I do not own anything related to Hannibal, either thru television, or written books. Everything belongs to Thomas Harris and Bryan Fuller. I do own all the created characters. I do not own any songs, or literature mentioned. They are included to enhance the written words. Please read, review, and enjoy!
Hannibal is a gritty, provocative, seductive, murderous bloody show. My chapters contain scenes of violence, sex, drugs, language, triggers and sometimes hard to stomach scenes. This story is rated M.
Chapter Eleven
Song(s): Carol Of The Bells (St. Paul's Cathedral Choir), Closer (The Chainsmokers feat. Halsey T-Mass Remix), Don't Watch Me Bleed (Til Tuesday)
Slowly opening her blurry eyes, Oliveah Adler stared at the Hopkins sweater that was draped over the back of her desk chair. It was late Monday morning and her nerves immediately started to anticipate Doctor Lecter's phone call. She needed to keep her mind busy and as she looked at her alarm clock, she tossed the comforter off her naked legs and brought herself to sit up. Her dreams had consisted of sitting in a chair staring at a stone wall as if patiently waiting for instruction or guidance and more than once did she suddenly wake to find herself sitting up in bed with her back against the cool wall.
"Jesus."
Hearing a loud knock on her door, she rubbed her eyes as Andrew pushed open the door without waiting for her response or permission to enter.
"I figured I'd wake you because I imagine you're getting to get a phone call." It was all he said as he opened up his Mac Book and held it, opened to the front page of Tattle Crime.
"God, enough with that garbage Andrew, it's not even eleven," Oliveah moaned as her eyes caught sight of an object hanging from what looked like a skinny tree branch.
"What… the hell is that?" she questioned as Andrew slowly nodded his head.
"A human kidney. Actually, if you expand Freddie Lounds's picture, you'll see there are pairs of kidneys, hearts, and intestines hanging from the trees like fucking Christmas ornaments," he spoke clicking on the picture as Oliveah moved closer to the screen.
"When the hell was this posted?"
"Early early this morning. The reason I woke you, is because The Chesapeake Ripper Doctor Abel Gideon did this to his three hospital escorts on his way to a justice court."
"Please tell me there is a printed line stating Doctor Gideon is back in the Baltimore State Hospital for the Criminally Insane?" she questioned as Andrew shook his head.
"You better get dressed Olive."
…
Dr. Frederick Chilton's Office, Baltimore State Hospital for the Criminally Insane…
Tuesday, December 8th
Throwing her eyes up onto the aging stone work as she followed behind Will Graham and Alana Bloom, Oliveah felt the cold of the building settling in her shoulders as they checked in through Chilton's security.
"Doctor Chilton is expecting you," the officer spoke as he handed out the visitor passes. "But I don't think he is expecting you Miss," the guard spoke as Will shook his head and laid a hand on Oliveah's shoulder.
"Miss. Adler is from Johns Hopkins and is the assistant to Doctor Bloom," he noted formally as the officer stepped aside. Making their way up the stairs of the aged building, Oliveah noticed more uniformed men and women than the last time she had been here.
No doubt to protect you Doctor Chilton she sneered stopping behind Doctor Bloom as Will gave two quick knocks on the door before pushing it open. Sitting at his desk in a reclined position and holding a magnifying glass, Chilton sighed loudly as he watched the line of bodies enter into his office.
"I suppose this is my fault too? He offered, as his eyes landed on Oliveah watching as she closed the heavy door behind her. "She, does not have to be here."
"Oliveah was with me the last time I interviewed Gideon Frederick, she is involved with this case like it or not" Bloom defended as Oliveah held in her smile.
Chew on that Doctor Chilton
"Well you did dodge a bullet. Gideon's escape forgoes a trail and a very public humiliation for you," Will spoke as he came to stand in the middle of the office.
"And now you are hosting a private one. Next you'll be accusing me of rigging his escape for my own unseen benefit and personal reviews," he mocked folding his hands together on top of his book.
"No one is making that accusation Frederick."
What Will said is true. With Gideon gone, you don't have to worry about him dragging you through the muddy courts. He'd be seen as plotting this whole transfer as a means to escape and you would be…well; you would be seen as the idiot who let him escape.
"If we're tossing around the blame Doctor Bloom, you would do to accept your fair share. You planted the idea that I was unethically manipulating Gideon."
"Well according to Gideon, you were."
"After you told him I was! You thought I was manipulating him? He was manipulating you!" Chilton taunted as Oliveah thought back to the first time she had laid eyes on Abel Gideon in the bowels of the hospital…
(Flashback)
"I believe you need to introduce yourself young lady. It's only manners," Gideon spoke as Oliveah stood behind Alana Bloom.
"Doctor Gideon, my name is Oliveah Adler and I am a student in Psychology at the university" she began as Gideon cut her off with agitation…
"You were pushing him Frederick," Bloom spat as Will moved to her side.
"He gave me informed consent to treat him; said that he was "grateful" for my help and for the understanding of who he is."
"What did you help him understand?" Will questioned as he crossed his arms over his chest.
"He was not insane when he killed his wife. Killing her drove him insane. I did not convince him that he was a serial killer. I just reminded him of the fact that he is a killer."
"Gideon is not the Chesapeake Ripper although he might have thought he was under your care Doctor Chilton."
"Whether he is or he isn't doesn't really matter right now. If he thinks he is, or even if he's confused on that issue he will kill again!" Bloom spat as she came to stand in front of Oliveah.
"I hope he does not…for your sake, and yours Miss. Adler. I can't imagine how you would be able to sleep with that resting on your shoulders."
"HOW DID YOU SLEEP WHEN GIDEON KILLED YOUR NURSE!?"
Hearing Bloom's shout, Oliveah looked at her and backed out of the way as Will grabbed her shoulder.
"What does Gideon want?"
"The last thing that Abel Gideon said to me is that he intends to tell everyone that he is the Chesapeake Ripper," Chilton spoke as he turned his eyes onto Oliveah.
"You had best be prepared Miss. Adler for whatever is coming all of our ways."
