A/N - Thanks for the reviews guys, I really appreciate it! Sorry it's taken so long to upload this chapter, I've had a little trouble with writer's block.
He removed his hand from mine, taking out a note from his own wallet, and handing it to the barman.
"Allow me." He said, sliding my money back to me.
"Thank you."
He sat beside me, ordering a glass of Chianti.
"You're late." I stated.
"As a matter of fact Clarice, it is you who is late. I have been here for half an hour. I was merely waiting to see if you would notice me." He smiled.
"Mhm." I murmured, sipping my drink.
The barman handed Doctor Lecter his drink, and he sipped it slowly, savouring the deep red liquid as it ran smoothly down his throat.
"I let her down." I said after a while of silence.
"No one can blame you for doing what you think is right Clarice."
"But how is this right? I should be on my way to Washington to organize my friend's funeral, yet I am here sitting with you. How in the hell is that right?"
"You went with your heart, rather than your head, am I right?"
I glanced up at him, finding his eyes on mine. I nodded, taking a large gulp of my drink.
"Why didn't you get on that plane Clarice?"
"This was my last chance to talk to you."
"Clarice, you and I both know that if you wanted to talk to me, somehow, you would find a way." He smiled briefly.
He was right. If I did need to speak to him, I'd find a way of getting his attention. But instead, I was sitting in a bar with him, when I should be sitting on a plane.
"I should go." I said, after finishing my drink.
"The earliest flight to Washington doesn't leave until tomorrow evening Clarice. Am I right in thinking you have nothing on until then?"
I frowned slightly. "Yes, I don't have anything on." I said, getting up.
"Well then, may I take you out to lunch tomorrow?" He said, also standing up.
I stared at him in astonishment. Hannibal Lecter has just asked you out to lunch Starling. You're in way over your head.
"Doctor Lecter, I can't." I said quietly.
"I understand." He nodded, taking his leave.
I watched him walk through the bar, into the foyer of the hotel. He then turned, and walked through the exit. I stared at the space he had just moved through, my mind racing.
Before I knew it, my legs were moving at a considerable pace. My bag was slung over my shoulder as I walked quickly through the foyer of the hotel, and out of the doors. I looked left, and then right, seeing him walking down the street slowly. I rushed after him. When I caught up with him, I placed my hand on his shoulder. He turned around to face me, a smile creeping over his face.
"Where shall I meet you?" I asked, catching my breath.
"How about I pick you up at your apartment at two o'clock?" He smiled.
I nodded, turning around and walking briskly in the opposite direction. What have you done Starling?
I hailed a cab, ordering it to take me back to my apartment. My heart was pounding in my chest, causing my breathing to be heavy. The driver gave me a concerned look in the mirror, before averting his eyes. I ran my fingers through my hair, wondering what the hell I was doing.
Within half an hour, I arrived back at my apartment. I took my bag from the backseat, paid the driver, and walked up the steps to the doors. I opened the doors, walking up two flights of stairs to my apartment. I unlocked my door, entering my apartment, before closing it behind me. I put my bag under my bed, knowing I would need it for the next night.
I then took out a bottle of Merlot from the fridge, and a large wine glass from the cupboard. I sat at the kitchen table with my laptop, searching for another flight to Washington for the next day. Thankfully, it didn't take me long to find the earliest flight, which was at half past eight in the evening. I booked myself a seat on the flight, letting out a sigh of relief.
I closed the laptop, taking the bottle of wine and my glass, and sitting on the sofa. I drank like a fish for the rest of the night. Surprisingly, I didn't cry for my friend's death. I knew she wouldn't want me to be upset. But in all honesty, I was, I just didn't show it.
After finishing my second bottle of wine, I stood up. I wobbled a little, before regaining my balance, and finding my way into my bedroom. I washed my face and brushed my teeth, before slipping into a deep blue nightgown. I then climbed into bed, hoping for a peaceful nights sleep. But of course, that didn't happen.
I tossed and turned, the effects of the nightmare having taken hold of me. Sweat was pouring from my forehead and the rest of my body. I held on as long as I could, but I couldn't take it any longer. I sat up abruptly, letting out an ear-piercing scream. I was trying to steady my heart rate, but my heavy breathing wouldn't allow it.
I glanced at the alarm clock on my bedside table, groaning at the time. It was just after three in the morning, and I was exhausted. I lay back down slowly, then the killer headache sank in. I ran my fingers through my hair, wishing for the pain to go away. That's what you get for drinking like you did Starling.
Thankfully, sleep soon found me, and I was allowed to dream of a happier, easier place in the world, that I didn't think existed.
At just after eight in the morning, I woke up, feeling surprisingly refreshed. I lay in bed for a while, looking up at the plain white ceiling, wondering what the hell I was going to do when Hannibal Lecter arrived at my door. This is your fault Starling. I groaned, rolling over onto my stomach, burying my head in the pillows. This is such a mess. I sighed heavily, rolling onto my side, and then sitting up. I got out of bed and headed for the bathroom, clothes in hand.
