Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to Divergent, including Eric. Which is slightly overly depressing. If I do happen to claim the rights to Eric, you will be the first to know.

Chapter Nine

Jenivieve's POV

I had so much to think about that when I got home I honestly was not prepared for a confrontation with my 'father'.

"How did lunch go?" He shouted from his office as I walked in the door and placed my coat on the hook.

"Lunch went well. We had a lot to discuss about my new position." It was the honest truth and I did need to think about everything.

"That's good." He said from his office door as I walked into the living room. "Are you excited with your new responsibilities?" He questioned.

"There is going to be a lot of new things for me to learn but now that I have no classes left I have plenty of time to learn my new role." I flashed him a smile as I settled on the couch. He entered the room and sat in the chair opposite me.

"Just be cautious around Jeanine. She has a way of exposing people's secrets and using them against. Do not trust anything she says." He was looking at me, very serious. "Always follow your instincts and always have proof."

He was the second person to warn me about Jeanine. Each warning just made me want to dig deeper into the mystery that was Jeanine Matthews and just learn exactly what she was planning.

"You work with her more than any of the other scientist. Do you not trust her?" I asked because Evelyn hadn't said if he could be trusted and if Jeanine really was a threat, my father would hold valuable information.

"I trust no in that place." His answer was cryptic but the look on his face told me that I wouldn't be getting more information out of him. "Oh by the way, these came for you in the mail today." He indicated toward two envelopes sitting on the coffee table and went back into his office and closed the door.

Now alone, I grabbed both envelops in my hands. One was completely blank except for my name written in elegant script on the front. The other was addressed to me from the Offices of Jeanine Matthews.

Generally curious, I opened the blank one first. Just as I had suspected it was from Evelyn.

Jenivieve,

I have decided to agree with you. We will find a way to spare Dauntless.

I got information stating that you are going to Dauntless Headquarters in the morning. I must warn you. Jeanine's presence there has been noted more than one. Be cautious; there are cameras with audio as well as video all over the city. There are only a few blind spots, most top secret, like your house.

The work that Andrew does is top secret, therefore no cameras were installed in his house. When you visit Dauntless, be diligent and do not show favoritism toward ANY initiate. It will only make it that much harder for them in training.

Last but not least. I have included a note for Tobias. I know it is not my place to impose on you but I wish for you to deliver it. And please do not read it.

If you need to meet with me, take a Night Bloom Water Lily from the pond in the courtyard and leave it on the farthest eastern bench. I will meet you at midnight the same night, when the Lily is in full bloom.

E.

I took Tobias' folded note and set it aside. True to her request, I did not read it, even though I wanted to. Next I picked up the envelope that was address to me from Jeanine.

It was more of an extremely thick package than an envelope. I carefully opened one end and peered in. Inside the package was a few folders and brand new tablet. I took the tablet out. It was the newest model, capable of sending and receiving information and electronic documents. I was excited to turn it on and start using it but I set it aside and grabbed the folders.

The first folder that I opened contained information on the Dauntless Compound, including a map. There was a note tapped to the map.

Jenivieve,

I wanted to give you this map in hopes that it would make your position as liaison to Dauntless easier as you will be spending a lot of time there. I would like to point out that Dauntless has a control room where they monitor all the cameras for the compound. Be careful not to wonder off where you are not allowed. Do not socialize with the Dauntless. You are there for one purpose and one purpose only. To ensure that the Dauntless hold up their end of the agreement.

If you have any problems with Max or any of the other Dauntless members I expect you to handle it accordingly.

Jeanine.

I removed her letter and peered at the map of the Dauntless Compound. It was so extensive, I imagined that I would get lost many times without this map. I placed the folder next to the tablet and opened the next one.

Inside the folder was a photo of an olive skinned man who appeared to be 10 years older than I. He had many piercings and tattoos, which only made him more intimidating. Below the picture was a name and title: Max, Dauntless Leader.

This was the man that I would be meeting with tomorrow and no doubt the man that I would spend the most time with while inside Dauntless.

