The usual applies; I own no one or nothing pertaining to this story.
Chapter 5 Visitors
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Clarice awoke, stiff from her unplanned, seven hour nap on the couch. She hadn't realized how tired she was. She got up and stretched for awhile before heading off to the kitchen to make some coffee. She decided on a quick shower, to help shake loose some of the cobwebs, while the coffee was brewing. On her way through the living room, she looked at the phone, wondering if Dr. Lecter had received her message. She picked up the phone and hit redial.
One ring, a click:
Hello Clarice, I'm pleased to hear that you have come to a decision about the case. I do believe you have chosen the correct path.
Forgive me for coming straight to the point here, but I find little need to draw this out any further. You will be receiving something, shortly. What you do with it, is entirely your choice. Know this Clarice, whatever your decision should be, it will be just that,
YOUR decision. There is no need for you to respond to this message.
Be well, Clarice. Bye
"Why can't you ever just come out and say what's on you mind, Doctor? To use one of your words, This beating around the bush stuff is getting very, tedious," she said to the phone as she set it back down on the table. Shoving his words to the back of her mind, as best she could, she continued to the shower.
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A couple weeks had passed and Clarice hadn't received anything from Dr. Lecter.
Thankfully, there hadn't been anymore murders.
Clarice had already told Pearsall, that she was done with case. He didn't seem to be to concerned as he thanked her for her help and basically said, "See ya."
She went about her normal activities, attending all her physical therapy sessions. Her leg was feeling much better. She was off the crutches, but still had a cane, just in case.
As she was leaving the Hospital, after her latest session, when she heard someone call her name. She turned to see who had summoned her, only to feel that cold shiver return as she did so.
"Hi Clarice, nice to see you again."
Shit, it's the creepy examiner guy. I could have gone the rest of my life without seeing HIM again, she thought.
"Yeah, umm, Dr. Cole, isn't it? Hi, I'm really in a hurry. I was just on my way to meet someone for lunch," she said as she started toward the door again.
Following her he asked, "How about dinner then?"
That thought killed what was left of her appetite. Thinking up a response she finally answered, "No thank you Dr. Cole, I'm seeing someone at the moment, but thanks anyway. Gotta run, bye." She continued out the door, not waiting for his reply.
She wondered to herself if she had a 'weirdo' Dr. magnet stuck to her forehead. Not that she had ever considered Dr. Lecter a weirdo, but he was definitely not the norm either.
She laughed at that thought before getting into her car and starting for home.
Dr. Cole watched Starling, all the way to her car, noting the make, model and most importantly the license number on her vehicle.
"Soon Clarice, soon."
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Clarice arrived home, just after dark. She had done a little shopping and grabbed a bite to eat at the mall. She retrieved her bags and picked up the mail before entering her house.
Plopping down on the couch, she looked over the bills when she noticed a letter.
Immediately she knew it was from him. It was addressed to Miss Starling, a single stamp and no return address, duh.
So eager to reveal its contents, she didn't notice the lack of a postmark on the envelope.
Dr. Lecter watched her from just outside the living room window as Clarice opened the letter, amused by the way she tore it open. Quite pleased with her smile as she beheld his invitation.
In the envelope, Clarice found a single plane ticket. No note or explanation, although she didn't really need one. She was fully aware of what was being offered her.
She smiled as she noticed the ticket was for Paris, France.
The flight was scheduled to depart tomorrow morning at 9:00am.
Damn, he works fast, she though before remembering their ten year history.
In reality, he was the most patient man she had ever known, but even he, had his limits.
He watched her for a long while, before retreating to his car, not knowing, for sure if she would accept his invitation. She could be so difficult to read sometimes.
He entered his vehicle and was reaching for the ignition, when he noticed a rather large truck turn the corner, heading in his direction.
The driver had turned off the headlights, traveling a few more yards before pulling over to the curb. The truck had stopped four houses up from Starlings.
The Doctor decided to wait and see what the driver had planned before departing.
Two hours had gone by. The Doctor's suspicion, highly aroused now, he felt compelled to see this through. There was something familiar about this truck.
He closed his eyes, searching his memory when it finally came to him.
He had seen this truck during the news coverage of the last ice pick murder.
As he opened his eyes, the driver was getting out of the truck, closing the door gently, as not to make any noise.
Dr. Lecter watched the man slowly make his way toward Starling's home. His eyes hardened as the man turned into her driveway and disappeared around the side of the house.
He reached into his bag, which was sitting on the passenger seat, pulling out a small container, he poured some of the liquid onto a small cloth. Exiting his own vehicle in the same manner as the truck driver, he set off in search of his prey.
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Thank you, ALL of you. I am overwhelmed by your kindness. I didn't think this story was very good. I hope I do not disappoint you before it's over. One more chapter to go.