Point A to Point Z

By Ginney Etherton

Zak, a twelve-year-old boy who's never been anywhere, has no idea what's in store for him when his parents allow him to take a short trip with his widowed grandmother, Audra. They intend to go only as far as Washington, D.C. to receive his grandfather’s honorary award, but they end up on an emissary mission to the other side of the globe.
The State Department needs them to finish the work that Zak's diplomat granddad started in Mongolia and Angola. Exotic cultures and landscapes, and witnessing the burgeoning disparity in developing countries, give them firsthand educations about authentic current issues of global importance. Zak learns that real-life adventures in foreign places are definitely more exciting than video games.
Although they are generations apart, these traveling companions join together and show how awareness and respect can bring people closer.
Point A to Point Z is a full-length novel targeted to mature Middle Grade readers. However, it can appeal to anyone interested in an entertaining and engaging trip that goes beyond the prevailing scope of a genre saturated with dragons and superheroes.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ginney Etherton
• Release date: Nov 16, 2017
• ISBN: 9780983558132

Ginney Etherton

I like to write (& read) but my farm, volunteer work, and errands keep me too busy to do either as much as I'd like. Freedom to create is a luxury that I'll continue to enjoy when I can, with no delusions of being discovered. For my caddie novels, I got inspiration from memories of being a smart-mouthed young woman and from people around me. (I eavesdrop.) Writing for Middle-Grade readers was a whole new challenge. Inspiration came from talking with kids I know, but I had to do tons of research on my own. I now know more about Mongolia and Angola (and Minecraft) than anyone in my circle of friends. My goal is to share some of that education with young people while giving them something fun to read. Every writer should have a purpose for their books, and mine is to entertain.

Book preview

Point A to Point Z

by Ginney Etherton

Copyright Ginney Etherton, 2017

This book is a work of fiction. The events described are imaginary, and the characters are fictitious and not intended to represent specific living persons. Even when settings are referred to by their true names, the incidents that take place there are entirely fictitious.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

Thank you for downloading this ebook. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author, and may not be redistributed to others for commercial purposes. You are welcome to share it with your friends, provided the book remains in its complete original form. Thank you for your support.

Contents

PART ONE — Mongolia

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

PART TWO — Angola

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-one

Chapter Twenty-two

Chapter Twenty-three

Chapter Twenty-four

Chapter Twenty-five

Chapter Twenty-six

Epilogue

About the Author

PART ONE — Mongolia

Chapter One

Speeding down an open road in a hot car was a thrill Zak dreamed of. But racing down a runway in a plane that was bigger than his whole school was not what he had in mind. He gripped the arms of his seat and avoided looking out the window. When the wheels left the ground he tried not to think about being airborne. He tried not to think about the ground. He tried not to think about anything.

His eyes popped open at the sound of clunking noises he could feel all the way to his stomach.

That’s the landing gear going back into place, Zak. It’s normal, his grandmother said quietly. She took out her earbuds and dug around in her jacket until she found a pack of Hubba Bubba gum. You like this kind? My ears always get plugged up as we climb. It helps to chew gum. Besides, sugar’s always good.

She put the wrapper in her pocket as she calmly chewed and closed her eyes. Zak followed her lead, except he turned his eyes to the window. Seeing the cloud layers pile up and obscure the land below made him relax a little. How stupid, he thought, for a guy who was practically a teenager to be afraid of flying. He just needed to get used to it, and he could get used to anything.

It was his first time, after all. It was his first flight, his first time away from home, his first time going anywhere with Grammy. She was fun to be with and everything, but still. It should be Andy, not him. Andy would kill for a trip like this. Zak thought about his big brother and wondered what he was doing back at home right then. Probably playing a video game, or watching a movie. What else was there to do on summer break in their dinky town? Mom was probably at work, and Dad was probably in the shop working on somebody’s car. Zak knew they were thinking about him, just as he was thinking about them.

If only Andy wasn’t so sick, then everything would be okay.

Hey, kiddo, you want this, she said, taking the earbuds out again. You might find something you like on my playlist. The Roots? Green Day? Have you ever heard Nirvana? They’re old, but classic.

Nah, I’m okay. How long did you say till we get to Washington D.C., Grammy?

With the layover it’s almost seven hours. It will be midnight by the time we find our driver and collect our baggage.

