SHOCK

Doctor Bloom paced back and forth in front of Hannibal. He took his time drawing back the large leather straps of the restraint system. Although Hannibal had already been shocked once and was secured firmly to avoid movement Bloom continually tightened the straps. Hannibal was having difficulty breathing and closed his eyes to relax himself and slow his respirations before the next painful administration ensued.

Hannibal moved through his memory palace and opened the door to the grand salon. Clarice rested on a chaise, her hair cascading down her back. Hannibal took his seat across from her. Just before he drifted off to sleep the thought occurred to him that the scene he was both watching and participating in was reminiscent of Botticelli's Venus and Mars. As the electricity surged through his brain, he mused that in the painting, Mar's head was surrounded by a swarm of wasps. Hannibal believed on some level it compared to the electroconvulsive therapy and would have been equally irritating.

As Hannibal reclined, just before he closed his eyes, the site of his wife, her belly now swollen with their child and her face radiating love, caused his breath to catch in his throat.

If I saw you every day, forever, I'd remember this time.

Although Hannibal's body responded to the volts surging through him Hannibal paid little attention. He needed to further relax so he moved to Clarice, went to his knee and rested his head on her belly. Hannibal listened to the sounds of his child moving within. He felt only the warmth of his wife's love and the heat of his body resting against hers.

Bloom, seeing Hannibal's indifference between shocks, increased the amount of time the electricity was coursing into Hannibal's body.

Bloom waved his arms as he spoke, clearly over gesticulating. He believed himself to be the king of this brutal little world in which Hannibal's only purpose was Bloom's ego aggrandizement. With the cameras rolling, he prepared to perform the macabre task of again discharging the painful treatment to his patient.

"Pain provides exceptional encouragement therefore Doctor Lecter will be questioned immediately following the next dose. The lack of a sedative was not an oversight but a conscious decision on my part to make Hannibal more compliant in the interview."

The reporter raised an eyebrow as Bloom plainly admitted to what she believed was torture.

"Hannibal Lecter has been given nothing to ease the pain of the procedure? Is that medically sound?" she questioned before returning the microphone to Bloom.

"This is an investigative assessment. The boundaries must be pushed to determine whether or not this man poses a threat. He must be in a very raw state. Pain makes a person raw. It makes a person angry. If he can't control his anger he should not be allowed to live among people."

"Are you insinuating that he is less a person than you or I?"

Bloom was unapologetic in his response, "I've stated it before. He's not a person at all. He's a monster. Doctor Lecter has inhuman tolerances to pain, therefore what may be excruciating to us will barely raise an eyebrow to him."

The reporter continued, "There is no way for you to know what this may or may not be doing to him. He may be able to keep still and not cry out but that doesn't mean he doesn't feel the pain."

"He doesn't feel at all."

He then turned the dial and administered another dose leaving it on far beyond the recommended time allotment.

Hannibal was in full seizure when the nurse arrived. She opened the door and was horrified not when she saw Hannibal's body arch against the restraints in response to the spasms, but when she realized his eyes were alert. Understanding that the pain would be excruciating, she immediately ran to the machine and turned it off.

Bloom was standing beside Hannibal so that he would be able to enjoy his patient's reaction close-up. He was well aware of the camera and wanted not only to be in the shot itself as Hannibal's body was wracked, but to be in focus as well.

"What the hell are you doing? Bloom barked out, "Just because Pearsall requested you on this case it doesn't mean I have to listen to you. I'm the doctor. You're the nurse. If he soils himself and needs his ass wiped you can help. If not, mind your business. I haven't even started with him yet!"

Lora was concerned for Hannibal's health and did not consider the strict security protocol. She rushed and unbuckled the straps holding Hannibal to the table.

Hannibal opened his eyes but remained completely still so as not to draw attention to his release.

Lora was insulted by the demeaning comment and though her voice was not raised in anger, she was adamant, "Wipe his ass? Let me tell you you little shit that I'm not amused. I'm also not the least bit intimidated by your sudden bravado in front of the cameras, Doctor and I use that term loosely."

"Don't be ridiculous. I'm following protocol. I have a court order allowing this procedure," Bloom defended.

"That you got by saying he's psychotic which he clearly is not!" Lora turned to the producer. "How many times did he engage the current?"

The members of the film crew and the guards were distracted by the argument between Lora and Bloom. No one noticed, including Bloom, that Hannibal was absolutely unsecured.

The producer replied without hesitation, "That was the third time."

"The normal dose would be approximately six seconds. How long did he let the current run each time?"

