Page 24 of The Diamond Thief
11
Jacob
Everything is at the ready. Our plan has been executed perfectly.
My car glides along the interstate. I’m an hour outside of Manhattan, following the route of the armored truck, and everything bursts with color.
The trees grow thickly right up to the silver barricade to the highway. They’re in full fall splendor, and I relax a bit as I take in their autumn glory. Whoever says New Jersey isn’t beautiful has never taken this particular drive.
Elliott communicates with me regularly. He met with the cherry-haired girl, Elena, and her friend two days ago. He surreptitiously took a photograph of them. When he sent it to me, I recognized Jade immediately, even though her look had completely changed.
Her hair is now blond and barely reaches her chin. She has outrageous eyelashes, dramatic eye makeup, and sports a new beauty mark just beside her lip.
My first urge upon seeing it was to kiss it, which irritated me to no end. This woman is the devil, and I’m going to make her pay. But she is also on the job. I can bide my time now. I practically have her in my clutches.
The three of them ride in a van about ten miles ahead of me. They have a driver and an armed guard, both in my employ. I will intercept them in about an hour. I want them out in the woods with nowhere for Jade to go when I see her again.
Once I have her alone, I will get the location of my swords out of her, by whatever means necessary. She has to have stashed them somewhere.
I’ve already checked every black market storage dealer approved by members of the Den. She has sourced this outside of our circles. Of course. I would’ve done the same thing. But she can’t sell the swords without me knowing. Anyone who had an interest in the hilts has already been contacted by me.
Damn it. The auction of the swords was supposed to be a prime event in my career. She stole that glory from me and made me a laughingstock instead.
Sometimes I wince at the thought of these incredibly valuable and rare swords being stuck someplace improperly secure. But Jade was trained by Antony, so hopefully she did right by the swords and kept them safe.
I try to enjoy the sights. Occasionally, the car stirs up a whole flurry of fallen leaves, and I drive through them as if they are dancing in my wake.
A message comes through from Elliott.
Girls relaxed. Armored truck on target.
I message him back.
Excellent. All is at the ready.
I sit back in my seat, my shoulders relaxed. Elliott will seduce the friend to get her away, if necessary. Everything is running like clockwork. I see no reason to delay. The sooner I have the swords back, the more swiftly I will see nine figures in my bank account.
I send him one last message.
Catching up. We’ll meet at rendezvous one.
I roll down my window, satisfied with our plan. The air is brisk and fresh. I feel invigorated.
I arrive at the rendezvous point precisely on time. I spot the white van ahead, the flower delivery logo on the side. I slow down to assess the situation.
Elliott stands outside at the gravel entrance to the trailhead, watching the driver change a tire. It blew out just as planned.
Beside him is Elena, her red hair practically glowing in the sunlight.
Jade must still be inside the van. Excellent. It’s even easier if I can trap her right away.
Elliott spots my car and pulls on Elena’s hand, tugging her toward the trail. She resists for a moment, and he kisses her. She seems aghast, then practically runs with him into the trees.
The driver and the bodyguard are aware of the situation. They both give me a nod. The guard points to the van, confirming that Jade is inside.
I kill the engine and glance in the rearview mirror. My eyes glint with anger, but I bring it down. I don’t know exactly how Jade will react to seeing me. I have multiple plans based on her behavior. Initially, I will pretend not to know her, throw her off balance.
But if anything goes south, I will gladly resort to physical tactics.
I’m ready. I open my door and step out into the chilly fall sunshine.
The swords are as good as mine.
