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

by Nancy Pennick

  “Just don’t call her old to her face.” I laughed. “And I expect you two for dinner. See you then.” I dissolved my screen and headed downstairs. “Did you take your medicine?” I asked Lucas when I reached the kitchen.

  “I’m on top of it, Allie, trust me.” He brushed his lips against mine as he brought me a cup of coffee. He was behaving like his normal self.

  “Thanks.” I took the mug from his hand. “We’re going to have a quiet day, just you and me.” I set the cup on the table and reached for him. Lucas took me in his arms and I snuggled against him. “Tobias has Zak. We’ll see them later today.”

  “Then let’s catch up on our movie list,” Lucas said. “I’ll get the first one started.”

  After three movies and a nap, I checked my watch. “Crap! It's later than I thought! I better get started on dinner.” I wandered into the kitchen and pulled plates from the cupboard. “We’ll eat in the dining room since Tobias is coming.”

  That room sat opposite the kitchen, facing the front yard garden. I made several trips back and forth until I had the table set the way I wanted. On my last trip, the front door flew open and Zak marched in, followed by Tobias, Oliver and Serena. He carried hair clippers in his hand, and I fought the urge to take them from him. “What’s going on? That is not a toy.” I gestured to the clippers.

  “He’s fine, Allison,” Tobias said. “There’s a reason he wanted to carry those inside.”

  “We’ve got it!” Oliver pumped his fist in the air. “We discovered where the poison goes after the antidote enters the system to attack it. That damn stuff finds a place to hide. We checked every organ in your body, Lucas, and couldn’t find it. Then Tobias threw this question out to the group, where would the toxin go to hide in plain sight?” Oliver stared at us as if we knew the answer. “Your hair! It goes into the hair follicles and flows up the hair shafts, remaining there for a certain amount of time then re-enters the body. Ingenious!” He threw his hands up in the air. I smiled at his enthusiasm.

  Lucas stared at the clippers in Zak’s hand. “So you’re going to cut off my hair.”

  “Yes,” Oliver said. “And Serena will treat your scalp to make sure there’s no possibility of the toxin leeching back into your body.”

  “Oh.” I ran my fingers through Lucas’ silky, dark locks.

  “It will grow back. Don’t worry.” Lucas took my had and kissed it. “Let’s get started.”

  “Does Zak know what’s happening?” I stared at Oliver and Tobias.

  “He was listening.” Tobias nodded. “We call him our lucky charm.”

  Lucky charm or is there more to it? Zak insisted on coming home, but didn’t fuss when Tobias offered to take him for the day. I rubbed my forehead and decided to table the discussion for another time.

  Oliver set up a large see-through plastic tent in the entryway and placed a folding chair inside. “Sit in there, Lucas. Serena will treat the scalp, then cut off your hair.” He shrugged. “Sorry.”

  “If it saves my life? What’s a little hair?” Lucas slipped on a protective suit and took his spot on the chair. “Ready. Bring it on.”

  Serena entered the tent, wearing an identical suit, and Oliver zipped them inside. The treatment seemed to take forever, and finally Serena began to shave Lucas’ head. I watched the dark locks hit the floor, and sadness overwhelmed me. Doug had done this to Lucas, but I had to be thankful he was alive, and a cure had been found.

  Oliver, unsure of the potential dangers, warned everyone to stay back so we couldn’t be infected. “Once Serena’s done, everything will be burned along with the chair and tent,” he said.

  When Serena turned off the clippers, Lucas was bald, but alive and still handsome as ever.

  “So what do you think? Should I keep it like this?” Lucas stepped out of the tent and ran his hand over the top of his head.

  “However you want to look is fine with me.” I wanted to go run to him, but it still wasn't safe.

  Serena pulled off her protective suit, gloves, shoe coverings and headpiece, dropping them to the floor and followed Lucas through the opening and said, “Just to be thorough, we’ll need your clothes.”

  “I’ll get him some fresh ones.” I ran upstairs, grabbed a t-shirt and sweats from a drawer, then headed back down and tossed them to Lucas.

  “I think we’re done here,” Oliver said, now dressed in a hazard suit. He collapsed the tent and gathered it up. “Tobias, is the prevention truck out there?”

