers for a living as well as other small electronics, but mainly computer. He had had his own office and team that worked around the clock. His basis on his work was that he was there for the people and that is why he was always open. In a world run by electronics, he knew the importance of them and the addiction as well as the annoyance they can be when they break down.

His mother was a psychologist for those suffering with a drug addiction. Since she had a drug problem for many years, she knew the addiction they came with. Now that she was clean for over fifteen years, she devoted her life to those with an addiction.

He seems too perfect. There has to be something. Something that would tie him up with Genji.

Jeffery closed the file and then set it aside. He opened Kenji's and began to read it. Born in Osaka, Japan, where he lived there until he was six years old. They moved to Brooklyn and lived have been here since then.

Genji's academic history was nowhere near Brandon's. Until high school, he was an 'A' and 'B' student. But halfway through his freshman year, his grades slipped. He barely graduated with passing grades. Yet, somehow, even with those mediocre grades, he was able to make it into NYU. While there, his grades fluctuated, except for one class that remained a straight 'A'. That was the history of Japanese culture. He was the top of the class in that one.

His father was a Professor who taught Japanese language as well as sold paintings he created. His mother, was a dentist's assistant. Both made a considerable amount of money and were more than well off. They had already a savings account for their son that he had no knowledge of and when they had felt the time was right, would give it to him.

Jeffery closed the file and set it aside. He reached for Mark's and opened it up when his phone rang. He picked it up and answered it with a tired sigh. He glanced at his tea and pie, realizing that he hadn't touched them yet.

"Jeffery," He head a deep voice say, "I am US Marshall Scott Thompson."

"Scott," Jeffery said reaching for his tea that was now room temperature. He took a sip, still enjoying its taste. "How can I help you?"

"Well I hope that I am not interrupting anything," Scott said, "But there is really something that we must discuss."

Jeffery looked closed Mark's file and then took another sip of tea. "Not really," He said with a shrug, "What would you like to discuss?" He began to feel anxious knowing that if Scott was calling him, then it was pretty important.

"I can't discuss it over the phone," Scott said, "I am going to text you an address for security purposes. I know you understand the precautions that are needed to be done."

"A hundred percent sir," Jeffery said standing up.

"I am texting you the address now," Scott simply said. "I will see you soon."

With that Scott ended a phone call. Seconds later came the address that he was talking about. 1 Gustave L. Levy Pl. He recognized it as Mount Sinai hospital which was located in Manhattan. He closed his phone and grabbed his wallet, keys, his gun, and a thin coat if he needed it. It took him thirty minutes to get there, but as soon as he was there, he was greeted by Scott and two agent in the lobby.

"What is this?" Jeffery asked shaking Scott's hand.

"Well what I wanted to discuss could not be spoken about over the phone," Scott said motioning for him to follow him to the elevator. "For security reasons." He looked at him. "I know that you are fully aware of that."

Jeffery noticed Scott looking at him. "Yes I do," He said with a nod. "But now that I here, what is it you want to talk about?"

"It is not a what," Scott said as they entered the elevator. He pressed the button for the top floor. "But rather a whom."

Jeffery looked at Scott confused. "I don't get it," He said as the elevator began its ascent.

"You will see," Scott said confusing him even more so.

Jeffery was about to respond, but held back his question. The elevator soon stopped at the top floor and he followed Scott past a handful of Agents standing guard in the hallway. They reached the last room. "The whom I was speaking about is in here," Scott said motioning for Jeffery motioned for him to enter the room.

Jeffery glanced at Scott for a few seconds with uncertainty before entering the room. "Lily," He said shocked at what he was seeing.

"You aren't Ryan," Lily said with a glare. "I asked for Ryan and was told that Ryan would be coming."

"I don't get it," Jeffery said looking back at Scott who stood beside him.

"Ryan couldn't make it," Scott said without a care. "So instead here is Agent Clark."

"I want to talk to Ryan," Lily insisted. She crossed her arms over her chest in a childlike way.

"Ryan is busy," Jeffery said. He took a step toward Lily.

Lily sighed unhappily. She didn't want to talk this guy. The only person she wanted to see, besides her two kids of course, was Ryan. She enjoyed toying with him and now, would pretend to be his friend while she was being cared for here. When the time was right for her to be released and roaming the streets again, she would become his nemesis again.

