THE BEGINNING OF THE END

Clarice opened the door to the master suite and stepped out into the hallway to be greeted by Bashandi.

"Hello, Mrs. Lecter."

Clarice cringed. Do I really have to deal with this crap now?

She fixed on her best smile, "Hello, Mr. Prime Minister, to what do I owe this honor?"

He walked alongside her speaking quietly as they walked the long hallway toward the stairs.

"Would you mind if we were to have a brief conversation before joining your husband and my daughter? I feel the need to explain myself."

Clarice, realizing the conversation was now unavoidable needed to find the appropriate venue for what she was certain would be an exceedingly awkward exchange.

Christ! Where am I going to do this? There's no way I'm taking him into my bedroom to discuss my freaking sex life. I need neutral territory, something decidedly non-sexual. No bedrooms.

She very quickly passed the bedrooms, including the baby's and began to descend the stairs. Her mind flew through the home assessing and rejecting each room one by one.

The family room is far too close to the dining room. The formal living room is not much better. It needs to be far enough away from Hannibal and Mariyah…

She finally had it and questioned confidently, "Would you feel comfortable in my husband's study? I'm sure Hannibal wouldn't mind if we used it."

Bashandi, hands clasped behind his back as he walked, considered the option and nodded, "Yes, that would be fine, thank you."

Clarice led the way to the study pointing out several pieces of artwork from Hannibal's collection along the way. She probably would have shown him just about anything to lessen the stress of the long walk through the home.

Jesus, save me now because I've had about enough of this! I want H to myself.

The pair arrived at the study, Clarice deferring to the prime minister by gesturing for him to take a seat at Hannibal's desk.

"Please, make yourself at home. Hannibal would insist."

Bashandi moved with authority to the seat and settled comfortably in the large leather desk chair. He gripped the arms and bounced slightly on the seat as if assessing the chair for his own purposes. He was obviously comfortable as he folded his hands on the desk and leaned forward. He exuded confidence.

"Thank you so much. I must say that you and your husband have been gracious hosts. I fear my daughter and I have been less than exceptional guests."

Clarice sat on the armchair across from the desk. Her tone was formal but friendly as she moved uncomfortably on the seat. The baby was shifting and settled very low, causing a good deal of discomfort. Though she was in pain, she masked the twinges with a pleasant tone.

"You came half-way around the world to help us. There is no way we can ever thank you. I would call that exceptional."

The tenor of Bashandi's voice assumed a serious tone, "My daughter and I both owe you an apology. Please allow me to be the first to offer mine. "

Growing more uncomfortable by the minute, Clarice was beginning to lose her patience. "Really, Sir, it isn't necessary."

With an air of penitence that was uncharacteristic for the proud man he countered, "It is more than necessary. My comment to you earlier about Hannibal was uncalled for. Though it does not excuse the insult by any means, I must honestly admit to a bit of trepidation in his presence. My irrational fear of the man has caused me to behave in a manner of which I am ashamed."

Clarice was astonished by the admission. The first time they interacted, during the proceedings leading to Hannibal's pardon, he was very comfortable. This seemed contradictory.

"Why would you fear Hannibal? Hasn't he been gracious and friendly? Hasn't he been kind to your daughter?"

Bashandi conceded, "He has been more than gracious and though I cannot help how I feel I am embarrassed by those feelings."

Clarice slipped her hands beneath her belly, heavy from the position of the baby and supported the weight. She was distracted not only by her own personal discomfort, but too, the discomforting knowledge that Bashandi was admittedly, though without explanation, terrified of Hannibal.

"I don't think you should be embarrassed but I'm really curious why you feel that way after all Hannibal's done for your daughter. Not to mention, the last time you were in the States, you seemed very at ease with him. And if you're really afraid of him, why did you come here to help us."

Bashandi leaned back in the chair, preoccupied for a moment as he contemplated the question and responded in detail, "I owe your husband a debt that I will never be able to fully repay. Stuart Miggs would have defiled Mariyah and murdered her without a thought. If not for your husband's intervention, I would not have my daughter. He sacrificed everything. The offer to commute his sentence could have been a ruse. Still, he came. All I had to do was get on a plane and argue with the president. There was no personal risk to me. Your husband risked his life with you and his child. I will never forget that."

Clarice moved, attempting to find a comfortable position, to no avail.

