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LH

THE MEETING

Hannibal spoke through clenched teeth, his hands balled tightly at his sides, "Doctor Bloom, I have heard that you will be speaking at Quantico this week? I see you are still hiding behind the mantle of the FBI for your credibility. Are you still inclined to seek approval from the sycophantic student body at the academy?"

Clarice nudged him taking mock offense to the comment, "Hey! Watch it H or it's the sofa for you tonight!"

Hannibal raised a penitent hand, "Apologies my Love, present company excepted of course. Clarice, allow me to present Ex- Special Agent Will Graham and Dr. Alan Bloom. Gentlemen may I present my lovely wife, Clarice."

Both Bloom and Graham extended their hands to Clarice. She was dignified and self-assured appearing quite confident and comfortable with Hannibal. Both men took note of the affection displayed between the pair and were surprised by it. Graham less so than Bloom, perhaps because he had always believed Hannibal to show, loyalty at the very least and thought that he and Lecter were at one time, almost friends…almost.

The police escorts were confused by Lecter's initial aggression toward Bloom as it seemed unfounded. The senior officer was now quite relieved to recall that Clarice had disarmed him. He stepped forward, "Doctor Lecter? Would you like us to clear this hallway and allow you to pass or is this a conversation you wish to continue?"

Hannibal inclined his head slightly as he considered the question and in a moment quickly dismissed it. The officers shifted nervously and reminded him of hyenas watching slack jawed while milling around waiting for the lion to finish with the kill.

"No, thank you officer…Dr. Bloom and I were colleagues for a time thus it would be impolite of me to dismiss him out of turn. Though the professional courtesy he extended me during my incarceration was far from courteous or even civilized for that matter I will concede briefly. Please allow us a moment."

The officer nodded and signaled his group to move several feet away to allow a measure of privacy.

Bloom stood quietly and watched Hannibal very closely. He was attempting to determine whether or not he was indeed 'cured' of his past societal deviations. It wasn't an assignment, merely his own intellectual curiosity though he did suggest to the chief of police that it might be safer to bring Lecter in through an alternate entrance.

Bloom wanted evidence of the change. He also wanted Will Graham's opinion or more pointedly his intuitive evaluation of Lecter's demeanor. Graham knew that he had no actual ability to assess Lecter. It had been no more than a fluke that he sensed Lecter's involvement in the Chesapeake Ripper case at all. Graham was certain now that the good doctor was on his game Hannibal would not allow the probing and would thus be a blank canvas to him. Graham had his own reasons to see Lecter therefore he accepted the task. Will too, had an agenda of his own.

Of course Hannibal was more than aware of the feeble mind games and was more than alert to the mental check list Bloom was creating. Hannibal found the process as amusing and entertaining as he did enraging.

Conducting a visual assessment before consulting the DSM Doctor Bloom? Tedious…very tedious.

Bloom considered Hannibal as he spoke, knowing his presence was unwelcome and concerned not to anger the man, "Doctor Lecter I had hoped after all these years, and seeing how well you are doing in your personal life, that you might be amenable to speaking with me."

"Why would I…so that you might quantify me, Doctor?" Hannibal snarled. He could feel the anxiety begin to simmer within him spreading out and burning along his nerve endings like a pat of butter sizzling on an overheated griddle.

Hannibal stepped closer to Bloom and leaned forward, the angle of his body nearly unnatural in its incline. Danger loomed in the closing space between them.

Clarice noticed the climbing tension and reached for her husband's shoulders. Not at all intimidated by his distinctly predatory physicality she quickly clutched his body with both hands hoping to help him corral his growing rage.

Will Graham was amazed at how quickly Clarice moved toward her obviously agitated husband. It was very apparent that she had absolutely no fear of his physical retribution or his highly charged state.

So comfortable around him…you know what he's capable of and you show no fear.

Hannibal rolled his shoulders backward and shrugged her off as if slipping his arms quickly from a straightjacket. As he surged forward once again establishing the aggressive stance, again Clarice reached out to Hannibal.

Graham and Bloom noticed that she quickly assessed and adapted to his mood. Now, instead of grabbing his body, she placed a hand on his back very gently between his shoulder blades and rubbed her palm in a circular fashion so that he was aware of the presence. She left the hand in place.

At the moment he sensed her touch Hannibal inhaled very deeply and exhaled very slowly, taking several very controlled breaths. His body shook with the attempt to contain his fury. Hannibal calmed.

Graham noticed the immediate shift in Hannibal's demeanor. The rage had quelled slightly. In direct response to her touch, Hannibal Lecter was attempting to leash his predatory responses.

Her presence calms him…she has some control over his instinctual and predatory urges.

