THE GIFT

After Hannibal and Clarice escorted the Warden's home, Clarice planned to meet with the remaining women in the formal living room. Each of her friends had covertly purchased gifts for the baby and all scurried about setting them up as Hannibal and Clarice escorted their elderly neighbors next door.

"It's so nice of you to walk us home after the doctor and that awful boy left. What he did so was so disgusting I think you should have called the police on him," Mrs. Warden suggested as she attempted to stall her palsy long enough to slot the key in the lock.

Her husband, steady but impatient, took the key from her hand. As he unlocked and opened the door the old man blurted, "I think our good friend Hannibal has had enough of the police, Dear."

Clarice not only laughed at the thinly veiled reference to Hannibal's past incarceration, she had no problem reinforcing the idea.

"That's true, my husband stays as far away as he can from law enforcement."

She turned to her husband and playfully sought confirmation, "Right, H?"

Hannibal, unaffected by the teasing went about the business of checking the security of the home and graciously played along, "That is a not and accurate statement, Clarice. As an FBI agent you were a member of law enforcement and I definitely wanted anything but distance from you."

Clarice slapped him playfully, "Don't be such a wise ass, H."

"Clarice Sweetie? Did you really hit that boy?" Mrs. Warden questioned as she opened a large pill organizer preparing to take her evening medication.

Clarice turned, surprised, "Hit what boy, Hannibal?"

"No my dear, everyone smacks their husband from time to time just to keep them in line. I was referring to that rotten boy this evening…the nephew of your doctor."

Bracing herself for the reprimand she assumed was forthcoming based on her distinctly un-ladylike behavior Clarice answered, "Yes…I'm ashamed to say, pregnant and all, that I punched that little bastard right in the face."

Mrs. Warden paused before swallowing several pills and, half-filled glass in hand, declared, "Good girl! If I were ten years younger I would have beaten that boy with a stick, the little devil."

Clarice laughed as she helped put the neatly packaged food away and settle their elderly neighbors. "I believe you would have, Mrs. Warden!"

With Clarice briefly detained the female conspirators had all the time they needed though they rushed about with baby presents and set up the mini-party. It also afforded the men a few moments to plan their own surprise.

Upon returning home, Clarice walked into the living room and was happily surprised by the impromptu baby shower. For the next hour the women would be huddled, all laughing and cooing at the tiny clothing and miniature shoes.

Although Clarice loved their compound in Argentina she was thrilled to be home in the U.S. during the last term of her pregnancy among women who seemed to be equally excited to be sharing this special time with her. She was content to be surrounded by friends. Especially Ardelia.

Hannibal joined the men in the family room, not with the same sense of community as his wife, but one born more of obligation. Clarice had female friends, each of whom had a male partner and as Clarice's partner, Hannibal was duty-bound to entertain. While the women planned the baby shower, the men planned a ritual of their own.

Hannibal entered the room and was equally surprised to see each of the men sitting in various places around the room reading copies of the Tattler wide open and prominently displaying Hannibal's face and the headline, WHIPPED.

Hannibal rolled his eyes briefly then began to clap his hands soundly, "I must admit I was expecting some mention, but this…well, this was truly inspired, my friends."

Each of the men folded their papers and stacked them on the coffee table. The friends continued laughing as they circled the table, approached Hannibal one by one, and slapped him heartily on the back.

Graham now comfortable in Hannibal's presence spoke casually.

"Hey, I don't know how you all feel about that photo or the rest of the pictures in the spread, but if a lady as lovely as Clarice was kissing whipped cream off my face…well, I'd be damned proud! Damned proud!"

Each of the men added their own take on Hannibal and Clarice and how they would or wouldn't feel about the publicity. Barney was the only one who didn't join in the banter. He looked at Hannibal, the perfect host, the picture of calm self-control and imagined Hannibal's skin crawling with discomfort.

This must be pure torture for you my friend.

As the fawning continued for several minutes Barney was convinced he was the only one in the room who really approached any true grasp of Hannibal. Well, as much of a grasp as the good doctor allowed anyway. Being Hannibal's ex-keeper he watched with rapt attention. Barney had often felt they had a kind of friendship. At least what level of friendship Hannibal granted or was capable of.

I bet you really want to wet that blade right about now, don't you my friend!

Not that Barney didn't believe Hannibal could approach the emotion necessary to have friends he just understood that the doctor didn't seem to have that need. Traditional male bonding was not essential to him. To point of fact, he didn't seem to have the need for any bonding.

Before Clarice Starling, Hannibal Lecter was a closed system, fully self-sustaining and not in need of interaction on any level with anyone or anything else. Therefore, with the obvious exception of Hannibal's relationship with Clarice, Barney saw no reason to believe the good doctor had changed at all. He killed when he wanted to kill. If he didn't kill it was by his choice alone.

Everyone was so terrified that you were going to slice open that stupid boy. You goddamned genius! You're the ultimate puppet master aren't you with all your so-called friends dancing on strings around you. Everyone hanging on your every word and clamoring for your attention…I would love to know what you're thinking right now.

