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Chapter 80

Tris' POV

It's odd being able to look at myself in the mirror. My whole life in Abnegation I was told that vanity is a sign of selfishness and to not look at yourself in the mirror. Not even during those three short minutes that we had in the mirror once every three months was I supposed to look at myself. Now I stand here in Dauntless in front of a full length mirror not being told by anyone not to look at myself. I shift from side to side looking at myself, or should I say my outfit trying to figure out if I look okay. I have to leave in fifteen minutes for my first day as a child's advocate. I was told to dress the part. In Abnegation we dressed in baggy, solid grey clothing, not ever giving away what might be underneath our clothing, but here in Dauntless we dress in tight, black clothing…That doesn't keep much from the eye. But I was told to dress the part…. I am supposed to dress so others will take me seriously, but not too much, so that the kids would feel like they can't trust me. Whatever the hell that means? I decided to go with my black dress pants, my leather ankle boots and a black and red short sleeve top. I brush my hair down, letting it hang from my shoulders. I decide to forgo wearing too much jewelry, settling for just my engagement ring, wedding band and my small heart diamond earrings to match.

"Stop over thinking it, Tris," Tobias says, kissing the back of my neck as his arms encircle my waist. "You look great. The kids are going to love you and the parents are going to fear you," he says, kindly. I smile, while looking at us in the mirror. Even though I don't get tired of looking at myself, as I'm amazed at the woman that I have become in the last year… There is one other thing I don't ever get tired of looking at, us.

"I love you," I say, reaching behind me to cup his neck. I rub it from side to side a few times before I reluctantly let him go. I would imagine it wouldn't go well being late on my first day of work. Nope, not at all!

"I love you too," Tobias says, pecking my lips softly. "Have a good first day," he says, smiling. He walks towards our daughter's room to wake her up and get her ready for the day as I make my way out of the apartment. It was previously discussed between us that from now on Tobias would be in charge of caring for Sara in the mornings, before Charlotte arrives and I will be in charge of caring for Sara in the afternoons after I get off of work, relieving Charlotte for the night.

We both agreed it made more sense that way. After all, I start work at eight in the morning, while Tobias doesn't start working until ten. But as far as the afternoons go, I get out much earlier than Tobias does. Of course we both know that sometimes work emergencies can happen and we are very thankful that we hired Charlotte who is always willing to help us out and work longer hours if needed. Not to mention, if all else fails we have plenty of loved ones in Dauntless that are always happy to help us out with Sara.

I jumped off the train, glad that I found my footing and didn't fall on my ass. I continue walking down the cracked sidewalk until I reach the double doors of Candor. I swear I stick out like a sore thumb when I walk in the faction of truth.

"Tris?" I turn to see a tall, curvy, long brown haired woman before me. I glance down at her clothes, recognizing the candor colors immediately. One rule of being a child advocate is that we are required to work with a partner. It helps being from two different factions, as we both have different traits that can contribute towards helping our clients and it makes for a perfect team.

"Yes," I answer, almost too quickly. Calm down, Tris.

"Hi, I'm Daniella," she says, holding her hand out for me to take. Even after so many months of being Dauntless, I still get nervous about hand shaking. Am I going to do it too hard, too fast, or too soft? In Abnegation it was easy, there was no touching, head nodding was a form of respect. I reach out to take her hand despite my reservations and firmly shake it, secretly hoping that I'm doing it right.

"Hello," I say, returning her smile.

"Well, welcome to the team, Tris. Please come with me," she says in a friendly manner. She begins taking me on a tour throughout the building of Candor. Although I do bite my tongue as she shows me Jack Kang's office and the cafeteria. She doesn't need to know this isn't my first time here.

I still remember the first time I walked through the double doors to Jack Kang's office. I was a nervous wreck that day, rushing through the streets of Chicago hoping no one would recognize me and that word got back to Marcus or my father that not only was I not in class, but I was on my way to Candor to see Jack Kang. Thinking of that time, it feels like that happened a lifetime ago and not almost two years ago.

