Taking Frederick's arm, we exited the office. Despite my weak legs we made quick progress both excited by the meeting ahead. I was sure that even though Fred had washed me down Doctor Lecter would still be able to smell him on me.
The thought gave me a thrill.
Would he be angry?
Upset?
Excited?
Approaching Barney's nook, he smiled at me despite clearly noticing Frederick's finger laced with mine.
"Morning Barney."
"Morning, Clarice. Here to see the Doctor. I didn't have down for a visit today."
"Well… I came to see Frederick about work stuff and thought I'd say hello."
My excuse was paper thin and I'm sure Barney saw through it, but he buzzed us through.
Walking down the corridor I gripped Fred's hand tighter.
The criminals here didn't scare me, but I could feel their eyes all over me.
It made me feel vulnerable and exposed. Fred gave me strength.
Looking down at our entwined fingers, he smiled, soft and gentle. The smile wavered as we approached the end cell that housed my lion. Fred tried to pry his fingers from mine, but I gripped harder.
"Don't worry Fred. We're in this together. He won't hurt you. I promise. Just relax."
He knew I was telling the truth and he trusted me. His finger relaxed in mine.
We're ready.
Doctor Lecter would have heard our approach, but he might not know it was me yet.
We crossed in front of the glass and turned to face him. Doctor Lecter as always was stood waiting to greet his guests. His eyes fell to our hands straight away and Fred's fingers twitched in mine, but he didn't pull away.
Trusting me to calm the beast.
"Hello Doctor Lecter. It's been a while."
"That it has, Clarice. What do I owe the pleasure of such a visit with Doctor Chilton."?
He hissed Frederick's name and I could feel the tension radiating from him.
"Play nice, Doctor Lecter. Me and Frederick..."
His eyes widened at my use of Chilton's first name, the intimacy of the act surprising him.
"Me and Frederick were just discussing an arrangement that involves you."
"Oh? And what sort of arrangement might that be Clarice?"
"It is one that benefits me greatly."
"And why would I agree to that?"
"Because it benefits you greatly too."
"..."
Doctor Lecter was silent, but his gaze clearly asked what we could offer that hasn't been offered before.
"What we are offering you Doctor Lecter..."
He leant forward, eager.
So eager.
"...is freedom."
I swear he stopped breathing then.
He was still silent, but I knew he wanted to know more.
"Not totally freedom obviously. Should you agree to our terms you would be moving to a minimum-security wing. Have access to the grounds both inside and out and we may be able to work out going off site occasionally."
Frederick nodded mute while I explained.
"W-what would the terms be?" Doctor Lecter asked, his voice cracking slightly.
"Well, I believe those should be discussed somewhere a little bit more private." Frederick interjected.
The Doctor's eyes locked on his captor. Frederick faltered, looking back at me. I smiled encouragingly at him. Sensing my encouragement, he continued on.
"Now, Doctor Lecter..."
Frederick took my advice of using the doctors title to convey respect.
"... we are going to move to what could be your new home."
The Doctor smirked at the word home, especially coming from a man he claimed to hate.
"I suppose you're going to shackle me for the short walk."
Frederick looked to me again for reassurance. I placed my hand on his arm. This seemed to do the trick as he drew a deep breath and continued.
"W-w-well..."
"Don't stutter Doctor Chilton. It is unbecoming."
Fredrick flushed at the thinly veiled insult.
"Doctor Lecter! Behave." I snapped.
Seeing his words were upsetting me as well as Frederick, he stopped.
"As Frederick was saying, we aren't going to shackle you, or make you wear a mask or straitjacket. You will be allowed to walk through the hospital unrestrained. However, if you keep up this childish and petulant behaviour, I might just change my mind."
My rant seemed to get through to the Doctor.
His mouth hung open in astonishment.
My breathing was little fast and harsh.
That man gets on nerves sometimes.
"Yes. Like Clarice said. If you behave you can come with us unrestrained."
Doctor Lecter looked at his feet from a minute before he spoke.
When he spoke, his voice was quiet.
"I'd like that."
I nodded to Frederick.
"Ok, Doctor Lecter I am going that unlock your cell now. Please don't attack me."
Doctor Lecter recognised the fear in Frederick's voice, but I would see the excitement glowing in his eyes.
He moved forward, only inches from the glass as he drew that he keys from his pocket. He unlocked the glass door, unpicked the net, and stood face to face with Hannibal the Cannibal.
Frederick stood frozen for a moment.
Doctor Lecter stepped forward.