The usual applies; I own no one or nothing pertaining to this story.
Chapter 2 Decisions
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Dr. Lecter sat on his balcony overlooking the Mexican Riviera, still nursing the self-inflicted wound on his left hand. It was healing nicely, but still extremely sore. The Doctor had explained that he may or may not regain full use of the thumb. Only time would tell. 'Small price to pay' he thought. After all, he still had his freedom and that was more than he could say for his guardian Angel.
Ever since his assisted escape, he had been keeping up with former Special Agent Starling's incarceration. The media seem to take some kind of morbid pleasure in her downfall. Although not surprised, he was quite disappointed of her portrayal in the so-called 'legitimate' news coverage. One reporter from the Post had gone as far as to call her, Lecter's Babe. He had expected that kind of nonsense from the Tattler.
Perhaps he might have an opportunity to pay Mr. Gorman a visit on his next trip to D.C. But for now, he filed that thought away for another time.
He wondered how his little Staring was holding up under all the pressure. He knew she had it within herself to deal with such adversity, but they were definitely going after her.
Four counts of murder in the first degree. The two men from the Verger Estate,
Agent Krendler and the Rookie Officer. The Prosecutor announced that due to special circumstances involving the deaths of two law enforcement officers, they would seek the death penalty.
That did not sit well with him, the thought of Clarice being put to death.
No, he wouldn't think of it. He decided to await the trial and its conclusion.
Then and only then would he let himself consider the possibilities.
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The trial lasted only two weeks.
Clarice only remembered a small part of it. What she did remember she would have just as soon forgot. Her only defense had been that she was too drugged to really know what she was doing, her Attorneys' idea. She knew this to be a lie and as she looked to the jury, she understood that they knew it as well.
Her Attorney begged her not to testify. Telling her that she could only do more harm than good. She ignored him, like she would with anyone when she had her mind made up to do something. She was determined to tell her side of the story, no matter what the cost. And it cost her dearly.
Trying to explain to twelve everyday people why she had disobeyed orders, risked her career and life in order to save a cannibalistic madman was proving to be futile.
Not to mention the witnessing of an F.B.I. Agent having his head cracked open like a coconut and being fed his own gray matter while trying to decide if you wanted wine or not. The hill was just too steep to climb.
The Jury deliberated only five hours before reaching their verdict.
"Members of the Jury, have you reached a verdict." The Judge asked.
The Foreman stood and replied, "Yes we have your Honor."
"Will the defendant please rise and face the Jury."
Clarice stood slowly and turned to face the judgement that was about to be rendered.
The Foreman spoke, "We, the people of the District of Columbia find the defendant,
Clarice M. Starling….. Guilty as charged on all counts.
The Judge thanked the Jury for their service and dismissed them. They would not be needed in the sentencing phase of her trial. The Judge himself would be deciding her fate.
"Sentencing will be held in two weeks. Court is adjourned." The Judge announced as the gavel struck, which sent a shiver through Clarice, not his words, but the sound of the gavel. It sounded very similar to a cleaver hitting a chopping block.
The two weeks passed quickly.
Clarice found herself back in court. She sat patiently awaiting the Judge's decision on her future, or lack there of.
Everyone stood as instructed by the Bailiff, while the Judge made his way into the courtroom from his chambers.
"Please be seated."
"Ms. Starling, I assure you I have studied your case at great length before reaching my decision. Between the law and your actions in this matter you have left me little choice.
Do you have anything you wish to say to this court before I pronounce sentence?"
"No your Honor, I do not" she replied.
"Very well, would you rise Ms. Starling.
It is the judgement of this court that you should be executed by means of lethal injection for the crimes that you have been tried and convicted of in this court of law. Because of the special circumstances in this case, the date of your execution is set for two weeks from today. All appeals have been denied. That's all. Court is adjourned."
Clarice stood and excepted the judgement without a word. Her Attorney was trying to say something to her, but it sounded to her like she was under water. She did catch the words, "fight for an appeal." She just looked at him and said, "No, don't bother."
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Thank you all for your reviews, you are to kind. Looks like one more chapter.
As I said before, my mind works in spurts. Apparently, short spurts.