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

by Nancy Pennick

  “Where are you going, Allie?” Mom stood in the doorway. “I came back to tell you that Jim left, and it was safe to come out. Now I hear this?”

  “I’m not going anywhere, Mom.”

  “Yes, you are. Zak wants you safe.” Mom came into the room and closed the door. “You promised not to keep me in the dark. I will help any way I can.”

  “Clair,” Lucas said. “Sit down, and we’ll tell you everything.”

  Mom’s eyes widened as Lucas explained what I planned to do, and she covered her mouth when he finished. “Oh. My. I don’t know what to say.”

  “Mom, think hard. What type of car does Dad usually leave in?”

  “Doug has picked him up in a military jeep, but that’s just to drive around town. When they leave the city, there’s usually a driver, and Doug sits in back with Jim.” She paused as if to think. “They go in one of those large SUVs, the kind with three rows of seats. You can easily hide in the back storage area, Allie.” Mom looked at me and smiled. “I’d hate to think of you inside a trunk of a car for the drive.”

  “Me, too, Mom.” I laughed.

  Zak tugged on my hand. “Josh, Mommy.”

  “What?” I wrinkled my brow trying to think. “You mean Josh Reed? My old boyfriend from high school?” I stared at Lucas. “How does he know him?”

  “I can answer that,” Mom said. “You invited him to the party I had during Doug’s campaign.”

  “Right.” I nodded. “So Zak, what about him?”

  “He drive car.”

  My eyes widened. “Josh is Doug’s driver?”

  Zak nodded his little head up and down. “Friend?” He cocked his head.

  “Well, if Mommy gets in trouble or needs help, let’s hope he is.”

  * * * *

  I never had sweaty palms, but today I did, and I had to keep wiping them on my jeans. We only had a general plan and the first step was to get to the penthouse. We hoped to pass Dad on our way into the building, say our hellos and pretend to head for the elevator. Instead Lucas and I would follow him, wait for the opportune moment for me to bring up the invisibility shield and hop in the back of the SUV. I had a black nylon covering folded in my pocket to help conceal me once in place. It was risky, but the best we could do with what we had to work with.

  I took a deep breath as we boarded the bus after breakfast. Our routine had been established over the weeks, so nothing looked out of the ordinary. First stop was always the penthouse, then on to the hospital. Lucas would keep the schedule, and hopefully, it wouldn’t be noticed that I wasn’t with him.

  “Remember you have five minutes of invisibility every hour,” Lucas said to me in a low voice. “The ride to Patriot Village will be over an hour so you should be able to get into Headquarters using the shield again. Keep track of the time.” Lucas looked at me with his chocolate brown eyes filled with love. “I’ll stay in contact with you during the ride.”

  “Thanks.” I squeezed his hand.

  I was surprised to find myself quite calm except for the damp palms. I kept thinking of Ashley, cheering me on from her hospital bed, and Nate hugging me tightly before we left him yesterday. Oliver and Rosanne assured me I’d be okay, but even if I did get the Fountain of Youth formula, it was just the first step of many. Julian and Lucas had been trying to set up the next phase, a meeting with Doug, with no success. Lucas said it was because Doug saw no need for a meeting. He had us where he wanted us. Well, just wait, Doug. Things will change shortly.

  The bus came to our stop and we stepped off, scanning the area. Lucas took me in his arms before we reached my parents' apartment. “I love you so much.” He kissed the side of my head. “I don’t want to let you go.”

  “And I love you,” I said as I peered into his eyes. “I’ll be fine.”

  When we reached our destination, the automatic doors to the apartment building opened. “I can’t go out these same doors, Lucas. They’ll see them open and wonder why. We don’t have enough time to greet Dad and get me in place like we originally planned.”

  “There’s a side door down that hall,” Lucas said as he gestured for me to follow. “I’ll go with you and wait until you’re safely in the car.”

  The elevator made a noise, signaling its arrival. We dashed around the corner and threw our bodies against the wall. I heard Dad’s voice say, “No problem, son. Five minutes is nothing. I’ll wait outside.”