"That's hard to say but it was more than six. It had to have been a minimum of fifteen or twenty seconds each time."

Lora glared at Bloom. "Get away from him," she threatened, "or I swear to God I'll get your license pulled."

Bloom ignored Lora grabbed Hannibal's shoulders and shouted in his face, "What did you do with Frederick Chilton's body? Did you kill him and eat him?"

Hannibal flared his nostrils as he searched the air. His voice had an eerie calm to it as he spoke.

"The scent of blood is heavy can you smell it? The familiar scent of it combined with the metallic taste on my tongue leads me to conclude the blood is mine." Hannibal rolled his tongue over his lips and commented, "I think my iron levels are low Alan. Can you please speak to the nutritionist my diet seems to be lacking."

Lora took out her stethoscope and began to examine Hannibal pausing momentarily to listen to his heartbeat. She reached for his wrist and took his pulse as well. "Doctor Lecter? Have you been fed?"

Hannibal, finding lying unacceptable but not wanting to reveal his elderly friend's assistance chose his words very carefully, "Doctor Bloom has ordered the prison staff to not deliver meals to my cell. He has yet to provide either permission to them or food to me."

"You are not receiving the same meals the inmates are receiving?"

Hannibal could be honest answering this question without compromising his patron, "No, I am not."

Lora faced Bloom. "Doctor Lecter has been in our care for forty-eight hours. How many meals have you provided?"

"He will eat when he tells me what part of Chilton he ate," Bloom insisted.

Realizing by its placement that the camera in his cell would have picked up his meal but not the person delivering it Hannibal explained, "I was able to consume a sandwich given me by a concerned person this morning," Hannibal commented honestly, "Though it was no thanks to Alan."

"In two days you've only consumed one sandwich?" Lora questioned with concern.

Hannibal added, "One sandwich, a banana, and a carton of milk."

"Have you received any sedatives? Have you received any medication at all?"

Hannibal answered as he wiped the heel of his hand across his mouth to assess his bleeding. "No medication has been administered."

Lora looked at Bloom, "Are you kidding me?"

Bloom remained obstinate, "What? You think he deserves better? He killed Fred and he probably ate at least part of him."

Hannibal responded dispassionately, "Just for your own edification there is no part of that despicable human being I would have ever found suitable for consumption."

With an angry grunt Bloom reached back and punched Hannibal Lecter across the left cheek.

Though Hannibal could have avoided the contact, he allowed and absorbed the full force of the attack. His head snapped to the right and centered quickly.

Terrified by the scene the cameraman whispered to the producer, "I couldn't tell through the camera's eyepiece. Did he even blink?"

She whispered, "No. His head snapped around and he just pulled it back. That was the scariest thing I've ever seen."

The cameraman shook his head, "That's some Terminator shit right there. This guy's a beast!"

Bloom reached back to swing again and with blinding speed Hannibal sprung from the table and was instantaneously nose to nose with Bloom. Bloom's eyes widened, his terror evident as he realized he was face to face with an unbound and enraged opponent.

Suddenly realizing that Hannibal Lecter's movement was fully unrestricted the occupants of the room took a collective gasp. Nothing stood between Hannibal and Bloom. Nothing stood between mayhem.

Panicked, Bloom raised his hands protectively and whined, "Don't hurt me."

Hannibal's chest heaved, his fists clenched and unclenched at his side as he attempted to regain his self-control.

Within his mind Hannibal waged a terrifying battle as he leaned against the door of his memory palace containing Predator. He pumped and churned his legs with all his might. He struggled to hold closed the door as the instrument of his revenge raged against the entrance seeking slaughter, seeking chaos. Predator slammed against the opening attempting to erupt, seeking to overrule. Hannibal called on Protector, the keeper of his family's safety to help him seal the door. Protector pressed against the gnarled wood and sealed Predator within.

Protector rules for my family. Predator must stay hidden.

The door safely sealed and his rage in hand, Hannibal blinked once. This action served as a mental kill switch and immediately disconnected his anger from the situation. He turned from Bloom and backed his body toward the officers with his hands behind his back preparing to be cuffed.

Everyone released their collectively held breaths as Hannibal Lecter surrendered.

Still breathless from the action Hannibal spoke, "I am rather overwhelmed officers. I believe it would be best for everyone concerned if Doctor Bloom and I were parted for now. I am certain he has had his fill of me. Please take me back to my cell."

The officer's, terrified of Hannibal's capabilities, were relieved to have him voluntarily offer himself for restraint. The lead guard moved toward Hannibal with the chains. He placed a grateful hand on Hannibal's shoulder, "Thank you, Doctor Lecter. That could have gotten real ugly real fast. That assault will be in my report."

