I leave my office, suspicious of Hector once again. Do I tell the others what I think I just saw or keep it to myself? Maybe I'll have Nathan pull the footage from my office and see if I actually saw him smirk behind my back. Instead of returning to the conference room, I take a detour to the control room.
"Nathan, can I talk to you?" I ask as I come up behind him.
"Talk away, Tris," he says, a big smile on his face, obviously happy to see me. I look around and instantly get uncomfortable. Too many eyes are focused on us.
"In private," I quietly say. He follows me into Zeke's office, which should only be classified as a closet.
"What can I do for you?"
"I need to look at the footage from my office from 5-10 minutes ago," I say.
"Okay," he says. He sits down on Zeke's rolling computer chair and types into the keyboard. One of the screens goes black then my office feed flickers to life. Hector is hunched over my desk diligently working on his statement. Thank goodness. Nathan runs the live feed backwards until I'm standing before Hector.
"Stop!" He hits another button and the footage moves forward once again. "Can you zoom in on his face for me?" He types a command and Hector and I enlarge to fill the screen. I concentrate on his face as he seems to diligently listen to my instructions. It's odd to relive my near distant past. Then there it is, a small smirk as I turn away from him. "Can you play it again?"
"Sure. What are you looking for?"
"I'm not sure to tell you the truth," I say. "Watch his face as I start to turn toward the door. Tell me what you see." I watch the feed once again, closely studying Hector's face over Nathan's shoulder.
"If you ask me he's leering at you," he says.
"My thoughts exactly," I sigh. "Can you put this on a jump drive for me?"
"Certainly," he says. He copies the footage and hands it to me.
"I need you to do something else for me," I say. "I really need you to keep this between us for now." His look turns suspicious. "Obviously, I wasn't meant to know about that look Hector gave me. He thought I'd already turned away from him. In the moment, I wasn't even sure I saw what I thought I saw. And I have absolutely no idea what that look means so please don't say anything."
"All right, Tris," he says.
"Is there a way to delete the fact that I had you look into this and copy it for me?"
"Yeah," he says. "Although if one of the programmers go looking, they could retrieve it."
"Delete it please," I say. "And thanks again. I appreciate your help. I need to get back to Four before he misses me."
"You're welcome," he says. I leave him in Zeke's office then head to the conference room but find it empty. Hhm. Tobias must be in his office. I double back to the Pire. I knock on his door then walk on in.
"There you are," he says. I contemplate telling him what I saw, weighing the pros and cons then remember how irritated I would get when he hid things from me even when he thought he was doing the right thing. "You have something to tell me?"
"You know me so well," I say, shaking my head. Why did I even consider not telling him? I round his desk and lean against the edge facing him.
"How do you think the meeting with Hector went?" I ask.
"I think it went well," he says, looking up at me suspiciously. "Why? Do you know something I don't know?"
"Honestly? I'm not sure," I say. "I do have something to show you though." I dig the jump drive out of my pocket and plug it into an empty port on his computer. I open the file and say, "Watch this." He leans forward and concentrates on the monitor.
"I don't see anything," he says.
"Just wait." As I turn away on the video, Tobias growls.
"Shit! He's playing us. And the little bastard seemed so sincere, too."
"I don't know what to say, baby," I say. "That look is only on his face for a split second. It could be completely innocent."
"Or it could be part of a bigger plan to make us trust him then bam he stabs us in the back," he says. "I'm still worried about what he said about his father wanting information about us."
"I know. That really scared me, Tobias. Why would he be asking about our kids?"
"I don't know but I plan on finding out," he says. "Where did you get the jump drive?"
"Nathan," I say. "I asked him to keep it between the two of us. He agreed."
"I wonder if he would be willing to keep an eye on Hector for us."
"I could ask him," I say, "but I'm not sure that he would be able to hide active surveillance from Zeke."
"I don't exactly want him to hide it," he says. "I was going to suggest keeping an eye on Hector before you showed me that anyway."
"Why?"
"I don't want to be duped," he says. "If it were anyone else without a connection to one of us, we'd order surveillance to corroborate his or her story. We can't become lax just because he's Shauna's brother. Does that make sense?"
"Perfect," I say. "I think the others will agree with you. It's the responsible thing to do for Dauntless."
"How are you feeling, love?" he asks as he pulls me down onto his lap and wraps his arms around me.
