Disclaimer: The
characters of Hannibal Lecter, Clarice Starling, Ardelia Mapp, Paul
Krendler and Clint Pearsall (as
well as anyone
you may recognize) belong to Thomas Harris, not to me. But they
are so great I couldn't resist borrowing them for a while. I will turn
them back when I've finished. No copyright
infringement intended. No profit. I'm harmless and broke ... So don't
sue me.
A/N: Sorry for the delay, but time does not agree with me in these days. I hope you will like it anyway ...
Chapter 15
Clarice woke up first in the morning. The sun was still low on the horizon and the hotel room was in half-light.
They had fell asleep shortly after they had made love. She couldn't help sighing at the thought of the turmoil which had send both of them into raptures during the night. Hannibal' s attention had been entirely focused on her desires, alternating moments of tenderness she'd never have thought he was capable of, with moments of unbridled passion leaving her breathless and panting.
Now she was laying in his embrace, her head on his chest. She carefully raised her face to him and watched him sleeping for a while. There was no more doubts in her mind. Here was the man she loved. From this she was certain. As much as she was certain he loved her back the same way.
The cool morning air made her slightly chill. Without opening his eyes, Hannibal hold her tighter and gently rubbed her arm. The next shiver that shook her body had nothing to do with the cold.
He opened his eyes and stared at her.
" - Good morning, Clarice." he said softly. "Have you been awake for long ?
- No. Just a few minutes ... I didn't want to wake you up ... I was just ... watching. To make sure everything was real."
He planted a kiss on her forehead before he continued.
" - Everything was real, Clarice. You made it real.
- You think one can make things real if one believes enough in it, don't you ?
- Not believe, but fight enough to make it happen, yes.
- I don't remember I fought with you, Hannibal."
He chuckled. "No." he answered. "Your enemy was much more powerful then me, I'm afraid. You had to fight with yourself ... And you won."
Clarice bent her head and started caressing the gray hair on his chest. He let her do without a word and gave her some time before he tackled more concrete issues. Breaking the charm was as painful for him as it would be for her. But there were things they had to settle. "You should get prepared, Clarice." he whispered after a while. She looked at him, puzzled as if he had just waken her.
" - You would not want to be late at your appointment with your colleagues, would you ?
- I don't want to go back there." she sighed. "Not now.
- I know. But you will have to.
- Why ? We could just leave now, together and they would never find us again. After all, you're an expert at these things, aren't you ?"
He smiled. He had heard in her voice that she knew she would have to go back. Her tone had betrayed her. She could probably have fooled anybody else, but not him.
" - I feel honored by your trust, Clarice. But even I need a little time to organize things. I actually have one or two possible moves in case of emergency. But these are for a man alone. I never dared to include you in my plans.
- Well, I guess you will have to change your habits from now on, Hannibal Lecter. Because I'm not gonna let you go anywhere without me."
A laugh shook his chest and she kissed him, which almost made him loose his concentration.
" - Can't I rather help you with the preparation ?" she tried once more.
" - There is nothing in the world I would love more than to be able to keep you here, Clarice. But what we need less for now is to attract the attention of the FBI. Even our friend Pearsall would start asking himself questions, should you not report to Albany this morning. And there is a certain number of things we have to take care of before we can say good-bye. Your rented car being one of them ..."
Clarice suddenly realized the meaning the words 'take care of' could have in the mouth of Hannibal Lecter. And that worried her a bit. She had made her choice, and she would follow him whatever would happen. Yet, there were things that were still difficult for her to accept. "Do you think it will involve ... more victims ?" she asked hesitantly, without looking at him.
Hannibal understood her question was serious, and that, even though she had definitely progressed in her acceptance of who he was, his possible answer was still somewhat frightening for her. However, he was also aware that their relationship could only be based on honesty. "Not necessarily, Clarice." he started.
" - That is, not if it can be avoided. I do not kill without a good reason. Or at least what sounds like a good reason to me. I hope you know it by now.
- Yes." she whispered. "I know.
- But what you gave me yesterday is the most beautiful thing I ever received in my life. And I will not let anybody take it away from me. Do you understand this ?
- I think I do.
- Umm ... I'm not sure you can yet understand how much you mean to me, Clarice. But hopefully that will come. Meantime, should anyone be a threat to us, I will not hesitate to kill again ... Not one second. Would it be a problem for you ?"
He had pronounced his last words with the gentleness one would have used with a child. She looked back at him and read in his eyes that he was more than serious about it. Clarice took her time to answer. She asked herself the only question that counted now: would she be able to kill for him ? Despite all she had been believing so far, the answer she found in the deep of her heart was yes. She stared at him with a resolution that could not escape him. "No." she answered. "It would not be a problem."
They stayed in bed for another half hour, cuddling each other tenderly, until it was time for Clarice to go. She stood up and went to the bathroom. When she came out, Hannibal was still in bed. He watched her gathering the clothes he had thrown on the floor a few hours ago and dress. When she was ready she looked at him and the intensity of his gaze startled her.
"- What ?" she asked, wondering why he was looking at her like that. "Did I forget something ?
- Umm ? No. Nothing ... I was just realizing that perfection might well exist, after all."
She smiled and came to sit on the bed next to him. He took her hand and kissed her palm.
"- My God !" she unexpectedly exclaimed.
" - What ?
- I actually did forget something.
- What is it, Clarice ?
- I promised I would keep Jason informed last night. I'm afraid I scared him a bit telling him the FBI was after you. He must be worried as hell.
- Don't worry. I'll call him in the morning.
- Can you do this ?
- Of course I can.
- Tell him I'm sorry, will you ? I really wanted to call him but ...
- But you got too busy with something else." he finished her sentence with a mischievous smile. "I am sure Jason will understand. You have to go now.
- Right. See you tonight then."
He nodded. She gave him a last brief kiss, stood up and headed at the door. She was already outside of the room when he heard her voice: "I love you, Hannibal." The door shut before he could even answer.
Though it was not in his habits, Hannibal stayed one more hour in bed, reflecting on the course his life had recently taken. From the day Clarice had left the old hotel after his rescue, she had been present in his dreams almost every night. These had not always been pleasant dreams, though. In more than one occasion, had he heard Clarice answering again 'Not in a thousand years ...' to him.
Not that he had doubted that she loved him. Neither did he believe that she was not strong enough to follow him. On the contrary: he was convinced that she was strong enough to renounce to her feelings for her principles. But last night had not been a dream, and he knew she would not change her mind.
