This chapter is brought to you by The GD Café, Proudly Serving Free Range Rude. I've probably gone and violated any number of copyright laws by making my GD tee shirt, but I just had to do it after seeing that we all wear an "Eat The Rude" tee in chameleon's play. Ah well, they can sue me, but they won't get much. A bow to the dear Cemetery Mink, who has drawn me in with her wonderful tales. Thank you for your inspiration, dear one. And for Steel, the butler did do it. And for dear Kurt, you're right about those meddling kids. LOL I'll stop now, before I give away everything in the author's notes. Okey dokey, here we go.
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The Jaguar is sleek as it takes the hills of San Francisco. The driver barely lifts his foot from the accelerator as he eases the powerful car around a corner. He wears a hands free mike and earphone, attached to the cell phone that lays on the passenger seat. A woman's voice issues through the earphone, giving him his directions. He winces internally at the fact that it is his wife's cell phone, and his wife has been kidnapped. Sweet, sweet Emily. He would kill Alexandra Fell if any harm came to his dear wife.
"Stop here." The command is sudden and abrupt as he slams the brake son, laying a trail of rubber behind him. He cautiously puts the gearshift in reverse and pulls in front of the dark and boarded building. His breathing and pulse are calm and steady as he emerges from the car. The Harpy is tucked in the left front pocket of his trousers, easy access as he carries his wife's Nokia in his right. He stands on the sidewalk in front of the derelict building, awaiting his next instructions.
"The side entrance, down the left alley." the voice purred in his ear. Dr. Fell was enjoying this immensely. "open it, and come inside, Dottore." He notes for the first time the surveillance cameras that dot the buildings facade. If you do anything to hurt my wife, the thought rose unbidden in his mind, so unlike him. The threat would be idle, for Fell had the upper hand right now. His hand rests on the steel doorknob, twisting it, and for those few moments, he is left unable to secure the Harpy lest something happen. As Fate would have it, something did happen. As he takes the first step into the dark interior a hand drops from nowhere. He feels the movement moments before the ether soaked cloth is brought over his face. The Nokia drops from his hand and he tries to go for the Harpy as he struggles. The grip is strong and he quickly falls to the floor as the ether takes its desired effect. It is surprising to see him fall, for one has watched this same man lift bodies pound for pound the size of his own. Dr. Alexandra Fell appears above him, examining the limp form.
"Welcome, Dr. Lecter." she smiles in the dark as she produces the tan half mask. "Will you join me for dinner?"
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