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

by Nancy Pennick

  * * * *

  My hand trembled as I reached for the front doorbell. Sean waited in a van down the street for extra security.

  Mom answered, and her hand flew to her mouth as she let out a small yelp. The color drained from her face, and I panicked, not wanting to give her heart failure.

  “Mom? Are you okay?” I grabbed for her in case she fell.

  “Yes, it’s just that I didn’t expect you to show up at this door ever,” she whispered.

  “Surprise?” I said meekly.

  “This is too much. We just saw you last weekend, and now you’re here. Come in.” She stepped aside to let us in. “Jim! The kids are here.”

  “Doug’s a little early, isn’t he?” Dad appeared around the corner. I froze when I heard my brother’s name.

  “Oh, wrong kids. I never expected to see you in Virginia again, Allie.” Dad wrapped his arms around me and shook Lucas’ hand. “Do you think he’ll come to me?” He pointed to Zak in Lucas’ arms.

  “He should, Dad. He knows you from our weekly chats.” I crossed my fingers. Zak slipped into my father’s arms.

  “Gan-pa.” Zak patted Dad’s face, and I could tell he was already smitten with my son. Zak had the knack for making people feel at ease and didn’t have the shyness of babies his age thanks to his great memory. He then pointed at my mom. “Gamma!” We laughed, and Mom gave me a big smile.

  “Come on, I’m sure you kids need something to eat.” Dad looked at my mom as if she should scurry off to the kitchen.

  “We’re fine,” I said. “We stopped by to tell you we were here.”

  “When did you get here? Tell us all about it.” Dad, still holding Zak, walked to the family room.

  I spotted a new addition to the room. “This is nice.” I ran my hand along a small table with an inlay checkerboard top and a chair on either side.

  “Doug had that made for our weekly chess game, solid wood, marble board and special hand-carved pieces.”

  I tried to keep breathing normally. “Wow.”

  “So why are you in Virginia?” Mom walked into the room bearing a pitcher of lemonade and sandwiches on a large tray. “That didn’t come out right. Sorry, I’m thrilled you came, but can't help but wonder why.” She set the food on a sideboard table against the wall.

  “Ashley read about Doug’s bid for Congress in the local paper,” Lucas answered. “Allie wanted to come and help.” He went to the table and poured lemonade for all of us.

  “Really?” Mom raised her eyebrows, then a look of relief came over her. “That’s the best news I’ve heard in a while. I’m so happy you want to help your brother, Allie.” She gave me a questioning look then smiled.

  “Wouldn’t want it any other way.” I held the glass to my lips so she couldn’t read my face.

  “Funny you showed up today,” Dad said. “Doug’s coming over later for a strategy session.” He settled into his chair, Zak on his lap. “As a matter-of-fact, he should be here by now.”

  The doorbell rang right on cue. “Couldn’t have timed it better myself.” Dad let Zak slip to the floor and headed for the door.

  I stayed standing as a precaution. Lucas sat, relaxed against the sofa cushions, although he now held Zak.

  “Well, this is a surprise.” Doug announced when he spotted me in the room. His smile didn't reach his eyes as he strolled in.

  Behind him was another man I recognized in an instant. Randolph, the Niner who worked for Doug. Doug had called him his right hand man at the complex the day we'd rescued Zak, and apparently he still was.

  “Randolph, it seems like my sister and her husband have decided to grace us with their presence.” He glanced back at the man.

  “Now Doug, that’s not the case.” Mom jumped in to smooth the building tension.

  “I know, Mom, they’re busy. Isn’t that the excuse?” He glared at me, then glanced at Zak with a sly grin.

  “They’re here to help, Douglas. Allie wants to work on your campaign.” Dad slapped Doug on the back. “Isn’t that wonderful? All we need is Dean to get here, and we’ll be one big, happy family again.”

  “Sure, Pop, one big, happy family.” Doug’s nostrils flared.

  “Chess later?” Dad was all smiles now.

  Randolph stood in the corner of the room like he was the Secret Service, wearing an earpiece and sunglasses. All he needed was the black suit and tie instead of black polo and chinos.

