It had been less than a week since she'd shot Jame Gumb when Clarice found herself in Jack Crawford's office.
"That's was some fine detective work, Starling."
"Thank you, sir."
Clarice shifted her chair slightly the bruise of her hip smarting. She got to banging around in the dark basement where she'd found Catherine Martin.
"Keep this up and you'll be on track for a promotion sooner than you think."
"I hope so, sir. The F.B.I. has been my dream for so long."
Jack smiled at her then.
"Well, graduation is tomorrow. I know you will be an excellent agent, Starling.
Clarice smiled at her mentor. Her dream was coming true. Tomorrow she would be Special Agent Clarice Starling of the F.B.I.
"Oh, I have some news."
"What would that be, sir?"
"We caught Lecter in the early hours of this morning."
"What?!"
"Yes, he was trying to board a plane to the Bahamas, when someone recognised him and phoned it in. Came without a fuss too. You should have been there, Clarice."
He didn't make it.
"Well, that's great, sir."
"…"
"You have something to say, Clarice?"
"Y-yes, what's going to happen to the doctor now?"
"Oh, he's been returned to the care of Dr. Chilton for now. As long a she behaves he'll say there. If he doesn't he will be executed."
Jesus. Back in Chilton's care. Laughable really.
Is it Clarice?
Wow, that voice sounds suspiciously like Dr. Lecter.
"If that's all, sir, I am free to go lots to prepare for after all?"
"Of course, Starling. Go celebrate. I'll see you tomorrow."
That night Clarice tossed and turned, the lambs louder than ever. Waking drenched in sweat and tears, she knew she wasn't sleeping anymore tonight. Climbing out of bed, she headed to the kitchen, some Jack might tempt her to sleep a little more before she has to face, her colleagues and friends in the morning.
Pouring herself a small measure she allowed her mind to wander over today's events. Dr. Lecter had been caught, like she wanted, she was becoming an agent, just like she wanted. So why on earth did she feel so bad?
Maybe because you care, Clarice.
Nope.
Don't lie to me Clarice.
Damn.
Taking a sip of her Jack, feeling it warm her to her stomach. Clarice pondered. All the memories she shared, all the times he gave her perspective, the hope she had that he actually found a view. The disappointment she felt at his capture.
"Shit, maybe I do care."
Thankfully, the voice in her head was silent.
Hanging her head low she thought of never being able to see him again. Chilton would never allow that, and neither would Crawford.
Maybe I can get around Chilton. He's a slimy bastard but he did always look at me that way. Maybe I can use it to my advantage.
Snapping her head up, shaking it as though she wanted to shake the thoughts right out of her head.
"Well. That's enough of that, for one night."