Disclaimer: Dr. Lecter and Clarice Starling belong to themselves, as do Jack Crawford and Ardelia Mapp. They were brought to life by Thomas Harris and respectively Anthony Hopkins, Jodie Foster, Scott Glenn and Kasi Lemmons. I think that about covers it.

Timeline: A few months after the Silence of the Lambs, but not quite...

Imprisoned

The first time I went to visit Dr. Lecter in the high-security Federal prison in Newport, Rhode Island, I almost missed it. I had to make a U turn after driving straight past the parking lot entrance, tires screeching on hot asphalt as I realised that the large but inconspicuous white building to my left was actually a prison.

The parking lot attendant inquired after my business in a less than friendly way, and wasn't the slightest bit impressed when I showed him my identification. While not entirely comfortable with the modus operandi of their personnel, I found myself somewhat in awe of this charming prison, for it was indeed charming. The area surrounding the actual building was, though surrounded by high brick walls, nothing less than an enchanting park with trees and wildflowers.

Dr. Lecter would appreciate the view, I thought idly as I made my way towards the main entrance. Before being allowed to visit him, I was strip-searched and given the once-over with a metal detector. They were nothing if not thorough. A bulky guard by the name of Pete offered to take me to Lecter's cell, and I gratefully accepted. I was pretty convinced I could get lost in a building like this.

I'll admit to being slightly nervous when we approached Dr. Lecter's cell. I found an odd comfort in the in the sound of my heels clicking on the cement floor. No cheap shoes this time, doctor. I straightened my skirt, and caught Pete looking at me.

'Nervous, agent Starling?'

'Special agent. And only slightly.'

Not that that was entirely true, but then I didn't owe him the truth, did I? I was decidedly nervous about my first 'appointment' with Dr. Lecter after his transfer to Rhode Island. After the deal was struck with Senator Martin (the real deal, not the one Jack Crawford made up), the doctor had been transfered here, to a room with a view, far away from Dr. Chilton. I was part of the deal. I had agreed to visiting him in return for Buffalo Bill's name.

'Here we are, Special agent Starling.'

I was somewhat surprised to see that Dr. Lecter's cell was exactly the same as all the others. No nylon nets, no cellar, no high-tech video cameras, just a steel door with a plexiglas, barred window and a sliding food tray. Pete knocked on the door with his hairy fist.

'Hey Lecter, you got company.'

I gasped at the impending doom as Pete swung the door open without any added security measures, half expecting this to be Pete's final action. I should have known better, of course. When I carefully stepped into the small, sparsely furnished room, I found Dr. Lecter bound to a bed by his wrists and ankles.

I vaguely heard Pete talking in the background, giving me instructions about not coming close to the doctor, keeping my distance at all times and not handing him anything. He could have saved himself the trouble, for I barely registered his words. My eyes were locked into piercing blue ones, the same ones that had captured me months ago. His eyes.

'Hello, Clarice.'

'Dr. Lecter.' It was all I could come up with. His eyes had me paralysed. I turned to see Pete still there, watching me. 'If you would excuse us...?'

He frowned. 'My orders are to stay here and protect you in case of an, um, emergency, Special agent Starling.'

'If you don't mind, I can protect myself, sir.'

He shrugged. 'It's up to you. If you need anything, I'll be right outside.'

So now it's just you and me, doctor... I thought silently. Let the games begin.