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

by Nancy Pennick

  “Bring that baby around sometime. I’ve heard about Niner-squared boys but never met one.”

  “I will.” I raised my hand, feeling guilty I'd driven here instead of walking. Beetle popped her doors, and I slipped into the seat. “Beetle, take me up. I want a good look.”

  As she hovered in the air, I could see over the wooded area surrounding the museum. The building was located a short distance from the last street of Victorian Village, but the service road was the only route to this area. If streets or walkways were constructed, people could easily get here without driving. I had to agree with Tobias. It was a shame we didn’t walk more.

  Beetle, take me home. We swept over the woods between the museum and the village. Flying over less than a half mile of trees we came to the first houses. Since the village was laid out in a grid, the dead-end streets could easily be extended to the arts and recreational areas. Call Lucas.

  “You’re still with Tobias?” My heart leapt as always when I heard his voice.

  “Just leaving. Where are you?”

  “Heading home.”

  “Don’t go in. Wait for me outside.”

  Beetle and I swooped into the drive where Lucas stood.

  “I’ve never seen you use the hovercraft mode.” He laughed as he got in.

  “Never needed to.” We rose back up and flew over the village toward the museum. “Why aren’t these roads extended into the service road?” I pointed down to the dead-end streets. “This one could take people right to the rec area and that other one leads to the museum. People could walk.”

  “Originally the plan was to keep the two areas separate and give the village an old-fashioned feel. The woods acted as a buffer to the industrial side.”

  “But there’s so much back here, not just industry. Paths could be cut through the woods, keeping it natural. It doesn’t need to be cleared away.”

  “Makes sense.” Lucas nodded. “They aren’t building houses in this section anymore. Let me talk to…” Lucas grabbed my hand. “Myself!”

  “That’s right. You’re in charge.” I giggled. “So, what does the co-leader of the compound think?”

  “People are using cars more and more like hovercraft. They could argue we don’t need the roads because they can fly over the woods to get there. The service road around the village is barely used now. But I see your point. We need to embrace the past. People used to walk everywhere. Fitness and health will be a great argument for completion of these roads. I like your idea of walking paths, too. We could place picnic areas along the routes.”

  “I love that idea.” Beetle, home. “Tell me everything you know about Tobias.”

  “I don’t know much. He’s always been a loner. Abe met him somewhere in California on one of his outings and brought him to Spanish Village over a hundred years ago. That compound was fairly new at the time, and the majority of houses still needed to be built. Tobias designed the doors on the houses and was very active in the community.”

  “He designed every door?”

  Lucas nodded. “Each one was unique, no two the same.”

  The door leading to his living quarters flashed before my eyes. Tobias never told me he created it. “How did he end up here?”

  “Abe actually lived at our Montana compound, so when he felt he'd done all he could to help California get up and running, he moved back here. Abe worked on the museum night and day, but it was too much for one man. Tobias offered to come and help. He’s been here ever since. He’s really old. When I was little I remember seeing him around town. He looks exactly the same.”

  “How old is he?”

  “No one knows, and we’re afraid to ask.” Lucas laughed. “If I had to guess, he’d be about a hundred and fifty Niner years? That’d make him six hundred in real time. He’s at the end of his days.”

  I took in a sharp breath. “Don’t say that.”

  “Allie, you know what that means. He has at least twenty Niner years or more. He could live beyond that.”

  “I think Tobias is a very special man. He’s too humble for his own good, and his talents are being wasted. I need to discuss that with him when I see him tomorrow.”

  “You’re going back tomorrow?” Lucas’ face held a look of surprise. “You’re not wasting any time.”

  “Nope. I told you I wanted to be involved in the community. You have a working wife, Mr. Montgomery.” Beetle landed and popped open her doors. We jumped out, and I ran into Lucas’ arms. “I love you.”

  “I’m glad you’re finally at peace.” Lucas placed a kiss on my cheek.

  “For now,” I answered. “I don’t think I’ll ever be at complete peace.”

