"Andrew, I need to ask you something before we go inside," Tobias says as he reaches out for my dad's arm. We all stop just outside the meeting room doors. People breeze by us left and right.
"Of course, but you better make it quick," Dad says. "The meeting needs to readjourn momentarily."
"I went and got one of Dr. Paxton's outlines while you three were talking and read it over," he says. "Has anyone had another doctor review his findings?"
"He has assured the council multiple times that his colleagues stand behind him and his research 100%," Dad says.
"Did anyone think to independently interview his colleagues?" I ask. "He could just be saying that." I'm obviously not very trusting, and the bitch is one of the main reasons why.
"Well, no," Dad says, scratching his chin thoughtfully. "I guess we never thought it was necessary. We've never had a respectable member of this society come before us and blatantly lie."
"What about Jeanine Matthews?" Caleb scoffs. "How many times did she go in front of the council and lie her ass off?"
"Caleb," Dad gruffly censures. "Language."
"Dad, I'm not a child anymore," he says with a sigh. "And you know I'm right."
"Yes, you're right," he says, "but I still don't appreciate the language. I raised you better than that."
"Fine," Caleb says. "I won't say ass again." I duck my head in an effort to hide my smile as Dad narrows his eyes at my brother.
"I saw that Beatrice," Dad mutters.
"What? You two are funny," I say.
"Can we get back to the matter at hand?" Tobias asks somewhat impatiently. "I think it's of the upmost importance that we have a panel of unbiased doctors to go over his work.
"Also, I think Olivia needs to undergo an independent medical evaluation by someone not associated with Dr. Paxton's practice. That's what Zander called it. I phoned him and asked him to drop by this afternoon. I want his interpretation of what's going on here. I know psychology isn't his area of expertise, but he's the only doctor in this city that I trust wholeheartedly. I want his opinion at the very least.
"I know Dauntless can't go against the council's final decision but I want to make sure everything is done to ensure Olivia is not let loose in our faction. She's not stable, and she is not the type of person we want in Dauntless. That's why she was made factionless to begin with. We've been making great strides the past few years. I don't want one person ruining that."
"About her being made factionless," Dad says, grimacing, "the fabricated photos will more than likely come up this afternoon." I shut my eyes and sigh. I wish those images weren't forever seared into my memory. "Some of the council members think that her factionless status is more about retribution than faction policies."
"We can't help what it looks like to outsiders," I snap.
"Whoa. I'm not the enemy here, Beatrice," Dad softly says, his hands stretched out in front of him, trying to placate me. "I'm just telling you what some of the others think."
"I'm sorry," I mutter. "I didn't mean to jump down your throat. I'm just having a hard time with all this. I kind of feel like we're being told how to run our faction." Dad diverts his gaze.
"Andrew?" Tobias asked obviously catching the movement too.
"It's nothing to concern yourself with," he says. Tobias raises a single brow and Dad sighs. "Some of the council members don't like how your faction is run. I've reminded them that unless you're breaking city laws, which you are not doing, they have zero say on how you do business in Dauntless." I rest my hand on Tobias' Amity tattoo when I see his ears turn red. He's beyond pissed.
"Baby, it's just a generational divide. We've seen it before," I say. "I know there are council members who don't like us 'forward thinkers' as they like to call us." I know what they actually call us behind our back, trouble makers. "They're rooted in the past but we'll bring them to the present if it's the last thing we do."
"We better head inside," Dad says, looking at the wall clock.
"Give us a minute, please," I say.
"Don't make us wait again, Beatrice."
"I won't, I promise," I say. Dad and Caleb proceed into the meeting hall, and I pull Tobias across the nearly empty hallway. There are a few stragglers here and there but for the most part we are alone. "Are you okay?"
"This just keeps getting better and better," he grumbles.
"Ignore them," I say. "We both know we are doing a great job for our faction. Our members tell us on a daily basis. Forget about old bitties like Faye. They mean nothing to us."
"You're right," he says with a sigh. "How about you, love? How are you doing with all this?"
"Now that you're here," I say as I wrap my arms around his waist and hug him tightly, "I'll be just fine." His arms encircle me, and he kisses the top of my head. "Calling Zander was smart. I never thought to get his input."
"I'll admit the information in the outline was a bit over my head," he says. "Zander said he's more than happy to help." He looks at his watch. "We better get inside."
"You're right." He chuckles which causes me to frown. "Why are you laughing at me?" I know I must be pouting.
