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

by Nancy Pennick

  “President Sanders has put you in charge of the arts. Do you have more plans?”

  “Yes, but for now, let’s focus on this event. On that day, after the museum closes, I am holding a private dinner so I may discuss the next step with patrons.”

  “You’re speaking about the gala this weekend?” the news reporter asked.

  “Call it a working dinner.” Carol smiled into the camera, and I longed to reach out and touch her. “Will, darling?” She cocked her head toward the reporter, and I laughed aloud.

  “Way to go, Carol!”

  Will politely nodded to the reporter. “I think we’re done here,” he said as he whisked Carol away.

  I snapped off the set and lay on the bed. Living in New York City as Carli Nelson seemed like years ago, but, it was only months. I’d given Carol permission to contact Will at UCLA, and obviously, they’d hit it off and become a couple. Carol was older, mid-thirties, and Will could be twenty-four by now if I recalled his birthday correctly. The age difference wouldn’t stop her. “The age difference!” I shouted.

  I bounced up, knocking over the juice carton as I headed for the door. I rushed down the stairs and back to the atrium.

  “I’ve got an idea!” I came to a stop in the middle of the room. All Niner eyes were on me. “Oops.” The room was filled with only a few Niner men, and I knew this was a secret meeting only some had been told about. “Lucas?”

  He immediately joined me and walked with me from the room to the front door. “They may still be able to hear. Let’s walk to the corner.” Lucas waited for the automatic doors to open, and we stepped outside.

  “Sorry for bursting in like that.” I took his hand as we strolled down the sidewalk.

  “Don’t be. In fact, never be.” He pulled me to him and kissed my lips. “What has my second-in-command come up with now?”

  “Um.” I chewed my bottom lip. “The Fountain of Youth.”

  Lucas’s eyes widened. “What about it?”

  “Offer it to Doug if he steps down.”

  Lucas looked at me for a long minute. “Where does your mind go to get these ideas?" He smiled. "That's certainly something to consider. I’m sure Oliver would be on board. I’d have to check with him and work out a plan.” He took a breath. “But there’s one problem.”

  “What?”

  “Oliver has the formula, no one else. We don’t know where he is.”

  “Right," I sighed. “Wait! I have an idea.” I pulled Lucas back to our apartment building. If I had to live there like this, I didn’t want to think of it as a hotel.

  “Allie, wait, slow down. I want to hear your plan.”

  I stopped for a moment. “We don’t know where Rosanne and Oliver are, but my guess is with Nate. I’m sure Nate will be invited to the exclusive after-party at the museum, and all we have to do is get an invite.”

  Lucas lifted his brows. “I saw that on the TV during our meeting.” He hit his head. “That Carol Baker was your boss at the museum. I liked her.”

  “Yeah, I’m sure Doug is pushing for the party to be some glamorous affair to impress his supporters, but during the interview she kept insisting it would be more like a business meeting for patrons of the arts.” I smiled. “I love her. She'll be in our corner, you know.” I dropped my shoulders and let out a sigh when I thought of our friends who had turned against the Niners so easily.

  “I know what you’re thinking,” Lucas said as he pulled me to him. “Let’s not make any assumptions yet. Our friends may have their reasons. They might still be on our side.”

  “I hope you’re right.” I said unconvincingly. I stopped in front of the apartment. “But right now I’ve got to get us an invite to that party.”

  We parted at the stairwell door, and I took the steps two at a time in a rush to get back to our room. I grabbed the phone and called Mom.

  “Allie, hello!” Mom sounded more like her old self. “We were just about to leave for the store.” Her voice lowered to a whisper. “Doug said to let them pick out anything they wanted, especially Zak. They know this trip is a present from Uncle Doug. I’m going to pretend I only have so much money to spend.”

  “Thanks, Mom. I trust you.”

  She let out a sigh. “I’m glad you finally do. Your friend, Tobias? He’s such a gentleman and so helpful around the house. We ordered a variety of loose leaf teas and special brewing teapots that should come today. The girls are planning their first tea party.”