Barney had spent enough time with the man to realize that Hannibal had no intention of hurting young Dennis. He wondered if the man would own up to it and decided to call him on it.

Barney raised a glass, beckoning his friend's attention.

"So, Hannibal, let's be honest, you're among friends. If you wanted that boy dead your blade would have found its mark before you and he hit the ground. You felt like playing with the mouse a bit, did you?"

Very good, Barney…not like the other poor dullards, are you?

A wicked smile crossed Hannibal's lips as he revealed with a hint of mischief, "I saw no harm in it."

Graham stood from his seat and turned in a circle as he surveyed the group to see if he was the only one shocked at the admission. He pointed a wavering if not accusatory finger as he questioned, "Wait a minute! You mean you had no intention of killing that kid?"

Checking out the fireplace and deciding he needed to add another log, Hannibal arched an eyebrow in true curiosity. "In my own home? Of course not, Will. Does that surprise you?"

Graham's mouth was still hanging open in shock. As if trying to pull the words from his body, he gestured wildly with his hands; his voice cracking a little as it rose in response, "Hell, yes it surprises me."

Hannibal was amused by Will's incredulity. He moved to the large brass barrel where he kept the extra logs and pushed through searching for just the right one. Hannibal was astonished that his admission brought true shock. He could clearly see by the slack-jawed expressions of his guests that Will Graham wasn't the only person surprised by the declaration.

Curiosity demanded Hannibal pursue, "Really? Surprised in what way?"

Graham began pacing around the room waving his hands up and down noticeably disturbed as he ranted, "Oh, I don't know…maybe it's because you were sitting on his chest with hellfire in your eyes and a knife at his throat!"

Hannibal turned from Graham pulled an ideal piece of wood from the brass, and placed the newly chosen log on the fire. Clearly unaffected by Graham's tirade he spoke very calmly, "That wasn't hellfire you saw, my dear Will. It was simply the light-play within the unique structure, not to mention the color, of my eyes themselves. They appear to glow in low light, though it is merely an illusion my unique irises exhibit."

Pearsall leaned forward in his chair. He was looking off to one side with his eyes fixed on no particular object, obviously confused as he processed, "So, we didn't just talk you down from killing that little shit?"

Hannibal brushed his palms one across the other as he revealed, "Heaven's no. Do you honestly believe if I wanted someone dead there would be anything anyone could say or do that would dissuade me?"

Logan, who had been uncharacteristically quiet to that point tossed back the delicate glass of after dinner liqueur previously served and spoke adamantly, "Hell no! If you want 'um dead…they're dead. No question!"

Barney countered, "That's not true, Logan."

Though his head didn't turn, Hannibal's eyes quickly shifted sidelong to Barney.

Though conscious of Hannibal's perusal, Barney continued to add his own unique insight, "I think there is one person who could stop him."

Lloyd was sitting at the end of the sofa and not so confident as the others. Proud to have something to offer he questioned as he spoke the name, "Clarice?"

Hannibal turned to the fireplace and stoked the fire sending embers floating around him. He did not flinch at the swirling sparks, but instead stared straight into the flames, mesmerized as he spoke, "That, Lloyd, would depend on the circumstances."

"What would depend on the circumstances?" Lloyd asked, curious.

A shadow crossed Hannibal's eyes as he spoke, "Though there is nothing I would deny my wife, there are circumstances where even Clarice could not stay my hand."

Noticing Hannibal's mood darken, the room grew silent for a moment.

To protect you or our son, no matter who stood before me, or how many witnesses there were… you would not be able to stay my hand, my Love.

The darkness of thought and mood was interrupted suddenly as the women, still elated from talk of babies, entered.

Ardelia was the first to speak, "Okay, Logan…time to hit the road. It's getting late and Clarice needs sleep."

Logan complained, "Oh, come on…the conversation was just starting to get good!"

Ardelia wagged a finger, beckoning, "Logan...we are going home now and we are going to bed."

Logan's eyes brightened.

"Bed? Well, hell when you put it that way I guess it's time to blow this sausage-fest!" Logan jumped from the seat and all but ran from the room.

Barney stood and joined his date but not before addressing Logan, "You know you sure are one tacky white boy. I don't know how Ardelia puts up with you!"

Clarice laughed, "We all wonder about that Barney!"

Logan hugged Ardelia as they walked toward the door, leading the other guests.

"Like I said before, it's 'cuz of my awesome personality!"

Pearsall gathered his wife and laughed, "Yeah, well we know it's not your ASVAB scores that's for sure."

"What? I'm smart!"

"Yeah, you're as smart as Hannibal is tame!" Barney quipped.

Clarice linked with Hannibal's arm as they walked their guests to the door. "Who said I wanted a tame man, anyway? I like my old lion just the way he is."

Hannibal tilted his head just slightly, "Old lion, Clarice?"

