h a n n i b a l

LESSONS

a fanfic by JetNoir

Note: This story follows on from the film's ending, as opposed to the novels.

CHAPTER ONE

Dearest Clarice,

Why am I writing, to what ends, what purpose. I escaped you again, at no small cost to myself, and now, I am baiting the lion. Is this wise? Is it love, dear Clarice, or am I merely dreaming. I doubt even a Taoist philosopher could determine.

When I decided to come out of retirement, I realised that you would be called in. Now, disgraced, alone. Did Mason Verger's plot to catch me, destroy you? Obviously not, because there you are, back with the FBI. Called in to determine a high-profile case.

Goody-goody.

It's almost reminiscent of your stopping Jame Gumb. But I'm afraid, Clarice, that this is no Buffalo Bill. Will you find him in time?

I miss Firenze, Clarice, I almost miss Pazzi. Perhaps you should try looking onto your past again. I'm glad, however, that the lambs have stopped screaming.

I know that you will come after me, and this is just part of the game. Will you stop me? Or will you stop your target.

Choices, choices, but which will you choose.

I await, eagerly, Clarice.

For now, ta-ta.

Hannibal Lector. M.D.

--

She nearly wept when she saw the unmistakable handwriting, why now? Her probation was only due to last another few months, but.

Around and round we go

The dance, the chase.

What did Lector want? He wouldn't have contacted her unless there was something he wanted. He wanted her. So that's the motive.

But what could he possible gain from this? She wished that Jack Crawford were still alive, perhaps he could make sense of all this.

Now, however, she had a meeting, and had better reveal the communication.

Sometimes she wished she lived in the past.

--

The case had drawn much attention in the media, as the murders appeared to be simply random. The only link, the only clue was that the killer cut off the little finger of the victim, whilst they were still alive. Death usually occurred a few hours later – either by strangulation, or simply suffocation, although one had been stabbed through the heart. As due to protocol, the detail about the finger had been kept confidential, to prevent copycat killings. There was nothing to link the victims, nor was there any DNA evidence on the corpses. The FBI were perplexed, as were local law-enforcement. They knew that the killer had to be stopped, and soon. But how?

As such, the murderer had gained the nickname of: 'Revenant'.

--

Once again, on the move, back to Washington, flying. Hannibal Lector sighed, and gracefully peeled a fig. The wonders of modern technology, his wrist had been reattached, plus the bonus of plastic surgery – something the Doctor despised, but felt was necessary to remain anonymous.

He was going back, back to the lion's den, to Washington D.C.

It was time to hunt.

--

Note: Hope you enjoyed that, and please review!

Disclaimer: Hannibal is copyright to Thomas Harris; and the story to me. This story has been written on the understanding that you may read it and print it out; but you may not pass it off as your own, hire it out, or sell it for money. You also may not put it on your own or any other web page without my express written permission. Thankyou!

JetNoir