  “Is he going to make his scones?” My mouth watered at the thought of them.

  “Yes, how did you know?” Mom paused. “Oh, of course, you visited him every day. He is a wonderful grandfather figure. I’m glad you have him in your life.”

  My eyes misted over. I needed to change the subject. “There’s another reason I called. Are you invited to the Arts Gala on Saturday?”

  “Yes! I have five days to find a dress! I wish you could help me.”

  “Get me an invite, Mom.”

  “What? Doug didn’t invite you? I was told he would.”

  “No, so could you make sure we get an invitation?”

  “Absolutely. I know it’s hard for you to get around so I’ll shop for dresses for both of us.”

  “How fancy is this party?”

  “Black tie.”

  “Okay, we’ll go over sizes for Lucas later. Anything else before I go?”

  “Yes. Your father went on a daytrip yesterday with Doug. They left the city and traveled to the Pocono Mountains. Dad couldn’t stop talking about this wonderful vacation spot that had been deserted. The place had a New England feel, and the vacation homes were two story brick colonies, white cape cods with black shutters and Georgian style homes with pitched roofs. He went on and on and said I would love it. Doug plans to turn it into a community for his supporters and staff once the threat is over.”

  My stomach clenched into a knot, and it felt like something squeezed my throat until I couldn’t breathe. “By any chance did he say if this place had a name?”

  “Patriot Village, I believe. I was telling Tobias about it when you called.” She fell silent, and I could hear her talking to someone in the background.

  “Allison?” Tobias’ voice was a welcomed sound. “Your mother discovered some helpful intel. She said that Jim, your father, was taken on a tour of Headquarters. The fourth floor is still intact, but the other three are wiped clean. No vans, cars or weaponry.”

  “That’s wonderful news, in a way,” I said. “But it doesn’t help if Doug plans to take over the compound.”

  “Yes, it sounds like he wants to make it his new Camp David.”

  “Camp David?”

  “It’s the country retreat for the President of the United States, or in his case, New America.”

  “Oh.” I took a minute to absorb the thought. Tobias even believed Doug planned to make this a new country under his leadership. “I’ll let Lucas and the others know. Have fun on your shopping trip. I’m sad I’ll miss the tea party.”

  “There will be more.” Tobias chuckled. “Stay safe.”

  “Don’t you mean, ‘Keep America Safe’,” I said with a sad laugh.

  “For now? Yes, we have to act as if we are on board, but I am only concerned for you, Lucas and the other Niners.” Tobias hung up, and I held the receiver to my chest. There wasn’t much more I could do but live my life for the next five days until the gala.

  * * * *

  For the next five days, Lucas went to his daily meetings and I headed to an STF mobile station to volunteer to clean up the streets. I was assigned Times Square with a group of other Niners, their families, and people from various states. I kept my ears open, watched the movement of STF vehicles and kept track of where people were sent to work.

  Each day when we returned to our room, Lucas and I made love. Our bond was stronger than ever, but the way we were living put a strain on us. It was as if I needed to feel him in my arms, feel his strength so I could go on.

  The day of the
gala, I was called to the front desk. Greg, the teen who had checked us in the first day, smiled when he saw me. “You’ve got a delivery.” He held up his finger and disappeared through a closed door behind the desk. He returned with a huge box with a smaller one on top.

  “Thanks.”

  “No, wait, there’s more.” He handed me the boxes and disappeared again. “I better help you get these things upstairs.” He came out, carrying a tuxedo over his arm and a shoebox in the other hand.

  When we got to the room, I felt as if I should tip him, but had no money. “Thanks …”

  “Greg,” he said with a shy smile.

  “Right. I remember.” I teased. “I was just checking for …” I dug deep in my pockets.

  Greg held up his hand to stop me. “Anything I can do to help, let me know.”

  “That’s really nice, but I wish I had something to give you.” I held out my hands.

  “No tipping.” He shook his head then laughed. “No one has money to give me anyway.”

  After he left, I opened the boxes. I held up a sleeveless teal dress with a pattern of like color sequins tactfully placed in a swirl across the bodice and skirt. A note lay at the bottom of the box.