…
Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland…
Wednesday, December 9th
Pulling on her white knitted hat and mittens, Oliveah stepped out into the late afternoon and breathed in the cold air, feeling the sudden urge to cough. She had managed to spend an uninterrupted morning and afternoon with her thesis and a set of engravings by William Hogarth on his Four Stages of Cruelty in a quiet corner of the library. Sneaking in her thermos of coffee and leftover shepherd's pie from the night before, she had felt this day to be the most productive since she had started working for Alana Bloom, and as she walked past the crowded bus stop, she smiled as she decided to walk.
The downtown business traffic kept her company as she popped into a Starbucks coffee shop to warm her cheeks. Exiting with a grande latte, she felt the snowflakes against her face as she turned down Layfette Ave. Hearing the ring of a church bell signally the hour, Oliveah raised her eyes and saw a tall steeple off to her right. Feeling the sting on her cheeks, her eyes found the stone sign advertising the building as Corpus Christi Catholic Church and as she focused on the stain glass window above a double set of doors, she made a hard right and walked up the three stone steps and into the building.
I can't even remember the last time I stepped foot in a church
Slowly making her way down the hallway, her nose caught the scent of wet wool, mothballs, and bleach while her ears picked up the faint notes of an organ. Spying marble columns lined left and right, she walked down the aisle and saw the flickering of small tea lights on a ledge beneath a life size statute of the Virgin Mary. She had given up any thoughts of prayer and religion before her mother died and had given up on the idea of God the first time her step-father Tom in a drunken binge had tried to pull her onto his lap.
Taking a seat in one of the pews near the front, her eyes fell on two older women bent over in prayer, and a middle-aged man holding a rosary between his hands. Staring at the front of the alter, Oliveah heard soft voices whispering behind her and as she turned around in the pew, her eyes rose to the upper level where the organ was situated and caught sight of young boys dressed in white choir outfits.
Soft, high pitched notes began to echo off of the Church walls as all the boys held up song books and focused on the conductor.
Hark! How the bells
Sweet silver bells
All seem to say,
"Throw cares away."
Christmas is here
Bringing good cheer
To young and old
Meek and the bold
"Carol of the Bells" Oliveah whispered as she watched the boys sing with their whole hearts.
Ding, Dong, Ding, Dong…..
"The boys are from St. Paul's Cathedral Choir visiting from London."
Hearing a voice speaking to her, Oliveah turned around and fixed her eyes on an attractive man before her eyes lowered onto his collar. "I'm sorry if I'm not supposed to be in here… Father," she began as the Priest shook his head.
"Nonsense. Everyone is welcome in His house. The choir was practicing for our Christmas Eve service in less than three weeks' time" he spoke as he held out his hand. "I'm Father Anthony Mallory and you are?"
"Oliveah Adler" she spoke shaking the man's firm hand.
"You've never visited us here before have you, Oliveah."
"I'm…not much of a Church goer," she confirmed as Father Mallory pulled a green pamphlet out of his sport jacket pocket.
"Please, come see us on Christmas Eve, there will be two services, and the boy's will be singing a selection of carols along with our children's pageant."
Taking the folded paper, Oliveah smiled and nodded her head as she tucked it into her bag. Looking at her watch, she counted two hours still to kill before her scheduled appointment with Doctor Hannibal Lecter.
…
Dr. Hannibal Lecter's Office, 687 Bayshore Ave, Baltimore Maryland…
5:59pm
Sitting on the edge of the chair in Doctor Lecter's waiting room, Oliveah drummed her fingers on her knees as she took in a deep breath.
Please, please, please let this go well…
Hearing the office door open, she swallowed hard before bringing her eyes up and onto Hannibal's face.
"Good evening Ms. Adler, please come in" he offered, holding the door open as Oliveah slipped through the small space between Lecter and the door frame. Hearing the door close, her ears picked up the sound of the deadbolt and felt a shiver from the sudden warmth of the room. Slipping off her peacoat, she knew he would be standing right behind her as she felt light fingers along her shoulders.
"I was surprised to hear the time stamp of your phone call," Hannibal spoke as he closed the closet door and moved to his desk. Slipping off his black suit jacket, he hung it on the back of his leather chair and shoved his hands in his pant pockets as he studied Oliveah's face.
"Would you care for a drink?"
Nodding her head, Oliveah watched as Hannibal turned towards the private exit. "Do you have something strong? Something to take the chill of spending hours in a poorly heated University library out of my bones?"
Feeling the corners of his lips twitching, Hannibal walked to the large dark wood hutch and opened both doors at once. Taking out two crystal tumblers, he took down a dark bottle with a gold plaque mounted on the front and poured.
"50-year-old Chivas Regal Royal Salute, released in the year 2003 as a commemorative edition to honor Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth's Fifty years on the English Throne" he educated, handing Oliveah one of the tumblers. Taking a seat across from her, Hannibal gently swished the golden liquid and brought it up just under his nose.
"You've never tasted scotch before, have you?"
Hearing his question, Oliveah took a small sniff of the strong liquid and licked her lips.
"Is it that obvious?"
Focusing his eyes over his glass, Hannibal started to gently swish the liquid around in the glass as Oliveah followed.
"Before the first sip, you want to savor the scent, and then you take a small sip allowing the liquid to rest along your tongue before you swallow."
Feeling his accented words mixing in with the warmth of the room, Oliveah took a small sip and felt the burn in her throat. Letting out a deep cough, she felt her face burning as Hannibal stood up and took the tumbler from her fingers.
"Scotch is not for the faint of heart. Perhaps a lesson for another time" he spoke, taking another sip from his own glass.
"I agree." Feeling the tips of his fingers brushing against hers, she couldn't help but shiver as his words whispered in her head…
"…to rest along your tongue before you swallow."
Taking the tumblers back to the hutch, Hannibal returned to his seat and crossed his legs. "I have no wish to see you here today Miss. Adler as a patient" he announced as Oliveah felt her confusion growing.
"You don't?" she asked, feeling the heat returning to her face.
Why did he return my phone call and ask me to come in then?
"I would like this to be a conversation between two colleagues and friends. Doctor-Patient confidentiality will of course be honored, but not with that title. I hope this will be suitable for you?"
Looking to the glass table beside Hannibal, she saw no electronics, pen, or notebook for recording their conversation.
"You won't be recording our conversations?"
"No, I will not."
Nodding her head, Oliveah scanned her eyes around the room and took in the framed artwork hanging on the walls.
