THE WHITE HOUSE
The Attorney General and the Council from the Office of Pardons sat on either side of the President. On the elongated side of the table the Egyptian Prime Minister and members of his staff were seated. Opposite the Prime Minister, Ardelia, Pearsall and Noonan sat very overwhelmed and obviously intimidated. In front of the room beside a large projector connected to a screen built into one of the walls stood Bowman, not even remotely affected by the office or the present company he was in, connecting his computer to the system.
"This video was posted recently on YouTube, I believe it clearly shows Hannibal Lecter and Clarice Starling…interacting." Bowman played the video. Everyone in the room reacted when Hannibal came into view.
The moment the video ran its course the Prime Minister spoke. "I fail to see what this has to do with my daughter."
Bowman answered confidently. "Sir this video is fairly conclusive proof that Hannibal Lecter may be alive and if he is indeed alive, it is very possible that he will be the only person equipped to solve this case in the time necessary to save your daughter's life."
"Why would a man who has killed so many help me to save my daughter?"
Pearsall spoke up. "Doctor Lecter has assisted the FBI on numerous cases. We've saved many lives thanks to his efforts. There is no reason to believe he wouldn't assist us if we have an incentive for him to do so."
Bowman directed his comments to the President. "That's where you come in, Sir."
The president sat, his hands folded in front of him, and calmly questioned Bowman. "Are you suggesting that I offer Doctor Hannibal Lecter a pardon in exchange for his participation in this case?"
Bowman nodded. "If Doctor Lecter is at large and one can assume, no longer in the United States there would be little reason for him to participate unless we have something extremely attractive to offer him. A pardon wouldn't be necessary. A commutation of his sentence based on his assistance in various cases is perfectly defensible."
The Attorney General was hurriedly scrawling notes. "Special Agent Bowman, has there ever been a case where the presidential pardon was extended to a person who had been convicted of murder.
Bowman nodded. "In eighteen sixty-seven, President Johnson commuted the sentence of a man named James Brown on January third. Not only was he convicted of murder, he was also accused of cannibalism though that fact is in question, but interestingly enough he did have maroon eyes, exactly like Lecter."
The president was obviously not convinced this was an acceptable risk. "We would need assurances that Hannibal Lecter no longer poses a danger to the general public."
The Attorney General was even more unconvinced. "If the President commutes Lecter's sentence, what guarantees do we have that he will not continue his…habits. This could be a public relations disaster."
Prime Minister Bashandi drilled his index finger into the table repeatedly, the furious tapping garnering everyone's attention.
"If my daughter does not survive this…it will be a disaster for you. I will not support any administration that values public relations over the life of my child." Prime Minister Bashandi turned to Ardelia.
"I understand this woman, Clarice Starling, was a very close friend of yours. Do you think she would stay in his company if he were committing crimes?"
Ardelia spoke up with all of the confidence and assurance she could force behind her words. "Assuming that Hannibal Lecter is traveling in the company of Clarice Starling there is no way possible that he would be committing any additional crimes. She would not allow it and knowing how he feels about her I am certain he would never disrespect her by going against her wishes."
Prime Minister Bashandi allowed himself to feel just the slightest bit encouraged. "And do you believe that Doctor Lecter would help find my daughter if his sentence was commuted?"
Ardelia was certain this plan would work only if she had the confidence of Bashandi. She made eye contact with the Prime Minister and held his attention with her gaze.
"Lecter would only be tempted by the commutation of his sentence if he were seeking to live a normal life with Clarice. If that video is to be believed, their relationship has definitely evolved beyond the professional interactions of their past. If they are indeed linked romantically, Lecter would absolutely consider this offer. I believe it to be not only a viable option, but the only option tempting enough to bring Lecter out of hiding."
Bashandi turned to the president, looking him directly in the eye as he spoke with conviction.
"Mr. President if this man is the only viable option, I don't care what you have to offer him. I want my daughter returned to me. If there is any outcome that does not involve my daughter's rescue, not her recovery, be certain the wrath of Hannibal Lecter will be mild in comparison to the vengeance I will seek. I will provide transportation for Doctor Lecter allowing him to immediately leave your country on my plane with his wife and my daughter so that you will be assured he will not become a political liability."