Now they were in two. The simple thought sounded so strange to him. That was likely to complicate the flight too. Hannibal knew that one of his strengths and a major reason for which he had succeeded escaping his pursuers in the past was his independence. He was alone and could easily decide at any moment to leave or change direction, without having to take care of anybody else.
If he had to have a traveling companion, Clarice was probably one of the best he could find. She had the abilities, and the proper training. However, they would be more gaudy and vulnerable in two.
Hannibal finally decided to get up. Time was passing and he certainly had a lot of preparation to do. But first, he called his son and reassured him.
Once washed and dressed, he went to sit at the little desk and retrieved his laptop from a drawer. He remained still in front of the computer for a few minutes, deciding on their next move. After having chosen a strategy, he connected the device to the hotel room telephone line and started keying in.
Hannibal Lecter was a rich man. He had long ago ensured that money would never be an obstacle for him. His fortune had been spread around the world over an impressive network of false identities, each of which would easily outlive a reasonably deep investigation by any law enforcement agency. Each of his 'aliases' had a life of his own, with a past, official records, ... and everything that goes with it. But, not having any good reason to do it, he had never went to the trouble of marrying one of them. He was regretting it now.
After examining a few possibilities, he finally selected his next identity. Carlos Esteban Richter was allegedly the son of the baron Karl Heinz Von Richter, a rich german aristocrat who had had to leave Germany in 1945 for his compromising relationships with the nazis during the war. The baron Von Richter had settled in Brazil where he had married the daughter of a respected landowner, Esmeralda Santana, and raised a unique son they had named Carlos.
Von Richter had existed, as well as his beloved wife Esmeralda. They had left Brazil in 1954 though, to settle in California. They had both died childless in 1986 in a car accident. Carlos Esteban was a pure invention. However he had a regular birth certificate, registered by the town of Porto Alegre, in the south of Brazil. He also had regular school records, in Brazil as well as in the United States. Hannibal had understood a long time ago that many things were possible as long as you could properly reward a service.
Carlos Richter was now the rich owner of an hacienda fifty miles away from Sao Paulo. He had bought the place about ten years before but had never really lived there. To the best people knew, he was traveling, mainly in Europe.
It was thus in Europe he would have met love. Clarice' s file at Quantico - the one he had hacked a long time ago - did not mention her speaking any foreign language. That would limit his choice. He finally opted for Ireland. She would eventually have to be careful to her accent, but her physical appearance could make her easily pass for an irish woman.
Laura Evans. He whispered the name as he wrote it. Yes ... If he had to call her anything other than Clarice in public, Laura would be a nice substitute.
He spent another hour at his computer. He had not the necessary time to build a life for miss Evans, but he put down a few notes Clarice would have to learn by heart about her character. The passport and driving license would not be a problem. He had enough blank material to forge acceptable documents. He would need pictures of her though.
Hannibal was starting to feel hungry. He decided for a quick lunch in the hotel restaurant. He stood up and went to the door. That cast would be something he would have to take care of. Clarice and Jason had taken no risk and wrapped his leg from groin to toe, which made any movement difficult and would most likely attract attention to him. He locked the door of his room and made it down the stairs.
Tourism was not Laking main activity, and the restaurant was almost empty when Hannibal arrived. Only two tables were actually occupied. Right in the center of the room was sitting a middle-aged couple who was residing in the hotel. In one corner, but close to a window, was Miss Baldridge, an old lady whose apartment was two blocks away and who was taking all her meals at Calhoun' s. Hannibal had enjoyed a couple of pleasant conversations with Miss Baldridge. He saluted her while walking to his table, in the furthest corner from the entrance.
Not more than a minute later, Mrs. Calhoun brought him a glass of wine and the menu of the day. Hannibal ordered a light lunch, made of an entrecote with fresh vegetables.
When he had finished his meal, Mr. Calhoun himself brought him a cup of coffee, along with a bottle of family made liqueur and two glasses. As every day, the man sat at Hannibal' s table without waiting for an invitation. In other circumstances, Hannibal could have been upset by such a behavior. But he had come to appreciate the company of Bob Calhoun. He and his wife had been very friendly and obliging to him and, above all, had never asked him any personal question. The respect of his privacy was one of the things Hannibal Lecter prized more from people.
Hannibal took a sip of alcohol and gave the man a soft smile.
" - Bob, this one is a delight for all senses.
- Umm ... Yes. '95 was one of the best years.
- Even better than the '92 you had me taste yesterday."
Calhoun' s smile broadened.
" - It is a priceless pleasure to share it with a connoisseur like you, Mr. Von Brandt.
- Thank you. Do you think I could buy a bottle of this one ?
- I should be able to arrange this for you."
The two men went on emptying their glasses slowly and silently. After a while, Hannibal restarted the conversation.
" - Bob, could I ask you a favor ?
- Sure.
- ... Well, I have an appointment with the doctor this afternoon and he should remove that cast from my leg.
- This is good news ! I guess you have been impatiently waiting for this moment.
- Yes. And I had planned to ... kind of celebrate the event with an old friend of mine."
Calhoun raised an eyebrow, but if he had some questions in mind, he did not phrase them. Satisfied, Hannibal went on.
" - My friend is in fact a lady, very dear to me.
- I understand.
- Yes ... I was thinking to have a special dinner for the occasion. I was wondering if you and Mrs. Calhoun could help me with it ?
- Of course. Why don't you tell me what you had in mind and we will try to comply.
- As a matter of facts, I had prepared a little list ..."
Hannibal retrieved a sheet of paper from the inside pocket of his jacket and handed it to Calhoun. The man took it and studied it in silence for a few seconds. Then he raised his face back to Hannibal and nodded.
" - Such a dinner is certainly not very usual in the area, but I think I can manage something.
- Thank you, Bob. Obviously, I will take in charge the cost and reward the service properly. My friend should arrive late in the evening. Would it be possible to have dinner served in my room ... Let's say ... fifteen minutes after her arrival ?
- No problem. Anything else ?
- Umm ... Yes. I would need a taxi.
- I can have one in about ten minutes.
- Perfect. Thank you.
- You're welcome."
Calhoun stood and left the table with the expression of a man who knows he's gonna have a decent profit soon. The other customers had left and Hannibal was now completely alone in the room. He helped himself another glass of liqueur and drank it slowly, reflecting about the evening to come.
Half an hour later, a taxi stopped in front of Laking County Hospital and, after having generously tipped the driver and written down his phone number, Hannibal stepped out of the car.
In the previous days, he had made some brief research on the organization of the place. He had not found any information on the precise location of the various units, but he knew by heart the names of the doctors operating there, as well as the department they belonged to and their specialization.
