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

by Nancy Pennick

At that moment, the bus began to move. We entered the tunnel and began the trip to our new life.

  * * * *

  There was virtually no traffic, quite different from the New York I remembered with its rows of yellow taxis, buses and cars bumper to bumper on the streets. Buses and STF vehicles were the only kinds of transportation I saw as we drove down West 38th Street. The driver came to a stop on 9th Avenue, the doors opened, and he hopped out. When he returned, he stood in the front facing us.

  “For those of you unfamiliar with the streets of New York, we’re sitting between West 38th and 39th. Some of you will head that way to 39th,” he said as he gestured with his thumb over his shoulder. “Or this way to 38th.” He pointed straight ahead. “How do you know which way to go? It’s easy. Your assigned area is marked on your identification.” He held the card up that dangled around his neck. “If it says thirty-nine two, that’s means you’re on 39th street, building two. The buildings are marked with large numbers. You can’t miss them.” He shrugged. “See? I told you it was simple. When you arrive at your hotel, you’ll be assigned a room. That’s all you need to know from me.” He saluted. “Keep America Safe.”

  My stomach flipped, and I rolled my eyes at Lucas. “How long did Doug say we have to stay?”

  “Until the threat is over.” Lucas kissed my cheek. “Check your ID.”

  “Thirty-eight four.” I glanced at Tobias and he nodded. “Good.” I now had time to study the people on the bus. Most were familiar faces.

  “I have a feeling most of us are going to the same building,” I whispered to Lucas.

  “I like that, Niners all in one place. Doug may not be as smart as he thinks.”

  “Or he has a plan like always,” I said as I got up from the seat. “Let’s go check out our new home.”

  I pulled our rolling luggage behind me, wearing the backpack as I hit the sidewalk. Lucas let Zak walk so he could push his little suitcase in front of him. Names had been removed from the buildings, but this close to Times Square, most of the street had to have been hotels. I recognized the green marquee of one building as a hotel brand as we passed by it. The one immediately next to it had a large white four printed on the door, and a poster in the window with a four in a bright neon blue. “This is it.”

  The doors automatically slid back, and we had to get in another line. Three workers wearing STF ball caps rushed around behind the counter trying to take care of everyone. I leaned against Lucas, looking back at the street for Tobias. I spotted him walking with Aaron and was relieved to see him.

  When they entered the hotel, I raised my hand. “Tobias!”

  His eyes lit up, then he spoke a few words to Aaron. Aaron nodded my way then turned to join another group of men. Tobias made his way through the mass of people easily. When they saw him, Niners and their families let him through with a smile.

  “Allison.” Tobias stared at me. “Are you all right?”

  “Now that you’re here. Yes.”

  “Toby.” Zak tugged on his shirt and held his arms up.

  Tobias pressed his lips together, looked at Lucas and said to my surprise, “What the hell. They’ll figure it out eventually.” He lifted Zak into his arms.

  Another bus must have dropped off its passengers as more people poured into the lobby. “Allie!”

  It was so good to hear Serena’s voice. “Here!” I held up my hand.

  The twins burst through the crowd first. “Allie!” They wrapped their arms around me. Julian, holding Serena’s hand, followed them.

  “You know,” Julian said. “I’ve done a little research. These hotels were built on small parcels of land so they went up instead of out. Social media sites say these rooms are particularly small.”

  “I’m sure they’ll give families two rooms,” I said. “Most hotels have connecting doors inside the rooms. Right?”

  Lucas and I finally made it to the counter. He informed the clerk we were a family of three.

  “Name?” the teen asked, looking much too young to be part of the STF.

  “Lucas and Allie Montgomery.”

  “IDs?”

  While he scanned and entered our information into the computer, I decided to ask him about his job. “So you work for the STF?”

  “Oh, no, ma’am.” The teen shook his head. “I worked for the hotel. We were kept on by the STF. They asked that we wear these hats as identification. Makes it easier for the people coming in to town.”

  “So if we see someone wearing just the hat, they’re not part of the STF?” I tried to remember if Kim wore only a hat.