Noonan leaned across the table toward Bashandi. "Sir, Hannibal Lecter is an extremely dangerous man."
"He didn't look dangerous in that video. He looked like a man very much in love. He is also wearing a wedding ring, as is Miss Starling. A married man will protect what is his. She is his. I believe he will indeed help us if he believes he is helping her. If he trusts me enough to leave the safety of his home with his wife, I will give him the trust to take them from this country."
The president looked over to the counsel from the pardon office.
"What do you need to make this happen, Mr. Beckett?"
"There is an application form that must be processed. We will need some proof that Lecter is no longer a threat. A psychological evaluation would be necessary. We would insist also that his wife be interviewed. He would have to agree to be held in custody during the evaluation process. I assume we would also need to present the materials to legal counsel for Lecter."
Mapp spoke up. "What about Starling? She would have no need to be taken into custody. She hasn't committed any crimes. Can I suggest she stay with me? She and I shared a duplex. All of her belongings are still there and I would be able to accompany her to any meetings or interviews."
The Attorney General nodded in agreement. "That would be acceptable. What do we do with Lecter? We would have to house him in a prison or mental hospital …somewhere that we can keep him locked down until the girl is found. After that, if Mr. Bashandi wishes to take custody of Lecter, that would be amenable. We can't just release him to the streets."
Bashandi was encouraged by the possible involvement of Lecter. "How will you contact Lecter? How long do you think it will be before we have a result?"
Bowman tapped at his computer. He posted several proofs of full page newspaper ads. "The ads shown are all coded but this code is very primary just needing coverage from casual observers. Lecter is being directed to a website that explains the situation your daughter is in and what we are offering for his assistance. He will contact either through that website or he may use a phone number we have designated specifically for this case. The ads are all set to run tomorrow in more than ten major publications."
The anxious father turned to Mapp. "How long do you think it will take for Hannibal Lecter to respond? First he must break the code."
Ardelia smiled remembering how quickly Lecter solved the anagrams. "He will have the code solved within five minutes. He will respond before the end of the day."
"You seem very certain, ." The president commented.
"Mr. President, I believe Hannibal Lecter will do anything to assure Clarice Starling's safety. He will not let this opportunity pass. We will hear from him tomorrow."
The president turned to the Attorney General.
"Find out where we can house Lecter. I insist that he be handled appropriately but securely. Dot the I's and cross the T's. Wedding ring or not, this is Hannibal Lecter we are talking about. Mistakes aren't costly…they are deadly."
THE CALL
Ardelia called Clarice as soon as she left the white house. Clarice was glad that Hannibal was playing the piano when the call came in.
"Hey girl, I've got good news! The president is on board. They approved commuting Hannibal's sentences."
"Ardelia, I won't let him consider it. I took a pregnancy test and it was positive. I won't let him take a chance like that. Not with Pearsall in charge…I don't trust him."
"First, congratulations. Second, are you crazy? They wouldn't be chasing you anymore. You would never have to worry again. What chance are you talking about?"
"Once they have him why would they let him go?"
"To secure Hannibal's involvement the Egyptian Prime Minister has guaranteed his safety. When his daughter is rescued he will take Hannibal into his custody and he will fly you both out of the country. They are drawing up the paper work for a lawyer to evaluate so that Hannibal's interests are protected. The Attorney General is trying to find appropriate facilities to house your hubby. You will be staying with me."
"What do you mean 'appropriate facilities'?"
"He would have to agree to be temporarily incarcerated just until the psych evaluation is completed and the girl is recovered. They don't know him like we do, Clarice. They are scared shitless of him. He would be transported in much the same way he was when he was incarcerated."
"Ardelia…I can't watch them drag him away like that."
"Then don't watch."
"Very funny!"
"No, I mean it Clarice. If you can't stand to see him taken into custody, don't be there when it happens. You are pregnant and your hormones are probably freaking raging. You are not thinking clearly and Hannibal has the right to make the decision himself. You need to step back from this and take into consideration that he might want to do this for you. He might want to do this for his child. You don't have the right to tell him he can't."