  I thought the dress would bring out the color of your eyes. You will look beautiful! Can’t wait to see you. I’ll send a car at eight o’clock.

  Love,

  Mom

  I started the shower, planning to take my time getting ready. Instead I heard a knock at the bathroom door. “Allie, I’m home. Can I come in?”

  “Sure, but you have to take a shower.” I called from the tub.

  I heard the door open, and the shower curtain slid back. “I don’t think we both can fit.” Lucas laughed as I splashed him with water

  “Don’t go.” I pointed to the closed toilet seat. “Sit. I’ve got a lot to tell you.”

  Lucas wrapped a towel around me when I finished, and I squeezed out my hair with another. He kissed my shoulder. “I saw your dress.”

  “And the silver shoes? Mom did good.” I pressed my body against his, “Your turn. Get in the shower. Do you mind if I dry my hair while you’re in there?”

  “Not at all.”

  After I finished, I slipped out into the main room, dying to try on the dress. The closet door was a full-length mirror. “Whoa!” I studied the low cut V-neck, surprised Mom had picked this dress for me.

  I fluffed my hair, positioned a few strands of my bangs over my eyes and applied a mist of hairspray. Make-up bag in hand, I planned a dark eye, liner around the complete edge with a smoky shadow. A few coats of mascara, a pale pink blush with darker pink lips and I was ready.

  “Allie!” Lucas had been going in and out of the bathroom with parts of the tux in hand. “You are stunning! Gorgeous.” He came toward me with open arms.

  I held up my hand. “Air kiss.” I teased.

  “Wouldn’t want to ruin the make-up.” He laughed. “How do I look?” He stepped back and spun around.

  “Handsome … as always.” I studied the man in front of me. He’d shaved and with the shorter look, styled his dark hair back from his face. I wanted him to take me in his arms and kiss me, tell me everything had been a dream, and we were really going out for a spectacular dinner in New York City.

  Instead I squinted at the clock by the bed. “Time?”

  “Almost time to go.” Lucas offered his arm. “It’s a warm beautiful night. Perfect for a gala.”

  The car arrived right at eight, and as I got in, I almost forgot we weren’t in the New York City I loved and remembered. The driver pulled up in front of the museum and ran around to open the door. Limos and other STF vehicles were parked by the curb, letting out well-dressed people heading to the gala.

  As I stepped from the car, I looked up at the modern white stone circular building I had worked in for months. “Well, here we go. Wish us luck,” I whispered to it.

  Doug stood at the door, greeting guests. Katrina stood by his side, in a shiny silver dress that clung to her body, looking slim and sleek.

  “Allison.” He gripped my hand. “Glad you could make it.”

  The familiar cologne wafted toward me, and I felt a little nauseated. “Thanks for inviting me. I am your sister, after all.”

  “Enjoying your accommodations?” He smirked.

  “Yes, we are,” Lucas said as he placed his hand on my back.

  “I’m surprised you let Zak stay with Mom.” Doug’s eyes flicked back to me. “But he’s got an old watchdog with him, doesn’t he?”

  I tossed my head, not answering and glanced at Katrina. I didn’t want to take her hand in greeting and prayed someone would save me. The sneer on her face said it all. She’d never be on my side again.

  “Carli? Carli Nelson? Is that you?”

  “What the hell?” Doug asked as he looked over his shoulder.

  “Oh, no, I think I have that wrong. It’s Allie? Right?” Carol rushed up and grabbed me by the shoulders. “Look at you! All grown up. Love the dress.”

  Doug pointed at me, then Carol. “You two know each other?”

  Chapter Seventeen

  “Why, yes, darling, we do. How do you know her?” Carol asked, looking stunning in a strapless white satin mermaid dress. Her auburn hair was pulled up in a chignon with sparkling diamond studs set in various places. Of course, the men couldn’t take their eyes off her cleavage.

  Doug cleared his throat. “Allison is my sister.”

