PRAY

Clarice was asleep when her husband left their bed to run his 'errand'. She was not surprised that he had been able to take his leave without disturbing her sleep. She was surprised that he went to the trouble of coming to bed at all if he knew he would be getting up again.

Maybe he thought he could get back before I would miss him.

Clarice, ever modest, covered her nudity by putting on a silk robe. She left the master suite knowing it would make no sense staying in bed at this point. She would be unable to fall back to sleep. She checked the nightstand. Alas, no note.

What time did you leave, Hannibal? A note would have been nice.

Clarice walked to the kitchen and opened the refrigerator door. She had a sweet tooth and the fresh fruit wouldn't cut it, so she headed to the pantry to see what she could find.

What the hell?

There, on the center shelf prominently displayed, was a large box of the handmade chocolates Hannibal had promised to buy her the day before.

"When the heck did you have time to get this done?" She said out loud as if expecting an answer. Clarice smiled as she pulled the wax- sealed envelope from the decorative box, broke the seal and slipped the folded linen paper out to read the note. It was written in perfectly executed copperplate.

Dear Clarice,

Please accept my apologies for leaving your side this evening. I want you to know that it was quite difficult, as watching you sleep has long been a weakness of mine. I was finally able to pry myself from your side just after midnight. Judging by my observations of your sleep patterns, it should be near on three o'clock when you receive this.'

Clarice shifted her attention from the note to the large pendulum clock in the kitchen. The time was ten minutes past three o'clock.

How the hell does he do that? She turned back to the note.

In any event, please enjoy the chocolates. I did after all promise to buy them for you. As you will see when you lift the first layer of this box, I will forever keep my promises to you.

Ever Yours,

H.

Clarice lifted the tray housing the first layer of chocolates. There, surrounded by glistening chocolates, wrapped neatly in crimson cellophane with a shimmering golden bow was Hannibal Lecter's Harpy. He is unprotected. Though it had been many years since she bent a knee in prayer, a few words couldn't hurt.

God… if you're out there, bring him back to me.

PREY

Hannibal focused on the partially open window. Though he had pulled it down as quickly as possible he had been forced to drop from view before it had been fully closed. Footfalls approached. Hannibal used his forearms and his feet to rise up slightly from the wooden shingles.

He shifted his weight slowly, deliberately, his hands and feet working smoothly in concert. Hannibal moved backward seeking the protection of the tree, quickly being enveloped in the darkness. He remained in this position, poised much like a spider lying in wait of his prey.

The young man at the window looked out into the night. He appeared confused at first but, shaking his head, closed the window, locked it and went to sit in front of his computer. He tried to turn it on with no luck so he bent to check the surge protector and noticed it has been flipped. He pushed the button and turned on the computer.

Hannibal lifted his head from the shadows and watched as Francisco used the lap top. The young man tapped away at the keys, moving from site to site, wholly unaware that anything is different.

Not a computer science major, my friend? Better for us both, I think.

HOME

Clarice could hear Hannibal's BMW roaring down the drive and ran outside to meet him.

He exited the car and was surprised as she ran into his arms and kissed him. He tasted the chocolate and smiled. As they walked, Hannibal rested his hand on hand on the small of her back, enjoying the sensation of her hips shifting.

"You taste delicious. Did you enjoy your gift, Clarice?"

"Yes, thank you."

Realizing Clarice was nude save the robe, Hannibal's hand wandered lower to her backside. Feigning irritation she brushed it away. "I didn't enjoy waking up alone, however."

"My apologies, it was regretful and as stated in my note, it was very, very difficult."

"Difficult didn't stop you." She said, a shudder running through her, chilled by the night air.

Hannibal felt the tremor, lifted her into his arms and carried her to their home. He whispered in her ear.

"In order to protect you, Clarice…there is nothing that could stop me."

Until the next chapter my friends!

LH