"Father?" Tobias asks, stunned and he's not the only one. Will, James, and I are all looking on, speechless. "I thought your father died around 10 years ago."

"Yeah, you and me both," Shauna says, her usually bright eyes glazed over with pain, confusion, and betrayal. She tosses the folder she just dug out of the filing cabinet on Tobias' cluttered desk and starts pacing. "That's not a death file, Four." She stops and points at it. "It's a fucking factionless file. And not a, I got kicked out kind either. He just … left." She looks around like her world is coming apart, which I'm sure it is. "I need Zeke." She plops down on the loveseat in a daze and buries her face in her hands.

"I'll get him for you, Shauna," I say. I pull my phone out of my pocket before I finish the sentence. I send Zeke a quick message telling him we need him in Four's office, and we need him now. He immediately responds with, be right there. "What about Lynn and your mom? Should I call them, too?"

"Let's hold off for the time being," Tobias says when Shauna sits frozen, off in her own little world. "But we do need to speak with Hector right now."

"I'll message Simon and Tony." I send texts to both Purple-Hair and Snake-Tattoo letting them know that we're finally ready for Hector and to bring him to the conference room instead of Tobias' office. There's more room there than here in his office for everyone.

"What about your mom, Shauna?" Tobias asks.

"I was told my dad fell into the chasm when I was 10 years old," Shauna says either not hearing Tobias' question or ignoring it. "Can a person actually fall into the chasm twice in their life?" Deranged-sounding laughter escapes her lips, and James sits down beside her, pulling him into his arms. She rocks back and forth not looking anything like the tough woman I've come to know over the past three years. Less than a minute later, Zeke bursts through the door, and Shauna leaps straight into his arms, buries her face in his neck, and finally releases the pent-up emotion, allowing herself to feel for the first time since seeing her father on video.

"What the hell?" he murmurs. "Shauna, what's wrong, Sunshine?" When she's unable to communicate with him, he looks at his best friend for answers.

"We're not exactly sure what's going on but she just identified the man harassing Hector in the video Nathan and I found this morning. Apparently, it's their … father."

"That's impossible," he scoffs. "Terry died a long time ago. I remember his funeral. I was there when his ashes were released from the top of the Hancock building."

"It's true," Shauna blubbers. "Look at the pictures. It's him. It's my dad." He releases her and picks up the file folder from the desk and looks it over then compares the photo to the video.

"I'll be damned," he mutters. "Sure looks like him."

"Read the file," I quietly say. He turns to the first page, and his eyes widen and his mouth pops open.

"Shit," he murmurs. "He's really alive. Why would we have been told he died? Does Jessica know about this? Has anyone called her?"

"No," Shauna says starting to calm down and regain her senses. "I need to talk to her and Lynn in private to tell them the news." I can't help but wonder if her mother already knows or if she's been deceived along with her children. I look up at Tobias, getting ready to ask his opinion, and I'm startled by what I see. The tips of his ears are bright red, his jawline is rigid, and his shoulders are tight with tension. I take his hand and drag him into the far corner away from the others.

"What is it, Tobias?" I quietly ask.

"I know exactly how she feels," he says, his words clipped and his look far away. He obviously is thinking about when his bitch mother abandoned him. It kills me that she torments him from the grave. "It's devastating to find out that someone who's supposed to love you unconditionally can abandon you without a second thought. I wouldn't wish that kind of pain on my worst enemy let alone one of my closest friends." I wrap my arms around his waist and squeeze tightly. After a beat, he encircles me in his embrace and places a soft kiss on the top of my head.

"Since you know what she's going through, you can help her through this," I say. "You have a unique perspective that no one else does."

"Tris is right," Zeke says, surprising us. Neither of us saw him approach. "If she actually saw who she thinks she saw, she's going to need you, man." He clasps his hand on Tobias' shoulder. "You know how she feels."

"You saw the file," I say.

"I know what the file says, Tris, but I guess I'm having a hard time believing it," Zeke says. "I was young when Terry died but I remember him well. He loved his family. What would make him fake his own death and leave everything behind?" Evelyn left to escape abuse at the hands of her husband. What would make a supposedly loving husband and father leave his family? I don't know.

"I'll do anything to help," Tobias says after a couple tense moments. "More than likely she'll alternate between pissed and depressed for a while. I did." I lightly run my hand up and down his back, and he looks down at me and flashes his megawatt smile, which turns my insides to mush. As I press my thighs together to control the sudden ache, I remind myself that we have a lot of work to do, and I can't get sidetracked by my sexier than hell husband right now. Not to mention, his office is full of people right now.

"Simon and Tony are bringing Hector to the conference room," I say. "We should probably go."