  “Yes,” he answered.

  “Thank you, Serena. You put your life on the line to do this.” I hugged her tightly.

  “That’s the job I signed up for,” she said with a laugh. “But I’m glad it’s over. Lucas, call if you have any symptoms, but I don’t think you will. These guys are too thorough. That’s why I love working here. They don’t stop until they find a solution.” She headed for the door. “Let’s get together when we can relax and enjoy ourselves, Allie.” She waved as she closed the door behind her.

  I turned back to look at my bald husband and gasped. “Zak! What have you done?”

  “Like father, like son,” Lucas said as he picked Zak up and swung him in the air. “What can I say?”

  Zak had somehow found our clippers in the bathroom and shaved his own head. “Da!” He placed his little hands on Lucas’ bald head.

  “Okay, fine.” I sighed as I raised my hands in the air. “I give up.” A knock came at the front door. I looked at Lucas, crossing my brows. “Are we expecting anyone?”

  I threw open the door to find Sean and saw a set of eyes peeking over his shoulder.

  “Hey!” Sean raised his hand in greeting and stepped inside. “Kim, come on. They don’t bite.”

  “Kim?” I swallowed hard. “Sean, why did you bring her here?” She knows our secrets? I made eye contact with her. “I'm sorry.”

  “To give you the good news, right, honey?” He turned and pulled Kim into the house.

  “Honey?” I was in shock. I knew they had dated in Virginia, but this seemed serious.

  Kim wrapped her arms around Sean’s waist and looked at us like a scared rabbit. “Hi, guys, I hope you don’t mind I’m here.”

  I cleared my throat. “Kim, we don’t mind. Where are my manners? Please come in and sit down.”

  Sean slapped Lucas on the back. “Looking good, buddy. I heard the news on the way here.”

  “And where have you been?” I asked. “Everyone arrived this morning, and you just got here?”

  Sean strolled to the wine cooler “Let’s have some wine, and we’ll tell you the whole story.” He waited a few seconds, then pulled two bottles from inside. He set them on the table in front of the sofa. “Lucas.” He placed his hand on my husband’s shoulder. “Good to have you among the living.”

  “Thanks for saving me.” Lucas placed his hand on top of Sean’s. They gave each other a brotherly Niner look.

  “While Sean’s pouring the wine, do you mind if I start with our story?” Kim asked. She took a deep breath and began, “This is my life in a nutshell. I’m almost thirty-eight, married for fifteen years, owned and managed a wholesale cosmetic company with my husband, got divorced and took my maiden name back. In a way, I thought my life was over, the best years wasted on a man who didn’t want children, was unfaithful and money was his first love. I sold my shares in the company to him and his girlfriend today.” She smirked. “Good luck to her.”

  I stared at her, surprised she hadn't mentioned how we used her. “Kim, aren’t you mad at me? Us?”

  “No, of course not. Why would I be?" She shook her head. "I want to thank you. When I met Sean it was love at first sight, but I held back. I just wasn't sure if it was infatuation. You know, the rebound thing. Still there was something about him, besides his handsome good looks. He was kind and a good listener. He took me home every night, made sure I got in safely, then stayed and listened.” She let out a cute laugh. “Little did I know, he thought I was still hung up on Doug. Can you im
agine? I had to set him straight and make the first move and—”

  “We’ve been a couple ever since.” Sean finished for her, draping his arm around Kim, pulling her close. “Your brother’s an ass, Allie, but you already know that. Kim’s eyes were opened after she heard him lecturing, or should I say threatening, you on the first day she came to work. She realized he was nothing like she remembered from high school.”

  “Allie, I was so glad I was there! The tone in Doug’s voice startled me. So I decided to go along with him, not wanting to anger him further. I couldn’t imagine why he hated you so much.” Kim paused. “Well, let me rephrase that. He doesn’t hate you, he hates all of this.” She waved her hand through the air. “It scares him. He likes to be in charge, in control. This is beyond his control and something he can’t wrap his head around. He compares it to a cult, but I see it as magical.” Kim sighed and patted Sean’s face. “I’d never betray any of you. And if you’ll have me, I’d love to live here.”

