Welcome back my friends! Enjoy the chapter!

DEER TO THE SLAUGHTER

Clarice returned home with several packages. She carried what she could but intended to ask Hannibal to retrieve the car seat she purchased as the box it was stored in made it far too bulky to maneuver with her expanded abdomen. She walked in and out of several rooms calling out his name and was surprised in finding he was nowhere to be found. Realizing that she was indeed alone in the home and growing evermore concerned she went to the kitchen to look for a note. There, sticking from the side of the refrigerator was a neatly folded piece of velum paper wedged within the door much as Clarice's pony tail had been trapped at Paul Krendler's home.

She plucked the note from between the doors muttering to no one in particular.

"You are such a wise ass, H!"

Smoothing her hand over the folded paper Clarice's heart began to race just a bit, as it did any…no every time she received a letter from him. The anticipation was both exhilarating, and as she was always honest with herself she admitted, a bit irritating as well.

It's just a goddamned piece of paper! Jesus what am I Pavlov's dog?

She opened the note and began to read.

Dearest Clarice,

This being February, I am certain you will forgive my unannounced absence. Will Graham concluded his visit earlier than anticipated as Doctor Bloom's plan for tomorrow is skeletal at best. This provided the perfect opportunity to pick up the items purchased for our upcoming Valentine's Day celebration. This being our first together as husband and wife, I would have everything perfect.

If there are any parcels in the car too large for you to manage I shall handle them upon my return. Rest assured I will spend no more time from you than is necessary to complete my task. A mere moment away from you is too long.

Ever Yours,

H

Clarice smiled and carried the note with her upstairs to the baby's room. Going to the closet she reached up and slipped her fingers along the shelf. Finally her hand came upon the desired item. Clarice retrieved a box she inherited from John Brigham delivered from the duplex recently by Ardelia. It held Brigham's sidearm, it having been left to Clarice upon his passing.

Clarice floated her palm above the ornate box as if drawing emotional energy from it. It was a deep well-grained wood and had been richly finished with a glossy sheen. It had detailed inlay pattern of Asian design. Clarice opened it lovingly and lifted the gun along with its insert from and set it gently on the baby's changing table. She then placed the note within the box and returned the gun and its sleeve covering that note along with the several others Hannibal had lovingly written and she had lovingly placed.

She placed the notes within this particular box because it was a private possession of hers and as such, Hannibal would never open it.

I know you'd think it's silly that I keep these, H…

Clarice had few possessions, an offshoot from her years at the orphanage, but each of her possessions were extremely important to her as each had a deeply and intensely felt personal connection to someone she loved. Anything else was materialistic and unnecessary.

Clarice returned the box to its temporary place in the baby's closet.

Enjoying a few quiet moments she took the purchased items and moved about the child's room humming happily as she placed each item with loving anticipation. As much as she adored Hannibal his intensity could at times be overwhelming. It was nice to have a few moments to just…be. Soon there would be precious little free time.

This being the second week in February with the due date in April, there would be no more than eight weeks or so before their son's arrival. Clarice wanted everything to be perfect. Life would be changing soon. Clarice had no idea how much. She would not have been as relaxed and content if she had been aware of the danger her husband would soon be forced to face.

Hannibal entered the jewelry store on the lower level of the mall to pick up the present he had specifically designed for Clarice. The jewelry store was extremely high end as the less expensive options could be found in various large kiosks throughout the mall.

Hannibal had used an alternate name when ordering the jewelry as he didn't want to be recognized. To that end he wore tinted sunglasses to shield his irises and angled his hat low on his head. The cold winter provided the perfect excuse to bundle so fully. An ornate silk and cashmere Hermes scarf knotted at the neck like an ascot distracted from his face. He would pay the balance in cash in order to complete the transaction anonymously. Not that he had a choice, having given Clarice the credit card.

He approached the counter and greeted the salesperson, "Good evening. I am here to pick up a custom order."

"Certainly Sir, do you have the form you received when you placed your order?"

"Yes, of course." Hannibal unbuttoned his overcoat and reached into his inside left breast pocket.

The salesperson was a tall, once elegant woman who wore her age. She had ropy cords holding her head in place with a neck that twisted like a giraffe's as she turned. Atop her small head sat a poof of over-coiffed hair that looked more like corn husks than corn silk. Hannibal handed the woman his order slip and waited.

"Thank you, if you'll excuse me Dr. Dante, I'll be just a moment," she spoke as she moved to retrieve the item from a safe just beneath the display case. Rising over the counter with the desired object she placed a black velvet presentation box on the glass, spun it around and opened it toward Hannibal. The case was lined with a rich maroon fabric that mirrored Hannibal's eyes.

Nestled within rested a platinum bracelet with loose links. The ends of the bracelet were joined by a customized charm closing it. The charm had set in the center the figure eight, if held vertically. If held horizontally it appeared as if the symbol represented infinity. Two large diamonds filled the centers of the symbol.