How will we find him?

He, or she, will be holding a card with our names on it. You’ll see. Then we get taken to our hotel room where, I’ve been assured, we’ll be treated to a good night’s rest before the festivities tomorrow.

This award we’re getting for Granddad ― it’s a really big deal, isn’t it?

Her eyes took on a faraway look. I would say so. It’s an unusual honor, given only to a very few, and you and I should feel proud to receive it for him. He did some important work for the government. She let out a laugh. I only wish I knew exactly what it was.

Zak knew his grandfather had worked for the U.S. State Department and that he had traveled a lot. Beyond that he was kind of a mystery. Because they lived so far away, he and Andy hadn’t really gotten to know their grandparents. When he thought about it, Zak realized his mom must trust Grammy a lot to send him with her for a whole five days. He made up his mind not to let them down by giving them anything to worry about.

Will we get to see where Granddad worked?

Oh, yeah. You’ll see the whole department. It’s a huge building, one of many in the heart of the district, and you’re going to be blown away. She reached across and gave him a quick hug. Oh, I’m so glad you came with me, Zak. Your grandfather loved you boys, and was sorry he didn’t get to spend more time with you. We’ll do our best to make up for it on this trip, okay?

Okay. He tried to smile, but it didn’t feel right. I miss Granddad. It’s so sad that he got sick and died. He just barely retired!

She chuckled as she patted his knee. Retired? That’s a laugh. Your grandfather was never one for sitting watching the Oregon rain from his easy chair. He may have left his office job in Washington but he didn’t stop taking assignments. He left the country at least six times since we moved to Oregon. Yeah, Al was a worker.

She glanced at Zak. It’s good of you to think about him, Zak, and to miss him. But don’t worry. I suspect he’ll still be with us. She lifted her hand in the split-fingered, Mr. Spock gesture that Al had always signed off with on Skype calls with his grandsons. Live long and prosper, Zak. She leaned back in her seat again. See. Just now he told me to do that.

⋯

Someone named Smitty had sent a limo for them in the morning, and Grammy explained that Smitty had been Al’s best friend and he’d meet them at the Department of State building. The sights along the way from their hotel had Zak spinning in his seat. No less impressive was the room to which Smitty escorted them. Zak barely registered the standing crowd of people as he gaped at the ornate carpet, gilt-lined walls, and crystal chandeliers. His grandmother acknowledged the applause with solemn nods to the foreign faces smiling at her as she held tight to Smitty’s arm.

At the podium in front stood a man Zak recognized from the news he sometimes watched at home ― the secretary of state himself. He shook his grandmother’s hand, then Zak’s. Everyone remained standing for the ceremony, which Zak was thankful wasn’t too long. After saying some really nice things about his grandfather’s service to his country, the secretary handed his grandmother a plaque and said, Thank you, Audra. Your presence here today reminds us all of the loved ones we leave home holding down the fort. I know Al needed you, and you, too, Zak, as much as we needed him.

Zak nodded solemnly and looked him right in the eye, hoping to convey the pride he felt at that moment. He looked at his grandmother and at the engraved plaque she clutched to her chest, and felt closer to her than he thought he ever had. The secretary’s words of praise echoed in Zak’s ears as they made their way back down the aisle, accepting handshakes and more kind words from teary-eyed strangers. Foresight... fair-mindedness... humanity... courage.

Smitty waited for them at the door, where the secretary left them. Audra, let’s step into my office, shall we? I have something to discuss, Smitty said. Zak, you’re welcome, also. Unless you’d rather have a tour of the building. I could arrange that for you.

No, thank you, sir. I’d rather stay with my grandmother. He stood tall and straight, eyeing this Mr. Smithfield who everyone called Smitty with a firm stare.

I can tell you’re very protective of your grandmother, young man. And well you might be, Smitty said as he waited for Zak and Audra to take their chairs. He sat on the edge of his desk and faced Audra. Because I’m about to offer her a job.

Zak swung around to watch his Grammy’s response. She was obviously dumbstruck.

I’m serious, Audra. Hear me out, Smitty said. Zak, you heard Mr. Secretary say some cool things about Al Scott, your grandfather. All true. But I’m going to let you in on a little secret. There’s more. I won’t give you details, but suffice it to say that he performed missions that have helped countless men, women, and children across the world. He looked at Audra. His work isn’t finished, Audra, and that’s why we need you.

