It was almost midnight. He rose, one minute before his alarm was supposed to go off and took out the batteries. Dr. Lecter wore his silk kimono and carpet slippers. Of course, he would first need a midnight snack before he could start his work. A fine omelett with red wine and some lovely fruits was already prepared.
He loved the night. It felt like a deep connection to the power of darkness, the power of being somebody, or something else. Normally he would walk through the slightly illuminated city for hours, listening to his favorite piece, Dvorak's New World Symphony. But...not today. Today was a special day. A day that made him feel slightly excited. The doctor drove to a milieu, that he normally despised. But...not today. He looked at the women carefully and closely until he found the one that suited his, let's call it, preference. During the way home she was quiet. He had turned up the volume and didn't say a word to her, which made her experience fear. He knew it and he enjoyed it.
"Please take off your clothes" was the first thing he said to her. She was moving towards him expecting to do what she had to do, but he led her to the bathroom. The warm bathtub was prepared.
"I would appreciate it if you would shower first, then you take a bath. I have prepared some new clothing for you." He had a slight accent, Marianne noticed. She was confused but did what he told her.
When she was done with her bath, she put on the kimono and left the bathroom. There was a fantastic, lovely smell and when Dr. Lecter looked at Marianne there was a slight smile hushing over his face. She had never experienced something like this before. A customer who wants her for a night and then bathes her and provides a dinner for her. She was tired but the bath was refreshing.
"I hope you enjoyed your bath"
"Yes, um, of course, thanks." She was not sure what this was going to be.
"Please. Eat."
They ate in silence for a longer moment, Vivaldi playing in the background, Dr. Lecter didn't seem to care about the silence. She started to gain actual interest in him.
"So um what are you doing in your free time?"
" Well, I very much enjoy the art of cooking, I do a great deal of reading and I play the Shamisen. But I have not invited you to talk about me, I want to learn more about you."
She giggled and smiled at him. He smiled back.
"This is so weird, I mean, you know what I normally do right?"
"Yes, certainly. I am sorry that I made you feel uncomfortable"
He looked very good, and she had never experienced a customer this gentle to her.
"Don't worry 'bout it. I'm enjoying myself."
He looked at his clock. Something in his face changed. He knew it was time. He knew it was the moment he patiently waited for. Marianne looked up from her dinner plate as Dr. Lecter stood up without a word.
"Thank you I'm having such a good time"
"My pleasure"
He opened the kitchen drawer and took his favorite knife.
It was time.