The day after graduation, Dr. Lecter was driving me mad. I hadn't been able to focus on anything else.

I have to see him again, one last time.

One last time, Clarice, are you sure?

I ignored that comment.

Gathering my purse and papers, my resignation letter folded between them, l headed out of the office. Thankfully I didn't meet another living soul. I made my decision as I pulled out of the lot.

Tomorrow is Saturday, so I could do it. I could pay Dr. Chilton a visit and see what my chances of seeing Dr. Lecter again are.

Stopping at a red light, I allowed myself a small smile.

I'd see him again.

Getting home I practically ran to the phone, dialling the number from memory. The phone rang only twice before he picked up.

"Hello. Dr. Frederick Chilton."

"Hello, Dr. Chilton; it's good to speak to you again."

"Agent Starling. How can I help you, is there another big bad killer you need to catch?"

"No, Dr. Chilton there isn't. This is a personal call."

"I find that a little hard to believe."

"You'd be surprised, Fredrick. I have a little proposition to discuss with you, preferably in person. Do you mind if I come down, I can be there the day after tomorrow?"

"Of course, I can't refuse you, Agent Starling. I hope you'll make it worth my while."

"Definitely, Fredrick. "

I caught his low chuckle as he hung up, a thrill of excitement ran through me making me shiver. The rest of the day passed in a blur, dinner with Delia, a long soak in the tub, falling boneless into my bed.

I woke refreshed after a blissfully silent night. I wandered to the kitchen, popping the kinks in my shoulders to find Ardelia flipping pancakes at the stove, humming.

"Morning Clarice."

"You're chipper this morning aren't you, Dee?"

"Sure am, Special Agent Mapp at last, the buzz hasn't worn off yet."

"Oh, trust me, it will."

"You hungry, sweets?"

"Now you're speaking my language."

Dee placed a nice stack of pancakes in front of me, taking the seat across the table. There was already syrup and a pot of coffee on the table, so I tucked right in.

"So, what are you doing today?" Dee said around her mouthful.

"Well… I… um…"

"Spit it out, darling."

I took a long sip of coffee.

"Well, I was planning to visit an old friend today, so I wouldn't be back for a couple of days."

"Oh, that sort of friend?"

"Maybe, Dee. But you'll never know."

"Awwwww. Don't be mean. I'll expect some deets tomorrow, but I'm seeing Rick tonight, so it will be nice to have the place to myself."

I laughed at that. After I rinsed my plate off and made sure I had everything I needed.

Keys. Check.

Wallet. Check.

Change of clothes. Check.

Sexy undies. Double check.

Right ready to go.

Turning to Dee, I held out the envelope I prepared last night. Inside was my resignation letter and the badge I was only handed yesterday. Despite how long and hard I had suffered for it I knew Chilton was going to give me what I wanted and that didn't bother me at all.

"What's this?" De asked, brows furrowed.

"Something for Crawford, pass it along when you head over."

"Course, girl."

"Right, I'm off Dee. See ya soon."

"Not too soon."

She was still laughing as I jogged down to my old mustang. Firing her up I headed for Baltimore.