"Forgive me for being blunt and for beating a dead horse, but if you're afraid of him, why the hell did you agree to stay with us?"

Recognizing the dichotomy Bashandi defended, "Mariyah felt safer here. I believed it important that she feel comfortable and when I agreed to it, I wasn't afraid of him. I knew he had killed but wasn't familiar with the details of his case. Until the briefing by my security team while on the flight here I was unfamiliar with the, forgive my bluntness, utter savagery of your husband's crimes. They showed me photos that I cannot purge from my mind and I find it hard to believe a man capable of those things can just stop doing them. He seems so sane, and yet…"

Clarice could feel her blood boil as the pain she was in, combined with the indirect insult to her husband within the poorly framed apology angered her.

"Maybe it's easier to be afraid of him than it is to consider that his so-called crimes were a choice and not insanity or some primal urge. I guess to most people that might be a scarier prospect. To consider that he might have felt perfectly justified in his actions. Whether savage or not, what difference does that make? It wouldn't make them any less dead had he chosen different methods. He methods were very deliberate as he turned each of their inadequacies against them."

"There is truth to that and I do see by his behavior that he is making every effort, but, Instinct cannot be changed. In my mind your husband is reminiscent of a panther or a lion. Both animals have a very elegant and almost regal bearing and much like your husband, are absolutely lethal when threatened. They cannot change the programming of their instincts. Even when seemingly tame, their nature remains unaltered."

"He's been threatened recently. He was kidnapped and endured days of torture, he did all he could not to kill."

"Yet, still, he killed."

Clarice, feeling hemmed in and unable to find a comfortable position, stood behind her chair and leaned heavily on the back.

"He only killed those who would have killed him. What would you have done to Miggs if he hurt Mariyah?"

Pointing his finger at the desk he tapped it repeatedly, "There are laws in place for such things. I would have him killed. I would not do it myself."

Clarice was unabashed in her response, "Well, that's where we are different because I'd kill anyone who tried to harm my family and I wouldn't be delicate about it either."

Surveying her he replied with a hint of admiration, "You are an unusual woman."

Growing agitated Clarice answered, "Maybe I am because, to be perfectly up front and honest with you, I don't care how many people he kills if they threaten him. My H understands it has to be justifiable and he must be defending himself but he can do whatever he has to do to come home to me. Contrary to popular belief he isn't a wanton murderer and laws don't always defend the innocent."

"Yes, I do see your point and of all I have read recently of Hannibal's crimes, he never killed innocent individuals, he killed rude or offensive people. Knowing how rude my behavior and the behavior of my daughter has been, I couldn't help but wonder what was going through his mind as I spoke with him moments ago. Though I fully admit it was an untenable situation, I was absolutely terrified."

Clarice dismissed the comment with an undertone of recrimination, "You may have been offensive, but you posed no physical threat so you were never in any danger."

Defending his emotions he fortified his position, "I may not have been in actual peril but I could definitely sense a deeply-seated urge as he stepped toward me that made my blood run cold. Again, like that of the lion, there is a predator glowering just behind his eyes. His instinct, that part of him he cannot change, wanted to rip me apart."

"There isn't any predator glowering. You just don't understand how the light plays within his irises. His eyes are really unusual and it causes them to appear as if they glow in low light. It can be frightening if you are used to it and trust me when I say you're in more danger of me ripping you apart than Hannibal. He wasn't even upset when I told him what you said. I was the one who was enraged. I respond emotionally where he doesn't. It may be hard to understand but even though Hannibal's instincts are much more refined and developed than ours, he isn't driven by those instincts. They are merely tools at his disposal. His mind is so developed and so much more evolved that his intellect reigns."

"If, indeed, his intellect reigns, I suspect that is by choice. He could easily choose to let Instinct reign. You are a brave woman for choosing to love him."

Exhausted by the events of the last twenty-four hours Clarice returned to her seat, holding her belly to support the burdensome shift in the baby's weight.

"I didn't choose to love him. I didn't want to love him. I did everything I could not to love him but he haunted my soul. I spent years running from those feelings until I finally couldn't run from it, from him any longer. He's a really compelling and extraordinary man and I'm the luckiest woman alive to have initially interested him and to have finally earned his limitless and unconditional love."

Bashandi's cheeks flushed with shame.