"If he is taken into custody, I would be by his side. I wouldn't let him endure that without me. There would be some comfort for him if I were near. Send me the info. I promise I'll discuss it with him."
Hannibal entered the room and heard the last part of the sentence. "You will discuss what with me, Clarice?"
"Hang on, Ardelia." She turned to Hannibal. "The White House has approved commuting your sentences in exchange for your cooperation in identifying the Ripper. Ardelia will send me the information and we'll go over it. You can decide what you would like to do about it."
"I have already made my decision Clarice. Tell Ms. Mapp to make the appropriate arrangements."
"They will take you into custody. You know what that means even if it's temporary you will be held in secured housing…administrative segregation…solitary confinement, H."
"I am more aware than you know will ever know exactly what that means, Clarice."
Clarice spoke quietly into the phone. "Send me the information, Dee. He wants to do it."
Clarice turned off her cell phone and flipped open her lap top. Within moments, the information Bowman was having placed in the newspaper ads appeared on her screen. Lecter looked at the coded messages and sent an immediate response to Ardelia. The code was little challenge to Lecter.
As soon as Ardelia confirmed receipt of the decoded message, Clarice closed her lap top. She let a hand remain on the closed screen as if it were resting on the closed lid of a coffin. Hannibal noticed the shift in her mood and thought it better to leave her to experience whatever it was that she was feeling. She was entitled to her concern and he would not attempt to dissuade her fear. He did in fact share it.
Clarice sat quietly at the table, so Hannibal sat quietly across from her, neither speaking. Hannibal would most assuredly not break the silence. He sat quietly and watched his wife very intently; waiting for her to process the decision.
Clarice crossed her arms in front of her and rested her head. Still, Hannibal remained silent. He simply sat beside her and shared the space, the silence between them formed blanket around them. After a few moments Hannibal reached across the table and rested his hand on Clarice's forearm.
Hannibal and Clarice spent their last night in each other's arms. For the first time, their marriage bed did not include their coupling. Clarice rested on her side. Hannibal rested alongside her, his body forming a protective barrier, a physical carapace to comfort her. He held her and whispered his love to her throughout the night.
Sometime, just before dawn, Hannibal Lecter slept.
Sometime, just before dawn, Clarice Starling wept.
THE TRANSFER
Clarice and Hannibal spent the day traveling from one airport to the next using a variety of passports and identifications. Hannibal insisted on utilizing only identification and passports that had no connection to their home in Patagonia. Whether or not his sentences were commuted, Hannibal and Clarice had every intention of returning to their compound and returning to their lives. They would do everything to protect that life.
Clarice and Hannibal arrived at the last leg of their journey. Logan agreed to meet them at Dulles and drive them to the designated meeting area. Hannibal would be taken into custody and transferred to an undisclosed correctional facility where he would undergo an evaluation. Logan pulled up to the curb and hopped out, reaching for Clarice's luggage. He reached out a hand to Lecter.
"Hey, I hear congratulations are in order. Your lady here is really having a baby?"
Hannibal smiled. "Yes, Logan she is indeed having our child."
"Hey, Bowmeister, come here."
Bowman stepped out of the car and very cautiously approached. Hannibal watched Lloyd's movements very carefully. Lloyd smiled when he saw Clarice. "I'm so happy you are alive. It's good to see you."
"It's good to see you too, Lloyd." She forced a smile.
Logan put the bag in the trunk. "You have any luggage, Doctor?"
"No, Logan. They will be locking me up today. I will be unable to wear my own clothing."
"Jesus…I didn't think of that. Well, allow me to make the introductions…Lloyd Bowman this is Doctor Hannibal Lecter. Doctor Lecter this is Lloyd Bowman or Bowmeister as I like to call him."
Hannibal reached out to shake Lloyd's hand. "Special Agent Bowman...Bowmeister?"
"Yeah, Logan likes nicknames. I think it adds meaning to his life. I call him the Loganator."
"Hey Bowmeister, did you hear that Clarice is having a baby?"
Bowman was surprised. Clarice certainly didn't appear pregnant. "Congratulations, Clarice...Doctor Lecter."
