"Why in the world would that car be hidden in Amity of all places? Who found it? Did they find Tori, too?" I ask throwing question after question at him, basically thinking out loud.
"Hey, one question at a time, love," Tobias says. "Unfortunately, Tori is still missing. I'm going to send a couple patrol members out to not only retrieve the car but also check it and the surrounding area for any evidence that she's been there. As for how it was found, two Amity boys were out exploring last night and stumbled across it. Since it looked different than anything they had ever seen before and it was in such an unusual place, they immediately reported it to their faction leaders. Apparently, the kids thought it was a spaceship. They were sorely disappointed when they found out it was just a car from Dauntless. And your guess is as good as mine as to why it was hidden in that faction but there's one thing I'm certain of, we're going to find out."
"Something's bothering me about this," I say. "Remember our honeymoon?"
"For numerous reasons, love," he says, a soft smile on his face and a sexy twinkle in his eyes. "But is this really the time for a stroll down memory lane?"
"You're funny," I drolly say, rolling my eyes at him. "Unfortunately, I'm talking about running into Peter in the apple orchards. He was hiding in an outbuilding, too, and we never did figure out how he managed to get out of the city after he attacked me. Maybe it makes perfect sense now that we know he was friends with Lauren. She must have helped him, too." He drags in an unsteady breath and runs a hand through his hair. "Baby, have you heard from Will this morning?" He furrows his brows at the abrupt change in conversation. "He sent me a 911 text at the exact same time Johanna called you. I thought he was the one you were talking to … or at least I was hoping. Tobias, I can't get ahold of him." Concern flashes across his face as he digs his phone back out of his pocket.
"No … no new texts or voice messages from Will," he says. I know he's trying to hide it but I can hear worry in his voice. When he puts the phone up to his ear, I realize I'm holding my breath waiting to see if Will answers him or not. When he sets the phone down on the table I drag an unsteady breath into my burning lungs. "Went straight to voicemail."
"What are we going to do? Harrison's dead, Tori's missing, and now we can't get ahold of Will." I refuse to think the worst but suddenly Edward's words echo in my head warning of Molly's plan. She's going after your friends first. I can't help but gasp. "You need to go check on Christina and Liam," I say, trying not to panic. "Now. I'd go with you but there's no one to watch the kids." He gives me a knowing look and gets up but instead of moving towards the door, he comes to me. He drags me to my feet before his lips land on mine. The kiss is searching, fierce and over before it really begins.
"I'll be right back," he says, leaving me standing here with my heart hammering and my head throbbing.
"Where are you, Will?" I muse out loud as I lean against the countertop. I'm trying not to let my imagination run away with me while my heart slows but it's difficult. Molly is out for blood and instead of coming at me head on, she's coming at me through my friends. "Coward!" I busy myself cleaning up the kitchen while I wait for his return.
"Daddy go bye-bye?" Tyler asks, pouting. When I hear his voice, I realize he's standing at my feet, staring up at me. I pick him up and hug him to me tightly. Poor little guy thinks his father left without saying goodbye, which I guess he did.
"Oh, buddy, he went to check in on Aunt Christina and baby Liam," I say. "He'll be back very soon … I promise. Shall we go into the other room and check on your sisters?"
"Otay," he says, his sad mood forgotten. He wraps his little arms around my neck, apparently sensing my distress and gives me one of his big bear hugs. I tighten my grip on him and pepper his cheeks with kisses.
"I love you, Tyler," I say as I carry us into the living room.
"Love you, Mommy. Moon back."
"To the moon and back," I say. "Thank you for the hug. I really needed that." I stop in front of Peanut's bassinet and look down at my little bundle of joy. She's sleeping soundly but it's obvious she doesn't feel well because her little cheeks are flushed. I gently touch her head, being careful not to wake her and find no change. She's still warm. "Peanut's sleeping."
"Yeah," he says in his version of a whisper. He knows he's supposed to be quiet when one or both of his sisters are sleeping but he doesn't always quite manage. I turn and find Tessa in her swing, her eyes barely open. I'm surprised she isn't out like a light. I set Tyler on his feet, tell him to quietly play, and head toward my little one. She smiles lazily and babbles a little when I pick her up. I sit on the end of the couch and tuck her arm under mine and hold her across my body like I do when she nurses. I've found this the most efficient way to get her to go to sleep at the moment. She fights it if she can hold her head up and look around. Tyler puts his cars on top of the toy box and gets a puzzle book off the shelf then settles in at my feet. I caress Tessa's face as I stare at the front door, willing Tobias to come through with some good news but it remains stubbornly closed. After a couple minutes, I look down and she's finally asleep. I should put her down for her nap but with all the uncertainty I'm feeling right now, I don't want my kids out of my sight. After Tyler gets bored with his puzzle, he crawls up beside me, and we sit quietly waiting on his father. About half an hour later, he finally comes through the door.