  Lucas took me by the shoulders. “I hate to hear you say that. We’ve come so far, you and I as a couple and our lives here at the compound. You do realize the Niners have control of the Doug situation, right?”

  “No they don’t, Lucas. No one controls Doug. He’s just lying in wait, ready to spring on us when we least expect it. Don’t ever let your guard down when it comes to him. Promise me. I told you once the Niners were too trusting, too sequestered for their own good. There’s evil out there, and its name is Doug.”

  Chapter Four

  Tobias was old school, so I threw some drawing supplies and paper I’d bought into a canvas bag. Hopefully, he’d be open to cataloging everything into a data base and not want to write it in a ledger. Zak had already been whisked away by Becca, Lucas had left for headquarters, and I was the last to leave the house.

  As I slipped into the driver’s seat, I decided to call Tobias to tell him I was on my way. I never asked if he was connected to the network, just assumed he was. “Hmm, that’s funny. Nothing happened.” I tried again. Tobias Hayes. No response.

  Beetle flew up and over the trees, landing in front of the museum. “You don’t have to wait,” I told the car. “Lucas may need you or you might like to get out of the sun.”

  I took the museum stairs two at a time, deciding smoked-glass automatic doors would be a nice, welcoming addition. “Tobias?” I called as I glanced around the empty room.

  “In the back hall.” I heard his voice. Looking in every doorway as I walked down the corridor, I found him in the quilt section.

  “Don’t really know where to begin.” He turned around in a circle, gesturing at the tables. “I guess that’s where you come in as my assistant.” He chuckled and extended his hand. “Good morning, Allison.”

  “I brought some supplies so we can work together. Do you have an area where we can set up a giant screen?”

  Tobias’ eyes twinkled. “Follow me.”

  We headed for his apartment, and I ran my hand over the door as I passed by it. “It’s so beautiful. Lucas said you carved them. Why didn’t you tell me?”

  Tobias shrugged. “This one’s dedicated to my mother. She loved those flowers, forget-me-nots, and I carved them as a reminder of her. My father was a wood carver and carpenter. He taught me everything I know.”

  “So you have artistic talents of your own.” I winked at him. “The door should be on display, Tobias. It really is a piece of art and the only one left.”

  “Thank you, but I’ll keep it as my front door for now.” Tobias turned toward the stove. “Tea?”

  A morning ritual had begun—tea and Tobias’ famous scones. “Tea sounds good. Now where is the spot to set up the screen?” I scanned the tiny apartment.

  A large white wall rose from the kitchen floor, just a few feet from where we sat.

  “You didn’t think I was that old, did you?” Tobias laughed when he saw the look on my face. He turned and placed the teakettle on the burner. “Had to make the most out of a small space.”

  “You have a white wall. You know they’re—”

  “Outdated?” He looked at me over his shoulder. “I am connected to the main computer, if that’s what you’re asking. I prefer the wall, but you youngsters like all that virtual nonsense.” He touched the top of his wrist which made me think he mig
ht have a chip instead of a phone.

  “It’s convenient. And others don’t know you’re looking at anything unless you allow them access. It may come in handy one day.” I told him.

  “I’m sure it will.” Tobias tended to the tea.

  “You also can make the screen large or small.” I sounded like a salesperson and laughed. “So I can call you. You have a phone.”

  “Yes, I’ll answer next time.” Tobias held up an outdated model like the one Lucas had given me in high school. I’ve had two newer models since then, and now the chip. He pulled out a chair and sat across from me while he waited for the water to boil. “White Chai today with a touch of vanilla almond milk. You’ll like it. Might remind you of those lattes you’re so fond of.”

  “How did you …?”

  Tobias poured the boiling water over the tea leaves as the museum inventory came up on the wall. “Everything we have in this building is on that list. Now it’s up to you to organize it.”

  “So you have a chip?” I closed one eye and stared at him.

  “Perhaps I do.”

  We worked until lunch. The time passed so quickly I couldn’t believe it was time to take a break. I stretched my arms over my head as a little bell went off in the suite, startling me. “Oh!”