Though her touch sedated him and his body language was slightly less on the offensive there remained an unmistakably threatening timbre to his voice.

"Speak with you? For what purpose…so that you may attempt to assess my mental state, Alan? Are you writing another one of your 'I have changed the name of the patient to protect his/her privacy' articles? As if a single word you ever wrote discussing my pathology was at all disguised or veiled to even the most casual of observers."

"I…I wasn't writing anything I simply wanted to talk to you," Bloom stammered. Knowing now that Hannibal connected him with Chilton, he was terrified. He wondered to what degree the association was understood. "It was really nothing more than that."

Graham was intelligent enough to know when to stay out of a conversation therefore he stepped back and chose to observe the dynamic of the group. Hannibal had always interested him but Hannibal's massive intellect would always remain far beyond his true understanding. He was much too sophisticated and cunning to read. Seeing the husband and wife dynamic in play, Clarice now intrigued him.

You left everything behind for him…everything you worked for …you obviously love him. Does he love you in return? Is he capable of that level of emotional attachment?

Clarice's worry was for her husband though in her periphery, she noticed Graham's attention. Hannibal was highly agitated and that was cause for her concern. He was not fully healed from his abduction and his body was responding to the stress, his heart thundering so deeply that Clarice could feel the pounding of it through his back.

Hannibal could feel it as well and its intrusive presence fed the anger within. He resented Bloom not only because Bloom considered him a rival but because the much lesser man served as a consultant to the FBI and had inserted himself into Hannibal's incarceration. Hannibal believed Bloom provided techniques to Chilton that had been not only demeaning, but clinically unnecessary based on the nature of Hannibal's crimes.

There was no diploma hanging on Chilton's wall. He did not know enough to be as dangerous alone but he knew enough follow the very specific directions given him and was devious enough to add some of his own sadistic tendencies. That combination made him exceedingly dangerous to Hannibal. Because of Bloom's involvement it had been an extremely long and arduous eight years.

Now, looking at Bloom directly in front of him Hannibal was emotionally returned to that sense of isolation and that feeling of dread. It affected him tremendously. It felt to him as though someone were continually punching him in the center of his chest driving their fist into the cavernous opening. The feeling of hopelessness reminded him of his youth; of the feelings he had living in his family's ancestral castle, no longer as the heir to the magnificent home and its grounds, but as an orphan with nothing more than the clothing on his back to call his own.

Nothing happened to me…I happened.

Every day of his life had felt like a sledgehammer beating him. His pain molded him like molten iron shaping his mettle…forging him as if from the heat and the hammer. Hannibal Lecter was not the product of victimization. He had emerged the product of anvil and iron strengthened from the coals of misfortune. Now, directly in front of him, Bloom was symbolic of that misfortune and he was the focus of Hannibal's wrath.

I put your face on every bully I ever hurt.

Hannibal's objective was to attack, to unnerve. He growled low and sinister, "Is that all? Just talk? Haven't you got another blood pressure cuff you wish to attach to my genitals as you no doubt advised Chilton? He didn't have the adequate training or the education to devise the tests I was forced to undergo. You really should have asked him for the professional courtesy of leaving your name out of my treatments as he was a notorious name dropper. There had been no sexual component to my so called crimes. Did you both truly believe that projecting violent images would arouse me or were you just curious as to my physical attributes? You could have participated in one of the endless strip searches Chilton requested or simply stolen a glance in the men's room. It might have saved me some small measure of discomfort."

Bloom had not realized Hannibal connected him so thoroughly to the treatment protocol. He was surprised his collaboration with Chilton was known at all. His heart pounded, so intrinsic his fear that a bulging vein in his forehead began to throb uncontrollably.

Hannibal noticed the pulsing source of Bloom's discomfort immediately and it delighted him. Smelling the proverbial blood in the water he continued to attack verbally using his words to chew at Bloom much like a lion capturing the hips of an antelope. Hannibal's insightful and incisive words would soon rip into Bloom viciously doing more damaged than the gnashing of teeth or the tearing of claws ever could.

"Oh, I do apologize; please allow me to beg your forgiveness I should not have brought up Freddie. After all we mustn't speak ill of the dead." Hannibal's eyes glowed in the low light of the hallway his voice was low and raspy, "You wanted to speak to me? By what means did you intend to achieve that end? By trapping me in a corridor…have you not mastered the art of dialing a telephone?"

Bloom felt suddenly ashamed and lowered his eyes. Sheepishly he mustered an answer, "I didn't think you would speak to me."

Hannibal glowered, "You might have at least had offered me the courtesy of the attempt. Ambushing me in the presence of my wife hasn't helped your cause."

"I simply wanted some insight…" Bloom's voice trailed off. He was overmatched and it was disconcerting.