But you will remember them all Hannibal
"This is your hour Miss. Adler, what would you like to talk about?"
"I kissed you, last week" she blurted out, feeling her face flush as Hannibal shifted not an inch in reaction.
"Yes, you did."
"I want to apologize for that, it was unprofessional and if Doctor Bloom finds out…"
"You should never apologize for passion Miss. Adler, and I have no plans to disclose our private business to Alana Bloom or to anyone else," he confirmed without blinking as Oliveah nodded her head.
Our private business
But it was just a kiss…
"I called you at five-thirty in the morning because I had just woken up from a dream. Well, no, it was a flashback of an event that took place when I was fourteen years old. But…there have been more flashbacks as of late and I don't know if it's because of what I've seen working with Dr. Bloom or from what is going on with Will that is triggering my memory" she began, closing her mouth as Hannibal tapped a finger against his knee.
"Oliveah, tell me about your childhood."
Feeling her back go stiff, Oliveah took a deep breath before staring into the Doctor's dark eyes.
Of course, it all goes back to childhood
"I was born to a mother who turned to drugs and a father I never met. My mother married a man that forced me to grow eyes in the back of my head and to sleep with a Swiss army knife under my pillow. The only family member who ever showed me kindness ate a shotgun and growing up in downtown Toronto, my textbooks and desire to learn led me to believe that I only had to wait until I graduated at eighteen to be…free" she breathed, suddenly finding it difficult to keep eyes with Hannibal Lecter.
"Turns out, I just had to wait until my step-father murdered two police officers for me to be sent to Children's Aid."
"Ms. Adler, I want you to close your eyes."
Hearing his direction, Oliveah blinked in surprise but followed his command.
Closing her eyes, she felt vulnerable as her mind immediately brought up the bloody nosed face of Courtney Bond. Staring into the girl's face, Oliveah felt her lips parting as she remembered the blood drops on the washroom floor.
"Tell me about the relative with the shot gun."
Keeping her eyes closed, Oliveah laid her hands on her thighs and flexed her fingers.
"My step-brother Michael was released from the Canadian military and the day he came home, I…found him dead in the bathroom."
"You have a great attention for details Oliveah, what do you remember?" Hannibal questioned as Oliveah moistened her lips.
"I…couldn't push the door open all the way because his body was slumped against the wall. I tried not to step in the blood but I had to" she breathed, flexing her fingers as Hannibal watched her hands.
"I'd never seen a dead body before and all I did was stare at him. I just…stared at the pieces of his skull and the blood that painted the walls."
"What did you feel while staring at him?"
Licking her lips, Oliveah keep her eyes closed as she brought two fingers up against her mouth.
"I sat down on the floor and I touched his brain. I…I wanted to feel it, see it, I…held a piece of it in my hand and I…tasted it" she coughed before covering her mouth with the palm of her hand.
Hearing her words, Hannibal felt his heartbeat quicken as he began to rub his tongue against his front canine tooth.
"Why would you taste a piece of your step-brother's brain?" he whispered as Oliveah suddenly blurted out.
"Because I really wanted to!"
Breathing in deeply, Hannibal sat forward on the edge of his chair and stared at the young woman across from him.
"Please, don't tell anyone, I can't….I can't…." Starting to hyperventilate, Oliveah opened her eyes to see Hannibal standing directly over her.
"Whyyy, why did I want to do that?" she cried throwing her hands up to her face.
"Oliveah…look at me."
Hearing his calm voice, she gripped the arms of her chair and threw her eyes up to his face as she felt his fingers inching along her jaw.
"How can you even stand to be in the same room with me after I've told you this?"
…
Jack Crawford's Office, BSU, FBI Academy, Quantico, VA…
One week later
"Alana, I know you have a class to teach in a few minutes so I will not waste any time."
Shifting in her chair, Oliveah folded her hands in her lap as Agent Jack Crawford rounded his desk and crossed his arms over his broad chest.
She had driven down to Virginia to assist Dr. Bloom with her final Societal Reaction Theories in Criminology lecture before the Academy students went off for Christmas break and was hoping to make it back to Baltimore with enough time to swing by campus for some more research in the University archives. Truth be told, she had offered to travel at the last minute to avoid being in the Baltimore area after her session the week previous with Dr. Lecter. She had told him one of her darkest memories from her youth, and she had felt a deep unspoken connection to him that terrified her.
"Does this have something to do with Abel Gideon Jack?" Alana questioned, crossing her legs as the office door opened to reveal a tall man wearing a red tie.
"Ah, Agent Pelly, come in. Yes, Alana, our meeting concerns Dr. Gideon. We know that Gideon was returning to Baltimore on foot, and we are anticipating that he may attempt to target his psychiatrists both past and present in an effort to showcase that he believes he is the Chesapeake Ripper or to antagonize the real Ripper."
"You believe that Dr. Gideon, if given the chance would come after Dr. Bloom? If there was anyone that he might target it would be Dr. Chilton in a heartbeat." Staring straight into Crawford's eyes, Oliveah felt the judgement and waited for his insult that would remind her of where she was and who just whom exactly she was speaking with.
"Ms. Adler, you're not the first person to bring that to my attention. Until Abel Gideon has been captured or killed, Dr. Bloom you will be set up with a police escort provided by the Bureau."
Nodding her head, Alana sighed as she checked her watch.
She's irritated; I would be too.
"And now we come to you Ms. Adler."
Hearing her name, Oliveah brought her eyes up to Jack and saw the piece of paper in his hands.
"Ms. Adler, you are also on the list."
"What?"
"You were in contact with Gideon in Chilton's Asylum…"
"I've only met him once and that was with Dr. Bloom over his insistence that he is Baltimore's Chesapeake Ripper" she spoke as Crawford drop the paper, not caring where it landed.
"We don't want to take any chances, but we believe your priority is low and as such, you will not be assigned an Agent as you are not employed by the BSU or the FBI; instead, Dr. Lecter has come forward and offered to house you."
Catching Bloom's face turning towards her, Oliveah held up her hands and attempted to make a case for herself.
"House me? Agent Crawford, I am not a child. I am a student who shares a townhouse with two male roommates. I'm not in the phone book and I've only met Abel Gideon once for about ten minutes and chances are he wouldn't even recognize me if he saw me on the street…" she pleaded, watching as Crawford folded his arms once more.
