It was five days before Will was called back to the office, which was hardly surprising considering what had happened the last time, but it did have Will curious as to what exactly that 'present' was about. He suspected it had something to do with why Jack had called him to their first meeting, though he couldn't be sure. Will had considered asking Alana about the favour she had requested, but had decided it could probably wait a while longer. He got the feeling that he probably didn't want to know, even if he was about to find.

This resulted in four relatively boring, but also relatively normal days, before he got a call from Jack's secretary, Frankie, telling him his appointment was at 4 o'clock. Fortunately, this would still enable Will to attend his class for the day, maybe even grab a cup of coffee afterwards, but that didn't mean it didn't rankle him to know that Crawford was already expecting him to jump at a moment's notice. It would probably be one of those things he would have to get used to if he was going to be dealing with Jack for any length of time.

When he got to the office, there was no one else in the waiting room and after alerting the secretary to his presence, he sat down to wait. It didn't take as long as last time before Jack let him in, though Will figured it probably had something to do with the fact that he wasn't expected to carry out an interview this time. Following Jack into the office, he could smell someone else's presence in the air. It was rich and dark, like expensive coffee, with the headiness of fine wine and Will knew he was dealing with an unmated alpha. By comparison, Jack's scent caused Will's nose to itch, as Bella's claim warded off any potential admirers.

It wasn't difficult to spot the alpha and, for once the scent seemed to suit the man who held it. He was tall, probably about an inch taller that Will, with neat, ash blonde hair and wore a well-cut suit. His features suggested a European background and Will was interested in finding out why exactly Jack had saw fit to invite the stranger to sit in on their meeting. Will wasn't the only one looking, and the other man's thoughtful expression made Will a tad wary.

'Will Graham, I would like to introduce you to Doctor Hannibal Lecter. Doctor Lecter owns a small psychiatric practice in Baltimore; though I heard you were also the one to train Miss Alana Bloom,' Jack said, turning his attention to the Doctor.

'I was indeed, though I learnt as much from her as she did from me. I was very fortunate to have such a brilliant pupil,' Doctor Lecter said, bowing his head in acknowledgement. Turning to face Will, the doctor stretched his hand out towards Will's own. 'It is a pleasure to finally meet you, I have heard much about you from Alana and I look forward to getting to know you better.' '

It's nice to meet you too,' Will said, hoping his smile didn't seem more like a grimace. Fighting the urge to reject the proffered hand, Will took it and tried not to seem too hasty when he ended the contact.

'Now that we are all acquainted, let's get down to business,' Jack said, as he sat down at his desk and retrieved a file. Taking the seat across from Jack, Will tried to ignore the eyes that were still on him and hoped that he wouldn't be soon regretting the acquaintance. 'Will, I have convinced the higher ups to make you an exception, you see, recently we have come across a serial killer, or possibly killers, unlike any that I have ever heard of outside comic books and I need your help to catch them.'

'Why did you need to have an exception made? I mean I have worked homicide before, you know I have,' Will said, not really sure if he was insulted or flattered.

'And look at how well you handled that. Omegas may be able to handle light duty police work, but none of you have ever made it through the FBI level screening procedures and you know it,' Jack said and Will wondered if this was really worth having to deal with Jack on a regular basis.

'And how did you convince them to make this exception?' Will said, trying to keep his voice even.

'This is where Doctor Lecter comes in,' Jack said, motioning to the silent alpha. 'They have agreed to allow us to make an exception for you, as long as we have a psychiatrist around to see to your mental health. Doctor Lecter has graciously accepted to fulfil that role for us.'

'And you really thought that an alpha would be the best choice for that?' Will said and out of the corner of his eye he saw Hannibal stiffen. Reviewing the words he used, Will grimaced. 'I do not mean to infer that you are not an extremely competent psychiatrist, Doctor Lecter, only that there is documented evidence showing that omegas do much better in therapy when their psychiatrist is another omega.'

'In this case, however, that would be a bit like the blind leading the blind now wouldn't it?' Jack said, but fortunately Hannibal had relaxed again, so Will was able to ignore Jack's words.

'Will is correct, however, if your main issue is with feelings of tension, then perhaps further association might enable us to avoid that obstacle,' Hannibal said and Will got the feeling that he wasn't the only one ignoring Jack's input.

'What are you saying, Doctor?' Will said, guessing that he probably wouldn't like whatever it was, but knowing that if he refused, then Jack would probably strong-arm him into it anyway.

'I was planning on inviting Alana over for dinner this Sunday and I am hoping you might consider joining us. As you are already acquainted with Alana, she might aid us in getting to know each other, so that you will feel more comfortable associating with me on a one-on-one basis,' Hannibal said and Will knew it wasn't an unreasonable request. He didn't like it, but then, he had never really done well associating with anybody and he wasn't really sure that Hannibal would be an exception.

'You're a lucky man, Will, I joined Hannibal for dinner the night before last and he is an unbelievably excellent cook,' Jack said, with a nod to Hannibal.

Pasting on a smile, Will said, 'I would be honoured.'

Hannibal returned the smile, though more genuine and he reached into his pocket to pull out a neatly pressed envelope, with Will's name written on it with perfect calligraphy. 'I was hoping that would be the response and here is your invitation. Though Jack has given me your number, I prefer a more personal touch when it comes to these matters.'

'Thank you,' Will said accepting the envelope. The paper was heavy and probably quite expensive and he had to wonder what he was getting himself into by being here. Clearly Hannibal was a man of some means, sophisticated and probably had quite the reputation in certain circles. He is perfectionist who enjoys control, possibly even thrives on it and as such he clearly dislikes displays of uncontrolled behaviour in others, particularly rudeness... It took Will a moment to realise he had drifted off into thought. It wasn't uncommon. His... thing, never really shut itself off and he would find himself coming to conclusions about others without meaning to. Turning to Jack, he said, 'so when do I get started?'

'Well, Beverly Katz should be waiting outside right now. She will take you downstairs and show you what we have so far, while I finish up with Doctor Lecter,' Jack said and feeling like a dismissed school boy, Will stood up and left the room.

'I hope you can understand my little deception there, Doctor Lecter,' Jack said, a moment after the door had closed behind Will. 'The brass is breathing down my neck on this one, but if we are to stand any chance of catching this one, we need him; but he can't know that. We need him to think he has no choice in the matter, or...' Jack stood up and walked over to the window. 'We have managed to make it seem like the crimes are unrelated, but he has already reached a death toll of about 50 people... that we know about. Whoever it is, they are smart, ruthless and absolutely insane. Two long time officers have already resigned and a third was found in his bedroom this morning. Suicide. To be honest, I don't know if what we are doing is going to be enough. It will have to be. When this news finally breaks, and it will, we will need to be able show them the perpetrator or not be too far off.'

'We will catch them, Jack. Do not doubt that,' Hannibal said, placing a hand on Jack's shoulder. 'And Will is going to be fine. You have placed him in good hands, let me take care of him now.'

'Thank you Doctor, I hope you are right.'