Hannibal pounced at the flash of weakness in Bloom's eyes.

"You are seeking insight? Let me offer you a small measure of such. An intelligent man knows his weaknesses. I am well aware that when pressed by over-rated academics, I respond with…shall we say savagery. My wife understands this weakness and adapts to it by being…proactive. What are your weaknesses Alan? Do not either flatter yourself or insult me by pointing that low powered excuse for visual or mental acuity in my direction. Your perception is as dim as a snuffed candle, a hint of afterglow on the wick perhaps though not enough to be of any use at all. Regarding your psychological or therapeutic intuition, I can assure you Will is far more capable in that regard." Hannibal placed a hand on Will's shoulder. "If you wish to speak with me Will, I will meet with you but you must leave your pet at home. I find his nosing about to be vulgar and intrusive."

"I'll call you Doctor…I'd like to speak to you for…" Will's voice trailed off.

Hannibal offered, "Closure…Will?"

A nod of assent confirmed, "Yeah…closure."

Hannibal took his wife's arm and slipped it through his, "You may speak with Special Agent Ardelia Mapp. She will advise you how you may contact my wife. I will defer to Clarice in that regard."

"Thank you Doctor Lecter." Graham shook Hannibal's hand and nodded an acknowledgement to Clarice, "It was a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Lecter."

"It was nice to meet you as well, Mr. Graham."

Will was shocked at the relationship between Hannibal and Clarice. She obviously held tremendous sway over him. Even though Hannibal shrugged her off she continued to move toward him and her touch had an obvious calming effect. Will had no doubt that had Clarice not been present the situation may have escalated uncontrollably.

"You are most welcome Will," Hannibal turned to Bloom and extended a hand to him. "My best wishes to you, Doctor. I will only ask once that you please do me the courtesy of leaving my life and my experiences out of your research. I have a family to consider now and their safety and comfort are my only concern."

Bloom was thrilled that Hannibal acknowledged him with the handshake, "Yes, of course. I would never without your permission."

"That would certainly be a welcomed first."

Hannibal stepped forward, guiding Clarice, "Come my Love…The mayor waits."

The pair excused themselves, leaving Graham and Bloom standing in the center of the hallway, watching them.

Graham waited a very long time before he moved the chair to reach for the object. He needed to be certain not only that Lecter could not hear him but also that he could not smell him as he would certainly detect the change in levels as the scent moved upward toward the ceiling.

Hannibal and Clarice followed two large state police officers into the large auditorium and stopped just steps behind the mayor and police chief. Clarice, ever the agent, searched the crowd for possible threats and quickly located all of the emergency exits. She was pleased to see that the mayor and police chief had centered themselves at the table.

As the pair moved away from the officers Clarice watched Hannibal. His features were impassive. They had remained silent since leaving Graham and Bloom. Clarice was curious and wanted to ask Hannibal a question, though she already was fairly certain of the outcome.

"So, I'm sure I needn't ask but… what the hell, H…you saw it right?"

"The small camera mounted with duct tape to the side of the exit sign…yes of course I saw it. Another blunt little tool they wish to use to dissect me."

"I get Bloom…he always had an obsession with you but why Graham. I would think he'd had about enough of you by now."

"Will and I were…friendly… in a sort of clinical setting. He has questions and I am the only one with the answers he needs."

"What kind of questions?"

"He wants to know why I kept trying to kill him."

"Why did you keep trying to ki…wait a minute!"

"Yes Clarice…you have the answer. I can see it in your eyes."

"If you had really wanted to kill him…he would be…"

"Dead, Clarice."

The moment of clarity was interrupted by the rather obtrusive physical presence of the mayor.

The portly official moved between the couple and draped his heavy, sweaty arms over each of their shoulders.

Hannibal stiffened, "While I do not personally find offense in your familiar contact I will take offense for my wife. Please remove your body from her person."

The mayor took his arms, backed off and brushed his hands against his chest, "My apologies, Doctor Lecter…I didn't mean to offend you…it's just really great of you to help us out with this freaking nightmare of a public relations debacle. You had every right to drag us all over the coals for the behavior of that officer. Please, take your seats and relax. We'll make this as painless as possible."

The portly and perspiring politician waved a hand and gestured for the pair to be seated to left of his placement at the table. The chief would be to the mayor's right and the police officer and his new wife were seated to the right of the police chief. Hannibal's neighbor was in a wheelchair at the end of the table closest to Clarice. She was pleased he would be sitting beside her as she didn't want to be forced to make small talk. At least she liked the old gentleman and could talk to him about when he wanted his little dog back.

Instead of taking his seat Hannibal took Clarice's hand and walked directly to the end of the table to the police officer in question and his wife. Hannibal extended his hand to the man.

