Author's note: This story, No More a Savage Life: Chapter Two has recently moved from a T Rating to an M rating
THE RATING HAS CHANGED ON THIS STORY AS SOME OF THE UPCOMING CHAPTERS WILL INCLUDE MATURE THEMES, SEXUAL SITUATIONS AND GRAPHIC VIOLENCE
THE FOURTH ESTATE
Ardelia Mapp and Lloyd Bowman entered the FBI lounge and flipped on the television in time for the news conference.
When the White House Press Secretary stepped in front of the cameras her stoic demeanor reflected the serious and rather tumultuous nature of the issue at hand.
"I will be making a brief statement. It will be self-explanatory and I will not be taking questions as this is a continuing investigation. At the White House today, the President of the United States welcomed Egyptian Prime Minister Anwar Bashandi. Prime Minister Bashandi's visit is in response to the abduction of his daughter, Mariyah from her college in Virginia.
The President has pledged the full resources of local and federal government, law enforcement, military and any and all resources available to locate and return the Prime Minister's daughter to her family, unharmed. Egypt has long been a valuable ally to the United States and The Republic of Egypt is a beacon of the Arab world, offering the guidance of experience and assistance to neighbors seeking similar reform. Therefore the President and Vice President offer the powers of their office as well as the power of their prayers, and the prayers of the American People, for the safe return of Mariyah to her family.
If the abductor wishes to communicate directly with the White House to arrange for the return of Mariyah, a special line has been set up. Contact your local FBI offices to be directed to the appropriate number. If Mariyah Bashandi is returned immediately and is unharmed, the President assures that this magnanimous gesture will be taken into consideration and much greater leniency will be afforded.
A reward of ten million dollars will be paid for any information that leads to the safe return of Mariyah. The information will be kept confidential and the informant can remain completely anonymous. Thank you."
The screen was then filled with the picture of the young girl at her high school graduation in front of the Great Pyramids at Giza. FBI contact numbers began scrolling the bottom of the screen.
Ardelia shook her head and looked at Lloyd Bowman.
"Holy shit she's the daughter of the Egyptian Prime Minister? I thought Egypt had a President."
"The President appoints the Prime Minister, but I don't think they've had a President since Mubarak."
"Why the hell is our President involved?"
"Egypt is a big player in Africa and the Middle East. It has laws that separate the political parties and religion which is quite unusual in that area of the world. If that area destabilizes any more… it's better to have more friends than less. If that girl turns up less than healthy…well that wouldn't exactly be a diplomatic plus for us."
"Do you think the Ripper knew who he was picking up when he grabbed the girl?"
"Probably not, his victims have been opportunity based. They have had no known connection. He decides who he's going to copy, then what ever poor woman happens to fit his time and location is the one he grabs. That's why he has been so tough to catch. There's no predictability."
Ardelia shook her head in disagreement. "There's always predictability…there's always a pattern. We just don't see it. He isn't being totally random. I mean, we know he's using the techniques of the killers Lecter helped us catch. Has he done anything at all like Lecter or just the Tooth Fairy and Buffalo Bill?"
"He is removing flesh, but not like Lecter." Bowman offered.
"What do you mean but not like Lecter?"
Since they were alone in the lounge Bowman turned off the television so they could talk. "Lecter removed small cuts, cheeks, small muscles on either side of the back, liver, thymus, pancreas, pieces that are very specific in the preparation of fine cuisine. The Ripper name fits the copycat more than it did Lecter."
"What do you mean?"
"This guy does just that, he carves out large hunks of muscle and flesh. I mean he knows what he's doing, but if he's cooking it, I'd be shocked."
"What do you think he does with it? You don't think he's eating it?"
"If he's eating it…he's got a hell of a big family!"
MARIYAH
"Have you watched the news lately? They'll be looking for me. They won't stop."
The Ripper paced around the inside of the container. "They have looked for them all, but they don't find them. Not until I want them to. They won't find you either. Not until…"
"Not until you want them to?"
"No…not until I'm through with you."