"The face you just made looked exactly like Teagan," he says. "There's no doubt she's your daughter." The mention of Teags brightens my outlook at least for the moment. I tilt my lips up to meet his for a quick kiss then we walk into the meeting.
"Why don't you sit right here," I say, pointing to the unoccupied bench next to the door. "That way when Zander gets here he won't interrupt."
"If you need me for anything, anything at all, love, just let me know," he says.
"I will," I say.
"Everyone please be seated," Dad calls out. I meet Tobias' lips for another quick, loving kiss then hurry to my seat. "Thank you all for returning on time. I hope you had an enjoyable lunch.
"I would like to thank Dr. Paxton for an enlightening morning. Before I open the discussion up to the council members and onlookers, is there anything else you would like to add about your request?"
"Thank you, Andrew," Dr. Paxton says looking towards my dad. He rises from his seat and approaches the podium. "I would just like to reiterate the fact that the city has a potential epidemic on its hands if you all ignore my findings. One's mental health is not something to play with. I strongly believe that any person living in this city deserves the best care whether they are fortunate enough to live in a faction or not, and I strongly believe that we need to be more selective about who becomes factionless. Once again, as I said this morning, I will gladly make all my research available for anyone who wants to read it at any time. Thank you."
"Dr. Paxton, if you would remain at the podium, we would appreciate it," Dad says. "I'm sure there will be numerous questions for you."
"Of course, Andrew." He grips the lectern, and I see his knuckles turn white. He's definitely not looking forward to this part.
"We will now open up the discussion to council members. I would like any onlookers to refrain from interrupting. Before a final decision is made the floor will be opened to everyone in attendance to address any additional questions and/or concerns."
"I would like to start," I say, straightening my back, sitting taller. I muster up all the strength I can, knowing this isn't going to be a pleasant exchange.
"Of course, you would," Faye snits.
Ignoring her with a roll of my eyes, I say, "This not only affects my faction as a whole but it affects my husband, my children, and myself … personally." I take a deep breath and glance at Tobias. Just the look on his face bolsters my confidence. "I find it odd that out of everything we learned about … Olivia this morning we did not learn the most important thing." Man, I hate saying that bitch's name. "Can you tell us please, doctor, why was she locked up?"
"I object to the term 'locked up,'" the doctor says, raising his fingers for the air quotes. "She wasn't in prison." She should have been. She should be. I bite my tongue to keep the thoughts from flying from my lips.
"Maybe not, but she was involuntarily committed, correct?" this from Caleb who once again has his arm draped over the back of my chair, lending me his support also.
"As I said, yes, she was." It almost looks like the good doctor is gritting his teeth.
"Do you mind telling us why she was committed to the psychiatric ward?" Dad asks.
"I am going to object once again. I implore the council to remove these three members. They have a major conflict of interest here," Dr. Paxton says, ire breaking through what looks to be a manufactured calm. "I still think they shouldn't be allowed to participate in these proceedings." This information is new to me, although Dad alluded to as much over lunch. We all have a conflict of interest but if we weren't here, who would look out for Dauntless' interest not to mention my family's interest?
"We've been through this a number of times," Faye says. "Although you have a valid point, I thought we settled this with a vote. Andrew, Caleb, and Tris Prior will be allowed to participate in this matter." Sounds like she voted no.
"If you don't want to reveal the reason why, Dr. Paxton, then I will," I say, pausing for dramatic effect. "She tried to kill me." A gasp echoes around the room. I'm surprised by the number of people who don't know the circumstances of why we are actually here but remind myself that most everyone in this room is a stranger.
"She stabbed me three times because she convinced herself that I was in the way of her happiness. She thought if I was out of the picture my husband would magically fall in love with her. During her truth serum interrogation, she was asked if she was ever to be set free in the future if she would pursue Four and she … said … yes.
"My first question for you, Dr. Paxton, is how can you be 100% sure she isn't playing you? I have never been convinced that she was mentally ill. I think she's just a lying, scheming, manipulative bitch."
"Now, now," another council member whose name escapes me says. "There's no need for name calling."
"My apologies," I say but anyone hearing me knows I don't mean it one bit.