  “Correct.” He smiled then grimaced as he looked at the screen. “I’m sorry about this, but you’ve been assigned one room.”

  “That’s fine.” I held my hand out for the keys.

  “Well,” he said as he placed the plastic in my hand. “It only has two double beds.”

  “Could you send up a fold away or a crib?” I stared at him.

  “I could, but …”

  “Never mind, we’ll check it out and get back to you.” I was sure we could make it work I searched the room for Tobias and the Howard family. I wanted to know if they had any news on Nate and Ash.

  “Breakfast and dinner will be served in the atrium.” The teen pointed straight down the hall. “No lunch, but the hours are generous for the other meals.” He gave us a toothy smile. “Elevators are slow and sometimes the line backs up so I gave you a room on the second floor.” He pointed to a door. “Stairs are there. If you need anything, my name is Greg.”

  “Thanks,” Lucas said, and we dragged our belongings toward the door, propping them against the wall. “Allie, I don’t like that we can’t contact our friends. This sucks.”

  “Sucks,” Zak said.

  I covered his ears. “Lucas!”

  “Sorry,” he said with a smile. “Tobias!”

  He joined us, holding up his keycard. “Seems like I was given the top floor.”

  “Oh! I heard the elevators take forever,” I said.

  “Then perhaps I will take the stairs.”

  I seethed with anger—at Doug, at the situation. I saw Tobias as a grandfather, and no one wanted to see their loved one climb fifteen flights of stairs. “No, just be your patient self, Tobias. Take the elevator.”

  “I know you are worried about your friends, Allison,” Tobias said. “I have a feeling they’ll end up here, too. Go to your room and get settled in. I’ll stay in the lobby and watch for them.”

  Lucas headed for the stairwell as Zak and I pulled and pushed our share of the luggage up the steps. The second floor hallway was cramped, wide enough for two people side by side at the most. One room sat opposite the door to the stairs, and ours was next. Then the hall turned the corner and went straight to the back of the building.

  “Home sweet home,” Lucas said as he pushed back the door.

  My mouth fell open when I saw the room. “Really?”

  A short hall had the bathroom to the left, closet to the right. The room was no bigger than a medium-sized bedroom. Two double beds took up most of the main room. Each was up against the wall and I could barely walk between them. A dresser sat opposite the beds with a TV and old-style cordless phone on top. A small table with two chairs was squeezed in the corner. The space between the beds and dresser was barely two feet, not big enough for a crib or fold-out bed.

  “I can see why that kid looked at me so strangely when I asked about an extra bed! I’m going downstairs and see if I can get another room.” I flew out the door, leaving Zak and Lucas behind.

  The crowded lobby had lessened to just a few people. Tobias sat in a chair on the lobby side and I was able to talk to the same teen who had given us the room. “Greg, there must be a mistake. That room is barely big enough for two people, let alone two people with a child.”

  “Let me check again.” He stuck out his hand, and I put my ID into his palm. He squinted at the screen like he needed glasses. “Yep. It’s right.”

  “Then I n
eed to talk to a manager.”

  “Well, ma’am, I’ll have to get the head of security for this section of the city to talk to you.”

  “What? This isn’t a security issue! I just want another room.” I placed my hands on my hips, then felt Tobias’ hand on my shoulder.

  “We’ll see the head of security, son,” he said so calmly that the boy immediately obeyed.

  “It will be just a minute. Have a seat.” The teen pointed to where Tobias had been sitting.

  We settled in, and I got Tobias' room number as we waited. “Our room would be great for you, but three people?” I smacked my forehead in frustration. “You should see it!”

  He nodded and listened as if he knew something more.

  “What?” I wrinkled my brow as I looked at him.

  “Your brother could be sending a message, making you as physically uncomfortable as possible.” Tobias shrugged. “Just an idea.” His eyes widened as he stared past me at the front door.

  I turned to see who or what he was looking at. The security officer had arrived.

  “Sean!”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Sean, in full STF uniform with gun holder strapped across his chest, strolled over to us. “Hello, Tobias. Allie.” He nodded.

