I do not own anything related to Hannibal, either through 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, traumas and sometimes hard to stomach scenes. I will give warnings at the beginning of chapters.
This story is rated M.
Chapter Thirteen
Song(s): O Holy Night (King's College, Cambridge Choir), God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (King's College, Cambridge Choir)
…
Stumbling backwards over the threshold of his doorway as the young woman practically threw herself into his arms, Hannibal Lecter grabbed the back of Oliveah's neck and squeezed hard with a growl as she released her arms. Silently, his eyes searched hers for an explanation for her showing up just past midnight at his home and he knew it had to do with the recent disappearances of Abigail Hobbs and Will Graham.
But right now, he could tell she was looking for a distraction from everything that she had no control over and conveniently, so was he; and he couldn't think of a better one than Oliveah Adler ever since he had first fantasied about tasting her skin.
Feeling Hannibal's hand against her ear, he lightly traced his fingertips along the outer edge of her lobe just as his dark eyes landed on a small smear of blood on the edge of his shirt cuff.
Abigail's blood
Moving his hand away from Oliveah's face, Hannibal turned towards the open front door and with a firm close, twisted the deadbolt locking her inside with him.
There is no running now Oliveah
Turning back around, he slowly closed in their distance and without words, scooped her up easily into his arms bridal style. Walking down the hallway, he slowly rounded the wooden corner banister and took the carpeted stairs one at a time, being careful with the precious cargo in his arms.
Holding her breath as Hannibal set her down on her feet at the top of the staircase, Oliveah felt his arm brushing against hers as his lips whispered against her ear.
"The bedroom door is open."
Glancing over her shoulder, she watched as Hannibal walked down the opposite hallway towards the study that she once stood in before finding out the truth about the Chesapeake Ripper. Swallowing the small lump in her throat, she slowly turned and stared at the bedroom in which the door was halfway open.
"I've laid on your bed Hannibal…"
Now, I will lay in between the crisp white linen sheets
Whispering to herself as she walked on shaky feet, Oliveah slowly pushed the door open with the palm of her hand and stood still. Allowing her eyes to fall over the perfectly made-up king-sized bed, she recognized the elegant blue blanket and the end table that had held her napkin wrapped glass of water the night she found out his identity.
Moving further into the bedroom, Oliveah walked to the fireplace at the foot of the bed and stared into the small flames as they danced and licked along the logs to keep the chill of the late December night at bay. Feeling a presence behind her, she held her breath as she felt Hannibal's fingers along the back of her neck. Closing her eyes, she tilted her neck as the Doctor's lips lightly kissed along the nap of her neck. Sucking in a deep breath, she was caught off guard by the grazing of his teeth along her shoulder as she felt him pulling the fabric of her shirt aside.
This was not some university hook up with sloppy hands
This was pure seduction
Feeling Hannibal's fingers lingering along the bottom of her top, Oliveah raised her arms and felt the garment fall to the floor at her feet.
"Take your hair down Oliveah."
Shivering as his accented words whispered her name against her ear, she reached up and pulled out the black hair elastic, feeling the strains falling onto her bare shoulders. Moving his eyes down the length of her naked back as he slowly turned her around to face him, Hannibal allowed his eyes to fall over Oliveah's throat, her clavicles, before coming to rest upon her breasts. Reaching out, he traced his fingers lightly over her breastbone before cupping both her breasts in his hands. She was too thin in his eyes due to her lousy student diet, but he would take care of that after this night. Submitting herself to him tonight would seal her fate forever to him.
You are mine Oliveah. To mold and shape like a simple piece of clay
Watching her fingers reaching out, he allowed her to unfasten the buttons of his dress shirt before tightly gripping her chin and hungrily pulling her into a deep kiss.
My god, he is just…
Stepping in closer, Oliveah felt the warmth of his bare chest against her breasts as she ran her hands up his arms, causing his shirt to fall to the ground around them. Feeling Hannibal's lips nipping along the side of her throat, she couldn't help but moan as his hands pulled her against his body. Unbuckling the black belt around his waist she was amazed at how built he was until she remembered that he was not just a psychiatrist with expensive and luxury taste.
He was a killer.
A serial killer who caught his prey with strength and intelligence. A killer who chose and subdued his prey with his own two hands.
Feeling herself being backed up against the edge of the bed, Oliveah sat on the end of the mattress as Hannibal traced his hands over her cheek bones.
"You are very beautiful Oliveah," he breathed as he felt the young woman beneath him inching up the length of the bed. Leaning over her as he parted her thighs with his leg, he dragged his lips up to her sternum. Hearing her moaning softly with his tongue darting out against his neck to taste her, he brought his hand to rest beneath her back and as she arched, he pushed forward without any control.
"Hannibal…"
Hearing her pant his name, he continued to thrust as Oliveah tightly gripped his shoulders before digging her fingernails against his skin. Letting out a deep groan, he pushed forward and tightly gripped Oliveah's wrists before holding them down against the white pillow.
Staring into his dark eyes, she struggled to catch her breath as Hannibal's lips kissed her cheek before settling on the vulnerable soft flesh of her neck. Breathing hard, she closed her eyes as she felt the scruff of his cheek against her.
This is what you wanted Oliveah
He is who you want
You are what he wants
Pushing her thoughts aside, she threw her eyes open as she felt the tightness in the bottom of her stomach. Rolling over, she was surprised to find herself on top of him as his hands slid to her hips, kneading her towards him as she leaned forward.
Oh my god….
Feeling the man beneath her shift, she took advantage of her position and felt the small smile on her lips as Hannibal pushed his head back against his pillow and let out a deep moan, gripping her hips tightly. Sliding her hand up his chest, she eased her fingers through his chest hair as he brought his lips up against hers once more.
