AN: This is the second to last chapter of Deceptions and Secrets. Ch 36 will be the grand finale and we look forward to sharing it with you!

Chapter 35: Breaking Family Ties

Date: Mid-September +o+ Baby Natty is 8 months old

^^ Later that Afternoon ^^

** Four POV **

"Four? Are you okay?" Tris asks me, concern etched on her face. Leaning against the wall next to the open door of the moving train, I breathe in and out slowly.

I force myself to nod although I feel the pressure, knowing how much is at stake. Now is not the time for me to be weak. We are taking the train to Abnegation, it is time for our confrontation with Marcus. My father who I haven't seen in over two years.

My father, who is a monster.

Averting my eyes to look across the moving city I focus on the task at hand. My mind is racing a mile a minute.

With the help of Jack Kang and his top security officer, Tris and I have come up with a plan to trap Marcus. Jonah was able to give us Marcus's schedule for the remainder of the day.

In exchange for our cooperation and if the plan is successful in trapping Marcus, Tris will get a plea deal to clear her from any penalty for "kidnapping" Natty.

Tris and I are ready to confront Marcus with the proof of his involvement in killing her father and brother. With the help of a Candor top judge, we are both wired. Although Jack made the call that he needed more to actually convict Marcus, the information Jack had gathered was enough to convince a judge to allow us to be wired and have a conversation with Marcus. It's not like I can strap my father to chair and electrocute him into a confession. Our goal is to get Marcus on tape admitting his crimes while being taped through the wire.

With so much at stake, the pressure to finally catch Marcus bears down on us. Everything I have ever wanted and loved is on the line.

We can't fail. We won't.

"Hey," Tris whispers while sliding her arms around my waist. "You don't need to be brave for me. I can't imagine how it must feel for you to see your father again. I'm here for you."

Holding her cheek I marvel at her strength, she is facing off the man that most likely wiped out her family and her freedom is on the line…and she's worried about me.

"I love you, Tris."

Smiling she stands on her tiptoes and plants a firm kiss against my lips. Resting my chin on the top of her head I see that our stop is coming up.

It's time.

Walking quietly through Abnegation in silence, Tris is tightly holding the folder with copies of the proof Jonah found in her hand. We have practiced the confrontation scenario that we expect with Marcus a few times this afternoon. If so much wasn't at risk, it would have been comical the perfect way that Jonah was able mimic how arrogant Marcus could be. What Jonah didn't know how to portray is the rage his colleague hides just below the surface. I have no doubt Marcus will show us his true colors today.

I am counting on it.

Standing in front of the house, I cringe remembering my last exchange with Tris here. I was so cruel to her, the lies that flew out of my mouth hurting her so deeply. Scowling I remember how Marcus manipulated me so cleverly, he played me like a fiddle. And I fell right into his trap...which is on me.

Clearing her throat to get my attention Tris holds her hand ready to knock on the front door. I nod to let her know I am ready before she does.

Marcus comes into view as his door roughly swings open, his eyes widening for a moment at the sight of us at his doorstep.

"Well, isn't this interesting. Today is turning out to be quite the day," Marcus sneers, his eyes coldly fixating on me. "What are you doing here, son?"

Tris stiffens next to me, her eyes boring into the man in front of us. Marcus on the other hand lost interest in her the moment he saw us at his door.

"We have some things to cover with you, we don't mind standing in the middle of the street if you rather not have us enter," I say coldly.

"What happened? You couldn't wait until seven-thirty to meet with me?" Marcus growls. "I don't appreciate being 'summoned', boy. Who are you to send me ridiculous demands?"

Quickly locking eyes with Tris I realize she also has no idea what he is ranting about.

Pulling a note out of his pocket he waves it in front of my face, "You have nerve, demanding that I meet you in the middle of Factionless after dark. You weren't even man enough to sign your name!"

Seven-thirty, just thirty minutes past the deadline Evelyn gave Tris to turn over Natty. My blood run cold, my mother wasn't even going to wait the night before unleashing Marcus on Tris and my baby sister. I'm sure Evelyn didn't sign her name, with the hope Natty would have been in her arms. Then Marcus would have been none the wiser to what was happening.