  “Sister?” Carol lifted one brow. “I thought she was an only child.” She gave me a look then smiled at Doug. “You don’t mind if I steal her away then? We have some catching up to do.” She tugged me by the hand.

  “Carol!” I came to a stop a few steps away from Doug.

  “What?” She gave me her wide-eyed innocent look.

  “I want you to meet my husband, Lucas Montgomery.”

  Carol studied him, her eyes traveled from his feet and came to rest on his face. “Mmm, I can see why you were pining away for him.”

  “He’s standing right here, Carol.” I folded my arms, but had to smile. “How’s Will?”

  “Wonderful! He’ll be so happy you’re here. We were worried about you and little Austin.” She rubbed her hand up and down Lucas’ arm. “But I see I shouldn’t have been.”

  “His name is Zak,” Lucas said. “Nice to finally meet you, Carol.”

  “And you. This one,” she said as she jutted her thumb toward me. “Was a wreck just a few months ago. But now?” She turned to me and smiled. “I see there was a happy ending. As it turns out, she’s very good at lying. Now, what can I do to help you?”

  “Help?” I swallowed not quite knowing her meaning. Carol was good at assessing a situation. In a few short sentences, she convened to me that she figured out I had lied to her while I was living in New York, yet she understood why.

  “Obviously you’re not on the baboon’s side, are you?” She cocked her head at Doug. “I can’t believe he’s your brother. He wants something from you. What is it?”

  “He wants our son,” I answered.

  “Let him get his own.” Carol made a noise as if she was disgusted by Doug’s behavior. “So let me ask again, how can I help?”

  Tears filled my eyes as I looked at Lucas. “We can trust her, Lucas.”

  “We’ll let you know, Carol.” He extended his hand to shake hers. “But for now, I see someone we’ve been looking for since we arrived in New York. Will you excuse us?”

  “Sure.” Carol looked at me. “Come back to work at the museum. I could use your help.”

  “I’ll think about it,” I said as Lucas took my hand and dragged me through the crowd gathering in front of the bar. “Who is it?” I whispered, but he didn’t have to tell me as we reached the edge of the throng of people. “Nate.”

  Nate stood with Kim and Oliver sipping a glass of champagne, laughing and talking as if this was a great party and nothing else. My blood boiled at the sight of them.

  “Give them
a chance to explain, Allie,” Lucas whispered. “I will, if you will.”

  “Little one!” Nate raised his glass when he saw me.

  “Don’t call me that!” I yelled. “Ever again!” I wanted to punch him in the gut, wipe the smile off his face. I looked at Lucas. “I can’t.” I turned and stalked off. Knowing the museum so well, I headed for the nearest ladies’ room, somewhere Nate couldn’t follow.

  “Allie!” Rosanne called as she came in behind me.

  “What?” I spun around. “I suppose you want to explain? Tell me what happened? How’s your luxury penthouse?” I hissed sarcastically.

  “Take a breath.” She took both of my hands in hers. “We’ve been trying to find you.”

  “That’s bullshit!” I cried. “It’s been over two weeks! The second or third day here, Lucas went looking for all of you. He left a message at the television station for Nate.”

  “He did?” Rosanne’s eyes widened. “Nate never got it. In between work and Ashley, he’s been desperately trying to find you.”

  “Ashley?” I hadn't seen her when we approached the group. “Where is she?"

  Rosanne nodded to the sitting area. “Can we sit? I’ll tell you everything.”

  I breathed through my mouth to calm myself. I was making the same mistakes of the past, jumping to conclusions and needed to hear her out. “Okay.”

  “When we got off the bus on Ninth Street, Ashley started to have cramps. We panicked and the driver called for an ambulance. All five of us climbed in the back and rode to the hospital with her. By the time we got there, Ashley was bleeding. They were able to stop it, check the baby, and put her on bed rest.”

  Tears rolled down my cheeks. “I’m an ass,” I whispered. "I've been so angry at all of you, I didn’t think about Ashley's pregnancy or something could have been wrong with any one of you."

  “No, you’re not.” Rosanne smiled. “You’re protecting yourself. You’ve had a lot of disappointment in your life.”