“Satellite link jammed,” the computerized voice reported. “You have three vehicles approaching at a high rate of speed. All identifying transponders are deactivated or unable to respond. Activating covert protocols.”
The lights went out. Dashboard lights, headlights and running lights went black while the windows darkened further to hide the glow of the faint illumination of the holographs on the windshield.
“Computer, activate Alpha. Navajo. California. Seven. Six. Niner.”
The computer repeated the code.
“Affirmed.” Rule acknowledged the request that he’d given the correct command. “Activate and begin a repeat pulse emergency signal.”
“Activating.”
He shifted the vehicle again, its speed increasing as Gypsy watched the display on the windshield, her expression intent.
“Do they have a lock on the Dragoon?” she asked as she watched the red pinpoints indicating the unidentified vehicles gaining on them.
“Computer, process any means of detection locked on our position,” he commanded clearly.
“No electronic, satellite, cellular or radar locks detected,” the computer reported as Gypsy glanced out the window to verify their position.
“Computer, display GPS and landmarks,” Rule ordered rather than questioning Gypsy. “Answer all queries from McQuade, Gypsy Rum. Code Alpha. Foxtrot. India.”
“All queries verified,” the computer answered.
“McQuade, Gypsy Rum. Alpha. Foxtrot. India,” Gypsy spoke clearly as she continued to watch the hologram. “Display all routes not currently provided.”
...
She needed to see the back roads. If there was no radar or GPS lock on them, then whoever was behind them, if they were looking for her and Rule, was counting on them to remain on the main road.
“All routes, mapped and unmapped, now displayed.”
Her eyes narrowed on the maze of lines that suddenly streaked over the hologram.
“Computer, display only routes leading to the Navajo Suites Hotel. Each individual direction to be highlighted in differing colors.”
“All routes leading to the Navajo Suites Hotel displayed and highlighted as requested.”
Gypsy nodded at the new display.
Checking the red pinpoints still far enough behind them to ensure that they couldn’t physically see the vehicle, Gypsy glanced back at the map.
“Just tell the computer what you need,” Rule told her quietly as she used her finger to follow a particular route.
Giving the computer the various detour routes, many that were unmapped anywhere but on Breed mapping systems, she sat back and waited.
Within seconds, the computer was giving Rule the first turn from the interstate, just in time to keep the vehicles behind them from getting them in sight.
Whipping the wheel, Rule took the turn quickly.
“Half mile there’s dirt,” she advised him. “Dawn’s coming, they’ll see the dust trail unless you slow down.”
She heard the frustrated growl in response, but he slowed considerably and commanded the computer. “Engage dust dispersion.”
“Dust dispersion engaged,” the computer answered.
Gypsy kept her eyes on the display as the first faint streaks of dawn began to emerge. The Dragoon was moving quickly, ensuring that the vehicles behind them couldn’t catch sight of them before they hit the next county road.
The red alert points continued along the interstate, bypassing the turn they’d taken completely.