See previous chapters for disclaimer.

A/N: Another short chapter, but as long as they keep coming right? Lol

I'll have more up soon. Thanks again for the review's keep 'em coming!







12.00 noon





The gentle drone of the engine and the vibration it produced seem to calm Clarice as she leaned against the door, watching the streets fly by. Her thoughts were melting into each other, blurring and confusing, as they always were when she thought of him. Signing again, leaning her head against the pane of glass, she wasn't even aware of the man sitting next to her anymore. What was she doing? By all rights it should be she who was driving, with him handcuffed next to her. Or better yet unconscious. Had she actually walked into his car of her own free will? Signing again she closed her eyes to the incessant arguing in her mind.

" Are you alright Clarice?"

Jumping slightly she sat a little straighter in her seat, turning her head to study him as a small breathy chuckle escaped her throat. Her face was the picture of sheer astonishment. It took her a few seconds to form any sort of response.

" No. No I'm not alright, but then you already knew that. There is nothing remotely 'all right' about this whole situation!"

She gestured widely with her hands as she tried to formulate her feelings.

" You shouldn't be here. I shouldn't be here!….And where the hell are you taking me anyway!" she suddenly chimed, her eyes taking in her surroundings for the fist time.

Dr Lecter couldn't stop the small smile that appeared at the corner of his mouth. She was really something when she was frustrated with herself.

" I thought we may have something to eat Clarice…I imagine your rather hungry by now." His calm voice only seemed to agitate her more. Her eyes widened at his comment, her lips slightly parting.

" Food? You're taking me for lunch? Well that's just terrific! Are we taking in a show afterwards too?"

Never missing a beat he quickly retorted,

" It wasn't on my agenda Clarice but if it's what you want…"

" This isn't funny Dr Lecter. Stop the car, just….stop the car."

Looking over at her for a moment he could see she was serious, before his eyes returned to the road.

" Where would you go I wonder Clarice? Would your first instinct be to run back to Quantico and tell of the day's events? No I think not. Where does that leave hmmm? Lets see…. Would you perhaps return to that place you call home to wash away the memory of this day? No I don't imagine that being the case either. I'm running out of options here Clarice perhaps you could help me out."

The car slowed and eventually stopped at the side of the road, the engine quietly cut off as he turned to face her. Her eyes were glittering with unshed tears and her lips were pressed tightly against each other causing them to turn white. Taking a shuddering breath, she shook her head, the motion causing a single tear to fall loose that she wiped away angrily.

" You just can't help yourself can you?" it was said quietly and dejectedly

He didn't respond, but looked at her sadly. Giving her a few moments he spoke again.

" Why did you come Clarice?" he repeated, watching as she shook her head, but not in refusal to his question. She racked her brain for the simplest answer that could sum up all she was feeling.

" I wanted to see you." She answered simply, bringing her eyes up to meet his.

He nodded his head slowly, understanding that it was both a confession and accusation. It was good enough for now.



1.00PM





Next chapter up soon….