He entered the building. In the hall, on the wall at his left, he spotted a map of the departments and paused a moment to study it. In less than a minute he had defined a strategy and headed to the reception desk. He asked for professor Jamison, an anesthetist in the surgery unit. The nurse at the desk hardly looked at him and indicated him the way. Even if Laking County was a small hospital, pre-operation visits to the anesthetists were more than common and no particular control was made.
Hannibal progressed slowly through the corridors. What he was primarily interested in was that the unit concerned with accidents was on his way to the surgery department. There he would certainly find the instruments he needed.
It seemed luck was on his side. The corridors were almost empty and the few people he encountered on his way did not pay any attention to him. He finally reached his target. His prior experience as a practitioner in an hospital helped him spot the room he was looking for. Unfortunately, a nurse was busy rearranging things on a trolley a few feet from the door. Hannibal went to a couple of chairs lined against the wall and sat.
There was nothing abnormal with a man with a plaster cast sitting in an hospital corridor, seemingly waiting for an appointment. He waited there for fifteen minutes, glancing at his watch from time to time, until the nurse departed and the way was finally free. He stood and moved to the door. After a last look at the corridor he entered furtively.
This was the most risky part of his plan as he did not know how much time he had at his disposal. So he moved as quickly as possible and packed the items he would need in a rucksack he had brought with him. Basically, it included a special circular saw, a pair of scissors, syringes, and a dozen doses of Novocaine. He would need these in the next few days.
The whole operation took him less than two minutes. Nobody saw him go out. His heartbeat had not in the least accelerated and the fact that his old automatism could return to him so naturally gave him a sensation close to pleasure.
On his way back, he reached a laundry he had previously located. He slipped in unnoticed and blocked the door with a trolley. He spent the following twenty minutes perfecting the sound insulation of the room applying dirty linen in the door slits. Once he felt safer, he overturned a pile of sheets and settled on them as comfortable as possible.
He made himself a first injection of Novocaine and waited for the medicine to have an effect. Then he removed his trousers, started the saw and began to cut in the cast from top to bottom. The plaster they had used was of poor quality and was randomly giving in under the pressure of the blade, forcing Hannibal to frequently pause to clean his instrument. Though he was concentrated on his task, his hearing was focussed on the outside and he had to interrupt his efforts four or five times when hearing steps coming closer.
Finally, after nearly one hour, his leg was free again. He grabbed a towel and mopped the sweat on his face and arms. Then he wiped away the remains of plaster from his legs and cut the bandage that was wrapped around his thigh. He had a look at the wound. It had healed perfectly. He smiled for himself: he would have to congratulate the doctor tonight.
Cautiously he tried his muscles. The results were not really encouraging. He knew that his bone had not consolidated enough and that his left leg would remain pretty useless to him. But at least he would be able to sit normally and go more easily unnoticed. Even drive for short distances.
He retrieved a pair of clean trousers from his bag and put them on. He put back everything but the saw into his bag and, leaning on both his crutches, he stood up. Nothing unusual happened on his way back to the hospital entrance. From one of the public phone box in the hall, he called the taxi that had brought him there and waited for him outside.
Mrs. Calhoun welcomed him back at the hotel. Hannibal had a hard time trying to stop the woman from talking about how relieved he should be feeling. In fact, relief was not exactly what he was experiencing at the moment and he was anxious to get back to his room. His patience with his hostess had almost come to its limit when Bob Calhoun finally called his wife from the kitchen. Hannibal thanked the woman for her kindness and went upstairs.
Once in his room, he went to lay in bed and made himself another injection. As soon as he felt better, he got to the cupboard and retrieved from the pocket of his coat the keys of the van that Jason had parked in an alley behind the hotel. He still had a couple of things to do before Clarice would come back.
The driving part revealed easier than he would have imagined. He covered a few miles to the opposite part of the city and went to buy two cell phones, one of them equipped with a camera. On his way back, he stopped at a florist and got a dozen of red roses. It was not very original, but, given the circumstances, he though Clarice would appreciate anyway.
Before going back to the hotel, he passed a few times in front of the agency where Clarice had rented her car two weeks before. He finally parked in a little street behind and completed his observations on foot. From the low level of security and protection devices, Hannibal understood the criminality rate in the town was most probably very low, if any. That suited him perfectly. He easily spotted a back door to the place that did not even seem to have an alarm. A glance at the lock reassured him too.
He finally went back to his room.
Hannibal was relaxing on his bed when he heard the soft knock he was waiting for. He had a look at his watch: 9:45 pm. She had come back sooner than he had expected. He stood and went to open the door. Even doing so, he realized he had not even asked who was behind the door. He was not being careful enough. He should be more cautious in the future.
Clarice was now standing in front of him in the doorway. The sight of her took his breath and relegated all previous thoughts to the back of his brain. She looked tired. He took her hand and pulled her in his embrace, closing the door behind her. She leaned her head against his chest and wrapped her arms around his waist. He bent his head on hers and took a deep breath, letting her scent fill his lungs.
They stayed like this for minutes, lost in each other' s arms, without a word. In the end, Hannibal put one hand on her shoulder and gently pushed her apart.
" - You look exhausted." he said. "They made it hard on you, didn't they ?
- It's OK." She smiled to him. "Nothing I can't handle.
- I have no doubt of it.
- Do you want to know about the details ?
- Anything I should seriously worry about ?
- No.
- Then we have time for that. Are you hungry ?
- I'm starving.
- Good."
He led her to the armchair and made her sit. It was then she noticed he was no more wearing his cast.
" - Hannibal ! You shouldn't ...
- It's all right, Clarice. Don't worry." He handed her a glass of wine he had asked Calhoun to bring up earlier. "Just relax now. Dinner will be served in a few minutes."
He leaned against the desk and helped himself some wine. "To us." he said, raising his glass. She nodded and they both tasted the dark red beverage. The temperature was perfect, Hannibal thought. Someone knocked on the door, interrupting his tasting. "Mr. Von Brandt, it's Bob Calhoun. May I come in ?" a muffled voice asked. "Please do, Bob."
The door opened and Calhoun pushed a sideboard inside. Hannibal inwardly thanked the Gods to have sent only Bob. Mrs. Calhoun was a nice woman, but he could imagine the glances she would have shot at Clarice in mere curiosity and he was grateful his love would not have to stand them tonight.
Bob settled the table and brought two chairs in. Then he withdrew discreetly, wishing them a pleasant dinner. Clarice looked at the table in disbelief. She faced Hannibal. He was staring at her, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Hannibal ?" she whispered. His smile broadened. He couldn't tire of hearing her call him by his first name.