"I feel wonderful," I say as I gently run my fingers through his hair. "It's nice to get a minute to ourselves in the middle of the day. It happens so rarely." He cups my face and tenderly runs his thumb across my bottom lip as he gazes at me. His dancing eyes dart to my mouth then back up to mine. I lower my smiling lips to his as a knock makes us both jump. A low growl emanates from his chest which makes me giggle. "Calm down, baby."
"We can't catch a fucking break," he mutters under his breath, obviously irritated at the interruption. At least he wasn't already inside me, leaving me longing again. "I've been hard most of the day thinking about being inside you." Instead of giving up and assuming we're not here, whoever's outside knocks again.
"I'll get it," I say. I give him a quick kiss then cross the room to open the door to Will, James, Shauna, Lynn, and Jessica. "Come on in." I step aside and let them enter. Jessica and Shauna sit in the chairs opposite Tobias' desk and Will, James, and Lynn flop on the couch. I study Shauna's mother but she must be very good at hiding her emotions. Lynn on the other hand has red-rimmed eyes and dried tear trails streaking down her cheeks. My heart immediately goes out to her.
"We weren't expecting you," Tobias says.
"I figured since we were already here there was no reason to go back to the conference room," Shauna says.
"Lynn, do you want one of us to get Bailey for you?" I ask.
"Zeke went after her," she says. "But thanks, Tris. I appreciate it." Will drapes his arm over her shoulder and pulls her close. She buries her face in his neck as her body shakes with new silent sobs. I've never seen her show this level of emotion.
"Tris, here take this," Tobias says, vacating his office chair for me.
"Thanks," I say as I sit down. He stands behind the chair with a firm grip on the back of my seat.
"Jessica, I'm sure Shauna told you why we wanted to talk to you," he says.
"She did, although I still don't understand. I don't have anything to say to you," she says. Her tone isn't downright rude but it's definitely not friendly either. My hands involuntarily roll into fists in my lap. I haven't wanted to punch someone I've just met since that first visiting day with Cara.
"I told you, Mom, according to Hector, Dad was asking a lot of questions about Dauntless … Four and Tris to be specific. We need to know if you know anything."
"Shauna," she censures, "I told you I didn't know he was alive so how the hell am I supposed to know why he's asking questions about Four and Tris," she snits. "I haven't seen him in over 10 years when he left the apartment and never came back. I can't tell you, any of you, something I don't know." It's hard to tell if she's being truthful or not. She's as bitchy as ever. I look up over my shoulder at Tobias but his eyes are on Shauna.
"I see that we've asked you to come in for questioning too soon," Tobias says. "I'll have Shauna set up a time in a couple days that works better for you. I know it must be a shock learning your husband is still alive but we need to hear what you know. There might be details that are important to our investigation that you aren't even aware you're privy to. We all would appreciate your cooperation. If not, we can always arrange a truth serum interrogation." She narrows her already hateful eyes my husbands way.
"Was threatening her necessary?" Shauna asks.
"Yes," Tobias says or maybe I should say Four.
"She doesn't always act like that, you know," Lynn says, sniffling quietly. "I think she's in shock. I know I am.".
"Have you thought you were being watched or followed lately, Lynn?" Tobias asks her.
"No," she says, shaking her head, her eyes vacant. "When Shauna told us how Hec was approached, I thought about it long and hard. If someone has been following me, they've done a good job of it. I'm not suspicious in the least." A knock on the door interrupts us, and Shauna gets up to answer it. She gives Zeke a soft kiss after he and Bailey walk into the room.
"Can I go?" Lynn asks.
"Of course," Tobias says. "If you ever want to talk, my door is always open, Lynn. I know what you're going through."
"Thanks, Four," she says. Bailey gives her a hug then takes her hand and leads her out of the room.
"How did it go telling your mom and Lynn?" Will asks Shauna.
"About as well as can be expected," she says. "Lynn was in complete shock at first then the floodgates opened and she cried the entire time, which is totally unlike her. That's why I sent Zeke to get Bailey. You did explain what was going on, didn't you, Zeke?"
"I gave her the basics thinking Lynn would want to give her the details," he says.
"But my mom had no reaction whatsoever," she says. "It could be shock like Lynn said or…"
"You think she knew he was alive this whole time," Tobias says.
"I just don't know," she says after a long pause, her eyes extremely sad. "I hate to think that my own mother has been lying to me for most of my life but I have my doubts that she's being straight with me." She looks over at Zeke who took the seat vacated by her mother. "Am I being horrible?"