"Can you check on Peanut?" I quietly ask. "She's been fussing for a minute but I didn't want to move." Tyler fell asleep with his head in my lap, and Tessa is still sprawled out in my arms. He gives me a soft kiss as he passes. "Well?"
"She still feels warm," he says. "Is it time for another dose of medicine?"
"Not yet. It hasn't been six hours," I say. "Do you have any new information? You were gone for a long time. I got worried."
"I'm sorry. I should have known you'd worry," he says as he sits down on the edge of the club chair. "Christina and Liam are fine. Unfortunately, there's still been no word from Will. She told me he got a phone call during breakfast that shook him up badly. He said it was Dauntless business and needed to go but he didn't elaborate when she asked, which she understood at the time. That was about an hour or so before he texted you. I tried to act as nonchalant as possible but she saw right through me. She wanted to go out searching for him but I talked her into staying put in case he comes home. The last thing we need right now are others going missing.
"After I left her, I went to see Zeke and James. I quietly told them to scan the security footage from our hallway this morning. We saw Will leaving his apartment then heading downstairs to the Pire. He stopped in his office then went outside. He jumped on a train, and that's when we lost him. They're scanning popular destinations as we speak. Hopefully, they'll find him soon.
"When I finished in the control room, I stopped by my office and made a few phone calls. First, I called Simon and Tony and told them to send two of their most trusted men to Amity to pick up the car and search it, the building, and the surrounding area for any signs that Tori has been there the past few days. Even though I don't want to believe it, there's still a possibility she could be behind her own disappearance. I also asked them to grab a couple extra guys and jump the first available trains in both directions and look for Will in all the spots not covered by surveillance. Hopefully, they'll find him sooner than it will take Zeke and James to scan hundreds of different feeds.
"Then I called Zander and asked if he had an update on the DNA we asked him to run last night. He has a rush on it but it's still too soon for the results but he said the results from Frankie's autopsy were messengered over this morning by Caleb. His results were slightly different from Sam and Harrison's. There were two DNA samples pulled from the skin on his neck … one male and one female. We might have foolproof evidence against Molly after all." A knock on the door interrupts him and he says, "That should be Avery and Callen. I asked them to come by so we can discuss whatever it was they found on my computer. By the way, I think Peanut's hungry." I look at the clock and it's still early but she hasn't quieted down since he picked her up. She definitely reminds me of Tessa when she's not feeling well, eating smaller amounts more often. He goes to the door and lets our guests in. They quietly come into the room and sit where Tobias indicates. He gently lays Peanut in Avery's arms then carries Tyler to the sunroom and lays him on the love seat for a nap. When he returns, he carefully lifts Tessa out of my somewhat numb arms making sure he doesn't wake her and puts her in the travel sleeper he set up in the corner of the room then retrieves Peanut and gives her to me. I put my knuckle in her mouth, and she suckles greedily.
"I guess you are hungry," I say. "And you need a new diaper."
"Would you guys like a cup of coffee?" Tobias asks as I get up and get a diaper and wipes. "We have a relatively fresh pot."
"I would like one," Callen says. "Black please."
"None for me," Avery says.
"We also have water, milk, and juice," I say.
"Juice would be nice," she says.
"We have orange, grape, apple, and cranberry," I say.
"Apple with a splash of cranberry," she says.
"That sounds good," I say. "I'll have one of those instead of another cup of coffee. I'll be right back." I go upstairs and change her diaper. Her sleeper seems to be on the damp side so I put her in a new pink and white stripped and polka dot sleeper gown that has a dancing little bunny on the front then carry her back downstairs. I pick up the soft pink receiving blanket that's hanging on the side of the bassinet then sit down on the end of the couch. "I hope you guys don't mind, I need to feed Teagan. Unfortunately, she isn't feeling well today so what little bit of a schedule she does have is completely off."
"Poor baby," Avery says. "We don't mind at all, Tris. Do what you need to do." I put the blanket over her head, adjust my shirt and, after some difficulty, get her latched onto my nipple. Once she starts suckling though, she goes to town. After a few silent moments, Tobias comes into the living room and sets a tray on the coffee table with our drinks. He puts my juice cocktail on the end table next to me then hands Callen and Avery theirs.