God, I hate that woman. Almost as much as I hate him.

"We are here now, do you want to talk or not?" I demand.

"Get inside, that girl can wait for you outside," Marcus looks at Tris coldly. Meeting his gaze, her eyes narrow with hate.

"I don't think you understand, Tris and I are together now. Wherever I go, she goes."

The look of shock and disgust on my father's face almost makes me laugh.

"Keep your voices down, get inside damn it!" he hisses coldly, rage in his eyes.

Stepping into the home I keep myself between Marcus and Tris at all times.

"Are you trying to tell me that you are in a romantic relationship with that girl? That is disgusting, she is your sister!" he sneers, his face getting redder each minute that passes.

"Actually father, we became romantic before my choosing day. Right under your nose, in your own house…the house with all of your precious rules," I state calmly, counting on my ability to rile him up. We need Marcus to be off kilter in order to trap him.

"That is repulsive. You worthless, ingrate of a child! After everything I did for you, this is how you-"

"What you did for me? I think the correct phrase is what you did to me! Even to this day, you don't see how sick of a person you are. Even after what you did to Natalie!" I spit, my anger boiling just under the surface.

Marcus glares at Tris for the first time, "Running your mouth about me, you little witch? Filling my son's head with lies."

"We aren't here to discuss lies, Marcus. I have proof to what a monster you are," Tris snaps, opening the folder she brought. "I recently found these documents in your office, it is proof that you orchestrated the bus crash that killed my father and brother!"

Snatching the folder from her hands, Marcus quickly scans the contents, a sick smile appearing on his face the further he reviews.

"There is nothing here but circumstantial information, no one will ever believe you," Marcus goads us. "There is nothing to prove what I did. Nothing, so you should just move on."

"Tell me why! I deserve to know why you wanted my family dead. Why you even wanted me dead, I saw the notes that explained I was supposed to be on that bus. Why?" Tris cries.

To my horror Marcus begins laughing loudly as he explains, "Why? Because I could Beatrice. I was a leader of mindless lambs that needed me to guide them. Imagine my dismay as your father, the noble Andrew Prior, became more and more revered. Council members and faction members alike had a deep respect for him, that only grew as time went by! And right by his side, the lovely Natalie."

Quickly working out his motivation, my heart lurches for Tris. I can't imagine how painful this must be for her to listen to.

"I knew what would happen. I'd be forced to step down as your father became the Abnegation leader, with his perfect wife and family by his side. I wasn't about to let that happen!" Marcus's voice rising, his face red with indignation. "I wanted to get rid of all three of you, I knew I would be able to get Natalie to marry me out of need. You wicked little brat, you ruined everything. You seduced my son in my own home, and you turned your mother against me!"

Tears streaming down her face as she shakes with rage, "You monster. You stupid man. My father never dreamt of power, he never would have wanted the responsibility of being a faction leader! This threat, was all in your sick mind!"

"You should have died too! I planned for you to be gone along with you father and brother. You were always a troublemaker, and you got in the way of what I could have had with Natalie...a new family with a far superior child from your mother and I," Marcus growls at Tris. "Natalie was always meant to be with me. I deserved a woman like her, not that waste of space that birthed my weak son."

Turning to look in my eyes, "I didn't deserve the lame woman my first wife turned out to be. Your mother was pathetic and weak, just like you. I am glad she is dead!"

And then he begins laughing, he turns to toss the folder in low burning fireplace. "As I said, you have no proof. I got away with that bus crash, just like I got away with your mother's accidental death. And there is nothing you can do about it! Your dead family is gone forever, I only regret you didn't join them."

The smell of burnt paper filling the room, I welcome the feeling of Tris's hand entwining with mine. Our eyes meet, tears of relief shining. We have him, he said everything we needed him to say and more. We smile at each other before facing Marcus.

The confusion on his face is evident, trying to decipher why we appear happy. Marcus's confusion is short lived, Candor guards enter his home immediately seizing him. The flabbergasted look on his face is priceless.

"Thank you, for being you," I say smugly, unbuttoning the first few buttons of my shirt so he can see the microphone I am wearing.

