HANNIBAL DEPRIVED
Hannibal woke up three days later in a streamlined prison cell. It was obviously newly constructed with each of the cells having glass fronts. Hannibal assessed quickly that he was in a maximum security housing unit which meant he would have no contact with the other inmates in the pod though he could see and hear them all quite clearly. He wondered what Clarice's medical status was and pondered whether or not he was a new father.
No, not yet…I would sense it. The baby is not yet born.
Hannibal moved around his space, assessing the cell to determine what if anything had been provided not for his comfort, but necessity. He was thankful to discover on a metal shelf beside the sink and toilet combination, toilet paper had been provided as well as basic supplies such as soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, a comb and some towels.
All the comforts of home, he thought to himself sarcastically.
He could hear the low droning noises of televisions in the other cells and thought he might be able to gather information about Clarice from some of the other inmates, possibly a guard, if he could determine who might be amenable to providing such. He would spend his free time simply observing. Quickly scanning the area it was obvious he was being monitored. A camera was mounted on a tripod just outside his cell and was recording.
"Take a picture of this why don't you," Hannibal spoke under his breath as he freed himself from his trousers.
Obviously monitoring the camera and seeing that Hannibal was conscious, Bloom had already started toward Hannibal's cell. Hannibal could hear the footfalls; his throat clenched as he inhaled the stench of Bloom's cheap cologne. He could hear the rolling hand truck move down the row.
He was still standing in front of the toilet relieving himself as Bloom appeared in front of the cell.
"Hannibal, we will be moving you to your new accommodations. You will need to be restrained."
"No doubt I will be strapped to the hand truck. Experience tells me I should fully empty my bladder before submitting to the procedure as I am sure you would no doubt have disallowed the action. Excuse me if I must ask you to wait while I take matters into my own hands."
"Please expedite the process I haven't all day to wait," Bloom added impatiently.
Hannibal ignored the comment and the blushing female reporter as he very calmly continued to urinate. After concluding he tucked himself carefully into his trousers, flushed the toilet and washed his hands. He then, keeping his back to the door, washed his face as well. Unsure of whether a restraint mask would be utilized, he wanted the scent of the soap to ease his sense of smell. Soaking his head completely he slicked his hair straight back with the water so the buckles of the mask would not grab at his hair.
Hannibal was ready.
"Are you ready to be moved?" Bloom questioned.
Hannibal did not respond, dismissing Bloom much to the man's chagrin.
"Did you hear me Hannibal? We are going to move you and I asked if you are ready. I would like you to answer me."
With the precision of a drill sergeant Hannibal quickly wheeled about on his heel to face Bloom.
"What would you have me say, Alan, I am in your custody. I am not here willingly therefore you do not need my consent. My body is no longer my own and is now fully at your disposal. As I have no control over this process there is no need for me to acknowledge what I assumed to be a rhetorical question."
"It is simply a courtesy," Bloom grumbled as if entitled to better treatment.
Hannibal's countenance remained impassive as he spoke, "Why would I afford you that courtesy? What courtesy have you afforded me? Do you have news of my wife? Is she well? What of my son?" Hannibal spoke very clearly knowing the cameras were rolling.
Bloom wagged his finger and spoke very plainly as if his statement would somehow enhance his importance, "Not to worry, Hannibal. I am kept very well informed as to the status of your wife."
Hannibal's blood boiled though he would not give Bloom the satisfaction of revealing his rage.
"Yet I am to be given no information as to her medical status?" Hannibal clarified for the cameras.
Bloom, unaware of how this would play out, didn't have the sense to deny his intention, "And you will continue to be given no information."
"You do not believe I am entitled to the same information that has been given you, a stranger to her?"
"I believe this is information you can earn."
Hannibal moved across the cell and stood in front of the glass. He placed both his palms against the transparent reinforced wall and leaned, dropping his head low beneath his shoulders. His arms set wide apart as he pressed against the immovable wall.
His voice barely registered above a whisper as he spoke in quiet defiance, "And I have not yet earned this information by being a dedicated husband and a faithful lover to Clarice? I have no rights as her spouse?"
Bloom nodded with unflagging confidence in his decisions more than secure that he would be hailed a genius. "You have no rights. You will do as you are commanded to do. That is all."
