Marissa was the daughter of the neighbours, the same age as Abigail. Both were only children, they found comfort in one another and created a strong bond of friendship between them. The trio allowed the two girls to walk around the house and slightly into the familiar woods next to them, to talk for some privacy.

Of course, they had to make sure not to walk too far away for they wanted to keep an eye on them. While Abigail did that, Rana had a chance to report to Jack, and fill him up on the latest leads and clues. Will, remained quiet as the house made him think of that day and he still saw Garret Hobbs at the corner of his eye. Hannibal, was the one with the least tension, although he had been slightly on alert when Abigail suggested he play the man on the phone.

Did she realize? It was possible but when Rana asked her, he had listened to her heartbeat as well and it was clear that she was not lying. Unless that 19-year-old girl had already mastered the art of lying and controlling one's heart rate, the same way he had.

By the time the call was over, quite a few minutes had passed. Rana had approached the duo before she came to a halt. A faint breeze reached them, carrying the scents of the two girls and...a third person. The faint smell of fresh blood followed, reaching their noses.

Will was the last one to pick it up, with Rana already having started to sprint towards the two girls. Her pupils had dilated as her instincts kicked in. Hannibal had noticed every reaction and let her take the lead. He was more than familiar with the smell of blood, and he had better control of his instincts around it.

In addition, whoever that third person was, would not be able to do much harm to the girls. How he was so sure? Call it instinct.

However, he did follow after Rana along with Will, both fast walkings to ensure they didn't stay too far behind.


By the time they reach the girls, the invader had fled. However, a new person had taken his place which was none other than Marissa's mother.

"Abigail, Marissa, are you alright?" Rana asked, approaching the two of them. "Who was that?" she asked, picking up the scent now more clearly and having spotted the faintest silhouette disappearing further into the woods.

"Somebody's brother"

The older woman and mother finally reached them as well, around the same time as Will and Hannibal. However, she was not happy seeing her daughter with her friend, for obvious reasons.

"Marissa! Come home." She said in a stern voice.

The girl was already annoyed and it was clear since her mother had gone to great lengths to persuade her that her friend was a dangerous monster and that she should stay away from her. Something that the girl did not want to do, considering she was her friend and she did not believe in all those rumours.

"Stop being such a bitch" she snapped at her, getting annoyed. She then turned to her friend. "See you later."

"Bye"


Soon after, the trio had a quick talk. Whoever that newcomer was, they had to check it out. Rana had suggested going and finding out while the men stayed back with Abigail, but Hannibal had used his smart words and thinking to disagree.

He suggested he and Will go, considering Will was armed and both had more than enough good stamina. It was wiser, in his opinion, for Rana to stay with Abigail just in case. In the end, the female agent agreed and stayed back, unaware that Hannibal was already ten steps ahead.

He had connected the dots and he had made sure to take Will with him, considering that he was not used to his sharp senses like Rana or him. It was clear from his slower reactions, that he was still getting used to them. His trouble was the fact that he tried to control and understand them, instead of accepting them and letting them be part of his life.

This proved just what Hannibal needed, for he easily led him away from the stone that Marissa had thrown and hit the trespasser on the head, drawing blood and being the reason behind the smell that had first alerted them. Something that would not have been accomplished if Rana was there, for she was good at detecting and spotting things...like a well-trained hound.

"What now?" Abigail had ended up asking Rana, as they waited for the men to return.

"We will report this and tomorrow, we will go to your father's cabin, to see what we can find there. " Abigail remained silent and Rana placed her hand on her shoulder, drawing her attention. "Hey," she said in a softer tone. "It's almost done. And then all of this will be over"


On the way to the Motel, the sun had started to set above them and the car ride had been rather quiet. Will had passed out in the back seat soon after they started their drive back, and Abigail soon followed, although it was hard to detect whether she had closed her eyes or had truly fallen asleep.

Hannibal, like before, was the one behind the wheel and Rana was sitting next to him, writing a few keynotes in her little notebook. It was easier for her to study them later in her own time and go through them again, seeing if she missed something.

Hannibal checked to ensure the two in the backseat were asleep before he decided to speak and break the silence. "It was pretty impressive, using that French term" he started, deciding to try and grasp this topic.

