The feel of her against him, her joy felt in her smile against the skin of his neck, lifted Hannibal's mood considerably. What he wanted most in the world was for River to be happy, and to have the freedom that a creature like her should have. And now, now she had it.
"This place." He assured Lindsey "Likes to see what people can endure. But the place itself seems to think that what it gives us are things we will enjoy. Whatever this was, this trial, it was not the City's doing, not wholly. I believe that is why we are seeing this reversal now."
Perhaps the City, Thomas, had thought some punishment for the death was wise. Or perhaps this had gone out of its control, due to the police getting involved. Hannibal didn't believe that the City puppeted people around. They had free will, just most of the cityborn were too bland to understand what that meant. Whatever the case, the whole thing was over.
He looked at River.
"Had it been without prejudice, the case could have been reopened again later, if more evidence had shown up. The charges refiled, and you would have been right back to where you started. With the way this is now, these charges may never be saddled upon you again. You are truly free, this is truly over."
Hannibal turned toward Lindsey. "I thank you for your efforts on behalf of River. And for bringing us this news personally, as well."