" - I thought a nice dinner would help you forget a hard day of work.
- This is a very nice thought, but how did you ...
- Don't expect too much, Clarice. Mr. Calhoun did his best but he told me he had difficulties finding some ingredients."
Clarice' s eyes were fixed on the dozen of roses arranged at the center of the table. She could not remember the last time a man had offered her flowers. "Shall we ?" he asked softly. She stood and followed him to the table.
Considering the place and the lack of time, the dinner was very satisfying. Even the caviar, if not of best quality, was decent enough. Hannibal made a mental note to thank Mr. and Mrs. Calhoun properly. Clarice, not used to the same lifestyle he was used to, seemed to appreciate every bit of it.
At the end of the dinner, she stood and came behind him. She slipped her hands under his shirt to his chest and bent her head to his face. Her lips reached his and she gave him a long and tender kiss. "Thank you." she whispered when she finally withdrew. Hannibal had been taken by surprise by her caresses. Would she always have the power to surprise him this way ? He felt excitement gaining him and had to gather all his inner strengths to resist the will to take her immediately.
He took her hands from his chest and brought them to his lips. He kissed her palms gently. "Not now ..." he murmured. Then he could not help adding: "As much as I would love it." She looked at him, puzzled. He sighed.
" - We still have a little job to do before we can abandon ourselves to pleasure." he explained.
" - A job ?
- Yes. We should take care of this story of rented car before your friends start investigating too far. Or have they ?
- It's one of the first things we started this morning. Normal procedure ...
- I see.
- But for the moment they are concentrating on the area of the shooting.
- That's what I thought. But I don't want to take any risk when your safety is concerned. Did anything seem unusual to you today ?
- No. Classical stuff.
- How did they behave with you ?"
Clarice took some time before she answered.
" - As I expected." she said finally. "They treated me as the black sheep they think I am.
- ... I am sorry you have to go through all this, Clarice. But I will need a few days to prepare everything.
- Don't worry. I can take it. Now that I know what expects me, I can take it."
He kissed her hands once more and then let them go off. "Now we should move." he concluded. He stood. The pain in his leg had turned back and was getting worse by the minute. He went to his bed and pulled a syringe from the bedside table.
" - Do you need some help ?" she asked.
" - No, thank you."
She did not insist. She knew it would have made him uncomfortable.
Ten minutes later, they were walking down the stairs. The Calhoun and their guests had retired to their bedroom a long time ago and the place was now deserted and silent. They went out.
The street was quiet. Hannibal started to walk in the direction of the Hertz agency. Clarice followed him.
" - What do you plan to do ?" she asked him. He glanced at her.
" - The plan is rather simple, Clarice. We enter, take the file, clean the computer, and go out.
- Very simple indeed."
He caught the irony in her tone; "Don't worry. It will be easy. I had a look this afternoon and there should not be any obstacle." Clarice decided not to comment. They covered the rest of the distance in silence. She followed him in the alley behind the agency. He leaned one of his crutches on the wall and retrieved a little tool from the pocket of his coat. "Would you be so kind to lookout for me ?" She couldn't help chuckling. "Come on, Clarice. I'm sure you've been there before." She calmed down. "OK" she whispered.
The lock did not resist him more than a few seconds. He had a closer look at the door but did not see anything suspect. He opened it slowly. He slipped inside and she followed him, closing the door behind her.
It was dark inside. Clarice never liked the dark. He must have sensed that for she felt his hand take her elbow and guide her to one of the computers. "Can you take care of the computer files, Clarice ?" His voice was calm and low, his tone professional. She suddenly realized fully who she was with and what they were doing.
She also understood that this nighty raid was not just what it seemed. Watching him work, she knew he did not need her help and could very well have done this alone. Rather was it a rite of passage.
Involving her was a way to test her. For the first time she was taking part to something illegal with him. What had happened at the farm did not count: their lives were at stake then. Tonight, the situation was completely different.
The fact that he felt obliged to test her somewhat upset her. "I think I can manage that." she answered, irritation clearly identifiable in her voice. His hand came to the back of her neck and he started massaging her gently. Hannibal knew he did not have to explain. His voice sounded firm but not threatening when he finally broke the silence. "You don't have to, Clarice. You can wait for me outside if you wish. It will not change anything ... But I need to know."
His voice soothed her.
" - It's OK." she murmured. "I guess I'm just a bit nervous.
- There is nothing wrong about that. We have time."
They both started to work. Hannibal gave Clarice a floppy with a password cracking program and explained her how to use it. Then he let her work in peace and began to search in the metallic filing cabinet. He rapidly found what he was looking for. He rolled the folder and put it into his pocket. Then he joined her and leant against her desk.
Clarice felt his presence before she actually saw him. She raised her eyes to him. He was staring at her in silence. He looked tired but serene.
" - Are you OK ?" she asked.
" - I'm fine."
He drew a chair and sat next to her, his eyes never leaving her. "I'm almost there." she said, turning back to her task. He nodded.
It took Clarice ten more minutes to permanently clean the server hard disk from all traces of her passage, or of Jason' s. They left the agency, careful to leave the place as they had found it. It was half past one when they reached Hannibal' s hotel room.
Maybe doped by the thrill of illegality and danger, Clarice took all the initiatives for their second night of love. He let her guide him to pleasure. It was only when each of their desires was fulfilled that they finally fell asleep in each other' s arms.
Her side of the bed was empty when Hannibal opened his eyes. But the sound of the shower coming from the little bathroom reassured him on her whereabouts. He sighed, still wondered by how a single woman could trigger such emotions in a man like him.
She appeared in the doorway, her body wrapped in a white towel, her hair not quite dry. A drop of water was slowly rolling down her neck. Hannibal felt his lower body tense. Clarice noticed it and gave him a sorry smile. "I think I'd better go ..." she said. He nodded.
She quickly finished preparing.
"One thing before you go ..." he said. She looked at him. "There is a plastic bag under the desk. Could you bring it to me ?" She complied and sat on the bed next to him. Hannibal retrieved the two cell phones from the bag and handed one of them to her, along with a little card. She read the two numbers on the card.
" - The first number is yours," he explained, "the second one is mine. Learn them and destroy the card.
- All right.
- This is for emergency only, Clarice. Do not use this phone to call anyone else.
- Who do you think you're talking to, sir ?" She winked at him. "I'm not a rookie !"
He chuckled. "You make sure I don't forget that." he added.
She staffed the phone and the card in her pocket. When she looked back at him, he was aiming at her with his own phone. "I need a photo for your new passport." he explained. "No ! Don't smile ... Right ... Perfect."