Hannibal remained in place against the glass keeping his head and his voice low as he spoke, "I have no rights? My lawyer may see that differently."
Bloom clasped his hands behind his back and paced in front of Hannibal's cell as if holding court.
"You have been in the hospital for three days in order to safely wean you from the ventilator. After your intubation, you attempted to pull the tube from your throat so they had to anesthetize you. You were placed in this cell as you slept therefore this is the first day I was able to take custody of you and bring you here. Since this is the first day of your evaluation, I am not obligated to allow you to speak to your attorney yet. I have twelve hours. Argue about your rights to him not me. I'm not concerned about what you think you're entitled to. I only care about what you earn."
Hannibal nodded, his lips pursed as he considered the statement. He did not lift his head to meet eyes with Bloom.
"Three days have passed since I was removed forcibly from my home?"
"Yes, three days."
"I have not yet earned the right to know whether or not my son has been born? Whether or not either my wife or child remains in danger? I must somehow earn this right in your eyes even though I have already earned it in Clarice's?"
Bloom ceased his pacing and turned to the glass to face Hannibal. "Until I have the information I seek, you will know of your family only what I decide you will know."
Hannibal nodded but he did not look up at Bloom, nor did he move from his position leaning against the glass. He spoke very slowly, "You will decide what information passes between my wife and I? After the birth of my son will you then move to claim parentage of my child?"
Bloom was proud of his decision, "I may petition the court to have the child removed from you, yes."
Hannibal lifted his head, his eyes momentarily flashing fire as they met with Bloom's. He growled low and threatening, "I invite you to try."
Seeking to defuse the situation a prison guard approached the glass. "Doctor Lecter, allow me to apologize for your troubles. In order to transport you I will need you to approach the food port, accept the leg shackles and place them securely around your ankles. I will then ask you again to approach the port with your hands behind your back at which time I will open the port and cuff you. Will you please allow this procedure?"
Hannibal was pleased with the manners of the guard, "Yes, I will comply, thank you for your polite request."
"Not at all, Sir, I appreciate your cooperation. I'm sure this is a difficult time for you."
Hannibal backed toward the food port accepted the shackles and secured them to his legs. Next, with his hands behind his back he approached the port, allowed the officer to cuff him securely and attach a long chain to the handcuffs. "Can you please step forward several feet Doctor Lecter? There is a chain attached to the cuffs that will allow me to keep hold of them as I open the door."
Hannibal complied and the officer opened the large door. As the door swung open, Hannibal could clearly see a hand truck stationed on the row.
Not this again…
His heart sank as the feelings of restriction suddenly flooded his sense memory. Though his mind was processing the emotions, he was careful to control his body and maintain an outward expression of calm.
Bloom stepped to the side and faced the cameraman. The academic had a microphone attached to his tie and as Hannibal assumed from the odd fit of his jacket, a battery pack strapped to his waist.
Bloom fountained arrogance, "As you can see the subject will be transported by way of hand truck. It is only in this way that we can be fully certain he is secured. He is quite dangerous and exceedingly cunning. I am one of the few people still alive to attest to his unbridled aggression."
"Yes, I've been very aggressive lately in the produce section of the grocery store," Hannibal commented sarcastically. "I know the fishmonger was equally terrified when I purchased the halibut steaks for last week's dinner. If you think I'm dangerous with a knife, you should see me with a food processor!"
The reporter tried not to smile on camera but Hannibal's remark struck her as hysterical and she couldn't hold back a giggle. The cameraman was smiling as well and this angered Bloom.
"Your reactions are exactly why this man is so dangerous. He's charming and affable so no one realizes what a shark he really is."
"I can honestly say I have never heard a shark referred to as charming and affable," Hannibal mused.
Bloom stepped in and yanked the chain attached to the cuffs with such force that Hannibal was spun around rolled off the sink and slammed unceremoniously to the cement floor.
He rested for a moment on his side with the wind knocked out of him, struggling to both breathe and stand with his hands cuffed behind his back.
The officer rushed in to help him up and whispered to Hannibal as he bent to assist, "I'm so sorry, Doctor Lecter I didn't understand the dynamic here. I'll watch him more closely." The correctional officer stood Hannibal slowly.
Struggling to his feet, still breathing heavily from the impact Hannibal confided, "Not to worry, Officer. I understand the precarious nature of the situation I am in."
