ANOTHER MISSING PERSON
Pearsall was frustrated.
"All we know is she's a student and was picked up in Virginia. We are assuming that he grabbed her in a wooded area on the edge of the campus."
Ardelia was listening intently, scribbling notes on a pad. "Why are we assuming that?"
Pearsall tapped a pen on a cardboard box in front of him. "That's where they found her belongings."
"Was there any evidence of a struggle?"
"No, there was no evidence of any struggle so he must have surprised her."
"Do we have an I.D. on the girl yet?" Bowman asked.
"No, her wallet wasn't with the book bag. No cell phone either. So we are relying on the school for that. There are four girls currently unaccounted for on campus. We need to determine who went home for the weekend and who is really missing. We're waiting for follow-up while the local cops go to the dorms."
Bowman reached in and pulled items out of the large box. "Is this all of it?" He questioned as he focused on the physical evidence.
Pearsall nodded. "That's all the items that belonged to the girl. We have one that belonged to the abductor… another letter."
"Where is the letter?" Ardelia asked, knowing it would not be in the box.
"Document analysis has it. They're doing handwriting comparisons."
Bowman spread the items across the conference table. "No help here, just typical college kid stuff. What about trace evidence on the letter?"
"There were no prints or fibers. Paper was common stock so no help there."
"Where did he leave it? Was there an envelope?" Ardelia searched. "We could get DNA if he licked it."
"No such luck. The letter was carefully placed in one of her school books."
This roused Bowman's interest. "Really? What book?"
"I don't think the book was important, but if it helps you it was the music history book."
"Do you have a copy of the letter?" Bowman requested.
Pearsall dug through the file pulled out a piece of paper and passed it across the table.
Bowman read aloud.
"And it grew both day and night,
Till it bore an apple bright;
And my foe beheld it shine,
And he knew that it was mine…
It's signed C.R.R."
"Okay…I'll bite. Do we have any clue what it means?"
Bowman wore the smile of a man quite pleased with himself. "It's a pretty obscure reference…William Blake- a poem called Poison Tree, the music book he left it in was a hint…It's from Blake's Songs of Experience."
"Implications?" Pearsall asked.
"Based on the poem and this guy's past…it won't end well for the girl."
"Why do you say that?" Ardelia asked.
"It's about a murder…someone who kills because of unspoken anger."
"Wasn't the Tooth Fairy obsessed with Blake?" Ardelia asked.
Bowman looked through the music book. "Not Blake himself, he was obsessed with the image Blake painted, specifically The Great Red Dragon and the Woman Clothed in Sun. He was really obsessed with Lecter."
Ardelia copied the poem and every detail Bowman was offering into her notes. "So…the image…the Great Red Dragon…that's the one he went to Brooklyn and ate?"
Pearsall nodded a confirmation. "Yeah, that's the one he ate."
"Actually there are four Blake paintings featuring the Dragon. He ate The Great Red Dragon and the Woman Clothed in Sun. I don't remember the names of the others." Bowman volunteered.
"Well, aren't we just a wealth of information." Ardelia mused.
Bowman's voice rose with excitement. "What about Will Graham? He broke the Tooth Fairy case. If this guy is referencing Blake we might be able to get a handle on it through him.
Pearsall dismissed the idea out of turn. "No, he was loyal to Jack Crawford- with him gone we'd have no shot at Graham. Not to mention that his wife would never let him help on this or any other case. Don't forget when Graham went down she had to take Dolarhyde out herself."
Ardelia dismissed the idea. "Not to mention that Graham would have never broken that case or the Hobbs case for that matter without Lecter."
Lloyd was frustrated they had such limited options. "That's why Crawford sent Clarice to see him. They were stuck on Buffalo Bill. They needed what Lecter had that… extra sense… that…intuition."
"That insanity." Pearsall added.
Bowman shook his head. "Maybe but I'd kill to pick his brain!"
"He would've killed to pick your brain, too but I don't think you'd enjoy it much!" Pearsall mumbled.
