ᴄʟᴏsᴇʀ ʜᴀɴɴɪʙᴀʟ x ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ (Discontinued)

Chapter 16: Contemplation for a Heart

When you reapproached the crime scene, Will was talking to Jack. He was more than likely explaining his theories for the change in how the girl was killed. You also hoped that he had covered for you because the moment Jack looked over at you, there was an especially disappointed look in his eyes.

"What are your thoughts on this, Y/n?" He asked, as if he was waiting for you to give a wrong answer that would justify taking out his frustration on you.

You sighed and your eyes glanced back over to where the body was. Zeller and Price were taking samples from it as others continued to photograph everything. "My thoughts are that we've got a killer that's becoming more unhinged. And this isn't someone that is going to have gaps between the killings. He's going to take as many people as possible until he gets whatever attention, whatever satisfaction that he needs. Only when things calm down enough for him, then maybe the killings will also slow down. They might even stop. "

Jack removed the black hat that sat on his head. He brushed at the little balls of lint that clung to it. "Well, we definitely need to take advantage of the recklessness while we can. This guy will slip up one way or another."
"What did we find on the current suspect's computer?" Will asked.

"Exactly what we all thought we'd find. It didn't take much digging to find files upon files of child pornography." Jack stated bluntly. "We're still sorting through the sites he visited and looking for any point of contact between him and the killer. That bastard knows much more than he's willing to let on. Either way, he's going to jail."

You nodded, twisting your hands. "I'm not feeling too good. I'm going back to the headquarters to do some paperwork or something." The words came out of your mouth like vomit. You didn't even know those words were in your head until they left your lips. Quickly turning around and walking away from the men, you didn't see them exchange glances to each other. All you cared about was getting far from the crime scene. Away from Will, who was in more danger than he could ever imagine. The only thought was to get back to Hannibal, who requested you go to his home to fully explain the situation you found yourself in.

Hannibal was safety. Will was also safety to you, in his own way. But with Hannibal, you never had to pretend to be anyone else. There was no need to lie about who you were, there was no shame in who you were.

When you finally arrived at Hannibal's house, you didn't even have to knock very loudly. He swiftly answered the door and invited you in with that devilish smirk he always wore. Neither of you spoke as he guided you to the kitchen and offered you a seat at the island across from the stove top.

"So," He started, getting you a glass of water and taking a seat next to you. His voice was always so smooth, even now when you were both on the edge of being discovered. "Tell me what's happened."

You tried to explain everything. That Danum was the one killing those girls and that he knew about your own killings. That you were being blackmailed into killing Will. Hannibal's facial expression never changed, even as your own tone became more distressed. He was reserved, as if waiting for the story to finally amuse him.

Once you finished, Hannibal stood and walked behind you, stroking your messy hair. "Do you intend to kill Will then?"

You shook your head no, trying to focus on the feeling of his fingers combing through your hair. But you felt no peace. "I dreamt that I did." You said. "But then it wasn't him. It was my uncle."
Hannibal stopped his attention towards your hair and hummed in encouragement for you to continue on. He was listening closely, wanting you to give him more of your story. "I'm going to kill him." You said, clenching the glass of water. "I couldn't kill my uncle, but I will kill Danum."

"Will that satisfy you?" Hannibal asked, hands now gently rubbing the back of your neck.
"No." You answered. You were being honest. "But it's a start."

"That's my girl." Hannibal said, moving to prepare tea for the both of you. There was pride in his voice. Your eyes followed his movements. "What did you plan to do to this Mr. Danum?" He looked back at you.

"I plan to eat his heart." You said, matter-of-factly. "The rest is yours." You saw something spark in Hannibal's dark eyes and he smiled knowingly.