Chapter 1 – The F.B.I.

I walked down the damp hallway, my footsteps echoing, drawing their eyes to me. I felt their gazes gliding over me, shivers running down my spine.

What had brought me here?

Him.

Not a week after killing Jame Gumb I found myself in Crawford's office.

"That's was some fine detective work, Starling."

"Thank you, sir."

I shifted, the bruise on my hip smarting. The bullet wound on my shoulder didn't hurt now, thanks to the painkillers. I got both when I was banging around in the dark chasing Gumb.

"Keep this up and you'll be on track for a promotion sooner than you think."

"I hope so, sir. The F.B.I. has been my dream for so long."

But lately I saw more errors in the system and it made me weary. Dr. Lecter and others didn't deserve the inhumane treatment they received, despite the things they'd done.

Jack smiled at me. The want was evident in his gaze, it made my skin crawl.

"Well, graduation is tomorrow. I know you will be an excellent agent, Starling."

I smiled at my mentor. Tomorrow I would be Special Agent Clarice Starling of the F.B.I.

Why do I feel so uneasy?

"Oh, I have some news."

"What would that be, sir?"

"We caught Lecter in the early hours of this morning."

"What?!"

My heart sank.

"Yes, he was trying to board a plane to the Bahamas, when someone recognized him and phoned it in. Came without a fuss too. You should have been there, Clarice."

He didn't make it.

"Well, that's great, sir."

"…"

"You have something to say, Clarice?"

"Y-yes, what's going to happen to the Doctor now?"

"Oh, he's been returned to the care of Dr. Chilton for now. As long as he behaves he'll say there. If he doesn't he will be executed."

Back in Chilton's care. Laughable really.

Is it Clarice?

Wow, that voice sounds suspiciously like Dr. Lecter.

"If that's all, sir, I am free to go? Lots to prepare for after all."

"Of course, Starling. Go celebrate. I'll see you tomorrow."

I tossed and turned that night, the lambs louder than ever. I woke drenched in sweat, tears running down my face.

Fuck!

I swung my legs around and headed for the kitchen.

Some Jack might convince me to sleep a little more.

I poured two fingers of the amber liquid into a glass, that seemed to glow in the moonlight. Dr. Lecter had been caught, just like I wanted. I was becoming a full agent, just like I wanted. So why do I feel so bad?

Maybe because you care, Clarice.

Nope.

Don't lie to me, Clarice.

Damn.

I sipped my drink, feeling the strong booze warming my stomach. All the memories came flooding back. All the secrets we shared. All the times he gave me perspective when I needed it the most. All the hope I had that he had finally found his view. Gone. The crushing disappointment I felt when Crawford announced his capture.

"Shit, maybe I do care."

Thankfully, the voice in my head was silent.

I hung my head low as I realized I might never be able to see him again. Chilton would never allow that, and neither would Crawford.

No, fuck Crawford, that man looks at me like a piece of meat anyway.

I might be able to get around Chilton. He was a slimy bastard, but he did always look at me with the same hungry eyes Crawford did. I could that to my advantage.

I snapped my head up, shaking it.

"Well. That's enough of that, for one night."