[ That is precisely what Hannibal intended with the activation time and he smiles openly, pleased with both Javert's perceptiveness and that Javert knows him well enough to attribute it to him as a deliberate choice instead of happy accident. ]

I've been apprehended by those who meant me harm often enough to know that sometimes the appearance of vulnerability is all the opening one needs to escape.

[ He tips his head toward the pill container. ]

You swallow them, actually. They don't taste very nice and the chemicals are formulated to release slowly. Chewing them will make them release immediately and that could have unintended side-effects.

[ An overdose, possibly. A failure to work properly. He hasn't had the opportunity to test them as thoroughly as would necessary to be certain. ]

I've made a large batch of the things. I can make more as required.