As Jack and Clarice arrived at the location of the party, Clarice became a bit nervous. This was a very fancy gathering. Two things about this made her uneasy: one, she was unaccustomed to this kind of class. Two, the atmosphere was so him. It wouldn't really surprise her to see him there. In fact, it would make her happy. She would be glad to see him. No! She mentally slapped herself. No, she couldn't be glad to see him. She would be terrified. Should be, maybe not would be.

As they pulled to the drive, a young man opened the door for Clarice and helped her out. Jack walked around the car and joined Clarice on the other side. Valet parking took care of the car and they walked inside. No sooner had they stepped in the door than Clarice began scanning tables, searching faces. Jack could tell that she was preoccupied and made no effort for conversation at that moment.

A handsome man caught Clarice's eye, and the harder she stared, the more familiar he looked. From where she was standing, she could see his profile perfectly. He had a strong nose, among other aristocratic features. This man looked exactly like Hannibal Lecter. As she thought this, the man turned his head and looked straight into her eyes. This startled her, for it was now that she could see his full face. "Oh my gosh," she mumbled. Jack pulled her to face him.

"What is it?" he asked soothingly. She shook her head in annoyance. He had pulled her to him, simultaneously turning her back to the handsome man. Clarice pulled away delicately, but when he wouldn't let go, she consented to his grasp and allowed him to escort her to a table. She sighed uncomfortably as she was seated, trying her hardest to look and catch just a glimpse of the man. A string ensemble launched into a waltz, and Clarice knew what was coming next. If Jack asked her to dance, she'd simply say that her feet were hurting. But what she expected to be next was not at all what happened.

Clarice glanced at Jack. He was looking over her head, apparently at something or someone. There was a curious look in his eyes, and Clarice began to wonder. She was afraid to turn around and seem rude, but she was dying to know what was so interesting. She then felt a gentle touch on her shoulder. It was not a frightening touch, but a calming one. A familiar one. Clarice swallowed, watching Jack the whole time. She somehow knew exactly who this man was. "Is there something either of us can help you with, sir?" Jack asked politely. The man took a moment before replying.

"Yes, I do believe so." He came into full view now, and Clarice could see that he still looked very well. "I was informed that a former pupil of mine would be in attendance tonight, and I wondered if perhaps you knew where I could find her." Jack looked confused.

"And what did you say your name was?"

"I didn't," the man replied. "But I suppose it would be polite of me to introduce myself." A pause. "I am Dr. Henry Davidson. The student I'm searching for is a Miss Clarice Starling. Would you happen to know her by any chance?" Jack glanced at Clarice, as if asking permission to give her identity. She nodded, but spoke before Jack could.

"Actually, I'm Clarice Starling. And it's a pleasure to see you again, Dr. Davidson." Clarice smiled. The ensemble began another waltz and the doctor held out his hand.

"May I, Miss Starling? It is still Starling, isn't it?" She took his hand.

"Yes, and yes." Clarice blushed. Jack was taken aback. She seemed to brighten quite a bit when this man showed up. He sat there at the table and watched Clarice and Dr. Whatever-his-name-was dance.

Meanwhile, Clarice was whirling around the floor, having a wonderful time. The up tempo waltz led into a very intimate piece. Clarice felt herself pulled closer to the doctor's body. He gently placed his hand under her chin and lifted it. Her eyes met his. "Doctor, what are you doing here?" she whispered. "Don't you know how dangerous it is for you to be here?" Lecter smiled at her charming concern for his safety.

"My dear, seeing you like this is worth all the danger in the world. You look beautiful." She felt her cheeks grow hot. He thought it delightful to see her modesty when it came to looks.

"Thank you."

"So, I see you're here with Jack."

"I am."

"Jack cares for you, doesn't he, Clarice? Cares for you very deeply, hm?" It was not that he didn't know the answer; he just liked to see her reaction under such questioning.

"I suppose you could say that. I don't really know, to tell the—"

"Oh, Clarice, come now. I thought we were always honest with each other." She let out a deep sigh.

"If we're always honest with each other, then you'll answer my question, won't you?" He chuckled.

"That depends." Ignoring the comment, Clarice pressed on.

"Why are you here?" There was a long pause, one so long that Clarice wondered if Lecter had heard her. He had, he was simply going to see how long it would take for her to inquire about it. When she didn't, he spoke.

"Does my presence here surprise you?" Why did he have to answer everything in question form? What was wrong with this man? She decided to play it his way. Maybe she'd get some answers if she did it the way he wanted.

"Yes . . . no. Well, a little. But then, it doesn't surprise me at all, I just can't believe you're actually here."

"Why? You're here." The response surprised her a bit at first.

"What does that have to do with this?" she asked, even though she knew very well why he said it.

"Oh, I think that's got plenty to do with my being here." Oh, just come out and say it, she thought. I am the reason you're here. At least, she hoped she was.

"How so?"

"Oh, Clarice. We've been through this. I'm here because you are. I've missed you." Her eyes widened. He rarely ever came out and just . . . said things like that. It was shocking.

"And you thought it appropriate to interrupt an evening I had planned with someone else to see me?" Down deep in her heart, she wanted him to say yes more than anything.

"Please excuse me for interrupting anything, Clarice." His tone was cold, almost frightening. He stepped away, kissed her hand, and headed for the exit. Clarice's heart dropped. She watched him retrieve his coat and walk out the door, into the cold, dark night.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------That was longer than I had planned for it to be…but more chapters will follow soon. I promise. J