Shattered Life

Part three – Reverence and Acceptance

The officers were staring at Clarice. They had already worked out her story. Drugged, hypnotised, brainwashed. What did it matter? Would she answer their question?

"I…"

Fades to memory

"Yes my dear they have been watching us for a while. I was however unaware of them following us, so presumably they knew we were coming here and have been waiting."

Clarice's eyes had widened in horror throughout this statement and Hannibal saw the panic begin to set in.

"Hannibal," she grabbed his hand, "what are we going to do? They'll take you away from me."

"Keep calm Clarice. I know very well what will happen but making a scene will only entice our new friends to make their move sooner."

Clarice knew Hannibal was right but they had to get out of here and now. She glanced around nervously.

"I should have noticed ages ago," Clarice whispered "that waiter has been walking around those two tables repeatedly and he is still doing it. And look, those two at the table behind you aren't even eating."

"It's alright," Hannibal murmured.

"How? We have to get out of here now. The way we came in is no good. They'll catch us easily."

Time was running out as both Clarice and Hannibal saw the waiter moving swiftly to talk to another man. They conversed quickly before separating and striding across to different corners of the restaurant.

Clarice stood abruptly shocking Hannibal who was still sitting. His mind going over how they could escape this predicament but only one thing came to mind and he knew it would have come eventually.

"Come out onto the terrace and dance with me."

Clarice was trying to sound natural as she thrust her hand out to Hannibal but her voice barely could get the words out. Hannibal joined her and locked the doors behind them. That was it. Both husband and wife heard the shouts that followed inside the restaurant.

Hannibal turned to Clarice and noticed she was anxiously looking for an escape path in all directions and tears were beginning to form in the corners of her eyes.

"Come on," She was almost shouting now as she ran up the small set of steps in the corner leading up and onto the flat roof.

Then it hit her. When they first walked up to the restaurant. Beautiful floating island. There was no escape now; only a long drop off every side to land in a watery grave.

Standing at one of the edges Clarice heard the door they had locked being smashed open and the thunder of footsteps drawing nearer. She turned to face Hannibal who seemed to have an air of calm about him, looking off into the distance.

"No," she whispered to him.

"Clarice…"

The men had reached the roof and were drawing their guns.

"… you know I will never go back. I will never be locked up again."

"Hannibal no. I won't let you leave me. Not now and not like this."

The agents were shouting and threatening but Clarice and Hannibal were lost in their own world.

"Clarice I need you to listen to me there's not much time. You have not committed a crime so they cannot hold you for long. Tell them whatever they want to hear so they let you go."

The tears were flowing freely now down Clarice's cheeks which were now white from the brisk night air.

"Remember Clarice I told you once about a safe house I own in America. When they release you you're to go there. One month from now exactly and it will be the first of January. Stay safe until then and when the New Year begins you will leave and begin your new life."

"But it will be a life without you. I cannot live like that. The time I have spent with you has been the best thing that has ever happened to me."

The agents were now approaching the couple. Slowly though as they knew how dangerous this man could be.

Hannibal had stepped further backwards.

"Look up Clarice and remember. Some of our stars are the same. Whatever happens that will remain so forever; just as I will in your heart."

She hugged him fiercely and he whispered in her ear.

"I will never leave you Clarice."

Clarice pulled back and looked into his eyes as she had done during dinner.

"I love you Doctor Lecter"

"I love you too Clarice."

"This is your final warning, put your hands over your heads and get on your knees or we will have no choice but to open fire."

Hannibal pressed one final kiss onto Clarice's lips before reluctantly pulling away and taking the final step up onto the small ledge.

He caught her eye, winked and fell.

Clarice had no strength left in her and collapsed to her knees while the officers ran to the edge and looked over. The ripples caused by the splash travelled outwards gradually getting further apart.

A young woman was left alone in the world. Dragged to her feet by the ones who had pushed her out so long ago.

Memory fades out.

Clarice's eyes snapped open.

She knew what she would tell them

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx The next chapter will leave Clarice's plight and look and someone else's journey – I'll say no more.

Reviews much appreciated.

xxkatyxx