Initially the officer hesitated but Hannibal left his hand where he offered it and waited, a kind smile crossed his face. Officer Peterson appeared stunned by the gesture. He took Hannibal's hand at the prodding of his wife. She had initiated the response with a firm nudge to his ribs eliciting return of the handshake.

"Officer Peterson, we have already met though we have not been formally introduced. I am Doctor Hannibal Lecter and allow me to present my wife, Clarice."

The officer released Hannibal's hand and extended his to Clarice. "I'm pleased to meet you both. My name is Jeffrey Peterson and his is my wife Angela."

Hannibal reached for her hand and kissed it gently. "I am honored, Mrs. Peterson."

The young bride blushed, "Please…Angela. I'm happy to meet you both."

"If you will do me the honor as well, please call me Hannibal."

Clarice nodded an acknowledgment, "Hi Angela."

"Hi Clarice, I have to tell you…the pair of you have been all over the news and …your love story…it absolutely fascinates me. I think it's so…romantic."

"Thanks Angela, H is really the romantic one. I hear the two of you are just married as well?"

"Yes and to tell you both the truth, when I saw what my husband did to Doctor…to Hannibal…well it was playing out on the news long before I could talk to him and I just assumed he was going to lose his job."

Officer Peterson spoke up, "I did lose my job. They had already asked for my badge and my gun. I was cleaning out my locker when they called me back in."

Peterson walked around the table to be closer to Hannibal. He extended his hand again. "Doctor Lecter I don't know how to thank you. I must have lost my mind. I just saw you and you had that scary ass knife and I was terrified. I jumped to conclusions and I panicked! If you hadn't have gone to bat for me…We would have lost our home and everything. I'm so sorry for what I did and I'll man up and say it in front of everyone."

Hannibal tightened his grip on the young officer's hand. He was heartened by the sincerity of the apology. "There is no need for you to be publicly shamed Officer. I appreciate your penitence and accept you apology. The words need not be expressed again. We are both men of honor and we have settled our differences privately. There is nothing more that need be said. I will make that clear to all in attendance. You needn't worry any longer."

The immediate relief from Peterson was clearly visible. He shook Hannibal's hand and pulled him in for a macho, back thumping embrace. Hannibal thought that Peterson reminded him a little of Logan and the visual in his mind made him smile.

The moment the officer hugged Hannibal the flashes began to strobe and questions were being called out across the room. The mayor and police chief took their seats. Hannibal, noticing the assemblage nodded an acknowledgement to Angela, slapped Peterson heartily on the back and moved quickly to his seat. The mayor addressed the throng of reporters.

"Hello Ladies and Gentleman, we will open this with statements from myself, the police chief, and if he would like to, Doctor Lecter himself. We will then hear from the officer involved in the situation and we will close with a few questions.

Let me begin by saying that the incident in front of Doctor Lecter's home stemmed from an attempted robbery of Doctor Lecter's neighbors as they walked their dog. The woman in question was attacked and had been dragged in an attempt to steal her purse. She was strangled and her airway was severely compromised. Had Doctor Lecter not interceded there is no doubt she would have succumbed to her injuries before the ambulance would had arrived.

Let me stress the fact that Doctor Lecter was in no way an accomplice, nor was he even aware that a crime had been committed when he exited his home. The only information given to him was that his neighbor was injured. He had no way of knowing how or the extent of the injury. He retrieved medical supplies and was able to perform an emergency tracheotomy. Doctor Lecter is a hero for his actions and I want to be certain that everyone understands the tone of this press conference. I want no questions asked of Doctor Lecter that are not directly associated with this particular case ladies and gentlemen. That's all I have. The police chief would like to make a statement."

The police chief stood and cleared his throat. It was his officer that caused the situation and he was frankly pretty put out about the entire situation. It was a lose/lose for him either way.

"Okay we've all seen the tapes both from the news feeds and a direct feed from the Lecter security camera system so we are aware of what went on. I'm not going to attempt to justify the situation. It is what it is. Doctor Lecter has magnanimously asked that no charges or disciplinary action be taken against the officer in question, Patrolman Jeffrey Peterson. I am going to honor Doctor Lecter's wishes although my department will review all training and procedures to ascertain whether steps can be made to improve our delivery of service as we protect and serve our population. Now if Doctor Lecter would like to make a statement…"

Hannibal stood, reached out and touched Clarice on her shoulder for support. He moved to the podium alone. Clarice, without being asked to stood and moved to his side in a show of love and spousal unity. She kissed him on his cheek and whispered in his ear, "Okay, H…it's your party! Go get 'um."

Hannibal placed his hands on the podium leaned forward and smiled.

Hope you enjoyed the chapter my faithful friends!

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Until the next chapter my friends!

LH