He put the phone down and she bent to him. They had a long kiss and she left without a word.
To be continued ... Thanks for reading. Reviews are as usual MOST welcome ...
Absolut.
A/N: Sorry for the delay, but time does not agree with me in these days. I hope you will like it anyway ...
Chapter 15
Clarice woke up first in the morning. The sun was still low on the horizon and the hotel room was in half-light.
They had fell asleep shortly after they had made love. She couldn't help sighing at the thought of the turmoil which had send both of them into raptures during the night. Hannibal' s attention had been entirely focused on her desires, alternating moments of tenderness she'd never have thought he was capable of, with moments of unbridled passion leaving her breathless and panting.
Now she was laying in his embrace, her head on his chest. She carefully raised her face to him and watched him sleeping for a while. There was no more doubts in her mind. Here was the man she loved. From this she was certain. As much as she was certain he loved her back the same way.
The cool morning air made her slightly chill. Without opening his eyes, Hannibal hold her tighter and gently rubbed her arm. The next shiver that shook her body had nothing to do with the cold.
He opened his eyes and stared at her.
" - Good morning, Clarice." he said softly. "Have you been awake for long ?
- No. Just a few minutes ... I didn't want to wake you up ... I was just ... watching. To make sure everything was real."
He planted a kiss on her forehead before he continued.
" - Everything was real, Clarice. You made it real.
- You think one can make things real if one believes enough in it, don't you ?
- Not believe, but fight enough to make it happen, yes.
- I don't remember I fought with you, Hannibal."
He chuckled. "No." he answered. "Your enemy was much more powerful then me, I'm afraid. You had to fight with yourself ... And you won."
Clarice bent her head and started caressing the gray hair on his chest. He let her do without a word and gave her some time before he tackled more concrete issues. Breaking the charm was as painful for him as it would be for her. But there were things they had to settle. "You should get prepared, Clarice." he whispered after a while. She looked at him, puzzled as if he had just waken her.
" - You would not want to be late at your appointment with your colleagues, would you ?
- I don't want to go back there." she sighed. "Not now.
- I know. But you will have to.
- Why ? We could just leave now, together and they would never find us again. After all, you're an expert at these things, aren't you ?"
He smiled. He had heard in her voice that she knew she would have to go back. Her tone had betrayed her. She could probably have fooled anybody else, but not him.
" - I feel honored by your trust, Clarice. But even I need a little time to organize things. I actually have one or two possible moves in case of emergency. But these are for a man alone. I never dared to include you in my plans.
- Well, I guess you will have to change your habits from now on, Hannibal Lecter. Because I'm not gonna let you go anywhere without me."
A laugh shook his chest and she kissed him, which almost made him loose his concentration.
" - Can't I rather help you with the preparation ?" she tried once more.
" - There is nothing in the world I would love more than to be able to keep you here, Clarice. But what we need less for now is to attract the attention of the FBI. Even our friend Pearsall would start asking himself questions, should you not report to Albany this morning. And there is a certain number of things we have to take care of before we can say good-bye. Your rented car being one of them ..."
Clarice suddenly realized the meaning the words 'take care of' could have in the mouth of Hannibal Lecter. And that worried her a bit. She had made her choice, and she would follow him whatever would happen. Yet, there were things that were still difficult for her to accept. "Do you think it will involve ... more victims ?" she asked hesitantly, without looking at him.
Hannibal understood her question was serious, and that, even though she had definitely progressed in her acceptance of who he was, his possible answer was still somewhat frightening for her. However, he was also aware that their relationship could only be based on honesty. "Not necessarily, Clarice." he started.
" - That is, not if it can be avoided. I do not kill without a good reason. Or at least what sounds like a good reason to me. I hope you know it by now.
- Yes." she whispered. "I know.
- But what you gave me yesterday is the most beautiful thing I ever received in my life. And I will not let anybody take it away from me. Do you understand this ?
- I think I do.
- Umm ... I'm not sure you can yet understand how much you mean to me, Clarice. But hopefully that will come. Meantime, should anyone be a threat to us, I will not hesitate to kill again ... Not one second. Would it be a problem for you ?"
He had pronounced his last words with the gentleness one would have used with a child. She looked back at him and read in his eyes that he was more than serious about it. Clarice took her time to answer. She asked herself the only question that counted now: would she be able to kill for him ? Despite all she had been believing so far, the answer she found in the deep of her heart was yes. She stared at him with a resolution that could not escape him. "No." she answered. "It would not be a problem."
They stayed in bed for another half hour, cuddling each other tenderly, until it was time for Clarice to go. She stood up and went to the bathroom. When she came out, Hannibal was still in bed. He watched her gathering the clothes he had thrown on the floor a few hours ago and dress. When she was ready she looked at him and the intensity of his gaze startled her.
"- What ?" she asked, wondering why he was looking at her like that. "Did I forget something ?
- Umm ? No. Nothing ... I was just realizing that perfection might well exist, after all."
She smiled and came to sit on the bed next to him. He took her hand and kissed her palm.
"- My God !" she unexpectedly exclaimed.
" - What ?
- I actually did forget something.
- What is it, Clarice ?
- I promised I would keep Jason informed last night. I'm afraid I scared him a bit telling him the FBI was after you. He must be worried as hell.
- Don't worry. I'll call him in the morning.
- Can you do this ?
- Of course I can.
- Tell him I'm sorry, will you ? I really wanted to call him but ...
- But you got too busy with something else." he finished her sentence with a mischievous smile. "I am sure Jason will understand. You have to go now.
- Right. See you tonight then."
He nodded. She gave him a last brief kiss, stood up and headed at the door. She was already outside of the room when he heard her voice: "I love you, Hannibal." The door shut before he could even answer.
Though it was not in his habits, Hannibal stayed one more hour in bed, reflecting on the course his life had recently taken. From the day Clarice had left the old hotel after his rescue, she had been present in his dreams almost every night. These had not always been pleasant dreams, though. In more than one occasion, had he heard Clarice answering again 'Not in a thousand years ...' to him.
Not that he had doubted that she loved him. Neither did he believe that she was not strong enough to follow him. On the contrary: he was convinced that she was strong enough to renounce to her feelings for her principles. But last night had not been a dream, and he knew she would not change her mind.
Now they were in two. The simple thought sounded so strange to him. That was likely to complicate the flight too. Hannibal knew that one of his strengths and a major reason for which he had succeeded escaping his pursuers in the past was his independence. He was alone and could easily decide at any moment to leave or change direction, without having to take care of anybody else.