"Tris told me you found something on my computer that you wanted to show us," he says as he sits down on the edge of the club chair with the coffee mug between his hands.
"After the kids went to bed last night, Callen and I decided to continue checking on the files that were accessed during the office break-ins. Just to let you know, so far we haven't found any files that were printed or altered in any way but the following personnel files were saved to a portable jump drive." She gets a piece of paper out of her jacket pocket, unfolds it, and hands it to Tobias. I watch as his eyes thoroughly scan the sheet.
"This is one hell of a list," he sighs. When our eyes meet, I can tell that it's not good news. He hands me the list of files, and I read over it. They downloaded Tobias' and mine, which doesn't surprise me at all; each member of leadership; and each and every one of our friends including the ones we've made since initiation: Avery, Callen, Afton, Declan, Brody and Ana. But the names that worry me the most are the three most near and dear to my heart at the bottom of the page.
"Why would they need Tyler, Tessa, and Teagan's files? Why do they even have files yet? They're just babies." I say as I hand the paper back to him. My hand is trembling so hard it's making the sheet rattle noisily.
"Everyone has a file. You know that," he softly says, although I know he, too, is furious. You don't mess with our kids. "Maybe they were hoping we would find this information and it would scare us."
"Mission accomplished," I mumble under my breath as I lift the blanket and peek at Peanut. She has her eyes closed, nursing peacefully, oblivious to the chaos around her.
"What else did you find?" Tobias asks.
"I was going to use your laptop to remotely access your office computer but I was having trouble gaining access. It was like something was blocking my way. Since it was the first time I'd remotely accesses a computer on my own I thought I was doing something wrong so I turned it over to Callen."
"I had the exact same problem," he says, "so I installed and ran a diagnostic program I wrote, and we found what the problem was, hidden code left on your computer during the break-in that lets its author know everything you're doing. It also allows physical changes to your computer with virtually no digital footprint. It's very sophisticated, and we never would have stumbled upon it if we hadn't been trying to get into your computer remotely. I think that's what you and Avery found yesterday when it denied you access. But we found the one thing it can't hide, the user's remote access code."
"This hidden program wasn't detected by the virus software Lauren gave me to run on all the Dauntless leaders' computers because it technically isn't a virus," Avery says. "But it mainly wasn't caught because Lauren is the one who created it in the first place and purposefully gave me the wrong tools to detect it." Gotcha, bitch! This is the first actual evidence we have against her. It's no longer just supposition.
"How do you know it was Lauren who created the program?" Tobias asks, always following protocol. I would have called Purple-Hair and Snake-Tattoo to arrest her ass immediately.
"I've sat next to her five days a week for the past month, watching her write code," Avery says. "Her style is unmistakable. She practically signed it. Plus I don't know another person in Dauntless with this level of computer knowledge … except for Callen." She glances at her boyfriend with an awed look on her face. "I told you that you should be working with me and not in the control room." Tobias gets out of the club chair and starts pacing.
"Did you two do anything that could have alerted Lauren to the fact that you found this program?" he asks as he runs his hand through his hair. Even though what they found is good for us, it could also put them in harm's way, and that's the last thing we would want.
"It's possible that simply finding the program notified her in some way but I really don't know," he says. "If I was given some time, I'm sure I could figure it out but we run the risk of definitely alerting her if she hasn't been before."
"Something tells me she already knows," Tobias mutters. Callen and Avery both frown then glance at each other.
"Why do you say that?" Avery asks. Tobias is silent for what seems like hours before he stops pacing and groans.
"We can't find Will," he says.
"We'd rather that information not leave this room at the moment," I say as I put Peanut up to my shoulder to burp. "We have people out looking for him. We're hoping it's something innocent that's keeping him from getting in contact with us."
"Should I look into the program more?" Callen asks.
"Since you are the only one who knows what you're looking for, Callen, I need you to put a copy of the program on a secure removable disc drive," Tobias says. "And Avery I need you to give a detailed written account of how you know the program was authored by Lauren. Have you gone through all the leaders' computers?"
"Yeah, we finished last night," Avery says.
"Good. When you're done with these two final things, you're off the case," Tobias firmly says. "I appreciate all your help but I'm not putting any more of our friends in jeopardy because some psycho bitch wants her twisted misguided revenge on us."
