Special thanks to Lusting4Lecter for always being so willing to read the early drafts and make such helpful suggestions. Thanks, Twin!
INVITATIONS
Logan and Ardelia were invited to watch the documentary with Clarice, but knowing Logan, even in the best circumstances, drove her husband to distraction. Clarice, quickly called Barney while Hannibal was at the butcher and the baby slept, hoping he too would attend. Barney picked up so quickly his voice startled her.
"Clarice?" There was a tinge of concern in his tone.
Though she heard worry, she thought he might simply be preoccupied.
"Hey Barney."
Clarice assumed the casual nature of the salutation would reveal there was no need to worry but Barney heard only ambiguity.
Remaining apprehensive he continued with concern, "You need me to come over? Everything okay with Hannibal?"
Still hearing the tension and realizing it was Hannibal who normally contacted Barney, it suddenly dawned on Clarice that her call might signal a problem.
She immediately consoled, "No problems, sorry, Hannibal's okay. I didn't mean to freak you out."
"I normally hear from your husband, so your voice instead of his scared me for a minute."
"Funny…it's usually the other way around."
Barney laughed, "Yeah…I bet! So, what's up?"
Seeing no need to hedge, she got straight to the point.
"Do you think you could come over tonight while the show is on? Logan and Dee will be here and you know how that goes."
She could hear Barney smile.
"So, you want me to help you keep your man from goin' medieval on that fool?"
Pacing in front of the large kitchen window, Clarice spoke softly as she watched nervously for Hannibal's arrival.
It isn't as if he would be able to overhear me from outside the house…still, with H…who knows. Hell, what am I so worried about? He won't be back for another hour. Plus, it's not like he told me not to invite Barney.
She doubted Hannibal would be upset with Barney's presence being that he agreed to have Logan and Ardelia over.
No…he considers them my friends. Maybe he wants to be alone while the show is on. He was being held when the last one aired and didn't have to consider all the bullshit that went with it. Even so, he knows Logan would never leave him alone. He's not used to having friends and would probably welcome Barney, he just won't ask.
Barney, at the very least provided a buffer between Hannibal and Logan. Barney was used to controlling strong personalities and had no problem shutting down the younger man's fanboy spontaneity in the good doctor's presence. She decided last night that inviting Barney would be a good idea. She hoped Barney would ba amenable.
"Yeah, something like that. Can you come?"
Clarice held her breath.
Come on, Barney…Please say yes…
Barney wasn't planning on watching anyway. He quickly agreed, "Sure, what time?"
Thank you, Jesus!
Relief coloring her tone she offered, "The show comes on at nine. H wants to do dinner first. Say, six o'clock?"
Waiting for Barney's response, Clarice moved from the kitchen to the family room and turned on the television. She flipped over to the channels designated for the security system wanting to know the moment Hannibal parked his car.
Barney sensed Clarice's preoccupation and questioned, "So, this is a big deal, huh?"
"Yeah…I think H will be climbing the walls over this. Logan being here sure as hell won't help but I can't hang with Ardelia without Logan wanting to tag along and, after all he's done for us, I'd look like a real ass if I told him to stay home. If he thought Hannibal didn't want to see him, he'd be devastated."
"Yeah, I think Logan has a bit of a man-crush on your husband. Okay, no problem, Clarice. I'm happy to help out."
Again, Clarice's tone was tentative, "Barney, if you don't mind my asking, were you planning on watching it? I doubt Hannibal wants to relive it."
"Not especially. I don't think there's anything about your husband I haven't experienced first hand so that will all be old news. Don't forget Clarice, I've seen him naked more than you have. Anything he showed that camera was only because it's what he meant to show. People think they're seeing Hannibal. They're just seeing who and what that brilliant bastard wants them to see."
Nodding to no one in particular she agreed, "You know him too well, B."
There was a long pause. Clarice assumed Barney was considering the statement.
Barney spoke very plainly, "There's been a lot between us, your husband and me, and yet I don't really know him at all. I think you're the only one who will ever really know him. You're the only one he'll ever let in."
"Yeah…I know. I'm just glad he took the chance to reach out to me. I don't think I would've ever been that brave. He's so special."
