She was. And Percy was a pleasant young man himself. I've invited him as well as his friend, Annabeth, for a meal sometime. Though he did mention cheeseburgers in particular, which is not the sort of thing I'm inclined to make. I'll have to consider how to make them more palatable.

[ When Will asks his question, Hannibal glances up from his work. He's not wearing an expression of surprise, since he isn't surprised at all that Will noticed. It's not something he'd been attempting to conceal, really. It's natural that his empathy would pick up on it, but for a moment, Hannibal is considering whether to tell him or not.

But only for a moment. ]

Yes, as a matter of fact.

[ He grabs spices to start to season the food generously, and as he does, he doesn't miss so much as a beat. By now, there's no need for secrets or careful words. Not with Will. ]

The Sheriff requested my assistance. As his deputy, no less, though it's hardly justice that I'll be dispensing.

[ He'll explain further, but he just wants to give Will the chance to react to the title itself first. Hannibal finds it more than a little amusing, and he's have expecting a groan from Will as if he'd just told a bad joke. ]