She looked at Jeffery with a fake smile. "I am not surprised," She said with a small shrug. "I have watched the news." She pointed to the TV that was showing the first Lethal Weapon movie. "Ryan has been pretty busy."

"What did you want to discuss with Ryan?" Jeffery asked not in the mood for this.

Lily's smile widened. "Do you really think I will tell you?" She asked with a laugh. "Oh how delusional you are."

"Of course not," He replied. "But it didn't hurt to ask?"

"You are a smart one," Lily taunted him. "So tell me gent Clark, how are my boys?"

"Your boys," Jeffery began. He glanced at Scott who shrugged as if allowing him to run the show. "Well if you are watching the news, you will know what happened to them."

The color in Lily's face faded immediately. "I don't always trust the news," She said nervously. "But you guys, well I don't trust you either, but those news reporters are such distrustful people." She took a deep breath.

Jeffery usually was not the one to do this, but Lily was an exception. He liked to be professional and to the books, but this time, he would turn the page for a few moments. He took a step toward the bed.

"Luke is dead," Jeffery said provoking her. "He was shot in the head."

"No I don't believe you," Lily shook her head.

"Then don't believe me," He shrugged, "But he is dead and we have Mark in custody." He lowered his voice. "We are torturing your little boy for information."

"I don't believe you,' Lily said through gritted teeth. She balled both her fists tightly. "You are lying."

"I am not," Jeffery shook his head. "I have Mike in charge of dealing with you son and I know how much he wants to try to end the case, so that is why I allowed him to get the information from Mark." He lowered his voice even more. "In whatever means possible."

"You are lying," Lily raised her voice. She began to grow hysterical like the first time she thought Luke had been killed.

"Your boys are dead," Jeffery sang, "D-E-A-D dead."

"Shut up!" She shrieked, "Shut the hell up!" She pounded her fists on the bed crying loudly.

Jeffery stepped away from her bed and turned toward Scott who was watching from a few feet away with curious enjoyment. He too was professional and by the books, but also enjoyed seeing the usually tormentor, now being tormented.

Ryan, Max, and Mike sat on one side of Hannibal's dining room table waiting for breakfast with Jack and Will sitting across from them. Ryan was drumming his fingers on the table, while Mike and Max glanced at each other every few seconds. Jack and Will watched Ryan with curiosity.

"Is this really necessary?" Ryan asked with a tired sigh. There was far too much work to do be done and eating a lavish breakfast was wasting time.

"Breakfast is the most important meal of the day," Jack said with a smile. He was hungry and Hannibal's cooking smelled delicious.

"Ryan doesn't usually eat breakfast," Max said glancing at her uncle. "A cup of coffee of orange juice is his ideal breakfast."

"That is not the smartest thing to do," Hannibal said holding a tray of glass and pitchers. He approached the table and set down the tray. "I agree with Jack," He said looking at Ryan. "It is vital to start the morning off correct and a well-balanced meal is essential."

Ryan watched as Hannibal set six glasses on the table and then the pitchers. There was freshly squeezed grape fruit juice and another filled with freshly squeezed orange juice.

"Ryan do you think you can give me a hand in the kitchen," Hannibal said eyeing Ryan. "The more hands the quicker everyone will get food."

Ryan stood up and followed Hannibal into the kitchen. He saw on the counter was a large plate filled with freshly baked rolls and then there was a large tray covered with a steel pan.

"I must admit," Hannibal said looking at Ryan boyishly. "I asked you here because I wanted to offer my services."

"Your services?" Ryan asked confused.

"Yes," Hannibal said turning on the sink. He began to wash his hands. "I am certain that you are aware that I am a psychiatrist."

"Yes I know," Ryan asked still confused. He eyed the rolls feeling his stomach rumble. He didn't realize how hungry he was now.

"It is my responsibility to aid people who are in the need of help," Hannibal said drying his hands. "Regardless of what they have been through." He paused and took a step toward Ryan. "I know what you have been through is traumatizing enough and it is important to talk about them."