"No," he says. "At the very least, she was acting … strange under the circumstances. I have my doubts, too, Sunshine." He reaches out and takes her hand.
"My mother has never been the warm, affectionate type. She's always been tough as nails. I'm sure others would call her cold. I don't even remember her crying when he died … left … whatever," Shauna sighs, "but if you tell me my husband who I thought was dead is alive after 10 years I'm either crying, raging, or celebrating or perhaps all three. I wouldn't sit there like a bump on a log."
"We'll give her a day or two to digest the news then we need to get her back in here and question her," Tobias says. "She may know nothing or she could be the key to figuring out what's going on."
"I agree," she says then glances at the clock. "Do we have any business left today?"
"No," Tobias says. "I'll see you guys back here tomorrow morning at 8:30 for a briefing. Have a good night." After saying their goodbyes, Tobias and I are left alone in his office.
"We need to call Zander," I say.
"Oh, I forgot about that," he says. He pulls his phone out and sends a quick message that we have time to talk if he does. He immediately responds, telling us he'll be here in 10 minutes.
"Want to make any guesses as to what he wants to tell us?" I ask as we sit on the couch. I snuggle into his side, my eyelids extremely heavy.
"Our early morning is catching up with you, love," he says then kisses my forehead. "Close your eyes and rest until Zander gets here."
"Okay," I mutter as I let my eyelids fall shut, not wanting to argue for once. "The babies are making me tired."
"I thought it was the fact that you were up making cinnamon rolls before 5 a.m."
"Mm, cinnamon rolls," I murmur. I feel his hands on me, caressing the exposed skin of my arm and running his fingers through my hair while he hums softly. It's a familiar tune but I'm too tired to figure out what it is. Knocking startles me awake, and I groan.
"You can finish the rest of your nap when we get home," Tobias says as he gets to his feet.
"How long was I out?" I say around a yawn.
"A little over 15 minutes." He opens the door and Zander strolls in.
"I'm sorry I'm late," he says.
"Tris was taking a quick nap so there are no worries," Tobias says.
"I'm sorry I had to wake you but this is important," Zander says. Tobias sits on the couch next to me and Zander turns one of the chairs to face us. "On Saturday afternoon, Olivia Nelson was released from the hospital." A cold chill works its way up my spine and throughout my body until I'm shuddering in Tobias' arms. "Her doctors no longer see her as a threat to herself or anyone else despite what I've told them, and the courts ordered her release. She has no restrictions. She can go where any factionless person can go. We no longer have to be notified of her whereabouts."
"She was freed Saturday?" I murmur.
"Yes," he says. My mind goes back to the garage yesterday when I saw a flash of movement or something out of the corner of my eye.
"What is it, Tris?" Tobias asks.
"It's probably nothing," I say. "I don't want to sound paranoid."
"Love? What is it?"
"When we got back to Dauntless yesterday I thought I saw someone in the garage," I say. The look on his face tells me he remembers. "I thought it was just my nerves. You know that place still makes me uncomfortable after everything that's happened there over the years. But I didn't think I really had a reason to worry. Could it have been her?"
"I don't think so," Tobias says. "But to be on the safe side I'll have Zeke look at the video from last night."
"I hate that they released her. They only told me at noon today," Zander says. "They sent me her complete file but I haven't had time to go through it because of the fight this morning but I will make it a priority between patients. Hopefully, it will give me an idea what we're up against. Tris, I'm sorry we couldn't keep her locked up but there's a possibility, although a slim one in my opinion, that the treatment worked and she's no longer a threat to herself or others."
"I'll never believe that," I say. "She tried to kill me. She almost succeeded."
"The first thing we're going to do is go home and have a nice evening with the kids," Tobias says. "Tomorrow we'll figure out a way to secure the garage. Too many breaches have happened there. Obviously, the gates aren't working."
"I have an idea," I say.
"What's that?"
"Garage doors that only open when you swipe a card like our identification card. Then there will be a record of who is coming and going. If there's a breach, we go through the records and identify the problem."
"I like that idea," Tobias says. "I think we need security like that at Dauntless 2.0 also. I don't foresee any problems but we never know. Excellent idea, love. I couldn't do this job without you."