"Are you sure you don't want us to arrange for your mother and Lynn to meet us in the conference room as well, Shauna?" Tobias asks. "We're going to have to question your mother."

"Have them brought to my office," she says. "I'll talk to them after we talk to Hector. Once I'm finished with them, you can talk to my mom. Is that all right?"

"Absolutely," Tobias says. We all file out of Tobias' office and into the hallway where we see Zander fast approaching.

"Four, Tris, I need to talk to you," he says, somewhat out of breath. "It's important."

"We're late for an interrogation," Tobias says, narrowing his eyes suspiciously. What could this be about? "Can it wait until later?"

"Um, I guess it can," he says, "but don't leave the compound until we speak."

"That sounds ominous," I say as I grab hold of Tobias' hand. He squeezes it lightly.

"It isn't anything to concern yourselves with right this moment, especially if you're busy," he says. "Just make sure you call me when you get a free moment."

"Okay," Tobias slowly says, concern clearly written on his face. "I'll call after we get this mess with the fight sorted out."

"What do you think that was all about?" I ask after we leave Zander and head toward the conference room.

"I have no idea but I know one thing, I can't handle much more unexpected news today."

"I hear ya," I say. "It's been quite stressful." I feel Tobias tense beside me, and I curse the fact that those specific words just slipped from my lips. He's going to want me to go home and lie down, and it's going to devolve into a fight, I just know it. He must guess what I'm thinking because he sighs dramatically and rakes his free hand down his face.

"Go ahead and go in, guys," Tobias tells the others. "Tris and I will be in in a moment." We watch them file past us, eyeing us suspiciously and close the door. "How are you feeling? Any nausea or dizziness?"

"No," I say. "Eating lunch helped the dizziness, and I haven't felt any queasiness so far today, although most of my morning sickness has happened in the afternoon so who knows what the rest of the day will bring."

"Let me know if you get to feeling poorly," he says. "You know how much I worry."

"I will, Tobias. I promise," I say, pleasantly surprised at how we handled the situation like grownups instead of overgrown children. "We should go inside." He scans the hallway then lowers his lips to mine for a quick kiss.

"I love you."

"I love you, too," I whisper.

"After you," he says as he holds the door for me.

"Thanks, baby," I say, slowly trailing my fingers across his abdomen as I step across the threshold. I hear him groan as he steps into the room behind me.

"Sorry for the delay, everyone," Tobias says. "Thank you for bringing Hector up so promptly, guys." He's looking Purple-Hair and Snake-Tattoo's way, and they each nod. "Tris or I one will message you when you can take him back to his holding cell." This captures Hector's attention, and the defiant smirk he's wearing falls away. Maybe he finally realizes how serious this is. "But right now, Shauna needs her mother and sister, Jessica and Lynn Samuels, brought to her office. Make sure they stay there until Shauna is available to speak with them. They'll want answers as to why they're being detained. Tell them Shauna will explain everything."

"Okay, Four," they say in unison then Purple-Hair adds, "We'll get right on it."

"Thanks again," Tobias says then turns his attention to the rest of us as they exit the room. "Hector, Hector, Hector," he sighs dramatically, "what are we going to do with you? We need answers, and we need them now. What the hell happened in the Pit this morning?" I glance at Shauna, and she looks like she's bursting at the seams for information about their father but instead of interrupting she just sits there, mute.

"Nothing," he defiantly says, a scowl on his face. Shauna jumps to her feet, knocking her chair over in the process, and it hits the floor with a loud clatter. She pounds her open palm on the table in front of her brother making him jump.

"I've about had it with you," she screams. "I made a deal with Four, Tris, Will, and James and I intend to honor it. As long as you cooperate and answer all our questions fully and honestly, you can stay in Dauntless but if you refuse to answer or lie – and don't forget, I know when you're lying, shith ead – you will live the rest of your life factionless, Hector. Now, Four asked you a question. What happened in the Pit this morning?"

"I got into a fight," he mutters. "It really wasn't a big deal."

"No big deal? I saw video, Hec. It was more than just a simple fight," she says. "Passersby stopped what they were doing and joined in the mêlée. What started it? Who all was there? Did someone actually fall or get thrown into the chasm? You better start talking."

"I swear I never saw anyone go into the chasm," he says, sounding sincere. "But I was focused on… Oh, it doesn't matter. I got into a fight. People got hurt. Do whatever you want to me, Four." Shauna gasps.

"What the hell, Hector? Why won't you tell us what's going on? What are you scared of?"

"I'm not scared of anything," he hisses with typical Dauntless chutzpah.

"Then open up to me. Forget everyone else is in this room and just talk to me," she says. "I know you, little brother, and your behavior these past few weeks is not you."