God I really don't like him
"And that is precisely why, you will be watched over. Dr. Gideon may attempt to send a message by focusing on you thinking that we wouldn't.
"This is nothing like the movies" Oliveah muttered as Crawford caught her words.
"No Ms. Adler, it isn't."
Walking out of Crawford's office, Oliveah swung her shoulder bag over her arm and started to follow Bloom when the professor turned around.
"Oliveah, I would like to talk to privately for a minute, here…"
Shit. This is going to be about Will Graham.
Entering into an empty dim light conference room, Oliveah heard the door shut as she turned to face Alana Bloom.
"I have to ask this Oliveah, but Agent Crawford told me you were with Will Graham at the hospital the night Dr. Sutcliffe was found dead."
"Yes, I was."
I have to lie about this
"Can I ask why? When I specifically told you to contact me if he tried to get in contact with you?"
Hearing the faint ringing of a mobile phone as shadows crossed the hallway, Oliveah folded her hands behind her back.
"Will Graham asked me to drive him to his second MRI, because he didn't feel confident driving alone" she lied, staring at Bloom.
I should tell you that he feels everyone is giving up on him, even you Dr. Bloom
"Are you involved with Will Graham outside of business hours Oliveah?"
The question was not a complete surprise. She had wondered if Dr. Bloom would be brazen enough to even inquire.
Turns out, she was.
"Involved as in…"
Lowering her eyes, Alana pursed her lips as she crossed her arms over her chest.
"No Dr. Bloom, I am not involved with William Graham" she confirmed through gritted teeth.
I'm not involved with him physically, emotionally, or sexually. The kiss was a one-time thing.
"Well then I guess that's that."
Really Dr. Bloom? No questions to ask if I am going to take a run at Hannibal Lecter?
Of course not.
No one around here is in his league. Not even you.
Watching Bloom open the door, she stood aside and handed Oliveah her packet of graded papers.
"I want you to hand these back to the students, I have a phone call to make."
…
50 Minutes Later…
"You should be grateful that Hannibal offered you his services."
His services?
"I don't think it's necessary in the slightest" Oliveah muttered as she watched Bloom power down her Mac Pro and wrap up her power cord.
"Hannibal is being a consummate professional Oliveah, I would suggest that your attitude with him is a bit more pleasant than with Jack Crawford."
Biting her tongue, Oliveah felt the blood draining from her face as she sat down at the lecture table.
What in the fuck is with her? She seems to think that I am secretly sleeping with Will Graham and running around in the night behind her back
"I would ask if you are my protective custody, but Agent Pelly is stationed outside."
Hearing Dr. Bloom's voice, Oliveah lifted her head and pressed her lips tightly together as Will slowly walked into the empty lecture hall. Spying his hands in his pockets, she debated whether to leave without being asked, or stay until Dr. Bloom threw her out.
"You heard" he replied, shifting his eyes onto Oliveah who kept her own eyes focused on the course syllabus at her fingertips.
"I heard I get an armed escort until Gideon is apprehended."
Halting in his steps, Will stood in the middle of the room and looked around at the empty seats.
"Well, you'll have a real FBI agent and not a teacher with a temporary badge" he spoke, watching as Bloom rounded the desk.
"Too bad, it would have been fun to cozy up with your dogs in front of a space heater."
Jesus, if I excuse myself now, she's going to think that I am some sort of jealous bitch while she shamelessly flirts with a man she insists she is not dating.
I like you Will Graham, but not enough to lose my job before graduation
"Don't need protective custody to cozy up with my dogs or me for that matter. I just need a little more…um…stability on my part."
Raising her eyes, Oliveah remained silent as she watched Bloom walk up to Will and stop a mere foot in distance. Reaching out, she touched his cheek and furrowed her eyebrow.
"You're really warm."
"Yeah, I tend to run hot. They say stress tends to raise the body temperature" he replied, moving past her and taking a seat on the edge of the desk, being careful not to bump Oliveah.
It's like the snowstorm and the power outage in my bedroom never happened
"Maybe you should take an aspirin."
"Way ahead of you." Pulling out a small white bottle from his pocket, he shook it slowly before setting it down on the edge of Oliveah's desk.
"Jack told me all your MRI scans came back normal."
"My medical history is quickly becoming public knowledge I see" Will spoke as he folded his hands together in his lap.
"How are you doing Oliveah?"
Raising her eyes, Oliveah stared into Will's face and nodded her head.
"I'm doing well, just helping Dr. Bloom with the final class of the semester" she smiled, tapping the syllabus with her thumb.
"They're going to kill Gideon aren't they?"
The lecture hall fell silent as all three bodies in the room knew the exact answer to Bloom's question.
"Whatever happens to him, it has nothing to do with you. You didn't have anything to do with Abel Gideon thinking he was the Chesapeake Ripper. You contact was not influential Alana."
"Gideon can't be completely responsible for his actions if he was subjected to an outside influence and I believe Frederick was responsible for that" she replied as Oliveah nodded her head.
"Like Chilton telling him he is the Ripper?"
"Like me, telling him he is not in a state of mind to know who he is."
"Well, he's going to want someone to tell him who he is, and I think he will be looking for the true Ripper to do that. A verbal and physical teaching if you will" Will added
"What do you think will happen if Gideon finds the real Chesapeake Ripper?"
"Dr. Gideon won't stand a chance" Oliveah spoke out as Will cleared his throat.
"Chesapeake Ripper will kill him. Gideon took credit for his work. The Ripper would consider that rude" he dragged out as he looked to Oliveah's hand resting flat on the table.
"I also think that anyone who comes into contact with the Ripper and makes the connection, he will exemplify to show his power" Will whispered as he lowered his eyes and stared into Oliveah's pale face.
"What power is that?"
Searching Oliveah's eyes, Will frowned as he felt Alana's shoulder move against his.
"The power that makes him think he is God"
…
It was agreed that she would make the hour and a half journey back to Baltimore in her own vehicle, upon which she would inform Dr. Lecter when she had arrived home and for him to retrieve her.
Gripping her steering wheel tightly with one hand, Oliveah felt the anger growing in her stomach as she chuckled out loud to the empty seats.
