Chapter 3

Tris

The gun went off near her head causing her ears to ring. They grappled back and forth on the floor. She was in shape but knew she couldn't hold her own with him forever. He had her pinned on the floor about to punch her in the face, she braced for the blow as he pulled his fist back. She closed her eyes and suddenly his weight was lifted off of her. Her eyes flew open and she saw another man punch Al and him falling to the floor unconscious. Her ears were still ringing as the mystery man turned to come to her side. She could see his mouth moving but heard nothing but the intense ringing in her ears. She put a hand over her eyes. A rush of officers came in and secured Al putting him in handcuffs and escorting him out. She put down her hands and saw Joe come into her line of vision. She attempted at what she hoped was a casual smile. He was shaking his head.

"Before you say anything Joe let me just say it will fall on deaf ears." She laughed half heartedly. "Literally my ears are ringing."

He was about to say something when someone came up behind him and tapped him on the shoulder. His grimaced and nodded. He mouthed I'll be back. Luckily she could somewhat read lips. She gave a thumbs up. She started to attempt to sit up and then was held in place by a firm hand. She looked over at the guy who had saved her. He shook his head. She started to get irritated. She was grateful for him saving her but he better watch himself. Her hearing was coming back and she could hear the chatter from surrounding officers.

"I suppose I should say thank you." He laughed. She liked his laugh, even though he was a little pushy. "Whats your name?"

He looked over at her, his elbows rested on his bent knees sitting on the floor beside her. He was wearing a v neck charcoal grey tshirt with a black leather jacket over it despite the heat. His dark denim jeans fitting him in all the right places, she let her eyes glide over him. She finally met his eyes and she saw humour in them.

"Like what you see?" She cleared her throat and sat up this time him not stopping her. Paramedics came and checked her out. She looked at him out of the corner of her eye. "My name is Tobias by the way, and you Joe and I need to have a little discussion."

Tobias.

He didn't even think he just reacted jumping on the gunman and saving her. He couldn't believe he had done it. Watching her get checked out by paramedics he gave her his name and told her we needed to talk. he prayed he didn't just blow his cover. He needed to stay out of the news and out of sight of the cameras. Any news of this gets back to Jeanine and he was toast. Almost two years of undercover work infiltrating one of the biggest mobs in Chicago lost. He had to make sure everything went smoothly. She looked over at him.

"How do you know Joe?" She looked at him wearily. He could tell she wasn't an entirely trusting person. Goes with our line of work I suppose. He thought to himself. He waited until the paramedics left and they were alone again. He leaned in and said "I am a undercover agent in the Eruidites mob. Her face stayed neutral but she didn't quite cover the twitch in her hand betraying her surprise.

"The Eruidites?" She said casually. "How long?"

"Almost two years." He said. Joe walked up to them and motioned them to follow him. He stood up first and then helped her up. She murmured her thanks. They followed Joe out back into the back of an intel gathering van.

"This way no nosey media can get a shot of you young man." He looked at Tobias. He nodded his thanks.

"I appreciate it." He paused. "So how are we going to spin this thing so that no one will know it was me?"
"Well first of all the two hostages who were witness to the exchange are signing non- disclosure agreements stating that they will not speak with anyone regarding the events of today for theirs and others protection. The media will just be informed that a 'good Samaritan' jumped in helping to save the day. " He paused. " Luckily this wasn't a huge ordeal and won't gather too much attention." So far everything sounded good to him. He looked over at her. She was nodding in agreement. "Tris," Joe continued looking at her, "since you are now aware of his under cover status. Any and all hostage negotiations involving the Erudites or anything in their territory will now be assigned to you no questions."

"Why? What difference will it make?" She asked.

"Well Tobias has been undercover with this group the longest we have been able to keep anyone. The intel he gathers is invaluable. You can act as a middle man if needed and if you meet him and/or know he is in trouble then you will call for back up and get him out."

"I don't know about this…." He started "I mean I appreciate this but I have been doing fine on my own."

"Look this is the way its going, orders directly from your CO Captian Prior."

He heard a intake of breath, and looked over at Tris.

"My father signed off on this?!" She said clearly caught off guard.

"This just keeps getting better and better." He laughed to himself at unexpected and hopefully interesting turn of events. He was hoping to just get through today but this morning had brought something hopefully exciting to look forward to. It had been a while since anything exciting has happened to him. Ever since he went undercover he has had his share of despair and death in his life he was ready for a bright spot to look forward to and he hoped that Tris Prior was just that sunny spot.