Chapter Seven: Quid Pro Quo
"Where am I?" Starling mumbles groggily.
"In the changing rooms." Starling suddenly realizes she's been drugged, chloroform or halothane.
"You weren't out for all that long little Starling, I didn't use that much halothane."
"Doctor?" Ashley says panicking.
"Yes little Starling? Your heart is beating very fast. Are you scared? Scared of me?"
"Why did you do that?" She says trying to adjust her eyes to the darkness to make out a figure.
"Answer my question first little Starling. Are you scared of me?" Lecter says.
"Yes, I'm scared out of my mind. Now answer mine. Why did you do that?"
"Why are you so scared little Starling?"
"Quid pro quo Dr. Lecter. I give you answers you give me answers. Why did you do that?" Ashley says with conviction.
Lecter chuckles before continuing. "Well in a moment I'm going to check you for wires I grabbed you because I didn't want someone other than little Starling walking into this room. I had to make sure it was you. Why are you so scared?"
"I'm scared because you are a convicted serial killer Dr. Lecter. I'm scared because I'm under the distinct impress that you are going to kill me too." Ashley says her voice shaking.
"You won't have to worry about that unless you do something very foolish. Now little Starling I'm going to check you for wires, and don't you worry, I'll be a perfect gentleman, I won't do anything inappropriate."
"Dr. Lecter, you keep calling me little Starling. I have a name you know." She says as Lector lights a match to light candles placed around the room.
"I'm very sorry Miss Starling. I completely forgot my manners. I'm sure you know I'm Dr. Hannibal Lecter."
"Dr. Lecter, it's nice to finally meet you. I'm Ashley Starling, but you are welcome to still call me little Starling. I'd shake your hand but I'm a bit tied up at the moment." She says clinking the handcuffs to the pole.