  “Is he going to stand there the whole time?” I couldn’t resist poking the bear.

  “He always does that Allie.” Mom poured a glass of lemonade, handed it to Randolph and he placed it on the table.

  “Well, let’s get on with the meeting. Can I be your campaign manager?” I wanted to keep prodding Doug, picking away at him. He knew we weren’t really there to help, and probably just wanted questions answered before he exploded.

  “Randolph already has that position, Allison.” Doug shifted his weight, seeming a little uncomfortable. “If I'd known you were here, I would’ve brought my son. The cousins could finally meet.”

  Now I wanted to scratch his eyes out. I was sure the cousins had already met during the kidnapping. My eyes shifted to Zak and hoped he could tell I wanted him to stay quiet.

  “Bad Doug,” he called out, ignoring my silent command. Lucas and I knew it had nothing to do with not getting to see his cousin.

  “Aw, see, Doug, he’s mad at you for not bringing little Colon,” I continued to turn the knife.

  “Colton, his name is Colton,” Doug said through gritted teeth.

  “We call him Colt for short.” Dad didn’t seem to notice the negative vibe in the room.

  “That’s right! Colton.” I smacked my head. “Well, I guess we should head home. Great meeting, Doug. Nate and Ashley will be here in a week or so to help, too.”

  “We didn’t really discuss anything.” Mom stood in the doorway like she wanted to block us from leaving.

  “I think I have everything I need for now,” I said. “I’ll start a grassroots campaign right here in town. Would that be okay with you, Doug?” I smiled sweetly at him. How could he say no in front of Mom and Dad? “I’ll scout around for a vacant building and when I find something, I’ll get in touch with Rathbone here. Why don’t you give me his number?” Doug handed me a card with all his information on it. “Is there a set price or do I have free reign?”

  “We’ll discuss it when you call, Allison.” Doug glared at me.

  “Fine, I need a place to work from, can’t use mom and dad’s house. We’ll need phones, volunteers, signs, so much to do!” I hugged Mom as I passed and waved to the others as Lucas followed with Zak. “Mom, I may stop over during the week while Dad’s at work. Is that okay?”

  “Yes, sweetie, I’ll be here. I’ll make us lunch.”

  I shut the door and let out a deep sigh. I grabbed Lucas’ arm, almost giddy at the thought that had just come to me. “I think I have an idea and Doug’s going to love it.”

  Chapter Six

  “Allie,” Lucas said as he unlocked the car. “You can’t keep provoking Doug.”

  I stared at him over the opened car door. “Why not?” I narrowed my eyes.

  “He’s dangerous. A psychopath. Your exact words, if I remember correctly.” Lucas finished buckling Zak into his car seat and shut the door. He slipped into the driver’s seat, then turned to look at me.

  “Please, Allie, if anything happened to you or Zak, I’d go crazy. Let the Niners handle it.”

  “You haven’t heard my idea.” My words held a sharp edge. I reached for Lucas’ hand. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be arguing with you. My fight’s with Doug. Let me tell you my plan on the drive home.”

  We passed the black van parked farther up my parents’ street. Sean started the engine when he saw us and fell in behind our car.

  When we arrived home, Lucas pulled up to the barn opposite the house and parked. “Okay, I like your idea.”

  “You do?” I threw my arms around his n
eck, kissing any part of his face I could reach.

  “Yes, but you keep me informed of everything.”

  I saluted. “I will, Mr. Mom.”

  Lucas wrinkled his nose. “I don’t get it. Mr. Mom?”

  “Someone has to watch Zak, and since I need Sean, it has to be you.”

  “Oh. Right.” Lucas nodded. “I’m the stay-at-home dad.”

  “Yep.”

  “I can live with that. For a minute there, I felt like a normal couple, discussing our schedule, doing everyday things.” Lucas ran his hand through his hair. “But instead we really have to worry that our way of life may fall apart at any moment.”

  I took his hand and brought it to my lips, kissing it tenderly. “Lucas, why don’t the Niners let the world know about their existence? It might help if everyone knew.”