"What a fucking day" she breathed as she hit the knob to the radio and pressed the search button. Switching the frequency to AM, she landed on 810 WYRE and in the middle of a remix by The Chainsmokers. Maxing the volume out, she pressed her foot down on the accelerator and sped past a yellow school bus and a slow moving transport before changing into the right lane.
And I can't stop
No I can't stop
Drumming her fingers against the wheel to the beat of the music, her eyes caught the flash of her mobile phone on the passenger seat beside her backpack.
Grabbing the device, she held it up to her ear without checking the number.
"Hello?"
"Oliveah, it's Andrew. Elliot and Amanda are coming over and we are having a Batman marathon if you can believe it. Can you stop by Isabella's Brick Oven and pick up the pizza's we've ordered? It's under my name."
Mentally tallying the amount of cash she had in her wallet, she was about to make an excuse for her lack of funds when Tyler came on the line.
"Never mind Olive, we are gonna walk. I can't bear to eat a whole margherita pizza without some justification for walking two miles. Get here soon!"
Hearing the line go dead, she tossed the phone onto the seat and hummed.
"Sorry guys, but because Jack Crawford thinks a five-minute meet and greet with the Chesapeake Ripper imposter warrants personal protection, I won't be joining in."
Staring at the road, Oliveah blinked quickly as car headlights sped past.
"Why would you offer to be my protection Dr. Lecter?"
"Why…?"
Why?
…
North Clinton Street, Baltimore, MD
"What the hell do you mean the FBI thinks that the Chesapeake Ripper is going to come after you?
Pulling off her top and tossing it into her laundry bin before turning to the closet for a black longsleeve with a vneck cut, Oliveah sighed as she pulled it over her head, ignoring Tyler's judging eyes.
"Jack Crawford believes that Abel Gideon may try and target those who have been in contact with him as of late. I happened to be with Doctor Bloom when she went into the hospital to interview him."
"So, you basically saw the psycho from behind plate glass for all of ten minutes, and now you are getting police protection?"
"Not the police…Doctor Lecter…"
"Doctor Hannibal Lecter? Doctor Lecter is going to be your protection. You really think a wealthy snob can protect you? Did you not mention to the FBI that you live with two men who could probably do a better job? Granted…we have no caviar or champagne….
Hearing the ding of the doorbell, Oliveah threw her eyes towards her bedroom door as Tyler straightened up.
"I suppose that is your knight in shining armor Hannibal Lecter?"
"Tyler, I didn't ask for this to happen. I tried to put up a fight to Agent Crawford…"
Pushing himself off the doorframe, Tyler stared her down before turning hard on his booted heel.
"Well let's make sure your knight knows that he has to protect you at all cost!"
Rolling her eyes as she grabbed her phone, Oliveah followed her housemate down the stairs and paused on the final step as her eyes met Hannibal's.
"Good evening Oliv…"
"Doctor Lecter isn't it?"
Shifting his dark eyes onto the young sweat shirted boy who stood to the left of Oliveah, Hannibal nodded his head just as Oliveah opened her mouth to intercept.
"I am."
"Olive here has told me that she is to be in your company for protection from that killer that's been all over the news."
Folding his hands behind his pea coated back, Hannibal again nodded his head.
"That is correct. Abel Gideon is, the supposed Chesapeake Ripper."
Jesus Christ…this is intense….
"I tell you this. You had better keep her safe if that asshole decides to try anything," Tyler commanded before looking back to Oliveah.
Breathing deep as he watched the boy lay his hand on Oliveah's arm, Hannibal refused to blink. "Young man, I give you my word. And I always keep my word."
Feeling Tyler's hand on her arm, she offered a weak smile as she stepped towards the Doctor.
Air
Fresh air…now!
Stepping around the door that was held open for her, Oliveah felt Hannibal's strong hand pressing hard against her lower back as Tyler spoke once more from the doorway behind her.
"Make sure you text me!"
…
Dr. Hannibal Lecter's Residence, 51 Springlake Way, Baltimore, MD
8:12pm
Stepping over the threshold of the front entrance, Oliveah heard keys settling into Dr. Lecter's peacoat pocket as she stood aside in his warm foyer.
Flipping on the light, Hannibal held out his hand for Oliveah's coat and hung it in the dark closet next to his.
"This really isn't necessary," Oliveah muttered as Hannibal stepped aside.
"I absolutely agree but for now, Jack Crawford believes that you would be safest in my presence. Despite what that boy may think."
Why do I believe that somehow, that isn't exactly true?
"He wouldn't have me stay with Dr. Bloom as it poses a conflict of interest both professionally and academically, and he wouldn't stick me with Will Graham because..."
"Because Jack Crawford thinks there is something going on between you and Will Graham."
"You are the second person today to mention that," Oliveah spoke as Hannibal slipped his hands into his dark navy blue dress pant pockets.
Am I correct Oliveah?
"He chose you because we have no ties to each other," she finished, catching Lecter's lips parting.
"That's not entirely true, according to Jack's knowledge. You may be interested to know that I offered to watch over you after Agent Crawford confided to me a list of Abel Gideon's past and present Psychiatrists."
Right
I've kissed Will and nearly slept with him on a cold, powerless night
I've kissed you Dr. Lecter and am trusting you with all my nearest and deepest childhood traumas but not as a patient
So who am I more invested with?
Nodding her head, Oliveah followed Dr. Lecter down the hallway and into the open living room. Staring at the fireplace situated against the wall, she shivered as the warmth of the room settled onto her shoulders.
"Have you eaten this evening?"
Hearing his question, she followed him into the stainless steel kitchen and walked up to the island.
"I wouldn't mind something small" she replied, watching as Hannibal opened the fridge and took out a bunch of small, waxed wrappings followed by white truffles. Holding up a small parcel, he peeled back the wrapping and took a deep breath.
"Tartufi bianchi, white truffles."
Setting the items down, he moved to a wicker basket on the far counter and took out two sausage links. Pouring two glasses of Batard-Montrachet wine, Hannibal handed one to Oliveah as she nodded her head in thanks.
We have no caviar or champagne…
"I'd like to thank you Dr. Lecter for this evening and for offering your assistance for my safety."
God I'm pathetic
Hearing her words, Hannibal raised his eyes and offered a soft smile.
"Your company is always a pleasure Ms. Adler."
