A couple glasses of wive before sleeping helped her to fall asleep faster and have a few more hours of rest before waking up. There was some headache in the morning, but nothing a pill could not fix.
Shower, breakfast and work. Same as yesterday, same as in the other days.
The day at work was boring, time passed slowly.
Is tonight going to be like the other nights? She was now looking forward to go home.
The gifts were nice, beautiful and for sure expensive… but she preferred to know something about him… doesn't he has anything to say?
Arriving at home, a new bag at her door. A large white box inside, not as big as the first one. This time, a pair of black sandals, high heels, fancy brand. Again, the size was exactly hers. That was quite impressive.
She kept thinking if he could have accessed this information somehow, but her sizes are not available anywhere. He was day by day completing a whole look. To her birthday? Did he know there will be a party? Or he just assumed there would be some kind of celebration? Although the dress and heels were not the type of outfit to have a lunch or even a regular birthday dinner…
In three days it will be her birthday and the celebration that Ardelia was planning. It would not be possible he would risk so much and show up in a place full of federals…
But… This means he is in the USA? In the same city she is? Or he hired someone to deliver the bags?
She had nothing but the answers she wanted. In the next few days, two more gifts: a black small bag and a French perfume, very good and sophisticated scent, but also very similar to one she already uses. Tomorrow, Saturday, it is her birthday. Six gifts in the last six days. This was a surprise, after all, something that nobody never did for her. Obviously she would never expect the one who would do such a thing it would be a fugitive criminal, a murderer, indeed.
She did tried to research about him in these past three years and look at the files without caught any attention to herself, but because of that reason, the could not go too far. And in the very few conversations she had with Crawford about Dr. Lecter, it was clear there are many blank spaces in his personal story and his motives.
In the Saturday morning, she woke up late and usually she would have leave her apartment for a walk or running in the park, but the truth is she wanted to stay at home, is case something else was left at her door. After a breakfast, she chose a book and went to her living room- near the door- and spend the entire day at silence, reading. When she heard she smallest noise, she went to door and looked at the peephole. Nothing. It was almost time she should met Ardelia at the club and she took a shower and started to dress up and make up for her night. She decided to use all the six gifts to these night and she did not know the exact reason to that and decided to tell herself it was because everything was very beautiful and looked really good together.
By the time she left her apartment, nothing at her door. She did felt a little disappointed, but, again, she cut off these thoughts.
At the club, she found her friends from the FBI, Ardelia and her boyfriend and even Crawford was there, which was a big surprise and a little awkward too. Everybody hugged and wished a happy birthday to her. A champagne bottle was open and there was a small cake and candles. After that, some went to the dance floor and other remained at the bar.
Ardelia did not gave to Clarice the chance to not go to the dance floor.
-Clarice, you look amazing! But this is not the dress we bought together! Where this one came from?! -Asked Ardelia, starting to dance with her.
-Thanks, Ardelia! I saw this dress, for some reason just ignored it at the store, but when I arrived home, I could not take it out of my mind… So I went to the store again and bought it- She smiles a little smile, lying to her.
-Wow! I did not see this one there! I looks very fancy! And this jewelry?!
-Oh, they're old… I gave them to myself a few years but never found the occasion to wear them… Thanks for that, today i'm using all of them together… By the way, everything is wonderful, thanks for that and for everything, always- she hugs her friend
-You're welcome! I can not believe I finally took you to a dance club! - Ardelia hugs her back and kisses her cheek before starting dating again.
-Ha ha. But seriously, thanks- she smiles genuinely, starting to dance too.
At this moment, Ardelia's boyfriend approaches them and takes her to dance. Clarice, then, continues to dance on her own.
After a few more musics, she makes a pause and go to bar to get a drink. She finds Crawford with a drink in his hands, looking at her direction.
-So, Ardelia chose a nice place for your birthday- he tries to start a conversation
-Yes, Sir! She is a very dedicated friend- She smiles, politely, ordering a gin cocktail to the barman.
-Please, Clarice, we're at a club celebrating your birthday, i'm not here as your superior, no formalities- he wink at her, drinking a little more of his own drink
-Oh, ok, Sorry Si- I'm mean, I'm sorry…
-No need to apologize, just relax, please.
