Thanks guys, for putting up with this nonsense. Moosh warning! For those of you who need something deep and meaningful, this ain't it!

The usual applies; I own no one or nothing pertaining to this story.

Chapter 3 Cat & Mouse

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Dinner was pleasant. The only conversation Crawford wanted to engage in had to do with the events to come tomorrow. He wanted to go through the last few days of videotape from the security cameras in the hotel. I highly doubted he would find anything, but as long as it kept him busy and outta my hair, it worked for me. He wanted me to flash the Doctor's picture around at the different hotels and see what I could find. All that meant was I was going to have plenty of time for shopping.

I decided to call it a night and left Crawford at the same poker machine he had been at when I came downstairs. When I entered my room, I was a little disappointed to find that I was alone.

What I did find was rose petals on the floor leading to the bathroom. I followed the trail to find a single red rose on the counter lying next to a bottle of wine, a glass and some scented bath oils. I guess a bath is in order. I started the water in the tub before pouring myself a glass of wine. Under the bottle was a small note that simply said, 'Enjoy'

He would not return this evening, the single glass screamed as much, but I was happy nonetheless.

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Crawford had spent all morning and most of the afternoon looking through video surveillance tapes from the casino. He had come across only one maybe, a man from the back, walking away from the camera. He didn't think it was Lecter, but he would show it to Starling later, to see what she thought.

Crawford decided he needed to get out of the room for a while, so he headed for the coffee shop to get some lunch, but he never made it. On the way through the lobby, he heard the poker machine calling his name. 'I wasn't really hungry anyway' he thought as he purchased two rolls of quarters from the change girl and sat down at the machine.

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I was having a great time. I hit almost every casino on the strip before wondering if fate might repeat itself. As I stood overlooking the water and gondolas at the Venetian, I felt him behind me before he spoke. "It's a beautiful day."

"Yes it is."

"Would you care to join me for walk?"

"I'd love too."

As I excepted his proffered arm, I felt his muscle flex at the contact. It made me smile.

"So little Starling, have you made any decisions that I should know about?"

"Well, I thought I might try the salmon tonight. The staff highly recommends it."

"Ahh yes, I have had better, but it is acceptable. Have you chosen a wine?"

"No. I hadn't given it too much thought."

Damn, this was fun.

"I'm disappointed Clarice. The wine can make or break a meal."

"Choosing wine has never been one of my fortes Doctor."

"Then if you would allow me, it would be my pleasure to select a wine for you."

"Thank you Doctor, I would be very grateful, since I wouldn't want to ruin my meal."

We were walking inside now, just passed the gift shops when he pulled me into a service hallway.

"Now that we have the wine issue resolved, have you made any other decisions?" His voice was a low rumble. If I hadn't known better, I would think he was losing his patience.

"Actually I have."

As he leaned his body in closer to hear my confession, I understood it wasn't his patience he was losing, but his self-control. He was on fire and I wasn't far behind.

"I take it you will be sharing this information with me soon, Special Agent Starling?"

"Ex Special Agent, if you don't mind."

He pulled back far enough to see my eyes and then arched one brow.

"I'm ready, Hannibal."

That was it, all she wrote. Of all the kisses I had ever received or would receive in the future, this one I would remember for a lifetime. It was the kiss that sealed my doom, and his. For no matter what happened from now on, we would never be separated again. I waited for the guilt, the remorse, but it never came. Only a feeling of such intense love, I thought I might melt on the spot.

He finally broke the kiss and took a deep breath before continuing.

"I'll come for you at midnight."

"I guess that means I'll be waiting this time."

Smiling, he gave me one last kiss and said, "It's about time, don't you think?"

With a wink, he was gone.

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When I got back to the hotel, I found Crawford sitting at the same poker machine from the night before. He looked beat as I walked up behind him, touching him on the shoulder.

"How long have you been down here sir?"

"Oh, hi Starling, I'm not sure, what time is it?"

"Five o'clock sir."

"Already? I guess I've been here a little longer than I thought. How'd you do with the picture?"

"No luck sir. I think Dr. Lecter sent us on a wild goose chase, for his own amusement."

"I wouldn't be surprised. It doesn't matter now anyway, Director Noonan wants us on a plane back to D.C. in the morning. Something about if we haven't turned up anything by now, he wasn't going to pay for our vacation any longer."

"Whatta kill joy. So are we still having dinner tonight sir? Or do you just want me to have the waitress bring you a tray?"

"Crawford barked out a laugh and said, no Starling, that won't be necessary, I'll meet you here at seven."

"Okay. I'm gonna go get cleaned up. Try and save enough for the tip, will ya?"

Crawford laughed again and said, "Thanks for the vote of confidence."

"Anytime sir."

As I walked away from Crawford, I decided that I would miss him, just a bit.