"I am left to reflect on my own limitations as I have been unable to receive his friendship without feeling some level of suspicion, undeserved though I know it is. The inadequacy is mine as Hannibal has been more than accommodating and has offered alliance without reservation or prerequisite. I am ashamed that I have not reciprocated unconditionally."

Clarice brushed aside the concern, "You shouldn't worry about that. Hannibal has an extraordinary tolerance for those who have concerns about his past. On some level he believes because of his past the additional scrutiny is justified. Whether or not his past warrants the treatment it offends me because, well, to be really honest with you, I'm no where near as charitable as he."

Bashandi measured Clarice thoughtfully and replied, "Yes. I can see that. You might possibly be the only thing your husband is capable of fearing."

Clarice laughed, "Funny you should say that. It's exactly what Hannibal says."

"Yes. I definitely see why he is so taken with you. Though you seem demure on the surface you actually have a quite a forceful presence, Mrs. Lecter. You also hold sway over a man that has never accepted the governance of anyone or anything. You have given rules to that which cannot be ruled. If Hannibal Lecter is capable of being tamed, you are the only woman equal to that task and that is impressive…extremely impressive. Allow me to add that my daughter has shown wisdom beyond her years in choosing you as a role model."

"That's kind of you to say, Mr. Prime Minister."

"Please, if you are willing to accept my apology, you must also be willing to address me as Anwar. And, if you are not offended, I will call you Clarice."

"I'd like that."

"Would you care to escort me to breakfast, Clarice? Let us see what manner of trouble Hannibal and Mariyah are stirring up."

Clarice stood very slowly. The time for the birth was growing near. She needed her husband and she needed him alone.

HANNIBAL AND MARIYAH

Hannibal and Mariyah were cooking elbow to elbow with Mariyah beaming as she followed every direction he spoke the moment the words left his mouth. She chopped and diced and minced ingredients as he simultaneously tossed omelets and hash browns in separate pans.

"I have to apologize to you, Doctor Lecter. I did something I shouldn't have, but I didn't mean anything by it, really. I am really, really sorry."

"To what are you referring?"

"I was outside your door for a while tonight. My dad saw me listening at your bedroom door and he thought I was listening to you…"

"To me? Specifically?"

"To you and Clarice…"

Hannibal began heating an additional pan. Though Mariyah was serious, he was attending to the meal and was not placing importance on the conversation. This was meant not to dismiss her concerns but to limit her embarrassment.

He questioned in an undaunted manner, "Are you referring to listening in as my wife and I made love this evening?"

Mariyah began to "Well, that's what my father thought I was doing but actually I just wanted to talk to Clarice. I thought you might have told her what I said to you. I figured I would need to explain myself."

Hannibal flipped his wrist repeatedly tossing the vegetables in the air to shift their position in the pan. He continued to question without showing upset.

"If that were the case why wouldn't you knock on the door?"

Mariyah lowered her head and attempted to appear very concerned with the French toast she was lowering onto the heated griddle.

"Because I could hear voices and I thought it would be more polite to wait until you were finished talking so I wouldn't be disturbing you both."

Again, Hannibal attended to the meal as he inquired, "Listening at the door is more polite than knocking? Did you honestly believe that at the time or are you ashamed to state that you were you simply curious?"

Baffled by the fact that Hannibal seemed unconcerned, Mariyah became less anxious and truly began to consider her motivations.

"At that time, in my mind I was being polite, but I think now, I don't know. It's not that I wanted to invade your privacy. I'm actually not really positive what I was thinking. I heard you both and I just…stayed."

Unconcerned, Hannibal began to shift the contents of his pans into larger serving vessels.

"Perhaps you were wondering what it would be like to be on the other side of the door. It may be that you were imagining what it might sound like…what it might feel like if it were you in my arms instead of Clarice?"

Mariyah, embarrassed by her own desires protested, "Oh my god, no…no…"

Hannibal continued his relentless yet delicate interrogation of the young girl. He set down the sauté pan and faced her, gripping her shoulders very gently and seeking her eyes as he pursued, "Is that righteous indignation meant to convince me? It does not. Or perhaps, you believe that if you are vehement in your denial you may convince yourself? Asserting your astonishment at my suggestion does not make the statement any less true. Why I wonder are you afraid to admit want or desire? Have you been honest with yourself?'"

"Honest with myself?"