"I'm sorry Hannibal," Ryan interrupted him. He gave him an embarrassed smile. "I am not interested in talking to a psychiatrist."

"I can understand the rep that psychiatrists get," Hannibal said with a thin smile. He picked up the large tray. "But there is nothing wrong about discussing your problems."

"I am flattered Hannibal," Ryan said with a shrug, "But remember I live in New York and you live here. If I was interested, it would be difficult to have sessions."

"That may be true," Hannibal said thoughtfully. "Anyways, I don't want to let the food get cold. Now if you don't mind, can you grab the rolls?"

Hannibal and Ryan brought the food back to the dining room. As soon as Hannibal set the tray on the table, he removed the dish covering the tray revealing an exotic meal. "This is Jajecznica, which is a popular Polish breakfast," He said reaching for a spoon to dish the food out. "Scrambled eggs covered with sliced and seasoned kielbasa to go along with potato pancakes." He scooped some on a plate and handed it to Ryan. "It is an honor to have you guys guests at my table."

Ryan eyed the plate before him surprised at how good it actually looked. The eggs scrambled to perfect and topped with sliced and crispy looking kielbasa. Beside it were three potato pancakes fried to a perfect crisp.

"Thank you," Ryan said watching him dish out a plate to his niece. "It looks and smells delicious."

"Hannibal is a master chef here," Jack pointed out. He smiled proudly at him. "It is almost a tradition here that we all get together and share a meal."

"That sounds nice," Max said as she poured herself some orange juice. She offered it to Ryan who nodded.

Hannibal sat down and took a forkful of eggs. He closed his eyes and sniffed it, enjoying its slightly peppered scent. He took a bite, slowly chewing as he enjoyed its juicy yet crispy texture.

"This is really good," Mike said swallowing his food. He didn't usually eat breakfast either.

"Thank you," Hannibal said opening his eyes. He smiled at Max.

"So tell me," Ryan said. He took a sip of orange juice. It was squeezed to perfection. "What is the next step here?"

"Well there is not much we can do," Jack said with a small shrug. "The body is in the lab and it will take a few hours until we have some information. The other evidence that was found at the scene is also being studied." He took a forkful of eggs. "So as of now, we just wait."

Ryan hated the waiting period. He didn't always have the patience for it. Every minute was essential and could easily be wasted, especially when dealing with Joe or Lily. Time was a valuable thing to waste and once wasted, it could never be replaced.

Max saw the frustration flash in his eyes. She reached out and touched his arm. "Don't worry Ryan," She said soothingly, "We will find who did this."

"What do we know about the victim?" Mike asked looking at Jack.

"We don't know much," Jack said with a small shrug. He took a sip of apple juice. "His name is Clark Saxson."

Ryan knew he heard the name before. It seemed so familiar. He couldn't put his finger on it. Where had he heard it before? He made a fist under the table and closed his eyes trying to rack his brain. He ignored the curious looks and occasional question he got from Mike and Max.

God the name. So familiar. Clark Saxson. Who was he?

Suddenly it came to him like rushing water. He groaned and cursed under his breath. "I know who it is," Ryan said opening his eyes. His jaw quivered with fury. "He was one of Joe's first cult members and a younger brother to the infamous Molly."

"Who is this Molly?" Will asked looking at him curiously.

"Molly was an old flame of his," Mike said looking at Ryan who was staring at his plate of food lost in thought. "She was a close friend to Joe as well as one of the first known cult members."

"Her whereabouts are still unknown," Ryan said through gritted teeth.

The memory of seeing her last came to his mind. She stood behind him with his kitchen knife in her hand. She told him passionately that she was the one to kill him and then she stabbed him. Claire came running out of the bathroom and shrieked when she saw him bloody on the floor. He tried to stop her, but Molly came up from behind her, stabbing her through the back. With that she ran out of the room and hasn't been seen since.

"Damn," Jack said in disbelief. He reviewed the case files, but didn't realize how crazy it was. Anyone could be part of the cult and you would never know.

"Yeah," Max said eyeing her uncle concerned. "Outside of Lily Grey and her son Mark, she is one of the most important targets."

Hope you like it and that it wasn't too slow. Don't worry I have big things coming and some action! Hee hee!

Shaw 18