Flashback

I walk into the double doors of Candor still having to look behind me. If this ever got back to Marcus... I wouldn't want to think of what kind of punishment he would have for me. I step up to the desk and ask for Jack Kang, letting the receptionist know that he is expecting me. I take a seat and wait like I am told to do so. Not even five minutes later a woman comes out introducing herself as Jack Kang's assistant, Stephanie. She then walked me to his office. I wasn't even sure if my mother had arrived with Sara yet, or if Tobias... Excuse me, Four was here either.

I walked into a large office with black and white decor with two large couches, a massive antique looking desk with two large comfortable chairs. My eyes land on "Four" first, he is sitting on one of the massive chairs that sits across from the desk. He is speaking with a gentleman that I presume is Jack Kang, seeing as he is sitting at the desk.

"Well Hello there Miss Beatrice Prior, I presume. I'm Jack Kang, the leader of Candor." The man stands there holding out his hand for me to shake. I go to shake his hand but am not really sure how to perform the gesture. In Abnegation we bow our heads in greeting, we don't allow touching unless we are married or family.

"Yes. Hello," I say, trying not to let the awkwardness show in my voice.

"Beatrice," Four says, standing next to me while placing a hand on the small of my back. This action takes me by complete surprise, as I'm not used to showing any affection or acknowledgment in public, let alone with him. He must feel me stiffen because he leans down close to my ear, whispering that it is alright. I don't know if it's his words or having him so close to me that automatically calms my nerves. I nod, allowing him to take me into his arms for a brief hug.

"Ah, young love. May you always cherish each other," Jack says, smiling at us.

"Beatrice, where's Sara?" Tobias asks.

"My mother is bringing her. I had to leave school, so we thought it would be best if she brought her," I explain. Tobias nods his head in understanding.

"Why don't I go check to see if she has arrived yet. It will give you both a minute to yourselves," Jack says, walking out of his office. For the moment I'm beyond grateful for this small act of kindness.

The moment Jack Kang leaves us, Tobias pulls me into his arms while planting kisses on my lips. We haven't seen each other in two days... I've missed him so much. How am I ever going to survive the next nine months without him and Sara? I know my heart will absolutely break when he takes her and I know I won't feel complete until I can be with them again in Dauntless.

"I love you so much. God, I missed you," he whispers into my ear. "I can't wait to have you home. Be warned, I don't think I'll be able to let you go ever again."

"I'm holding you to that. I love you too, Tobias," I whisper back.

We kiss one more time while letting our lips linger just a little longer, savoring the moment between us. We reluctantly break apart from each other when we hear the door open. I watch as my mother enters the office with a sleeping Sara cradled in her arms. I meet her half way, wanting to cherish every moment that I have left with my little girl... I might only have a few days left until I lose her. My mother carefully slides my sleeping Angel into my arms, careful not to wake her. When I look down I see my little Angel sleeping peacefully with her little mouth partly open. Tobias steps closer to me, looking down at our sleeping daughter. I love to watch him look at her, his expression automatically changes to awe and admiration. I know he loves her as much as I do. That comforts me more than anything, because I know without a doubt he can and will protect her while she's in Dauntless.

"Shall we get started?" Jack Kang asks. I can tell he is battling wanting to get this over with and not wanting to disturb our reunion.

"Of course," my mother says. "Hello, Tobias. It's good to see you again. You look well, it's nice to see Dauntless has treated you well," my mother says, with a genuine smile on her face.

"Hello Mrs. Prior. Yes, thank you," Tobias says, while bowing his head at my mother. "Please call me, Four."

"Four," she repeats in understanding. "Well Four, please call me Natalie."

"Natalie," Tobias repeats, nodding his head.

"A nurse from our infirmary is on her way here to perform the DNA test. In the meantime while we wait, Beatrice I have these forms for you and Four to sign," Jack Kang says, placing a stack of papers on the desk in front of us.