  He gave me a sad smile. “Don’t you think we’ve debated that over the centuries? Think, Allie. Doug knows about us and wants to exploit us. Can you imagine if the world knew?”

  I hung my head. “I was being optimistic for a second, thinking people are innately good. But there’s the small percent that isn’t. You’re right. They’d take advantage.”

  “Plus, once it’s known, we can never go back.”

  “Then why doesn’t Doug expose you?” I opened the car door, putting my finger to my lips. Zak had fallen asleep on the ride home.

  “He wants us all to himself.” Lucas nodded toward the backseat to let me know he’d get our son. “We’d be his secret weapon. No one ever exposes something like that.”

  * * * *

  I spent the rest of the week looking at vacant storefronts in the main part of town to use for campaign headquarters. Something inside me wanted to rent a room at the dilapidated Baker Motel on the outskirts of town for old time’s sake, but I didn’t think I could do it. I wondered if my prison room was trashed by now instead of the brand new condition when Doug had held me captive. He'd had the old room renovated just for me. What a guy. I shook my head to erase the memory and got back to the task at hand. I needed to find the perfect spot for campaign headquarters. It had to look like I genuinely cared about this election.

  By Friday my final choice was made. I picked an end unit in a strip mall and got the okay from Randolph to rent it. The landlord handed me the keys, then I headed to a party store to purchase red, white and blue banners, U.S. flags and other patriotic items.

  Every day I talked to Tobias. “So you approve of my plan?” I threw the bags on a table as I entered headquarters.

  “It’s a very good idea, Allison. You’re on the right track. Always remember why you’re doing this. Not to hurt the people around you, but to stop Doug.”

  “I’d never want anyone to get hurt.” I dumped the contents of the bags onto the table and spread it out as I talked.

  “It can be a side effect in operations like this. Just be aware.”

  “I will. Thanks for being there whenever I call. You have no idea how much it helps.” I could feel Tobias' smile through the phone.

  “Before we hang up, what is the next step for the museum? I have a lot of time on my hands. I’d like to keep busy.”

  I had been thinking about the museum in my spare time and knew exactly what needed to be done. “Take pictures of every item in the museum and match them with their catalog number and description in our database.”

  Tobias chuckled. “That will keep me busy until Christmas.”

  “Oh! I’m sorry. I should be there helping.”

  “I’m teasing. You focus on what you have to do in Virginia, and I’ll do the same here.”

  “Okay, I’m heading home now. Zak’s not bothering you too much, I hope? Lucas told me he brings up his screen every day, sits in front of it with his blocks and babbles away to you.”

  “Not at all. I enjoy every minute with the boy. Be careful on your drive. Never stop looking over your shoulder,” Tobias said as he ended the call.

  “Strange.” I locked the store and hopped into my leased red Jeep, a surprise from Lucas. Tears filled my eyes when I thought back to my first one. I'd used it to follow Lucas in high school when I wanted to learn more about him. It had taken me across the country to college, then I'd driven it to the airport so I could get to the compound in Montana to tell Lucas I was pregnant. The poor Jeep had been left in the parking lot for days until Lucas had someone retrieve it. The day I'd run from Lucas and the Niners to protect them, it had been my escape vehicle to California

  This new car would never hold memories like that. I started the engine and glanced around. “Never can be too careful,” I said to the car. “But Sean should be here somewhere.” Like clockwork, he showed up behind me on Gilbert Road, the street that took me home and back into town.

  “It’s finally Friday!” I announced as I walked into the house.

  “Mommy!” Zak ran to me with Lucas right behind him.

  “I’m exhausted!” I flopped onto the brown leather couch and kicked off my shoes. “Found a place, Lucas. Doug will love it.”

  “I’m glad your week was successful. Mine, too. I have an idea. Can you go to your parents' house and get Doug's high school year book? I could call people from here and ask them to work on his campaign.”

  “I never thought of that. We do need real volunteers and workers. I’ll call Mom and make a lunch date.” I reached out for Lucas’ hand. “Sit. Tell me about your day. Did Zak do anything new while I was away? And, I don’t want to say Doug’s name for the rest of the weekend.”