Hannibal removed the bracelet from the box and draped it over his palm to further inspect the piece. Suddenly he felt eyes on him. Shifting his attention he spotted two men passing in front of the window regarding him with disdain as they passed. He turned his back and fully disregarded them as he placed the bracelet back in the box.

"Could you please gift wrap the item?"

"Certainly Sir, would you like a gift card to include with it?" The woman tapped away at the cash register. Hannibal looked at the total and handed the woman the balance in cash.

"No, thank you. I am certain my wife would expect her Valentine to be hand-picked."

As he waited patiently for the package to be gift wrapped Hannibal noticed the same two men continually passing in front of the large window of the jewelry store. They watched hungry, paying special attention as he withdrew cash from his wallet to pay the remaining balance. Somewhat intrigued by their attention, as if tossing chum before the circling sharks, Hannibal made no effort to hide the large denominations spilling from his billfold.

Curious are we my friends? You have piqued my interest as well.

Quickly assessing the men, Hannibal decided the larger of the two appeared Caucasian and the other man, smaller but compact, might very well be African- American. They were attempting to disguise gang affiliations though unsuccessfully as the colors of their identical bandanas were only partially tucked in their pockets. Hannibal could smell gun oil.

They have the weapons with them or they would not be so bold.

Hannibal's nostrils flared as he picked up the distinct scent of curried meat, goat perhaps…possible West Indies descent. Both men looked fit and well-muscled and it was obvious they were accustomed to their own intimidation factor.

It seems by your carriage that others fear you. I do not.

They were bold, not bothering to use their peripheral vision to mask their surveillance instead staring directly at Hannibal in a threatening, almost challenging manner. The pair had been studying him quite closely and had clearly decided Hannibal, with his high end clothing and elegant demeanor would be an easy mark.

I am not the wounded deer you take me to be. I will not be led by the neck to my slaughter.

The saleswoman finished the gift wrap and moved to place the package in a small decorative bag with the store's name and logo blazoned across it. Hannibal lifted a hand in polite refusal.

"The bag will not be necessary."

"As you wish…" she stated as she handed him the present. "…have a wonderful evening and may I add that you have exquisite taste, Sir."

"Thank you, Madam. Enjoy your evening as well. "

Hannibal tipped his fedora graciously to the saleswoman and ventured out of the store into the glimmering expanses of the mall. Hannibal turned to exit, quickly testing the air to assess the location of the pair. He spotted the pair approximately fifty feet from him shielding themselves beside a frozen yogurt booth.

It would be a mistake to follow me gentlemen but come along if you must. My life has been sorely lacking entertainment. You may provide needed…fulfillment.

He stepped out of the store and into the main body of the mall. In full view of any and all, Hannibal unbuttoned his overcoat, did the same with his suit jacket and tucked the small package in the breast pocket of his suit. He then re-fastened the buttons of the jacket and the overcoat making the item difficult to access in a quick bump and grab but tempting enough to cause interest.

Hannibal's footfalls struck the tile with precise rhythm as if paced by a metronome. He was deliberate and alert, his eyes consistently scanning as he made use of the tools at his disposal. Realizing that the men had minimal intellectual capacity, therefore minimal output was necessary, he sought a distraction. Hannibal moved through the mall moving too through the halls of his memory palace. Finding what he sought he stood before an image by Dali.

He had been considering the use of rhinoceros horns in several of Dali's paintings, the horns reflecting an interest in divine geometry. Hannibal pondered the twisting growth of the keratinous material knowing that, though seemingly random, the growth matrices formed in perfect logarithmic spirals. As he stood before the images within his mind and ran through a series of mathematical variances, one phrase rang out, calling him to arms as it echoed through the expansive halls. He cocked his head one side and considered the three words booming out to him.

Free range rude.

Hannibal left the Great Hall with the magnificently soaring ceilings. He left the Dali promising himself to return and consider the Virgin Mary when next in that room. He needed now to search for a room he had not opened since leaving Argentina. He paused briefly before the gateway.

Should I?

A voice from within…his voice and yet not his own, replied, "Yes."

Hannibal Lecter reached for the large handle and raised the latch. He contemplated before fully opening the heavy door to briefly admire the gnarled walnut and huge iron studded spikes of its construction. It was a formidable door though more formidable was what was housed within. Hannibal Lecter, chest expanding and muscles flexing from the effort swung open the awesome, awful door, thus unleashing Predator.

Reflective surfaces such as the sheening glass of store fronts and convex security mirrors provided ample coverage for his needs. Occasionally Hannibal would pause at a kiosk to briefly sight the men. Hannibal was certain that he was far more familiar with the security systems of this mall than his pursuers. Knowing the timing and placement of each camera on each and every level Hannibal led the men to the employee exit on the lowest level. It was next to the loading docks where the trucks delivered their wares.

