Page 71 of The Diamond Thief
“Jade,” I tell it.
“Welcome, Jade.”
“What should I call you?”
“It is not necessary to give me a name.”
“But I want to. You will be Janet.”
“Thank you for the name Janet. Where would you like to go?”
“Head toward Manhattan,” I say. “I’ll figure out an exact destination when we get there.”
The car moves forward.
“Manhattan registered. Would you like to drive? Or use auto-drive?”
Across the field I see the first man emerge from the electrical shed. Shoot. I’ve spent too much time being chatty with the car.
“Automatic,” I say. “And step on it. I’m being followed.”
“Countermeasures activated,” Janet says. “Stealth mode activated.”
The car takes off like a jet. We fly across the field, crunching the smaller trees and bushes in our path. I grab my seat belt and yank it on.
The car bumps onto the road. I look in the rearview mirror. The men are still stumbling out. They have no way of being transported, as far as I can see. It’s like Antony just left them.
“What are the countermeasures?” I ask.
“This Aston Martin can achieve functional invisibility by blending into its environment. It can also prevent the emission of any traceable radio waves or heat signatures.”
“Wow.” I sit back in the seat.
“Would you like a cold beverage?”
“Sure.”
“Please select from the beverages listed on the screen.”
I glance over it, my eyes resting on one I haven’t seen in a long time. I laugh. Really, Jacob?
“Mr. Pibb, please.”
“Very good. It is also Mr. Holt’s favorite.”
Really?
The doors of the console by my arm open and the can slides up from below.
“Thank you.”
“My pleasure.”
I pop open the top of my drink. I could get used to this.
“Would you like some music?” Janet asks.
“Actually, can I make a phone call from here?”
