Eat the Rude

Dr. Hannibal Lecter was not amused. He was in fact, quite bored. This museum opening his old colleague Bernard had insisted he come to was, for lack of a better word, dull. Sure, the room was full of the best Parisian society had to offer but they were mostly sycophantic, pretentious and vapid. No one to offer him a stimulating conversation.

    "Hannibal! There you are I have been looking all over for you! Come here I want you to meet someone!" Bernard motioned from across the room.

  Hannibal sighed and strode across the marble floor to his friend. Bernard clapped him on the shoulder and pulled him in. Before Hannibal stood a young lady facing away from him. Her dark red hair fell in long waves over her back and shoulders.

    "My dear, I have someone I would like to introduce you to." Bernard said touching her arm.

Hannibal was astounded at her beauty. Her pale skin and intense blue grey eyes rendered him temporarily speechless. Her lips curved into a smile. Hannibal could not help but notice the black dress she was wearing and how it hugged every single curve.

    "Juliette DeLoncre this is..."

    "Dr. Hannibal Lecter, forgive me Bernard for interrupting, but I would know this man anywhere."

She offered Hannibal her hand. He graciously kissed it and took in her scent. Sweet, floral, spicy.

    "It's a pleasure to meet you Miss DeLoncre. Forgive me if I seem confused but have we met? I am sure I would had remembered a face as beautiful as yours."

    "No Dr. Lecter, we have not. I have read many of your papers though. Your picture usually accompanies them."

    "Juliette is the new Prima Donna at the Palais Garnier. Il Seraglio opens tomorrow."

    "One of my favorites." Hannibal mused.

    "I would love for you to be my guest Dr. Lecter. I have one box seat on reserve. It would be an honor if you would take it." She bit her lip. Hannibal could not tell if she was flirting with him. He wanted to get her alone.

    "Bernard, would you mind terribly if I asked Miss DeLoncre to join me for a walk?"

Bernard shook his head and smiled as he bowed to Juliette and kissed her hand. Hannibal offered her his arm.

    "Shall we?"