"So are you, Clarice. That's why Hannibal loves you so much. I'll see you tonight."
"See you tonight, Barney."
As Clarice hung up the phone thinking of Barney's parting words, a warm feeling began to flood her body. She suddenly had an absolutely irresistable urge to smile and as the grin spread widely across her face, almost to the point where it made her cheeks hurt, all she could think of was her H.
Hannibal loves me…
Now that Barney was coming, knowing Hannibal would be upset if he didn't have enough food, Clarice quickly texted:
Barney's coming over so get more food.
Hannibal stood in front of the large glass case at the local butcher's shop deciding on the cuts of meat he would like to serve when the text arrived. He checked his phone and quickly messaged back:
Understood.
Clarice realized the return text meant he knew not only to purchase additional supplies, but, that she made the arrangements for his comfort. Feeling better that he didn't seem upset, she went to take her shower before the baby woke from his nap.
Hannibal needed only to pick the cuts of meat to serve.
As Logan, Barney and Ardelia all loved steak, Clarice's blood needed fortifying and Hannibal himself was in a particularly carnivorous mood, he settled on the butcher's best prime Black Angus tenderloin.
As Hannibal surveyed the marbling of several selections offered by the butcher, he became aware of a crowd forming in a sort of human horseshoe around him. Hannibal searched the air.
Curiosity tinged with the slightest hint of fear and something else? Pheromones? Why in a butcher's shop? How odd.
Hannibal turned his head slightly in the direction of the hormonal influx. In his periphery he sighted an extremely attractive and very voluptuous redhead.
Shifting uncomfortably, Hannibal turned his attention forward in an effort to ignore the woman, now flanking him and waving in an attempt to draw his attention. Nodding an affirmation as the butcher pointed to the selection to confirm, Hannibal considered the woman from the corner of his eye. She obviously she had intentions to meet.
Hopefully, the butcher will be slow with his work and you will be impatient, dear woman, because I am in no mood to placate.
The woman moved a step forward.
Please, no.
Another step.
Hannibal moved forward and placed his hand on the counter, turning his shoulder to the woman. From his body language it was obvious he did not wish to be approached. His ears pricked, Hannibal could hear the whispers of the people watching. It seemed they were not only curious but were waving her on, encouraging her boldness. He could see cell phones pointed, capturing the moment.
She has obviously received very positive feedback in the past for her appearance and daring. She is lucky I am unaccompanied or she would be looking down the barrel of a Colt by now. My Clarice, where are you when I need you?
Obvious the situation was unavoidable Hannibal took a deep breath and with a shudder of his shoulders prepared for her presence.
Come then, let us get this over with.
The crowd urging her forward and stoking her boldness she slinked up behind Hannibal rested a hand on his shoulder and whispered in his ear, "I see you've got your dinner planned. How would you like a redhead for dessert?"
Hannibal's body tensed the moment the hand was placed. He lowered his head and turned it at an unnatural angle, his eyes flashing displeasure even as he smiled.
"I have a redhead for dessert every night, Madame. Please remove your hand. It would be disconcerting for my beautiful wife to think I would allow such contact or entertain the favor of any woman other than herself."
"Well, she wouldn't have to know it, and trust me, you would be very, very, entertained."
The butcher, obviously familiar with this particular patron, began to hurry Hannibal's order. Sawing away at the flesh he sliced the steaks quickly.
"Doctor Lecter, it will be just another minute," he offered in consolation.
Nodding his thanks, Hannibal looked to his shoulder, still covered by the woman's hand. He then turned his attention to the woman, herself.
"Forgive me I am being rude, allow me to introduce myself, Hannibal Lecter."
"I know who you are, Doctor Lecter." She gestured to the crowd, "We all know who you are."
She squeezed his shoulder.
"Then I am at a disadvantage."
"I'm almost finished, Doctor…it won't be more than a minute."
The butcher, now in a panic, began slapping the steaks onto the paper. Hannibal, hearing the way the food was being handled examined the portly man's name tag and responded, "Please mind your work, Thomas. I have this in hand."
The butcher turned his attention to the woman.
"My God, Katie, I swear you got no shame in you! Leave Doctor Lecter alone."