The rage in his face as he works out what has happened. "You little bastard! I'll kill you!" he screams while breaking out of the guard's hold and lunging for me. I don't hesitate, realizing the terror he once invoked in me is no longer, I punch him in the face, causing him to fall back.

"I'm not afraid of you Marcus. Not anymore," I snap before turning my attention to Tris. She looks relieved.

"Four, would you like a few minutes alone? To properly say goodbye to your father?" the lead Candor guard asks while scowling at him, offering me the chance to inflict pain on my father. Pain that although he deserves, I have no desire to give.

"No, thank you," I face my father square on. "Marcus, you aren't even worth my effort."

Jack Kang enters, frowning at Marcus as he is dragged out of his home. Jack gives strict instructions to the men transporting him, taking no chances.

"It's really over," Tris whispers as I pull her into my arms and kiss her forehead. "He is going to pay for all of his sins."

"Yes, he is. And more importantly - - we have our lives back. You, me and Natty, we can put this behind us and just be," I kiss her deeply. I never imagined I'd have her in my arms again while standing in the middle of this house, but here we are.

I am suited up, ready with the team made up of Candor and Dauntless guards that will storm Factionless. Less than two hours ago I requested an emergency meeting with the different faction leaders, Jonah now representing Abnegation. The meeting was short, it didn't take me long to explain what my mother had been up to. I was able to convince them that she is a threat to the life we know today. A long time ago I had taken some papers from my mother's office in Factionless, numerous items of proof.

I was assured that Evelyn has no legal right to the baby, she is not a blood relation. Tris and I easily will have legal rights to raise our sister.

Although she had no rights, I knew Evelyn needed to be neutralized to ensure that Tris and Natty would always be safe. After sharing her plans to overthrow the current government, it was decided that Evelyn and her organization needed to be apprehended immediately.

As the plan quickly fell into place, I was pulled aside by Max. He once again invited me to join Dauntless leadership, stressing how much my faction needs my specific skills. This time, instead of immediately refusing, I told Max I would think about it.

"Okay, I just got word that it's time to move. Team A take the north entrance, Team B the south entrance, and Team C the front door. Have your guard up everyone," the mission lead instructed. I move into position along with the others.

Entering with my team through the front doors of the main building that I had identified as housing her main office and central operations, I realize that it is the perfect picture of organized chaos. The first team members to confront the Factionless were met with weapons and a fight. As our numbers kept pouring in they realized there was no hope and they began to surrender peacefully. We outnumbered them with man power and skill, there was no competition. Releasing a sigh of relief, I am glad that I had accurately recounted the numbers I was expecting to see at Factionless headquarters.

I am in the process of restraining one Factionless member when I notice my mother being led through the main entryway, she is handcuffed with a guard on each side of her. Her eyes are wild with rage, a scowl across her face. Although I just saw her a few days ago, she looks different now, older even.

Before seeing me Evelyn begins screaming at her Factionless soldiers, cursing them for their surrender.

"You," she hisses as her eyes focus on me. "This is because of you, isn't it?"

Stepping closer to avoid yelling, I have no desire to raise my voice and give everyone a show.

"This is because of you, Evelyn," I say coldly. "You haven't changed at all, at least not for the better."

"I am your mother! Nothing will ever change that," she murmurs as though trying to convince herself.

Stepping even closer, I calmly continue. "After everything that happened to me, after you abandoned me… How could you be so ruthless to Tris, even worse to a defenseless baby? A child that is my blood!"

For the first time Evelyn turns her face away in what I can only assume is shame. It is not enough to stop me from saying all that has to be said.

"To give my sister to Marcus is irredeemable in my eyes. You are an awful person. This is me saying goodbye forever, Evelyn. Stay away from me and my family," I demand. I need her to know this is over. "I never want to see you again."

My mother suddenly rushes at me viciously, the rage in her face is something I will never forget. The guards holding her are able to secure at the last moment, although my arms were ready to hold her and block her attack.

Being led away, she comes face to face with the different Faction leaders that were told it was safe to enter the now secure building. Evelyn directs her fury at the group, promising revenge and an end to their tyranny of lies.

