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Chapter Four

Earlier that evening...

Within the crowd that started to arrive for the event, there were a few others there that did not belong. The FBI's newest Paul Krendler decided to turn his back on one of their own for good this time. Not that he even had a professional relationship with Starling or said more than one word to her during his career with the FBI. Using her for only his personal gain in accessing the one person the department had been searching for over a decade now and she was the only connection that they had and he planned to take full advantage of it.

All the warnings from the department went to empty ears as well as everything that happened a year ago in regards to all the damage that was done. He personally felt that he could do what others could not and that he was different from those who came before him. Arriving in the country last night, it didn't take long for him to find her and was surprised to learn that she would be attending this event. He knew that this was what he was waiting for and there would only be one reason that she would attend something like this. This was not her circle but it was his. Ready to take down the one person that would no doubt give him the advancement and praise he was ready and, in his mind, knew he was long overdue for. Yes, Agent Collins was ready.

"Sir, the target just walked in and we have eyes on her."

"Good. I know he will show up so make sure you do not lose sight of her for one second." The agent responded into his earpiece from the second floor looking down at the guests as if he were some kind of God.

'He will show up and when he does I will capture him.' Was the thought process that was currently running through his mind as the evening began.


Back to the present...

I froze.

It was like in that brief second the world stopped and cease to exist in time and place. I wasn't sure what to say or do. Was this a dream I was experiencing or was this reality? At this point in the night, I thought he was not even going to show up. Part me almost hoped that he didn't if I was being completely honest with myself despite my newfound understanding of my feelings towards him. Maybe my mind was playing tricks on me but there was a part of me that knew without a doubt who is exactly behind that mask.

It really wasn't that long before he was once again guiding me with his hand on my lower back but this time it was off the dance floor and towards the bar. Once we arrived, I heard his voice again, and even though he was speaking in what sounded like fluent Italian I knew it was him as he ordered us what sounded like some drinks with the bartender. I could see the bartender smile very big at him as he took the order and started to prepare the drinks.

No fear was present.

No one but me probably knows what and who he is right now.

Not even noticing that I was still in his arms as we waited for our drinks, he pulled me out of my thought process by brushing his hand across my cheek. Wait. His hands. Both of them were there while we danced and knowing that the last time I saw him he cut off his whole hand to release himself from me. I was in shock. Now I had a whole other set of questions running through my mind like a wild marathon.

"Doctor Lecter..." I whispered still not looking back up at him.

I didn't even notice what I was doing since it was like something took over me and I touched his wrist. I could see where it was reattached. It looked to have been done with precision that I would expect nothing less from him. My fingers ran across the line in a small caress. It was like a silent discussion between the two of us at this moment and no words were really needed.

In an instant, he pulled away and for a second, I thought I offended him until I realized he was reaching for our drinks and tipping the bartender before handing over my drink.

Taking the drink from him, I gulped it down quickly.

"Thirsty, are we?" he asked.

Smiling, I realized that I missed him. Was this really happening right now? I could feel my body start to respond to him and I know he noticed as well.

"Doctor Lecter ..."

"Yes, Clarice? You have said my name already and though I do prefer you to address me in another way that will do for now."

Confused by his statement for a brief moment, I blurted out my burning question that pretty much summed quite a few things that were running through my mind.

"What are you doing here in Italy?"

"The short answer is because you are here my dear." He stated as fact and continued with... "And if you don't mind me saying so, you look very ravishing tonight."

I shivered in response.

Finally growing the strength to look at him again I realized how he chose to wear his attire in such a way that he actually didn't really look like himself at all. The contacts he was wearing under his mask covered his unique eye color. Honestly, without hearing his voice I wouldn't have really noticed that it was him and would have brushed him off as one of the many guests in attendance tonight.

"There is much we need to discuss. And as much as I would love to spend the rest of the evening with you it looks like you have some friends of yours here tonight that I did not plan for but I will make sure to take care of them."

Looking around for a second not really understanding what he said. It actually didn't take me long to notice the 'friends' he was talking about. I can't believe I didn't notice them before now. My mind and focus were on a completely different level this evening and I honestly didn't think the FBI would try and use me as bait again. But now thinking about it I am not surprised. Would you really expect anything less from them by now Clarice? I asked myself.

Wait, what did he mean by 'I will make sure to take care of them'.

"Ah! You didn't know did you," he smirked at me like he didn't already know before making that statement.

The anger started to rise in me knowing exactly why there were here. "No, I didn't. But what did you mean..."

"I'll see you around." That voice.

In a blink of an eye, he was gone. I don't blame him for leaving but I wish I had more time with him but I know he will keep his word since he was right.

There is much we need to discuss.

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Until the next chapter...