"Yes, honest with yourself. Though I suppose it is possible that you are not aware of exactly why you remained, I sincerely doubt it. I believe you are intelligent and intuitive and though you are not experienced in such things, like all who live, who have ever lived, you have certain thoughts, yearnings. We all have needs. You are no different from anyone else. You are curious because you long for that which you have not experienced. That is natural. The fact that your father discovered your curiosity, your want, disturbs you, embarrasses you even, yes? Though it is not something of which you need be ashamed. There is no more natural thing in this world."

The intensity of the conversation began to overwhelm Mariyah. Hannibal released her when he saw her eyes begin to spill over. She wiped them self-consciously with the back of her hand.

"Well, of course I'm ashamed…it's not normal to want someone who's married. It's not normal to want someone who's older than your own father. It's not natural…it's just not."

Hannibal put his arms around the young lady and held her very gently.

"But it is normal Mariyah. We cannot choose whom our body responds to. Know that you will have such feelings for many men. It is up to you to assess which one of these men will be an acceptable spouse with which to travel the path of life. You are an attractive and desirable young lady and though I am not the man you will eventually marry, I am tremendously complimented by your affection. You have no need to be ashamed of your curiosity and there is no need to apologize either to myself or to Clarice."

Mariyah looked up at him, "You don't think I should talk to her about it?"

Hannibal lifted her chin, "Do you want to?"

"No, it's mortifying enough talking to you about it. I don't want to tell her I find her husband attractive. It sounds so babyish now when I say it out loud that I want to crawl in a hole and die."

He released her from his embrace. She turned and leaned on the counter. Hannibal placed a consoling hand on her shoulder. He could feel the tension in her muscles begin to release as she considered the thought that she might not have to face Clarice.

Hannibal confirmed," Then there is no need to speak of it again. Clarice and I have discussed it. She is not offended and is more worried about you than anything else. Do you have any questions? Did you hear anything that may have unsettled you or upset you in any way?"

Mariyah's voice dropped, the depression obvious, "No, I don't have any questions. You love Clarice. You don't love me. I get it."

Hannibal squeezed her shoulder, "Mariyah, you are very important to me. Please don't be hurt by this. I am your friend and will continue to be your friend and I do love you. That has not changed. I hope you will continue to love me and to value my friendship as well."

"No…it won't change. I'll always feel the same way about you. It doesn't matter that you don't feel the same. I don't know though. Maybe I should say something to Clarice?"

"She is dealing with your father now. Trust me when I say, for my wife, that's enough for one night. I have learned with Clarice that it is usually best to leave well enough alone."

"As long as you don't think I need to, I won't."

The moment Mariyah finished her sentence, Hannibal sensed the pairs approach, "They are leaving my study and heading down the hallway as we speak."

"How do you know that? I can't hear them."

"I can smell them."

"That is so cool."

"Indeed."

Hannibal and Mariyah lifted the dishes and moved the food to the dining room.

Bashandi was holding Clarice's chair as Mariyah and Hannibal entered the dining room.

Hannibal's eyes shifted to Bashandi causing the prime minister to pause.

"Hannibal, would you mind if I helped Clarice with her chair? I see that your arms are quite full."

Hannibal began to place the bowls on the table. "Not at all, Anwar. I would appreciate the assistance, thank you."

Relieved, the prime minister seated Clarice and took his own place at the table.

Once all of the food was carried out from the kitchen, Hannibal seated Mariyah and began to pass the bowls of food around the table allowing each person to take what food they preferred. A dark rich, Egyptian coffee was brewed and Hannibal poured for each person, save Clarice. Her eyes rolled as he gave her a cup of herbal tea.

"Is this freaking chamomile again?"

"Perhaps you would prefer milk?"

"No, I'll stick with the chamomile, thanks."

Bashandi made awkward conversation as he attempted to lead his daughter to the apology. Hannibal followed his train of thought and derailed it.

"I was discussing with Mariyah the fact that she need not apologize for her behavior this evening. Clarice and I discussed it briefly and we agreed it was harmless. Her apology to me has been well received and heartily accepted by myself and by extension, Clarice as well."

Bashandi lowered his voice as he addressed his daughter.

"You have apologized to Doctor Lecter, Mariyah?"

She lowered her eyes.

"Yes, Father. I have."

Bashandi questioned, "We need speak no further on the subject?"

Clarice chimed in, "Please, let's not dwell on it. It's over and done with. No harm, no foul."