  “Someone’s come to visit.” Tobias rose from his seat, and the screen changed to a view of all the rooms in the museum. Sean walked the halls, holding Zak who appeared to be crying, and my heart raced.

  “I’m sure he’s fine.” Tobias rested his hand on my shoulder. “Probably has mommy separation anxiety.”

  A knock came at the door and Tobias answered. “Well, I see we have visitors. Welcome.”

  “Someone missed his mother.” Sean pointed over the top of Zak’s head. “Lucas asked me to pick him up from school and bring him here. But we had to stop first and get these.” He held Zak’s bag of blocks up in the air. “Zak insisted.”

  “Let me take those.” Tobias reached for the bag and placed them in an open area of the kitchen. “Here’s a good place to play with those, Zakary.”

  Zak wiggled away from Sean and took Tobias’ hand. Together they dumped the blocks on the floor. Zak built a tower with lightning speed. He looked up at me, smiled and knocked it over, laughing.

  “Well, hello to you, too,” I said. “First you cry for me, then you ignore me.”

  He laughed again as he arranged his blocks in a pattern. “Toby.” Zak gazed up at the old man.

  “Toby? He knows your name?” I looked at Tobias then Sean.

  “Yeah,” Sean answered. “I told him we were coming here. I tried to get him to say Tobias, but that’s the best he could do. And,” he said as he held up a bag. “I brought lunch. Tobias won’t install a food transporter so, since I was coming over, I grabbed your favorite salad.” He placed a container in front of me and joined me at the table. Sean unwrapped a huge sub sandwich and every once in a while, Zak would come over and take a bite.

  “Did you bring milk for him?” I asked.

  Sean hit his head. “Forgot, sorry.”

  Tobias poured some of the almond milk in a cup and handed it to Zak. “He’ll like this.”

  “Sean,” I said as I wrinkled my brow. “Where’s Tobias’ lunch?”

  Zak looked up from where he played on the floor. “Toby?” We all had to laugh.

  “Is it okay if he calls you that?” I looked over at Tobias beaming proudly and already knew the answer.

  “Of course it is.” He sipped from his teacup. “And Sean knows I have my own food here. Don’t worry about me.”

  After lunch, Sean scooped Zak into his arms. A loud scream escaped from my baby’s mouth.

  “Zak!” I couldn’t believe he was being so obstinate when he was usually agreeable and friendly. “You’re going back to the play group.”

  “He can stay here for the afternoon, Allison,” Tobias said. “I don’t think Zakary will be a distraction.” Tobias took the blocks I’d cleaned up and dumped them back onto the floor. “Your move,” he told Zak.

  The rest of the afternoon went by as quickly as the morning had. Tobias and I began the cataloging process and made a rough draft of the new sign for the museum. Zak’s presence was hardly a distraction, he behaved so well. Tobias took small breaks and sat on the floor with him, and Zak even crawled into my lap for a short nap.

  “Well, I guess we better get going,” I said as I gathered up Zak and my bag at the end of the day.

  “Will I see you tomorrow?” Tobias lifted his brows.

  “Yes, of course, I’ll be here the same time.” Zak put his hands on my cheeks and stared into my eyes, pleading to come. “No, Zakkie, it’s play group for you.” His face crumbled.

  “We could do like we did today,” Tobias said. “Work in the morning and have Zakary join us in the afternoon.”

  “That’s a good compromise. Will you be a good boy and go with Becca in the morning?” I asked as Zak nodded. “I can’t ask her to bring you here every day. She has other duties.”

  “Sean!” Zak said as Sean entered Tobias’ apartment.

  “Sean has other things to do, too,” I smiled at my friend. “It was nice of you to come back for him, but I’ll think of something. I could get him myself. My baby’s learning how to manipulate his mother,” I said to Tobias.

  “Not such a baby, Allison. He’s quite gifted.”

  “I want to keep him that way for just awhile longer,” I said.

  Tobias smiled and said nothing.

  I took a breath, feeling it was time to go.

  “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  As we headed for the door, Zak slipped from my arms and looked at the paintings along the walls as if he was a patron of the arts.