If he had to have a traveling companion, Clarice was probably one of the best he could find. She had the abilities, and the proper training. However, they would be more gaudy and vulnerable in two.
Hannibal finally decided to get up. Time was passing and he certainly had a lot of preparation to do. But first, he called his son and reassured him.
Once washed and dressed, he went to sit at the little desk and retrieved his laptop from a drawer. He remained still in front of the computer for a few minutes, deciding on their next move. After having chosen a strategy, he connected the device to the hotel room telephone line and started keying in.
Hannibal Lecter was a rich man. He had long ago ensured that money would never be an obstacle for him. His fortune had been spread around the world over an impressive network of false identities, each of which would easily outlive a reasonably deep investigation by any law enforcement agency. Each of his 'aliases' had a life of his own, with a past, official records, ... and everything that goes with it. But, not having any good reason to do it, he had never went to the trouble of marrying one of them. He was regretting it now.
After examining a few possibilities, he finally selected his next identity. Carlos Esteban Richter was allegedly the son of the baron Karl Heinz Von Richter, a rich german aristocrat who had had to leave Germany in 1945 for his compromising relationships with the nazis during the war. The baron Von Richter had settled in Brazil where he had married the daughter of a respected landowner, Esmeralda Santana, and raised a unique son they had named Carlos.
Von Richter had existed, as well as his beloved wife Esmeralda. They had left Brazil in 1954 though, to settle in California. They had both died childless in 1986 in a car accident. Carlos Esteban was a pure invention. However he had a regular birth certificate, registered by the town of Porto Alegre, in the south of Brazil. He also had regular school records, in Brazil as well as in the United States. Hannibal had understood a long time ago that many things were possible as long as you could properly reward a service.
Carlos Richter was now the rich owner of an hacienda fifty miles away from Sao Paulo. He had bought the place about ten years before but had never really lived there. To the best people knew, he was traveling, mainly in Europe.
It was thus in Europe he would have met love. Clarice' s file at Quantico - the one he had hacked a long time ago - did not mention her speaking any foreign language. That would limit his choice. He finally opted for Ireland. She would eventually have to be careful to her accent, but her physical appearance could make her easily pass for an irish woman.
Laura Evans. He whispered the name as he wrote it. Yes ... If he had to call her anything other than Clarice in public, Laura would be a nice substitute.
He spent another hour at his computer. He had not the necessary time to build a life for miss Evans, but he put down a few notes Clarice would have to learn by heart about her character. The passport and driving license would not be a problem. He had enough blank material to forge acceptable documents. He would need pictures of her though.
Hannibal was starting to feel hungry. He decided for a quick lunch in the hotel restaurant. He stood up and went to the door. That cast would be something he would have to take care of. Clarice and Jason had taken no risk and wrapped his leg from groin to toe, which made any movement difficult and would most likely attract attention to him. He locked the door of his room and made it down the stairs.
Tourism was not Laking main activity, and the restaurant was almost empty when Hannibal arrived. Only two tables were actually occupied. Right in the center of the room was sitting a middle-aged couple who was residing in the hotel. In one corner, but close to a window, was Miss Baldridge, an old lady whose apartment was two blocks away and who was taking all her meals at Calhoun' s. Hannibal had enjoyed a couple of pleasant conversations with Miss Baldridge. He saluted her while walking to his table, in the furthest corner from the entrance.
Not more than a minute later, Mrs. Calhoun brought him a glass of wine and the menu of the day. Hannibal ordered a light lunch, made of an entrecote with fresh vegetables.
When he had finished his meal, Mr. Calhoun himself brought him a cup of coffee, along with a bottle of family made liqueur and two glasses. As every day, the man sat at Hannibal' s table without waiting for an invitation. In other circumstances, Hannibal could have been upset by such a behavior. But he had come to appreciate the company of Bob Calhoun. He and his wife had been very friendly and obliging to him and, above all, had never asked him any personal question. The respect of his privacy was one of the things Hannibal Lecter prized more from people.
Hannibal took a sip of alcohol and gave the man a soft smile.
" - Bob, this one is a delight for all senses.
- Umm ... Yes. '95 was one of the best years.
- Even better than the '92 you had me taste yesterday."
Calhoun' s smile broadened.
" - It is a priceless pleasure to share it with a connoisseur like you, Mr. Von Brandt.
- Thank you. Do you think I could buy a bottle of this one ?
- I should be able to arrange this for you."
The two men went on emptying their glasses slowly and silently. After a while, Hannibal restarted the conversation.
" - Bob, could I ask you a favor ?
- Sure.
- ... Well, I have an appointment with the doctor this afternoon and he should remove that cast from my leg.
- This is good news ! I guess you have been impatiently waiting for this moment.
- Yes. And I had planned to ... kind of celebrate the event with an old friend of mine."
Calhoun raised an eyebrow, but if he had some questions in mind, he did not phrase them. Satisfied, Hannibal went on.
" - My friend is in fact a lady, very dear to me.
- I understand.
- Yes ... I was thinking to have a special dinner for the occasion. I was wondering if you and Mrs. Calhoun could help me with it ?
- Of course. Why don't you tell me what you had in mind and we will try to comply.
- As a matter of facts, I had prepared a little list ..."
Hannibal retrieved a sheet of paper from the inside pocket of his jacket and handed it to Calhoun. The man took it and studied it in silence for a few seconds. Then he raised his face back to Hannibal and nodded.
" - Such a dinner is certainly not very usual in the area, but I think I can manage something.
- Thank you, Bob. Obviously, I will take in charge the cost and reward the service properly. My friend should arrive late in the evening. Would it be possible to have dinner served in my room ... Let's say ... fifteen minutes after her arrival ?
- No problem. Anything else ?
- Umm ... Yes. I would need a taxi.
- I can have one in about ten minutes.
- Perfect. Thank you.
- You're welcome."
Calhoun stood and left the table with the expression of a man who knows he's gonna have a decent profit soon. The other customers had left and Hannibal was now completely alone in the room. He helped himself another glass of liqueur and drank it slowly, reflecting about the evening to come.
Half an hour later, a taxi stopped in front of Laking County Hospital and, after having generously tipped the driver and written down his phone number, Hannibal stepped out of the car.
In the previous days, he had made some brief research on the organization of the place. He had not found any information on the precise location of the various units, but he knew by heart the names of the doctors operating there, as well as the department they belonged to and their specialization.
He entered the building. In the hall, on the wall at his left, he spotted a map of the departments and paused a moment to study it. In less than a minute he had defined a strategy and headed to the reception desk. He asked for professor Jamison, an anesthetist in the surgery unit. The nurse at the desk hardly looked at him and indicated him the way. Even if Laking County was a small hospital, pre-operation visits to the anesthetists were more than common and no particular control was made.