Watching the Doctor expertly slicing and arranging the plate, Oliveah took a large sip of her wine and tapped her thumb against the countertop.
"Is there anything I can help with?"
Wiping his hands on a hand towel, Hannibal took up the plate and nodded towards his glass.
"If you could carry my glass, we will relax in my study upstairs." Following Hannibal up the dark blue carpeted staircase, Oliveah's eyes moved to the framed pictures and original paintings that littered the walls as they reached the second level. Having never been in this part of the house, she found her curiosity growing with each dark room that they passed.
Have we passed his darkened bedroom?
Entering a large dark room, Oliveah stood still as the area slowly started to glow with soft expensive looking table lamps. Bending towards a second fireplace, she watched as Hannibal struck a match and stood back from the small logs.
God, this is….
Returning to her side, he gently took the steam of his wine glass avoiding her fingers and motioned for Oliveah to take a seat in one of the brown leather chairs that were side by side with a small wooden table in between. Taking a seat on the edge of the cushion, she sat up straight as Hannibal stretched his legs out towards the fire.
"What is on your mind right now Oliveah?"
Hearing his question, Oliveah turned her eyes and noticed his comfortable position.
"I have a lot on my plate right now" she whispered, noticing the untouched plater placed on the table between them.
"You have no obligations or deadlines to meet this evening. You can simply…relax," Hannibal spoke as he laid his head back and closed his eyes.
"Why aren't you married?"
"I enjoy my privacy."
Watching her eyes, Hannibal reached out and took a thin slice of caciocavallo podolico cheese between his fingers before taking a small bite.
"Please, eat."
Taking a few bites of the unknown cheese, Oliveah stared at the creamy white filling just as Hannibal opened his mouth to speak. "Caciocavallo podolico from the southern part of Italy. The milk used for the filling comes from a specific cow which only lactates in the months of May and June" he spoke, catching Oliveah's cocked eyebrow.
"Beats the greasy mozzarella I would have had covering my pizza tonight if I had been at home with my roommates," she replied as Hannibal finished the piece between his fingers without a comment.
He and I are on two entirely different playing fields
Eating a few more pieces of the cheese and some sausage, she was beginning to feel the warmth from the flames enveloping her along with the delicious white wine. Closing her eyes, she laid her head back against the leather, and let out a full breath.
Observing his young guest, Hannibal took a sip of his wine before lightly running his fingertips over Oliveah's knuckles. Hearing her low moan of content, Hannibal felt his lips spreading into a smirk as he gently massaged the skin between her fingers with his own.
Opening her eyes, Oliveah looked to her hand resting on the arm of the leather chair and watched as Hannibal's fingers moved along hers. The soft movements were foreign to her and as she raised her eyes to his face, the silence of the room was broken by a deep sounding doorbell.
"Do you have to answer that?"
Hearing the words as they left her mouth, Oliveah took in a deep breath and felt her face flush.
"I'm sorry, just…caught up in the moment" she flushed as Hannibal rose to his feet fastening the buttons of his suit jacket.
"If ever there would be an individual to feel my wrath, it would be whomever is on the other side of my front door at this very moment."
Watching the Doctor exit the study, Oliveah felt an uneasy feeling in her stomach and chest as she held the dark look in his eyes in her mind. The same dark look he had given her as he raised the stag statute above his head before bringing it down with a sickening crack over Tobias Budge's skull.
"What the hell Oliveah…" she whispered to herself as her mind began to race.
You really shouldn't be here Oliveah
Staring down into her half empty wine glass, she brought it up to her lips and gulped it all before feeling the burn in the back of her throat…
Walking down the grand staircase, Hannibal lifted his eyes to the ceiling above as he hit the final step. The last person to disturb him at his front door had found themselves frozen from the neck down as he expertly removed their set of kidneys and pancreas before making a delicious pate that was served at a Board of Directors meeting.
Pulling his eyes away from the ceiling, the house rang once more with the bell chimes as he walked past the foyer and into the dark library that faced the east section of the street. Moving to the old wooden desk that had once belonged to his Uncle Robertus, he pulled open the bottom drawer and withdrew a rectangle silver box.
Tucking the single syringe into his jacket pocket as he walked, Hannibal pulled open the front door as his lips pursed in distain almost instantly as his eyes fell upon the face of Abel Gideon before catching sight of Will Graham standing directly behind.
Just perfect.
…
Rubbing her hands together, Oliveah looked at her watch and blinked in surprise to see that nearly twenty minutes had passed since Dr. Lecter had left to answer the her foot starting to fall asleep, she rose from her chair and went to stand in front of the fire before bending down and tossing a small piece of birch wood into the flames.
Before pulling into the alleyway beside her townhouse, she had circled the block once to hear the full weather forecast for the City of Baltimore and had felt the shivers run down her spine as the announcer talked of abnormal below freezing temperatures and the call for heavy snow over the next few days.
Standing in front of the fire, her mind began to race as she smoothed her fingers along her loose hair.
"Right, he wouldn't be taking the time to lead me on if he didn't want me around" she whispered, rubbing her hands together as the flames warmed her thighs.
Hannibal Lecter…
"I DON'T CARE WHO I AM! JUST TELL ME IF HE IS REAL?"
Turning away from the fireplace, Oliveah stared at the empty dark doorway as the shouting died down.
What the hell was that?
Straining her ears, she listened for any voices or movements before moving to the edge of the doorway.
"Hannibal?"
Calling out his name, she was met with no response as she slowly began to walk down the hallway towards the staircase…
"Who do you see Will?"
"Garret Jacob Hobbs. Who do you see?"
"I don't see anyone."
Listening to the muffled voices coming from the dining room, Oliveah slowed her steps and listened from around the corner of the dining room.
Is that Will Graham?
"Nnnooo, he's right there" Will sputtered as his hand shook violently.
"There's no one there Will."
Hearing Dr. Lecter's voice, Oliveah slowly rounded the corner and took in the sight unfolding in front of her.
"No, you're lying."
"Oh my god…"
Hearing the woman's words, Hannibal Lecter slowly turned around as Oliveah's eyes fell upon Will with his arm outstretched and pointing a gun at a seated figure at the end of the long dining table.
"Well well, good evening Miss. Adler."
Hearing her name, her eyes followed the length of Will's arm until she found the source of the welcome.
