Ardelia asked Clarice is she needed her to stay longer to assist in the case, but Clarice assured her she was fine. Ardelia always seemed to exit the building at a faster pace then when she entered. But then again, when you pulled an all nighter working for the FBI why wouldn't you try to get out of there quick? She didn't know how to feel about Clarice though. She was sad she was quitting when she just got back. Starling is one of the best agents in the bureau whether they want to admit that or not. But she also knew how the FBI controlled Clarice's life, and she could finally have one of her own if she quit. Maybe even meet a nice guy. Ardelia wanted to laugh at the thought of Clarice in a long term relationship. She wasn't trying to be mean or anything, but Clarice wasn't the type to keep a guy around for long or even go out looking for one. Ardelia knew she was happy for her friend, and she knew that she would still have her friend for a while because the case was going no where right now. Ardelia remembered Buffalo Bill and how hard it was to catch him, but she did it. She could pull through anything. After all, how many cases has she been on since she first started? Too many for me to count. Well, I know she gets off early tonight maybe I could make plans with her later. Ardelia made it back to her car and sped off to take a small nap before starting her day.

Clarice on the other hand was focusing on the frustrating case, but she was relieved to know that Hannibal had agreed to help. She stared at the papers and pictures. Then something occurred to her…were they thinking about this all wrong? Could it be possible that whoever this person was, maybe they weren't seeking revenge on these women, but rather on someone they haven't hit yet? Maybe these women were just targets. The only reason Clarice even got this case was because she had interviewed two of the women previously. She was going through their case files as well. She remembered it clearly.

She was hot on the tail of the murderer. He was clever, but there was no way he could escape her grasp. She was sure it was a man by the name of Henry Fieldman. The murderer had killed three families. Fieldman had known all three families, and he was a professional photographer who had taken their pictures every season and holiday. He was even a close friend and was often times seen with the families at various social events. But what made him a suspect was when he disappeared immediately after the death of the families. She was on her way to interview Henry's sister, Laura Fieldman.

"So Miss Fieldman. Have you noticed any strange behaviors from your brother in the past three months?"

"He won't talk to me as much as he used to anymore, but other than that, no."

"Doesn't talk to you much? How often did he used to talk to you?"

"He would call to check up on me once every two days…his calls grew further and further apart. I heard from him about a month ago."

"What did he say?"

"Just that he hopes everything is fine, but he sounded worried."

"Did you ask him why he stopped calling you and why he sounded so worried?"

"Yes, all he said was that he was trying to close in some deals and they weren't going well."

"Deals?"

"Listen Agent Starling, you have to promise me you won't take this too closely or judge his character by what I am about to say."

"Tell me now Laura, if there is a chance I can save more families I am going to."

"He takes drugs, alright." Laura shifted uneasily in her chair and started to rub the back of her neck. "I know he shouldn't, but that is the only bad thing I have ever known him to do."

"Is that all Laura?"

She started to tear up, "Laura?"

Now the tears began, and she was shaking a little. Clarice stood up and walked over to Laura.

"I can't-"

"Can't what? Laura you have to be strong now, those families."

"He hasn't done anything wrong, ok? Its, its just…"

"Just what?"

"He sent me this, this morning. He said he found his inspiration and I had to promise not to tell." She pulled out from her pocket a picture. Laura passed the picture to Clarice. Clarice looked at it and saw it was one of the families arranged on the bed, dead. Clarice looked to Laura.

"Thank you, Laura. But I hope you understand what I have to do now."

"I know." That was all she said before she put her face in her hands. She cried her eyes out then.

Her brother was responsible for the killings. Her brother was actually found dead by Special Agent Brown. Henry Fieldman had died trying in a car chase when Agent Brown had tracked him down and tried to pursue.

The next woman Clarice had interviewed was Wendy Shaul. She was interviewed in another killing that went on to become a cold case. The murders had stopped after a week. Even though Clarice had tried to keep the case going, her superiors told her the murderer had probably died off. Clarice had searched the files over and over but found nothing.

Clarice was focusing on the case for quite sometime before her mind drifted to other matters. It was hard for her to stay focused on the case when she had Hannibal at her house. She must admit she did enjoy company in the bed at nights. He took care of her however he could think. She could not wait to be done with this entire mess. She gathered up the files and went on home. But about the time she got into her car she received a text from Ardelia. Ardelia was asking if she could join her and Agent Brown for some drinks. Clarice called her then.

"Your out getting drinks with Brown?"

"Yeah, why don't you come down and join Nathan and I?"

"Already on a first name basis?"

"Are you coming?"

"No, I have stuff to do."

"Clarice, are you going out with someone?"

"What? No, why would you ask?"

"Just because you are always too busy anymore."

"I just have plans is all."

"Even if I ditched him and it was just you and I, would your answer still be no?"

"Sorry Ardelia, maybe another time."

Clarice drove home and unlocked the front door. She expected Hannibal to be waiting for her in the living room, but when she opened the door, all the lights were out except some candles that lit the way to the kitchen. She smelled something delicious in the kitchen. She put down her bags and started to walk over. Hanging up in the hall was the dress she had worn that night at Paul Krendler's place. There was a note on it.

Dear Clarice,

I know I promised to look at the case files with you, and I still intend to do so. But, for now, join me for dinner in your best dress. I can promise you this meal will be served without any unexpected guests.

See you in a while,

H.

Clarice smiled. She planned on giving him a night to remember.

A/N: Hey all please review all criticisms appreciated. Next is the dinner scene so please keep reading and you will find out what the Doctor has in store.

Kanan