Hannibal progressed slowly through the corridors. What he was primarily interested in was that the unit concerned with accidents was on his way to the surgery department. There he would certainly find the instruments he needed.
It seemed luck was on his side. The corridors were almost empty and the few people he encountered on his way did not pay any attention to him. He finally reached his target. His prior experience as a practitioner in an hospital helped him spot the room he was looking for. Unfortunately, a nurse was busy rearranging things on a trolley a few feet from the door. Hannibal went to a couple of chairs lined against the wall and sat.
There was nothing abnormal with a man with a plaster cast sitting in an hospital corridor, seemingly waiting for an appointment. He waited there for fifteen minutes, glancing at his watch from time to time, until the nurse departed and the way was finally free. He stood and moved to the door. After a last look at the corridor he entered furtively.
This was the most risky part of his plan as he did not know how much time he had at his disposal. So he moved as quickly as possible and packed the items he would need in a rucksack he had brought with him. Basically, it included a special circular saw, a pair of scissors, syringes, and a dozen doses of Novocaine. He would need these in the next few days.
The whole operation took him less than two minutes. Nobody saw him go out. His heartbeat had not in the least accelerated and the fact that his old automatism could return to him so naturally gave him a sensation close to pleasure.
On his way back, he reached a laundry he had previously located. He slipped in unnoticed and blocked the door with a trolley. He spent the following twenty minutes perfecting the sound insulation of the room applying dirty linen in the door slits. Once he felt safer, he overturned a pile of sheets and settled on them as comfortable as possible.
He made himself a first injection of Novocaine and waited for the medicine to have an effect. Then he removed his trousers, started the saw and began to cut in the cast from top to bottom. The plaster they had used was of poor quality and was randomly giving in under the pressure of the blade, forcing Hannibal to frequently pause to clean his instrument. Though he was concentrated on his task, his hearing was focussed on the outside and he had to interrupt his efforts four or five times when hearing steps coming closer.
Finally, after nearly one hour, his leg was free again. He grabbed a towel and mopped the sweat on his face and arms. Then he wiped away the remains of plaster from his legs and cut the bandage that was wrapped around his thigh. He had a look at the wound. It had healed perfectly. He smiled for himself: he would have to congratulate the doctor tonight.
Cautiously he tried his muscles. The results were not really encouraging. He knew that his bone had not consolidated enough and that his left leg would remain pretty useless to him. But at least he would be able to sit normally and go more easily unnoticed. Even drive for short distances.
He retrieved a pair of clean trousers from his bag and put them on. He put back everything but the saw into his bag and, leaning on both his crutches, he stood up. Nothing unusual happened on his way back to the hospital entrance. From one of the public phone box in the hall, he called the taxi that had brought him there and waited for him outside.
Mrs. Calhoun welcomed him back at the hotel. Hannibal had a hard time trying to stop the woman from talking about how relieved he should be feeling. In fact, relief was not exactly what he was experiencing at the moment and he was anxious to get back to his room. His patience with his hostess had almost come to its limit when Bob Calhoun finally called his wife from the kitchen. Hannibal thanked the woman for her kindness and went upstairs.
Once in his room, he went to lay in bed and made himself another injection. As soon as he felt better, he got to the cupboard and retrieved from the pocket of his coat the keys of the van that Jason had parked in an alley behind the hotel. He still had a couple of things to do before Clarice would come back.
The driving part revealed easier than he would have imagined. He covered a few miles to the opposite part of the city and went to buy two cell phones, one of them equipped with a camera. On his way back, he stopped at a florist and got a dozen of red roses. It was not very original, but, given the circumstances, he though Clarice would appreciate anyway.
Before going back to the hotel, he passed a few times in front of the agency where Clarice had rented her car two weeks before. He finally parked in a little street behind and completed his observations on foot. From the low level of security and protection devices, Hannibal understood the criminality rate in the town was most probably very low, if any. That suited him perfectly. He easily spotted a back door to the place that did not even seem to have an alarm. A glance at the lock reassured him too.
He finally went back to his room.
Hannibal was relaxing on his bed when he heard the soft knock he was waiting for. He had a look at his watch: 9:45 pm. She had come back sooner than he had expected. He stood and went to open the door. Even doing so, he realized he had not even asked who was behind the door. He was not being careful enough. He should be more cautious in the future.
Clarice was now standing in front of him in the doorway. The sight of her took his breath and relegated all previous thoughts to the back of his brain. She looked tired. He took her hand and pulled her in his embrace, closing the door behind her. She leaned her head against his chest and wrapped her arms around his waist. He bent his head on hers and took a deep breath, letting her scent fill his lungs.
They stayed like this for minutes, lost in each other' s arms, without a word. In the end, Hannibal put one hand on her shoulder and gently pushed her apart.
" - You look exhausted." he said. "They made it hard on you, didn't they ?
- It's OK." She smiled to him. "Nothing I can't handle.
- I have no doubt of it.
- Do you want to know about the details ?
- Anything I should seriously worry about ?
- No.
- Then we have time for that. Are you hungry ?
- I'm starving.
- Good."
He led her to the armchair and made her sit. It was then she noticed he was no more wearing his cast.
" - Hannibal ! You shouldn't ...
- It's all right, Clarice. Don't worry." He handed her a glass of wine he had asked Calhoun to bring up earlier. "Just relax now. Dinner will be served in a few minutes."
He leaned against the desk and helped himself some wine. "To us." he said, raising his glass. She nodded and they both tasted the dark red beverage. The temperature was perfect, Hannibal thought. Someone knocked on the door, interrupting his tasting. "Mr. Von Brandt, it's Bob Calhoun. May I come in ?" a muffled voice asked. "Please do, Bob."
The door opened and Calhoun pushed a sideboard inside. Hannibal inwardly thanked the Gods to have sent only Bob. Mrs. Calhoun was a nice woman, but he could imagine the glances she would have shot at Clarice in mere curiosity and he was grateful his love would not have to stand them tonight.
Bob settled the table and brought two chairs in. Then he withdrew discreetly, wishing them a pleasant dinner. Clarice looked at the table in disbelief. She faced Hannibal. He was staring at her, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Hannibal ?" she whispered. His smile broadened. He couldn't tire of hearing her call him by his first name.
" - I thought a nice dinner would help you forget a hard day of work.
- This is a very nice thought, but how did you ...
- Don't expect too much, Clarice. Mr. Calhoun did his best but he told me he had difficulties finding some ingredients."
