Shattered Life

Part nine – Questions, No Answers

"What is it?"

"Pain killers, the same ones I gave you 4 hours ago." The woman sighed. "Are you always this co-operative?"

"I don't like taking medicine"

"I can see that dear but it's for the best."

This nurse was staring to get on Clarice's nerves. Far too cheerful for her own good; one of those 40 somethings, probably divorced and trying to make everyone else feel better but not herself.

"If you don't mind me saying so dear I remember you from the television."

Here it comes. Her own personal scoop probably heading straight for tomorrows front page.

"You seemed to go through so much and now this."

What?

"You really should relax now. For you and the baby. Maybe your friend will be back later."

Clarice turned to look at the source of this conversation. Lynne Jacobs. Her name tag reflected the gentle glow of the rising sun.

"Thank you, but I don't think she's still my friend. Not after what I put her through."

Turning her head back so she could lie down. Lynne said "Well, call me if you need anything."

"What's the date?"

"Sorry dear,"

"The date, please, what is it?"

Noticing the tone of voice had definitely climbed the urgency ladder she replied quickly.

"It's the 14th December. Only 17 days left of this year dear."

"Thank you,"

"No problem. See you in 4 hours,"

17 days left. The consultant had already visited that morning and said she would be discharged on the 19th. That left 12 days. Plenty of time as long as she could escape on time. 5 days was quite a length of time, but as Hannibal said 'all good things to those who wait'. Clarice had to lie here and recover her strength, then she could go. Hopefully with minimal opposition, but, if a fight was needed…

"I'll just check, hang on a minute,"

The door opened.

"Um Mrs, I mean miss…"

"Yes?"

"Sorry, um Ardelia Mapp is outside. She wants to know if you'll talk to her,"

What a way to pass the time. A strained conversation with an old friend I can't trust again.

"Yes that's fine let her in,"

A few minutes later Agent Mapp walked in. Avoiding Clarice's eyes she pulled a chair close to the bed before looking up.

"Hi, how are you feeling?"

"I've been better. Sore but healing."

In five days I'll be in perfect shape and out of here.

"Oh Clarice. Why did you do it? I thought you were happy, but you went to him didn't you. Why? Please can you give me just one reason."

Clarice had to stop to think for a moment. So much pent up emotion poured out. Regaining her composure, which had only been lost momentarily, she stared at her old friend.

"Firstly, are you wearing a wire?"

"What?"

"Don't play games with me. It's been a long time and people, loyalties change. I should know. The masters are not the persecutors," venom shot across the bed.

"I'm not Clarice. I didn't know you'd feel that way. Will you answer the question?"

"Who understands you?"

"What Clarice?"

"I found the only person who truly understands me, knows me. I can't deny that you weren't my friend but face facts. When did you ever do anything for me? Sure you'd say the right things but not to the FBI – you never proved to me that I was your friend. Did you?"

A single tear slid down Ardelia's face. "I'm sorry I let you down,"

"I don't want an apology. I want my life back."

"OK, I'm going now," Ardelia was unclear as to what exactly Clarice wanted but added before leaving, "I'll be the one to pick you up on the 19th, and, well, take you, well…"

"back to prison,"

"Yes. I thought you would prefer me rather than Sharpe. I'll see you on the 19th in the morning. I guess you don't want to see me before then."

"I couldn't care less who comes. I'm not going to prison."

Ardelia turned "What?" Did she mean, she couldn't, could she?

"Nothing," Don't give it away.

"OK well see you on the 19th,"

Not if I can help it.

With that Ardelia left but stopped to have a word with Lyne Jacobs.

"She didn't have a go at you did she sweetie?"

"No, but listen carefully. I'll be back on the 19th in the morning. At 8:00am OK. Have you got that 8:00am."

"Fine dear 8:00am – she'll be ready for you to take her,"

"Thanks,"

Back in her room Clarice had planned her escape.

I'm going to walk out of here on the 19th at 9:00am.

Ardelia will find an empty bed.

9:00am I will be free.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Well I'm on a role now - more coming up.

Reviews much appreciated – please keep them coming so I know you want me to continue.

xxkatyxx

Disclaimer: The plot is mine but the characters belong to Thomas Harris.