Hannibal had posted an add in the Tattler again for Ardelia. They were planning on meeting her this afternoon at a dance club Ardelia always used to go to, and try to talk Clarice into going to. They thought they could snatch her from the guards there since the club stayed busy almost all the time. They had to leave the US tonight or tomorrow morning depending on how long it took to fool the guards. The add had been posted to go to the club on this date for about a week now. They wanted to make sure that Ardelia went there a couple of times so the guards didn't think she was up to something. After all, Ardelia never wanted to go anywhere anymore since they followed her, and they had to make it look like this was just another night for her. Clarice was in dress shirt with a big jacket on to try and cover up the 5 month baby belly. There was no way to completely hide it but maybe she could at least fool a passing glance. Hannibal had on a plain white shirt with a black jacket and black pants. He didn't want to draw attention with bright colors. It is best just to blend in with the dark. Clarice reached over and placed her hand on Hannibal's thigh. He looked over to her and smiled.

"There is nothing to be worried about."

"I am not worried about this. I have you with me after all."

Hannibal knew they could never get Clarice for anything since she hasn't committed any real crime. She is still called a victim in the case files. This plan was only dangerous to him and maybe Ardelia if she were caught. He decided to take extra precautions so he hid a gun underneath his seat that even Clarice didn't know about. He had his harpy in the sleeve of his jacket. He would insure tonight would go to plan.

Ardelia was almost ready to start heading out. She knew instantly where to go last week when the message had arrived. She once told Clarice, buried with paperwork at the time, needed to loosen up. And sure enough in the newspaper had been those two simple words Loosen up. She remembered that moment the best because that was the first night after she had met with Lecter. It was the only time Clarice had flat out said no. She didn't always go, but she usually had some excuse that day she didn't. She was very vacant that day, and now she knows why. Ardelia had dressed went to the front door to the two guards who were by now, used to her leaving to go to the club.

"Okay guys I'm ready."

"Good let's get this over with."

The guards were more than annoyed now that she actually wanted to go out. They almost felt like they were baby sitting her. She got in the backseat and they drove to the club. The guards had decided to wait at the front door for her, because it was next to impossible to try and follow her around the dance floor. Ardelia went to the bar first hoping to get a look around at the people dancing. Maybe she could spot them. She noticed a man sitting alone at the bar. He almost seemed like he was in full black. The girl asked if she could have a seat next to him, and she sat down. Ardelia noticed when the girl turned just for an instant to face her. The gun powder on the cheek was still the same. Ardelia approached them and sat down one seat away from them.

"So you guys finally showed up?"

"Had to make it seem natural to the guards didn't we?" Clarice smiled.

"So what's the plan?"

"Loosen up," said Clarice.

"What? But the guards are right there by the front door."

Hannibal spoke up, "Just dance for a while to put on a show then we will sneak up and leave out the back door. The guards are fools for not following you."

"Believe me they tried once before, but the couldn't manage with all the people."

"Good go have some fun and we are out of here."

Ardelia ordered a drink to make it appear like she sat down for a reason. She then got up and walked out to the dance floor. Hannibal kept close watch, he was so alert, and calm. Clarice watched Ardelia join a small group and finally Clarice looked to Hannibal.

"You ever done any dancing like this before?"

Hannibal looked over, "No. I'm afraid I haven't."

"Too bad you should really get some more fun out of life."

Hannibal smiled at her mockery of his words. After about ten minutes he spoke, "I think I will take you up on that offer."

They got up and made their way to Ardelia, and then snuck to the back door. They walked a little distance to the car.

"How long do we have before they suspect something?" Clarice asked.

"I made sure they saw me one more time on the dance floor before we leave. I would say after ten minutes if they don't see me they will start to check."

"Plenty of time." Hannibal said.

They drove pretty quickly down the road back to Sam's house. By this time it was getting late. Once they pulled up in the parking lot Clarice got out.

"I will only be a minute, wait here."

"Where are you going?" Ardelia asked.

Clarice had all ready started to walk in and Hannibal replied with, "To grab our plane tickets. We didn't want to risk bringing them in case we were caught, otherwise they would know our destination."

