BRAZIL
“T hen why didn’t you say so when we met in Mushroomland?” the Pillar demands, still held back by the Reds.
“What does it matter?” the Executioner says. “You want to stop the plague. I told you how to stop it.”
“I’ll call Inspector Dormouse.” I pull out my phone. “I know he couldn’t do it, but I’m sure there are excellent police officers who could if he contacted them.”
“That won’t work. Not just anyone can kill Carolus.”
“I didn’t know Carolus could be killed,” the Pillar says. “He is a figment of Carroll’s imagination.”
“True. And only Lewis can kill him.”
“So we’re back to square one again,” I say.
“He wouldn’t have sent for us if that was all of it.” The Pillar points his cane at the Executioner.
“Smart, Senor Pillardo.” The Executioner laughs.
“Is he suggesting I go meet Lewis Carroll through the Tom Tower in London and ask him?” I turn to the Pillar. “We know the Tom Tower doesn’t always work.”
“No, Alice. I don’t think it’s that. He is suggesting that Lewis told you how to kill Carolus.”
Hearing this, I close my eyes, trying to remember if he ever told me. But I am sure he didn’t. “I hate to disappoint the world.” I open my eyes. “But he didn’t tell me how to kill Carolus.”
“Of course he did,” the Executioner says. “Carolus assured me Lewis told you how to kill him.”
“He could have lied to you, just to let you think there was a cure,” the Pillar suggests.
“I know a scared man when I see one, Senor Pillardo.” The Executioner grunts at the Pillar, implying something about their past, which I suspect I will never know. “And Carolus shivered when I mentioned Alice to him.”
In spite of the Executioner having denied my existence and trying to kill me in Mushroomland, I try to think of this as a confirmation that I am the Real Alice. Ironic how killing Lewis Carroll’s split personality is the only way to find out now.
“So.” The Pillar sighs. “I guess that’s it. We know how to stop the plague. Come on, Alice. We have work to do.”
“Is that it?” I wonder. “Don’t you want to know how the Executioner survived?”
“Why would I? Clearly the man is invincible.” The Pillar waves his hand. “Let’s go.”
Reluctantly, I follow his steps to the door, watching the Reds make room for us.
Then the Pillar pulls out his hookah, whips it at Reds, chokes a few of them, and heads straight toward the Executioner.
“Time for some None Fu,” I say and begin the show.