Shattered Life

Part eleven – Two sides to every story

Clarice's eyes snapped open.

Hannibal?

No, just another dream. She felt different though. Something was wrong. Looking around the room she couldn't put her finger on it but the clock grabbed her eye.

6:00am

She smiled then. I'm escaping in 3 hours. I'm going to see Hannibal.

But that queasy feeling in the pit of her stomach refused to go away.

Meanwhile Ardelia was staring at a computer screen. Her thoughts drifting to what Clarice had said.

A single tear fell down one cheek.

You said I wasn't your friends Clarice.

I was. But I'm not anymore.

Deep down Ardelia knew that may not be exactly true.

Clarice knew visiting hours were from 1 til 4 so she guessed the officers would come to take her around them.

Little did she know Ardelia was due to arrive at 8:00am.

Clarice was about to get up when Nurse Jacobs bustled in.

"You up dear? You were asleep when I looked in earlier,"

When she saw Clarice looking at her she continued.

"Better get ready soon. Oh, I'll just go and get you medication; I must have left it by my desk,"

How could one woman talk at someone for so long?

Turning round Lynne Jacobs opened the door. Halfway out she glanced back still muttering.

"Oh and I must get someone to fix that clock. I looks like its stopped."

Stopped. Clarice's head snapped round.

6:00am

Shit. It hadn't changed

"Wait. Nurse Jacobs what's the time?"

But she was gone.

The time to escape was nigh.

The time for Ardelia to collect Clarice was nigh.
Clarice swung her legs over the edge of the bed and stood up. She crept over to the door, and waited.

"Sorry about that dear I really must remem… Ms Starling. Hey I need some hel…"

She was cut off abruptly when Clarice's hand covered her mouth. Nurse Jacobs tried to break free and scream but Clarice held firm.

"Sorry about this but I'm checking myself out,"

It had been a while since Clarice had punched anyone but her knuckles avoided a bruise when she hit her nurse in the side of the head.

Holding the crumpled figure Clarice dragged Jacobs away from the door. It wouldn't be long before she woke up and Clarice was dismayed to see her head shaking trying to call out to someone.

Jesus this woman babbled when she was even unconscious.

Improvising ropes from the bed sheets. Clarice bound Jacobs's wrists and ankles then gagged her.

Finally some quiet.

Having no idea where her own clothing had been taken Clarice had to borrow the uniform of the nurse, still out cold but propped up against the side of the bed.

Although Nurse Jacobs was larger Clarice found the dress fitted snugly around her belly. Her baby was growing she smiled inwardly at herself.

Checking no-one was coming she quickly walked down the corridor trying to look as if she knew where she was going. At the same time Clarice kept her head to hoping no-one would recognise her.

Hurrying down two flights of stairs she followed the signs staying entrance/exit.

The double doors made her heart leap and before leaving to freedom she glanced at the clock.

9:45am.

Ardelia sat motionless in her car.

Sometimes being a good friend to someone meant letting them go.

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Wow quick by my standards.

Please everyone reading continue your great reviews.

xxkatyxx

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