She didn't like to be psychoanalyzed and they were not in a session therapy in his office. Yet, he could still try through small talk to gain more information about her, since it was clear they would be spending time together during this case.

"Well, the FBI isn't about breaking down doors and shooting at people. It does require studying, to understand more about the human mind and behaviour" she explained, clicking her pen off and putting it in the inner pocket of her jacket, along with the little notepad.

"I never said it doesn't. However, that term was far too specific, relative to this case...I believe there is something more personal behind your reasoning as to why you knew about it...am I wrong?" he asked, although he knew the answer.

He was never wrong and he was merely asking, using it as a psychological trick to make the others realise that he was right. In addition, it hid from the others that proud image of his...of a man, that knew he was right or else he wouldn't have spoken in the first place.

There was a silence between them and Hannibal's eyes for a moment went to her, once again noticing the tense jaw and increased grip of her arms. While being so mysterious sometimes, other times Rana was too easy to read. She had certain things, little knacks and actions that she repeated. If one paid close attention, they would be able to start recognising them and be able to read her better.

In the end, she spoke. "Look, it's clear that Will, Alana and you know more about the human mind. I don't intend to stay back, not with the importance of this case. Hence, I did my research" she admitted, not truly happy doing so but she knew, Hannibal would not let it go unless she gave him what he wanted.

Usually, she wouldn't but she tried to stay civil with him and she also tried to be the better man...or woman, in this case. Plus, there was something deep down.. a small faint voice that tried to persuade her that he could be trusted...and that, for more than one reason, was capable of listening without truly judging.

Too bad she had a hard time trusting someone. Especially someone that complicated both of her sides, to a degree that was frustrating her.

"That is a wise choice. However, I do feel this is not that much about the case, rather more about Will and Abigail" he said, noticing her reactions to his words, hiding his satisfaction that she had opened up to him before and that he had started to corner her once again, leaving her with little to no room to avoid or dodge him. "Jack might say you should not get attached, but he also doesn't know about her...or you...or us..."

His words were well aimed, making valid points that she hated admitting to out loud, let alone agree with them and give him that satisfaction. This case was far more complicated with the involvement of both Will and Abigail, especially after finding out that Garret Hobbs was one of them.

Jack did not know and he would never truly know what was existing under his nose. It was what complicated things so much lately, making Rana double question her words and actions, for she passively had to cover for her kind and their safety while also going against her morals and laws she swore to follow when she joined the Academy.

Hannibal did not say anything else, for her silence gave him all the answers he wanted at that moment. He was right on the dot and he felt some inner pride, cornering her to the point of forcing her to be silent since she knew she could not beat him to that specific game.

He remained quiet for the rest of the drive, only occasionally letting his eyes roam on Rana and her body, study her in silence; all while planning what more he could get out of her with the right approach.


The very same night at the motel, Rana was fast asleep on one of the two beds existing in the room. On the other, laid Abigail, who was also sleeping.

However, the female agent did not have the peaceful and dreamless sleep she would have wished for. For she found herself deep into the forest...

There was no sound of any animal nearby or any water source. The land was quiet and not even the tiniest breeze existed. One would find it peaceful but she knew better. It was not normal...something more was going on.

Then she heard it, the sound of a fun firing. It echoed loudly in the silent forest and she immediately wiped her head towards the source of it before sprinting in that direction. She was not sure what had happened but she decided to question it later.

Her boots barely made a noise as she ran fast among the trees, not noticing that her own shadow was not that of a human anymore.

Eventually, she arrived at a small clearing slightly out of breath. Not that far away, laid the body of a big dark brown wolf. Bullet wounds are the main cause, blood staining the green grass beneath it. Next to it, stood a young wolf that seemed to be mourning the dead animal.

She blinked a few times and suddenly, the young animal was gone and instead, a familiar girl was standing in its place...

"Abigail?" She called out to the girl, taking a few steps towards the scared kid.

At the mention of her name, the girl looked up with that distant look in her eyes but seem to recognise her. Before more could be said, the feeling that they were not alone passed by both of them.

Rana acted fast, grabbing the girl's arm and pulling her behind her as her hand went to her gun. She took aim, the bushes close by rustling as if someone or something was moving. Red eyes glowed from the shadows but before anything more could take place...