Me? You’ve got to be kidding. What on earth can I do?

Follow Al’s, and your own, guiding principles. That’s it. Al’s illness and untimely death came in the middle of a project he’d poured his heart and soul into. It’s a stable situation, but it needs attention as soon as possible. The president, the secretary, and I believe you are the one to carry on where Al left off.

Zak saw his grandmother sat frozen. Before she could speak, Smitty continued. Understand, we don’t expect you to do it the same way. You’ll be yourself ― the widow of a beloved man who happened to represent the United States in their country and helped them with their problems. And I’m talking about regular, salt-of-the-earth people, not rulers living in palaces.

Where? she asked. What country are you talking about?

Well, that’s complicated. Let’s go over the basics first. You’ll be working for the State Department but unofficially. Except to a select few, you’ll be known only as the visiting widow of a former dignitary. It’s a humanitarian gesture of goodwill. Think of it as an all-expense-paid trip to an exotic place, which, as Al’s long-suffering wife, you deserve. But the problem is we need you to go right away. We can ensure your safety, believe me.

I don’t know whether I do or not, Smitty. This is all too much right now. I have Zak to think of. I promised his mother that I’d have him back in Arizona three days from now.

I understand. Please, let me call for the limo and you go back to your hotel to relax. We can talk again this evening. My wife is expecting you and Zak for dinner.

⋯

Pretty weird, huh, pal? Audra was trying her best to snap Zak out of his morose mood. He’d been silent on the way back to their room and now he was plopped face down on his King-sized bed, not even bothering to turn the TV on first. Let’s call your mom right now. That will make me feel better, just to know that you’re taken care of no matter what.

Zak didn’t move. Audra made the connection on Skype and Zak heard the stress in his mother’s voice when she answered. Mom! Is everything okay? How’s Zak? Is something wrong?

No. Everything’s fine. Except, it looks like I’ll be taking a side trip, and Zak will have to fly back alone.

There was silence at the other end, and Zak heard his grandmother say, Sweetheart, it’s a matter that was evidently of great importance to your father, and I want to do this. Zak will be fine flying home on his own. The flight attendants look after ‘unaccompanied youths’ very well, and besides, now he’s a pro at traveling. Aren’t you, buddy?

Zak still didn’t move.

But, Mom, how’s he going to get home from the airport? We can’t make the drive. Andy’s still undergoing tests and I have to be at the hospital with him all week. John can’t afford to take time off, and even if he did he’s only got the truck and it won’t make it to the airport. Her voice strained with a tension that made Zak look up to see if she was getting mad. We were counting on you to bring Zak home.

Well, Audra said, I guess I could take him with me.

Take him where, Mom? Where are you going? And for how long?

Well, I don’t really know yet. But I know it requires passports, which might be an issue. Except probably not, since we are dealing with the State Department, for crying out loud. So, yeah, I guess I could take him with me.

She looked over at the bed and Zak was sitting up, watching and waiting.

His mom got their attention again. No! No, never. I can’t let you take Zak out of the country. He’s barely been out of Arizona! Mom, what are you thinking?

She’s right, Mom. He’s gotta go, Andy said, suddenly appearing on the screen behind her. For me. He’s gotta go see things and do things for me because I can’t. Don’t you, Zak? You’ll be out there in the real world and report back to me what it’s like.

Chapter Two

When their plane left the ground, Zak didn’t let his nerves get the better of him this time. He waited and prepared himself for the clunk of the landing gear, then bravely looked out the window. Audra nudged him and held out her pack of Hubba Bubba.

Thanks, Grammy. He opened a piece and put the empty wrapper in his pocket.

You think this is something you could get used to? she asked.

Sure. I like traveling, he said, as if he’d done it all his life.

Well, this is a new one on me. I never expected to be flying to the other side of the world, especially first-class. But it’s definitely something I could get used to, she said, pushing her seat all the way back and tucking the warm blanket around her legs. Who knew the State Department had all these perks.

Can I use the laptop that Smitty gave you, Grammy?

Sure. Wait till we level off and the flight attendant will get it out of my carry-on for you.

Meanwhile, Zak got out the pen and notepad that Audra had let him take from their hotel room. He made a list of the things he wanted to look up once he could get online.

