Chapter 4 The set up
Many thanks to Clariz and RwD for applying sharp blue pencils and various ideas to these next 3 chapters.
Usual disclaimers. Dr Lecter and Clarice Starling belong to Thomas Harris. No copyright infringement is intended.
ANY comments, rude or otherwise gratefully received, otherwise how do any of us learn to do it better ? I find I get to a point where I can't pare any more - vision is too blurred. This is setting things up for the next 2 chappies, so possibly a bit long and boring.
Jose was there, a sweat patch in the shape of an axe darkening the back of his shirt. He wiped his lips and forehead with a yellow handkerchief that used to be white. He looked anxious. Zak was sitting straddled across one of the wicker chairs, arms draped over the unravelling back.
"Good news – a meeting tonight in La Boca. Tonight ..." and Jose slammed his right fist into his left palm.
Clarice frowned "Another meeting ? – so soon - after last night ?"
Jose sniffed and came up a little on his toes "My sources I trust."
Clarice raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Zack looked at her intently, rolling a match between his teeth.
"You can watch close by I think – there are many prostitutes in the area – just ... you need some stockings, a short skirt a tight shirt ..."
Zack grinned at Clarice and spat on the floor.
Clarice turned to face Jose "I thought you used your own people for this sort of job –
I 'm fair skinned, copper hair – I don't look like anyone who would be working there. The other girls will know immediately who and what I am."
"No, no – we can't use any of ours any more – they are all recognised now, all useless." Jose's eyes began to slide to the left.
"I don't like it. "
"You don't like it ? you don't like it ? what choice you have ?" Jose was turning red and the sweat had broken out on his top lip. His voice had gone up half an octave. "You know what happens if you refuse ? "His finger described an arc across his throat "No job, no references. Nothing. Anyway, what the matter with you ? You know what women are used for in the DEA. You know before you come here." Jose looked at Clarice with thinly disguised contempt. Zack continued to stare fixedly at her and chew his match.
Jose was right of course, she had known what to expect – it was half the reason she had applied wasn't it ? "Flaying the flesh, cleanses the soul" so said a visiting priest to the Lutheran orphanage. She remembered, he had hands like her Father, small with quick tense movements, as if he were afraid they would fly beyond his control.
Clarice turned to look out of the window. The plaza was busier now – scooters, more people walking, carrying bags. Her eyes moved directly to the café. The table was empty. She swiftly scanned the inside of the café and the rest of the Plaza. Nothing. She was aware of a vague ache just at the base of her sternum.
"OK. What time and where ?" Clarice's lips compressed. Jose sketched the details for her. "We will be watching from a building across the street – no problem" He said with airy contempt.
"Like you were last night" said Clarice acidly
"Different, different – we will be able to see you and them. No problem" Jose looked at his watch. "We meet at the bar at 8pm – you should go and do whatever you have to do until then." He gave her a glassy eyed stare and then turned to Zack "Franco comes in one hour."
"Got my cigarettes Starling or were you too busy sucking that fags cock ?"
"The guy with the silk next to his skin and the fancy manicure set."
Clarice shook her head impatiently "Just a fucking resident. Zack. He could see I was American."
"Quien, Cual ?" Jose's voice was rising again. "Who is this you talk to ?"
"Oh just some guy eyeing up Claaareeece's assets"
"Where ? when?" Jose's voice was sharper still "You got him on video?"
"Calm down will ya Jose – he wasn't any of the guys you showed us"
"In the Café Valerie" said Clarice wearily indicating the open window. Jose moved quickly, considering his girth "Where?"
"He's gone" said Clarice flatly.
Jose stood clenching and unclenching his hands and looking out across the plaza. He had gone quite pale. He turned and came right up to Clarice and looked directly into her eyes. "Now...you go."
Clarice returned his gaze, unblinking and finally turned to pick up her bag and left the room.
She spent the rest of the day buying the clothes and shoes she needed for the evening and having her hair inexpertly dyed with blond streaks. This last effort cost her dear – she gave little thought to her appearance, ordinarily but of her hair, she was justifiably proud.. 'One night, that's all and anyways it'll grow out in a couple of months'
She looked in the reflections of shop windows from time to time, sat at café tables staring into the mirror in the lid of her compact so she could see over her shoulder. She didn't catch even a glimpse of him.
