Swiftcurrent Creek gratitude's got a short half-life, clarice

“”

Lethe spoke, but Lecter heard only the beloved name that dropped from her curved lips. Jinx. And she had reclaimed lands. Icewater eyes flickered momentarily to Clarice, but she was lost in the hummingbird world of her flitting thoughts, and so he returned his attention to Lethe.

He scented the hesitant cut of her tongue, and wondered at it, but only momentarily. “ I will deal with that when the time comes. For now, I accept your offer, Lethe, and I thank you.” A rueful look uplifted the corners of his mouth. “ You and I never did see through the same eyes, but perhaps we shall now.”

Lecter had not admitted it to himself yet, had not pondered the possibility, but perhaps he was angered with Jinx, for leaving Bon Dye shortly after its conception — for leaving him. Nares flared from his silent annoyance at his own heart's yearning, but he kept its existence silent, and glanced again at his daughter. “ Have you anything to add?”