Hannibal the turned to Bloom, "Thank you for that correction, Doctor Bloom," Hannibal spoke softly, "I wouldn't want to forget who is in charge of my physical well-being during my stay. As I can see I will be in very firm hands."
The female reporter put the microphone in Bloom's face. "Doctor Bloom, your treatment of Doctor Lecter seems to have some edge to it. Is there any animosity that you would like to share with your audience? Doctor Lecter intimated a personal vendetta and you didn't deny the concept. Is that something you would care to illuminate for us?"
Bloom took the microphone from her hand and spoke very confidently, "Although I have nothing personal against Doctor Lecter he does have information that could solve several cases that are open. Doctor Chilton specifically, who went missing in Bimini not long after Doctor Lecter escaped custody. During Doctor Lecter's stay I will be employing several techniques that may provide me with additional information.
"I was never charged with Doctor Chilton's disappearance. Though I am certain you have given a tremendous amount of thought as to what methods of coercion you will employ, allow me to inform you that your techniques will not extract additional information. Personally I have no illusions that you actually want information. I believe that you want nothing more than to personally witness my pain and discomfort. No doubt I will be forced to endure the entire KUBARK Manual."
The female journalist nodded to her producer who scrawled the name of the manual in a small notebook she carried.
"I am certain I will break you before I employ every technique," Bloom asserted. "Load him on the hand truck. We don't have all day."
The correctional officer shook his head. It was obvious he was conflicted as to his part in this charade.
"Doctor Lecter, please step on to the hand truck. I will secure you at three points. The straps will be tight to insure you do not fall accidentally. If you become numb or uncomfortable please tell me and I will reassess the restraint."
Hannibal stepped on the hand truck. The officer secured the first strap across Hannibal's chest tightening it upon his inhalation. He strapped the next restraint across Hannibal's forehead, finally, the officer moved to fasten the final strap across his shins.
"Are you at least minimally comfortable?"
"It is quite tolerable, thank you for asking."
The officer then opened a bag. "Allow me to apologize in advance for this, Doctor Lecter. I'm following the directions of Doctor Bloom."
The officer pulled out a set of blacked out goggles and a large set of headphones. He first placed the goggles, then the headphones. Hannibal was now fully deprived of those senses. He was actually glad that his nose was untouched. His sense of smell was the sense he found most reliable.
The hand truck was moved for several minutes leading Hannibal to believe by the smells he was experiencing, that he was now in a different building on the same campus. This building, from the moldy aroma, was older.
Hannibal was then moved into a cell and guided from the hand truck. He was directed to recline, was turned onto his side on a very cold metal bench and chained to a ring. The chain that was attached to the cuffs was also passed through the ring and attached to his shackles. He was now essentially immobile.
He could not hear. He could not see. But… he could feel the cold. He could feel the pain of his body as his muscles contracted and cramped with the cold the metal bench radiated.
Hannibal rested quietly. He opened a door to his memory palace and wandered in. He stood at the foot of his bed, placing his knee on the edge, feeling the give of the pillow-top mattress he crawled across.
Clarice turned over, unclothed she opened her arms to him and exposed her body to him.
Hey H…hurry it's cold and I'm absolutely exhausted. Pull the quilt up and let's snuggle.
Hannibal drew his legs up as closely as the chains would allow. He concentrated on Clarice. He entered the bed and pulled her against his body wrapping them together in a quilt. Though the goggles blocked out all light, Hannibal closed his eyes.
No longer was he on a metal bench. No longer was he deprived of sight and sound. No longer was his body contorted and chained.
Hannibal Lecter fell asleep in the bedroom of his memory palace with his wife Clarice sleeping soundly in his arms. Here he did not worry about her health. He held her body, warm and safe. Here she was healthy. Clarice's presence within his mind served to sooth her husband's mind, body and soul. Here he was not a tortured man, cold and devoid of sensory input. Here, he and his wife were surrounded by warmth, love and serenity.
Bloom left Hannibal in this way for thirty-six hours believing the sensory deprivation would break him. When Bloom opened the door he fully expected Hannibal to be physically compromised, emotionally withdrawn and bordering on psychosis.
At the end of the thirty-six hours, Hannibal was disappointed to see Bloom.
He would have loved more time with Clarice.
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Until the next chapter my Friends!
LH