WELCOME BACK MY FRIENDS!
HANNIBAL'S DIGNITY
Clarice rushed Hannibal out of the jail as quickly as possible. He was still having subtle physical reactions to the restraint chair and her concern was for his welfare, not for the mayor or the police chief.
The mayor was positively drooling over the propaganda coup presented him and thundered behind them plodding forward several steps in a vain attempt to catch up. When he realized his girth and lack of fitness precluded this he called after them excitedly, "Doctor Lecter, I'll have my office contact you with the specifics of the press conference tomorrow afternoon."
Hannibal waved a hand graciously but did not stop walking. Clarice had hooked her arm through his, clasped his forearm and continued moving effectively pulling Hannibal along with her. For her piece of mind, Hannibal was content to let his wife control the situation and thus made no effort to halt her momentum.
Clarice was singularly unimpressed with the new developments and mumbled a string of obscenities, "Goddamned fucking fuck who does that fat ass think he is…call my house…he'd better pray you pick up the phone H or I'll reach into the receiver and rip his heart out!"
The comments amused Hannibal greatly. "Why are you so disturbed, Clarice? The events of the day while inconvenient could not have been more fortuitous."
They moved through the levels of the jail and out to the secluded and secured parking area. They remained undetected. Hannibal was amused at how vehemently Clarice complained.
"Fortuitous my ass…" Clarice walked with determination to the car her eyes searching ahead as she spoke, "…and what the hell are you talking about anyway? You're allowing that piece of crap mayor to use you for his own political agenda," she was upset at the situation and was exceptionally vocal with her displeasure, "I'm not only unbelievably pissed off I'm really surprised about this, H. I didn't think you suffered fools well.
"I would offer to you that it is far better to be pissed off than pissed on, Clarice. As you know I spent many years during my incarceration, and with the exception of Barney, having been fully surrounded by fools. I find them exceedingly entertaining and easily manipulated. I have been giving a great deal of thought to this plan and had been waiting for precisely this kind of opportunity to present. Rest assured for the sake of our child I intend to take full advantage."
The pair had finally arrived at the section of the garage where Clarice had parked. It was a secured area for law enforcement personnel only. Logan was leaning a cement support column waiting patiently beside Clarice's mustang. He smiled when he saw them obviously thrilled to have been asked to help Hannibal.
"How's it going, Doc! How were the accommodations?" Logan questioned in a friendly manner, "I bet you had a lot of idiots to toy with in there!"
"It was a veritable playground of stupidity, Logan."
Logan tossed his keys to Clarice. She caught them mid-air with the snap of her wrist and with the opposite hand she simultaneously tossed her keys underhand to him as well. She was calm and assured as she spoke, "I revved the hell out of the engine at the intersection to be sure they all saw me come in with the mustang so they'll swarm you as you leave."
"No worries, Clarice. I'm just looking forward to driving it. Looks like a beast!" he turned to Hannibal, "So did they treat you okay or do I have to go inside and bash a few heads in for you?"
"It was tolerable though if I'm being quite honest, aside from an exceptionally inconvenient seating arrangement, I found it entertaining in the extreme."
Logan placed a consoling hand on Hannibal's shoulder, "Dude, did those pussies put you in a restraint chair?"
Hannibal nodded, "Yes, one gentleman in particular was quite assertive. He was terrified though I gave them him no cause. They were about to cover my face with a bite shield until Clarice arrived with the cavalry."
Logan tone simmered just a note below rage, "Those chicken shit bastards! I'll bet you were pissed Clarice."
"Nothing but a bunch of stupid swinging dicks in there… I wanted to go medieval but Hannibal has a plan and the one time I wish it did, this plan doesn't involve maiming anyone."
"So sorry to disappoint, another time perhaps Clarice," Hannibal commented with a wry grin.
Logan opened the car door for Clarice, "Well I'm sure it's a better idea than anything we could come up with."
Now so accustomed to having the door held for her Clarice stepped in without realizing how out of character this was for Logan. "Yeah, that kinda goes without saying. Anyway thanks Logan. We'll exchange cars tomorrow."
