The Passengers(104)
But their earning capacity was not infinite and at some point in the future, his dividends would decline. Jack had to identify a new income revenue that would bolster his already considerable fortune. It was Noah Harris and his brother Alex who gave him the idea.
They worked for an average-sized, family-run firm in the Midlands that one of Jack’s shell companies held a large stake in. Jack’s department was about to award it a contract for millions to develop software and cameras for emergency service vehicles. But when it came to Jack’s attention that the back door used by his operatives to manipulate AI had been discovered by the Harris brothers, he identified an opportunity. He was almost proud of the tenacity they showed.
They were not aware of its purpose, only that it existed and might provide an opportunity for hacking. But instead of sealing it up permanently, what if it were left for someone else to discover further down the line, Jack reasoned? After so many promises had been made as to how impenetrable the AI was, what impact might a hack have on the Road Revolution? The public’s trust would be lost. However, they would still need to use automobiles, so it stood to reason they would return to what they knew and trusted – Level one, two and three vehicles that they could control. Demand would soar.
It was a whole new potential revenue stream. Share prices in businesses providing the soon-to-be outdated components were already sinking as the vehicles were slowly phased out, so Jack struck while the iron was hot and made his investments. A cosmetic patch was placed over the back door; meanwhile to punish the Harris brothers for their discovery, he sold his shares in the firm and ensured their contract went abroad to India, which eventually forced its closure.
Then he sat back and waited for the inevitable.
The day itself and the extreme levels of death and destruction created by the Hackers took him by surprise. As did his discovery that the people behind it were the Harris brothers.
Jack took the accusations on the chin, allowing the Government to think he was its scapegoat for social cleansing, but knowing fine well that when it came to trial, he had people who could pay off enough jurors to secure his freedom. Reputations were lost and rebuilt all the time, Jack told himself, and his was no exception.
Jack vowed he would not allow the ingratitude of the deputy prime minister to ruin today, the start of the next chapter in his life. ‘Music,’ he said aloud, ‘I need some Nina.’
He scrolled through the entertainment system until he found the song that best reflected his mood. A moment later, Nina Simone’s fluctuating timbre told of a new dawn, a new day and a new life. It couldn’t be more fitting a sentiment, he thought, and for a moment, his eyes began to brim with tears. He brushed them away before they could fall.
Jack only became aware his vehicle had reached the M4 when his driver indicated they were pulling over and they made their way towards Heathrow. His bodyguard caught Jack’s eye when he tapped his finger to his ear. He watched as he nodded, then spoke to the driver. Jack turned down his music and used the intercom to talk. ‘Is there a problem, Marlon?’ he asked.
Before Marlon could respond, Jack spotted the car ahead containing two other members of his security team pulling over to the side of the road. Jack’s vehicle followed. ‘Marlon?’ he repeated but there was no response. There must be a fault in the communication system, he thought. He pressed the button to make the partition go down but nothing happened. He knocked against the glass before remembering it was completely soundproofed. Jack turned to see the third vehicle behind them also coming to a halt.
His brow furrowed as both his driver and bodyguard exited, leaving him alone inside the car as they approached their colleagues from both vehicles. Then, without turning around to look at Jack, all seven men began walking to the opposite side of the road. Jack reached to turn the door handle but it wouldn’t budge.
Panic struck him like a bolt of lightning.
‘What’s happening?’ he asked aloud. He banged on the window to no avail, and failed to get any signal on his phone. He watched helplessly as his team climbed into a parked white van and pulled away. Then, as all three cars, now completely driverless, moved of their own accord, Jack felt utterly helpless.
He sat in the centre of the rear seats, staring at the car ahead, his worst fears realised. He was no longer in control of his destiny. Then, without warning, the vehicle ahead exploded into a ball of flames. Jack could scarcely believe his eyes. ‘No!’ he gasped. His car indicated right, then slowly overtook the burning vehicle as casually as it might pass a cyclist. Jack pressed his face against the window and watched helplessly as red and orange flames leapt from the windows and licked the roof and bonnet as it slowly rolled to a halt. He turned quickly to look from the rear and watched as it disappeared into the distance.
‘Good afternoon, Jack.’
The voice that came through the speakers struck the fear of God into him. He recognised it instantly. It was the Hacker.
‘It may have come to your attention that your vehicle is no longer under your management. From here on in, I am in charge of your destination.’
Jack’s response caught in his throat before he managed to release the words. ‘Who … are you?’
‘I thought that might be obvious. We are who your barrister referred to throughout your trial as the Hacking Collective.’
‘What do you want from me?’
‘That doesn’t matter right now. The only thing you need to know at this point is that in two hours and thirty minutes from now, it is highly likely that you will be dead.’