29° (Twenty-Nine Degrees) (Twenty Nine Book 3)

by Nancy Pennick

“In history class, did you ever study the Cold War?”

  “What? Where did that come from? You and your mind! The places it goes.” Ashley’s eyes widened. Then she took a breath and let it out. “Cold war? Yeah, I remember hearing about it, but I didn’t pay attention so please don’t quiz me.”

  “Well,” I said. “After World War Two, Russia and the United States were both powerful governments with profound differences on how to run a country. Both sides possessed nuclear weapons and knew if they used them, it could end the world. So they never physically fought a war, but spied on each other instead, were always in an arms race and didn’t trust each other. That’s how I feel about the Niners and Doug. We’re at a standstill, nothing’s happened since the bombing in California last year, but it’s not over. Do you think we’re in the Cold War phase?”

  “Your mind’s been working overtime, hasn’t it?” Ashley smiled as she grabbed my hand. “I hope it’s not a cold war. You’re not fond of the cold, especially back in Virginia when it went below freezing. I think you wore two coats.”

  “Very funny, but yes, I do hate the cold, but not here. I enjoy it.”

  “That’s because it’s maintained at a constant thirty-two degrees. Your Cold War is probably below that temperature, say twenty-nine degrees?” Ashley chuckled. “Get it? The Niners’ birth date?”

  “Yeah, I get it. Twenty-nine degrees is a cold temperature.”

  Ashley twirled a strand of hair around her finger. “I hope you’re wrong, Allie, but I have to admit it makes sense. Doug’s not sitting around twiddling his thumbs. He’s up to something. We know he wants the antidote to the nuclear bomb and thinks the Niners have it.”

  “Which they don’t. I don’t know why he thinks they do.”

  “Maybe he doesn’t think they have it. His Niners might have told him they needed more help to solve the puzzle. Niners like to brainstorm as a group That’s why Doug searched for Niners when we were in high school and took your baby while you were at UCLA.”

  “Don’t remind me,” I said, holding up my hand. “Anyway, Doug can keep his Niners. We don’t want them back. He should make the best of what he has.”

  “But there are only four now, Allie, after Rik left the STF to spy on us and died in the bombing. In his mind, four is not enough. He wants to replace Rik and add to the ranks.”

  “True, but his Niners had been in the military for years before they joined the STF. They’re loyal to Doug. Good luck getting more Niners to join the STF after word spread about what he did to one of our compounds. If anything, the Niners should have a strategy in place, ready to go if Doug strikes again.”

  “You could be right. The Niners should never grow complacent. They need to step up their intel even though nothing’s happening at the moment.”

  We grew quiet and stared out at the front yard. Zak rolled on the ground with the little dog. “Be gentle,” I called to him. “He’s not aware of his strength, Ash.” I got overwhelmed at times, not knowing what to expect from Zak.

  “We need a distraction. We’re getting way too serious.” Ashley said, and opened her virtual tablet, suspending it in front of her. She still liked to look at gossip magazines and the hometown newspaper. Her daily readings kept us informed on what happened in that world.

  “Oh. My. Gosh.” Ashley slapped her hand over her mouth.

  “What? What is it?” My heart pounded. “Please say it’s another celebrity divorce or someone’s entering rehab.”

  “It’s Doug. I just found out why he bought the house in your parents’ neighborhood.”

  Chapter Five

  Ashley turned the screen toward me, and I read aloud from our hometown newspaper. “Douglas Sanders, military hero and son of James and Clair Sanders, has thrown his hat into the political arena. Our former high school star running back is now the Republican nomination for United States Representative from the state of Virginia. Due to the announcement of Representative Porter’s terminal illness, Sanders was elected by committee to take his place in the upcoming November election.” I took a sip of my lemonade to soothe my parched throat. I set my glass on the table and stared at the screen, not believing what I read.

  “Keep reading.” Ashley urged me on.

  “Okay,” I said as I looked over at her then read in a monotone voice. “Mr. Porter is stepping down at the end of his term to concentrate on his health. It was short notice, but Mr. Sanders had been quoted to say he’d do anything to help his country, especially in this time of need. Let’s get behind our hometown boy and get him elected to the House of Representatives in November.” Suddenly I felt violently ill. “How did he manage that?” I broke out in a cold sweat. “Ash, we need to go to headquarters immediately.” I pointed at Zak. “Do you think he heard?”