Clarice' s eyes were fixed on the dozen of roses arranged at the center of the table. She could not remember the last time a man had offered her flowers. "Shall we ?" he asked softly. She stood and followed him to the table.
Considering the place and the lack of time, the dinner was very satisfying. Even the caviar, if not of best quality, was decent enough. Hannibal made a mental note to thank Mr. and Mrs. Calhoun properly. Clarice, not used to the same lifestyle he was used to, seemed to appreciate every bit of it.
At the end of the dinner, she stood and came behind him. She slipped her hands under his shirt to his chest and bent her head to his face. Her lips reached his and she gave him a long and tender kiss. "Thank you." she whispered when she finally withdrew. Hannibal had been taken by surprise by her caresses. Would she always have the power to surprise him this way ? He felt excitement gaining him and had to gather all his inner strengths to resist the will to take her immediately.
He took her hands from his chest and brought them to his lips. He kissed her palms gently. "Not now ..." he murmured. Then he could not help adding: "As much as I would love it." She looked at him, puzzled. He sighed.
" - We still have a little job to do before we can abandon ourselves to pleasure." he explained.
" - A job ?
- Yes. We should take care of this story of rented car before your friends start investigating too far. Or have they ?
- It's one of the first things we started this morning. Normal procedure ...
- I see.
- But for the moment they are concentrating on the area of the shooting.
- That's what I thought. But I don't want to take any risk when your safety is concerned. Did anything seem unusual to you today ?
- No. Classical stuff.
- How did they behave with you ?"
Clarice took some time before she answered.
" - As I expected." she said finally. "They treated me as the black sheep they think I am.
- ... I am sorry you have to go through all this, Clarice. But I will need a few days to prepare everything.
- Don't worry. I can take it. Now that I know what expects me, I can take it."
He kissed her hands once more and then let them go off. "Now we should move." he concluded. He stood. The pain in his leg had turned back and was getting worse by the minute. He went to his bed and pulled a syringe from the bedside table.
" - Do you need some help ?" she asked.
" - No, thank you."
She did not insist. She knew it would have made him uncomfortable.
Ten minutes later, they were walking down the stairs. The Calhoun and their guests had retired to their bedroom a long time ago and the place was now deserted and silent. They went out.
The street was quiet. Hannibal started to walk in the direction of the Hertz agency. Clarice followed him.
" - What do you plan to do ?" she asked him. He glanced at her.
" - The plan is rather simple, Clarice. We enter, take the file, clean the computer, and go out.
- Very simple indeed."
He caught the irony in her tone; "Don't worry. It will be easy. I had a look this afternoon and there should not be any obstacle." Clarice decided not to comment. They covered the rest of the distance in silence. She followed him in the alley behind the agency. He leaned one of his crutches on the wall and retrieved a little tool from the pocket of his coat. "Would you be so kind to lookout for me ?" She couldn't help chuckling. "Come on, Clarice. I'm sure you've been there before." She calmed down. "OK" she whispered.
The lock did not resist him more than a few seconds. He had a closer look at the door but did not see anything suspect. He opened it slowly. He slipped inside and she followed him, closing the door behind her.
It was dark inside. Clarice never liked the dark. He must have sensed that for she felt his hand take her elbow and guide her to one of the computers. "Can you take care of the computer files, Clarice ?" His voice was calm and low, his tone professional. She suddenly realized fully who she was with and what they were doing.
She also understood that this nighty raid was not just what it seemed. Watching him work, she knew he did not need her help and could very well have done this alone. Rather was it a rite of passage.
Involving her was a way to test her. For the first time she was taking part to something illegal with him. What had happened at the farm did not count: their lives were at stake then. Tonight, the situation was completely different.
The fact that he felt obliged to test her somewhat upset her. "I think I can manage that." she answered, irritation clearly identifiable in her voice. His hand came to the back of her neck and he started massaging her gently. Hannibal knew he did not have to explain. His voice sounded firm but not threatening when he finally broke the silence. "You don't have to, Clarice. You can wait for me outside if you wish. It will not change anything ... But I need to know."
His voice soothed her.
" - It's OK." she murmured. "I guess I'm just a bit nervous.
- There is nothing wrong about that. We have time."
They both started to work. Hannibal gave Clarice a floppy with a password cracking program and explained her how to use it. Then he let her work in peace and began to search in the metallic filing cabinet. He rapidly found what he was looking for. He rolled the folder and put it into his pocket. Then he joined her and leant against her desk.
Clarice felt his presence before she actually saw him. She raised her eyes to him. He was staring at her in silence. He looked tired but serene.
" - Are you OK ?" she asked.
" - I'm fine."
He drew a chair and sat next to her, his eyes never leaving her. "I'm almost there." she said, turning back to her task. He nodded.
It took Clarice ten more minutes to permanently clean the server hard disk from all traces of her passage, or of Jason' s. They left the agency, careful to leave the place as they had found it. It was half past one when they reached Hannibal' s hotel room.
Maybe doped by the thrill of illegality and danger, Clarice took all the initiatives for their second night of love. He let her guide him to pleasure. It was only when each of their desires was fulfilled that they finally fell asleep in each other' s arms.
Her side of the bed was empty when Hannibal opened his eyes. But the sound of the shower coming from the little bathroom reassured him on her whereabouts. He sighed, still wondered by how a single woman could trigger such emotions in a man like him.
She appeared in the doorway, her body wrapped in a white towel, her hair not quite dry. A drop of water was slowly rolling down her neck. Hannibal felt his lower body tense. Clarice noticed it and gave him a sorry smile. "I think I'd better go ..." she said. He nodded.
She quickly finished preparing.
"One thing before you go ..." he said. She looked at him. "There is a plastic bag under the desk. Could you bring it to me ?" She complied and sat on the bed next to him. Hannibal retrieved the two cell phones from the bag and handed one of them to her, along with a little card. She read the two numbers on the card.
" - The first number is yours," he explained, "the second one is mine. Learn them and destroy the card.
- All right.
- This is for emergency only, Clarice. Do not use this phone to call anyone else.
- Who do you think you're talking to, sir ?" She winked at him. "I'm not a rookie !"
He chuckled. "You make sure I don't forget that." he added.
She staffed the phone and the card in her pocket. When she looked back at him, he was aiming at her with his own phone. "I need a photo for your new passport." he explained. "No ! Don't smile ... Right ... Perfect."
He put the phone down and she bent to him. They had a long kiss and she left without a word.
To be continued ... Thanks for reading. Reviews are as usual MOST welcome ...
Absolut.