Fortune's Fool (Hannibal Fanfiction)

XV: On the Ferris Wheel

It turned out that Hannibal had not, in fact, ever been on a Ferris wheel. He didn't seem too fond of heights, either, if the skeptical look Will caught him giving the Ferris wheel was any indication.

"That looks quite unsafe," Hannibal said, squinting up at the ride as they got in line.

Will tried and failed to keep an amused smile from twitching at the corners of his mouth. "I didn't take you as one to have a phobia of heights, Doctor."

"I wouldn't call it a phobia. I can deal with heights when necessary. This, however..." Hannibal paused.

"Is not necessary," Will finished for him, and Hannibal tipped his head in affirmation. "Look at this way: we can use it to scope out the grounds. When we near the top, we'll be able to see the entire carnival. We'll know where all the booths are and where the crowds are, and we can build a mental map of where we want to go next. Necessary, no. But useful? Yes."

Hannibal pursed his lips. He was still looking at the Ferris wheel with a faint look of either skepticism or disdain, it was hard to tell, but he didn't protest, so Will counted that as a win.

As they waited in line, Will observed the people around them. Nothing stood out as suspicious or out of place. The line for the Ferris wheel consisted mostly of couples, families with younger children, and teens roughhousing with each other, which was the expected demographic. The ride operator couldn't have been older than college-aged, and he looked bored out of his mind. If he was already bored, Will could only imagine how he would feel if his shift lasted the rest of the day. It was an amusing thought.

Hannibal spoke again as they neared the front of the line, disturbing Will from his silent observation. "Is the Ferris wheel here all year round?"

Will glanced at him. "No, why?"

"So it's portable?"

"Yes?"

"And therefore not bolted or secured firmly to the ground."

Will chuckled before he could stop himself. "Ferris wheels used for traveling carnivals are always portable. They have to be, but there are state regulations that they have to meet in order to be used. I wouldn't take you on a ride if I thought it would break down and get us killed."

Hannibal looked unconvinced. However, when they reached the front of the line, he climbed into the passenger car with Will. The car was more of a bucket than anything else; it resembled a colorful porch swing, but with a metal safety bar that locked into place over their laps, and had just enough room for two people. The operator told them the safety rules in a bored, droning voice. Then they were off and moving.

As the car neared the top of the ride, the carnival stretched out below them, sprawled across the race course in an explosion of color. There were several other rides nearby, including an old-fashioned carousel, bumper cars, a teacup and saucer ride, and a dangerous-looking Tilt-A-Whirl. One section of the carnival featured tents selling art and crafts. Another section held the food stands, offering classics like funnel cake, caramel corn, cotton candy, corn dogs, and pizza, as well as more regional fare. The rest of the attractions were evenly spread out. There were booths and side stalls advertising games of chance or skill, a bouncy house, a fun house, and a children's petting zoo with donkeys, goats, pigs, and rabbits.

Nostalgia tugged at Will's chest. His childhood wasn't the happiest, but he had genuinely good memories of the carnival. However, with Hannibal by his side, he was looking at them differently. He'd never had anyone to explore the carnival with when he was younger, whether they were friends, cousins, or even reluctant acquaintances, so to have someone with him now... It felt very strange to be back as an adult with company this time, even if it was more out of necessity than choice. Strange, but not unwelcome.