Hi there! I would like to take this opportunity to thank those that have read and reviewed my fanfic. I appreciate all your feedback and comments. I take them into consideration when writing.
Again, thanks to everyone that has reviewed and read my story. You really do give me inspiration. Now enough of my ranting and on with chapter 2! Enjoy!
I didn't need any light to know who now resided in the dark corner. His voice had been tattooed into my mind seven years ago, and had never escaped. It was a deep-cutting knife, sending waves of fear over my body. I remember being frightened, but stubborn when it came to questioning him so long ago; yet, in this moment, I was shaking. I was surprised when my own voice timidly spoke.
"Dr. Lecter...good evening."
The calmness in my voice surprised him, as I could feel his mouth turn into a grin. My mind was racing to think of my next move, but my legs were numb.
"Good evening, Clarice. Courteous, like always," he purred. A bright shot of lightning flashed in the window. I could see his silhouette, his teeth barred in a smirk. It was that coy smile I had seen before behind the thick glass. I could see he had aged slightly; some wrinkles etched his face. He must have been 50, more or less. There was one thing that hadn't changed however; his smile still made me shudder.
"You look a bit thin. Have you been eating well?" he asked, seemingly concerned. "You have become quite famous, Clarice. Of course, you are not very grateful for that."
"Dr. Lecter, as much as I would like to talk about my life…What in God's name are you doing here?" I asked, trying to seem as courageous as I could. A small laugh escaped his lips.
"I thought that was pretty obvious. I wanted to visit my beloved friend. It has been a while…don't you think? And by the look of it, you could use a little companionship…"
I could feel his eyes looking straight into mine. My headache drilled into my mind sharply, making it hard to keep up a tough appearance.
"I'm dreaming. I probably took too much Advil. This…", now looking into the dark silhouette," must be a dream."
"You are well aware I do not like to disappoint, but this, my dear, is not a dream. Though I am flattered you would think of this like that", he stated.
My head dropped, looking into the worn rug on the floor. Dr. Hannibal Lecter, cannibalistic murderer and FBI's most wanted madman, was in my bedroom. He was in my house. My mind swam painfully; if anyone found out he was here, I could never show my face in the Bureau again. I could never show my face in public again.
Why? Why was he doing this? Obviously for his amusement, but he knew it was extremely risky for him to come back to the Americas. Why risk it all now?
" …You can't be here. You know you can't…"
"Oh I think I should be. I do consider you a dear friend. At times, a friend needs help, Clarice. I want to be here for you."
My knees gave in beneath me, my body falling unto the soft rug. The sleep that hadn't come in years fell over me like the rain falling outside.
The delicious smell filled the space before me. My head was feeling a little less like a drum, but my body was groggy from sleep. I opened my eyes slightly; the rain was pouring outside. Shocking, I thought, but I was happy to see it still falling. My bed seemed softer than usual, comfier and more inviting. I slowly remembered fainting last night; how did I get into my bed?
Something wonderful was filling the house quickly. My eyes bolted open.
One name roared in my mind: Dr. Lecter.
I quickly put on my slippers and ran quietly down the stairs. I was praying, begging, to a god I didn't believe in. I wanted it all to be some hallucination.
A panic seized my body at the sight of the dark silhouette, dressed in a fine suit, cooking near the stove. He turned around before I could even move.
"Ah, Clarice. Just in time. Come, sit", he stated, pointing to the table.
I didn't dare disobey him, as I walked cautiously toward the kitchen. Sitting down on the farthest chair away from him, I could feel him becoming frustrated. I would have felt a bit safer if I had my gun. To my disappointment, I couldn't see it in the plastic box in the hallway. Damn. Nothing could escape this man.
"I am an honest man, Clarice. I said, many years ago, that I would never hurt you. I have kept my promise, haven't I? A little trust can be asked of the great Special Agent Starling", he proclaimed, smiling from the stove. He was plating something that smelled exquisite.
God, Starling, that's probably brains or something of that sort. My stomach grumbled in disagreement.
Dr. Lecter approached me, placing one of my own plates in front of me. A perfect omelet and a side of the leftover sausage in the fridge were placed before me. It smelled mouth-watering. I wanted to dig in, but I looked at Dr. Lecter for reassurance.
"No, Clarice. That's not a patient of mine, or a rude friend of yours. You can enjoy it calmly." He sat down gracefully on the end of the table. I was so hungry; I couldn't resist the plate in front of me. I ate in silence, as his eyes surveyed me like a lion watches its prey. I finished quickly, thanking him quietly. I looked up to him, the dark maroon eyes digging deep into mine. I kept steadfast, ignoring my rushing scarlet in my cheeks.
"You're welcome, Clarice. Did you sleep better? Do the lambs still scream?" This was a sincere question; I could tell in his eyes.
"Not last night. I slept better than I have in years. Wait…you didn't drug me, right? ", I asked, hoping he hadn't put anything in my system.
"Don't worry, my dear, that was not of my doing. I just kept you company", he grinned.
"Did you stay there all night?" I asked, still looking straight into his eyes.
"Of course, Clarice. You fainted quite deeply; I wouldn't leave you alone on such a beautiful night."