Hannibal stood patiently and allowed the guards to shackle his legs and cuff his hands. He maintained his composure as the cuffs and shackles were attached to the lead chain.

Hannibal spoke very calmly, "As I have said before, my only concerns are for my wife and for my unborn child. I will not risk their safety or happiness for anyone or anything. For my Clarice…I will gladly turn the other cheek."

Lora approached Bloom and spoke in a very firm, but professional manner, "Doctor Bloom, you will provide Doctor Lecter with a hot meal when he returns to his cell. He will receive the same care and dignity we would have afforded him had he been hospitalized for this evaluation. If his level of care is not immediately improved, when I speak to Deputy Director Pearsall to give him my daily report I will specify the details of this treatment. I will specify that I believe your intent not to be Doctor Lecter's assessment or his treatment, but I believe your motivations toward him are malicious."

"Electroconvulsive therapy is an accepted course of treatment for psychotic patients."

"It is more often used in cases of Depression or Schizophrenia. It is rarely used in patients with psychotic tendencies and you have not proven Doctor Lecter to be psychotic. Today your only goal was to cause Hannibal Lecter severe pain and show off a bit in front of the cameras. There is absolutely no clinical explanation as to why you administer electroconvulsive therapy without any form of sedative. It was barbaric and if it happens again, I will move to have to you dismissed from this case. Not to mention the fact that you have yet to feed him."

"Oh please, a little fasting is good for the body and it's not like he's starving to death. I was going to feed him tonight anyway!" Bloom argued in defiance, "You act like I'm trying to kill him or something."

"No you act like you're trying to kill him. I'm trying to stop you!" Lora insisted. "Doctor Lecter, have you been allowed to contact you wife in any way?"

"No, I have not. I am certain she is on bed rest and will not be allowed to visit."

Lora reached into her bag and pulled out a felt tipped pen, writing paper, and a security lined envelope.

"Doctor Lecter, write whatever you wish and seal the envelope. We will have the note delivered to your wife personally." She placed the material in his hands, now secured behind his back. The guards were moving quickly to attach the shackles to his legs. The chain was hooked up linking the hands and feet causing him to shuffle slightly to avoid tripping.

Hannibal was led to his cell with the guards following all of the procedures as outlined. After locking the door the lead guard spoke quietly through the food port.

"You could have ripped that moron apart if you wanted to."

"Yes. I had considered it."

"But you didn't."

"No. Although it would have been immensely satisfying it would have been unwise and it would have placed you in a very difficult position. I wouldn't compromise my marriage or your employment for the likes of Doctor Bloom."

"Compromise your marriage?"

"I promised my wife I would refrain from such actions. She would not have been pleased had I gone back on my word to her."

"So Clarice would've been pissed at you?"

"That would be putting it mildly. What of your wife?"

"If you had ripped that idiot apart I would have lost my job and believe me, she would've killed me. You've proven to us all that you can be trusted Doctor Lecter. Tomorrow you walk without the leg restraints. Cuffs only from now on and don't worry about the prison food tonight. Your dinner will be on me. If you get that letter to Clarice finished within the next two hours I'll deliver on my way home."

"I would appreciate that Officer. I would like to alleviate her concern."

"Not to worry. It's the least I can do."

As soon as the officer closed the food port Hannibal sat and quickly composed a letter to Clarice.

There was a part of his plan he would need her to set in motion. He did not have ample time to explain this to her as her health was his primary concern.

He sealed the envelope, moved to his bunk and closed his eyes. He was exhausted from the physical mistreatment. His muscles were sore from the spasms of the seizure activity and his jaw ached from being clenched in pain.

He slept for a full hour waking only when his food port was opened. The lead officer spoke quietly attempting not to startle Hannibal awake.

"Sorry Doctor Lecter I had to cut the meat myself. I couldn't give you a steak knife. Enjoy with my thanks. Did you finish the note for Clarice?"

"Yes, thank you for delivering it for me. Can you please tell her that I am well and that I love her very much? She will be beside herself with worry."

Hannibal passed the letter through the food tray. The officer accepted the letter and tucked it into the front pocket of his uniform.

The officer then passed a foam food container through the port. Hannibal graciously accepted it and waited for the officer to close the port before sitting at his small table. He opened the container to reveal an exceptionally well prepared piece of filet mignon, rare, with fresh vegetables and risotto.

"Goodnight Doctor."

"Goodnight Officer. Thank you."

