When she wakes up it is still dark. No lambs screaming this time, only flashes about their conversations; his invasive looks in contrast to the reserved and cautious posture; that briefly touch that, even in the middle of her despair to get answers and the anger for being taken out from there too soon, did not passed unnoticed to her.
After about 30 minutes trying to sleep again, but her mind not allowing it, Clarice give up and go take a shower. After a briefly breakfast and trying to ask to the old neighbor about someone unusual at their building, but getting no answer, she goes to the FBI. Another day of work. She even tries to ask to Ardelia how did she announce Clarice's birthday around there, without trying to create any suspicious. Clarice was uncomfortable possibly hiding a clue about a criminal, but she felt even more uncomfortable about… creating problems to him? Even he was the only responsible to each conviction he got and the one who escaped from justice?
Anyway she got nothing from Ardelia and, suddenly ask for Hannibal Lecter files, being herself, would definitely create an arousal in the office she could not and did not want to manage now.
'Maybe that was the reason there was nothing but my name on the paper?'- she spend the entire day in the office filling papers about their last closed case, but her mind was very distant from what she was doing.
-Clarice? Ah… Clarice? - At the second time her name is called and a hand touches her shoulder while she stares at her computer, she looks up to find Crawford next to her.
-Oh, I'm sorry Sir. Can I help you with something?- Clarice smiles politely to him.
-Those papers really caught your attention… Sorry disturbing you, anyway, it's almost 1 pm, everybody is out for lunch and I finished one meeting 5 minutes ago.
-I did not realize what time it was, Sir- She kept her social smile.
-Anyway, I was wondering if would come to have lunch with me? Maybe we can discuss a case I have received this morning. It might interest you.
-R-really…?- She tries to not show much reaction, but her heart is suddenly tight- What's the case?
-Will you have lunch with me?
-Oh, ok, Sir. - she stands, closing her notebook and picking her bag and a handbag.
During their lunch time, Crawford talks about this new case, nothing remotely familiar, which made her calm again. At the end of their meal, Crawford insisted on paying the restaurant bill, despite Clarice's protests.
-Don't worry, Clarice. Consider it an anticipated birthday gift.- he smiles to her.
-Oh, Sir… How did you-
-Ardelia has been talking about it, she's planning something- he suddenly stops talking- Am I saying something you did not know about?
-No, Sir, I know what she is planning, I just did not the proportion it is taking… - she runs her hand through his hair, a little uncomfortable.
-That's a relief! - He smiles again. Shall we return?
The rest of the day passes slowly. Clarice was desperate to arrive home, open a bottle of wine and order a pizza. When she finally reaches her building, at the second floor, to find a new package at her door.
-You gotta be kidding me…
A same-sized black bag, just the one from yesterday. She takes it and enters her apartment. Same two things inside: another white card with her name, another black velvet small box, a little smaller than the other one. Inside, a pair of silver earrings, drop-shaped rubies with a frame set in small diamonds, forming a set with the necklace.
She sits in a chair, throwing her head back and sighing.
'This is so frustrating! Ok, the pieced are beautiful, costed a lot of money, for sure… but no even a phase? Nothing? Just a name to know the gift was given to her and not delivered by mistake?'
-Where the hell are you…? Why now? What do you want from me?- she sighs again, irritated and continues to talk to herself- Your judgment is not at its best. Your biggest annoyance with the whole situation wasn't having a killer possibly sending things to your house or what he could do to you, but rather not hearing from him? Is that where you got to?