Watching Abel Gideon's lips part into a smile as he remained seated in place at the table, Oliveah threw her eyes onto Hannibal who stood tall with his hands clasped over his front.
"Dr, Lecter…"
"We are alone Will, you came here alone, do you remember coming here?" Lecter questioned, slowly reaching into his suit pocket and withdrawing the small, capped needle. Gently pulling off the cap, he let it fall to the floor as he turned around to face Oliveah.
"Dr. Lecter…I'm going to call…" it was then that she spied the needle in his left hand. Feeling the blood draining from her face, she took a step backwards just as Hannibal lunged at her and pulled her tightly against his body. Letting out a short scream, Oliveah felt the needle drive into the side of her throat as she felt light headed. Catching the girl in his arms as she went dead weight, Hannibal cradled her against his chest as he heaved her roughly onto the dining table, shoving the ostrich egg and feather display off the other side of the table and with a loud crash to the wood floor.
"PLEASE DON'T LIE TO ME!"
Hearing Will's pathetic cry, Hannibal felt the growl growing in his throat.
"GARRET JACOB HOBBS IS DEAD! You killed him. You watched him die Will!"
"WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ME?"
Watching the man in front of him starting to shake, Hannibal watched as Will's eyes rolled to the back of his head.
"Will…Will you're having an episode I want you to hand me the gun."
Quickly reaching down, Hannibal grabbed the handgun from Will's strong clenched fingers and as he sat it on the mantle ledge, he stared into the whites of William Graham's eyes.
"He's had a mild seizure." Taking the gun off the mantle he expertly cleared the chamber and took out each bullet from the clip one by one.
"That…doesn't seem to bother you" Gideon finally spoke as he rested his hands in his lap.
"I said it was mild."
Surveying the dining room, Gideon shook his head and chuckled.
"My word Dr. Lecter, do you ever have a full plate this evening."
Ignoring Gideon's snide words, Hannibal dropped the bullets into his pants pocket as he laid the handgun down on the table, inches from Oliveah's head.
"Are you the man who claims to be the Chesapeake Ripper?"
"Why do you say "claimed?" Gideon asked, arching his brow as Dr. Lecter pulled out a chair and took his seat at the head of the table, resting his hands lightly on Oliveah's splayed out hair.
"Because you're not. You know you're not, and you don't know much about who you are beyond that."
"Are you the Ripper?"
"Terrible thing to have your identity taken from you."
Silence fell over the dining room as Hannibal lowered his eyes onto Oliveah's sleeping face.
Pale and unblemished….so young you are Oliveah
"Well I'm taking it back. One piece at a time. You should see the pieces that I got out of my Psychiatrist" Gideon smirked as he pointed a finger at his sternum and dragged it down his chest.
Gently running his hands over Oliveah's hair, Hannibal lifted his hand and watched as the long strands fell through his fingers and back down onto the tabletop.
How I would love to see your hair fanned out over my pillow Oliveah
"Alana Bloom was one of your psychiatrists too, is that right?"
"Yes, Dr. Bloom and I guess this one right here as well though I don't think she likes me all that much" Gideon smiled, staring down at Oliveah's resting body inches from his grasp.
"I can tell you where to find Alana Bloom" he offered, watching as Gideon licked his lips.
"Or, you could allow me access to Miss. Adler who is conveniently set up as a main course right in front of me" Gideon purred, drumming his fingers lightly on the table top.
Feeling the low growl in his throat, Hannibal slowly looked to his left while folding his hands. "The killer in you would take part in a hunt instead of settling for the rabbit whose leg has been caught in a snare" he growled, watching Gideon as he narrowed his eyes in curiosity.
"Something tells me Doctor Lecter, that you don't like to share…"
This girl is mine Abel
"You will find Alana Bloom at 389 Woodland Drive NW in Washington D.C."
Smiling, Abel Gideon slowly rose to his feet and without a further word, turned and exited through the glass doors behind him.
…
Leading Will to sit down on the dark wood dining room chair, Hannibal sucked in a deep breath as he rounded the table to stand beside Oliveah's body. Sliding his arm under her legs, he easily hoisted her up into his strong arms and left the dining room. Slowly taking the carpeted stairs, he lowered his eyes onto Oliveah's face and watched as her cheek rolled to rest against his arm with a soft moan. Entering his bedroom, he moved towards the bed and laid her down on the royal blue fleece. Freeing her hair from under the constriction of her shoulders, Hannibal shoved his hands into his pockets as he stared down at the sleeping woman.
Pursing his lips, his eyes focused on the gentle rise and fall of her chest as the fingers of her right hand flexed. "Oliveah, Oliveah, Oliveah" he whispered, leaning close and touching his thumb along her bottom lip.
You have a choice to make when you wake…
…
Re-entering the dining room, Hannibal walked around the table and watched as Will raised his hand to rest against his forehead. Bending down, he picked up the shattered hollow ostrich shells and dark purple feathers before tossing them into the middle of the table.
"Dr. Lecter, what…"
Moving his eyes to his "guest," Hannibal sighed as Will rubbed the back of his neck.
"You had a seizure Will."
Rubbing his eyes, Will breathed deeply as he pulled the collars of his jacket away from his sweaty throat.
"Tell me the last thing you remember?"
"I was with Garett Jacob Hobbs" Graham spoke, as Hannibal nodded his head.
He doesn't remember anything, but Oliveah will
"You may have a fever. I'm going to call Jack Crawford to come and pick you up and take you to the hospital Will" Hannibal announced as he rose to his feet and moved to his peacoat that was resting on the back of the other chair.
Screwing his eyes shut tight, Will let out a deep cough as he opened his mouth to speak. "Where, are you going?"
"I'm worried about Alana. Frederick Chilton was found nearly completely gutted with a videotape Abel Gideon had made removing Frederick's "unnecessary organs."
Slowly rising from his chair, Will leaned against the tabletop as he whispered Alana's name.
"You are in no condition Will to be her knight in shining armor. I will call Jack and he shall be here in a few minutes. I will go to Alana." Slipping on his peacoat, Hannibal strode purposefully out of the dining room and made his way outside the back door. Keeping his hand wrapped around the handle, he closed his eyes as raised his face towards the cold full moon taking in a stinging lungful of cold winter air.