A sigh escaped my lips. "Thank you, Doctor." His response was true smile.
I didn't really want to ask him to elaborate his ambiguity, so I quickly changed the subject. I needed to know why he was really here, and what he wanted with me. I was always a little game for him, but approaching me at this time is pure foolishness.
"Dr. Lecter, why are you truly here?"
He seemed intrigued by this question.
"I had some business with an old colleague in the south, nothing serious. And like I said, I knew you could need a little company."
It seemed useless to badger him more with questions, so I fell silent. I hadn't even looked at clock since I had awoken. It was 6 p.m. I tried to hide my shock, but I realized that was useless too. The man in front of me saw everything.
"Why didn't you wake me up sooner, Doctor?"
"I wanted to let you sleep, Clarice. You seemed at peace", he declared.
"They'll find you, Doctor. You know that. It's not safe here. Crawford will probably come, or Ardelia will notice something's up. You're in danger", I declared, trying to get him to understand.
"You won't turn me in, however. You wouldn't give the Bureau a grand gift after what they've done to you. You're wise", he professed.
"I could though, Doctor. I could at any moment. Oh, God... I don't know…", I trailed off, massaging my forehead.
Why the hell won't I turn him in? He's insane, Starling, and you're still an agent. It is your place. But I knew, deep in my mind, I don't think I could call Mr. Crawford. I was well aware he was a madman, but Dr. Lecter was the only one that still respected me. Even after all I had done for the FBI, I was still an office girl for them. I wasn't a vengeful person, but turning in just felt wrong.
The black cat, rubbing itself on my leg, situated himself on my feet. He was warm.
"Clarice…."
I looked up to him, waiting for him to continue. There was no trail of humor in his voice.
"Am I not a man?", he asked seriously. It seemed he was waiting for me to answer.
"Y-Yes…", I answered mildly.
"And although people say I am a monster, I do feel just like any other man. And for these past seven years, I have felt a twinge of guilt. Your situation is because of me. Although I did think it was amusing, that amusement led to the slow demise of your career. I know you are weary of my intrusion into your life, but I assure you, it will be beneficial. I will leave soon, no worries. I just wanted to serve as a companion for you. I owe you at least my presence. I could help clear your busy mind, clear it from the madness of this life, even if it's just for a short time. What do you say to that, Clarice?"
I couldn't help but be fixated by his words, carefully hearing his proposition. Part of me knew this was insanity itself, but the other part wanted to trust him.
I wasn't alone all the time. I had Ardelia, practically a sister to me. But even she was swamped with work, and I felt like a burden every time I called. Could I stand the loneliness that was to come?
I didn't want to use Dr. Lecter. My mind wanted Dr. Lecter here.
Starling, you're an idiot.
I know that, thanks, I shouted mentally to myself.
"Dr. Lecter…how can I trust you?" I asked openly. The small kitchen was growing dark; the only noise in the house was the patter of rain on the wooden roof. The cat had fallen asleep on my feet. His answer was swiftly given.
"I treasure you more than you could understand, Clarice."
I looked at him, seeing any traces of lies in his eyes. But I knew he never lied to me. I knew this was true. I sighed softly. My heart was betraying my common sense.
It seemed like the cat would not be the only new guest in the house.
I didn't want to think about anything. I didn't want to think about the fact that the Dr. Lecter was in my house. Did he really want to help? Or would this be just another toy for his boredom?
I excused myself from the table, washed my plate and walked up the stairs. I was so tired.
I found myself in the window of my bedroom. The window was made up of two glass doors leading to a small patio overlooking the forest. It was one of the main reasons I bought this house a couple of years ago. During the summer, the sun could be seen setting off into the trees. It was a small beauty, but it was something I looked forward to after the long nights at the Bureau.
I had bought two wood chairs that fit nicely into the small terrace. I opened the door, flinching at the cold air coming from the falling rain. Thankfully the chairs were dry under the small roof.
The sky was pitch black, the trees creating tall shadows in the night. The rain was music. My mind was swimming again consisting of old memories, of better times than the one I currently couldn't escape. The only happier memory was my father.
I don't know how long I was outside alone. The door of the window opened quietly. Dr. Lecter stood near me, but at a distance. I could smell his cologne mix with the smell of the rain. It was calming.
"Upon this Primrose hill,
Where, if heaven would distil
A shower of rain, each several drop might go
To his own primrose, and grow manna so"
His voice resounded against the trees softly. His eyes met mine.
"Donne always had a way with words", I smiled.
"A true artist, Clarice. I did not know you were a Donne enthusiast", he stated.
"We all need a way of escaping, don't we?", I said, looking out at the trees again. I couldn't help but feel safer with him near me.
Starling, something is clearly wrong with you. I didn't know what to answer back to myself.
A cup of tea was held out before me. It smelled differently than the generic tea I usually bought. I took it into my hands, thanking Dr. Lecter sincerely.
I wanted him here…didn't I?
The rain washed over the trees before us, as the night became darker. He never left my side.
THE PRIMROSE, BEING AT MONTGOMERY CASTLE
UPON THE HILL, ON WHICH IT IS SITUATE.
Poem belonging to the great John Donne, copyright 1896.
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