Hearing a pop from the fireplace, Oliveah felt her back suddenly slammed against the mattress as Hannibal brought his fingers up against her throat. Giving it a light squeeze, his burgundy eyes searched hers as he pushed into her once more.
"Hannibal, I'm going to…"
Hearing her shallowed breathes, he refused to stop as Oliveah felt her orgasm wash over her entire body. Feeling his biceps beginning to shake, Oliveah watched as Hannibal closed his eyes and released himself inside of her with a slow, loud moan. Rolling over onto the empty side of the bed, he breathed in deep as he reached out and took her hand. Bringing her fingers to his lips, he laid her hand on his chest as she rolled over to face him.
You've made your bed with the Devil himself Oliveah.
There's no going back now.
…
December 23rd…
(Flashback)
"GET YOUR HANDS UP AND DROP THE GUN!"
Crawling away from the truck on an ankle she was sure was sprained, her eyes were blinded by the flashing blue and red lights that lit up the street as gun shots rang out around her. Closing her eyes, she laid her head back against the concreate and hoped to God one of the bullets would hit her…
"WE NEED EMT HERE RIGHT NOW!"
Hearing shouting all around her, she kept her eyes closed tightly as her ears picked up hurried breathing followed by the gentle touch of two fingertips against her neck. Flinching at the cold tips against her skin, she winced as the male officer shouted once more.
"MARKSEN! BRING ME ONE OF THE BLANKETS FROM THE BACK OF MY CRUISER, THIS GIRL IS ALIVE!"
I'm alive.
Hearing the words of her conscience, Oliveah slowly opened her eyes as a dusting of light snowflakes landed and sat on her chest while melting against the skin of her cheeks. Bringing her eyes up onto the face of the officer who peered over her, she held her breath as his dark burgundy eyes stared into her own. Holding out his hand to her, he gestured for her fingers and grinned when they made contact with his own.
"Ms. Adler, your fate lies with me…"
Slowly opening her eyes, Oliveah gently rolled to face her bedside table and frowned at the unfamiliar setting. Gone was her alarm clock, mobile phone, and cheap lavender candle from Target; instead, a partially empty glass of water and a silver lamp base centered in her vision as she lifted her head to take in the white lamp shade and the soft glow from the dying embers of the fireplace at the foot of the bed.
It was then that she remembered the night before.
Rolling onto her back and slowly sitting up, she clutched the white Egyptian cotton bedsheet and blue fleece against her naked chest as she fixed her eyes on the sleeping face of Hannibal Lecter lying next to her.
Spanning over Hannibal's naked arms, shoulders, and torso, she breathed in deeply as her mind flashed back to last night…
(Flashback)
Closing her eyes, she moaned as she felt his teeth brushing against her bare hip bone while her fingers ran through his hair.
Bringing his eyes up onto her face, he moaned against her skin as he breathed in deep.
"Your flesh, I will savor one day Oliveah…"
"Good morning."
Hearing Hanibal's voice just above a whisper, Oliveah watched as he reached his hand out and laid it palm down on the small of her naked back.
He feels so warm
"Hi" she replied as Hannibal let out a yawn.
What the hell happens now?
I show up here in the middle of the night, throw myself at him, sleep with the man and then…
"I…" she began just as Hannibal pulled her down to lie against his chest.
"You have nothing to be sorry about in regard to our evening together. We are human beings; Man, and Woman and I am certainly not sorry to have you in my bed this morning even if it was most unexpected," he purred as she felt his warm breath nuzzling against her ear. Feeling his fingers lightly caressing her hand, she felt his fingertips drawing closer to her chest before trailing down to caress her stomach. Feeling his lips lingering against her earlobe, Oliveah closed her eyes and tried to protest without much luck as his hand came to rest along her hip.
"Hannibal…I have so many questions" she whispered as the Doctor rolled her over and onto her back.
"All in good time," he breathed covering her lips with his own as he felt her hands gripping his biceps with his sudden thrust.
…
Later that morning…
Seated at the kitchen island in a dark green bathrobe embroidered with the initials H L above the left breast, Oliveah felt her stomach growl as she realized she hadn't bothered with anything for dinner the night before.
Watching the closing of the heavy stainless steel refrigerator door, she shifted her eyes to see Hannibal setting a large box of organic brown eggs and various fresh produce out on the counter. Rolling up the sleeves of his dark grey knitted sweater that he had casually thrown on after they had finally left the bed, he ran his hands under water before taking up his chef apron.
"One day, I shall teach you the basics of cooking. Not just a simple meal and preparation, but a full seven course dining experience," Hannibal spoke as Oliveah watched him toss an egg in the air and separate the shell easily in half with the sharp edge of a metal spatula.
"And the theatrics as well?" Oliveah added as Hannibal grinned and cracked more eggs.
God that man's smile…
"The meal does not begin seated at the table, the meal begins with choosing which flavors one desires to impress," he added, grabbing a metal whisk and blending both the yokes and whites. Satisfied with the eggs, Hannibal reached for two marble shakers containing kosher salt and white pepper before uncovering a glass butter dish.
"Now, he spoke resting his hands on the kitchen island as he fixed curious eyes on his guest. "What would you like in your French omelet?"
Wandering into the dining room with two cups of scalding hot coffee, Oliveah took a seat at the dining room table and moved her eyes to watch the beginnings of large heavy snowflakes falling into the walled backyard.
Such a beautiful scene
Pulling out her mobile, she spied a text message from Andrew and quickly glanced at the first few words asking where she was just as she heard plates rattling.
"A French omelet made to the lady's specifications of chopped green pepper, portabella mushrooms, sundried tomato, basil, and boursin cheese with a side of Spanish chorizo sausage," Hannibal spoke setting down a plate in front of Oliveah before tending to his own seating. Slowly turning his coffee cup around to grasp the handle, his eyes fell upon Oliveah's hands as they rested on either side of the untouched plate of food before moving up to her face.
