Chapter Four: Dumb Idea?
There was a phone number and P.O. box that Lecter could be contacted at. Could this be traced? Was this finally her chance to find Lecter? Ashley walks to the phone and dials the number given on the letter. "Is this a good idea? I'm going to end up getting my ass killed." She whispered to herself as the phone rang.
"Hello Clarice. You got my letter I see. Don't bother to trace this I'm on a pre-paid cell phone. How are you doing this fine day Starling?"
"Hello Doctor." Ashley says doing the best to imitate her mothers deep southern accent.
"Ah, young Starling I presume. Reading you're mommy's mail? You really shouldn't do that. Your mum is going to be quite angry that you ruined her evidence." Lector comments slyly as Ashley remains quite.
"Well, young Starling may I please talk to you mum? I'm sure she will be quite glad to hear from me."
"She can't come to the phone Dr. Lecter, I'm sorry."
"Is she out caring for your lambs Starling?" Lector says chuckling.
"Dr. Lecter, I'm surprised you didn't know. My mother died last year."
A moment of silence passes "I send my deepest regrets young Starling." A touch of pain in his voice?
"Dr. Lecter, please don't go." Ashley says panicking.
"Why not little Starling? I'm sure you want nothing more to do with someone such as myself."
"Please Dr. Lecter, more than anything in the world I wanted to know my mother more. I regret not spending more time with her when she was here. And now, because you got out I have a body-guard and I am home schooled and I never get to see my friends. You knew my mother better, probably more than anyone. I want to meet with you Dr. Lecter, please I'm begging you. My mom said she'd never beg from you, she said it gave you too much power. But that was my mother, Dr. Lecter. She was stronger than me and stronger than I'll ever be. I'm begging you please meet with me." Ashley says sobbing.
"You're right young Starling your mother was a very strong person. But you yourself are very strong, you seem to be willing to risk your life for a few memories of your mother, you're very brave little Starling, very brave." Lecter comments.
"I figure, I hope, you won't kill me, Dr. Lecter. You told my mother you wouldn't kill her. I'm just praying that you will extend the favor to her daughter." Ashley sighs nervously.
"Little Starling, I'm not sure if I can trust you. You see, I have no way in knowing that your mum is really dead, she could be standing right there with a group of FBI agents. You could be setting me up. How do I know?" Dr. Lecter inquires.
"Dr. Lecter, I swear, I will do anything to prove that it's just me. Meet me tomorrow at my mother's grave site. My body-guard will leave me for two hours there, he even said that he'll leave the cemetery so I can have privacy and not feel watched." Ashley pleads.
"Give me your current address and I believe that will suffice for proof."
"Fine." Ashley says giving directions to the cabin. "Tonight I'm free to go out by myself. I'll meet you anywhere."
"Alright meet me at Chaser Fields, there is a high school game tonight six o'clock. Brittled High North vs. Brittled High West "
"O.K. Call me back at this number any time." Ashley says giving her cell phone number.
"Good bye Little Starling."
"Good bye Doctor." Starling says but the line had already gone dead.