  “Really?” I said skeptically. I felt Kim had become a friend and would love it if she was really serious and wanted to stay. “And you know that Sean’s—”

  “Thirty-two,” Sean said.

  “Or one hundred and twenty-eight?” Kim gave us a knowing smile.

  “So you do know.” There was no going back for her now. The secret was out.

  “Yes, you’re married to Lucas, who’s also a Niner, but that’s all I know. Nate’s your friend and neighbor, so he’s definitely not one, but wishes he was!” She smiled.

  “Where have you been today, Sean? Everyone arrived this morning.” Lucas reached for a glass of wine and I shook my head at him. “I’m fine, Allie. But would you like some?” I shook my head again and he put the glass back on the table.

  “Kim and I made a detour,” Sean said. “To Vegas.” He held up his left hand to show his wedding band. “We got married!”

  “Well, congratulations, Sean, you sly dog! I guess Kim must have been worth waiting half a century for!” Lucas teased.

  Kim’s face changed to a look of shock. “You never told me I was your first girlfriend, Sean. Come on, there had to be others.”

  Sean shook his head.

  “He was pretty much a loner, Kim,” I said. “Until we made him an official member of the Montgomery family.” I had a sudden need to talk to Sean and thought of the perfect excuse to leave the room. “Manners, again. Excuse me. You guys must be starving. Sean, would you help me in the kitchen?”

  “Sure.” He followed me into the room.

  I turned to him and whispered, “You didn’t tell her about Zak, did you?”

  “I may be crazy in love, but I’m not stupid.” Sean opened the transporter and removed two cheeseburgers. “Ooh, I should’ve ordered more. What was I thinking?” He chuckled.

  “Get enough for everyone, Sean. We’re all hungry after the day we’ve had. Maybe we can relax and enjoy a night at home with friends.”

  “Hello? Anyone home?” A familiar voice called from the foyer.

  “What is this? Grand Central Station?” I laughed as I gave Sean a playful shove toward the living room.

  “Burgers for everyone!” I smiled as I saw Ashley and family standing in the foyer. “And it looks like I need to order more.”

  Ash turned toward me, and her face didn’t match the sound of her voice.

  I didn’t like the feeling that came over me and had to ask, “What’s wrong?”

  Chapter Twelve

  “Just tell her, Mom!” Ryan rushed to the living room. “I’ll set up my screen.” He looked at us with such a serious expression it scared me. “You don’t know, do you, Allie?”

  “Know what?” I set the plates on the table in front of the sofa as an all-day news channel appeared before us. “Lucas and I watched movies all day. I wanted him to relax in a calm atmosphere.”

  I glanced up at the screen and couldn’t believe my eyes. “No!” I screamed. Lucas was at my side in a second. “Do you see that?” My hand shook with anger as I pointed at the message scrolling along the bottom of the screen.

  Breaking News: According to a Republican source, U.S. Congressman Robert Porter has died. His replacement will be announced at a press conference at 9 PM EST. Stay tuned to All Day Network News for the latest developments.

  I couldn’t focus as my whole body felt like it was on fire. The nightmare was back.

  “Allie,” Ashley said as she took my hand. “You don’t think they’d name Doug after the scandal?”

  I blinked a few times and took a breath. “Anything’s possible. You should know that by now.”

  My phone rang, and Mom’s voice sounded in my ear. “Allie, are you there, sweetie? I have wonderful news.” My stomach flipped as bile rose in my throat. “Well, first there’s sad news.” Her voice changed to a lower tone. “That poor Congressman, Robert Porter, died. He’d been fighting cancer for a year. It was the reason he was stepping down. May he rest in peace.”

  Get it over with, Mom. Drop the bomb.

  “You’re not going to believe this, but Doug’s been appointed to take his place. We’re so happy the scandal didn’t tarnish his image. Turn on your TV. The news conference will start any minute. We wanted you to know before you heard it from anyone else. I thought you’d be happy for him.”

  “I’ll turn it on. Thanks, Mom.” I bit my bottom lip to keep from saying more.

  “Oh, and Allie? How’s Lucas?”