  She shook her head. “He’s too preoccupied playing with the dog. Ryan’s playing virtual batting cage in the house. I’ll get him to watch Zak.” She disappeared and returned with Ryan.

  “Thanks for doing this, Ryan,” I said when he stepped out of the house.

  “Feels good to be needed. Now go get that bastard.” I gasped at his language but then had to smile. “I heard,” Ryan said as he lifted one shoulder. “Hey, Zakkie, want to play baseball?”

  “Ry!” Zak ran up the steps. “Baseball. Bye, mommy.”

  Ashley’s car, Bee, was in the drive, and we rushed to her as she popped open her doors. I connected to Lucas after scrambling into my seat. “Ash and I found the answer, Lucas. We know why Doug bought a house in my parents’ neighborhood. Bring up the hometown newspaper. We’re on our way. Get everyone together.” I felt out of breath, almost panting when I finished.

  Bee zipped down the street and had us in front of headquarters’ elevator before I blinked.

  Nate greeted us as we stepped off the elevator onto the fourth floor.

  “I have the article on the screen in the conference room. That’s my girl, Ash. Way to go.” He hugged her. “He wants to be President of the United States.” At first I thought he was joking, but the look on Nate's face was deadly serious.

  “No, silly, it said State Rep.” Ashley lightly punched his arm. “See?” She pointed to the screen then smacked her forehead. “Oh, I get what you mean. This is the first step.”

  Julian and Lucas rushed into the room and quickly read the article. Lucas pounded the table. “Damn!” He looked at Nate. “I wondered why you said Doug wanted to be President as we were getting off the elevator. It didn’t make sense, but now it does.”

  “Your hearing’s too good, buddy,” Nate laughed as he shook his head. “Now what do we do about it?”

  Lucas tapped his chin. “This might take him awhile. Think. He gets himself into a position of power hoping to have the formula for the antidote by then. It’s a masterful plan but gives us time.”

  I looked at him. “Doug doesn’t wait, Lucas. We need to do something now. And I think I have a plan.”

  “Look at this,” Julian interrupted. He had different publications on the screen and read some items aloud. “Doug Sanders’ campaign slogan is “Keep America Safe”. Please send donations to the Keep America Safe super pac to help Doug reach his goal. Our economy has been on a downslide for decades. Doug Sanders’ number one priority is you. He wants to put people back to work. Job security and safety.” Julian looked at us. “This is a major development. He’s positioning himself for a major takeover of the country. Once in power, he could declare himself king if he gets the antidote for the nuclear bomb.”

  Nate crossed his arms and said, “He’s starting pretty high up on the ladder, shouldn’t take him long.” He scratched his head. “Straight to Congress? Shouldn’t he at least run for something in the Virginia State Congress first?”

  “Wait a minute!” Ashley called to us. “Isn’t Porter Speaker of the House?” she asked. “Not that they would give Doug the job … would they?” She shook her head. “Why didn’t I pay better attention in school!”

  Lucas clenched his hands into fists.
“If memory serves me correctly, the order of succession to the President is Vice President first then Speaker of the House is next. This is no coincidence.”

  “What?” I panicked. “Ash, will you come to the museum with me?” Everyone looked at me like I was crazy. “I want to talk to Tobias.”

  “Yeah, sure,” Ashley said. “Nate, don’t forget you promised to go to the baseball field. Lucas, Ryan’s watching Zak. You guys need to head over to the house when you’re done here.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Nate saluted Ashley, and I grabbed her arm pulling her toward the elevator.

  “Lucas, I’m with Ashley so you can have Beetle.” I called to him.

  “Wait, Allie!” Lucas ran to the elevator. “You said you had a plan. What is it?”

  “I’ll tell you later.” I stepped inside the elevator and looked at Ashley as we descended to the second floor. “Well, you’re going to meet Tobias sooner than I thought.”

  We jumped into the waiting car, and Bee had us on the service road in no time. When we reached the cul-de-sac, she parked by the museum.