-I'll do my best…- She uses again her social smile
-I'll give your gift on Monday. I did not want to bother your bringing here
-Ah…Thank you, but you did not need to worry about- she was very surprise now
-Clarice, please. I've known you for years, we've worked together so many times… I could not leave the date blank. - he caresses her cheek, becoming physically closes to her.
Her immediate response is to freeze.
He took one more step, his face closer to her.
-I'm sorry… I'm just sorry…. -She distances herself from him, leaving her drink at the bar and disappearing in the club. A voice echoed in her mind: 'do you think he wants you? Sexually?'
She shook her head, exiting the place to catch some fresh air. All this years she saw Crawford as a mentor, someone the looked up to, but never thought of him as a man. Also, he is her superior and this was too uncomfortable to think about or even to consider how things would be in the office in the next Monday.
Her mood changed completely after this situation and there was no fresh air enough to make her forget what happened and return to the club, so she decides to take a cab and go home. This was definitely not the night she was expecting.
Arriving in the building she was lost in thoughts and entered the building and got upstairs automatically. She stops at her door and reach for her keys in the bag and just then she notices something at the floor. One single and big red rose.
She bends down, taking the flower in her hand, and bringing it close to her face, smelling it. It has a delicious perfume. She smiles softly, forgetting a little what has happened.
She inserts the key in the lock and enters in her apartment.
-The best gift, so far.- thinking out loud, as she entered in her apartment, turning on the switch in the living room and closing the door automatically. When she turns around, she gets scared leaving the rose fall to the ground and taking a step back, her back hitting the closed door.
There was someone in her apartment, The light lamp in the corner on, near to it, someone was sitting at her armchair and immediately stands.
-Good evening, Clarice.- The familiar and unmistakable voice of his.
She tries to move fast to reach her gun at a corner table, but he is faster, and in a sudden, he is right in front of her, holding her both arms firmly, but without hurting, leaving her against the wall, but keeping his body at a certain distant from her.
-I'm afraid I cannot allow you to reach for your gun. You know, for safety.
-For who's safety?! - she says sarcastically.
-Both of us. And please, do not try to scream. We do not want to disturb your old lovely neighbor.- he was looking right in her eyes.
Her heart was beating fast. Definitely she never expected he would broke into her apartment. She did not know what to expect.
-W-what do you want? - She tries to sound as normal as possible, but she cannot help but stutter a bit.
-I want to do no harm. In any way. - He sound serious and honest, his voice low and even, gentle?- Now, I intent to let go of your arms, please do not try anything.
He did remove his hands from her, but watching carefully to her.
She was pretty much freeze. She had never been with him with no barriers between them. And he was still very close and she was disarmed. Very bad combination, Clarice. -She thought.
She them remembered what she was told many years ago, what he did to a nurse, when he was close enough to her.
-Clarice, please. No need for this reaction. - it is almost as if he could see where her mind was going to. He took a few steps back, as in an attempt to help her.
She takes a deep breath and shook her head. But her heart was still racing.
He then moves close to the door and reaches for the rose, getting it and extending the flower to her.
-You let it fall. Luckily, no petals fell- His hand keeps extended for a while until she can process what he said.
-What… How… Why…?
He leaves the flower on the center table and sits again at the armchair, as if trying to give her more space. He cross his legs, his eyes never leaving hers. He was wearing a dark tailoring pants and white shirt. His clothes looking elegant ad expensive.
-Well, it's a special date, it's a very fragile lock and… because I hoped I could see in person how the gifts looked like together. But I did not expect you to be home so soon… What happened, Clarice? You did not like toe club your friend chose?
-H-how did you k-know…?
-Please, Clarice, you were much more articulated if my memory does not betrays me. Take a sit. I know it is your apartment, but may I get something for you to drink?
-You… Broke into my apartment… If my memory does not betrays me, this could be seen as discourtesy and the old you does not tolerate that.
-Oh… Yes, indeed. But I do have a good excuse for that. You see, I did not see as possible to call you or write a letter warning you about my visit and seeing you in a public place could be not appropriate, as you know, I try to keep a low profile life and I honestly did not know how you would react seeing me. And i do apologize for entering your apartment like that.
-Also, you said on the phone you had no intention in search for me…
-That's also true…
She took a few steps towards him, a little bit insecure, but somehow trusting he would do no harm. Obviously part of her mind kept telling her to leave, scream and ask for help.
-I'm waiting for a better response.