Behind the photo was a list of the other four Dauntless Leaders, however pictures had not been included. Under the last name on the list there was note, scribbled in Jeanine's handwriting;

This leader is 'retiring' soon. We must ensure that whom so ever replaces him will benefit us. The next folder contains the perfect candidate.

I did not understand what she mean by 'retiring' as new leaders were only elected when the previous leader had died. But maybe Dauntless was different. I guess I was about to find out.

I placed the second folder on top of the first folder and proceeded to open the last remaining folder.

What I found inside made my heart stop.

Inside was a full size photo of Eric. It was a recent picture. I moved the picture and looked at the papers behind it. The first paper had basic information on him; birthdate, parents names, no siblings, hobbies, and IQ score. The second page was his aptitude test results.

I quickly scanned the paper. The only two things that stood out were that the aptitude video was not available and his results were indeed Dauntless. Part of me had hoped that they wouldn't be. But deep down I had known.

This is who Jeanine had wanted to replace the 'retiring' leader. I didn't know if it was because he was her nephew or it she actually thought he was quantified. Suddenly it occurred to me; Jeanine could have planted him in Dauntless.

His results could have been falsified. That would explain why he left, why I was so surprised by his choice. It is what I had wanted to believe.

I shoved all the folders back into the envelope and went to my bedroom. I grabbed my Mother's business bag from my closet. She had always used it to take files to and from work. Now it would serve me in hiding my personal information. I could take this bag everywhere with me.

I placed the bag on the floor next to my dresser and I changed into something comfortable. I needed to get some sleep before I met with Max tomorrow.

I knew that there was a possibility that I would be seeing Eric as well and that thought kept me up longer than I needed to be.

I woke the next morning to my father knocking on my bedroom door. The first thought was that I couldn't wait to get my own place. One more year and I'd be truly alone. It was almost as sad as it was comforting.

"Jenivieve, get up." He knocked on the door one more time. "Jeanine's driver will be here in 30 minutes."

I sat straight up in bed. It couldn't be that late already. I looked at my alarm clock. It was almost 10am. I had forgotten to set the alarm last night. "I'm up Dad. I'll be down in twenty minutes." I heard his footsteps retreat down hall and then down the stairs.

I quickly ran to my closet and threw the doors open. I should have chosen what I was going to wear the night before. I was in a panic now. I scanned all the different shades of blue that hung before me. I needed some that would be taken serious but also would show that I couldn't be intimidated.

My eyes settled on some of my Mother's older clothes. I had held on to some things after she died, knowing that they would fit me one day. All of her clothes were in dress and suit bags, all being business attire. They would be perfect.

The first suit bag that I grabbed had a plain black knee length skirt with a dark navy blue blouse. The blouse would blend in with the black colors of Dauntless. The only thing that would really give it away that I was Erudite was my high heeled shoes. I couldn't imagine a Dauntless woman wearing heels.

I took the clothes with me into the bathroom and showered quickly. I dressed just as quickly and was only mildly surprised when the blouse was a bit tight around the chest. It still looked fantastic but it wouldn't fit for much longer.

I fixed my hair and applied light makeup, just eyeliner and mascara.

After slipping the matching shoes on, I grabbed my handbag with the files in them and quickly stuck Tobias' note from Evelyn inside as well. I would try to get it to him.

I then headed down stairs where I found my father waiting for me in the kitchen, I could smell the fresh coffee.

"Smells amazing Dad." I signed as I placed my bag on one of the chairs and went to make myself a cup.

"You look amazing honey. Just like your mother." I knew he generally meant it as a compliment but I had to bite back the remark that was trying to escape my lips. Thankful that my back was to him, I just nodded my head in agreement.

Before there could be anything else said between us, there was a honk from outside. "That must be my ride. Don't wait up for me, I don't know how long this will take." I grabbed my bag and coffee. I gave him a kiss on the cheek as I left the house.

The same driver from yesterday was waiting for me with the door open. I nodded good morning to him and slid into the back seat. "How long is the drive to the Dauntless Compound?" I asked as he slipped in behind the wheel.