The knocking sound of a door made her snap her eyes open, for a moment not even realising that she held her breath. She exhaled and took a moment to focus on her surroundings, head turning to the side she saw that Abigail was sound asleep.

The knocking was repeated and she let out a small grown. "I can hear you, give me a minute," she said in a normal to whispering tone, having already smelt who was behind that door and knew too well they could hear her from that distance.

A minute later and she opened the door halfway, giving a small glare and a look of annoyance to Hannibal. With one hand on the door, she looked at him as he was, as per usual, dressed in a very fine suit and not one detail out of place. It clashed with her more wild approach, at that moment, being in a simple oversized top that left her one shoulder out and a pair of basketball shorts. It was quite chilly that season but they were known to not get affected by cold so easily.

Hannibal brought to attention the tapper way he held in his hands, not once apologising for the rude waking. That smirk on his face said it all and she could also feel his eyes roaming faintly on her appearance.

"I brought breakfast. Abigail would like to eat something before leaving for the cabin" he said as if he had not just woken her up.

"I will let her know," she said as she took the tapper away from him. "We have an hour before we leave, get comfortable" with those words, she gave a small smirk and closed the door, letting an amused and slightly annoyed Hannibal stand there for a minute.


Hannibal once again was driving, having been the one who had rented it in the first place. The ride to the cabin was quiet and no one truly talked. Will, in the front seat, was spacing out while the two females at the back remained quiet and were looking outside.

Eventually, they arrive at the destination, where a local detective and two police officers wait for them. As our heroes exit the car, their latest escort removes the crime scene tape obstructing the door and them to enter while they wait respectfully outside.

The first to enter is Abigail, who stepped inside as Will wadded up the crime scene tape in a loose ball, before tossing it aside.

"He cleaned everything. He said he was afraid of germs but I guess he was just afraid of getting caught." The young girl exclaimed.

Will turned to her with a question. "No one else ever came up here with your dad? Except you? *she shakes her head* Ever help him make plumbing putty?"

"He made everything by himself. Plumbing putty, glue, butter. He sold the pelts on eBay or in town. He made pillows. Carving knives out of leg bones. No parts went to waste. Otherwise, it was murder." The realisation hit her. "Was feeding them to us, wasn't he?"

There is no response as the trio exchange a look, not sure what to answer that one.

Finally, it is Hannibal who decided to do it. "It's very likely. "

She crosses to the gutting/skinning table. "Before he cut my throat, he told me he killed those girls so he wouldn't have to kill me..."

Rana, finally spoke for the first time since they arrived. "You're not responsible for anything your father did, Abigail."

"If he would have just killed me, none of those girls would be dead" the girl argued when a single drop of blood fell from the ceiling onto her cheek.

She wiped it off with her fingertip and stared at it for a brief moment before glancing up. Everyone now stared at a horrifying scene with only Will, snapping out of it in time to take his phone out.

"I need ERT at the Hobbs Cabin"

The scene was none other than a young woman hanged naked, impaled on a rack of antlers. Abigail went to approach but Rana acted faster, pushing the girl behind her just like how she had done in her dream.

She didn't think of it much and was instead waiting and watching as Will approached and slowly lifted the young woman's head... Marissa.

It was too late for Rana to hide the view as Abigail moved past her and tried to peak. She immediately regretted it when she realised, it was too late to forget...a haunting scream echoed in the room, coming straight from the scared and hurt girl.


It didn't take long for more police to appear, leading to freshly new crime scene tape around the cabin and the area.

At one side of the clearing, Abigail sat on a log, pale and speechless. Rana was sitting by her side, one hand around her shoulder to keep the silent girl close. To her surprise, Abigail reacted faintly to the gesture and leaned more of her body in the comfort offered by the female.

A black FBI SUV car barrelled down the dirt road before coming to a halt. The door opened and Jack climbed off. He was not happy, easily noticeable by his expression.

Dark eyes fell on the form of his female agent, who turned her attention to him. She knew he would have questions later but for now, he was looking for a certain someone.

A glance at the cabin, was all Jack needed to know where to search next.


Indeed inside the cabin, Will had taken the lead to try and investigate the body for any clues of the killer. Hannibal, was not that far behind him, as observing and passively admiring the killer's Job. Jack's footsteps were loud and clear as he made his way towards them.

