Dangerous Trio

Games Part 1

Will's eyes were fixed on the fishing line in his hands, his fingers working to untangle the wire. It had a way of twisting into knots when you weren't careful, and Will had learned to focus, to study its every movement. The small lamp beside him on the table cast a warm glow. While Will continued to focus, something caught his eye. A sudden light flashing through the blinds. Will soon lowered the fishing line to peek through the blinds. A low hum from a car could also be heard and soon he saw the headlights. Looking to the side Will noticed the car - It was Hannibal.

Will exhaled sharply, the sound heavy with irritation, as if the weight of the world had just landed on his shoulders. This was the last thing he wanted tonight, and Hannibal's arrival felt less like a visit and more like an imposition. Will got up from his chair, shushing the dogs before they could begin to bark. Will already was drained from the day, whatever Hannibal wanted he knew it wasn't good and Hannibal knew that arriving unannounced would work to his advantage—Will was far more likely to comply when caught off guard. Hannibal was a master manipulator and while Will was smart, keenly aware of danger due to his gifts, there was something about Hannibal—something magnetic, that made Will's defenses falter, that made him say yes when every instinct screamed no. Will knew there was something dark stirring inside of him, yet he was fragile and full of tenderness all at once. Hannibal lacked those qualities and instead focused only on the darkness. Will stood at the door, ready with tension felt in his upper body. Hannibal being so confident left the car running knowing exactly how this encounter would not take long.

Hannibal knocked as if there was a point. As soon as the door opened Hannibal couldn't help but smile, but Will was not amused. Hannibal could have called, or better yet left a message. This was unnecessary to Will.

"Let me guess, Jack sent you" Will's voice was sharp, his eyes narrowing as he stood in the doorway, with his right arm perched on the door frame.

Hannibal pressed his lips together, a faint smile flickering across his face as he tilted his head, studying Will with quiet amusement.

"No," he replied calmly, "I actually came to formally invite you over for dinner tonight."

"What's the occasion?" Will asked, his voice edged with apprehension. His eyes flicked over Hannibal, already on guard, as if anticipating the trap hidden in the invitation.

Hannibal's smile was subtle, his expression as unreadable as ever. "I appreciate our conversations," he began smoothly, "but I also have a gift for you."

"You could've just mailed it," Will he suggested, in a flat tone.

"That would be too impersonal," he replied, his voice carrying a note of amusement.

Hannibal looked at his watch, then looked to Will

"The roast is almost done cooking. I shall see you in an hour?" Hannibal said, his tone more of a statement than a question. He looked at Will without waiting for an answer, there was certainty in his eyes making it clear he didn't need one. He knew Will would come. Hannibal turned and walked away. His tall figure swayed as his wool coat draped him perfectly.

—-

Hannibal had already finished preparing the feast, the rich aromas of roasted meat and herbs filling the house. With the meal complete, he turned his attention to a different ritual—dressing for the evening. This was, after all, a special occasion.

He stood before his closet, fingertips brushing over fine fabrics, deliberating for a moment before selecting a black pinstripe three-piece suit. The sharp lines of the tailored jacket gave him an air of precision, one he so carefully cultivated. He paired it with a deep red paisley tie, the bold color standing out against the monochrome, like blood on snow.

he slicked back his hair and sprayed a spritz of cologne. Tonight was more than just a meal. There was an excitement in Hannibal that was rare, only when he killed was he this hyper aware and attentive. A final look in the mirror and that is when he heard a knock at the door. There was almost a pep in Hannibal's step that was unlike him. Will had no idea what was waiting for him tonight, this made Hannibal giddy with joy, yet you could never tell. 

Will's car hummed as it pulled up front. He took a deep breath, his jaw tightening. There was no telling what Hannibal wanted this time.

But there was hope.

Every time Will stepped into Hannibal's home, he knew he was one step closer—to the truth, to the next victim, to the moment the game would finally end.