"Forms?" I ask.

"Yes. Well to speed things up... Instead of waiting for the DNA test results to come in, then have you sign the papers, then file them and then grant Four his warrant, we are having you both sign these papers now. I will file them when the results of the DNA confirm what we already know is true. Then all I have to do is deliver the warrant to Four in Dauntless. It saves us some much needed time and effort," Jack explains.

I watch Tobias pick up the forms, while I continue to cradle our sleeping daughter in my arms. I watch him read and flip through all of the papers. "The custody papers," Tobias says, while glancing up at me. I nod, not needing to say anything more. "I was told that a clause for Beatrice would be written in," Tobias says, looking to verify that all is right with the paperwork.

"Yes, it's on the last page," Jack Kang points out.

Tobias continues to read all of the paperwork, making sure that all of it is in order. Tobias nods, picking up a pen and glancing one last time at me and Sara. "Beatrice, are you sure you want to do this? We can figure something else out," Tobias says. I know he hates this as much as I do, but this is the best way. It's the best way we have to keep Sara safe from his monster of a father.

"Yes Four, I'm sure," I say. I hate that everything has come down to this. This isn't fair, it isn't right. Sara should be with me and we should both be with Tobias, but I know we don't live in a perfect world. I watch him sign his real given name, Tobias Marcus Eaton.

He hands me the pen and I slide Sara into his arms. He smiles down at our sleeping Angel. I take a moment to look at them both. In my small arms Sara always seems so big to me, but in Tobias' muscular arms, she seems so small and delicate. Although I do trust Tobias' judgment, I too look over all of the paperwork before signing it. I also make sure to read the clause that he was so keen about having in there. It basically states that once I am a member of Dauntless, Tobias and I will share joint custody of Sara, regardless of our relationship status. That part worried me a little, the thought that he had to place a clause to ensure that no matter what, I would still have custody of my Daughter. I swallow the lump that I have in my throat. I know it's just from the months and months of doubt that Marcus has planted in my head that plays in my mind right now. Tobias and I love each other and want nothing more than to be a happy family together in Dauntless. I sign all of the places that are marked for me to sign without any more hesitation.

Flashback ends


Yes, my life sure has changed since that day… I smile, thinking about just how much it has really changed. I passed initiation at the top of my class, I even survived Eric, Lauren and Peter. Tobias and I finally moved in together and now we are married. Sara has definitely blossomed into the most gorgeous little toddler ever.

I finally snapped out of my fog-like thinking as we approached a door with the words… "Child's Advocate," on it. Daniella opens the door, letting me walk through it first. I look around the large room spotting six large desks that are all piled high with files and paperwork.

"This is Jackson, Ana, and Elizabeth. This is Tris, our new advocate," Daniella says, introducing me. I say hello, waving my hand and smiling, as they do the same to me. Daniella shows me my desk, as she speaks to me about all of the procedures and the policies.

"Now first off Tris… I need you to read, understand and sign this. It basically talks about keeping all of your information private," she says, handing me yet another piece of paper. I think I have read and signed at least twenty pages already. I look over this document as it states under no circumstances should I talk about my faction, my personal life and I am not to give any contact information away to any clients. If at any moment a parent or a guardian finds out and poses a problem, I am to report it immediately to my supervisor. I sign on the dotted line and hand it back to Daniella.

