Knowing | H. Lecter

CHAPTER SIX

KNOWING | H. LECTER
— STRANGE ♥︎

. . . She's hiding something from me

╰ Hannibal's P.O.V ╯

— TODAY WAS THE DAY THAT I WOULD BE HAVING my first official session with Alison Klein, the girl who was found unconscious in the attic of Garret Jacob Hobbs' cabin, and also the girl who could potentially know who the copycat-killer is; me.

Ever since Will had mentioned her memories in one of our sessions I'd been on edge, wondering if her mind would recognize me as the killer once she's forced to see me again. Yes, we've met and seen each other before but that was before some of her memories arose, when she was just awaking from her coma and her mind was still in a daze. I'm afraid something might've changed in her mind within these few weeks, and even though she doesn't suspect me yet, she might once she sees me.

"And- I'm sorry, I know y-you're probably getting tired of this- my talking, or more like complaining, really!" My patient— Clarice Scott —rambled nervously while I'd only just realized I was still in a session.

"It is my job to listen. I am not growing tired of you, Clarice." I told her calmly, silencing her unnecessary ramblings and easing her nerves. "However, it does seem that our time has run out."

"Oh! Yes, I'll just get my coat and..." She said while standing to her feet, grabbing her bag and coat. I guided her to the door, opening it for her and she walked out but not before throwing me a quick "thank you".

I looked out into the waiting area only to see the patient I'd been so anxiously worrying over for the past week, and in this moment she seemed even more anxious than me. Her eyes were wide, starring at the wall in front of her blankly, giving me the impression that only part of her was here in the room at the moment.

"Ms. Alison Klein?" I called while looking at her with a questioning gaze. She blinked away whatever world her mind had taken her to and took a deep breath in, standing and dusting off her skirt before walking towards me. She wore a pair of brand-new, white high-top converse, a short blue-jean skirt that stopped at about mid-thigh, and a long-sleeve, dark purple top that was tucked into her skirt.

After she'd stepped into my office I shut the door closed behind us, she waited right next to me as I did, waiting for me even though she could've just went and sat down.

So she has manners? Perfect.

"Please, make yourself comfortable Ms. Klein." I said after we'd walked over to the chairs, she sat down first, placing her little, white handbag down next to the leg of her seat. I sat down in the seat in front of her, crossing one leg over the other and clasped my hands together before speaking.

"So, how are you today Ms. Klein?" I asked while giving her a small, calm smile.

"I thought we already established this Dr. Lecter. Please call me, Alice" she said, a smile of her own replacing her once expressionless face. It was a nice change.

"Well, than I think it's only fair that you address me as Hannibal, instead of Dr. Lecter, am I right, Alice?" I asked, testing her name on my tongue.

"Yes, I'd guess so-and to answer your previous question; my day has been pretty eventful, I guess you could say..." She trailed off, my eyes drawn to her lips as she bit them slightly. She's nervous.