Just a reminder, I don't own these characters, just my story.

Thank you for all the lovely reviews and follows. This is my first time writing fanfic, and it makes me happy to know you're enjoying it.

Tris POV

I've wanted to tell someone about Tobias for months now. There have been so many times I've picked up the phone to call Christina, and each time I lose my nerve. While our friends may have thought that Tobias was overly protective and jealous, they've never thought it's more than that. Tobias managed to always play the part of perfect boyfriend, all while separating me from everyone I love. How can I tell a perfect stranger about him? Especially one of his colleagues?

"Tris, I'm going to start the recorder. We can stop at any time, ok?"

I take a deep breath and nod. I need to be brave.

"Can you state your name for the record ma'am?"

"Beatrice Prior, but I go by Tris."

"Tris, I'd like you to start at he beginning. Talk about what you remember about the current and past incidents."

"My boyfriend and I had been together since I was 13 years old, so 10 years. Once we went to college he became paranoid and jealous, and started isolating me from my family and friends. My brother and parents died 6 months ago in a car accident, and it was the night of their funeral that he first hit me. Since then, we've had many physical arguments, he typically would hit me where people couldn't see, like my stomach and back. There were a few times that he punched or slapped me in the face leaving a mark, and those times I typically would miss work. I'd never sought medical attention before now. I couldn't, because if someone started asking questions about my injuries it could affect his career."

I meet Eric's eyes and see softness. I take a deep breath and continue.

"This incident was different than any in our past. We lived within walking distance from my job, and one of my coworkers had walked me home due to a recent armed robbery in our neighborhood. This caused a jealous reaction from my boyfriend, and he accused me of sleeping with this man behind his back. He was irrational and creating scenarios in his mind, and no matter what I said he got angrier. I remember him pushing me against the wall, and punching me repeatedly in my stomach. I managed to get away from the wall, and I tried to get closer to the front door, which angered him and caused him to push me down and start kicking my side and back. His work phone alerted him, and it caused enough distraction for me to get up and run to our front door. He saw this and yanked me roughly by my hair, and I remember hitting the kitchen island and I must have blacked out. I couldn't wake up, but I heard him saying "I fucking killed her, she's going to die" over and over while he was carrying me to his car. The next thing I remember is waking up in a wooded area, I was cold, nauseous and dizzy. My eyes wouldn't focus and my ears sounded like I was under water. I couldn't walk, so I crawled through mud until I felt gravel. My next memory is waking up here."

"Tris, can you tell me who abused you?" Eric asks.

At this point, I can't stop the steady flow of tears. This is it, this is where I officially name the bastard who has spent the past several years breaking me down.

"Yes, his name is Tobias Eaton. He's a detective for the Dauntless P.D. I've never told anyone about the abuse because of that. He terrifies me, and I thought he was the love of my life. I hate him. I've hated him for months now. I don't want to protect him anymore. He wanted to kill me." I can't continue because I'm sobbing.

Eric pauses the recorder and I pull him close to me. He wraps his arms around me and holds me while I cry. I would have died if it weren't for him, and even though he is a colleague of Tobias' I somehow feel like he believes me. I'm tired of being that bastards punching bag. I'm ready to fight back. I give Eric a quick nod, and he starts the recorder again so I can continue.

"I've been so afraid to talk about this. He spent 10 years building me up only to completely break me. He was everything to me. My only love, the only person I've ever had sex with, the person I thought I'd marry. I fucking hate him. He left the night of my parents funeral, after he fucking beat me. Do you know he was gone for 2 days? He was all I had and he left me. I was so angry at him, but now looking back I'm angry at myself for staying. I'm so stupid." I finally break down, and I feel like I can't breathe.

Eric rushes out to get a nurse, I don't know what's happening but I can't breathe and I'm starting to see dark spots. Everyone is so far away. I just want to close my eyes for a little while. Just fade away.

I wake up and see Eric sitting in a chair next to another man I've never seen. They are speaking quietly and haven't noticed I'm awake.

"Eric?" I whisper. He jumps up and walks over to me immediately. "What happened?" I ask.

"It was another panic attack Tris. Dr. Reyes gave you some medicine to help you relax. Are you feeling better?"

"Yes, I am. Who is with you?" I ask while looking at the other man in the room.

"Hi Tris, I'm Detective Peter Hayes. Eric is my partner, I apologize for startling you."

Hayes. I know this name. Tobias hates him. He would come home ranting about him almost every other day.

"You work with Tobias." I state.

"Yes, I have ever since he joined the force." Peter replies.

"Forgive me for being blunt, but are you going to be able to be objective? What about Max? Or Zeke?" I can tell that both Eric and Peter sense my anxiety. Eric reaches for my hand and rubs circles on the back of it with his thumb.

Eric speaks first. "We are already starting, and Pete and I will take care of everything Tris. You are so strong, and you've carried this long enough. It's time to let us take care of you. He's going to pay for what he's done to you. I promise to do everything in my power to ensure that happens."

Peter speaks next "Tris, we've already debriefed Max, he is aware of your statement and he's going to speak to Eaton today. He's asked that Eric or I come in for the arrest. We're on your side."

I look back at Eric and ask "Do you have to go?"

"No, I've already spoken with Max and he only needs one of us there. Pete has agreed to go."

"Why are you doing this for me? This could cause problems for both of you." I look at both Eric and Peter.

"Because it's the right thing to do. It's our job, and you don't deserve that from anyone."Peter says.

Eric looks me directly in the eyes and speaks with a firm, yet soft tone. "He took the same oath we did to serve and protect. He's breaking his oath. He's not above the law. You are worth so much more than that. I'll do whatever I can to make you see that."

There's more than just words when Eric replies to me. I can't explain what it is, but there is a connection here and I decide to trust him.

"Thank you both, so much." I say. "You have no idea how much this means."

I can feel the heaviness of my eyelids, and for the first time in a long time I feel relaxed. Yet another first, I'm sitting with a man other than Tobias and instead of the constant anxiety and dread I've had for months I feel calm. Peter bids his farewell to both of us and Eric brings his chair by the bed and grasps my hand in his. He gently uses his other hand to brush my stray hair from my eyes. I notice how grey his eyes are, and how intense he seems. He has visible tattoos on both arms, and I can see some tattoos that creep up each side of his neck, barely above the collar of his shirt. His dark blonde hair is shaved on both sides, with a longer pompadour type hair style held back with gel on top. He has some dark circles below his eyes, and the stubble from several days without shaving, however it's obvious that he's quite handsome. Why is here sitting with a broken girl like me?

"Eric, I realize how selfish I've been, you don't have to stay here. It's been 3 days. Go home to your wife or family. I'll be fine."

"Tris, I'm here because I want to be. I live alone, so there's no one to go home to. No wife, no kids, no girlfriend, no pets." he chuckles slightly. "Are you kicking me out?"

"No! I just don't want you to feel obligated to be here. You've already done so much-"

Eric cuts me off before I can finish. "There's nowhere I'd rather be. Pete brought me clothes, and I plan on grabbing a shower once you're settled. You've got yourself a roommate." He smiles and squeezes my hand. "Ok?"

I can't help but smile at him. "Ok, deal."

He gives me a gentle kiss on my forehead and gets up from his chair. "I'm going to take that shower now, so you can stop fighting sleep. I'll be here when you wake up."

"I'd like that."