"Sixty percent of the complaints that come through our office are made from a witness. Our job is to investigate it as discreetly as possible and to find out if the claims are correct and if we are needed and to help out the client as best as we can. Sometimes that involves getting the victim and the person hurting some help, and sometimes it involves removing them completely and getting the courts involved…" Daniella continues. "Very little does the victim themselves come forward and file a complaint themselves." I can see the sadness in her eyes as she speaks. I can see the burden that this job has put upon her, as her age shows on her face. Daniella looks to be a person in her thirties, yet the weight of this job may have aged her to look more like she is in her forties. The complaints are usually anonymous, they are usually by phone or by letters that are left in the complaint box. Again, very rarely do they come in person unless of course the situation is of dyer needs." She walks over to a large wall covered in what appears to be cabinets. She places her right hand over one of the cabinets as she continues explaining, "here are all of the files of every complaint and their outcome... More often than not the family never knows that they are being investigated, as we try to be as discreet as possible. They are filed per faction and then alphabetically," she explains. My mind wanders towards Tobias, wondering if anyone ever filed a complaint against Marcus that just got "resolved." Marcus always had a way with people, hiding the truth, making up lies to cover his tracks… I wouldn't be surprised if there were complaints filed against him, but were marked as false claims. "You and I will be working together on the cases. They often want two people from two different factions to work together as a team, because of the different traits that we can both contribute to the table. I in candor am trained to spot a liar…and you in Dauntless are trained to help and protect. We should make a great team," she finishes. "Do you have any questions?"

"Yeah, what are these?" I ask, pointing at the pile of files and papers on my desk.

"Those are all our open cases… We have a lot of work to do," she says, while picking up one of the many folders off of her own desk and slamming it back down on it. Her expression is somewhere between disappointed and disgusted. "Some will be false claims... People seeing a teacher touching a student's arm… thinking too much of the situation… Some other claims will be hard to swallow and very disturbing. We have to look into each one with a good amount of attention. We will never know which one is real and which one is false… We can easily mark a complaint as false, sending its victim into more hell and pain," she says, while placing her hands on her hips and shaking her head from side to side. Something tells me that she has had second thoughts about some of her cases, but couldn't do much to prove it.

We spend the majority of the day going over all of the open cases. Daniella explains everything that she has found in each case, along with notations from the person that made the complaint. We also make plans for interviews and our next step for every case. We have two cases in Erudite, one case in Abnegation and three in Amity. Daniella just closed one case in Dauntless. I don't know why but I feel kinda guilty when she mentions my faction. It's not like I have any control over Dauntless…. I don't think anyone does. We have one of the best leadership teams the faction has ever seen in its lifetime. The cases in Erudite surprised me, there is some fear that some of the children may be being tested on. I had to remind myself that this couldn't be possible. After all Jeanine is gone, she can't hurt anyone anymore. In Abnegation the anonymous person was concerned about loud screaming and crashing sounds coming from one of the homes with children late at night. We agreed on a date that would fit both of our schedules so we can stake out the house at the same time.

I landed on the roof of Dauntless, glad to be home after such a long day. I never thought when I decided to take this job as my career, how mentally draining it could be. I quicken my pace, wanting nothing more than to see my little girl. Something about seeing so much potential abuse in this city just makes me so grateful that Tobias and I will never treat our children in that way. Even though my time with Marcus was nowhere near the amount of abuse that Tobias had to endure… I can't and will never understand how any parent can hurt their own child. How can someone be so cruel to a defenseless and innocent child?


Tobias' POV

I run my hand through my hair for what feels like the umpteenth time today… I have been working with Zeke in the control room, staring at the countless number of screens before us, not wanting to leave one inch of Dauntless unturned. Tori was more than willing to handle things on the home front, while Zeke and I scanned through what felt like never ending footage. For hours and hours we both just sat here, hitting command after command… Watching people come and go and not one damn thing looked out of place. I don't know whether the added hands on deck had scared the perp off or if he hasn't bothered to show up just yet. I just know that we can't let our guard down for one second, I have a feeling that's what this person is waiting for.

I finally make it through the door to our apartment, wanting nothing more than to close and lock the door away from the whole city. All I need right now is my wife and my sweet daughter. There is nothing like knowing that they are safe in our home from this maniac. To know that at any moment, that can change is terrifying to me. They took Tris' file, which only means that they are looking for something specific about her. It scares me that at any moment they can just as easily take her. I haven't told her about her missing file yet, because I don't know how to, as we are still trying to move past her last kidnapping and all of the horrific tragedies that came from it. My mind wanders to something even more terrifying than the possibility that someone is once again after Tris… what if that person is after our daughter, Sara?