  “Wait here, Bee.” Ashley patted the car like I always did to mine.

  My heart pounded as I ran up the steps. I couldn’t wait to see Tobias. Somehow I knew he’d make it better. He might offer tea or a tour of the museum, calming my nerves for a brief time, giving me time to solidify my plan.

  “Tobias!” I called, knowing his Niner hearing would pick up my voice or the bell would go off in his apartment, alerting him someone was in the building. Ashley spun around the large, main room, taking it all in.

  “This does need work,” she whispered. “Oops.”

  Tobias entered the room and smiled. “Welcome. I assume this is your best friend Ashley.” He extended his hand as he walked toward her.

  “Nice to meet you and sorry about that.” Ashley took his hand, her face bright red.

  “No need to apologize. You’re exactly right. This place does need work, and that’s why I’ve hired Allison to help me.”

  “Tobias, we need your help.” I fought back tears.

  “Then come, let’s talk over tea.”

  Ashley watched the tea ritual with her mouth open then turned to me. “You drink tea?”

  “Yes,” I laughed. “You’ll love Tobias’ tea.”

  “Now what seems to be the problem?” Tobias sat at the table with us. I noticed a brand new bag of blocks on the floor where Zak liked to play.

  “Tobias, you didn’t need to do that.” I pointed to the bag.

  “It will make life easier for you and Zak. He won’t have to carry his blocks everywhere he goes and won’t start crying if he forgets them.”

  “That’s so sweet.” Ashley touched her chest.

  “So.” I looked at Tobias. “Doug’s surfaced, and thanks to Ashley, we’ve discovered his plan.”

  We took turns sharing the information we had just learned. When we finished, I stared at Tobias as if he had the answer to everything. “What should we do?”

  “Help with the campaign.”

  “What?” I choked on the sip of tea I'd taken. “I hate Doug and would never help get him elected to anything! Besides I’d have to go home to do that. I don’t want to leave the compound, my family …” I covered my mouth and took a minute to think. “My plan was to sabotage Doug’s campaign from here. But you may be right, Tobias. I need to go there.”

  “Exactly. It’s better to fight the good fight in the light of the day than to lurk in the shadows. Don’t you think?” He glanced at Ashley. “More tea?”

  “What about our work here?” I asked.

  “This museum has needed repairs for a long time. It can wait a few more months.” He filled my cup again. “We can work remotely, can’t we?”

  “Yes, I guess so.” I pouted like a little child but couldn’t help it. I finally found my calling, and a week later I needed to leave.

  “You’ll be fine.” He patted my hand.

  “So,” Ashley said as she leaned forward and looked at Tobias. “What you’re saying is keep your friends close, but your enemies closer. Makes sense.”

  I looked at my friends. “But what do I say when I show up in Virginia after all these years of hating Doug and say I want to help him?”

  “That you think this is a noble cause, and you can let bygones be bygones if he can,” Tobias said. “He won’t believe you, but he’ll let you in.”

  “I agree with Tobias, Allie,” Ashley said. “And, by the way, I’m coming, too.”

  “Absolutely not! You have to stay here for Ryan. He has baseball games all week, remember? Plus, we’re not putting all of us in danger.”

  “The Montgomery home in Virginia has more upgrades since the last time you were there or so I heard.” Tobias smiled. “I’m sure you two will come up with a beneficial plan that suits all of you.” He stood to dismiss us.

  I threw my arms around his neck, and felt his arms lightly wrap around me. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” I whispered.

  “I have a feeling you’ll be too busy to stop by, but don’t worry about me. I’ve survived fine on my own here for years.”

  I stepped back and stared into his blue eyes. “Promise me if I can’t make it, you’ll come to the house to say goodbye. I’ll send Beetle for you.”

  Tobias chuckled but said nothing.

  “Promise.”

  “I promise, little one.”

  I became a complete mess. Tobias just called me Nate’s nickname, the one that Sean started using, too. “How did you … oh, never mind. You’ll never tell me.” I hugged him one more time.

  Ashley shook Tobias’ hand. “It was so nice to meet you … Mr. …”

  “It’s Hayes, Tobias Hayes but please call me Tobias.”

  “That’s English, isn’t it?” she asked.

