Chapter Text
Jack Crawford leans back in his desk chair and addresses the two trainee agents in front of him.
“You two are the top of your class at the academy and have both shown interest in joining the BAU once you graduate.” Miriam Lass sits up a bit straighter, keenness shining on her face. Will Graham is a bit harder to read, but appears to be listening very closely.
“I’ve brought you in because you both have shown promise at profiling along with a tendency to think outside the box. I’d like to get your opinions on some of our ongoing investigations.” He looks at them sternly. “This is strictly extra curricular and you should not let it affect your studies and training, understood?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Of course, sir.”
He nods in approval. “But if you do well, there might just be a place for you here once you graduate.”
They don’t disappoint, and they work well together, which is a relief. Jack was worried that Lass’s obvious ambition may lead to her attempting to undermine potential challengers. But their personalities and abilities meshed well. Graham was quiet and polite where she was brash and unafraid to speak her mind. Graham showed a natural talent for picking up on subtle evidence and making intuitive leaps, whereas she analyzed information and saw patterns where no one else did. Together they made an impressive team. A profile they worked on together led to a breakthrough on the Angel Maker case, and Jack decides it’s time to let them play in the big leagues.
He gives them access to the Chesapeake Ripper files. It had been over a year since the last cycle, but Jack knew better than to think the bastard had stopped for good. He watches the faces of the trainees as they go over the crime scene photos. Will pauses for a long time on what the media had dubbed the Christmas Massacre, though Jack doesn’t think three bodies can be called a massacre. There is still considerable debate over whether it was committed by the Ripper or not, but Jack feels deep in his gut that it was.
“What do you see?” Jack asks him.
“It seems the Ripper was inspired by the tale of Faust.” Will replies, tearing his eyes away.
“Inspired?” An odd choice of words.
The young man’s expression takes on a faraway look. “He thinks of himself as an artist, elevating the base into something...more worthy. I think there is some element of irony known only to him in all of the murders. Perhaps something to do with why he chose them?”
“The victims don’t have any apparent connection.” Miriam says, brow furrowed. Will shrugs.
“He obviously sees one.”
“An interesting theory, Trainee. Lass?”
“Probably an unmated, white, alpha, male between the ages of 35 and 65 going by statistics. He’s very strong to be able to move the bodies. Surgical background judging by the expertise of the incisions. Many of the bodies are found in poses resembling or in reference to famous works, so I can see Will’s point about art. He seems to be well educated.” She looks down at the gruesome spread of photographs. “I think,” she says slowing down from the fast clip she had rattled off the rest of the profile in, “there is something exotic about him. He hides by standing out.”
That was more the kind of leap that Graham would make. They both look at her in surprise. She pinkins. “Just a feeling.” She mutters.
“Listen to your gut, Lass. Sometimes it can be a better judge than your brain.”
A few weeks later Miriam comes to him with the idea of investigating all the medical personnel seen by the latest victim. Jack very pointedly lets her know that if she chooses to do that in her own time, (and certainly not on any official orders) she should take Will with her just in case.
He smiles to himself as she leaves, eager to get started. He has high hopes for these two recruits.
***
Miriam reads off the next address on the list. It had been a long fruitless day. Her initial excitement at being given the go ahead to go out and do some real investigating had long since worn off. Now she was looking forward to going home and putting her feet up. But they had time to check out one more on the list today.
Will glances over at her, before putting the car and gear and driving. She didn’t really know him outside of classes and work. He hung out with Beverly Katz who was training for forensics, she knew. But he didn’t talk much about himself, keeping focused on work, which she appreciated. Still, though, probably couldn’t hurt to spend some time together outside the FBI. Especially if they both wound up working in the BAU; it would be nice to have a friend.
They pull up outside a fancy building on the richer side of Baltimore. She leads the way up the path and into the tastefully decorated waiting room. It’s empty. Not even a secretary, which is a bit surprising. She hesitates, a bit unsure how to proceed. Will goes over and knocks sharply on the door, which she assumes must lead into the office.
She stares at him in surprise. He had let her take point on their questioning all day, in general hanging back and chiming in only when needed. Now was an odd time for him to start getting assertive. The door opens to reveal an elegant man in a plaid three piece suit. What should have looked ridiculous, he somehow managed to pull off like it was the height of fashion. Before she can say anything Will speaks.
“Sir, you are under arrest for the crimes of the notorious serial killer, the Chesapeake Ripper.”
Miriam stares at him in open mouthed horror. What was he doing ?
The man seems amused. “It seems that you have caught me, agent. Do you expect me to come quietly?”
“I hope not.” To her further surprise, Will grins wolfishly. He steps up to the man and gives him a brief, but embarrassingly thorough kiss.
“I think you have shocked your guest, my dear.” The man says once they had separated faces. She abruptly realizes her mouth is still hanging open. She shuts it with a snap.
Will chuckles. “Sorry, Miriam. When I heard the address I decided to play a little joke. This is my mate, Dr. Hannibal Lecter.”
Dr. Lecter steps forward smoothly, holding out a hand. “A pleasure to meet you Agent Lass. I have heard much about you.”
She takes the hand, regaining her senses. “Thank you. And it’s not agent yet. I’m just a trainee.”
“Never just a trainee.” He smiles warmly. “What brings you two by?”
“We are investigating medical personnel who treated a man named James Roberts. He came into the emergency room while you were on duty several years ago. He had been in a car accident. I don’t suppose you remember him?”
“Not that I can recall. I treated many people while I worked as a surgeon. But I keep rather thorough journals. I could look if you like?”
“If you don’t mind.”
“Not at all. Always happy to help the FBI. Please, come in.”
He goes up to the small library on the balcony. While Will and Miriam wait at the lavish room below.
“I hope you aren’t upset.” Will says looking rueful.
“No, it’s okay, I was just surprised. I didn’t know you had a mate.” As a beta she wasn’t privy to the complex scent markings that make up alpha and omega social dynamics.
“I kept my last name. I try to keep my bond status on the down low at work. Hannibal’s rather well known in certain circles, and I don’t want anyone saying I didn’t get by on my own merits. If you get my drift.”
She looks around the office, silently tallying the cost of the furniture and fixtures. Her mental calculator cashed out.
“Yes. I think I understand.”
She wanders around for lack of anything to say. She approaches a drawing desk. There is a half finished sketch on it.
“Oh!” She says, turning away quickly, face flushing hotly. Will comes over.
“Dammit, Hannibal.” He groans. The picture is obviously of Will, sprawled bare and seductive on a lounge. The psychiatrist descends carrying a thick journal under one arm.
“I thought I asked you to stop drawing me naked at your office!” Will says, annoyed.
“Ah, but you make such a charming Odalisque,” Hannibal says unashamedly. He winks at Miriam. “I’m afraid my mate can be a bit of a prude.”
“I’m not a prude.” Will grumps, but is obviously not too upset.
“I have found my journal from that time. I’ll go through it tonight and have Will report anything I find tomorrow, shall I?”
“Sounds good. Thank you.” Miriam says.
“And you must come by the house sometime, Ms. Lass.” Hannibal smiles, showing surprisingly sharp teeth.
“Yes, Miriam.” Will agrees. “We would love to have you for dinner.”