"Hey there," Tris greets me, her voice gentle and calming to my ears. Just what I need after the hell of a day I had. I go straight to her and our smiling daughter who is sitting contently on her mother's lap on the floor. Sara has a baby doll in her hands, playing. I instantly feel the tension in the room as I approach them. I can see something in Tris' eyes, a cloud that looms over her. I wonder if it has something to do with her first day at work. Tris is a selfless and brave soul, but I wouldn't doubt that her career and the cases that they have to work on will soon begin to haunt her.

"Hey," I say, returning the contagious smile that our daughter has. I drop down to my knees before them, wanting to be as close as possible. My eyes land on Tris' hands that are holding Sara close to her. It's a side of Tris that I haven't seen before. Even though I am desperate to ask her about it, I also know that now is not the right time for this discussion. Not with our daughter sitting here with us, as the topic for discussion would clearly be something that might frighten her.

"You look like you had a really long day," Tris comments, looking me straight in the eyes.

"It has been a very long day." Is all I can say to her. I don't want to get into anything too heavy with Sara here. She nods, catching on that I don't want to talk about it right now.

"I made us dinner, it's in the oven finishing up. Why don't you go get cleaned up. Maybe it will make you feel better," she suggested. I nod my head, thinking she's probably right. A shower would do me some good. I lean in kissing my little girl on the forehead as I get off of the floor and make my way into our shower. I leave the bathroom door cracked open behind me as I start peeling my clothes off of my body and throwing them into the laundry hamper. I avoid my reflection in the mirror as I start the shower, not bothering to wait for the water to fully heat up. The cold water feels good against my skin, waking me up from my fogged state of mind. I can't help but think about the only detail that we came across today… Toothpicks, they were always bitten and thrown on the floor. Clearly whoever it is that is behind all of these break ins has a nervous habit. Not to mention by the look of how many there were… It signals how long they have been waiting and sitting there for some reason. Maybe they are watching and studying us. Maybe they are waiting for their opportunity. Whatever it is, the trail of toothpicks are never in the same place. I think back to when I saw that same bad nervous habit of bitten toothpicks, my heart breaks as I think about the person who used to do it…. Uriah. I wash my hair mindlessly and then wash my body. I dry myself off and change into something comfortable for the night, my black sweatpants and a black tee shirt. I leave the room, turning the lights off on my way out. I walk towards my still playing and smiling daughter on the floor, who is now trying to feed her baby doll with a plastic bottle. I can't help but think about how much she is like her mother, so selfless, loving and caring. I pick her up, walking her over towards her high chair. She continues to cling to her doll as I strap her in. I hand her the plastic bottle for her dollie that she dropped on the floor. She smiles, goes back to pretending to feed her doll. I smile, loving the innocence of our daughter who doesn't have a care in the world right now.

I walk towards Tris who is busing herself with plating our dinner. Which I now see is her famous stuffed shells and a salad. Mmmm. It didn't take long for Tris to pick up the many authentic flavors that Dauntless has to offer us. She really enjoys experimenting and creating things of her own in our kitchen. Who am I to stop her? Everything so far that she has made us has been nothing but delicious. What's there to complain about.

"Do you need any help, babe?" I ask. Although I have a lot on my plate and just got home from work, I don't mind helping her out either. After all, she had to work all day too. Then she came home and took over for Charlotte with Sara. It's only fair that I pitch in too.