I got into the shower, letting the warm water cascade down my body. A few minutes passed with me doing absolutely nothing. I began lathering my hair with strawberry scented shampoo, before rinsing it off. I then washed my body in the same scent, before climbing out. I towel dried my hair and body, before changing into a pair of deep blue jeans and a dark green shirt. I then had a wash and brushed my teeth, before heading back into the bedroom.
I sat at my dressing table, gazing at the pale, ill looking woman, who months before looked healthy and untroubled. Over the course of six or eight months however, that image had changed. I was now a tired, older looking woman, with a pale face, and bags under my eyes. I sighed, running a comb through my long auburn hair, which fell neatly down my back. I secured my hair into a low, elegant bun, deciding that it was a quick and easy style.
After that, I went downstairs, taking my cell with me, and began to make my breakfast. On the menu that day, was a dry piece of toast and a mug of black coffee. I quickly swallowed my breakfast, and drank my coffee, before starting up my laptop. I found myself again sitting at the kitchen table, doing absolutely nothing with my time, other than surfing the net.
By half past ten, I had already ordered online, Dante's Inferno for me to read, and a few videos for me to watch. All I seemed to do with my time was spend my money on things I didn't really need. I spent the next couple of hours alternating from watching television, or going on my laptop. Very productive.
After another hour, I thought it best to change into something more 'glamorous'. In my eyes, that meant a plain deep blue dress, coming just below the knee and a pair of black strappy heels. Those black strappy heels. I then returned back downstairs, putting a video in the VCR, before sitting on the sofa.
Before I knew it, it was two o'clock, and as if on cue, there was a knock at my door. I got up from the sofa, pausing the video I was watching, before walking to the front door. I opened it, frowning at Doctor Lecter.
"How did you get up here without me buzzing you in?" I asked.
"Good afternoon to you too my dear." He smirked.
My frown deepened.
"Shall we?" He asked, offering me his arm, still smiling.
"Give me two seconds." I said, rushing back into my apartment.
I grabbed my bag from the cabinet near the door, getting my jacket along the way. I ran to the living room, turning off the VCR and television. I then slipped my jacket on, making sure I had got my cell and key, before returning to Doctor Lecter.
"Ready?"
I nodded, taking his arm. We walked down the two flights of stairs, arm in arm, before reaching the ground floor. We exited the building, and there waiting for us, was his beautiful black jaguar. I gasped at the sight of the stunningly elegant car. He stepped forward, releasing my arm to open the passenger door for me. I took his offered hand, climbing in. He soon joined me, and started the engine.
Soon, we were on our way to where ever it was we were going. Then it occurred to me. You don't actually know where you're going.
"Doctor Lecter?" I asked, with a puzzled look on my face.
"Yes Clarice?"
"Where are we going?"
You should never ask, spoils the surprise…
"You'll have to wait and see." He smiled.
Within half an hour, we pulled up outside a beautiful building. Doctor Lecter got out first, opening my door for me. I took his hand, getting out the car. He handed the car keys to a valet, before fully taking in my appearance.
"You're wearing the shoes I got you." He stated
"You noticed." I said, my cheeks flushing pink.
He offered me his arm again, and I took it, holding him a little closer than necessary. He led me into the building, and we were greeted by a waiter wearing a very sharp tux.
"Do you have a reservation?" The man asked Doctor Lecter.
"Mr and Mrs Halliwell." Doctor Lecter smiled.
"Ah! There you are." He said, finding the names on a sheet sitting on the podium in front of him. "Right this way." He said, leading us through the room.
Our table was situated towards the back, in a nice quiet corner. I sat down, and Doctor Lecter sat opposite me. The waiter handed us both a menu, and asked us what we wanted to drink. I ordered a glass of Merlot, and Doctor Lecter ordered Chianti. The conversation was light before the waiter appeared with our drinks. I took a long sip of mine, before glancing around the room.
"You seem a little on edge Clarice." He stated.
"I'm fine." I tried to reassure him.
"Did you not sleep well?"
It's hard for him not to tell Starling, you look like hell.
"I had a nightmare, that's all." I smiled, wishing for the conversation to go elsewhere.
"What happened?"
"Does it matter?" I said, exasperated.
"To me, yes it does. But if you'd rather not talk about it, I understand." He smiled warmly.
"Thank you." I whispered.
A waiter approached us again, taking our orders, this time, for our meals. I was quite surprised at how contact lenses and a slightly lighter hair colour could make people so oblivious as to who he was. I turned my attentions back to Doctor Lecter, who I found gazing at me.
"Something the matter?" I asked, cocking my head slightly.
"Not at all. On the contrary, I am a happy and untroubled man indeed." He smiled.
"I wouldn't say untroubled Doctor." I said, sipping my wine.
"Mhm?" He said, waiting for an explanation.
"You're on the run. I'd say that was pretty troubled." I shrugged a little.
"I've been running for over ten years Clarice, I highly doubt I would be caught. As I said before, I do not make mistakes."
"You really are vain, you know that?" I raised an eyebrow.
"Cautious and precise are the words I would use."
"I think I'll stick to arrogant and vain." I smiled playfully.
"Careful Clarice. You forget who you are sitting opposite." He said with a blank expression.
My smile faded. Was he joking? Of course he was… But there would always be that possibility. That little nagging sensation in the back of my mind telling me he was a murderer would never go away, I could only hope it would.