Shaking my head in dismay as I watch the heated exchange, I'm startled when I feel Max's hand on my shoulder.

"Four, you doing okay?" he asks.

"Yeah, it's fine. I'm just glad it's over," I reply.

"I can only imagine. I know it's been a really long day for you, but I would like to remind you of the offer on the table," Max says firmly. "I want you on my leadership team."

"I'll think about, seriously this time," I promise. From the moment Max approached me about the new position, my thoughts went to Tris. I know that I want to marry her, and soon. A position in Leadership would pay substantially more. I want to be able to provide for our family.

"Right now I want to get back to Dauntless and see Tris."

** Tris POV **

Running my hands slowly up and down Four's back as we lie in his bed, I kiss his shoulder lovingly.

"Am I getting too heavy?" he murmurs.

"Not at all. I love having you close to me, especially after we make love," I whisper, holding him tighter to me.

"Keep that up, and we will be making love again in a few minutes," he chuckles, playfully nipping at my shoulder.

Laughing I push him off emphatically. "Yeah no, three times in a row is more than enough. I need a break, actually my body needs a break!"

Grinning proudly, Four pulls me into his side, I rest my head on his chest and listen to his steady heartbeat. So much has happened in the last twenty-four hours, it's hard to wrap my head around it.

Breaking the peaceful silence a few moments later, Four pinches the bridge of his nose.

"Both of my parents lunged at me today, both wanting to seriously hurt me. I don't even know why it bothers me. It wasn't a surprise and I hate them both," he mumbles.

My heart aches for him, "No matter what, or who they are...they are still your parents. I think it is normal for you to feel something about this whole mess."

Four nods his head in agreement, his eyes are dark. I can see that his mind is racing a mile a minute.

Propping myself up to kiss him slowly on the lips, my heart flutters when he immediately deepens it.

"Thank you," he says. "For always being you, and being here for me."

"That was really nice of Max and Jack Kang to follow up this evening, I can't believe how quickly everything is moving," I comment with caution.

Four and I were eating a late dinner when the two leaders stopped by his apartment. They wanted to let us know that Evelyn and all of her top leadership had been apprehended. Her second in command flipped on her, which has made it almost impossible that she will get away with this.

Both Evelyn and Marcus will be paying for their crimes. Their trials will be rushed and then sentencing will shortly follow.

"Do you think we are doing the right thing, about Natty?" I whisper. A lump forming in my throat. I miss her so much

Four sighs, I know he struggles with our decision as well.

"I think the absolute safest thing we can do for Natty is wait until Marcus is officially convicted and punished. It kills me to be apart from her, but right now she is very well hidden and safe," Four reminds me.

"I know it's the right thing, I'm just sad about it. If Marcus were to be found innocent he would have every legal right to claim her," I shudder at the thought.

"I believe Jack and what he promised this evening," Four says.

"I do too. I know he will move Marcus's trial along quickly. Especially now that all of the families relating to the bus crash victims found out it was not an accident," I remind him. "I can also admit that I will sleep better tonight after Max and Jack's visit."

"I think Max also wanted one more chance this evening to invite me to take the leadership position," Four muses.

Sitting up and putting my pajama top back on I study Four's face for a clue to what he is really thinking.

I don't have to speculate for long.

"I want to take it. I want to become a leader in Dauntless," Four says slowly. "The city's leaders impressed me today. They were able to work together quickly in order to make things right. I want to be a part of that."

Leaning over to kiss him in celebration, "I'm happy for you, my love."

"I'll let Max know tomorrow, I'll have to officially give notice to my job in surveillance and step down from being an instructor."

A giggle escapes me, "How will you survive without your surveillance position? I know how you love being able to stalk people at your whim."

A deep laugh rolls through his chest. Four's eyes bright as he leans over to kiss me deeply.

Breaking away he chuckles, "Don't worry. I've already thought of that. As a Leader I will still have access to all of the surveillance data."

I roll my eyes and laugh at him. It's wonderful to see him like this.

He is happy and hopeful.

And now, so am I.

++o+ Chapter End +o++