Chapter Text
Will shook Father Amos’ hand.
“I’m Will Graham and this is Dr Hannibal Lecter. We’re here about the death of Rebekah Edwards.”
Amos shook Hannibal’s hand and sat back down.
“Yes, I was so very sorry to hear she had passed. Her husband rang me this morning to discuss when we could have the funeral. He told me it was suicide, is that correct?”
“That's what the police are saying but we have reason to suspect someone was involved with her death.”
Father Amos sighed; of relief or despair was difficult to tell. Will was about to comment when the man beat him too it.
“Mr Graham I can tell my reaction started you and I deeply apologise. This may make me appear heartless but I was praying that Mrs Edward hadn’t committed suicide. It is a sin to end ones own life, she would be condemned to eternal fire. As horrible as it is and I am deeply upset by the news pf murder in my community, this way she can achieve salvation. Lord have mercy on her soul!”
He made the effort of crossing his chest and clasping his hands together. Will tried not to roll his eyes and was uncharacteristically glad Hannibal took over the conversation.
“I understand Father. I no longer practice but I was brought up in the faith. Salvation is very important; that is your purpose, to help your community achieve salvation.”
Amos turned to Hannibal and smiled warmly.
“You and I have an understanding then Dr Lecter. God has appointed me to save this community and I care for everyone deeply. It is a personal failure on my end if these people do not receive what the Lord has ordained for them.”
Will looked into his eyes.
”So it must trouble you that so many people have gone missing this past year; twenty five in total if I am not mistaken? Do you not mourn them Father?”
This seemingly struck a nerve as Amos returned eye contact immediately forcing Will to break it. Smile faltering, his dark eyes narrowed and tone went cold.
“Are you trying to doubt my faith Mr Graham? I assure you I mourn every loss in this community. The sinners and the saints. It feels like a personal judgement of my soul everything that happens in this town.”
“Then the Lord must be angry at you.”
A smile crept onto Hannibal’s face but he maintained composure.
“Father I apologise for Will’s outburst. He is always surprising me,” the two shared a look, “We were just concerned that perhaps there was information you weren’t sharing with any previous investigations. Had Mrs Edwards, or anyone else for that matter, shared any troubling information?”
The priest looked back to Hannibal, demeanour changing again.
“Mrs Edwards confessed wanting to cheat on her husband two days ago. I reminded her infidelity is a sin. She had never said anything else particularly troubling and no one else in my congregation has said anything of the sort either.”
“The evidence we found points to her cheating on her husband which lines up with the confession. She was killed by someone she trusted, someone who wanted to save her and put her out of her sinful misery. Where were you last night Father?”
“Mr Graham if I didn’t know any better I would think you suspected me of doing it. I don’t need to kill people to save them, I am a messenger for the Lord’s divine forgiveness and wisdom. I have an alibi anyhow; I had an Alcoholics Anonymous session five pm to six pm and afterwards was logging donations we had received. Usually Sister Clarice does this but she was running a women’s Bible study. She was in the building and can confirm I was here. She came in to see me at eight pm before she went home.”
Will noted down his statement to report back to Jack. Something felt off about Father Amos but he wasn’t sure if it was anything of note or his untrusting nature of religion. This man was justifying being relieved by murder. He’d have to keep him under close watch.
“Thank you Father that will be all. We’ll be in touch if we have anymore questions.”
Hannibal, Will and Father Amos all shook hands.
“Goodbye Dr Lecter, Will Graham. May God bless you.”
The two left the building and at back in Hannibal’s car.
“You were awfully rude to Father Amos, Will. Tell me, what do you see in him?”
Will sighed.
“I don’t trust him. He justified being relieved by murder. Plus he has so much influence over this town.”
“He is the town priest Will. He is trusted by everyone. He gives them the meaning of their lives.”
The two made eye contact.
“No one should have that much power over another human Hannibal.”
They both knew who that comment was intended for.
“I believe your distrust of men of the cloth is clouding your judgement Will. Father Amos is a respected man in his community. It is a commitment. You must have real faith to become a priest. Give up all Earthly desires: relationships, pleasure, privacy. You are a man of God and a pillar for your community.”
“It isn’t just that Hannibal. His energy is… familiar.”
Hannibal looked even more intrigued.
“Familiar?”
“I’m not entirely sure yet. I need to think about this longer. We should report back to Jack anyway.”
The two returned to Jack who also had no new leads. They discussed the case for a while but failed to
“This investigation is not as smooth as I thought. Twenty five missing people and one murdered. Something sinister is going on here. I’m finding everyone rooms to stay in; it’s best to stay here whilst the investigation is ongoing.”
“Does this town even have a hotel?”
“No. The only free rooms are in the church. Mr Edwards offered to call and arrange it with the priest himself.”
Will’s uneasiness grew. He looked up at Hannibal who simply just smiled.