"Oh, mind your business, Thomas."
Ignoring the butcher, she leaned in, moved her hand from Hannibal's shoulder to his chest, slipped it under his tie, dipped her fingers in between the buttons through the fabric and boldly stroked the hair on his chest. Curling against his body, she spoke and though her comments were directed to the butcher, she was speaking very obviously to Hannibal.
"I think Doctor Lecter can handle me, himself. He's a big man. A…very…big…man, from what I've heard…"
She leaned against him and whispered, completing the sentence in his ear, "… and I'm dying to find out what you've got tucked your pants."
"Madame, what I tuck into my pants is my wife's concern, not yours."
"Your wife can concern herself with washing them. I just want to get in them."
She removed her hand from his shirt and began to press against his torso, sliding her hand suggestively from his chest to his abdomen. When her fingers brushed his belt, Hannibal stepped back quickly and turned away from her body, toward the crowd.
"Madame, mind the placement of your hand. I am a married man and this is unseemly. While I am certain there are many men who would be more than thrilled to entertain such an offer. I am expressly uninterested."
The butcher interjected, "Doctor Lecter, your order."
The large man leaned over the counter and handed Hannibal his parcel.
Hannibal reached for the package and spoke to the man.
"Please put this young woman's order on my bill, Thomas…"
Hannibal turned toward the woman and continued, "…As it is the only manner in which I will sate her hunger."
The butcher began to laugh out loud, finally responding between guffaws, "You got it, Doc…that was priceless…priceless!"
Hannibal turned toward the woman and bowed graciously, "Madame, if you will please, excuse me. My magnificent wife awaits my arrival and I am most certainly not going to leave her wanting. Enjoy your meat. Clarice will, no doubt, enjoy mine."
Hannibal sped home in the Bentley realizing he would have to explain the exchange with Clarice in the event photos were taken.
Arriving with bags full of groceries swinging from his arms, Hannibal entered the home as Clarice came down the stairs carrying the baby.
"Well, hello, Clarice…" he boomed as he leaned to kiss his wife.
"Hey, H…got everything you need for tonight?"
"Yes, my Love, that and more." Hannibal spoke softly as he bent to kiss his child. "And how was our Little One's nap? Did he sleep well?"
"He had a great nap. He's a perfect little man."
"It is because he has the perfect mother, Clarice."
Hannibal turned and extending his arms, guided Clarice to follow him, groceries still in tow. Clarice sat at the breakfast bar, nursing the baby. Hannibal paused, watching the scene with rapt attention. Captivated, he wrapped his arms around his wife and son.
"I had a bit of a situation at the butcher's shop, my Love. There was a woman…"
"She flirt with you, H?"
"In a manner of speaking. She put her hand on me. It was difficult to extricate myself from the situation without…"
"As long as the answer to that sentence isn't fucking her, I don't much care, H…I trust you. Just please, tell me she didn't touch you below your belt…if she did, I kill the bitch."
"No, Clarice. She placed a hand on my shoulder and chest. When she moved it lower, I made myself quite plain."
"Your Harpy, H?"
"It never left my sleeve."
"Pictures?"
"Cell phones, yes. They would appear compromising."
"Don't care. No worries, H…I know women will want you, God knows I did."
Hannibal admired his wife, "You are absolutely magnificent, Clarice…most wives would not be as understanding."
"Yeah, well, I'm not, most wives, H. I'm your wife."
"Yes, Clarice. And I am your husband. Always."
Clarice smoothed the baby's hair back from his face as he suckled gently. She was madly in love her husband and now, with their child.
"H? Have you noticed, he never really cries? He fusses a little, but he doesn't scream bloody murder like most babies. Why do you think that is?"
Hannibal encircled his family and spoke softly as he held them close and watched his wife nurse.
"He is our son, Clarice, he will not be like most babies. Even at this age, the intelligence shines in his eyes. No, this child, much like his mother, is special."
"Thanks, H…it's sweet of you to say, even if it's not true."
"Clarice?"
"H?"
Hannibal leaned in once more and nuzzled his face alongside his wife's neck, placing tender kisses. As Clarice leaned into the contact, craning her neck to allow his attention, Hannibal whispered, "Clarice…I never lie."