"It takes about thirty minutes Ma'am." He indicted as he started the car and pulled away from my house. That would give me plenty of time to memorize the map that Jeanine had given me. I would take any advantage I could get. And I certainly didn't want to get lost.

It felt much shorter than thirty minutes when the car came to a stop. I looked out the windows but nothing was familiar to me. I had never been in this part of the city. I placed the map back into my bag and climbed out of the car.

The drive came around and held the door open for me, giving me a look. He wasn't used to people getting in and out by themselves. He would have to get used to it. I waited for no one.

"I am pleased that you could join us Ms. Johnson." A voice boomed from the darkness off the building before me. I hadn't seen any door but suddenly Max appeared, as if through the side of the building itself.

"Thank you Max. And please call me Eve." I don't know what prompted me to give him that name but I felt that I wanted them to know that girl.

Eve was different from Jenivieve. Jenivieve had been naive and young. Jenivieve let other's take advantage of her emotions. Eve was stronger, more self-aware. Eve knew what she wanted and how to get it. I was no longer Jenivieve. I was Eve.

"Well Eve, it is a pleasure to welcome you to Dauntless." Max had reached me at this point and held his hand out to me.

"Thank you again." I smiled as I shook his hand, it was rough against my smooth one but I said nothing.

"Please, Eve, follow inside." He indicated behind him and started leading the way back from where he had come. "I will give you a short tour. I gave Jeanine a map to pass on to you." He looked at me as he said this. "I hope that you have taken the time to study it, I will not escort you everywhere you wish to go." I felt as he was talking to me as if I was a child. It enraged me.

"Max," I said once we were inside and away from the driver. For all I could tell, we were alone in a dark corridor. "Let me assure you that I have studied the map and navigating this compound will not be a problem for me." I kept my voice even. "Let me also assure you that I will be given the respect that I deserve and I will not be treated like a child, no matter what my appearances may suggest." I stared into his eyes now, he had a look that was a mixture between anger and amusement. "I have earned the right to be here, to be working on this project, and I shall not be intimidated by anyone here."

"Well Eve, I can assure you with an attitude like that, no will intimidate you." He said with a smile on his lips. I could see myself becoming friends with him. "You would have been excellent in Dauntless." My heart skipped a beat as he said this. It never even occurred to me that I could make it in Dauntless.

"Would have been?" I question him, realizing that he does not know my age. He was assuming that I had completed Erudite Initiation.

"You obviously chose Erudite." He said as we continued deeper into the compound. Max did not point out any of the places to me as we passed but I recognized them from the map, mainly the Pit. It was almost empty as we passed.

"My Choosing Ceremony is next year Max." I stated blankly as we made our way to his office. I was indeed proud of myself for memorizing the entire map.

He stopped in his tracks and stared at me. "You are rather young to be the liaison for Erudite." He stated with little emotion.

"We don't always go on age at Erudite. IQ plays a big part of our decision making." I shrugged as it was no big deal and continued walking toward his office. He met me at his office and opened the door for me.

"Thank you." I noticed that there was a man waiting for us as we entered the room.

"Eve, I would like to introduce you to Amar," he indicated for me to take the chair next to Amar as he proceeded to the chair behind the desk. "Amar, this is Jeanine's associate Eve." I shook the hand that Amar extended toward me. He seemed friendly enough. "Amar here is in charge of training the transfers."

"As you know, Jeanine is interested in the future members of Dauntless." I crossed my legs and folded my hands on my lap. "She is quite intrigued with the training process."

"Well than it is your lucky day. I have other business to attend to today but you can observe the transfers for the rest of the day. They should be getting done with lunch right about now." Max nodded to Amar, who immediately stood up.

I nodded to Max and followed Amar out of the room, taking my bag with me. "So what are they learning today?" I was generally curious.

"This afternoon they will be learning how to throw a knife accurately." I nodded, not trusting my voice to hide the emotions that were threating to escape.

In a few moments, I would see Eric, Angelica, and Tobias. I couldn't contain the butterflies that fluttered in my stomach.

Today was going to be interesting. And I still had to figure out how to get Eric alone to talk to him without raising suspicion.