Hannibal sat as well in the chair next to the desk, crossing his legs and folding his hands in his lap. He listened, his expression attentive and kind.
"I can see the ghosts," he affirmed. "I must say, from what little contact you and I have had, you strike me as earnest and sincere. I very much doubt you would joke with me, or waste my time. And I have seen and experienced a number of things in this place, in addition to the ghosts, which have broadened my conception of reality, if you are concerned I will find the things you say unbelievable."
"As for Alcoholics Anonymous, it can be incredibly helpful, and I am glad that you have found strength and solace there. This sort of one on one therapy is certainly different, however. In AA, the emphasis is on community. Here the focus is entirely on you. You may find that the two complement each other."
Hannibal took a breath, and glanced down at his hands. "Before we proceed, I would like to ask your forgiveness for the time it took for us to meet. Someone I was close to arrived at the hotel the same time I did. Then he was sent home, whatever that means, and someone else arrived. It has been...difficult, to adjust both to his absence and her presence. Everything else fell by the wayside. For which I apologize."