Hannibal smiled as he watched Logan assist Clarice into the vehicle, the gesture not wasted on him. He walked to the passenger side and paused to address the younger man before getting in.
"You are improving your manners I see. I'm certain Ardelia is thrilled."
Logan checked to be certain Clarice was safely seated, closed the door and smiled, "She isn't complaining that's for sure. You were right…who would've thought opening a car door for a girl was such a big deal?"
"Every well-mannered young lady I've ever met," Hannibal returned.
"Yeah well you've travelled in better circles than I have that's for sure. Most of the girls I dated before were satisfied with a cup of coffee and cab fare home."
"Ardelia has very old-fashioned parents and is quite a well-bred woman. No doubt you will have to up your game substantially to maintain her interest. If you are as intelligent as I believe you to be you will be certain to have a conversation with her father soon."
"What kind of conversation?"
"The kind that involves a request for the young lady's hand…you will need to secure a blessing from her father before you purchase the ring. She will not wait forever. If you are that taken with her you would be doing yourself a favor to commit yourself to her. She is a fine woman. You will not soon fine another woman of her quality."
"Her father lives down south."
"Down south is a direction not an address Logan. This is something you should do in person without Ardelia's presence. Call and ask if you can visit to discuss your future plans with his daughter and if he grants you his blessing, ask Ardelia."
"Yeah…yeah I'll give him a call. Thanks Doc."
"You are entirely welcome my friend. I am certain Ardelia will more than appreciate your effort. Wear a suit and bring flowers for her mother. Her father will consider you a polite and dignified young man and as such worthy of his daughter. "
"Yeah, I hope so. You sure you guys want to go home? You could stay at the duplex. I drove past your house on the way in and it was totally swarming with reporters. There were news trucks everywhere."
"We will be fine Logan. I will be polite and as usual, Clarice will be direct."
RUNNING THE GAUNTLET
Clarice was curious about the conversation Hannibal had with Logan. She believed it would be best just to be direct about her curiosity, "H…you took an awfully long time to just say thanks. What were you talking to Logan about? It seemed serious."
Hannibal was equally direct though not thorough in his explanation. Key facts were left out as he explained, "I was discussing with Logan my impression that his manners were improving. He is making an effort to be thought of as a gentleman. Ardelia has indicated it is a priority and as he would like to continue their relationship he has asked for advice on occasion."
"Yeah, that's probably my fault. I told Ardelia how thoughtful and considerate you are. Compared to your level of chivalry, I guess it leaves poor Logan…lacking."
"Only if Logan allows it, he is after all quite capable of improving himself."
"Was he asking for advice now?"
"Not as such."
"But you gave him some anyway…about what?"
"I believe this is the part of the conversation that Logan refers to as 'keeping the Bro Code' therefore, Clarice I must respect Logan's privacy and retain that information."
"Don't you play that phony Bro Code bullshit on me H! That's just what guys say when they want women to stop asking questions."
"It would seem then that I have understood the parameters and have used it in the correct context," Hannibal countered as he watched Clarice's reaction and was amused at how perturbed she became.
Clarice took her frustration with Hannibal out on the upcoming curve approaching the corner with far more zeal than Logan's sedan could handle. She continued to illustrate her coltish frustration with the conversation as the momentum of the turn sent them sliding across their seats.
"Hannibal Lecter If you say Bros before Hoes you're sleeping on the couch tonight!"
Hannibal was absolutely enjoying Clarice's playful aggression and returned the teasing, "Understood…," Hannibal continued with an impish hint of a smile, "…though I have been told that is rule one."
Clarice actually thought it was highly amusing that Hannibal even knew what the Bro Code was. She warned with more than a modicum of amusement, "You're pushing your luck, H."
Entertained immensely Hannibal laughed, "That is not my intention I assure you."