"To answer your question, Tris, no I don't think she was faking then, and I don't think she is faking now. She's had hundreds of hours of therapy, successfully been on a cocktail of mood stabilizing drugs for over a year, and she's integrated back into the factionless sector with only minor backslide. She's remorseful for the way she treated you and your husband. She sees the error of her ways." He stops and shakes his head. "I can see by the look on your face that you will never believe what I have to say so I don't know why I'm explaining this to you." I guess I'm not a very good actress but he's right. I don't believe him.
"It's not just Tris who has questions," Bartholomew Fitzgerald says. He took Jonah Thomson's place on the council after he was shot and killed by Wesley Harkin when he targeted Dad, Caleb, and me a couple years ago. He's a forward thinker like other younger members of the council. "I for one am impressed with your research. You've been very thorough, and it makes a lot of sense. However, there are a lot of things we need to take into consideration. I know I would be concerned and somewhat hesitant if you were coming to us asking Abnegation to reinstate someone who was basically convicted of attempted murder. I'm sure all the factions would feel that way, or at least I hope there would be some trepidation on their part."
"I don't mean to make light of this situation or the decision all of you on the council have to make but I'm worried about her biased opinion swaying the vote," the doctor says.
"I'm only one person, Dr. Paxton," I say. "Whether I'm allowed to vote or not is moot. I will make my opinion of this situation known. It personally impacts my family. Now I have more questions."
"Go ahead," he says with a wave of the hand.
"You said Olivia was diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder among other things when she was first hospitalized. Is that correct?"
"Yes, that is correct."
"It says right here, from your own research," I hold up his outline so everyone can see it, "that someone with this personality disorder readily lies and exploits others to achieve their goals." I pause to let this sink in. "I ask you again, doctor, how do you know she isn't lying to you manipulating you? How do you know she isn't using you just to get back into Dauntless?"
"Because it wasn't her idea to get back into Dauntless," he says, a smug look crossing his face. "This is my request, not hers. It actually took me some time to talk her into letting me submit the application to the council." I have a hard time believing that but don't get a chance to voice the concern.
"Why someone with such a violent history then?" another council member asks, negating the need for me to ask. "I'm sure there are more suitable candidates to test your theory."
"I have to agree," Summer says. I notice Sophia, who is sitting beside her, nodding in agreement. "I don't like the idea of someone with such a violent history loose in our city even if she has been given a clean bill of health."
"I disagree," the doctor says. "Olivia is the perfect candidate because I strongly believe that her mental health issues stem directly from being needlessly and callously made factionless from Dauntless at a very impressionable time in her life."
"Needlessly!" Tobias says, getting to his feet at the same time I jump up and yell, "Callously!"
"Four, please sit down," Dad says but I can tell he's none too pleased with the doctor's comment either. Tobias shakes his head disgustedly but sits down. When he crosses his arms across his chest, I notice his hands are balled into white-knuckled fists. It's probably a good thing Dr. Paxton is clear across the room or he could be in serious danger right now.
"I can tell you right now, Olivia Nelson has no place in Dauntless," I say. I tear my eyes from the doctor and look at the bitch. She's sitting there playing the victim, and it pisses me off even more. I turn my attention to my fellow council members and try to rein in my temper. "Four and I have been working very hard along with the other leaders to change the image of Dauntless, and we are succeeding. We don't tolerate subterfuge. We don't tolerate dishonesty. We don't tolerate needless violence. We don't tolerate laziness. We don't tolerates selfishness.
"Olivia was not made needlessly or callously factionless. She was given the same opportunity each and every initiate in the history of Dauntless got, with the exception of my graduating class, which had automatic cuts of over half its initiates," I say through gritted teeth. I take a deep breath and slowly let it out before I continue. "She was failing out of Dauntless before she faked photographs of herself and my husband in compromising positions, which ultimately got her kicked out. Before that, she was in last place in weapons training and fight training. I don't know how she would have survived the fear simulations. She never tried. She got herself expelled due to her own actions and inactions.
"I highly doubt she wanted to be there in the first place since her uncle, Ethan Black, asked her to join Dauntless for the single purpose of breaking Four and me up because he thought he would gain custody of our two adopted children." My chest is heaving by the time I finish. Hands land on my shoulders, and I don't have to turn to realize Tobias joined me. I automatically reach up with my right hand and lace my fingers through his. "No one in this room gets to tell us how to run our faction." He squeezes my hand in solidarity.
"I'm not telling anyone how to run a faction," Dr. Paxton says. "I'm just pointing out the fact that she had no mental health issues before she reached Dauntless."