  Lucas looked at me, took my hand and guided me down the hall to the side door. My heart pounded, I swallowed a few times and took a breath. I could do this.

  Five minutes later, as promised, a black SUV drove up to the apartment building and stopped. A man dressed in the dark blue STF uniform and ball cap hopped from the driver’s side. By his build and height, I knew it was Josh. He shook hands with my dad, a friendly smile on his face. My dad patted Josh on the shoulder as he opened the back door.

  Without looking back, I turned on the shield, ran for the open door and slipped into the car while they talked. Fortunately, Doug sat in the front passenger side and was opening the door to get out. I climbed over the third set of seats and settled into a corner, trying to make myself as small as possible. A canvas tarp had been carelessly thrown in the trunk area, and I wiggled under it. I realized I was in a prime position to hear intel being discussed.

  “Hey, Pop,” Doug said as he got into the back seat with Dad. “I’d like you to pick out a home for you and Mom today. Then you’ve got to help convince my brother to come here to live.”

  “Maybe after I take some pictures of the place, he’ll be convinced.” Dad chuckled. “But, you have to see that place in person to believe it.”

  “Allie, too, Pop.”

  He called me Allie? What’s he up to? I felt the car move, relieved to finally be on our way.

  “Oh, I’ve already told her about Patriot Village,” Dad said. “She seemed quite interested in the place. I don’t think it’d take much convincing.”

  “I hope to make it my home away from home when I’m not staying at the White House or if I return to Congress.”

  “How?” Dad’s voice sounded concerned. “If everything goes back to the way it was, you’d never be able to afford it, Doug.”

  “There are ways, Pop. Don’t worry. Just take your pictures. If you can get the family to move in, the homes will be free of charge.”

  “That’s too much, Doug.”

  “Nothing’s ever too much for my pop,” Doug said, making me want to gag. Very smart of Doug to get us all to live in one place. He counted on Mom and Dad to convince me it would be the right thing to do for the family.

  The trip turned into a compliment contest between my dad and Doug so I learned nothing more during the ride to the Pennsylvania compound. I brought up my screen to pass the time and followed the route we were taking, saving all the information to my chip. Lucas held a one-sided conversation with me, knowing I couldn’t answer, but it helped keep me calm to hear his voice. An hour and a half later, we arrived at our destination.

  “Why is the check-in building so far from the resort?” Dad asked as the car began to slow.

  “Look at it, Pop. They didn’t give it much character. It doesn’t fit in with the theme of the resort, but it makes a great headquarters. I’ve got to check in with my men, then we’ll head into the village.”

  The SUV came to a complete stop, and a car door clicked. This was my only chance. I prayed Doug had left the door open as I gave the invisibility command. I poked my head over the seat and saw Dad sitting to the left and Doug to the right. As silently as I could, I climbed over the third row of seats and crouched low.

  “Could I come in with you?” Dad asked.

  “I’ll only be a minute,” Doug said. “In fact, why don’t you stretch your legs while I’m gone?” He slid from the car, and the door slammed shut.

  Crap! Please, Dad, take a walk.

  “Mr. Sanders?” Josh said. “I’d be happy to walk with you.”

  I love you, Josh!r />
  “Okay, you probably could stand to get out of the car after the drive, too,” Dad answered.

  By the time Dad slid from the car, I had vaulted the second row of seats and was right behind him. I slipped past him, brushing the back of his shirt and ran for Headquarters.

  “What was that?” I heard Dad’s voice as I ran for the door.

  Thank goodness the Niners had made all the villages and command centers identical so I knew where to go. I had to get to the fourth floor but had a feeling Doug would be there as well. I couldn’t use the elevator so I found the stairs and took them two at a time until I reached the top. Lucas said I had to be in the command center for the transporter to work. A warm feeling spread through my body, the signal that the invisibility shield was wearing off. I cracked the door and peeked through the opening. Doug talked to a few men, then they followed him to the elevator where everyone filed in.

  Good! If this wears off, I’ll be alone. I checked the time and saw I had twenty seconds of shield time left. My heart thumped wildly as I waited. The heat left my body, and I knew I was a sitting duck if anyone was out there.