He started to rant, about the latest killed girl and Will tried his hardest not to let him affect him as he focused more on the body. Jack was unaware of the little conversation the two males had, discussing the theory of who the mysterious person from yesterday was.

The so-called brother, being the one of Cassie Boyle, the victim found on the antlers weeks ago. Rana had agreed to the theory and had called the HQ to pull a file on him but there wasn't much about the young kid.

Yet that didn't stop the two men from making their assumptions and discussing ideas before Jack interrupted them.

"...You said the Copy Cat was an intelligent psychopath. No traceable motive. No patterns. He would never kill like this again." Jack continued his ranting as he needed some quick answers, for it was his neck on the line with the still open case.

"I may have been wrong about that." Will very calmly told him.

"Garret Jacob Hobbs didn't hit girls. Why would his Copy Cat?"

His answer came from Hannibal, who had been studying and trying to help Will in this case. "He was provoked:

Despite the new evidence Will found in the girl's mouth, Jack still needed more and he didn't hesitate to ask his next question and not hide what he was already thinking.

"Where was Abigail Hobbs when this girl was murdered?" He asked.

Will replied. "In her hotel room"

"Where were you?"

"I fell asleep early"

That was not enough for Jack. "So you don't know if she was in her hotel room or not."

Hannibal as per usual stepped in, right at the proper moment. "Agent Stones shared a room with Abigail and I am sure she would have known if the girl had decided to leave" this seem to calm down Jack a little bit, his attention going to the door, wanting to have a private talk with Rana.

He trusted her but she was still human and humans made mistakes. And if Abigail had been trained and helped her dad, she was more than capable to find ways and hide her little escape from Rana.

Reading the uncertainty on his face, Hannibal continued. " We believe Nicholas Boyle murdered this girl. And his sister"

"With or without Abigail Hobbs?"

"Without" Will replied next, quickly defending her.

Jack quickly noticed and a few more questions quickly confirmed what he suspected. He was not a man that trusted easily and he had a low tolerance for people that murdered the way they did.

He was certain Abigail was not as innocent as she portrayed to be and he was not afraid to become rude and aggressive to make his point. "Dr Bloom said Abigail Hobbs has a penchant for manipulation. Is she manipulating you, Will? Is she manipulating Rana as well?"

This seem to slowly tick Hannibal, who was getting tired of this little Interrogation game. He was also not pleased by hearing the accusation against his kind, while the said individuals took and accepted it when they were so much superior to humans like Jack.

"Agent Crawford." He said, keeping his temper in check but Jack was not listening.

"You tell me you were wrong about Hobbs' Copy Cat. I want to know what else you were wrong about."

Will continued. Whoever killed the girl in the field, killed this girl. I'm right about that. He knew exactly how to mount the body. Wound patterns are almost identical to Cassie Boyle's. The same design, same humiliation."

The smart psychiatrist gave a nod, a new plan coming into mind. "Abigail Hobbs isn't a killer but she could be the target of one."

Wanting to end all of this, Jack took a moment before speaking again. "I think it's time Abigail Hobbs left home for good. Pack up whatever she needs to pack up and get her out of Minnesota. Now." Hannibal and Will turned to leave when he spoke again. "Not you, Will. You stay right here. Dr Lecter, I will ask Dr Bloom to accompany you"

This didn't seem to sit well with Hannibal, who quickly used his smart thinking and passive supernatural influence on Jack, to get what he wants. "With all respect Jack, I would prefer agent Stones to come instead. If Abigail is the next target, it would be wiser to have a trusted field agent with us"

His words made Jack think. He wanted Rana to stay and clear things out for him, giving her a report and having a more personal talk about this whole mission and the girl.

However, Hannibal's words had a very valid point. It was also clear that the girl had started to warm up to his agent...perhaps there was still a chance to get some confession out of her. The report could wait and come later, once Abigail had been moved.

"Very well. Rana will join you as well along with Dr Bloom"

Hannibal was not pleased. That's not what he wanted. He wanted Rana alone to study her and push her more towards Abigail. He could have gotten both birds with one stone after the latest dead girl...but Jack insisted to bring a civilian along. One that was equally smart and knowledgeable but proved an obstacle to his plans, considering Alana was a mere human.

It looked like that he would have to change his plans and find a new way to continue what he had in mind.