  I sat in shock. He'd only been away for two weeks. How had this happened?

  “Allison does not care for her room, Sean. Can you arrange another?” Tobias spoke for me.

  “No.”

  I fought the tears of sadness then anger welled up inside me. “How could you?” I whispered. “After all we've been through? You're like a brother to me!” I shot a look of hatred at him. “Seems like your best friend Randolph got through to you after all. It didn’t take long, did it? What happened, Sean? Was the STF waiting at Kim’s door and you invited them in for tea?”

  A smile crossed his face, then it became serious. “It’s not like that. Can I explain?”

  “Oh, sure, explain away! I’ve got all day.”

  “Sean?” Lucas’ voice caught my attention. “Is that you?”

  Zak ran to Sean and wrapped his arms around Sean’s leg. “Sean!”

  “No, Zak! He’s bad Sean!” I cried. “Get away from him.” One quick grab and Sean could be out the door with him. “Lucas!”

  Lucas swept Zak into his arms. “Sean, man, what’s going on?”

  “I was about to explain to Allie and Tobias,” he said with a look of hurt in his eyes. “Kim contacted Doug when we got to Virginia. He asked for a face-to-face meeting. At first he didn’t like that we were married, but said he needed our help in New York. We didn’t agree right away, but after we thought it over, we decided it was the right thing to do.”

  “So you know his plans for the Niners?” Lucas asked in a low voice.

  “Not much, but he assures your … our safety.” Sean folded his hands in front of him. “I am sorry about your accommodations. There’s nothing I can do.” He turned and walked away.

  I finally closed my mouth, unable to speak during that time. “I can’t believe it.”

  “It’s close to dinner,” Tobias said as he rose from his seat. “Why don’t we all go back to the atrium, find Julian and Serena and see if they have any news.”

  In all the madness, I’d forgotten about Nate, Ashley and Ryan. Would Doug do something to them? He knew I’d worry. Please, please let them show up.

  We walked to the back of the hotel, and for all its cramped quarters, the atrium was lovely. Green potted plants lined the outer walls and the sun shone through the glass dome. Sophie and Kristina rushed over to take Zak to their table, giving us a minute to ourselves.

  “What do you think, Tobias?” Lucas asked. “Has Sean really changed his alliance in such a short time?”

  “Randolph and Sean were very good friends at one time,” Tobias said. “Could he have had a change of heart so quickly? It’s hard to say. Only time will tell.”

  We filled plates with food, macaroni and cheese and salad, then joined the others at the table. I slipped in next to Serena. “By any chance have you seen—”

  “Nate and Ashley?” She finished for me. “No, I’m just as worried as you are.”

  “Where could they be?”

  “I swear I saw them boarding the bus next to ours,” Serena said in a low tone. “It doesn’t make sense.”

  “Does any of this?” I glanced around the room filled with Niners and their families. Nurses from our hospital, Niner security detail, and even Ramona from the hydroponics department sat at the tables. People from every walk of Niner life were here.

  “No, but I’m sure Julian and Lucas will soon have an idea.” Serena sighed. “Good thing there’s a TV in our room. The girls will have something to do tonight.”

  “Room? You’ve only got one?”

  “Yeah. I thought everyone did.”

  “No, I was told families would get two. It sounds like the co-commanders got only one.”

  “Putting the squeeze on us,” Serena said, as she began to laugh. “I don’t know how well we’ll sleep tonight. The girls in one double bed. Julian and I in the other.”

  “Ugh. I hadn’t thought of that. Lucas is so tall. Maybe we can push the beds together?”

  When we arrived back to our room, we began to make it more sleep-worthy. Lucas and I barely fit in one double, so I ended up in the other bed with Zak. After a few hair pulls and little hands in my mouth, I got up and sat in the chair.

  “Couldn’t sleep?” Lucas whispered.

  “No, and you’re trapped. You have nowhere to go when you wake early. I hate this.” I climbed onto his bed and snuggled against him.

  “Try sleeping with me tonight. I won’t move a muscle.”

  I covered my mouth and snorted into my hand.