Hannibal enjoyed the meal almost as much as he was enjoying the steady downward spiral of Bloom's career.

HANNIBAL'S PLAN

The officer arrived to deliver the note to Clarice at home. She opened the door and immediately panicked when she saw his uniform. The officer realized what she must have thought and apologized, "I'm so sorry I didn't mean to frighten you Mrs. Lecter. Your husband is well. I just left him at the prison. He asked me to tell you that he loves you very much. I have a letter for you from him."

The officer handed the note to Clarice.

"How are they treating him? Bloom hates my husband so much I'm worried sick about him."

"I won't lie to you, he's had it rough but he is in good spirits. He's a tough son of a bitch I've got to give him that. He's impressive…really impressive. I wouldn't be able to handle what he's been able to."

"He's amazing. I'm very lucky."

"I think he feels the same way about you. Anyway we are all looking out for him. Don't worry. He'll be home soon."

"Tell him I love him."

"I'd be happy to. Have a good night Mrs. Lecter."

Clarice closed the door and took the note to the bedroom. She curled up on the bed and opened the envelope.

Dearest Clarice,

I hope this letter finds you well. Our good friend Doctor Bloom is behaving much as I suspected therefore all will be well.

I am concerned for your health as I am getting very little information. Please contact Clint Pearsall and ask that I be given a copy of your medical records. I wish to review your test results and confirm my diagnosis.

Though I know your instincts will be to protect me you must first consider our child. Stay at home. Do not attempt to visit. Your health and that of our baby must be your only priority.

If you wish to assist me you may contact our friend, Mariyah. Explain the situation to her and request the assistance of her father. It is obvious the White House will avoid any discussion of my re-assessment. Mr. Bashandi will be offended that his promise to me has been summarily dismissed. He is a proud and principled man. He will most certainly move to correct this situation.

Be prepared Clarice. Contacting Mariyah will unleash an international firestorm. There will be a good deal of attention once again focused on our lives. Forgive me. I know you don't enjoy the attention however this is the most effective way to assure we are able to live our lives unimpeded in the future.

I send all of my love to you, Clarice. Please know that the most difficult part of this is not the incarceration itself. It is being separated from you. I promise my Love, we will be together soon.

Until then, I remain ever yours,

H

Clarice immediately went to the computer and composed a very detailed email to Mariyah Bashandi. She and Hannibal had both kept in touch with the young woman. Clarice wondered why Hannibal had been so adamant about his electronic correspondence with her. He offered quite a bit of emotional guidance in the weeks following Mariyah's release. Though Clarice was confused at the time, she was glad for it now. Mariyah was attached to Hannibal in a very real way. Clarice was certain as soon as she sent the email that the young girl would help, but would her father?

Mariyah Bashandi was procrastinating before writing her report and decided to go online and check her email. There were several from her friends all with the same name in the memo. Lecter. The final email was from Clarice. The memo: Hannibal needs your help.

What? What's this all about?

She opened them all one by one. Each had very similar information. It was all over the internet. Hannibal Lecter, the man that saved her life, was being held in prison without charges. She immediately went to Clarice's email. It detailed that Hannibal was taken forcibly from his home. He was shot with a tranquilizer dart that almost killed him in order to drag him away from her. Clarice explained in great detail that he was again being evaluated for his mental stability and had been deemed by an expert in forensic psychology to be a danger to society. There was talk he would not be allowed to see their baby. Clarice wondered if Mariyah's father could contact the president on Hannibal's behalf.

Tears welled in Mariyah's eyes.

This isn't possible… They already said he was okay. How can they make him go through that all over again? He's not crazy.

Mariyah printed all of the information she could find on the case and got in her car. She was going to see her father.

Father won't stand for this…they promised Doctor Lecter…they promised him, if he helped find me he could live with his wife and his baby. They promised!

Although the secretary told the young lady her father was in a meeting, Mariyah walked past, ignoring her protestations and stormed into her father's office.

Waving the papers, she was crying, "Dad…they locked him up. They won't let him see his wife or be with her and she was taken away in an ambulance…they went back on their promise. The president…he made you look like a liar!"

Anwar Bashandi waved his daughter to him and reached for the papers the moment she offered them. He sorted through each account, his face reddened with anger as he processed the unfolding events.

He pressed an intercom on his conference table and rang his secretary. The moment she responded he quickly barked six words that would have great impact on Doctor Alan Bloom.

"Get me the American president, now!"

I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Merry Christmas!

Review and let me know what you think, then PM and say hi!

Until the next chapter my friends!

LH