Page 112 of Pervade London
“He got into a taxi.”
“You saw him? Which way did he go?”
“It’s too dangerous for you.”
“Tell me.”
“I’ll get it back for you if you promise to buy me a meal.”
“Seriously?”
“I was joking. But I am pretty hungry.”
“Bring me my violin and I’ll treat you to a three-course dinner.”
Xavier studied me. “It went something like that.”
“Huh.” I managed.
He’d replayed our full conversation—the one we’d shared on the pavement outside Piccadilly during those seconds he’d offered to retrieve my violin from a thief.
“That’s impressive,” I muttered.
“One hundred and twenty-three people passed us on the street while we were talking,” added Xavier. “And two dogs walked by with their owners. A Lab and a Corgi. Shall I read off the number plates of the cars caught in traffic? It’s a bit boring.”
I shot to my feet, staring at him.
“How about dessert?” said James. “Xavier, go grab the key lime pie from the fridge. Bring three plates, please.”
“I scared you,” whispered Xavier.
“It’s unnerving,” I admitted.
“And forks too, please,” added James.
We both watched Xavier push to his feet and head out. Even with him gone I was still staring at where Xavier had been sitting and replaying what had just happened. Pivoting toward James.
“That’s another reason he plays chess,” said James. “It soothes his mind from every single second that gets recorded in his brain.”
“How can he bear it?”
“It’s what makes him quirky.”
“You’re using him. His talent. His ability to talk with…AI.” I gave him an accusatory glare.
“Please sit down, Emily.”
“I need to check on him.”
“He left so we can talk. So, let’s talk.”
“I’m fine.”
“I told you to sit.”
I sank back into my seat. “I still know him better than you.”
“My job is to protect him. Make sure he has everything he wants and needs so he continues to work for us.”