"You mean me," I scoff with a sigh. I can tell that they're both ready to argue, and I stop them with a stern look. "Four wasn't exaggerating about Molly Atwood's mental status. She's crazy, and she has help from outside and inside Dauntless. We knew about Lauren, we just didn't have any proof but that doesn't mean that there aren't others who are helping her for some unknown reason. Do you think we would be able to live with ourselves if something were to happen to either one of you? Callen, you're family and Avery, you might as well be. Do you think I could ever look Nathan, Zander, or Stella in the eye again if I were the reason you got hurt … or worse? They are killing people for as little as being in the wrong place at the wrong time, we think. They wouldn't hesitate to hurt another friend. Please heed Four's warning and stay out of this from now on."
"Okay," they both say at the same time.
"Can you use my laptop to make the copy?" Tobias asks.
"No, I need to physically copy it from your computer," he says.
"Will it take long?" I ask.
"It shouldn't," he says.
"I tell you what, Avery, why don't you stay here with Tris and write your statement out. I'll go with Callen to my office and get updates from Simon and Tony. After lunch you two can report back to the control room to continue watching the backlog of surveillance," Tobias says. "There's something else I need you both to do for me. Don't go anywhere by yourselves, don't stay at your apartments alone, and don't leave the compound. Although I technically can't make you do any of these things, I can strongly urge you to do as I'm asking." They look at each other and a blush colors Avery's face.
"I think we can do those things," Callen says. "Shall we go, Four?" If I'm not mistaken, he's a bit flustered right now.
"Yeah," he says. He leans down and gives me a soft, lingering kiss then caressed Peanut's head.
"Be careful," I say.
"I will," he says. He drags his phone out of his pocket and puts it to his ear as they head toward the door. After they leave, I get up and put Peanut in her bassinet then check on Tessa and then Tyler. They're both still sleeping, which surprises me. I hope they aren't getting whatever it is that Peanut has. I grab a legal pad and pen from a drawer in the kitchen then head back to the living room. Avery is sitting on the couch with her arms wrapped around her knees, staring out the wall of windows with a pensive look on her face.
"Is everything all right?" I ask as I sit down on the opposite end of the couch. Her blush deepens.
"I was just thinking about spending the night with Callen," she says. "We've never really done much more than kiss. I don't think I'm ready for … well, you know."
"Um, is there a reason that if you were to spend the night with Callen that you would have to do anything other than sleep?" I cautiously ask. He better not be pressuring her.
"Isn't that what boyfriends expect?" she quietly asks.
"I can't speak for other girls because I know it happens but Four never pressured me, not once," I say. "We waited until the time was right for both of us. Have you talked to Callen about this?" I can't help it, this subject is still very uncomfortable for me. I know I'm probably blushing as much as she is right now, if not more.
"No, I haven't," she says.
"You two seem pretty serious," I say. "I think you need to talk to him, see what his expectations are."
"I love him … very much," she says, a wistful smile turning up her lips. "I've heard about butterflies in your tummy from my friends but I didn't think it would ever happen for me. There are times that a glance from him will take my breath away. I'm not sure I can talk to him about this though. We're both so shy."
"I won't lie," I say, "it will be difficult but it's worth it in the end."
"How will I know I'm ready?"
"I can't answer that for you," I say. "Only you can."
"How did you know when you were ready?" Oh, Lord!
"Avery, have you forgotten which faction I came from? You have no idea how hard this subject is for me to talk about," I squeak, flames of embarrassment threatening to shoot out of the top of my head.
"Please, Tris," she says. "I know you think of me as just a kid but you're like a big sister to me. I can't ask my mom about his. First I would die of embarrassment then she would dig me up and kill me all over again. And my friends," she sighs and shakes her head, "they think we should be doing it already. They tease me all the time because I'm a…" She can't bring herself to say it. I never could either. I decide to swallow my fears and talk to her.
"They can't tease you any more than my friends teased me," I say. She lifts her eyes to mine. "I don't like advertising this to the world but Four was one of my original seven fears in my fear landscape. I was scared of being intimate with him." Her brows fly up in surprise. "Terrified actually." I shake my head, amused that I ever had that reaction to the thought of making love to him. "So how did I know I was ready to take my relationship with Four to the next level?" I sigh thinking about the time that led up to that first encounter. We could have cut the sexual tension with a knife. "Well, it was a gradual buildup but the one thing I knew without doubt was that I loved him more than anything in this world, and I couldn't imagine myself with anyone else ... ever. Whenever we would kiss, I never wanted to stop. As a matter of fact, I only wanted to go further. I learned that I desired him … physically. I think that's when I knew I was ready but before we allowed anything to happen, we talked about everything … our feelings, our expectations, birth control, what it meant for our relationship. You have to be open and honest with Callen all the time about what you want. Communication is a must for any relationship to flourish and believe me, when you can talk to the one you love the most in this world without fear or embarrassment, you'll reach a level of intimacy you didn't know existed."
