take this thing back to baltimore

There was an aureole of light behind Ira's head; he looked quite the proverbial angel, though with a sneer and twisted heart. Lecter took amusement in this, but said nothing for some moments after the boy had finished. Would he challenge the younger of the pair for the rank alongside Jinx? A more spiteful visage of himself would have agreed, but Lecter instead carefully weighed the merit of such a decision. It would drive him into the public eye, divest him of the secrecy he had come to love. No, he was not suited for such a role; he was content to stand in Jinx's shadow.

"I am too aged for such things. I will not challenge you, Ira, but nor will I ignore her bidding if she asks me to rise beside her." He lifted his chin, icewater eyes searching the cold expression of the young man.

What could replace the anger and dislike that had sprung up weedlike between them? "Nothing," Lecter purred lowly. "I do not intend to force you to admire me, nor do I feel such for you." His voice hardened. "But do not underestimate me, boy. I have knowledge you will only dream of in the darkest nights, of all things, not simply mere herbs and plants."

"If you truly wish to learn, then I shall teach you. Otherwise, we turn our eyes to Jinx and bury this between us. I will grant you the respect she has, and you will do the same for me."

Lecter was silent then, awaiting Ira's reply.