See previous chapters for disclaimer.

A/N: Sorry it has taken me so long to update. I'm hopefully going to be posting more chapters soon, now that I'm back from holiday. Please review. Thanks xxxxxx









1.00PM





The ticking of the slowly cooling engine was the only other sound to be heard other the easy breathing of the two people sitting in the car. Seconds shifted to minutes and neither spoke. The soft deep voice didn't cause her to jump as it filled the quiet car.

" You know you are free to leave any time you wish Clarice, I wont stop you if you choose to do so. If that is what you truly want then so be it, go now and you can be assured you will never see me again."

Looking to his face she could see he was serious in this promise, and it stirred feelings long repressed. Looking back to her hands she allowed them to filter to the surface, the impact causing her eyes to squeeze close momentarily. Before she gave stubbornness a chance to block her throat she spoke.

" Start the car"

His face remained expressionless as he gazed at her unwaveringly. After a few moments he seemed satisfied and turned once more in his seat, the engine coming quickly to life, the gentle thrum and vibration a welcome change from the stillness and quietness that had occupied the space before.

It wasn't long before they were back on the road, the sleek car moving effortlessly through the streets to the unknown destination. She knew she would have to explain herself. Not just for his sake, no, but for her own sanity and peace of mind. Leaning her head on the leather headrest she opened her mouth, a small whimper the only thing to be released. She could feel his eyes on her momentarily, and it gave her strength to continue.

" I…"

The ticking of the indicator stopped her cold, and she watched as he silently pulled the car into the parking space, reversing a little and then switching the engine off. Looking past him she could see a restaurant, it was quiet and secluded. Moving her eyes from the windows to his gaze she waited for him to call the next move. She didn't have to wait long.

" A conversation like this should be held in more suitable settings don't you think?"

He waited for her answer knowing he wouldn't receive one vocally, and so giving her a short smile he quickly exited the car, walking around the front with her eyes following his every move. Stopping at the passenger door he bent and opened it, watching the slight shiver from her as the cold air touched her warm skin. Stepping back he gave her room to step out, something she took her time in doing, and eventually closed the door with a gentle thump.

Following him into the restaurant, she noticed the interior design immediately. It was beautiful, warm red walls with gold-framed pictures hanging tastefully on each wall. Well-spaced tables with matching tablecloths each adorned with a single candle, which offered a romantic light. It was hard not to be impressed with his choice.



Once seated, the polite English waiter that had greeted them at the door and taken there jackets, quickly scribbled the order of wine down on his small black notepad as Dr Lecter spoke. With a quick nod of the head he disappeared and they were alone once more. Each studied the other as they sat, the soft light thrown by the candle giving his face a softer completion, giving her an angelic one. The waiter appeared once more and placed the wine on the table, noticing the fact the couple didn't notice him and smiling as he departed.

" Would you care for some wine Clarice?"

She looked from his eyes to the wine and back.

" No thank-you"

Placing the wine back in the ice bucket he folded his hands on the table, leaning back in the chair, studying her form. She was tense, her muscles showing clearly the sweatshirt she still wore. Her hair was dishevelled from a combination of her early morning jog and the time spent talking on the phone. She bore no make-up or perfume, and her brow was knitted together in thought and confusion. He had never seen her more beautiful.

" Why are you still here Clarice?"

The question took her by surprise. She found herself tensing and stuttering in her attempt to form an answer.

" I….It's not….I'm asking myself that very same question Doctor."

Smiling shortly he picked up the glass of wine he had poured himself.

" And your answer?"

Signing she rubbed her fingertips to her forehead. This was torture.

" I wanted to see you"

" As you have already stated. The question remains…why?"

" Because.."

" Because is a child's answer Clarice. Why?"

Her head was spinning with the questions and she found herself slightly panting.

" I can't do this.."

Quickly standing she got no more than two foot from the table in the direction of the door when his quiet command stopped her.

" Sit down"

Still facing the door, she closed her eyes. His voice was cold and chilling, she knew she was treading on thin ice at this moment. Turning slowly she tilted her head as she looked at him. He wasn't looking back. His eyes were admiring the play of light on the crystal glass that held his wine. Walking slowly back she took her place opposite him once more and sat rigidly, her hand snaking down gradually to her hip.

" Scared Clarice? How common of you."

He whispered, his voice back to its previous tone.

The comment was enough to rile her anger as was the plan and she quickly snapped back at him.

" What is it that you want?"

" I want to play a game Clarice," he answered smoothly

" A game? We have done nothing but play games for years Dr Lecter, I'm tired of it."

He looked from the crystal to her eyes and smiled his most charming smile.

" This one's a little different. I'm sure you'll like it."

Sighing she lifted her eyebrows quickly and made a gesture of defeat with her hands.

" Fine. What's the game?"

Smiling once more, he moved the shaped glass that had once held his attention to the side and gazed at her fully.

" It's a simple word game Clarice, I'm sure you've heard of it. I say a word and you answer the first word that springs to mind."



Puffing her cheeks out once she turned fully to face him, placing her hands on the table, signalling her readiness to start.

" Are you ready?" he asked quietly

Quirking an eyebrow, she responded.

" As I'll ever be."

" Good. Close your eyes, and try to clear your mind. Try to relax Clarice, you're perfectly safe."

Doing as instructed she closed her eyes and tried to relax. His voice was soothing and hypnotic and it surprised her that she actually felt herself relaxing.

" Good. Now I'm going to start saying words and I want you to say the first thing that comes to mind. Try not to think of an answer, just let it come naturally."

Nodding her head to signify she understood she waited for the game to start.





2.00pm







More soon……….