Problem solving is hunting. It is savage pleasure and we are born to it.

Nothing makes us more vulnerable than loneliness, except greed.

Your agency called this office and got me assigned to help you on this raid. I gave Evelda Drumgo two chances to surrender. She was holding a MAC 10 under the baby blanket. She had already shot John Brigham. I wish she had given up. She didn’t. She shot me. I shot her. She’s dead. You might want to check your tape counter right.

This is the hardest time, Starling. Use this time and it will temper you. Now’s the hardest test – not letting rage and frustration keep you from thinking. It’s the core of whether you can command or not. Waste and stupidity will get you the worst.

Sanity and apparent rationality are not the same, comrade.

Good-bye Clarice. Will you let me know if ever the lambs stop screaming?” “Yes.” Pembry was taking her arm. It was go or fight him. “Yes,” she said. “I’ll tell you.” “Do you promise?“”Yes.

Good morning,” he said, as though he had answered the door. His cultured voice has a slight metallic rasp beneath it, possibly from disuse. Dr Lecter’s eyes are maroon and they reflect the light in pinpoints of red. Sometimes the points of light seem to fly like sparks to his center. His eyes held Starling whole.

Their idle glances walked on him with many tiny feet.

When surrounded by their peers, most men have two sets of reactions – the real ones and those designed for evaluation by their fellows.

Don’t try to impose any pattern or symmetry on this guy. Stay open and let him show you.