He signs
-Clarice… I know what I said and I- at this time, her cellphone stats ringing. He stands immediately, and in a few seconds he is again in front of her. Her hand was reaching her purse, and his hand reaches hers.
-I cannot use my phone, I assume?
-Depends on what you want to say. I must take my precautions, you see.
-I can be worse if I just do not answer. You see, we, police, used to consider bad options if a lady disappears from her birthday and does not answers the phone late at night. We can think that a criminal might have found the person and that she can be in danger.- she looks into his eyes, not trying to move her hand.
He just smiles sarcastically, removing his hand from hers.
She then answers the phone.
-Hello? Oh, Si- I mean… Jack… Yes, i'm fine… - Something in his look changes as he realizes who's calling, but he shows no emotion, just the same attention as before, to act, if necessary.
-Yes, I came home… No, I guess the dinking gave me a headache… No! Its not necessary! Thank you. I just need to rest. Thank you for your concern, good night. -she gets surprise with herself by how uncomfortable she became with the phone call, hanging up fast.
He watches her with interest and something more.
-So, your superior calling in the middle of the night to ask for help in some F-B-I case?
She leaves her phone near the flower, sitting and ignoring his question. Her hands massaging both sides of her head, in her temples.
-Dr. Lecter…
-Yes, Clarice?
-I'm opening a bottle of wine. - She stands up and goes to the kitchen.
-How much have you drink tonight? - he follows her.
-Obviously not enough.
-I see… You know, I brought myself a bottle of wine, considering the occasion. We can open it, if you want. But i'm more curious about your sudden urge to drink, if I might ask.
-Well, after all, to finish the night, I found myself with a fugitive and I'm still not sure if i'm am a prisoner in my own home right now or if i'm being condescending and complicit.
-If it helps to clean your consciousness, we both know any phone call or similar attempt would not happen.
-No? You said you would do no harm to me. How would you stop me?- she stops and look at him.
-Yes, I said that and I meant it. I just have other means to preserve myself from going back to a prison.
-What means? Jump through the window?!
-I cannot tell you that, you see. It could reduce my chances, if I need them.
-This means I am a prisoner?
-No, not at all. If you want to, i'm willing to leave your apartment right now.
-Why the gifs? Why now?
-Like I said before, it's a special date, your birthday. It is a common tradition to give someone presents in the birthday.
-It was my birthday last year too. And the year before, as well.
He smiles.
-I counted seven gifts, this leaves me with a credit for the next four years?
She was angry now. Not getting she answers she wanted and not knowing what she would do about it. She gets a bottle of wine in her fridge.
-Clarice, It was a joke… And like I said, I have a bottle of wine too. Can we open it?
-Are you starting to answers my questions? - she turns to him, looking at him again.
-Will you answer my questions too?
-Like in your old game? To get something I must give something?
-If you want to put in that way. It works to me. - he takes the bottle from her hand, putting it back and getting his own. Next, he reaches a drawer, catching the corkscrew.
-How… did you know where it was?
-I needed to look a few things in your apartment, just to know if you tried to get your gun, a knife or something. But I did stop looking after I found your two guns and where your knives were.- he opens the bottle.
-Glasses, please.
-You are unbelievable. If it was so risk coming to my apartment, why did you come in first place?! - she snorts, getting two wine glasses.
-Should I have kidnapped you? And take you to a safer place to me? - he looks at her, reaching for the glasses and serving wine.
-Hell, no!
-I thought you might not react well to that option. Are you hungry? I have some cheese and nuts as well. - He gives one of the glasses to her.
-No… Thanks…
-Okiedokie. Shall we return to your living room? - he gestures for her to go first with one hand. The other holding his own glass of wine.
She signs, returning to the living room and sitting in her sofa. He follows her, sitting again in the armchair.
-Now, the very first question with no response was why did you return so soon. Something happened?
She signs again
-I just… came home…
-We had this same conversation years ago. I know if you lie and this answers are not enough or even honest to move forward. I was honest to you, Clarice. Please, return the favor.
She takes a long drink before answering. He only watches her, in every move.
-I… Jack was there too… and… at some point, he thought we were or we could be closer than we are. I felt bad and returned home. That's it.
He places his glass on the table. Looking at her, serious.
-He did something to you?
-No! He… just tried to kiss me or something…
-So, I guess I was right when I asked years ago if our Jack wanted you sexually…
-I said at that time it did not interest me and it does not interest me at all.