Pushing the door open slowly, he walked back towards the dining room and felt the smile spreading across his lips as his eyes saw no gun, and no car keys on the table.
Good boy Will
Taking off his coat, Hannibal pushed closed the double set of glass doors before licking his lips as he raised his eyes to the ceiling above. He needed to deal with Oliveah Adler immediately, for the longer she slept, the shorter amount of time he would have to offer his ultimatum…
To live, or to die.
…
Standing in the dark doorway to his bedroom, Hannibal shoved a hand in his pants pockets and slowly began walking towards the foot of the bed. Halting in his steps, his dark eyes settled on the young student who lay on his bed.
Sleeping beauty in the flesh
Moving to her left side, he sat down a glass of water wrapped in a white handkerchief on the wooden side table and took a light seat on the bed beside her arm. Pursing his lips, he reached into his suit pocket and pulled out a small bottle of smelling salts. Uncapping the glass, he brought it just under her nose and quickly pulled it back as Oliveah startled awake.
Heaving in her breathing, Oliveah scrambled up from the bed and banged her head hard on the headboard behind her, causing her to press her hands firmly into the mattress.
"Good evening Oliveah."
Turning her head to the man seated against her arm, Oliveah felt the blood in her face drain immediately as Hannibal trained his eyes on hers.
"Doctor Lecter…"
Catching the dryness in her throat the Doctor anticipated her side effect as he reached for the tall glass of filtered water that was wrapped in a white handkerchief.
"Drink the entire glass" he instructed, as Oliveah noticed that no lights had been turned on around her.
"Why are there no lights on? Where… are we?" she questioned trying to recognize something, anything familiar in the dark room.
"You are in my bedroom." It was all he said as Oliveah drained the glass completely before lowering it to rest on the bed sheet. Slowly moving her eyes from the darken doorway to the embers burning in the fireplace at the foot of the bed, she allowed him to take the empty glass and held her breath as it came to rest on the wooden floorboard with a gentle clink.
You need to get your ass out of here Oliveah
Right fucking now!
Hearing her conscience screaming, Oliveah shifted her arm as Hannibal leaned in close. Smelling his expensive aftershave, she attempted to shift over on the bed, but found herself trapped as the good Doctor trapped her with his other arm across her lap. Bringing his fingers up to the side of her throat, he touched the small needle prick before moving her hair to uncover the side of her neck.
"I…uh…."
"Oliveah, I know you remember everything that happened this evening, and this poses a problem for me."
Hearing his words, Oliveah tried to steady her breathing as Hannibal shifted his weight on the bed.
"Is Will alive?"
Hearing her whisper, Hannibal reached into his pants pocket and withdrew a few bullets before setting them to stand on the nightstand one by one. "He was taken to George Washington University Hospital and has been diagnosed with encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain."
Jesus, how long have I been here?
The room lapsed into silence as Oliveah felt her eyes wandering towards the open door of the dark room.
"What time is it?"
Bringing his watch up, Hannibal counted the minutes before staring straight into her eyes.
"It is ten minutes after two."
It's two in the morning. I've been here for hours…
"Oliveah, you saw Dr. Gideon seated at my dining table this evening."
Shifting uncomfortably as the doctor inched closer, Oliveah caught sight of the standing bullets on the nightstand.
"Is he dead?"
Searching her eyes, he reached up and brushed her bangs aside.
"He is not. But he was shot by Will outside Dr. Bloom's home. He is now back in police custody."
Are you the Ripper?
Hearing Gideon's voice in her head, Oliveah looked once more towards the bedroom door.
"Do you think you would make it if you ran?"
Hearing Hannibal's voice, Oliveah swallowed hard as she went pale…
Throwing her palm directly into Hannibal's face, she scrambled off the edge of the bed onto unsteady feet and lunged for the door just as a strong arm pulled her back, wrapping around her waist. Feeling strong fingers tightening against her throat, Oliveah felt her breath leaving her body as Hannibal rested his cheek against hers.
"It didn't have to be like this…"
"No. And…I don't want to run…" she answered truthfully, as Hannibal nodded his head.
Terrible thing to have your identity taken from you
"Abel Gideon was at your table."
"Yes, he was" Hannibal confirmed, as he continued to watch Oliveah's lips.
"He wanted to kill me."
"Yes, he did."
"But you wouldn't let him."
Remaining silent, Doctor Lecter reached towards the table lamp and switched it on, bathing them both in soft light.
"Why wouldn't you let him kill me?"
Because you're not. You know you're not, and you don't know much about who you are beyond that
"Had Abel Gideon touched a single hair on your head, I would have cut off every finger on his hand and fed them to him."
Gulping at the imagery, Oliveah slowly leaned her back to rest against the headboard as Hannibal pulled back. Reaching over to the nightstand, she picked up a single bullet and pressed the edge of her thumb against the tip.
"You kept your promise to Tyler," she whispered as Hannibal took the bullet from her fingers.
"I kept you alive not for the boy…"
"Abel Gideon is not the Chesapeake Ripper" she breathed, feeling a knot growing in her stomach.
"He is not. But you know who is. I want you to say it Oliveah."
Hearing his whisper, she knew exactly what he wanted to hear.
"Dr. Lecter, I don't…"
"SAY IT!"
Jumping at the sound of his deep voice rising into a shout, Oliveah pushed her back up hard against the bed's headboard as she watched him lean close towards her.
The Chesapeake Ripper kills in sounders of three. He did his first victims in nine days, Annapolis, Essex, and Baltimore…
I use the term sounders because it refers to a small group of pigs. That's how he sees his victims; not as people, not as prey, but simply as pigs…
Removal of organs and the abdominal mutilations may suggest someone with anatomical knowledge and know-how…
The Chesapeake Ripper is eating pieces of the human "pig..."
Feeling the bile rising up into her throat, Oliveah felt light headed as she tried not to throw up.
"You are the Chesapeake Ripper."
Feeling his lips parting into a small smile, he kept focused on her eyes as she felt numb all over.
"And how does this make you feel?"
I also think that anyone who comes into contact with the Ripper and makes the connection, he will exemplify to show his power
Blinking her eyes, Oliveah felt her own lips parting into a small smile that was neither forced nor natural.
Deep down inside, I'm just like him
"Privileged."
…
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