She looked pale.
"You're not hungry this morning?" he questioned as Oliveah swallowed slowly.
"Who…who is this?"
Hearing her whispered words, he brought his eyes down to rest on the arrangement on her plate, and immediately knew what it was she was questioning.
"Whom" he corrected, bringing the coffee up to his lips before giving the steam a gentle cooling blow.
Still staring at her plate, Oliveah reached out and took up her fork as Hannibal's eyes watched intently.
Don't you ever forget whose company you are in Oliveah
Scooping up some eggs, she popped them into her mouth and chewed as the flavors of the spices mixed together around her taste buds.
"Are you going to answer my question?" she asked once more as Hannibal cocked his head.
"If I answer truthfully, you can no longer plead innocence" he confirmed as Oliveah rested her fork against the edge of her plate.
"I already know who you are and what you are capable of; my question is one of personal curiosity."
Setting his cup down, Hannibal Lecter took up his own knife and fork and sliced off a piece of sausage.
"Chorizo sausage is made from coarsely chopped pork and pork fat cased from natural intestines. The "sausage" that finds its place on our plates this morning was every bit of a sow" he growled.
His answer revealed everything she had asked for.
This was human flesh.
Female human flesh.
Watching the man seated across from her easily place the meat into his mouth, Oliveah took up her own knife and fork and sectioned off a small piece.
You've already made the decision to give yourself to him emotionally and sexually Oliveah. You know what he is and what he's done to other human beings.
He knows what lingers deep down inside of you, and he wants to draw it out
Little by little
And you want him to…
Bringing the fork to her mouth, she placed the spiced meat on her tongue and chewed slowly.
Was I expecting a significant taste? Was I expecting an obvious clue as to what animal I was eating?
Watching Oliveah chewing slowly, Hannibal smiled as he reached past his coffee cup for the wine glass filled with fresh, hand squeezed orange juice.
"Good girl" he encouraged as Oliveah sliced off another piece of meat.
…
Forty minutes later…
Downing the last dregs of her coffee cup, she finally felt full after a second omelet and as she replaced her cup down on the table, her ears picked up the distant ringing of a phone.
"Hmm."
Watching Lecter push his chair away, he tossed his napkin onto the table and disappeared around the corner and into the kitchen.
God, if Bloom or anyone else is on their way over here I'm gonna have to jump out the window with my clothes in my arms Oliveah thought sitting up straight and on the edge of her chair as Hannibal re-entered the dining room with an unreadable expression on his face.
"What's wrong?"
Moving his tongue against his back teeth, Hannibal brought his eyes up and let out a sigh.
"It's Will Graham."
…
Wolf Trap, VA…
Watching the snowy landscape as they left Baltimore enroute for Wolf Trap, Oliveah moved her fingers to her bangs and fanned them out as the damp ends stuck together. Disrupted by Will Graham's desperate plea for help, she had quickly showered and dressed in last night's clothes as Hannibal dressed in his customary three-piece suit.
The Bentley was silent as Oliveah caught sight of Hannibal pursing his lips before opening his mouth to speak. Thinking better, he closed his mouth and continued to drive in silence as thoughts ran ramped across her mind.
Will was alive and back home in Wolf Trap
But where was Abigail Hobbs?
Feeling a sinking feeling in her stomach, Oliveah turned her eyes to the snow-covered trees that lined their drive out of the City.
…
1hour later…
Hearing the gravel crunching beneath the vehicle's wheels, she felt a sense of anxiousness for what awaited them at the two-story white farmhouse at the end of the road.
Please Will, please be alright
Please let Abigail be with you
Slowly approaching the farmhouse, Oliveah's eyes caught a small movement on the front steps as Hannibal threw the car into park.
"He's sitting out on the stairs," she noted as Hannibal turned to her.
"Oliveah, I want you to know that there is a good possibility Abigail Hobbs is not here" he spoke as Oliveah sat still.
"You're suggesting that if…Abigail is dead, then Will would not have brought her here?" she questioned as Hannibal nodded his head.
"We all know the fragile state of Will's mind. His mental clarity has been quickly declining and I want you to be prepared" he added as Oliveah shook her head.
"I'm no shrinking violent Dr. Lecter, you know what I can handle" she spoke in a low tone as Hannibal nodded his head with a small pleasing smile.
And I would not have anyone else at my side at this very moment than you Oliveah Adler
Stepping out into the cool air, Oliveah felt the mud squishing under her boots as she rounded the front of the Bentley and kept pace behind Hannibal.
Where are the dogs?
Rounding the corner of the house, her eyes fell on the hunched over figure of the dark-haired man wearing grey sweats with his arms wrapped around his chest.
"Will?"
Hearing Hannibal's voice, Oliveah stood back and noticed that Will's feet were caked in dried mud.
Jesus, what the hell happened?
Slowly raising his head, Will stared into Hannibal's eyes just as he noticed Oliveah standing perfectly still just behind his right arm. Not acknowledging her presence, he tried to wrap his arms tighter to shield out the cold as he hung his head.
"I went to Minnesota. I took Abigail. She didn't come back with me."
It was all he said as Oliveah bit her lower lip. Feeling movement against her arm, she watched Hannibal as he checked his watch before offering out his hand.
"Show us Will."
Stepping into the house, Oliveah looked around and saw no dogs as Hannibal assisted Will towards the kitchen alcove.
"Where are the dogs Will?" she questioned as Will finally raised his eyes and registered her presence.
"Uh, I locked them upstairs" he muttered as Oliveah looked to Hannibal before hearing loud thumps and a yipe from the ceiling above.