If they follow me here, their intention will be plain.

The level the good doctor chose to exit from had cameras pointed at the doors of the loading dock to prevent theft. Timing his exit to the panning of the camera that covered the area Hannibal pushed through a half-door with speed and stealth. This was not a normal entrance but an abbreviated opening designed strictly to load shopping carts, as such only one camera had been trained on this area.

When the camera swung to the side, Hannibal moved like a panther, sleek and dark. He quickly slipped the scarf from his neck, looped it over the camera and yanked hard, spinning the lens toward the opposite wall. He then moved across to the employee exit in order to draw the men through the doors. They would be in full view of two additional cameras that had not picked up Hannibal's movements. Knowing the arc of the equipment, Hannibal stayed in view of the men but just out of range of the camera.

Come along my friends…let us play.

He bent to the ground pretending to tighten the laces on his immaculate wing tips.

Suddenly, while Hannibal remained on bended knee, the door burst open and the two men appeared.

"Give us that bracelet and all your money mother fucker." The smaller man shouted mustering as much threat as his light voice could produce.

Hannibal's irises were shielded by the tinted pair of glasses he often wore in public. He lowered his glasses, revealing his maroon irises. The men recognized him instantly.

"I think not." Hannibal replied with an eerie excitement in his voice.

"Hannibal Fucking Lecter! Holy shit man! I'm not only gonna take your money. I want those fucking eyes! " the larger man boomed.

The smaller of the two rushed Hannibal, who had strategically remained low to the ground. The attacker grabbed Hannibal from behind reaching across his collarbone in an attempt to restrain. Hannibal turned his chin, tucking it against his shoulder to avoid being choked. He then reached back and pulled the man's right leg through his own legs. The man's body crashed to the ground striking his head on the pavement and dazing him. Hannibal then took two quick steps forward, lifted his leg and crushed the man's windpipe with his newly tied wingtips. The attacker twisted and gurgled, blood foaming out of his mouth.

Hannibal then squared off with the larger man, "You wanted my eyes? Come... take them."

"Fuck you old man."

"Old man," Hannibal probed as he stepped one leg over the other, circling to the man's weaker side.

"Yeah…OLD man," the barely-out- of- his- teens- hoodlum shouted.

"Yes, well I suppose I shouldn't complain. I much prefer being an old man to a never-going-to- be-an-old man." Hannibal teased as he winked at the thug.

Livid, the attacker charged. Hannibal's body instantly flooded with adrenalin. He had the uncanny ability to almost slow time such was his body's fluid response to threat. Automatically his fingers tucked into his cuff but he belayed that instinct realizing the hooked point of the blade would in fact point to him. He would have to handle this with his hands alone.

The robber thrust a knife at Hannibal's throat. Hannibal, displaying the balletic grace of a matador, slipped the attack by leaning his body and shifting his weight to his opposite foot. He spun into the attacker and instantly grabbed the man's knife arm by the wrist and shoulder. He viciously drove the limb over his knee causing the arm to snap in half at the elbow. Hannibal compared the sound to that of a tree branch cracking under the weight of snow.

The attacker, no longer worried about being silent, screamed in agony. Rolling on the cold, damp pavement he reached for a gun in his waist band. Seeing the weapon, Hannibal rolled out of the way and ducked behind a cement support stanchion where the other robber's body remained.

The attacker, with his one good arm began to squeeze off shots. Hannibal lifted the head of the fallen man by the hair and using the body as a shield bent the man's head back and exposed his neck. Two of the bullets struck the head, obliterating the face. Two additional rounds tore apart the neck and throat structure removing any evidence of Hannibal's foot on the throat.

The desperate man continued to pull the trigger the remaining shots pinged off the cement structure sending powdered pieces of the façade dusting upward forming concrete clouds in the air.

Having eliminated the evidence of Hannibal's so called crime the good doctor now allowed the body to slump. He watched the corpse slide to the side and noticed a gun jutting out of the back of the dead man's pants.

Reaching quickly for the gun, Lecter laced the attacker's finger through the trigger and wrapped the hand around the grip of the gun. He remembered the left was the man's favored hand as that was the hand that held the knife.

Hannibal taunted the larger man, "You wanted my eyes? Allow me to assist you."

Hannibal aimed the dead man's hand and squeezed off two shots smiling at the accuracy of his placement.

As the body rolled onto it's side like a listing ship Hannibal noted with pride that one round settling in the sockets of each eye leaving gaping blood filled holes.

Standing, he quickly wiped his prints from the bodies of the men and quickly took his leave pleased with himself that he remained fully out of camera's view.

Hannibal moved to the parking lot and as he started his car he had a flash of true regret.

The taller of the two had exceptional cheeks. They would have made a lovely amuse bouche.

Thanks for reading! Hope you enjoyed the chapter! Review and tell me what you think then PM and say Hi!

Until the next chapter my friends!

LH