  My hand trembled as I wrapped it around the door handle. I pulled the door toward me, and stepped into command central. All I needed to do was bring up my screen, think Victoria Village and step through to the other side. Easy as that. I took a breath and told the chip to bring up my screen.

  “Stop!” A voice called. “Stop, right there!

  Chapter Nineteen

  My breath hitched, and my body froze. I couldn’t let the STF guard see me walk through my screen and disappear into thin air. I slowly spun around and gasped. “Sean!”

  “Allie? What are you doing here?” He took a few steps toward me, and I backed away.

  “Doug invited me.” I held my chin high, trying to convince him.

  “Really?” Sean folded his hands in front of him. “I sincerely doubt it.”

  Tears filled my eyes. “Dammit, Sean! What in God's name happened in two weeks to make you do this? Why did you defect so easily? Did your best friend Randy convince you it was for the good of the country?” I felt water on my cheeks, not realizing I was sobbing as I poured my heart out. “You were like a brother!” I was shaking. “I don’t get it. How could you do this to me? to all of us?”

  “Allie, calm down. Take a breath.” Sean took a step toward me, holding out his hands, palms up as if to show he held no weapon.

  “I won’t calm down! I won’t take a breath! Don’t tell me what to do,” I yelled.

  “Come on., Allie. Think. Do you really think I would I defect that easily?” Suddenly, before I realized it, Sean was close enough to grab me by the arm.

  I struggled to release my arm from his grasp. “Let me go!’

  He guided me to the lounge area. “Sit?” His green eyes begged.

  I didn't answer but landed on the couch with a thud. “Fine.”

  “Please listen, Allie, hear me out. As you know, Kim and I went to Virginia to close up her condo and let Doug see she was okay. Within minutes of our arrival, the STF and Randolph were at our door. We didn’t have much time to make a plan, but Kim and I agreed to hear them out. They asked us to join them in their effort to save the world, and we asked for time.”

  “And they gave it to you?” I asked as I wiped my eyes on my sleeve.

  “Yes.” Sean nodded. “There was no pressure. But when the president and vice president disappeared under strange circumstances, that’s when Kim and I decided to go undercover. Randolph told me that with my background and his referral, I’d work security. Doug wanted Kim to be his personal assistant, but she declined. We finally told Randolph we were married and if Doug didn’t like it, we wouldn’t join them.”

  I lifted my brows. “How did Doug react when he found out?”

  “He couldn’t say much. He’s acting President of the United States. But he did send word that Kim could do anything she wanted while in New York City. He sent a list of suggestions.”

  “So she chose to work at the television station?”

  “Yeah, hoping you’d see her and try to find her.”

  “We did see her. The day we boarded the buses.” I shook my head. “She never tried to give us a signal or anything to make us think she was still on our side.”

  “That was early on, Allie. She was given that job last minute and freaked when she was assigned the Niner buses. When she saw you, she had the hardest time keeping quiet. Obviously, she did a great job playing the role. The STF was fooled, too.”

  “It was probably a test,” I said, sniffing. “Lucas left word at the station for Nate. He never got the message, but we didn’t know it at the time. We saw him at the Art Gala and found out the truth. But we still weren’t sure if we could trust Kim.”

  Sean crossed his arms. “Well, you can. And now, Allie, you’re going to tell me what you’re really doing here and how I can help.”

  Relief spread through me, and I reached out to him.

  The tension in Sean’s face vanished, and a smile took over. “Come here, little one,” he said as he pulled me into his arms. “Didn’t I tell you, I’d always protect you? I had to take advantage of the situation. Someone needed to be on the inside to gather intel.”

  “You were so mean to us the day we arrived!” I lightly punched his chest. “I looked into his eyes, hoping I could trust him. “I have my chip.”

  “Oh.” Sean took a breath. “So you’re headed to Montana.”

  “You know?” I rolled my eyes. “Of course, you do. You’re Niner security.”

  “Then you know that Julian came through the transporter when this compound was under attack?” Sean asked.

  “Yeah.”