Clarice still felt bloated and uncomfortable and was additionally offended that Bashandi was still afraid of Hannibal. She was even more offended that he continued to harp on the situation with Mariyah. It wasn't that he was being rude. It was more that she was feeling hormonal and wanted to be alone with her husband.

I wish I screamed out each orgasm so loud it shook the rafters. Hannibal wouldn't have cared and that would've given you something to think about on the flight back home to your ass-old wife! Pompous prick talking about my husband like some sort of animal…he is an animal- in bed, you limp-dick-wishing-you-were-half-the-man-my-husband-is-son-of-a-bitch.

Without missing a beat, Clarice fixed on her best hostess smile and lifted the coffee pot. "Would you like me to warm your coffee, Anwar?"

"Thank you, Clarice. That's very thoughtful of you." He extended his cup and she poured very primly setting the pot down when his cup was filled.

I hope you choke on it.

She didn't speak her emotions, instead continued genially, "Not at all, it's my pleasure."

Hannibal caught Clarice's eye as she set down the pot and winked at her.

You would much rather bash the side of his head in with that steaming pot wouldn't you my Love?

Taking advantage of the pause in conversation Hannibal stood, "If you will excuse me, I forgot an additional item for my wife. She is pregnant and craves certain foods. As her husband it is not my habit to deny her, therefore you will please forgive my indulgence."

He excused himself and returned moments later with a small covered dish, placed it in front of Clarice and lifted the lid with a flourish. Clarice gasped as the movement of the cover caused a burst of steam to rise and twist toward her face infiltrating her nostrils.

"Bacon!"

"Indeed. Prepared separately from the meal. Mariyah assured me if kept segregated from the rest of the food, it would not offend."

Hannibal proudly placed two forkfuls of crispy bacon on his wife's plate and kissed the top of her head.

"Know there is not a thing I would ever deny you."

Clarice expressed her first genuine smile since their time in bed together.

"Thanks, H."

"For you my Love, anything."

"I'm gonna hold you to that, H."

"I would expect no less, Clarice."

GOING HOME

No more than two hours later the driver rang the bell. Hannibal opened the door as Mariyah hugged Clarice goodbye.

"You've got our numbers and you've got our email addresses. Promise when the baby is born you'll come visit again?"

"I do…I promise."

The driver entered the home with several members of the security team and gathered the luggage. They moved quickly and were in and out in moments. Bashandi approached Hannibal and extended his hand.

"Hannibal, my friend. Hopefully if we meet again, the circumstances will be better."

"Yes, thank you, Anwar. I will not soon forget your help."

"And I will never forget yours, my friend."

Bashandi bowed to Clarice. "Goodbye, Clarice. It has been, enlightening."

Clarice smiled, "Have a safe trip home. Thank you so much for everything."

"Not at all." He turned to Mariyah. "I will wait for you in the car."

She nodded.

Clarice excused herself as well, "Forgive me. I'm exhausted, I'll be in bed, H."

"I'll be along presently Clarice."

Clarice ascended the stairs with a smile. Hannibal would be hers for the first time in more than three weeks. She would wait in their bed.

Mariyah stood across from Hannibal unsure of what to do. Hannibal extended his arms opening them wide and leaving no doubt that an embrace would be welcome. Mariyah flew into his arms.

"I'm going to miss you, Doctor Lecter."

"I shall miss you as well, Mariyah but we shall see each other again."

"Promise?"

"Yes, I promise."

Mariyah wrapped her arms around Hannibal's neck. He kissed both of her cheeks before releasing her.

"I'm going to leave now before I start to cry." She pulled away and moved quickly to the door of the car, pausing briefly to wave.

Hannibal waited at the front door and waved as the car carrying father and daughter drove away.

He then locked the door, activated the security system, climbed the stairs to join his wife and entered the bedroom to find her sound asleep. Hannibal undressed and slipped between the sheets snuggling up to his wife. Moments later he too was asleep. Clarice and Hannibal spent the rest of the day sleeping comfortably in each other's arms.

They were alone and resting in each other's arms with no way of knowing how quickly the quiet refuge of their home would be supplanted by anxiety and dread.

Clarice would soon be in jeopardy and for the first time since his childhood, Hannibal would be forced to suffer through the pain of a family member, powerless to help.

Until the next chapter my friends!

LH