Clarice ran into the house and found almost all the lights were off except the one above the kitchen table. Clarice checked her watch, it was only 8:45. Even at this time Sam wasn't going to bed. She looked around for his wife or somebody. There was no time for this so she just grabbed the tickets and turned around to stare right down the barrel of a gun held by Sam.

"Sam? What are you doing?"

"Quiet please dear. It would be my deepest regret to shoot an innocent pregnant woman."

"What? What is this about?"

He pulled out the reward paper for Hannibal. "Unfortunately Ms. Starling, you aren't worth anything. They just have a picture of you to state that you might be with him-"

"Lecter."

"Pardon?"

"It is Mrs. Lecter."

"My, my even staring down the barrel of a gun you still show such bravery and loyalty. He is very lucky indeed. I called the police about 5 minutes ago they should be here soon."

"Why? Hannibal saved you and your family."

"Yes, but unfortunately for him, he has such a high bounty. You see life is harsh, cruel, and it is survival of the fittest. Now then listen, I don't want to shoot you, but if I have to I will. As for your husband, there is more money in it for me if he is alive. So you are going to go get him and tell him to get in here. And I am not stupid I know you have someone else with you. As far as I am concerned, they are just a victim of circumstance. Now go get him."

"No."

"Clarice you may not care about you life, but believe me better you go get him then if I have to go out there. Because while they did specify for him to be alive they never said the condition of which he is to be in while he is alive."

"No, you bastard."

He lowered the gun to her belly. "Clarice remember while you stand there is more than one target available."

"What would you family think of-"

"Don't drag my family into this. You see my wife is on vacation with my son, and I will be joining them, shortly after I collect my payments."

"How could you live with this?"

"Easy, I can spend the rest of my life not having to worry about money problems. I can spend the rest of my days with my family with just a small payment…yours. Why should my family have to worry about losing this house all the time since my retirement time came at work. Why does my family not deserve the best since my wife had to quit her job? Why should my son have to suffer losing his schooling in college? Why should we have to suffer when I can fix it all with one man. Now that you know I am serious…go get him NOW."

Clarice stared at him in disbelief and turned around. She knew it is best if she went to get him. Sam followed her to the door to make sure she didn't try anything. She walked out silent and handed the tickets to Ardelia in the back seat, then made her way around the car to Hannibal's side and leaned on the door.

"Hannibal, Sam needs to see you. He called the police he used us for his family's sake. He wants to turn you in." Clarice could almost cry, but instead she held it in. Hannibal looked to Sam out by the door and saw the gun.

"Clarice get in the car and stay back. I have a gun underneath my seat."

Clarice only nodded as he stepped out of the vehicle and walked to the front door. Sam kept his distance as he walked into the house. Hannibal walked to the kitchen counter and leaned against the cool marble.

"Samuel, I was hoping I could trust you."

"Sorry Hannibal, all I have to do is trade in you for my life and family. I really wish it could have been somebody else, but it has to be this way. The police will be here shortly."

Hannibal started to slide the knife along his jacket sleeve.

"Don't do it, Hannibal."

"Do what Samuel?"

"Why do you think I am keeping my distance? You never stay that far away from a knife. I know that well. You did show me that one night, your darker side. As a matter of fact, I wouldn't be surprised if you were hiding one on yourself right now. Don't try to talk or move because I can still shoot you anyway so long as you don't die."

"Well Samuel if you will permit me to say one thing?"

"Fine."

"This plan would have worked very well. You do have me cornered, but…"

"But?"

"You don't know my wife that well do you?"

Just then Clarice brought the butt of her gun on his head. He fell unconscious. Hannibal grabbed his gun and they walked out.

"Thank you, Clarice."

"I couldn't do it Hannibal. He is a bastard, but he did it for his family. I don't want their son to have to lose a father."

"It is perfectly fine. It is better this way. We need to get going now though, because the police are probably very close by now."

They got in the car and started to drive off. They were on the road again and Ardelia had spoken to them of what would happen to her. They told her she was free to start any life she wanted, and they would help her anyway they could. But are they completely out of harm's way?

-Please review and comment and thank you all so much for your comments thus far. I still have a surprise for this story, but I think it is almost time to wrap it up…almost. As always thank you for reading.

Kanan