  “Agreed.” Lucas nodded his head. “I installed the food transporter today.”

  Sean came around the corner from the kitchen. “What would you like for dinner?”

  “Let me think,” I said as I stretched and got comfortable. “Can’t decide if I want Italian or just a turkey sandwich.”

  “How about both?” Sean teased.

  “Maybe you can eat both, but I’ll go with the sandwich. Thanks, Sean.”

  “And I ordered the iced tea you like from the village diner after I finished the install. Let me get you a glass.” Lucas sprung up from the couch.

  “What’s with you two? I feel completely spoiled.”

  “You’ve had a tough week. Let us do this for you.” Lucas returned with a tray of drinks.

  “Turkey sandwiches for everyone.” Sean carried another tray with Zak toddling after him. As soon as Sean sat, Zak jumped in his lap. The two of them had a ritual of sharing Sean’s food.

  “He should learn to eat on his own.” I gave Sean a stern look. Zak held up his little hand as if to say no, and I had to laugh.

  “I heard from Nate,” Lucas said. “They’ll be here soon. I’ll go to work with you next week, and Sean will stay here with Zak.”

  “So you two have been making plans while I’ve been away. Well, I need help setting up tables and installing phone lines so I could use your muscle and your brain.” I poked Lucas in the side. “I hope people see us working through the storefront window and stop and ask questions. Maybe they’ll volunteer to help.” I hated sounding like a dedicated campaign worker. “Ooh! I said I didn’t want to discuss Doug! Do we have any wine? I’d like to sit on the deck and watch the sun set with a glass of wine in my hand.”

  “Bella red, okay?” Sean asked. “I’m on it.”

  He walked to the kitchen, Zak clinging to his back, as he messaged one of Levi’s sons in California to send wine. “Should be arriving soon.” He called from the kitchen. “I’ll watch the transporter and put Zak to bed.”

  “Alone at last.” Lucas pulled me onto his lap and brushed his lips against mine. He lifted me into his arms, took me through the dining room and out the sliding glass doors to the deck. The double chaise lounge had been set in place.

  “My favorite spot,” I said as he gently lowered me to the cushioned seat. The sun had almost touched the top of the trees and gave off a golden glow. A stemmed glass was placed in my hand.

  “Anything else?” Lucas asked.

  “You
?” I patted the spot next to me. “I feel like we’re back in time, Lucas. You and I sat here many nights watching the sun go down. I’d fall asleep then wake up on the couch in the great room. You always took such good care of me.”

  “And now?” His brows pulled together.

  “Oh, I didn’t mean anything by that. I was just reminiscing. You’re always there for me.” I snuggled against him.

  “And you are for me. Don’t ever leave me again, Allison Sanders Montgomery. I don’t want you getting any wild ideas while we’re here. We’ll do what we need to do, then get out.”

  “You mean sacrifice myself for the good of the Niner community?” I teased, but it didn’t feel that way.

  “If you have any intentions of that, I’m bringing Rosanne out here this very minute.”

  “No, please don’t. I know we all need to stick together.” The sun barely peeked over the trees now, then slowly disappeared behind them. I took in a long breath and let it out slowly as I watched the magnificent show. “Doug has to be plotting something, don’t you think?”

  “Hey, I thought we weren’t discussing him.”

  “Just this once.”

  “Yes, I’m sure he is, but whatever the plan is, it won’t work. He was able to break us apart, but now we’re standing strong together.”

  That had been my mistake in the past. I'd forced Lucas to leave Virginia without me and tried to live without him. I was a walking zombie until he came back to me. Then I ran, taking Zak to New York City, trying to live with Will and make a new life. What had come from all my maneuvers? Only the pain I'd caused for myself and others, it hadn't stopped Doug. He still schemed and plotted whether I lived in Virginia, New York, or Montana. In a way, I felt sorry for him. He really didn’t know what it felt like to be loved. I had what he wanted. Besides wanting the Niners, Doug had turned into the green-eyed monster of jealousy.