Ardelia found Pearsall's Lecter references childish and irritating. "Yeah well whether we like it or not and for whatever reason, Lecter helped us whenever we needed him and because of that we saved a lot of lives."
"Why are we discussing Lecter? It isn't as if we can run down to the Baltimore State Forensic Hospital offer him some fava beans and whisper to the lunatic through the glass. We're on our own people so let's stop crying about it and get on with this!"
Pearsall's cell phone went off. He answered it, rolled his eyes and gestured that the pair could leave.
Ardelia and Bowman gathered up the evidence and Lloyd carried it out of the room.
Lloyd whispered to Ardelia as they walked together down the hall. "It really goads him to talk about Lecter doesn't it?"
"Yeah, he gets like a freaking five year old having a tantrum, like he has an inferiority complex or something. It's kind of irrational if you ask me. Why be jealous of a dead guy, you know?"
"I don't think he's jealous of Lecter…this is going to sound stupid being that he watched Lecter die, but… do you want to know what I really think?"
"Yeah...what do you really think
"He's afraid of him."
THE MORNING AFTER
Clarice and Hannibal slept well into the next day. Clarice stirred first and checked the clock, afraid to raise the privacy shades and disturb Hannibal. When she saw it was well past two o'clock in the afternoon, she roused her husband.
"H, it's almost two-thirty. You have to get up and eat something."
Hannibal rolled onto his stomach and pulled a pillow tightly over the back of his head. "I'm not hungry…another hour."
She crawled across the bed, kneeling beside him, her knees touching his side.
"Last chance, H. Out of bed before I bounce you out!"
"Not moving. Sorry."
She placed her palms on his back and began to bounce up and down on the mattress, forcing his body into the pillow top. She then released the pressure, allowing the mattress to recoil and propel his body upward. Clarice bounced him up and down several times, ignoring his groans of displeasure.
"I'm going to bounce you until you get up."
"I think I'd enjoy this much more if I were on my back instead of my stomach" He teased, referring to their present state of undress.
"I dare you!" she goaded, stretching her body over him in an attempt to prevent him from flipping over.
Hannibal bucked his hips providing enough separation from Clarice to free his arm and leg and quickly flip over. Hannibal was now on his back but content to remain under Clarice.
Hannibal smiled as he regarded his wife's form. "Yes, I am quite enjoying this view."
Clarice flipped a leg over him. "So you can roll over…any four month old can do that."
"What are you insinuating?"
"Only that if I don't want you to get up…you won't be able to get up."
"Clarice, you are forgetting as I already informed you, I do not want to get up. Most especially now that you have so graciously provided me with this magnificent view."
"You're only saying that because you don't want to be embarrassed."
Hannibal, with one cat-like move, swept his hip upward, swung his leg over, and created enough momentum to flip Clarice unceremoniously onto her back. Victorious, he assumed a full mount position.
"You were saying, Clarice?"
Now firmly on top, he flattened his body against her, pinning her to the mattress. She squealed as he pinned her arms over her head. Playing the proud predator, Hannibal leaned over, growled and bared his teeth at her.
"Oh please…as if that's a threat…remember, H… I like it when you bite!"
He drove his face into her neck and raked his teeth over her tender skin, growling and snarling for effect.
Clarice giggled, kicking and wriggling, trapped but loving it. "Let me go, H!"
"Never Clarice…I will never let you go." He proclaimed as he clamped his mouth over her throat and sucked hard at her skin, raising a large welt. He admired his work.
"What are you, fifteen? I mean… a hickey, H…Really?"
"Please, Clarice nothing that adolescent…it is my signature. An artist always signs his work and if you will remember, I worked very, very, hard last night."
Suddenly a loud, buzzing sound echoed throughout the first floor. Hannibal leapt quickly to his feet.
"Someone is at the gate. Are you expecting a delivery?"
"No, I wouldn't do something like that without telling you first."
"Feel free to shower. I will handle our guests."
"Handle them?"
"Don't be dramatic, Clarice. You may rest assured I will be ever the gentleman."