  “I’m glad you find that funny.” Lucas poked me.

  “What time is it?”

  “Five a. m. Try to go back to sleep for a while. I’m ready to get up so you can have the bed to yourself.”

  I stretched. “What a luxury,” I whispered with a laugh. If we had to live like this, we’d have to find the humor and make the best of it.

  * * * *

  An unfamiliar ringing woke me from my sleep. I bolted straight up. “What’s that?”

  “Yeah, Clair, she’s right here. I’ll get her.” Lucas brought me the phone receiver. “It’s your mom.”

  “Mom?” I took a breath. I really needed to hear her voice.

  “Oh, Allie, you’re here. Thank goodness. How are you?’

  “We’re fine, Mom.” I glanced at the digital clock. Nine a.m. At least I'd had four good hours of sleep. “Where are you staying?”

  “I’m ashamed to say where we are. Your dad and I are rambling around a five-bedroom penthouse. We have it all to ourselves. That’s why I’m calling. I want you to come and live here.”

  Doug had pulled no punches in sending his message to me. He's given Mom and Dad the Taj Mahal and a tiny little square to my family.

  “We’re fine where we are, Mom,” I said as I felt Zak jump on my back.

  “Grandma!”

  “He can hear me?”

  “A … yeah … I got you on speaker.” I lied.

  “Hi, Zak! Want to come and live with Grandma?”

  An idea hit me, and I looked at Lucas for approval. He nodded as if he knew what I was thinking. “Mom? What if just Zak came and stayed with you. We have one room with two double beds."

  “Is that what Doug gave you? Shame on him. I’ll talk to him when he comes over today. And yes, I’d love to have Zak for an extended stay.”

  “But there’s a catch.”

  “Okay.”

  “We have a friend, Tobias Hayes. He’s getting up in years and was given the top floor of the hotel. Since the elevators aren’t the greatest, he wants to use the stairs.”

  “Oh, no way! Of course, he’s welcome to live here. We have very good elevators. He won’t have to walk up flights of stairs.”

  “And he’s in charge of
Zak. Not you. Not Dad. He will always be with him. Tobias will never let him out of his sight. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, of course,” Mom whispered. “I can’t wait to see you. Will you come today?”

  “As soon as we get everyone organized, I’ll call you. Give me your number.”

  She told me each number slowly as I wrote them down, then said, “Don’t worry how you’ll get here. I’ll send a car.”

  “Thanks, Mom, sounds first class.”

  “I don’t like living here, Allie. I’d rather be closer to you. But if it helps the family …”

  “Mom? Are you there? If you can hear me, I love you.” I handed the receiver back to Lucas. “Either we got disconnected or she got choked up at the end. She sounded different, don’t you think?”

  “She knows the phones are bugged,” Lucas said. “That’s why she wants you to come over.”

  “Do you think Doug planted listening devices in their apartment?”

  “Probably. I’ll check the place out while we’re there. And thank you.” Lucas kissed my hand then Zak mimicked his gesture. “For taking care of our son and protecting him.”

  “You heard me, right, Zak?” I turned to face him.

  “Toby!” He bounced on the bed and clapped his hands.

  “Yes, Toby is family. You listen to him before Grandma or Grandpa Sanders. Do you understand?”

  He nodded, then slid off the bed heading for his little suitcase and unzipped it. He slipped his hand inside and produced his arm cuff that held the chip. “Zak hide. Zak good.”

  I started to cry. “Oh yes, Zak is very good, very smart.” I looked at Lucas. “I can stay connected to him now.”

  “Zak, you’re a genius,” Lucas said with a smile.

  “Let’s go down for breakfast and find the others. I want to tell Tobias the news.”

  “And you got him off the top floor of the building in your own sweet way.” Lucas opened the door for us, and we headed for the stairwell. “Straight to the atrium,” he said when we arrived on the first floor. “We’ll let everyone know that’s where we’ll meet from now on.”

  Tobias already sat at a large empty table and waved us over. I told him the plan, hoping he’d agree to live at my parents’ apartment. “You’ll really like my mom,” I said when I finished.