Control Room, The Radcliffe Asylum
T he Dude hadn’t left yet, even though he’d taken off his cape and stood by the door. The Pillar could still hear him behind him, but not see him. The Pillar had swiveled his chair back and began playing the British anthem.
It was showtime.
“You better leave,” the Pillar told the Dude without looking at him. “Like I said. They will not suspect you outside. They think you’re one of them. Just close the door right away, because I have a job to do.”
“You will burn the place down?”
“With all Black Chess’ men roaming it right now,” the Pillar said. “I’m going to count to ten once you leave. You better get your ass out there before I burn you with them.”
“I will,” the Dude said.
The Pillar heard him pushing the digits into the door. “Don’t forget to find my Wonder note. It has your answers.”
“Will do, Pillar,” the Dude said. “And by the way, thank you.”
The Pillar said nothing. He fiddled with the shimmering buttons on the console before him.
Now, he listened to the Dude opening the door.
“One last thing,” the Pillar said, still not looking back. “You promise me you’ll take care of her.”
“I will, Pillar,” the Dude says. “Alice means everything to me.”
“Words are cheap.”
“So are promises,” the Dude joked.
“Then it’s love that counts,” the Pillar said. “As cheesy as it sounds.”
“That’s the best thing you’ve said, Pillar,” the Dude said. “Love is what counts.”
“See you in another life, Jack,” the Pillar says. “Goodbye.”