"Leave them there Oliveah," he commanded as he straightened up to his full six feet in height. "And find some blankets."
Hearing Lecter's request, Oliveah rounded the corner and found herself standing in the middle of the main floor.
I have no idea where his blankets are kept she noted, turning around and moving over to the bed. Touching the white sheets, she pulled her hand back and felt the wetness on her fingers.
He has another fever.
But the encephalitis is gone.
Spying a green woolen army blanket folded on a rocking chair by the stone fireplace, she picked it up and made her way back to the hallway. Unfolding the blanket, she laid it around Will's shoulders as Lecter moved into the kitchen. Feeling Will's cold muddy fingers against hers as he pulled the blanket tight against his chest, Oliveah kept her hand on his shoulder as he looked up into her face.
"Why are you here?"
"I'm here for you Will; I'm concerned about you" she began as Will shook his head.
"No, why are you with Hannibal Lecter?"
Keeping her mouth shut, they both caught the sound of shoes becoming louder on the wooden floorboards as Hannibal reappeared at Will's side.
"Will, do you know where Abigail is?"
Hearing Oliveah's voice, Will shook his head as he stared down at his feet.
"Your feet are all muddy. Do you remember walking outside? Into the field?" Oliveah questioned a second time, having a vision of Will dragging a black garbage bag behind him marching out into the middle of the property with a shovel over his shoulder.
"I don't remember anything. All I know is that I was in Minnesota with Abigail Hobbs, and that's it. I don't know where she is now."
Feeling a hand against her shoulder, Oliveah met Hannibal's eyes as he shook his head.
"What's in there?" she whispered even though both the Doctor and Will knew of the sink's contents.
"An ear."
"Jesus…"
Feeling the blood drain out of her face, Oliveah moved her hand off Will's shoulder and slowly entered the kitchen with curious eyes. Laying in the sink next to the drain plug was a human ear. Dried blood crested the inner portion and the rough cut of separation. Squinting her eyes, she could barely make out chew marks along the pinna as she looked away.
My father made sure that I was a part of what he did.
How so?
I think he did it so I wouldn't run away, so I wouldn't tell on him
Is this your ear Abigail?
Hearing Abigail's voice in her head, Oliveah turned around just as Hannibal was beginning to lose his patience.
"Will! When was the last time you saw Abigail?"
"Yesterday at her father's cabin. I had…I had an episode. She said something was wrong with me, she was afraid of me. She ran away." Will muttered as he hung his head in an embarrassed gesture.
Abigail has no money, and her only friend is dead.
Where would she run to? Who would help her?
"What happened? Why was she afraid of you Will?"
Hearing Oliveah's concern, Will brought his wet eyes up onto hers and started to shake as tears began to fall down the length of his cheeks
"I hallucinated that I killed her. But it wasn't real. I know it wasn't real. I didn't kill her," he pleaded as he reached out for Oliveah's hand.
Feeling his warm, rough fingertips against the skin of her own, Oliveah swallowed the bile that rested in the back of her throat as she tried to mentally block out the sudden sight of a half chewed up ear resting in the middle of the metal sink.
"Oh Will…"
Moving his dark eyes onto the intimacy of Will softly caressing Oliveah's hand, Hannibal stepped forward and laid a firm hand on Will's shoulder.
"Will, we must call Jack. You can't run from this, it will only be worse," Hannibal's voice broke out as Oliveah felt her pulse racing.
He'll be arrested
"Will, get dressed."
…
2 hours later…
Staring out the large window at the multitude of parked black vans, cruisers, and Chevy Tahoe's in the front yard, Oliveah strained her eyes as she looked for a familiar face. Doctor Lecter had phoned Jack Crawford and had been given strict instructions not to touch anything in the kitchen or to let Will Graham out of his sight.
"Hannibal, Jack is here" Oliveah sounded off as the Doctor came to stand behind her.
"Will is almost dressed" he spoke as he moved towards the front door and opened it wide. Following him out onto the porch, Oliveah buttoned up her peacoat as the cold wind bit at her cheeks.
Watching the broad shoulder Federal Agent walking up the wooden stairs, her eyes caught Jack's as he drew in a deep breath. "I had a feeling you would be here this morning Ms. Adler, tell me why that is?" Crawford scoffed as Hannibal spoke out.
"I asked Ms. Adler to come Jack. She has as much concern for Will as the rest of us do." He spoke as Oliveah watched Beverly Katz, Jimmy Price, and Brian Zellers climb out of the backseat of a van before hauling out oversized bags of forensic equipment.
"I'm beginning to suspect Ms. Adler that your emotions of "concern" are becoming a bit too personal, and I've told you that's not very smart" Crawford continued as Hannibal shoved his hands in his coat pocket with interest.
"Now is not the time for faulty suspicions Jack" he spoke with a low tone just as the front door slowly pushed open. Stepping aside and moving behind Hannibal's left shoulder, Oliveah watched as Will held no expression on his face.
"What are we going to find in Minnesota Will?"
Hearing Crawford's questions, Oliveah swallowed hard as she remembered his earlier words…
"I hallucinated that I killed her"
"I don't know."
"Go ahead and process him."
Watching Will walking down the porch steps with an armed officer on either side, Oliveah stepped forward just as a strong hand slammed down her shoulder and pulled her back.
"No" Hannibal growled as Oliveah felt her back coming to rest against his chest. Watching a handler passing her with Will's dogs all on separate leashes, she watched as Winston tried to plant his feet in the snowy muck before bucking and freeing his leash from the handler.
Pulling away from Hannibal, she felt his hard eyes on her back as she walked down the porch steps and took up Winston's dirty leash from the mud.