"Don't worry. You'll never have to," I say. "Thank you for bringing this information to us so quickly, Zander. I wish we could have spoken earlier but today's been one hell of a day. The dead coming back to life, invisible people falling into the chasm, and murderers walking free." I let out an exasperated sigh then follow it up with a big yawn.
"I've got to get Tris home so she can rest before supper," Tobias says.
"The twins are kicking my butt," I say around yet another yawn. At this rate Tobias is going to have to carry me home. "Thanks again for being in our corner and trying to keep the bitch locked up. Hopefully, we're fearful for nothing."
"It doesn't hurt to be vigilant none the less," Zander says. "Don't forget your vitamins. They will help with the fatigue."
"Oh, I forgot to take them this morning."
"Go home and take them now," he instructs. "If you need anything just let me know." Tobias and I head up to our apartment after we say goodbye to Zander. When we open the door, we are met by three hyperactive kids wanting to tell us all about their day. He gets me my folic acid, iron supplement, and prenatal vitamin while I sit on the couch surrounded by our monsters.
"Mama, we watch Nemo?" Tessa asks.
"Yeah!" Teags agrees.
"Here you go, love," Tobias says, handing me the pills and a glass of water.
"Thanks."
"Are you sick?" Tyler asks, worry coloring his face.
"No, buddy, I'm not sick."
"Why are you taking medicine?" he asks with a frown. I look up at Tobias and he looks at each one of them in turn then shrugs his shoulders.
"Isn't it too early?" I ask when he sits down next to me. He clasps our hands together and kisses my knuckles.
"I don't think so besides some others know. I honestly wanted to tell family before we told friends," he says. "Kids, sit down on the coffee table. Mommy and I want to talk to you."
"Maybe you should get the pictures," I say.
"Good idea," he says. He gets up and heads into the kitchen where the ultrasound photos are.
"Well, I think I'll take off for the night," Bridget says. "All the laundry is caught up. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Thanks, Bridget," I say.
"Bye!" the kids say in unison.
"Are you sure you not sick?" Tyler asks. I lean forward and cup his little face.
"Daddy and I have some news for you but it's good news," I say before peppering his face with kisses until he starts giggling. "I promise."
"Here they are," Tobias says as he comes back into the living room with the folder we hid the ultrasound pictures away in. He sits beside me and rests his hand on my knee. "Are you ready, Mommy?" He leans in and kisses the sensitive place just below my ear. "Tyler what did you ask Mommy and Daddy for not that long ago?" He frowns at us, trying to think about what he could have asked for.
"A puppy!" the girls squeal together. I should have guessed that would come up sometime tonight. He is always asking for a dog. How we've managed to put him off this long, I'll never know?
"No, not a puppy," I say.
"Aww," they say with obvious disappointment. Suddenly, Tyler's eyes light up and a huge smile brightens his face.
"I know what I asked for," he says. "A bike!" A bike?
"When did you ask for a bike?" I certainly don't remember that.
"He asked me," Tobias says. "This isn't going so well. How about we just tell them?"
"Okay," I say. I take his hand and lace my fingers with is. "Guys, Mommy is pregnant. Do you know what that means?"
"You got a baby in your tummy!" Tyler squeals. His excitement is so palpable that I swear he's vibrating. "Really?"
"Actually, Mommy has two babies in her tummy," Tobias says.
"Two?" he says.
"I want thwee," Tessa says matter-of-factly. "One fo each us." I never in a million year would have expected that reaction.
"I'm afraid there's only two, Pebbles," Tobias says and she starts pouting.
"Are they boys?" Tyler excitedly asks.
"We won't know the answer to that question for a while but Zander said you all can come that day and see new pictures of the babies."
"New?" Our boy is very smart.
"That's right," Tobias says. "Come get on our laps." Tyler squeezes his way between us and Teags climbs up on Tobias' lap while I pick up Tessa and snuggle her for a moment. He takes the pictures out of the folder, and we explain exactly what they are seeing.
"This is Button," I say as I point to the little round figure on the picture and then I slide my finger to the second shape, "and this is Bean."
"Wow," Tyler says.
"Aww," Teags sighs.
"I no see," Tessa says, staring at the picture with a frown.
"I know it's hard to see in this picture," I say. "Mommy even has trouble seeing them. It's okay, little one."
"Do you think it will be one brother and one sister?" Tyler asks.
"Yeah, bebe seeter!" Teags says, clapping her hands.