-I see… But you did not want to stay because of him?
-My turn. Were you in the country in these past three years?
-No, I wasn't.
-And why did you return?
-That makes two questions, my dear. He winks at her.
-Fine. Yes, because of him. I had no mood to continue there. Ardelia was with her boyfriend, I had already danced and drank. And I did not want to manage any awkward situation between me and him. You already know my question.
At that moment, her cellphone rings again. Same number as before. This time, she makes no movement to reach her phone.
-Not answering this time? Like you said, your F-B-I friend may assume your are in danger.
-He already knows i'm at home. And why he would thought I could be in danger in my own apartment, like if there was a fugitive criminal in here?!
He only stares at her, not saying anything. After a while, he stands.
-i'm getting myself more wine. Would you like some more?
She signs, following him. Apparently her joke made no success with him. Actually, it is almost as if it had offended him.
-So… why these specific gifts?
-All of them I saw while walking on the streets or when I was buying something else. They all reminded of you, or, better saying, made me wonder how they would look in you. - He opens the fridge and get the same open bottle, serving himself with more wine.
-While buying something else? -she raises her left eyebrow, curious and something more.
He involuntarily smiles, turning around and facing her.
-I referred when buying the perfume. I was getting one to myself and I there was this smell on the store. Very similar to your own. The rest of the gifts I just passed by them. And now, I can ask two questions, since you've asked two.
-Fine. No courtesy for the birthday person.
-All the courtesy, indeed. I might have forgotten to mention, but there is also a little cake too.
-A cake?!
-Also a tradition in birthday celebrations, I believe.
-What exactly did you plan? For tonight?
-A third question in a roll?
-Fine, ask four then, after this one!- He smiles again,
-Well, thank you, Clarice. Yes, a cake. To be honest this was the most difficult part. Trying to guess what type of cake might please you. I concluded it could be vanilla cake, naked type, red fruits and vanilla cream filling. I am correct?- He takes a bag on a chair e removes the cake in a transparent packaging.
-It looks… Delicious… Thanks… - she is sincere, truly impressed on everything he apparently prepared for her.
-Would you like to try it now?
-Yes, please.- she sounds excited, what makes him smile again. He then takes a single white small candle, lightening it up with a silver lighter.
-Do you smoke? - She asks curious about his fancy lighter. Everything about him was far from ordinary.
-Oh no, but I had to light up your candle somehow.
-I see, matches aren't efficient enough.
-Well, Clarice, I know it's no longer officially your birthday, but happy birthday. Oh, and do not forget your wish when blowing the candle.
-Do you believe in that? - she seems surprised.
-Traditions, Clarice, traditions.
-Oh, fine… - she closes her eyes and blows the candle. When opening her eyes again and looking at him, he seems almost amused with the scene.
-Is everything alright?
-Yes. Life is just curious, you know.
-Sure I have never imagined being here and blowing a candle in my birthday, in front of you, considering the circumstances we met.
He only stares at her.
-Im not making any value judgment, it's just it is unusual…
He holds out a knife to her- Another tradition, you know.
-You're going to trust me a knife?
-Shouldn't I?
-You said you've searched for guns and knives when you arrived.
-I did not know how you would react, Clarice.
-And you do know now? - She cuts the cake, getting two plates and serving them both.
-You could not cut your cake with a spoon.
-Well pointed, doctor. And thanks. -she looks at him, handing him a slice of cake.
-Thank you. Shall we return to the living room? I have plenty of credit-questions.
Back to the living room, while Clarice ate her piece of cake, delighted with it, what seemed to please him very much, he considered his next questions.
-So, how's live have been? On what have you spent your time?
-Hm, two questions- She teased him, finishing her bite of cake before answering.
-No cheating, Clarice…- she signs
-Well, basically… Working. And some exercises routine, going out with some friends, nothing extraordinary.
-I see… And that's all of it?
-Hm… housekeeping and supermarket counts?
-Does it counts to you?
-Well, it takes time… Time I could spent on better things… -she thinks about for a while.
-Like I said once, you should get more fun of life…
-Ok, what do you suggest? Pottery? Learn how to cook?
-Cooking can be very interesting. -He smiles, maliciousness- Anyway… Is your dear F-B-I and the job you spent so much time, everything you wanted and expected?
-Well… Sometimes… Some cases are interesting and save people's lives is a noble purpose…
-But?