"How do you know that for certain?" Tobias asks. "How do you know she hasn't had issues since childhood? Was she ever tested prior to joining Dauntless?"
"Four," Dad cautions. It's not time for the spectators to ask questions yet.
"Let him ask his questions, Andrew," Faye says with a sigh, surprising me. "He is the head of Dauntless after all and I for one would like to get out of here sometime today." Wow! I'm not sure that woman has a selfless bone in her body.
"Thank you, Faye," Tobias graciously says. I just want to flip her off. "I read over your outline while we were at lunch, Dr. Paxton, and I have to agree with Bartholomew that your research is impressive. I do believe that there have been a large number of people in this city made needlessly factionless and a lot came from Dauntless. We are remedying that as we speak but that is beside the point." I think this catches some people off guard by the quite muttering going on behind me. I know it catches me off guard. Instead of letting my feelings show, I channel Four and mask my emotions. I'm not entirely sure where he's going with this. "But, just like Tris, I'm troubled by your diagnoses of Olivia." I can't help but slide my eyes towards the bitch when Tobias says her name. A slight grin lifts her lips but it vanishes just as quickly. Or maybe I'm just seeing things. "You theorize they came after a complete breakdown that you blame on her expulsion from Dauntless but couldn't these significant personality disorders have been present since birth?"
"You know my professional opinion," Dr. Paxton says. "I don't think I need to repeat myself."
"Snarky much?" I mutter under my breath.
"Of course," Tobias says, maintaining his composure much better than I would. "I make a motion to the council for today's vote to be placed on hold. I also would like to motion Olivia Nelson to have an independent medical evaluation by a panel of psychiatrists who have nothing to do with Dr. Paxton's practice." The door to the council room opens and all eyes turn to see Zander who freezes in place.
"Sorry for the interruption," he says.
"It's okay, Dr. Parrish," Dad says.
"Please have a seat, doctor," Bartholomew says. Zander nods and sits on the closest bench. "Please continue Four."
"Also, I asked if Dr. Paxton's research has ever been evaluated by another doctor and was told it has not," Tobias says. "I would also like to motion the council for his research to be verified by his peers."
"It has been," Dr. Paxton snipes.
"I'm sure that's the case," Tobias says, "but we have no actual proof of that, only your word." The doctor opens his mouth but Tobias continues on like he doesn't notice. "I'm sure you take offence at my allegation but I think due diligence needs to be exercised. This is a very important issue not only for myself, my wife, my family, and my faction but for you and Olivia as well. All parties need to make sure that we are doing the right thing for everyone involve, and I don't think an under the radar council vote is the right way to go."
"What do you mean by under the radar?" Faye asks.
"Look around the room," I say. "How many Dauntless members are here at this open meeting? Now that Four and Zander are here, there are three. Could you say the same if this were an Abnegation matter or even an Amity matter?"
"My thoughts are that you wanted this wrapped up with a nice little bow today," Tobias says. "I implore all of you to do the right thing and make sure that all sides of this story come to light. In my opinion and my opinion only, I do not think that Olivia Nelson belongs in Dauntless for the very reason that she tried to murder my wife. If her mental state was never an issue we wouldn't even be here because she more than likely would have been executed with her coconspirators or at a minimum still be locked up for years to come. But instead here we are debating whether to put a once mentally unstable woman back into the faction she wreaked havoc on. I don't know about any of you but I wouldn't chance it if I were you. Put yourselves in our place." He squeezes my shoulder again then drops his hand.
"God, I want to kiss you right now," I whisper over my shoulder. His passionate speech sparked desire in the pit of my stomach. He gives me a sexy wink then goes to sit with Zander.
"Well, we have three motions in front of us," Dad says. "Do I have a second for them?"
"I second them all," Sofia says, raising her hand. "I know if this were about Candor, the place would be a sea of black and white. I was wondering why there weren't more Dauntless members here. I take it the news of this meeting didn't stretch that far." I see her looking at several of our older, more established council members with disgust.
"Well I don't know why more Dauntless members didn't see fit to show up," Faye says, holding her nose up in the air. "They got the same notice everyone else did." I scoff knowing that can't be true but I don't push it. I just want to go home.