"I know Winston, I know" Oliveah whispered staring down at the dog as his eyes focused on Will seated in the back of the cruiser. Watching Will turning his head, her eyes met his as he simply stared with a blank expression.
There was nothing she could do for him. Nothing at all.
Feeling an arm against hers, Oliveah turned around and met eyes with the handler.
"I need to take the dog Ma'am."
Handing Winston over, she could have sworn he whimpered in protest as she shook her head.
Will Graham, what have you done?
…
Behavioral Science Unit, FBI Academy, Quantico, VA…
Later that Afternoon…
Sitting alone in the Academy cafeteria, Oliveah poked around her spinach salad before finally pushing it away in disgust. She had planned to return to Baltimore with Doctor Lecter when her phone had buzzed, leaving a text message that Alana Bloom was already on a one-way flight to Arlington from Chicago.
Jack must have called her right after speaking to Hannibal
Camped out in the bowels of the FBI Academy, the twenty-three-year-old student watched as other students her age and older filed into invisible lines for the salad and fried foods bar on either side of the cashiers. Watching their smiles and hearing their laughs, Oliveah briefly remembered a simpler time back at McGill in Montreal when she moved easy through the hallways from lectures to seminars with her fellow classmates.
We were all in this together
Blinking her eyes quickly, she was about to push her chair back when her mobile phone began to ring.
Dr. A. Bloom
"Hello Dr. Bloom."
"Oliveah, I just finished speaking with Will Graham and I'd like you to come up to Jack Crawford's office please. I know you're already security cleared with a badge" Bloom confirmed as Oliveah reached for the table napkin and pen she had lifted from the cashier when she had turned to serve the next customer on the opposite side of her till.
"Yes, I will come up right now" she spoke, gathering up her salad and tossing it into the garbage bin as she passed by a table of young women in light blue uniform tops and khaki-colored pants.
Be careful out there kids. There are monsters outside of these walls
Finding the elevators with no problem, she pressed the number three button and rode up solo. Feeling the vibration in her pocket signaling another text message, Oliveah nearly fumbled with the device as she spied Andrew's name.
Hey…where are you?!
Shoving the Blackberry back into her pocket without typing a response, she could only imagine the theories Andrew and Tyler were dreaming of when they woke up this morning to find her bed unslept in.
Turning left after stepping out from between the stainless-steel doors, Oliveah strode confidently towards Agent Crawford's office. She had nothing to hide from either professional and all the genuine concern of a friend towards the treatment and questioning of William Graham.
At least, when it came to Will Graham.
Knocking on the glass door of Jack Crawford's office, she caught the wave of a hand and as she stepped over the threshold, she knew something was up.
"Ms. Adler, please have a seat" Crawford spoke as he remained seated behind his large desk. Spying Alana Bloom seated at his right, she felt both sets of eyes and immediately felt the forthcoming inquisition.
I've done nothing wrong
"Oliveah, you were with Will this morning when Dr. Lecter called Jack correct?" Bloom spoke right out of the gate as Oliveah crossed her black panted legs.
"Yes."
"Why were you with him?"
With Will or with Hannibal? You need to be a bit more specific in your game questions Dr. Bloom.
"Hannibal knows that I have been concerned about Will well before he began to exhibit any dangerous or questioning behavior" Oliveah spoke as Alana narrowed her eyes at the first name basis slip.
"Hannibal?"
Dr. Lecter…Doctor Lecter
Clearing her throat, Oliveah nodded her head as if thinking nothing of the personal comfortable oversight.
"Yes, Dr. Lecter telephoned me and asked if I would accompany him as he was worried about the condition of Will Graham. He thought it best for safety if two bodies were to confront him in Virginia" she lied, not hesitating in the slightest.
Lying had always come natural to her, and she was not beyond using her gifted ability.
Shifting papers on the corner of Jack's desk, Alana held one between her thin fingers before holding it up.
"I met with Will about a half an hour ago and I had him draw me a clock to measure his spatial and cognitive responses. He drew me this" she spoke, holding up the skewed drawing against the front of a manila folder. The clock was obviously not correct, as Oliveah could see the numbers as they began inside the circle that was more oval in shape, before they crossed out and stacked outside the drawn lines.
"Problems with spatial, reality and patterns could show a tumor or a blockage vessel that is preventing blood from travelling to brain receptacles. Will was diagnosed with inflation around his brain after collapsing in your snowbank Dr. Bloom, perhaps the damage was more severe than we thought."
She spoke the truth.
Everything she knew from her Biology and Psychology undergraduate courses came flowing off her tongue as she watched Alana nod her head.
Which means that Will is still sick
"You are right Oliveah. And that was what Will suggested the night he stayed over at your home earlier this month wasn't it? You don't have to lie to me, he admitted it in the interview room" she spoke coolly as Oliveah sat still.
So, Will told her that he had stayed with her on the night of the blizzard when she had told Bloom nothing was going on between them.
"May I ask Dr. Bloom, Agent Crawford if you have any questions that might be of help to Will Graham's condition?" she questioned as Crawford folded his hands in front of him.
"Will Graham's condition Ms. Adler, is that he hallucinated in killing Abigail Hobbs. He admits that with all the evidence that has been collected off him and, in his home, that he quite possibly has killed Abigail Hobbs" he spoke, staring hard into her eyes as if willing them to break with his own.
"You've also seen Abigail Hobbs without Dr. Bloom in presence, correct?"
There was nothing questionable about that, she had been given Bloom's permission for onsite visits, just not the visits that ended up in town, parks, and the local shopping malls.
"Yes."
"In your meetings with her, did she reveal to you that she was helping her father with choosing the young girls that would die at his hand?"
Hearing Crawford's question, Oliveah slowly shook her head.
She was not about to throw Abigail to the lone black wolf, even if she was lying dead somewhere in Minnesota.
