Chapter 10
Clarice didn't look back until she was safely in her street again, random people appeared to be dotted around on her road; she was all too aware of what they were. They might as well be waving their cameras in her face they were that subtle.
She opened the duplex and wasn't surprised to note that Ardelia wasn't in her half; she had probably decided to spend a few days at a friend's somewhere. Not that Clarice would blame her; perhaps she was worried Dr Lecter would break his promise on not visiting quite yet.
The flashes ceased as soon as she got into the duplex. Hanging up her jacket she made towards the kitchen, there upon the table was an intricately wrapped chocolate bar. Her breath hitched; this certainly wasn't from Ardelia. She took it in her hand and examined the delicate ribbon that covered it. This was some expensive stuff! She caressed the packet under her fingers; she wasn't really a chocolate eater, you can't really afford to be when you are in the FBI. The phone ringing in the other room made her leap out of her trance.
She knew who it was before she even picked up the receiver.
"Hello Dr. Lecter."
"Hmm risky Clarice, I could have been anybody. I hope you liked my gift, you could do with the serotonin."
"I didn't have you down as the chocolate's and flowers type Dr Lecter."
He chuckled.
"Oh. The chocolate is for strictly medicinal purposes Clarice." He purred at her down the phone.
"I assume you have given them the letter then Agent Starling?"
"Ardelia. The dangers of a duplex Dr Lecter."
She could sense the smile forming on his features as his lips produced his next sentence.
"So you wouldn't have then?"
"Well you wrote some pretty incriminating things Dr."
"Only to the right persons Clarice. How was the interview Agent Starling?"
"They have no case. Yet."
"They will fabricate one Clarice. But of course you know this don't you? Delusions of the FBI no longer control you do they little Starling?"
"No Dr."
"It seems Clarice that the apron strings are finally severed. Which party severed them remains to be seen."
"What do you mean Dr Lecter?"
"All in good time little Starling, soon you will know. When the time comes. You shall know."
The line went dead.