"Maybe you don't know me as well as you think you do," he mutters. She picks up her chair and sets it beside her brother. She sits down and covers one of his hands with hers.

"I do know you," she softly says then pauses. "Where does our father fit into all this?" The understanding of what Shauna just asked sinks in, and Hector narrows his eyes at her and rips his hand away from her.

"You knew?" he spits, leaning towards her, his look accusatory. "You knew he was alive and you never told me? How could you?"

"I didn't know," she spits. "I only saw him with you on video a few minutes ago. It's the first time I've seen him since … since that night."

"When did you first see your dad, Hector?" Zeke asks.

"About a month before initiation started," Hector stubbornly says but gives us nothing else.

"Hector Terrance Samuels, you better start talking and you better start talking right this instant," Shauna angrily says. I can tell she's getting close to her limit. I wonder if she'll wash her hands of him if he continues to hold back. "Do you want to get kicked out of the only home you've ever known? Is that what you really want?"

"No," he mutters petulantly.

"Then. You. Need. To. Talk," she stresses as she reaches out and takes his hand again. They stare at each other for quite some time, the silence in the room stretching before us uncomfortably. Tobias is about ready to say something when Hector's resolve seems to fail and his shoulders visibly slump.

"It all started about two months before initiation started," Hector says, his empty eyes boring a hole into the conference room table. "One day, out of the blue, it felt like I was being watched, followed. I kept looking around but I didn't see anyone paying special attention to me but the feeling just wouldn't go away. I was constantly looking over my shoulder, convinced that someone was following me around. It didn't matter where I was, out in the city or in the compound. I talked to my friends about what I was feeling but they just brushed it off as stress because of our upcoming Choosing Ceremony so I went to Mom. But you know how she can be." Shauna solemnly nods as Hector rolls his eyes. "She made me feel stupid and paranoid. So, I tried to ignore it.

"Then about a month ago, I caught glimpse of a man lingering outside the upper levels building. At first, I didn't think much about it. Factionless are always hanging around, begging for food. But this man was different. He seemed somewhat familiar but I couldn't place him no matter how hard I tried. For several days, I watched him as he watched me. I tried to approach him a couple times to see what he wanted but each time I did he bolted like a skittish rabbit. I couldn't figure out who he was. I didn't know until he finally approached me." He pauses and takes a deep breath.

"How did you figure out who he was?" she asks.

"He told me," he says. "Imagine my surprise when the day before my aptitude test this complete stranger comes up to me and says, 'I thought I should introduce myself, Hector. I'm your father. It's been a long time.' I couldn't help it, at first, I laughed right in his face because it seemed so absurd. He didn't like that. His whole demeanor changed in an instant. He went from smiling to enraged. He's very intimidating. But what did he expect? I obviously didn't remember much about him. I was only 5 when he died … left." I see Shauna's expression turn to one of confusion. Maybe his account and her memories are battling.

"What did he want?" Shauna asks after a quiet moment.

"That's the thing," Hector says, "I'm still not entirely sure."

"Well, what did you two talk about?" she asks.

"We've talked a lot about the past. You know, catching up."

"You looked scared of him on the video I saw then not an hour later you got into a fight in the Pit. There's something going on you're not telling me. Hector, you know I'm your sister first and foremost. I want to help you."

"He wants me to spy on Dauntless but I'm not sure why. He's asked me so many questions," Hector finally says barely above a whisper. My brows nearly raise into my hairline at his admission. Why would a factionless person need a spy inside Dauntless? "He wants to know everything about Four and Tris – what factions they came from, the state of their relationship, how many kids they have, who their enemies are." I tense further with each of his words. Sensing this, Tobias firmly grasps my hand under the table and squeezes tightly. "He wants to know if the faction is being run smoothly and if the five of you are good leaders. He keeps badgering me about the changes that have happened since you all took over. He wants to know the status of faction before blood within the compound. He also wants a detailed timetable of initiation for the past five years – test dates, fieldtrips, capture the flag, initiate days off, fear landscape practice dates, final exam times."

"But you haven't given him anything," Tobias states. Hector turns towards my husband and slowly shakes his head.

"I don't want to help him, Four," he emphatically whispers. "This is my home. I don't want to betray it but it's getting harder to tell him no. At first I only saw him outside Dauntless but this morning he cornered me in a hallway."

"Why didn't you come to me, Hec?" Shauna asks. "You know I would have helped you."

"He told me not to say anything, especially to you or Lynn," he says. "I don't want to make him mad so I didn't say anything. Besides, I think he wanted to contact you on his own."

"What about Mom?" she asks. Hector shakes his head.

"He never once mentioned her. When I tried to, he scowled and changed the subject."

"I'm sorry you've had to deal with this on your own but it doesn't exactly explain why you've been acting the way you have," Shauna says.