He flipped a switch that activated a spot light on the table next to the girl. The table was covered with a large sheet. The Ripper walked up to the table but he was careful to remain in the shadows. He reached for and grabbed the cloth with the flourish of a magician, snapping it off the table like a bullwhip, uncovering the items it had been protecting. The table was covered with what looked like surgical tools but far more sadistic in appearance.
The girl looked over at the table. Seeing the medieval looking instruments, her stomach sank.
"Do you like my toys? I had them especially made. You will get to know each of them…intimately. Before we are through, you will have your favorites, as I most certainly have mine. If you are cooperative…I will let you choose."
"Please go watch the news…it's not too late for you. You can still let me go…I don't know where I am and I haven't gotten a good look at your face yet. I can't even tell what you look like or how old you are."
The Ripper moved directly under the light so that his entire face was illuminated.
"I'm thirty-two."
THE MORNING AFTER
Clarice stirred believing she smelled bacon and sat up in bed just in time to see Hannibal walking into the bedroom, carrying a tray. He looked well rested wearing a robe, his hair slicked back off his face.
"Hey, Handsome is that bacon I smell?"
"Yes, Clarice. It is indeed bacon."
"None of that pancetta crap you're so in love with…real bacon in greasy, crispy, strips?"
"Yes, as much as it pains me to prepare, it is a sign of my appreciation, a country breakfast, complete with homemade biscuits, eggs, bacon, and sausage."
"What's in the little bowl?"
"Grits, my Love."
"No you didn't! They aren't instant are they?"
"Please, Clarice. I may lower my standards on occasion to provide you with the foods that comfort you but please rest assured the word 'instant' is not a part of my vocabulary with regard to food preparation."
"Sorry, I didn't mean to offend you. I'm sure it tastes as wonderful as it smells."
Hannibal set the tray on the nightstand and helped Clarice to sit up propping pillows to make her comfortable. He then spread a cloth napkin over her stomach and set the tray over her lap.
Clarice admired the presentation. "I love the rose, H. Is this orange juice?"
"It began as freshly squeezed orange juice. I decided however that a little champagne would add to your enjoyment of the meal."
"Champagne adds to the enjoyment of everything! Aren't you going to join me?"
"I enjoyed a plate of fresh fruit while I was preparing your meal. This repast is not to my taste, Clarice."
Hannibal took his place at her side resting on his back with his fingers interlaced over a pillow on his stomach.
Clarice stabbed at a large piece of bacon, opened her mouth widely and pushed the entire strip into her mouth. She chewed it as if she was enjoying the finest cut of meat. "Hmmmmm, that isn't just bacon. It's a little strip of heaven."
"It pleases me to see you enjoy it, Clarice."
"Everything about you pleases me, my husband."
"Not everything about me pleases you…last night, Clarice?"
"H, you had a rough night. I'm your wife it's my responsibility to help you when you're hurting. I'm really sorry I slapped you, though. I was just so beside myself with worry. I shouldn't have lashed out like that. After all you had been through I didn't have the right."
"No one has ever been with me when I have been in that state of mind. The readjustment was difficult."
"I know you've always been alone. I know that whenever you were forced to…go out or do something that required you to rely on your instincts you were able to come down from it in privacy. I should have given you some space. It shouldn't have been about my feelings. I was inconsiderate. I'm sorry."
"I fear that I injured you."
"I can take it. I'm not as delicate as you think." She smiled as she stuffed another fork full of breakfast in her mouth. "But if you want to make it up to me…"
"Yes, Clarice?"
"I've got an hour or two cleared on my schedule after breakfast. We can put our heads together and see what we come up with."
Hannibal smiled devilishly and winked. "I may have an idea or two we can occupy ourselves with. You finish your meal and allow me to return momentarily to the kitchen. After I have finished cleaning, and you have finished eating, we will see where the morning takes us."
"It had better take you right back beside me…I'm a country girl, H. To me, bacon is an aphrodisiac." Hannibal jumped to his feet and moved across the room.
"Hold that thought, Clarice. I won't be a tick."