Angola

savannahs - elephants

Kalandula waterfall

Kilamba – smart cities

Kwanza River

He remembered more names from Smitty’s briefs that Grammy had let him read, but these were the ones he wanted to study first. He’d always been good at remembering names of people and places, even if they were unfamiliar spellings. Pronouncing them was something else, but he figured that would come later. Just the idea of being in Africa made his head spin. He imagined natives with bare feet, colorful cloth wrapped around their long, dark-skinned bodies, balancing bundles of stuff on their heads. Maybe they’d be leading an elephant, or a water buffalo.

Do they have water buffalo in Angola, Grammy?

They have African buffalo, mostly in the wildlife reserves. Audra opened her eyes, eager to explore whatever Zak was interested in. I saw a show a while back, and it said that the buffalo was one of the most dangerous animals in Africa.

Oh, then they probably don’t use them for hauling carts.

No, I don’t think so, she answered. You might be thinking of water buffalo, like they have in parts of Asia.

What about elephants? Will there be elephants in the street and stuff?

Again, Asia. I don’t think elephants are allowed to be domesticated in Africa anymore. Devastating poaching and civil wars have seriously threatened their survival. She noticed he did an embarrassed eye roll.

I knew that, he said. "I saw it on Animal Planet. I just forgot."

"Well, good for you for even knowing anything about the eastern hemisphere. If you’re like me, you were probably hoping to see an Africa with nomads living off the land, sharing watering holes with wildebeests and springbok and such ― I don’t even know if that ever happened. She laughed. But anyway, I getcha. I wanna see that Africa, too. Unfortunately, I’m afraid we’ll be spending much of our time in the capitol city, a very modern city. But ... and here she sat up on the edge of her seat, turned to look him right in the eye, and said, I told Smitty that the only way we’d agree to going to any of these places, was if we could go on safari. With cameras, not rifles, of course. How’s that sound to you?"

He pictured himself hanging onto the roll bar of a Land Rover with one hand, the other hand holding a long-scope camera as they bounced over the desert alongside a herd of giraffes.

Cool, was all he could say. I wish we could go to Angola now.

I know, she said, me, too. But with all the strings Smitty can pull, we just can’t sidestep the ten-day waiting period. Yellow fever is serious and inoculations are required. Don’t worry, we’ll get to Africa eventually.

With that, she sat back and closed her eyes again. Zak saw the flight attendant coming his way and got her help getting the laptop out of the carry-on in the overhead compartment.

Okay, Africa will have to wait. Meanwhile, where the heck is Mongolia?

⋯

By the time Audra and Zak landed, almost 24 hours and two brief stops later, Zak was more excited about Mongolia than Angola. They had read all the brochures that Smitty had given them and searched dozens of sites on the laptop. Nomads with yaks and wild horses, camping in gers, seeing the exact place where dinosaur eggs and velociraptors were first found ― now this was more like it. Riding a camel in the Gobi Desert was number one on Zak’s list.

But, from the airport all he could see was a city like any other, a lot like Washington, D.C. but not as hot. A young, blond woman in a military uniform met them and introduced herself as Sylvia from the embassy. Her car was nice, but not a limo. She talked excitedly, pointing out modern buildings mixed in with odd-looking temples. Zak just saw a lot of bright lights and traffic. Not a camel in sight.

What time is it, Grammy? I’m hungry.

She looked at the dashboard clock. Holy moly, is that right? she asked Sylvia.

Yes, ma’am. You’ve traveled into the end of the next day. No wonder you’re hungry, Zak. She smiled at him into the rearview mirror. Don’t worry, though. Ulaanbataar never rests, so if you want a hamburger, I can stop for you.

Uh, listen, buddy, Audra said. If you can hold out a while, I need a shower before anything in the way of social contact.

Since Zak didn’t respond, the driver said, Yes, ma’am. We’re almost there.

But it wasn’t until the next morning that Zak felt the reality of where he actually was ― the other side of the world. They had phoned home when they first arrived at the ambassador’s residence, and Zak got to brag to Andy about being in the future, having crossed the International Date Line. It was a brief conversation, though, because he and his grandmother had needed to get cleaned up and get escorted to the dining room for something to eat. The cook had served them soup with dumplings, and a tray of cold vegetables and meat