Hannibal flipped on the television, switched to the channel designated for the security system and moved quickly to the view of the main gate. Very clearly, standing patiently at the intercom, Hannibal could see the young waiter from the restaurant.
Hannibal pulled on fresh boxers, a pair of linen trousers and shirt. He didn't bother with shoes. He moved quickly through the master suite and accessed the intercom located in the main hallway.
"Hello, young man. May I help you?" Hannibal questioned politely.
"Yes sir, my name is Francisco I was your waiter last night. I've come to see you with my father. May we have a moment of your time? We will be brief."
"Yes, of course. The gate will open momentarily. The driveway is rather long but it will lead you directly to the residence. You may park next to my car and I will meet you."
Hannibal returned to the master suite to see Clarice pulling her wet hair into a pony tail. She was already fully dressed.
"Who was it, H?"
"The young man who served at table last night and his father."
"What? Why?"
"I haven't a clue." He opened his dresser and removed a pair of socks. Sitting on the edge of the bed he slipped them on and reached for his shoes. "Though I expect we will find out momentarily as they are heading down the drive as we speak." He quickly slipped his foot into his shoes, tied the laces quickly and stood.
"If you will excuse me, my Love, I'll be outside awaiting our guests."
Hannibal stood quietly at the edge of the driveway. The young man was sheepish as he exited the vehicle. The older gentleman appeared quite serious. Hannibal extended a friendly hand to the father.
"Hello, Sir. I have not had the pleasure. My name is Doctor Marco Dante."
"The pleasure is mine, Doctor Dante. I am Rodrigo Molina, my son Francisco I believe you have already met."
"Yes. A fine young man, I am certain that you are quite proud of him. He has exceptional manners and has been very well educated I can see. A reflection on his fine parents I am certain."
Hannibal gestured for the pair to accompany him to the house. Clarice waited, smiling in the entry.
"This is my lovely wife, Clarice." Hannibal turned to his wife. "Clarice, allow me to present Signor Rodrigo Molina. You are already acquainted with his fine son, Francisco."
Clarice shook the hands of both visitors. "I'm pleased to meet you, Signor Molina. You have a wonderful son. He is a bright and articulate young man. That is no doubt a reflection on his fine upbringing."
"I expressed the precise sentiments, Clarice."
"I fear your sentiments may change when my son tells you what he has done. Allow me to offer my apologies in advance of his. He has too much education and too little judgment, I think."
Francisco stood quietly staring at the floor in the entryway. Hannibal could see the young man was in distress having to confess whatever deed he had done.
"I'm certain whatever Francisco has done can be discussed amicably over a glass of wine."
Hannibal waved his arm gesturing to Clarice to lead.
"If you will follow my wife, gentlemen, she will lead the way. Clarice, I will retrieve a bottle of wine for our guests if you will please entertain them for a moment."
Clarice hid her confusion well, knowing that the wine was stored In the pantry,in the large temperature control cooler just next to the kitchen.
Up to something, H? Her eyes questioned.
"I won't be a tick, Gentlemen." He nodded to Clarice. She understood that she was to keep them occupied until he returned.
Hannibal slipped out the front door of his home and quickly retreated to the car parked beside his. It was left unlocked, his guests not believing security an issue thanks to the large gate and intercom system.
Hannibal placed a pair of driving gloves on his hands to avoid leaving fingerprints. He opened the door, slid behind the wheel and searched the glove box of the sedan. The young man had left his pay invoice in the car complete with his home address. Hannibal quickly committed it to memory and seeing nothing else of use for his purposes, closed the door quietly and returned to the house.
Clarice was placing trays of meats and cheeses as well as a large plate of sliced melons and a wide variety of fruit on the table in front of her guests. Hannibal returned to their company.
"Excuse my absence. My Love, where did I leave the wine we purchased yesterday afternoon?"
"I'm sorry, H. I put it in the pantry. I should've remembered."
"There is no need for apologies my Love."
Hannibal entered the pantry, retrieved the wine and served his guests.
"While on the subject of apologies, Doctor and Misses Dante, my son has one to offer you."
Hannibal turned to the young man now twisting in his chair of embarrassment.