  “Better. Thanks for asking. Sorry, I have to go. I’ll talk to you later.” I disconnected and turned to Lucas. “Mom called with the good news.”

  A spokesperson appeared on the news channel, and the room went silent. I couldn’t sit. I paced behind everyone, half dazed, half listening. Doug would hold the position until election time then would have to run for office again in November but would be their only candidate. Congressman Porter held the important position of Speaker of the House. Astonishingly, Doug would step into that spot, too.

  Nate jumped from his chair. “What?” He looked at Lucas, eyes wide. “He’s a breath away from President.”

  After the announcement, Doug was brought on stage for questions. He gestured to a reporter in the front row. “Yes?”

  “I know you had a difficult campaign and had to make a decision if you’d step aside. It was reported you were the frontrunner in this election before the scandal hit. Do you feel it’s all behind you now? You’ve been vindicated by the nomination?”

  “Thank you, Mandy.” Doug smiled into the camera. “Those allegations were false and whoever sent those pictures to the newspapers got a lucky shot. It was made to look like something it wasn’t. I want to apologize again to my constituents, my family and Ms. Kimberly Wells. It wasn’t fair to any of them.”

  Doug looked at Mandy the reporter, intently and said, “Our dear Congressman Robert Porter, from the wonderful state of Virginia, has just passed away. We should focus on his family at this time. My thoughts and prayers are with them. I can only hope to live up to his legacy.” He paused, and I felt as if he looked right at me. “Right now, I need to concentrate on my family before I am sworn into office. I promised Katrina to take her on a short vacation, somewhere warm, where we can relax and I can spend time with our son. When we return, I will be ready to serve my country.”

  * * * *

  Our vacation to Hawaii had to be put on hold. Lucas spent long days at Headquarters while I focused on the museum. Sean and crew installed cherry hardwood floors throughout the rooms, and I picked paint samples and ordered benches to stay distracted. But Doug kept creeping into my thoughts. “I hate you,” I mumbled under my breath.

  “I hope you’re not talking about me,” Tobias said as he strolled into the room. “I came to tell you I have the cataloging done. Let’s break for lunch.”

  “I want the entrance to be breath-taking and catch the visitors’ eye,” I said as we walked to the apartment. “The main room will be dedicated to modern art. We have a lot of pieces from that era, late nine
teenth century Impressionism and Art Nouveau to the early twentieth century’s Expressionism and Abstract. Monets, Picassos, Matisses, Kahlos will fill the large front hall.”

  “Sounds wonderful, Allison. Your vision is becoming a reality.” Tobias pushed back the wood carved door and gestured for me to go in.

  “As you know, I’m struggling with the sixties decade, ever since Doug gave me the book with a hidden message.”

  “Put that aside,” Tobias said. “And find joy in the pieces we have. Pop Art will appeal to the children and would be a good place to start their art education. Let’s designate one of the smaller rooms off the main one for that decade. I don’t mind working on it.”

  “Thanks, but you’re right. Kids will love it, especially that Campbell’s soup can.”

  “Oh, Andy.” Tobias chuckled. “He insisted on making a special can for me. We had quite the time at a New York underground bar one night.”

  “I thought you met him in LA?”

  “I did,” he answered. “He flew me to New York when I said I’d never been there.”

  “You have quite the stories, Tobias.” I shook my head and smiled.

  “Then you’ll really like this one. I bought a Van Gogh from his brother Theo when I was in Paris, but it seems to be missing.” Tobias headed for his stove.

  “I’ll help you look until we find it.” I picked up a painting resting against his living room wall. “Did you just find this one?”

  “Yes,” he said as he filled the teakettle with water.

  I admired the picture of a woman with her back to the viewer done in monochromatic shades of blue. “This is Picasso’s blue period. Did you buy this one, too?”

  “Yes, I spent a few years in Paris before the war taking in the culture and arts. It was a thriving, vibrant city. I wish now I had been wiser and invested more money into art instead of the wine.” He chuckled.

  “Did you ever see Can-Can dancers while you were there?” I recalled Toulouse-Lautrec posters of le troupes—beautiful women holding up their skirts to expose their petticoats, ready to kick their legs in the air.