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?”