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Chapter 9: If You Loved Me

"What you have done," the voice breathed in her ear, "is to free yourself, my love." He was so close she could smell his aftershave, his soap, his warmth. She turned towards the heat radiating from him and fell into the comfort of his arms. They stood that way for as long as they could before he pushed her away gently and said, "The Marines will be coming."

She nodded, wiping the tears from her eyes. "I hope you have another way out, doctor." He simply smiled and took hold of her hand. She felt propelled by the force of his person as much as by the grip on her wrist. He led her to the shrubbery that outlined the edge of the cemetery. They went into the bushes, which acted as cover for a chain link fence, and he held up a flap of the fence that he'd previously cut. She paused and looked back in the direction of the cooling corpse that once had been Special Agent Reid.

"I'm a criminal." She looked back at Hannibal and was about to repeat the declaration when he placed a finger to her lips to silence her.

"You are mine." He replaced the finger with his lips. For their second kiss, Clarice found herself returning the passion blissfully. He pulled away and gestured towards the hole. "After you." He ushered her through and followed behind.

They came out on a busy street. He indicated a dark red BMW parked across the street and together they crossed to the car. He pulled out his car keys and hit the button on the remote control, the BMW beeping in response. They got in and Clarice sunk into the leather seat. Suddenly she sat up straight. "My bag. I left it in my car. It has everything."

"Not to worry. I took the liberty of removing it while you were paying your respects to the late Mr. Brigham." He nodded towards the back.

She turned and saw her duffle sitting on the seat. "Well, you certainly think of everything don't you?" Relieved, she sat back and secured her seatbelt. They could already hear the sirens approaching.

"Where to my dear?"

She looked at him with a tired smile and said, "Just drive. And if you love me you won't stop for a goddamned thing."

The End