"Can you serve us the drinks, please?" She asks, while smiling up at me. Who am I to say no to that? I turn towards the fridge, grabbing the pitcher of lemonade, along with two glasses and a sippy cup for Sara. I walk out, pouring the liquid into all three cups and hand Sara hers first. I turn back around, only to see Tris carrying two plates behind me. I take them from her, placing Sara's in front of her and the other on Tris' place mat. I pull my chair in, taking my seat as Tris places my plate of food on my place mat. I smile thanking her before I lift my fork. I wait for Tris to take her own seat and begin to eat, before I too take my own first bite. I guess it shouldn't surprise me that we are still like this, after all it has been embedded in our upbringing back in Abnegation. Never being selfish, making sure that those around you are taken care of before taking care of yourself. But honestly I wonder if it has more to do with the love and the respect that we have for each other than from our upbringing? Sure, we love each other very much, we are selfless and always are looking out for the other before anyone else. I don't ever recall waiting for Shauna or Zeke to have their food first and joining me, before I would dig into whatever was before me.

"Are you sure you are alright?" Tris asks, obviously catching on to my mood, but before I can answer her question my phone rings. I apologize to Tris before answering the phone call. I hate the thought of not being present with Tris when I'm home, but with all that is going on in Dauntless right now, it might be important.

"Yeah," I answer.

"Four, we got him," Zeke says, I can hear the excitement in his voice. "You need to come right now, he is headed into corridor 4 and 19," he says, quickly.

"Be there in 5 minutes," I say, quickly ending the call. I stand up, wiping my mouth. I smile apologetically at Tris, before telling her that duty calls and it's an emergency. She kindly says she understands and gives me a kiss when I walk over and lean down. I walk over to Sara next, kissing her forehead and telling her Daddy loves her. I try not to get too close to her face, as she has marinara sauce all over her mouth and cheeks. Forever the independent little girl that she is. I rush out of the door. The minute I close the door and lock it behind me, I begin running down the hallways of Dauntless, rushing to corridor 4 and 19. At this point, I will stop at nothing to catch this son of a bitch. This ends tonight!

I arrive just in time, as I collide into Zeke and the two other guards that he has recruited to help us with this. He holds a radio in one hand and points down the hallway with the other. We see a shadowed figure up ahead, picking up his pace, as he must hear us approaching him. Zeke pats me on the shoulder, silently drawing my attention towards him as he hands me his spare gun. I may have ranked first in our initiation class, but I still hate the damn things. I would imagine that the hatred probably comes from my upbringing in Abnegation, as guns were frowned upon. I take the gun, smiling at him in appreciation. I hold my gun out in front of me with both hands, preparing for anything to come.

"Stop right there!" I yell out. Not expecting him to stop for us, of course, that would make this all a little too easy. We both hold up our guns, ready to fire if need be, but the man never stops, he never turns around, he never says one word at all. What the hell? We pick up our pace, as the man continues to walk robotically down the hallway determined to get to wherever the hell he is going. I begin to see the man's true form, he is well built, dressed in all black… No doubt he is or was a Dauntless member at one point or another. I'm surprised that he continues to walk, not flinching at all or bothering to pick up his pace. Zeke and I both share a glance at each other, both nonverbally questioning what the hell is going on.

We finally catch up to the man, almost a little too easily. We all prepare for the worst, but hope for the best. I grab a hold of the man's collar, turning him roughly around. The two guards that Zeke brought with him both grab a hold of him on either side. Only when we finally have him turned all the way around, both Zeke and I share a look as if we have both seen a ghost… The person before us is someone neither one of us thought that we would ever see again. How can this be? This can't be possible! No fucking way!


A/N

Thoughts on who the perp might be? Comment below, see if you're right. I'm dying to know your thoughts.

Don't forget to keep your eyes open for a special treat for the holiday season. Beginning Tuesday December 22nd there will be a chapter released every morning until January 1st.

"A Road To A Christmas Miracle"

After her life takes a wrong turn, Tris decides to head back home at the last minute for Christmas and she ends up losing control of her car. Will a wrong turn end up right, when a handsome blue eyed man comes to her rescue in a small town? Or will she take the road back to her old reality? It's a heartfelt story with romance that is found where you least expect it. It's a Christmas miracle that she will never forget, but didn't know she needed.

A Love Like No Other will be back on January 5th with chapter 81. Only four more chapters to go!

Brianstormed with: FDFobsessed

Like always happy reading, stay safe and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Trini