"No she didn't Agent Crawford, and as I am not her Doctor nor even a Doctor, I would have to bring such damming information to the police. And I would have done that because I believe it would eventually help her come to realize her place as a victim of her father. Even if it meant serious repercussions" she lied, wondering how many more questions were about to be thrown her way.
Deep down, she felt the sense of loss that Abigail Hobbs might really be gone, but she needed to appear strong against the wall that were the professionally trained Behavioral Scientist Agent and his Psychologist femme.
"Perhaps you'll be interested to know that the BSU has found written and digital records of Garett Jacob Hobbs and a second individual matching Abigail's physical description on motel cameras, train station platforms, and college tours" Crawford began just as the telephone inches from his fingers began to ring.
Remaining silent, Oliveah fixed her eyes on Dr. Bloom as the Psychologist Doctor began packing up the loose papers in front of her.
"I'm going to tell you Oliveah the same thing I told Agent Crawford before I met with Will Graham". Alana spoke up as Oliveah blinked her dry eyes. "Abigail's blood is on all of us, so is Will's."
"We need to head down to the lab. Price, Zellers, and Katz have found something more in the evidence taken from Will's home this morning."
…
BSU Laboratory…
"Okay Jimmy, what have you got?"
Standing in the crowded Forensics Lab, Oliveah kept her hands in her pants pockets so as to not knock anything over as Agent Crawford moved his eyes over a tabletop full of feathers, hair, wire, hooks, and what appeared to be tiny rocks.
"Um, as you know, Will is a big fly fisherman and he designs all of his own lures. Most anglers use feathers, fur, twine, maybe bits of shell; they design each lure to catch a specific fish"
Right, I have no interest in what animal part is best to land a Bass Oliveah thought as she tried not to fidget.
"This one caught my eye. I noticed the hair color. Took me a few minutes to accept what it was I was seeing."
"And what are you seeing?" Crawford interrupted, clearly becoming annoyed at being brought into the Lab when other matters were more impressing in his eyes.
"Well, I ran a Chem 7 to confirm the connection" Katz began as Bloom interrupted.
"What connection?"
"Four of the lures are made from materials that include human remains."
Human remains?
"And we have a DNA match for all of them."
"Do…do any of those match Abigail Hobbs?" Oliveah questioned as Crawford scoffed.
"So now Will Graham is a serial killer?" he blurted out as Bloom shook her head and wiped at her wet eyes.
"Something is wrong with Will physically, neurologically, he is not a serial killer" she spat as Oliveah stared at the de-constructed lures.
This can't be happening.
…
North Clinton Street, Baltimore, Maryland…
Later that evening…
Relieved at finding no mail addressed to her on the front foyer table, Oliveah tossed her keys and phone on the small kitchen table and immediately went to the fridge to find something to eat.
Anything will do…
"Where the hell have you been?"
Hearing Andrew's voice from behind her, Oliveah grabbed a brick of cheese and a can of diet root beer before standing up.
"Virginia."
"Virginia? Why the hell were you in Virginia? Both Tyler and I texted you and got nothing. We thought you might be dead. You obviously left last night."
"I did."
Taking a seat at the table, Andrew pushed her keys aside as he waited for her to elaborate.
"So, you've been in Virginia since last night? No sleep? Obviously, no food…what the hell is going on Olive?"
"Honestly Andrew, you don't want to know," Oliveah whispered as she grabbed the loaf of bread off the shelf and proceeded to make herself a cheese sandwich.
"What was in Virginia?"
He's not going to drop it
"Will Graham. I went to Virginia with Hannibal Lecter early this morning because Will Graham may have killed Abigail Hobbs."
Watching her best friend's mouth falling open, she knew he was about to fire about a million questions her way as she took a big bite of her sandwich.
"Wait…wait…you…did you…it's true then from the article? He killed that Hobbs girl?"
Narrowing her eyes, Oliveah sat her sandwich down in favor for opening the canned soda as Andrew ran a hand threw his hair.
"What article?" As soon as the words had left her mouth, she knew.
"That bitch…how is anyone to get a fair trial with her shitty excuse for journalism?" Oliveah cursed loudly just as Andrew shook his head and stood up quickly.
"You can't do anything for Will Graham Oliveah, he's in fucking jail for killing five people! It's all over Tattle Crime!" Andrew yelled at the top of his lungs as Oliveah stood still against the counter.
"I feel like I am being pulled between them, one to the other" she muttered as Andrew cocked an eyebrow in irritation.
"Were you sleeping with Will Graham? Is that why you are suddenly bailing on Christmas with us in Hoboken?"
"No Andrew, I am not sleeping with him" she protested, feeling the anger bubbling up in her stomach at this constant questioning of sex as Andrew threw his hands up on his hips.
"Well, you're sleeping with one of them and that only leaves one man left. You said you were with Hannibal Lecter this morning… " he spat as Oliveah slowly closed her mouth.
Letting out a surprised scoff, he crossed his arms over his chest and narrowed his eyes in pure judgement.
"Sleeping your way to the top are you now? I had you pegged with hard work, but I guess you felt you needed to push yourself further by running off last night to get laid in the middle of the night," he spat as Oliveah straightened her back.
"I AM NOT FUCKING HANNIBAL LECTER TO PASS MY THESIS!" She shouted as Tyler rose from the couch in the living room.
"Andrew, don't be a fucking twat. I'm sure our girl here knows what she's doing. After all, I remember you consistently bugging her to get into bed with one man or the other."
I don't Tyler, I really don't know what I am doing her eyes pleaded as Andrew spun around and ripped a brown papered box out from between branches of the tree with such force that it nearly toppled over.
Watching the tossed package being flung in the air, Oliveah caught it haphazardly in her hands.