-Many things… people… influenciates some cases… Sometimes not in the most appropriate way…
-Your estimated institutions are letting you down…?
-I think you've asked all of your questions…
-Please, Clarice… This game is just a mean, not the purpose in itself… Can we be just two friends talking about like?
-Fine, but I have one last question officially in the game, just to make sure i'll have my answer.
-Go ahead.
-You said you were not even in the country, why did you return now? You said your visit is because of my birthday, but you did not enter the country and risked yourself in the house of an agent because of a birthday… What are your motives?
-Not a house of an agent, Clarice. Your house. And I had unfinished business here.
-The complete answer please…
-You. - he looks at her the entire time.
-Me? What do you mean? I'm an unfinished business of yours? -She sounds surprised, confused and a little worried.
-Not in any threatening way, if your thoughts are going in that direction, Clarice. We never had much time to talk and half or our conversations were about your Buffalo Bill. All the information I got from you were in an exchange of his profile. I really thought at that time it could be interesting to get to know you, not just the student-agent making a trade for information and me behind bars.
-Ok, but… it is a lot to risk for a conversation… isn't it?
-I'm taking my precautions, Clarice, if you are concerned about it.
-And what if a refused to talk? Or tried to arrest you or call the police?
-I would not force you, if that's what you want to know. But I would not give up on my freedom and my life. I could have just walked away in the case of a simple refuse or need a plan to scape, if you were determinate to send me back to prison. Part of me is surprise in a satisfying way that you are willing to spend these hours in my company and not being determinate to follow the F-B-I rules.
-Honestly, I don't think I could arrest you. Certainly you have a plan B, C and maybe D to scape. You escaped from a building full of officers.
-So your reason is purely logistic?
-I… - she signs, not looking into his eyes anymore, staring at her wine glass, now empty- I do believe in the justice system… but… I also saw how hard your life was with Dr. Chilton and I've only spent a few hours of in a few days with him… I also know you would be transferred when you escaped and maybe some conditions could be better like the view you wanted… But I do not think I would be enough to you… I do not know what you have done in this past years, but probably much more than you would be able to behind bars… I'm just trying not to think in some specific practices of yours and considering, hopefully, they're not happening… And, also, the world is also more interesting with you in it…
At this time the stares at her, surprised and very pleased with her response.
-That proves my point. I guess I would never have this answer from the special agent Clarice Starling… And I'm very much flattered, I must say.
-What have you been doing during this time?
-Do you refer to what you called my 'specific practices'? Is that what you are questioning?
-No, I meant what you have done in life. I know you will not say where or other specific details, but are you working? Is medicine part of your life? Have you been to places you wanted to?
-I do have something i'm working at, not medicine related. But yes, you were right about me getting more that I would get in a prison. That include places I've been and new ones, be in touch with arts, with beauty and enjoying life.
-Alone? - she did not think much before asking.
-Well… I do interact with people, but I must live a low-profile life, as you must know… But what do you mean specifically? - he looks at her, curious about where she might want to get to.
-Nothing specifically…
-Well… Although I am enjoying our conversation, I must go before dawn. Easier to be unnoticed, you know.
-Oh… I see… Ah… Are you staying in the country?
-Not for a very long time, no.
-Am I… Going to see you again? Someday, I mean…
-Is that something you want, Clarice?
-I… I mean… It was… Interesting talking to you… - What the hell are you saying Clarice?! She thinks.
He only waits for her final answer, eyes catching every move and expression of her.
-Yes… - Although she hated to admit it and part of her did not understand why she asked that, how not safe or even not ethical to her job it was, or why she assumed that to him, the idea of never heard from him again bothered and disturbed her.
He smiles a half smile, surprised and pleased with all that.
-In this case, yes, we will.
-How or when?
-I will let you know, Clarice. One more time, happy birthday and everything suited you very well.- he stands from the armchair, looking one last time for her from head to toe, admiring how she looked with his gifts.
She slightly blushes. - Thank you for the presents and, well, everything else… It was really a surprise. -she also stands, straying in front of him.
-I know. Good night, Clarice. - he take a few steps towards her direction. He holds her right hand, gently kissing it. Then, he take one hat she hadn't even notice it was there, putting it and going to the door. He looks at her one more time before opening the door and leaving her apartment.
She stays in the same place, standing in the middle of her living room, still processing and part of her not believing in what just happened.