  “But do you know he brought Rupert back with him to Montana?” He looked at me with questioning eyes.

  “The commander of this compound? No, I didn’t.” I stared around the room. From the outside, the building looked like a concrete structure, but from inside I had a sweeping view of the countryside no matter which way I turned. “So what are you telling me?”

  “There are a few security members who didn’t come with us,” Sean said. “Rupert stayed behind as commander. He was the best choice since the Pennsylvania compound closed and his people were scattered everywhere.” He took me by the shoulders. “When you come back, bring some chips. We had to surrender ours as proof of our loyalty.”

  “I’ll try. But those chips aren’t just lying around, if I remember correctly.” Lucas had told me chips were made only when needed.

  “Sorry. You’re right. I wasn’t thinking.” Sean shook his head.

  “I only have so much time, Sean. I need to go.” I brought up my screen before he could say another word. Victorian Village. I stepped through, not knowing what to expect. I still stood on the fourth floor of command central, but when I turned around Sean was gone.

  “I’m back?” I needed to work fast. Beetle, come to the elevator. I ran to the doors, waited for them to open and rushed inside. Second floor.

  Beetle, my futuristic crimson and silver car, purred with joy when she spotted me, then popped her doors.

  “The bio lab, Beetle, and hurry.” I longed to go to the house, check in and see if everything was the same, but there was no time. I had a mission to complete.

  She zoomed out of Headquarters and flew up and over the buildings, landing in front of the Innovation Lab. I ran inside, connecting to Lucas as I reached the elevator. “I’m here.”

  “Thank goodness! I was afraid to contact you!” His voice sounded full of worry.

  “Sorry, I disconnected you. But I couldn’t have you in my ear while I snuck in the building. And guess what? I had an interesting visit with Sean,” I said. “What floor again?”

  “Six.” Lucas went silent.

  “Lucas? Did you hear me? I saw Sean.”

  “Yes, I heard you. I take it he let you transport.”

  “Yes, he did. He’s still on our side, Lucas.”

  Silence.<
br />
  “Lucas?”

  “I’m here. Are you there yet?”

  “Just stepped out on the sixth floor and heading for Oliver’s office.” I had no clue what I was supposed to do. They'd kept me in the dark for security reasons. Lucas would talk me through once I was in the room. “Okay. In.”

  “There’s a safe on the wall behind their wedding picture.”

  “Isn't that cute?" I smiled. But so typical. Wasn’t the safe always behind a picture on a wall? Rosanne smiled at me, blonde curls pulled up and away from her face with a floral band around her hair, veil flowing down her back. Oliver, still looked the same after twenty-eight years, and now, so did Rosanne thanks to the Fountain of Youth serum.

  “Here’s the code.” Lucas repeated the numbers as I touched each one. “It’s a blue vial with the letters F. O. Y.”

  “Got it.” I clutched it in my hand, heart beating with excitement.

  “Before you leave, pour half into another vial and put it back in the safe. It’s all he’s got. Make sure you don’t spill, break or drop it.”

  “Can you say pressure?” I joked, trying to ease the tension. Now I was nervous as I tiptoed out to the lab in search of a clean vial. I held the glass tube between two fingers, praying I wouldn’t drop it. The place was spotless—stainless steel counters, clean white walls, and shiny linoleum floor. It should have felt like a sterile laboratory environment, but large windows let in light which made it feel welcoming. Thankfully, I spotted a holder and slipped the vial into place. I opened a few cupboards and drawers, then headed to a large metal cabinet, swinging open both doors. A box with VIALS written on it sat on a shelf. I lifted the lid, took one out and over to the holder.

  “Steady, girl.” I breathed. I carefully poured half into the new container, corked it then returned the original to Oliver’s safe.

  “I did it, Lucas. I’m heading back to Headquarters.” But I came to a stop when I got outside. “Or maybe not.”

  A tall, olive-skinned muscular man leaned nonchalantly against Beetle, arms crossed. His dark features and unshaven look, made him look mysterious and scary at the same time. When he saw me, a sly smile crossed his face. “Can I help you?” he asked.