Hello, Chilton fans! As promised, here is part 2 of my Hannibal au, Mankiller! It’s a bit short, but I hope you enjoy it, nonetheless. In this chapter, Chilton and Sylvia get ready for their dinner date.
As always, feel free to holla at me in the comments (or in my asks). I appreciate the feedback. Let me know if you guys like the series so far and if you think I should continue it. If you haven’t read the first part of the series, you can find it here. Without further ado, part two.
Her heart beat feverishly as she dialed his number. Its beat increased in tempo as the sound of ringing entered her ear, and skipped ever so slightly as the line was picked up on the other end.
“The Baltimore State Hospital for the Criminally Insane. How may I direct your call?” Sylvia exhaled and her heart steadied as she realized it was an assistant. She couldn’t believe she felt nervous. How ridiculous.
“Yes, I’m calling for Dr. Frederick Chilton.” She explained, trying to ignore the fact that her face felt warmer than it had just a minute ago.
“Can I ask who’s calling?” The young man asked.
“Sylvia.”
“And what do you-”
“He’ll know why I’m calling.” She interjected, not having the patience to play customer service. The assistant paused a beat before speaking again.
“Please hold.” Wait music played and Sylvia rapped her fingers anxiously on the counter in front of her. She sincerely wondered whether he’d actually transfer her through to Chilton or whether he put her on hold to pretend like he was going to.
It’s close to the end of office hours. Maybe he’s gone? She wondered, as she continued to wait. She had decided not to call the doctor until the next day, in order to not seem eager. She’d done this enough times in her years as an assassin to know that appearing as if she didn’t care whether he was around gave her the edge, when it came to gathering information. He had to prove his worth with the value of his knowledge. Meaning, he’d tell her just about anything if he wanted her enough.
The wait music stopped abruptly in the middle of a saxophone solo, and so did her heart for a split second when she heard his voice.
“This is Doctor Chilton.” He announced in a velvety tone. Sylvia cleared her throat before speaking.
“Hello, Doctor,” she greeted seductively, attempting to meet his velvet with silk. Chilton chuckled from the other end.
“To what do I owe the honor?” He schmoozed.
“I’m calling to hold you to that information you promised me.” Sylvia cut straight to the chase, but maintained her flirty tone. Frederick didn’t know whether to be irked, or turned on, but if he were honest, he felt a bit of both.
“Information I only offered on the condition that you let me take you to dinner.” He reminded her, sounding thoroughly amused. He knew the mysterious beauty was only using him. He only hoped she intended to use him in some of the more fun ways, too—determined to enjoy a good thing while it lasted.
Though, he couldn’t figure out why exactly she was so interested in the Chesapeake Ripper. He supposed she was probably just a journalist. She was certainly attractive enough to be, though he’d never seen her around before—and he’d definitely remember a face like that. He shook his head.
You’re overthinking this, Frederick. Just enjoy the ride.
“So? Do we have dinner plans...or no?”
“Yes, but you’ll have to pick the restaurant. I’m rather new to town.” Sylvia replied. Frederick smiled.
“Not to worry, I know the perfect place. I’ll pick you up around eight?”
He shouldn’t know where I live. It's a liability. Sylvia thought. Then again, he’s just a psychiatrist. What can he possibly do to me that I can’t handle?
She let out a small, sharp exhale of air—not quite a laugh—before responding.
“What a gentleman.”
“I aim to please.” Frederick responded in a seductive tone, and she found herself more affected by it than perhaps she should have been. She gave him the details of her address before bidding him goodbye.
“I’ll see you then—and don’t be late, or I won’t bother opening the door.” She warned.
“Not to worry, I pride myself on my punctuality.” Chilton responded a bit pompously. For any other man, it would have been an instant turnoff. Yet, somehow, Sylvia didn’t mind the doctor’s proud, boastful manner. It was almost cute how he tried to show off for her. Like a kitten attempting a lion’s roar.
That’s right. She reminded herself. Doctor Chilton is the inexperienced kitten. I’m the seasoned hunter. I can handle him easily. It’s all in a day’s work, for me.
She gave an amused chuckle as she strolled to her closet, contemplating which dress would best turn him on. Men were always so eager to help when they believed they had a chance at having sex with her.
She settled on a glimmering, green dress that hugged all the right curves. She checked the clock. It had only just struck 5:00. She sighed, knowing it wouldn’t take three hours to get ready. Sitting down, she opened up the Ripper’s file once more and continued to read up.
***
Across town, Frederick hurried out of his office, bidding his assistant a brusque goodbye. It had been a rather disheartening length of time since he had last gone on a date, and even though he was sure Sylvia was using him, he was still delighted to spend the night dining with such a gorgeous and fascinating woman. He'd chosen a very prestigious and visible restaurant, where he was sure to be noticed with this bombshell on his arm.
For once, he will be a man to be respected and envied, not pitied and laughed at. He smiled to himself.
If only Jack Crawford, Will Graham, or Hannibal were able to see me with Sylvia. They’d learn to respect me—as I should be respected.
As Frederick arrived at his home, he went straight to his closet to determine which fine suit he should wear on his date. He needn’t pick her up until 8:00, but this decision was going to take a while.
***
7:58. Sylvia read from the clock. No sign of Chilton yet.
“I pride myself on my punctuality.” She mocked. “Apparently, you shouldn’t.” She paced to and fro as she waited, wondering why she was so bitter about his likely tardiness, when a rap came at her door. She frowned and approached the entrance to her home cautiously. Taking a look through the peep hole, she saw Dr. Chilton, fidgeting nervously as he waited. She laughed before swinging open the door.
“Dr. Chilton, you were very nearly late.” She smirked, leaning against the door frame.
“Nearly is the key word, now, isn’t it?” Chilton responded, smirking right back. Sylvia couldn’t help but chuckle. She didn’t think she’d targeted a man like him for information before. He was clever, with a quick wit and a handsome smile.
This should be interesting. She thought to herself as she allowed Chilton to walk her, arm in arm, to his vehicle, which was just as proud and boastful as he.