"I know, H…I know."
Smiling, Clarice attended to the baby as Hannibal attended to the meal.
Hours later they would put their family time aside and greet their guests.
Hannibal had no problem sharing dinner with his wife's friends as he would do anything to please Clarice, but had little interest in viewing the programming. As the evening progressed, Hannibal appeared to grow distracted and anxious.
After dinner and dessert, when the time came for the group to move to the family room for the show, Hannibal excused himself from the room. Though his son was sleeping soundly, he announced the need to check on him. Clarice understood he was officially exempting himself from further participation.
Just before Hannibal left the room, Barney spoke up.
"Would you mind if I joined you, Hannibal. I'd like to see the little guy again."
Hannibal turned to face his ex-jailer. Lecter's eyes shifted briefly to Clarice and back to Barney. Pausing, it seemed as if he had something he wished to say, but the urge faded and he nodded, "Certainly, Barney. Join me when you're ready."
Hannibal left the room without waiting.
Understanding that Hannibal wanted nothing more than to leave the room before the start of the documentary, Barney was not offended. He stood and began to cross the room interrupted by a grasping arm as he passed behind Logan.
Logan twisted his body to face Barney and complained boyishly, "Hey, I want to see the little man, too."
Barney turned toward Logan and suggested in a friendly but assertive tone, "You get the next shift, Logan. We can't have everybody tramping up there waking the little guy up."
Releasing Barney's arm, Logan folded his massive arms across the expanse of his powerful chest and pouting, sat back on the sofa, obviously disappointed.
"Okay, outta respect to my buddy I'll wait my turn but I get to go up there next. Just because you've known Hannibal longer doesn't mean the baby's gonna like you better. Dude, kids love me."
Laughing, Barney consented, "Kids love you, Dude, because they recognize one of their own."
Ardelia and Clarice lowered their heads, obviously amused, but held their laughter to mild giggles.
Logan was obviously really put out by the situation. Not having Hannibal present to appeal to, he muttered, "Very funny, Barnstormer."
Clarice, stuffing her hand in a bowl and chomping on a fistful of popcorn admonished good-humoredly, "Hey, you two, play nice!"
Ardelia, munching on the snack as well, joined, "Yeah, Logan, don't go getting all jealous every time Hannibal leaves the room with someone other than you."
"I'm not jealous…I'm…I'm…" Logan huffed. Frustrated he couldn't come up with a witty response he conceded, "Okay, maybe I'm a little jealous, but it's not fair. Why do I have to stay down here and he gets to go up and see the baby?"
Clarice consoled, "Don't worry, Logan. You can play with the baby when he wakes up. I wanted Barney to entertain Hannibal while the show is on. H doesn't want to watch it, okay? Don't take it personally. Your buddy doesn't even know about it."
Ardelia nudged Logan, "And don't go saying something stupid and tipping him off either. "
"Hey, I can be trusted!" the large man insisted.
Barney interjected, "Hey, let's not pretend Hannibal didn't figure all of this out. Did you see the way he paused when I asked if I could join him? He's on to me, he's just too bored and too polite to put up a fuss about it."
Clarice nodded, "Yeah, you're probably right but he'll roll with it while you're here but I'm sure I'll hear about it later."
Barney quickly affirmed, "I'm sure; better you than me, Clarice."
"Thanks Barney."
As a sort of consolation prize, Ardelia offered the bowl of popcorn to Logan. He wrapped his arms around it and began stuffing it in his mouth, pouting as he chewed.
Ardelia explained, "Nobody said that you can't be trusted, Logan, it's just that Hannibal trusts Barney. He's comfortable with him. Clarice knows what she's doing. Just give Barney a little while with Hannibal, okay."
Still petulant, Logan questioned, "What's a little while?"
Barney stood in the doorway. The ex-Marine could not believe he was still entertaining this conversation, "Okay, look…you can all sort this out. I'm outta here. I'll be with Hannibal. You've got your hands full."
Clarice nodded her appreciation and responded warmly, "Thanks, Barney."
Logan rolled his eyes, "Yeah…thanks, Barney."
Until the next chapter, my friends!
LH