Shattered Life

Part one – Beginning of an Eternity

Clarice's world had faded to black around her but her mind was still replaying the events of the last twelve hours. Gazing up at the four bare walls she realised in the last three years this was the longest they had been separated – and it would continue for the rest of her life. This was why she wanted to go with him; but Clarice's stubbornness strong as it was, was no match for Doctor Lecter's will power. He knew what was right and in the end his will be done.

Clarice saw it happen over and over; each time slightly slower than the last. Their final exchange was filled with love as well as instructions on what she would do when the law took her, shut her away and stared, whispering comments under their hushed breaths.

How could an evening of celebration turn into a night filled with mourning? Clarice saw in her mind the restaurant – the best money could buy. Golden and beautiful. With fine wine and food. Music could be heard over the murmur of other dinner guests but it was hardly noticed between the couple. Hannibal had spared no expense and they were discussing their future. Married not long ago Clarice was now expecting a child and parenthood was a new wonder they were both looking forward to.

Time skipped ahead and Clarice now saw her husband toppling backwards, away from her and out of her life. The cries of anguish made by the officers, guns drawn, did not register as Clarice's heart was crushed never to be whole again.

The small woman in the cell looked up when she heard the echoing of footsteps drawing nearer. They were coming to interview her but getting any evidence to hold her on would be their biggest problem. What had she done wrong? Clarice had not killed anyone or tortured anyone. Since they had both left together embarking on their new life Hannibal had also never stepped out of line. And he had done that purely out of love for her.

Of course the FBI did not know of the child and they would never find out. However Clarice knew that events that had already transpired would obviously reach the papers, it was just a matter of time. Briefly her mind drifted to her former life. What would Ardelia think? She would not understand how she had found happiness with a man deemed a monster by the rest of society.

The door shuddered open on hinges used less than a couple of times a year. Three officers stood behind it. All three well advanced in their professions' no doubt with several medals pinned to their chests'.

Hannibal had once told her she would not need a medal to show her courage; only a mirror.

A newspaper was thrust in front of Clarice and her eyes became glued to the headline.

"FBI'S MOST WANTED COMMITS SUICIDE IN FRONT OF WIFE."

She glanced downwards…

And her mirror shattered.

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Hope you are left wanting the answers to some questions.

Reviews much appreciated.

xxkatyxx

Disclaimer: The plot is mine but the characters belong to Thomas Harris.