"Francisco whatever you have to say we will accept your apology. Please don't torment yourself." Hannibal comforted. "Please, tell us that we may all move on."
Clarice smiled.
"Last night, when you were at the restaurant…I was really impressed by the way you handled that obnoxious guest. I took a video of it with my cell phone and I showed it to some of my friends at the restaurant who were in the kitchen. I shouldn't have. It was immature of me and I'm really sorry."
Hannibal was shocked that he hadn't picked up on the cell phone. It wasn't like him to miss a detail.
"Where is the cell phone? Do you have it with you?" Hannibal asked, showing no emotion whatever.
"My father took it from me." Francisco was mortified to admit.
"Signor Molina, do you have the phone with you? I would like to see the video if you wouldn't mind."
"Certainly Doctor, please be my guest." The gentleman took the phone out of his breast pocket. He fumbled with it for a moment, unsure of how to access the information.
Hannibal reached for the phone. "Please, Signor, allow me. This phone is similar to mine; I know how to operate it."
The father handed his son's phone to Lecter. "Of course, Doctor."
Hannibal quickly moved through the phone applications and accessed the video. He watched intently allowing Clarice to look on with him. He smiled as he watched, although his mind was processing the infinite ramifications of the evidence he was viewing.
"There is more than one video, yes?" Hannibal questioned after the video ended.
"There's another of…you…and your wife, Sir." Francisco offered, barely above a whisper.
"Don't tell me you have that kiss on video!" Hannibal reacted.
"Yes, Doctor…I'm embarrassed to say that he does." The father answered, clearly not pleased.
Hannibal was amused and actually looking forward to watching it. "Hey, Clarice…you might want to have a look."
"That's okay, H. You can enjoy that one without me…I was there. I remember what happened."
Hannibal pretended to be watching the video when he was, in fact, searching the cell phone history to see whether or not the video had been forwarded. He quickly tapped at the keys and forwarded to video to an untraceable cell phone he had recently purchased, deleted the history, folded the phone and reached to hand the phone to the father.
Rodrigo Molina held a hand up to Hannibal gesturing for him to keep the phone.
"The phone is yours to do with what you will, Doctor. My son has a lesson to learn and that lesson will include doing without his cell phone."
Signor Molina stood and gestured for his son to stand as well. "What do you have to say to the Doctor and his lovely wife, Francisco?"
"I am very sorry for invading your privacy. Please allow me to ask your forgiveness."
"No harm done." Clarice reassured, smiling at Francisco. The young man lifted his eyes to Clarice and immediately noticed the large welt on her throat. Knowing it had not been there the night before, and knowing that the Doctor must have created the mark he looked away, terrified.
Hannibal recognized the exact moment the young man spotted the mark on Clarice because he shot a terrified look at Hannibal.
Hannibal was amused. That's right…she's mine.
He winked at Francisco. The young man looked away.
Hannibal extended his hand to Francisco.
Remembering the handshake Hannibal had delivered to the fat man, Francisco hesitated.
Hannibal could smell the young man's fear. This is fun!
"There is no need for concern, young man. I have no desire to harm you."
Francisco extended his hand and smiled when he realized that, while Hannibal's grip was firm, it did not increase in intensity.
"Again, Sir, I'm sorry."
"Your apology is appreciated and accepted, young Mr. Molina. You showed a great deal of character coming here today. You are a very brave young man."
"Thank you, Sir."
"We have taken enough of your time. My son and I thank you for your patience and your forgiveness."
"Not at all, allow me to walk you out, gentlemen."
Clarice sat at the table, picking at the fruit and cheese waiting for Hannibal to return.
She could hear Hannibal enter the house and move to the security panel in the main hallway. She recognized the sounds of the keyboard as he activated the security gate, waited for the car to pass and closed the gate.
Hannibal entered the kitchen, his friendly demeanor gone.
"The young man sent the video to what I am hoping is his personal email address."
"What does that mean to us, H?"
"It means, Clarice, that I will be forced to go out tonight."
Until the next chapter my friends!
LH