"Actually, Mommy could have two boys," this makes Tyler grin, "two girls," our girls clap and giggle at that news, "or it could be one boy and one girl," Tobias says.
"I want brothers," Tyler says. "I'll love them and they can sleep in my room." His eyes light up again and he bounces between us. "Can I name them?" Oh boy!
"We want sisters," Tessa mutters.
"Yeah, bebe seeters," Teags agrees.
"Can I please name them?" Tyler whines.
"Out of curiosity, what would you name a baby brother?" Tobias asks.
"Leonardo!"
"I should have known," I say. "Your favorite Ninja Turtle."
"Or Optimus Prime." I try really hard not to laugh but I can't hold it in. Optimus Prime Eaton! I think we let the kids watch way too many movies.
"I think you guys can help us pick out names after Mommy and I narrow them down. Although Leonardo isn't bad, buddy, but it has one problem."
"What's that?" he asks.
"It doesn't start with a T. We have Tobias, Tris, Tyler, Tessa, and Teagan. Leonardo would sound funny, right?"
"Yeah, you're right," he says. "I'll work on T names."
"Okay, you do that," Tobias says.
"What about you, girls? If you could pick a girl's name what would it be?" I ask. They look at each other then back at me.
"Lily," Tessa says as Teags shouts, "Daisy."
"Hhm. I like those names a lot," Tobias says. "Maybe we can find a flower that starts with a T."
"Yeah!"
"Tiger lily," I mutter under my breath.
"What was that?" he asks.
"Nothing, really," I say. "Just a flower that starts with a T but definitely not one we would use."
"What was it?"
"Yeah, Mommy, what was it?" They all look at me expectantly.
"Tiger lily," I repeat. "And no, I'm not naming a daughter Tiger."
"That silly, Mama," Tessa says.
"I'll come up with a girl name, too," Tyler says. "It will be gooder than Tiger."
"Better than," Tobias corrects. "I'm pretty sure anything is better than Tiger."
"I don't know," I say. "There are some downright awful names out there. Let's not worry about naming Button and Bean right now. I'd rather eat something."
"Who wants pizza for supper?" Three eager hands shoot up. "How would you three like to come with me to pick out supper? Mommy needs to rest for a little bit." They excitedly agree. "Go potty, give Mommy kisses, then wait for me by the door." They all run toward the powder room and Tobias sits next to me. "Optimus Prime? I almost fell over."
"And he was so serious," I chuckle.
"You want to know something. I kind of like the name Leonardo."
"I do, too. And Lily. I think that's why I said tiger lily."
"Leo and Lily," Tobias says. "Hhm. Too bad we already decided on T names. That would be cute for a boy and girl."
"Yeah, it would."
"Bye, Mommy," Tyler says as he comes back into the room. "Look, I washed my hands!" He holds out his arms, which are leaving a trail of water behind him.
"You sure did," I say. "But I think you forgot to dry them." He looks at his hands then wipes them on is pants. "Come here." I grab him up in a hug then receive the sweetest kiss.
"I love you, Mommy," he whispers against my ear.
"I love you, too."
"I'm happy about the babies," he says. "I wish they are brothers though. Is that okay?"
"Of course, it's okay but I don't want you to be too disappointed if it's sisters," I say.
"I'll only cry once," he says. He then leans over and kisses my tummy. "Bye, babies. I'll wait by the door."
"Get your shoes on," Tobias says. Next Tessa runs into the living room and straight to me. She gives me a big kiss then hugs me tightly.
"Love you."
"Love you, too," I say. "Go wait with Tyler by the door."
"I done," Teags says as she saunters into the room, not a care in the world. "Bye-bye, Mama. Lub 'ou!"
"I love you, too," I say. "Have fun with Daddy. Pick out good pizza."
"I will," she says. "Kiss." I lean over and she wraps her arms around my neck and sloppily kisses me on the mouth. "See 'ou wader gador!"
"After while crocodile!" She giggles up a storm.
"Come on, Dadda!" she pleads.
"Okay!" he says then looks back at me. "Rest while we're gone. You've had a long day. And before you know it, we'll be back with fresh, hot pizza." He leans in for a soft quick kiss then follows the kids.
"Bye, guys! I'll see you later." I watch them walk out into the hallway, waving the entire way then lie down on the couch. I pull the grey fuzzy throw up to my shoulders and close my eyes. I don't think I'll be able to rest because of my earlier nap but, soon, I fall into a peaceful sleep.