"That, came the other day. It's from the man you are not currently sleeping with who is in jail for murdering Abigail Hobbs and other people our age" Andrew spat as he walked away and up the wooden stairs to the second floor.
Staring down at the wrapped box, Oliveah ran her fingernail over the paper where it was fastened closed with clear tape.
Will Graham sent me a butcher papered present.
He sent it before he was arrested.
Do I dare open it?
Running her finger over the tape, she slid her nail across and watched as the folded end flipped up. Pulling back the paper, she let it fall to the ground at her feet as she held the small box. Sliding off the lid, her eyes fell upon a small colorful feathered object that looked like a cat's play toy.
"What is it?"
Hearing Tyler's voice from behind her shoulder, Oliveah brought her eyes up and pinched the lure between her thumb and forefinger out of the box.
"What the hell is that? Some kind of homemade Indian bracelet?"
"It's a fishing lure." Running her eyes over the details, she felt her stomach sink as she remembered the deconstructed lures in the BSU Lab. Fumbling with the box, she watched as it fell to the wooden floor before she moved quickly to set it down on the coffee table behind her.
"I need to call…" she began before moving quickly past Tyler and back into the kitchen to grab her phone. Struggling to dial, she had to dial three separate times before the numbers connected correctly.
"Federal Bureau of Investigation's Behavior Science Unit how many I direct your call?" a feminine voice spoke as Oliveah sucked in a deep breath.
Who was it that she should talk to?
"Beverly Katz."
"Hold please."
Hearing the line ring consistently, she was about to hang up and drive straight to Quantico Virginia when a hurried irritated voice broke out over the line.
"Yes? Katz speaking."
"Ms. Katz, it's Oliveah Adler calling, I'm Alana Bloom's assistant from…"
"Yes, I remember you" Beverly's voice curtly broke in as Oliveah closed her eyes.
"I…I think I have something your unit needs" she wasn't exactly sure how to introduce a possible piece of evidence relating to Will with emotions and tensions building at the sudden discovery of his actions.
"I don't understand, what do you think you have?"
Walking out of the kitchen, she slowly rounded the corner back into the living room as Tyler reached a single finger out to stroke a feather.
"TYLER! DON'T TOUCH IT!"
Hearing Oliveah's shout, the floppy haired man nearly sent it flying off the table as he banged his knee.
"Oliveah? Are you still there?"
Hearing Katz's concern, Oliveah stared at the lure resting up on its attached hooks as she spoke.
"Will Graham sent me one of his fishing lures. I…if it's anything like the others you have at the lab, it's a piece of evidence from one of the murders."
…
Behavioral Science Unit, FBI, Quantico, VA…
Carrying the plastic bag into the BSU foyer for her second visit of the day, she could have sworn the small box and lure added an extra ten pounds as she checked in with the on-duty security officer.
"My name is Oliveah Adler, I am here to see Beverly Katz, she is expecting me" she tiredly spoke as she slid her driver's license across the counter to waiting fingers.
"Sign your name here and clip this onto your sweater. Make sure the V is visible."
Barely listening to the office who now stood on his feet, Oliveah refused to let go of the plastic bag and breathed a sigh of relief as Katz wheeled around the corner gate with speed in her step.
"Oliveah, you brought all of it?"
"Yes, the butcher paper wrapping, the box, everything" she replied as she followed Beverly through the gate and into a set of elevators.
"I appreciate you coming here. I can't remember the last time I left this place for more than a quick lunch the last few days. If I had had to drive, I very well would have flirted with death."
Watching the doors open, Oliveah followed a few steps behind as she caught the doors held open for her. Walking into the cold laboratory, her eyes fell upon a locked-up case that rested on one of the stainless-steel tables. A hammer, small set of plyers, gloves, and tiny picks sat motionless on another table as Katz grabbed her white lab coat. Swinging it over her shoulders, she halted before stepping towards a cupboard.
"I can't risk any sort of contamination, even if you are not touching the lure pieces when I take it apart."
Nodding her head, Oliveah took the second coat from the Agent's hand and fastened all the buttons before slipping on gloves.
"Right, can I have the bag?"
Watching Katz's steady hands as she withdrew the brown paper, she carefully sat it aside but within reach as she handled the small box. Popping open the lid, she took a moment to allow her eyes to scan the small homemade object and nodded her head.
"Though lures are supposed to be made for certain fish, I can see some similarities this one carries that the others in the evidence bag exhibit."
Feeling her stomach sink, Oliveah shoved her gloved hands into the lab coat pockets and watched as Katz expertly began to unravel the lure piece by piece.
"I'm pretty sure this is bone fragment, and this…" Watching the careful unravel of a long piece of dark hair, Oliveah knew at once whose hair it was.
"The ear that Will threw up in his sink, the outer ridge looked like it had been chewed on can you tell if…."
"I can see it right here."
Moving close to the side of the table, Oliveah's eyes followed the stainless-steel instrument as Katz ran it down the side of the ear to point.
"The missing pieces, even though they are very small, appear to match the consistency of these small ones that are being held in place by the hair and feathers of your gifted lure."
…
North Clinton Street, Baltimore, Maryland…
December 24th Christmas Eve…
5:23am
Lying flat out on her back, Oliveah stared up at her ceiling as she listened to Andrew and Tyler making the extra special effort to not be quiet as they showered, dressed, and dragged their suitcases down the hallway for the car.
Yesterday, she had told them she would not be coming with them for the Christmas break, and she had not changed her mind.
Not even after Beverly's confirmation that the contents making up the fishing lure she had been sent did contain pieces of bone fragment, hair, and dried blood belonging to the victims that had been murdered.
Why are you sticking by Will's side? He very well may have killed Abigail Hobbs.