  “Yes, I was born in England.”

  “You don’t have an accent,” I said.

  “I’ve been in the states for a long time.” Tobias looked at me and smiled. “Now don’t you have somewhere important to be?”

  “Tobias, you can be so frustrating!” I pointed at him. “I will see you tomorrow.”

  Ashley got a head start on me as I turned to look at Tobias one more time. I needed his guidance. “I’m worried I may lose it. I won’t be able to handle the pressure.”

  “Stay in the light, and you will be fine. Now go.” Tobias began to clear the table, acting as if I'd already left.

  A powerful emotion swept over me. My grandparents had passed away when I was a little girl. I never had the closeness of a grandfather. “I’m glad I met you,” I whispered as I grasped the door handle, not sure if he heard.

  “And I, you, little one.” His voice trailed after me as I closed the door.

  I brushed a tear from my cheek and rushed down the hall to join my friend.

  * * * *

  “The Cold War has begun,” I said sadly, although I preferred that to silent bombs dropping around me, unaware until they hit.

  We walked through the door of the Montgomery home in Virginia, and it felt like I'd never left. The great room still had the vibe of a western lodge, oversized brown leather furniture, stone fireplace and hardwood floors covered by an area rug. That room led straight back to the dining room with a huge picture window overlooking a tree-filled gorge.

  “I was jealous you got to live here.” I slipped my arms around Lucas’ waist as we stared out at the lush green forest. “May was such a beautiful time and still is. The ornamental trees are in full-bloom, and fresh green leaves are starting to pop on the others.”

  “I thought autumn was your favorite.” Lucas pulled me closer.

  “That, too.” I giggled. “I hope Sean got settled in. I never saw his safe house back in the day.”

  “It’s better you don’t know where it is, Allie. It’s there if we need it.”

  Zak ran to the kitchen sliding doors and pounded on the glass. “Out!’

  “I guess we’re going outside,” Lucas said and unlocked t
he door to slide it open. Zak rushed to the edge of the deck and grabbed onto the fencing, climbing to the top.

  “Be careful,” I said with a shaky voice. “You could topple into the gorge!” My hand flew to my throat. The deck was only feet from a steep drop.

  Lucas lifted his hand. “He’s fine. No Niner has ever toppled anywhere.”

  We walked along the deck that ran the length of the house and unlocked the doors to the master bedroom, Sam and Stacy’s old room. They had posed as Lucas’ parents during our school years, although Sam was really his nephew. We hardly saw them anymore since Stacy was banned from all Niner compounds and would never be trusted again. She'd tried to turn Lucas into the STF for her own selfish reasons—wanting to return to her old life and be free of Lucas.

  “Come on, Zak. We’ll show you your bedroom.” I waved him inside and picked him up as he ran to me.

  The house could be confusing, but if I thought of it as a giant oval, it helped. The master bedroom was at one end of the house. The walk-in closet had another door that lead to an outer hallway and three more bedrooms. The first bedroom would be Zak’s. The hall stopped at a screened-in porch, providing another exit. The kitchen sat in the center of the house and could be used for shortcuts from the front hall to the back of the house. I walked Zak through the rooms, explaining where everything was and he seemed comfortable in his surroundings.

  “Like it?” Lucas joined us and spread out his arms. “Zak? What do you think? Da lived here in high school.”

  Zak nodded then laid his head on my shoulder. He’d been a little moody, not wanting to leave Tobias. When he'd come to say goodbye, Zak had clung to his leg and cried. “Toby, go.” He said it over and over, and it broke my heart.

  “Did you notice the new bedroom furniture and decor?” Lucas lifted his brows.

  “Wait. There’s new furniture in there?” I gestured back to the master bedroom.

  “Everything’s new, Allie. I didn’t think you’d want to sleep in the same bed as—”

  “Stacy.” My teeth clenched my bottom lip.

  “Yes, and you can do the rest of the house if you like.”

  It dawned on me that he'd done this for himself as much as he had for me. Because of Stacy, Lucas had to leave Virginia and return to the safety of the compound, leaving me in Virginia at my request. It took almost two years before we got back together. “You did a fine job. Now how about if we go surprise my mom and dad?”