Twisted Minds

Digestivo

MEAT TRUCK - DAY-

Twin rows of GUTTED PIG CARCASSES hang in plastic wrapping from a rail in the roof of the darkened space. The TICK and HUM of refrigeration can be heard in the metal box.

A sudden CLANG as the door is opened and a gust of frosted air is expelled into the dark space beyond -- unclear behind the beams of a powerful light. A WHIRRING noise can be heard.

Will is actually HANGING UPSIDE DOWN like the carcasses, Hannibal alongside him, similarly trussed. The WHIRRING continues and the carcasses swing sideways as a silhouetted shape moves through them to reveal – MASON VERGER In his electric wheelchair, looking at them both with great satisfaction.

Cordell behind him. A beatific smile. "Gentlemen, welcome to Muskrat Farm."

"Your people might have assassinated me in Florence, Mason."

"Where's the fun in that?"

"I see the first coarse bristles of revenge have brushed the ruin of your cheek and begun to excite you. Where's Caroline, Mason?"

"I'm very excited. She'll be joining us... though i doubt she'll be very comfortable." Mason produces a KNIFE in his good hand.

"I still carry my father's knife. Ever ready to slip into a pig's back to check the depth of fat."

Mason slides close to Hannibal and presses the blade against the flesh of his lower back. Hannibal does not flinch. Mason puts his thumb against the blade and slides it into Hannibal.  A thin TRICKLE of blood is released. Hannibal shows no sign.  Disappointed, Mason slides the blade further. "A little on the lean side. Let's fatten you up, shall we?"

MUSKRAT FARM - PIG BARN - DAY-

The meat truck has been backed through the doors into the narrow end of a funnel made by two angled rows of STEEL PIGPENS. PIGS snort nervously in the pens, clanging the bars. Mason Verger, in his wheelchair, and Cordell watch as Inspector Benetti leads bodyguards bringing Hannibal and Will from the truck, bound securely to a pair of handcarts. Will's head is cleaned up and bandaged. But he is still groggy and in pain.

"It is more trouble physically to move a semi-wild pig against its will than to kidnap a man."

"Pigs are harder to get hold of, and big ones are stronger than a man." As Hannibal and Will are wheeled past, Mason speaks up for their benefit and his amusement: "There are the tusks to consider, if you want to maintain the integrity of your abdomen. Something worth maintaining, Mr. Graham? Tusked beasts instinctively disembowel."

Will's and Hannibal's handcarts are shackled to the walls. Mason wheels closer to Hannibal, cocking his head up. "At swine fairs, I've seen exotic pigs from all over the world. For my new purpose, you are the best of all that I've seen. We will have some good, funny times, Dr. Lecter."

As Mason wheels away, leaving Will and Hannibal Wondering...Where is Caroline?

VERGER ESTATE HOUSE - DINING ROOM - NIGHT-

Hannibal is wheeled up to the table and his upright dolly automatically folds into a seated wheelchair at one end of the table. Hannibal is sitting secured in his seat with one arm free.

Hannibal is resplendent in suit and tie. Looking very much his old self sitting opposite Mason Verger at the other end. "I snatched Will Graham right out of your mouth. You must be famished." A BEAUTIFUL TRAY OF OYSTERS Cordell has just placed them onto the table. Hannibal glances at the mollusks before looking back up at Mason.

"There is an inescapable parallel between you and Jezebel, Mason. Keen Bible student that you are, you'll recall dogs ate Jezebel's face, along with the rest of her." Hannibal slides an oyster into his mouth with his free hand.