Logan continued as they entered the car.
"Seriously, Doc I bow down to your greatness. I mean we all wanted to bag Clarice but she wouldn't give us the time of day. ! I think I'm going to call you The Sperminator. I mean no shit, Doctor…for a guy your age, that's pretty fucking impressive!"
Hannibal couldn't resist turning the phrase. "Or one might argue that it was pretty impressive fuc-"
Clarice interrupted the word by placing her hand over her husband's mouth. "Don't you dare finish that thought, H."
"Of course, my Love…I humbly beg your forgiveness."
Sitting in the back seat of Logan's car, Hannibal pulled Clarice to him and held her close.
Bowman smiled at the repartee'. Clarice and Hannibal were in love. It was obvious and equally obvious was the fact that Logan was comfortable in Hannibal's presence. No doubt because of his Lecter obsession. Hannibal Lecter seemed exceedingly relaxed for a man about to enter prison again for the first time in many years.
They pulled into a large military hanger. Logan parked in the center of the structure and got out. Clarice and Bowman exited next. Hannibal sat in the back seat of the car, allowing the police officers to move into position. He took a deep breath and stepped out from the car clearly holding his arms above his head in surrender.
The tornado of activity was more than Clarice imagined. She had been in jump out squads many times and understood the process of taking down a suspect, but he wasn't a suspect. He was voluntarily surrendering. He was a cooperating informant. It took the SWAT team, guns drawn and directed at Hannibal seconds to surround him.
Hannibal stood in the center of the circle cautiously shifting his attention as officers barked conflicting orders in his face. One officer stepped forward and fired a taser, sending the darts into Hannibal's thigh. His legs buckled and his body fell to the ground in a loud thud. He rolled onto his side, making every effort not to groan from the surge of burning pain.
Clarice ran to him and pulled the barbs out of his body. Seven officers circled him, their rifles trained. Hannibal stood quietly as two officers walked toward him carrying a straightjacket. Another officer approached carrying Hannibal's restraint mask.
Logan charged at the officers and swung a fist knocking out the larger of the two. The smaller man panicked as Logan loomed, his normally sweet face twisted in anger.
"Get the fuck off of him!"
Hannibal brushed the dirt from his suit. "I am fine, Logan. I thank you for your concern. Please do not jeopardize your career further. Fear is a powerful motivator. To avoid bloodshed, I must submit."
Clarice reached into Hannibal's cuff and grabbed his Harpy. She flipped the blade open, brandished it and wrapping her arms around her husband, assumed a protective stance.
"I love you, H. You are my life."
"I love you as well, Clarice. You are the beginning of all things."
Hannibal slowly peeled her arms from around his neck, took a deep breath, exhaled and kissed her tenderly. He then removed his suit jacket and his tie, folded them neatly and set them on the trunk of the car ever mindful of the twitchy officers with the itchy trigger fingers.
"Clarice I expected this response. Realize that they will not transport me unless I am neutralized. Please, my Love. Help me. I would accept this much easier from you."
"No, H…no…don't ask me that, please. I can't."
"Please…Clarice…please. I need it to be you."
Clarice, tears welling in her eyes, picked up the straightjacket and helped Hannibal slide his arms inside. He folded his arms across his chest. Tears streaming down her face as she bound his body adjusted the straps and buckled them behind his back.
Hannibal's chest heaved as his ragged breath shuddered in and out. His overstressed body trembled. He struggled mightily to maintain control. Again, Hannibal was forced to ask for that which he did not wish.
"There is one more piece, my Love."
"No, H…no."
"Please, Clarice..."
"Christ…H, it's too much…I can't…not that, please…not that."
"Please…my Love…before my courage leaves me."
Clarice sobbed uncontrollably as she placed the restraint mask over her lover's face. His ragged breath hitched as it covered his skin. His breathing became rapid and uneven. She could see the struggle in his eyes. Clarice held his gaze, tears streaming as she buckled the straps behind his head. She could not control her grief. Trembling, she kissed him through the bars of the mask's mouthpiece. His maroon eyes burned as the tears welled.
"Thank you, Clarice…Thank you."
Until the next chapter, my friends,
LH