Eliana never imagined returning at the stage like this, but there she was. The bright lights coming from the big reflectors illuminated the central figure of the concert hall. It wasn't a person, but an instrument made from a person. That's how the killer imagined it, at least.
The Baltimore symphony's trombonist had his trachea opened with chello neck stuck down his throat. The horrible scene screamed of somebody trying to get attention. It was done professionally and carefully, something a beginner wouldn't be able to do.Will slowly opened his eyes, the killer's thoughts still fresh in his mind. He waited for the team to come closer before speaking. "He wanted to... play the trombonist."
"Is there a special reason why?" - Jack asked.
"He's a skilled musician." - Will anwsered, "Maybe he just wanted to try a new instrument."
"Without an audience?" - Eliana remarked, staring at the wide concert hall with brand new seats, "That would be a shame."
Will turned to the audience seats as well, subtly glancing over to Eliana, "You're right. A good musician needs an audience."
"The police?" - Eliana asked, quickly anwsering her own question, "No. He doesn't need to show his talent to some agents who can't understand his art."
"Maybe it was adressed to another killer." - Will theorised, "He wanted to show off his skill. This is probably the first way he's killed this way."
"An experienced serial killer trying out something new." - Jack raised an eyebrow, "Interesting."
"He got inspired by someone. And when a musician gets inspired... He has to turn it into...art." - Eliana turned towards the trombonist's corpse.
"If your theory is correct, we could be killing two birds with one stone." - Jack noticed, pleased with their deductions.
"Only if the theory is correct." - Will rubbed his tired eyes, trying to clear his mind.
"We've got a start. We should start looking into the orchestra members." - Jack instructed.
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After the whole day of interviewing orchestra members, Eliana was woken up early the next morning by Will's call. Apparently, a wounded animal was hiding somewhere near Will's house. She had no reason to doubt his claim since he lived in the middle of nowhere, but the thought of it being a vivid nightmare crossed her mind. That, or he just needed an excuse to adress some things between them.
Will stood on the porch in his usual jacket and a black beanie, petting one of his dogs as he waited. The day was sunny, but the late autumn wind still cut through the bones. They made a circle around Will's house and then strolled a bit further through the dried field.
"Where do you think this animal could be?" - Eliana asked.
"I don't know. I'm certain that I heard a howl." - Will frowned, "Sorry I called you for nothing."
"Either way, it wasn't for nothing. We have a lot to talk about." - She smiled a little, "Like... How I'm still on the team because you obviously didn't report my unholy intentions to the higher-ups."
"I didn't." - He glanced over to her.
"Why?" - She raised her eyebrows, stopping to look at him.
"I already told you I don't think you could actually do it." - His face softened, a little smile forming on his lips, "Besides... I feel like right now you're the only thing that can keep me stable. What I mean is... I don't want you out of my sight."

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Understanding A Killer
FanfictionEliana Holt is a 22-year old FBI academy student. In the past, the Chesapeake Ripper may have left her a special gift. Determined to find him, she joins Jack Crawford's team. AU to season 1 of NBC Hannibal. Will Graham/Original caracter