They pulled up in front of their home which was now buzzing with a swarm of journalists and photographers. Hannibal exited the vehicle immediately and moved to open the door for Clarice. He reached a hand and helped her exit quickly. Within seconds the assemblage realized the pair had returned home and they were surrounded by curious journalists.
Hannibal was pleasant and spoke very quietly as he pushed through the crowd, "Please if you will excuse us, I have had a bit of a trying day and would like to get some rest. As you can see my wife is pregnant and I would ask you allow her safe passage to our home."
The reporters remained at a respectful distance all calling out questions and flashing cameras. Several reporters were obviously broadcasting live.
Hannibal ignored their questions with a nod of the head and a very gracious smile and firmly led the way. Clarice kept her head down and followed his lead to the home.
As they opened the door and entered the home the tiny dog Hannibal had taken in met them at the entrance enthusiastically. The tiny French bulldog spun in circles and hopped up on its hind legs trying desperately to get attention.
"Oh shit! I forgot we have a goddamned dog!" Clarice complained as Hannibal quickly disarmed the security system and opened the door to the home. "That's an ugly little thing…it looks like a bat!"
"I think it falls into the 'it's so ugly it's cute' category don't you think? In any event the little creature will have to be walked soon I would suspect."
The pair stood in the hallway staring down at the dog. It was obvious neither had considered the animal.
Clarice really didn't want to be involved, "Why don't we just let him run around in the backyard for a bit? It's fenced in. The little guy can't get into any trouble out there."
Hannibal considered the possibility but dismissed it, "We would still be forced to keep an eye out for the little pup. There are predators that could pose a problem for a dog as tiny as this."
Clarice was not only unsympathetic she was patently unyielding.
"Hey, I didn't bring the little bat-faced bastard home with me you did so guess what? He's your dog now. Besides you can take it out the back door and still see in the dark without turning on the light."
"Yes, I suppose that would be best," Hannibal was forced to concede.
The little animal had fixated on Hannibal and was nudging and nosing at the cuff of his pant leg.
Clarice was leaning over and holding beneath her belly for support as she laughed out loud at the prospect of Hannibal walking the tiny dog, "That'll teach you not to volunteer, H. It's tough to look dignified with a bat-faced dog taking a crap while you hold onto the leash so good luck with that."
"I am so heartened to be a source of amusement for you my Love. I assure you I will remain dignified in the execution of my neighborly duties."
Hannibal was glad to see Clarice relax and laugh. He opened the back door very quietly and carried the tiny animal down the few steps into the yard. Hannibal set the animal on the grass and held the leash as he followed closely behind the dog and allowed it to roam. He was curious to see which scent in the yard the dog would track.
No doubt the little canine had picked up the scent of another animal because it rooted around under a bush for a considerable time. Soon, the dog had eliminated what waste had been stored its tiny bowels. Hannibal was pleased the animal had evacuated himself under the bush as it did not require cleanup.
That was exceptionally discreet of you little pup. Let us hope that is your favored spot.
Hannibal walked beside the tiny bully as it bounded up the steps and spun happily in a circle. He thought it quite endearing though he had no desire to house it for more than a day or two.
The things one must do for neighbors.
Clarice smiled when Hannibal returned undetected from the yard.
"Quite a stealthy mission, huh H?" she teased.
"Yes Clarice the dog and I were successful and remained undetected, dignity intact I might add."
"Glad to hear it, H."
The domesticity of the exchange was interrupted by the phone.
"It's not one of the pre-programmed rings. We don't know this caller so it's most likely the mayor's office. Sure you want to go through with this H?"
She held out the phone and waited. Hannibal reached for the receiver, "Yes, my Love. It is imperative to the welfare of our child."
Hannibal answered the phone with a pleasant greeting. He listened carefully and acknowledged the information given to him. He hung up the phone and turned to Clarice.
"Okie Dokie, we are on for four o'clock tomorrow."
Clarice shook her head, "I hope you know what you're doing, H."
"Always, my Love…always."
I hope you enjoyed this Chapter! As always review and tell me what you think then drop me a pm and say hi!
Until the next chapter my friends!
LH