"Age is only a number…but you can feel free to disprove that later, H," she flirted.

Hannibal kissed her cheek and whispered before releasing her, "I accept the challenge, my Love, therefore prepare for a long evening's entertainment."

"My heart is aflutter with anticipation, H."

Hannibal and Clarice escorted their guests to the door allowing each one by one to pay their respects. Several minutes passed before the last took their leave. Hannibal then guided his wife back to the family room. He would not sleep while a fire burned and Clarice wouldn't leave her husband's side so, as was their evening custom, they cuddled together on the sofa.

Hannibal listened as Clarice regaled him with anecdotes from the women's gathering describing the gifts the baby received. Suddenly, Hannibal had a thought.

"Clarice, I too have gifts for the baby. I have one for you as well if you will allow me a moment to retrieve them."

Clarice's eyes widened, "What did you do, H?"

"Not so much, Clarice. You are giving me the gift of a son. What little I have to offer pales in comparison, though I am hoping the thought behind it will serve."

Hannibal held up a hand and quickly dashed from the room. He returned a moment later carrying an extremely large and very high quality jointed teddy bear. The bear was wearing a deep maroon colored vest with gold accents with a gold chain dangling from the buttonhole of the garment. The bear was a least three feet tall allowing Hannibal to hide behind the stuffed gargantuan as he carried it into the room.

Clarice was laughing hysterically as Hannibal marched the massive toy bear through the air toward her. He placed it lightly on her lap.

"Our son's first toy, Clarice. Do you approve?"

"Oh my God, H. He's gorgeous! Where's he been hiding?"

"Tucked safely in the closet of my study. Do you approve?"

"Approve? He's absolutely stunning. I love him!"

Clarice noticed a golden chain dangling from the vest leading to the pocket. She tugged gently at the chain, releasing an antique gold pocket watch.

"H?"

"It has been in my family for many generations, Clarice. My mother stored many heirlooms in the mouth of a stuffed boar at our hunting lodge. I was able to retrieve them after the war. It is one of the few items I have from my father."

Clarice pressed on the top of the watch releasing the cover. Within the watch engraved in immaculate copperplate: For my son Hannibal, With Love, Father.

Clarice, overcome by the gesture, wiped at her spilling tears with the back of her hand.

"When did you have the time to have this engraved?"

Hannibal placed a hand on her thigh. His voice had a faraway quality to it as he revealed, "There was no need for me to have the watch engraved as that inscription has always been there. Remember, my Love, I am the eighth of my line with that name."

Clarice leaned around the bear toward Hannibal and kissed him briefly. She then sat the large stuffed animal on the couch on the other side of her to be closer to Hannibal. She cradled the watch gently in her palm, considering, "It's so very special, H. But why give the watch now?"

Hannibal closed the watch within her palm and clasped his hands lovingly around hers. His voice was thoughtful as was the unusually soft expression on his face.

"I am not a young man, Clarice. You may hold it in safe keeping for the boy, but I wanted to present it upon his birth. This is a very special time for me…for us. I find the need to make note of it."

Hannibal then reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small box neatly wrapped. The ribbon on the box was the same shade of maroon as the vest on the bear. Clarice put the watch back into the vest of the bear and took the small present in hand. She very slowly unwrapped the gift and found, nestled snug within the box, a small velvet case.

"H…"

Hannibal bent to kiss her hands. "Please, Clarice…indulge me."

Clarice opened the case, very slowly peaking within as she flipped the lid. Inside, a platinum heart shaped locket with the initials H & C engraved in filigree in the center. Surrounding the locket, alternating deep maroon rubies and diamonds.

Hannibal's lush baritone was filled with emotion, "Open it, my Love."

Clarice slipped her thumbnails along the joining of the edges. She very gently pried apart the sides to reveal the center of it. Clarice smiled when her eyes fell upon the contents.

"Oh, H…it's perfect…you're perfect."

"No, Clarice. It is you who is perfect."

Within the locket, a photograph of Hannibal and Clarice on their wedding day.

"That is a photo of the single most significant day of my adult life, Clarice. It was the day I found not only unconditional love, but also acceptance. You have accepted me as I am without any qualifications. No other woman alive would have had the intelligence, grace and strength to make the leap of faith needed to love me. You are magnificent and I am humbled that you chose to bless me with your love. Having you as my wife and the birth of my son is all the gift I will ever need in this world."

Clarice sat, staring at the locket, her eyes spilling over as the tears flowed unabated.

Hannibal removed the locket from the case, draped it around Clarice until the locket lighted upon her chest. Hannibal then placed tender kisses along her neck as he affixed the clasp.

"I love you, Clarice."

"H…you always say just the right thing. You always have the right words…I don't. I don't know what to say."

"You can tell me you love me as well, Clarice. That is enough. That will always be enough."

She covered the locket with her hand over her heart.

"I love you, H."

"Thank you, Clarice...from the bottom of my heart...thank you."

Until the next chapter, my friends,

LH