There is nothing that you can do for him
"I have to hear him out. There is just…something off" she muttered as she heard another piece of luggage bagging against the hardwood floor outside her door. Knowing they would be vacating the townhouse within the hour, Oliveah pulled herself out of the warmth of her sheets and grabbed her tank top and yoga pants.
Moving to the window, she pulled back the curtain and stared out into the dark snowy alleyway. Today was Christmas Eve, and Hannibal Lecter had promised to bring her to the Baltimore State Hospital with him at her request to see Will Graham.
And try as she might, she would believe in innocence until proven guilty.
Even if that only played out on paper and not in an individual's rational mind.
Opening the bedroom door, Oliveah poked her head out into the hallway and listened as the front door slammed shut before silence and stillness settled over the dwelling.
She was now alone for the entire week.
Moving into the bathroom, she closed the door partly and grabbed her bath towel. A hot shower to wash away the lack of sleep, and a good tooth brushing to wake her senses were in order before she dressed for the day.
Stepping into the shower stream, Oliveah closed her eyes and wished that she was once more in another shower belonging to the good doctor as she washed her face and poured the remaining liquid of a vanilla birthday cake shower gel onto her shower puff.
You will be in his company later this afternoon Oliveah
…
Baltimore State Hospital for the Criminally Insane, Baltimore, MD…
"Dr. Chilton has not yet resumed his duties so there should be no objection to having you at my side this morning" Hannibal spoke as Oliveah walked beside him up the stone steps of the imposing hospital.
"Will was always afraid of this place. Not just of the spirits that roamed the halls, but that he worried his mind would betray him and he'd find himself within the very brick walls," she whispered to herself as she stood behind Hannibal at the desk.
Clipping her visitor badge onto the excess fabric of her black sweater, Oliveah nodded as Hannibal led the way to the bottom floor of the hospital.
"Will is being held in a cell below the ground surface. You may feel a draft" Hannibal spoke as Oliveah pulled up the collars of her coat.
"I'm sure I won't notice the chill" she whispered as she stood behind the Doctor while the hospital officer stationed in the bowels of the building checked their identification a final time. Allowing the officer to open the heavy gate, Oliveah watched as Hannibal took three steps forward before pausing. Bumping into his arm, she raised her eyes and watched as he tilted his head slightly towards the ceiling and closed his eyes.
It was as if he was trying to catch the soft notes of a melody that was just off in the distance.
Just out of reach.
Watching Hannibal's adam's apple move as he swallowed, he slowly opened his eyes and without a look to the young woman at his side, began to walk confidently past the dark empty cells towards the last set of bars on the left.
Coming to stand in front of the bars, Oliveah fixed her eyes on a small hunched over finger who sat on the edge of a stained, sheet less mattress that probably smelled just as bad as it looked.
"Hello Will."
Standing still, Oliveah watched as Will registered the calling of his name before he turned his head and fixed his eyes on his guests. Rising to his shoed feet, he moved towards the bars but kept a foot in distance as he moved his eyes onto Oliveah.
"I'm so sorry Oliveah."
Hearing the raw emotion in his whisper, she knew what he had done.
She knew that she would never see Abigail Hobbs alive.
She knew that the young girl who had lived a near mirror image of herself would never move pass the tragedy of her family. Would never move ahead and go to college, would never discover what she was really and truly capable of.
Bringing her hand up to her mouth, Oliveah felt Hannibal's eyes as she started to turn away from the bars.
Throwing his arm out between the bars, Will groaned as the bones in his forearm refused to bend and twist as he tried and failed to reach for Oliveah.
"NO, DAMN IT! OLIVEAH PLEASE!"
Throwing his eyes onto Dr. Lecter who watched the guard at the end of the hall re-open the gate for Oliveah to exit, Will breathed hard as he started to panic.
"Get her back here…DOCTOR LECTER BRING HER BACK! He screamed as Hannibal watched two guards followed by two orderlies in white headed his way.
"Sir, you'll have to step aside" a grey-haired officer spoke as Hannibal took a silent step back to the other side of the hall.
"Mr. Graham is having an episode" Hannibal calmly spoke as the two orderlies each took out their weapons of choice: one a syringe, the other a pair of restricted straps. Closing his eyes, Hannibal breathed in deep as his mind lifted and ceased to acknowledge the cries of struggles and the profanities that whirled around him as Will was put to sleep and strapped to his mattress for his own safety.
…
Dr. Hannibal Lecter's Residence, 51 Springlake Way, Baltimore, MD…
10:12pm
Standing in front of the roaring fireplace in the living room, Oliveah felt the warmth of the flames through her clothes as she caught sight of a glass of red wine being held out to her from the corner of her eye. Taking a small sip, she clutched the steam against her chest as her ears picked up the soft notes of Bing Crosby's God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen playing softly on invisible speakers.
"I have no idea what's going to happen now in terms of my employment with Dr. Bloom. Abigail is…presumed dead, Will is now being charged with five murders, my housemates are this close to evicting me," she spoke as Hannibal stood at her side, taking a deep sip from his own glass of wine.
"You will take this all one day at a time. We all will," he offered as he watched Oliveah slowly walk to the large Christmas tree that rested in elegant white and gold décor along the far wall. Leaning in close to inspect the expensive ornaments, she caught her reflection in gold bells, and white porcelain snowflakes of which no two were the same catching the light of the fire as did others who appeared to be made of crystal.
"This tree is so beautiful," she whispered as she felt Hannibal coming to stand once more beside her. Feeling his hand caressing the back of her neck, she couldn't help but lean into his shoulder as his hand fell down the length of her back.
"Merry Christmas Will Graham," she whispered, slowly turning her head and allowing her lips to be captured hungrily by Hannibal Lecter's.
…
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