"The motions pass," Dad says garnering everyone's attention. "The vote on the reinstatement of Olivia Nelson to Dauntless will be placed on hold until she can undergo an independent medical evaluation by doctors approved by the council and Dr. Paxton's research can be verified. The time for this vote will be announced at a later date. Unless there are any further issues that need addressed, thank you for coming today. You are all excused." There is a moment of silence where everyone hesitantly looks around the room waiting for someone to speak but no one does. Soon the looky-loos from the gallery start filing out of the room.
"Looks like I missed all the fun," Zander says as he comes up to me with my husband in tow. They sit on either side of me.
"This is anything but fun," I grumble.
"I know, Tris," he says. "Is this the outline?" He slides the papers in front of me his way as I take my phone out.
"I just checked on the kids," Tobias says. "They're not feeling well and wondering when you are going to be home."
"I should have stayed home with them," I say. "Anything would have been better than walking in here this morning unprepared."
"I know," he says.
"Beatrice, can I see you and Four in my office," Dad says.
"We don't have a lot of time," I say. "The kids are all wondering where I am."
"I know but some decisions need to be made," he says. I look up over my shoulder and find Dr. Paxton and Olivia standing there. My entire body goes on the defensive. A low growl emanates from deep within Tobias' chest as he places his arm protectively around me.
"What do you want?" he spits.
"I wanted this resolved today," Dr. Paxton says, "but it looks like you got your way."
"If I had my way, she would never come within a 100 feet of my wife ever again."
"I'm not a treat to anyone anymore," Olivia says. "I'm better now." I shake my head and roll my eyes in disgust, and Tobias tightens his grip on me.
"What business do you have?" Dad asks. "Otherwise, you are free to leave."
"I want to know what doctors you are going to have evaluate Olivia and my work," he says. "I'm the head psychiatrist. There is no one better than me to say what her diagnoses are, when they developed, what her treatment was, and what her response to treatment was.
"When this is all said and done, the vote will go my way, and Olivia will be rejoining Dauntless in spite of what happened here today. You might as well just face that fact right now," he says.
"There are other physicians in this city who have a wide array of knowledge who will be happy to evaluate Miss Nelson and look over your research and give their professional opinions," Zander says. "I can name quite a few off the top of my head. I'm also sure Caleb here can contact the medical school and get the names of the colleagues in your field." He flips through the outline like he's looking for something then holds it up in front of him. "I'm surprised second and third opinions of Olivia's progress aren't included in this. You did include these in your competed research, didn't you?"
"I don't answer to you," Dr. Paxton spits.
"No, you don't answer to him," Dad says, "but you did bring this before the council and we will have all the facts before a decision is made. I will call you and set up the meetings as soon as I can. Good day, Dr. Paxton. Please, Beatrice, Four, Caleb? Can I speak to you in my office? Zander, you are more than welcome to join us." Leaving the bitch and the doctor to themselves, we all get up and head after my dad.
"I forgot my phone," I say. "I'll be right back." I turn and head back into the nearly deserted meeting room. My phone is right where I left it. As I turn to leave, I see the bitch and the doctor across the room. She lightly touches his arm, and he tucks a stray hair behind her ear. My mouth falls open as I watch them lean towards each other as they talk quietly amongst themselves. This is twice now I've seen what looks like an intimate moment between the two. I duck out of the room before they can see me and head to Dad's office.
"You okay?" Caleb asks when I enter the room. Obviously what I just saw shook me.
"Yeah, I'm fine," I say. "It's just been a long day, and I want to go home."
"I won't keep you much longer," Dad says. "Actually, Zander answered a lot of my questions with his comments to Dr. Paxton. Any help you can provide with setting up an impartial panel to evaluate not only Olivia but her medical records and Dr. Paxton's research would be greatly appreciated. And I am personally asking you to be on it."
"Are you sure that wouldn't be construed as a conflict of interest?" Zander asks.
"Believe me, it doesn't matter who is on this panel, Dr. Paxton is going to pitch a fit," I say. "I'm surprised Four and I were even allowed to be here today."
"It took a lot of pushing on my part," Dad says. "In the end the vast majority agreed with me that all of us needed to be heard, too."
"If you and Four want to go home, Tris, I'll stay and talk to your dad about setting up these reviews," Zander says. "I'm sure he can answer all my questions. That is if you don't mind me jumping in."
"I'd appreciate it," I say. I look at my watch and sigh. "I really need to get home. Poor Bridget has been with three cranky, sick kids all day. If she's not pulling her hair out, she will be soon." Tobias and I get up, say our goodbyes, and then drive towards home.