"I guess I just need to swallow my pride and talk to him," she says. "It's difficult at his apartment though. He only has a bed." I chuckle and she furrows her brows at me and frowns. I hear Tessa so I get up and get her out of the travel sleeper.
"Ma ma ma ma," she babbles with a grin on her little face.
"Hello, little one," I say then sit back down. She hides her face in my chest when she sees Avery then peeks out from time to time with a big grin. "I wasn't laughing at you, by the way. I know where you're coming from. I asked Four to buy a couch when we first started dating so there would be someplace other than his bed to sit."
"Did he have a problem with that?" she asks.
"Not at all. He loved me even then," I say. "Oh and by the way, I don't think of you as just some kid. I count you amongst my closest friends, Avery."
"Thanks for that and thanks for listening and the advice," she says. "I'm nervous to talk to him but I know that it needs to be done and it will be worth it in the end."
"l need to thank you, too, for pushing me out of my comfort zone," I say. "It drives Christina up the wall that I don't want to have 'girl talk' with her. Every time I talk about sex it helps. Oh, and another thing, don't let someone's teasing or pressuring change who you are. You have to make your decisions in your own time not on someone else's schedule."
"Avey?" Tyler says as he comes stumbling into the room, rubbing his eyes. "You come to play with me?"
"I wish I had time to play, buddy, but I have to write a report for your mom and dad before lunch starts," she says. "I promise we'll play soon."
"Otay," he says with a sigh then he looks at me. "Mommy, my tummy hungwy."
"Let's get you some lunch then," I say. "Av, there's a pen and paper for you." I point at the coffee table.
"Thanks, Tris, for everything." We leave Avery to write the report Tobias requested, and I take some leftovers out of the freezer and put them in the oven to warm after I put Tessa in the swing.
"Will you help me set the table?" I ask Tyler.
"Yeah!" he says. I get the plates from the cupboard then hand them to him one at a time until the table is set.
"You are a very good helper," I say.
"Thanks!" he says then he frowns and his bottom lip starts quivering.
"What's wrong?"
"I want my Daddy," he says, tears gathering in his eyes. I don't know what caused the 180 but it breaks my heart. I sit in the chair and pull him into my lap.
"Daddy came home while you were sleeping," I say. "He carried you into the sunny room to take your nap. He's with Callen right now taking care of some business. He'll be home really soon. I promise." He gazes up at me with a look that says he doesn't quite believe me.
"You say that befowe," he says.
"And he came home just like I said but you were sleeping," I say.
"Something sure smells good," Tobias says as he walks into the kitchen.
"Daddy!" Tyler wails, stopping him in his tracks. He struggles out of my embrace, jumps down off my lap, and runs to his father who scoops him up and hold him tightly.
"You forgot to say goodbye," I whisper in his ear before checking on the lasagna and garlic bread.
"I'm sorry I forgot to say goodbye," Tobias says. "I didn't think I would be gone long."
"I missed you," he whimpers.
"I missed you, too. Did you help Mommy with lunch?"
"Yeah, I help." Tobias tries to put him down but Tyler clings to him.
"Buddy, you have to let me go," he says. "Daddy has to go potty."
"Otay." Tobias sits him at the table then goes into the powder room while I get lunch on the table. I kneel down beside Tyler and run my hand through his hair.
"Are you feeling better now that Daddy's home?" He nods his head up and down but he still looks sad. "I want to see that beautiful smile," I say but his bottom lip only juts out further. "No smiles?" He shakes his head. "Okay." I kiss the top of his head then move Tessa from the swing to her booster seat then walk into the living room. "Would you two like to have lunch with us?"
"Thanks for the invitation but we're going to meet Afton and Declan and walk to the cafeteria together," Avery says. "Here's my report. I think we're going to take off now." She walks into view of the dining room and says, "Bye, Tyler. I'll see you soon." He waves but still refuses to smile.
"He's pouting," I say.
"Thanks again for the talk," she whispers. "I'm going to take your advice."
"I'm glad to hear that," I say. "We'll see you guys later. Have a nice lunch."
"Bye," they say at the same time. Before I get to the kitchen, Peanut starts whining so I pick her up and carry her into the dining room with me. Just as I'm getting ready to ask what he learned, his phone rings.
"I'm sorry," he says as he digs it out of his pocket. "What have you learned … Where … Now … Thanks, Simon."
"What did Purple-Hair say?" I ask, anxious to learn any new information.
"They found Will … and Tori," he says.