"I don't know how to explain it," he mutters. "I just needed to lash out. I know it's not an excuse. Like I said earlier, I deserve whatever you want to do to me. But first, Tris, I never should have called you a Stiff. It's disrespectful. I have nothing against Abnegation, and I have nothing against you. I'm sorry I took my frustrations out on you."

"Apology accepted," I say.

"Four, that crack I made about you the night of dare was inexcusable. I'm surprised you had the restraint not to toss me off the train. If the roles had been reversed, I damn well would have. I know how you feel about Tris. Hell, the whole compound knows how much you love her. I know you would never hurt her. I've never had anything but the utmost respect for you but I've been taking my frustration out on you, too. I know better. I've known you for five years. You're one of the good guys.

"As for the fight this morning, I was aggravated from the confrontation with Dad. This older member who reminded me a lot of him – abrasive, hateful, conniving – bumped into me then made it out to be my fault." This actually sounds quite familiar so far based on other eye witness testimonials. "I don't remember exactly what we both said but he threw a punch and I defended myself. The next thing I knew, my friends were fighting with his and then all hell broke loose."

"Your friends?" Shauna asks.

"Yeah, Oliver, Maeve, Rose, and Jeremy," he says. "You told me to make some transfer friends so I did."

"It's nice to see you took our advice," Tobias says.

"Can I ask you something, Shauna?"

"Of course, you can," she says.

"I asked Dad why we were told he died but he wouldn't answer me," he says. "Do you know what happened?"

"I was … stunned to find out he is alive. At first, I thought it was just someone who really looked like him, a brother or cousin or something. So, I decided to look at his file. It wasn't a death file. It was a factionless file, and it only said he left voluntarily. It doesn't give any other information." It's not often that I think the siblings look alike but right now they're wearing the same forlorn expression.

"Is there anything else you can tell us, Hector, even if it doesn't seem relevant?" James asks.

"He came in through the garage."

"That answers my question," I say. "We need to figure out a way to secure the garage."

"I agree," Tobias says.

"What's going to happen to me?" Hector asks. Everyone in the room looks at Tobias.

"The five of us made a deal before we came to talk to you," he says. "This is your last chance, Hector. We can't have any trouble from you for the next year or you will lose your status as a member of Dauntless, given you pass initiation. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Four. Not Sir," Tobias says.

"Sorry," he says. "What should I do if I suspect trouble?"

"Come to me, day or night," Shauna says as her phone rings. She glances at it and makes a face as she rejects the call. "It's Mom. She's getting impatient no doubt. Are we done here?"

"I believe we're done with Hector unless anyone else has something they would like to bring up," Tobias says.

"I need a full written statement from you for our files," I say to Hector. "I'll take you to my office, and you can write it there."

"Shauna, just let us know when you're done with your mom and Lynn, and we'll meet back here to talk to your mom," Tobias says.

"Okay." We get up and immediately Shauna wraps her arms around Hector and hugs him tightly. "Remember, you can come to me with anything. I love you, Hec."

"I'm so sorry, Sis. I love you, too," he says. "I hate that I put you in the middle of all this. I should have trusted you instead of trying to handle everything on my own."

"No more apologies," she says. "The slate is wiped clean. This is your second chance." More like his forth but I don't say that out loud.

"Come on, Hector," I say, holding the door open for him. I quietly follow him out into the hallway then to the path to the Pire. We enter my office, and I pull a new pad of paper out of my drawer and hand it to him.

"Where do I start?"

"How about from the first time you saw your father outside upper levels," I say. "Please be as detailed as possible. This will go into Dauntless' permanent records as well as yours. And if you could print, I would appreciate it." I thank him, get up, and head to the door. When my hand touches the knob, he stops me.

"Tris, what are you going to do about my dad?" he asks. "He's going to keep approaching me."

"That's something Four, Shauna, James, Will, and I are going to discuss," I say. "Don't be surprised if we need to speak to you again in the future. You're our only link to what he wants. But rest assured, we won't make you do anything that puts you in danger or that you are uncomfortable with. That's not how we operate. I hope you know that."

"I do," he says. "Although others might not agree, Dauntless is a much better place to live now than it was when Max, Eric, and Erudite were running it. I for one don't want it to go back to the way it was." Hhm. That seems like a very specific thought. I hope he's not holding out on us. It would kill Shauna.

"Please be as detailed as possible with that." I nod toward the pad in front of him. "When you're finished, just leave it on my desk then you're free to go. My door will automatically lock behind you. Thanks, Hector."

"No problem." As I turn to the door I think I see a smirk turn up his lips, and I do a quick double take but he's concentrating on his statement. God, I hope we're not being played.