  “I don’t’ mind bringing him,” Sean said as Zak ran ahead of us, darting in and out of the doorways.

  “That’s sweet.” I patted his arm. “But you’re head of security now, Sean. I think you have more important things to do.”

  “Not as important as my little nephew.” He smiled.

  “Now you’re going to make me cry.” I wiped my eyes. “I’m glad you consider us family.”

  “You gave me that gift, Allie. I have my Niner brothers, but you’re family. If you never came back, I …” Sean straightened his shoulders. “I better get going.”

  “Okay,” I said. “But remember this. You’ll always be my brother. Don’t forget that.”

  “I won’t.” He started for the main entrance.

  “Come on, Zak, race ya!” I ran down the hall to the front door and outside to where Sean and Beetle waited. Zak jumped from the top of the stairs to the sidewalk, skipping all six steps. “No!” I screamed as he landed safely.

  “He’s a Niner,” Sean whispered. “Expect that and more.”

  I placed my hand on my heart. “I know.” Maybe Tobias was right. Zak wasn’t a baby anymore.

  * * * *

  After dinner I put Zak to bed and called Rosanne. We talked for over an hour as Lucas and I lay on the sofa so he could eavesdrop. Ending the conversation, I rolled on top of him. “Now,” I said as I kissed his lips. “Tell me about your day.”

  “That’s a little hard to do with you distracting me.” He kissed me back and snuggled against my neck. “I talked to Nate today. I told him to concentrate on his honeymoon and not call in anymore.”

  “Good advice.” I trailed kisses down his neck.

  “They’ll still talk to Ryan, of course.” He tightened his hold on me. “Hey, that’s not fair.” He jumped as I nipped his neck.

  “Nate deserved this honeymoon.” I took another nip.

  “He does.” Lucas returned the nip followed by a kiss. “Rosanne said routine is good for you, and I agree. You’re more like your old self.”

  “You can thank Tobias for that.”

  “I will, next time I see him. But for now,” Lucas said as he rose to his feet with me in his arms. “I’m a little busy. Should we finish this in the bedroom?”

&
nbsp; * * * *

  Sitting on the Kalas’ huge wraparound porch, Ashley and I watched Zak play in the front yard as we talked.

  “I’m so glad you’re home from your honeymoon. I missed you,” I said as Ash handed me a glass of lemonade. “So tell me about Hawaii. What did you do all week besides?” I lifted my brows.

  “Allie, Nate and I have been together a long time. We didn’t need to be holed up in the bungalow all week.” She rolled her eyes, but I stared her down. “Okay, I confess we did spend some time in the suite, but there was a lot to do at the resort. I took a snorkeling lesson then swam out to see the fish and coral with the group. It was amazing! Nate and I tried to surf, finally gave up and went to a class. We got pretty good by the end of the week.”

  “Your wedding was beautiful. Zak saw it all.”

  “I heard.” Ashley smiled. “The Howard twins couldn’t wait to tell me. Ryan used the screen, too. He went to the lessons with us.”

  “Aw, that’s cute. How’s he doing?”

  “Better, but he wasn’t fond of lying to everyone. These Niners!” Ashley hit her head. “I’ll make it up to him this week. He’s got baseball games every night and morning practice now that school’s done. I’ll do whatever he wants. Nate’s the assistant coach so he’ll definitely be there.”

  “I’ll come, too. Zak would love to watch him play.” I sipped my lemonade. “Let me tell you about my week.” I told her about Tobias and my experience at the museum.

  “Tobias sounds like a cool guy, Allie.”

  “He is. I want you to meet him, Ash. Maybe you can work with us.”

  “I’d like that, but as I said, the first week belongs to Ryan.”

  The neighbor’s puppy joined Zak in the yard, giving him a new distraction.

  “Ash? Can I tell you something? If you think it’s stupid, just say so.”

  “Allie, I'm sure it's not stupid. Out with it. You’ve probably been thinking about it for quite some time. We’ve discussed psychopaths and imperialism. What is it this time?”