PROLOGUE
It had been three years since criminally insane Dr. Hannibal Lecter and ex-special agent Clarice Starling escaped from Baltimore. After living in Argentina for just over a year, Hannibal and Clarice moved to a large, historic home in Paris, France. Dr. Lecter had managed to get the previously dilapidated house for a decent price, and repaired it to his liking using the money he had reserved in selective countries. The house had once belonged to a French cavalier and was set in a gorgeous valley beside la rivière Tanoise. There were iron gates that opened up to the cobblestone driveway, and luscious green grass and colourful gardens. The setting was very private and very much to Hannibal and Clarice's approval.
The pair lived an interesting, yet contented life. They had learned a lot from one another, and still there was much to learn. During the first few weeks in Buenos Aires, Clarice treated Hannibal like an acquaintance, maybe even more like a psychiatrist who would watch her, and listen to her, and ask her questions. Likewise, Hannibal responded and helped her manage her emotions. It wasn't until the doctor had taken Clarice off of medication that she began to worry about the decision she had made to leave Baltimore. Hannibal quickly made sure that she had no regrets.
As time passed, Clarice became more comfortable with Hannibal and found herself getting closer and closer to him. Hannibal was careful not to push her, and in the end they were each rewarded with a strong, honest relationship. However superficial their relationship still was, it was becoming clear that they were prepared to advance into deeper feelings. Perhaps, Clarice had resolved, they were even romantically in love.
During their Argentine residence, Clarice began to express an interest in Europe. She wanted to travel to European countries and see the sights, dine at the restaurants, and learn the history. It was strange but she felt that, after a much needed vacation from the FBI, she was becoming interested in other things. This pleased Hannibal and, without hesitation, he found the proprietor and bought the house that they lived in now.
Upon their arrival, the couple sought out careers for themselves. Hannibal soon opened an office in the South of Paris and Clarice was put on to the staff at the Louvres art gallery and museum. It was for this purpose that Hannibal changed his name to Claude Clèter and Clarice changed hers to Charmaine Vanier-Clèter.
With intense respect for one another, a growing love, and now, a steady income, Hannibal and Clarice were actually starting to forget their pasts and start new lives for themselves.
Everything was falling into place.