The Iron Soldier: A FourTris Divergent Story

Chapter 24

Four POV

I swung by the bar briefly after picking up the truck. I knew it wouldn't be opened, but I needed to check on the schedule to make sure everything was still running smoothly during my absence. I've never gone more than one day without going in. But I had no desire to go in today either.

With everything in order, I headed back to my apartment. As soon as I drove up, I noticed something on my door. A note it looked like. I hoped it was from Tris. I was really disappointed when we didn't get to talk this morning.

As soon as I approached the door, my mood darkened. The note wasn't from Tris. It was held onto the door with a large pocket knife. One I recognized all too well from my time in Dauntless. Some of the darkest times of my life and days I've tried hard to forget.

I snatched the note from the door and hurried back to my truck. I couldn't read it here. I couldn't take the chance that Eric was still here and waiting for me in a dark corner. For all I knew he could be waiting in my apartment.

I drove over to the local donut shop down the street before ripping the envelope open.

My Friend Tobias,

You'd never believe who I ran into yesterday. Well, maybe you will. It wasn't exactly an accident. Your dear friend Mendoza. Although, I found out he'd changed his name to Carlos. And when I say I ran into him, I mean I ran a knife through his heart. Oops.

I told you before I would find you, and everyone you care about, and make you suffer. I was so happy to hear from my colleague working at the hospital telling me there was a DNA match to the last person on my list. Imagine my surprise when you showed up later. I knew you were dumb, but I had no idea you were dumb enough to live in the same town as him. And now, I know where you live to. You're as good as dead. But, before I come after you, I have one more person to add to my list. I'd like to thank you for identifying my next target.

Sincerely,

Eric

I turned the page to a picture of Tris, walking away from my door.

A long string of profanity flies from my mouth as I pound hard on the steering wheel. I knew all along I should stay away from her, but I was too weak. And now her life is in danger because of my selfishness.

Carlos knew the dangers, and as much as I tried to push him away, he refused to cut me out of his life. Even when I told him the truth, about being hunted by a maniac, he wouldn't move away. It wasn't until he started a family of his own that he moved out of my apartment building. Even then, we were only a five minute drive apart and we'd visit each other almost weekly.

I knew Eric had contacts in many of the hospitals around Chicago. I never imagined his reach would make it all the way over here.

I have to find Tris. I know Eric likes to threaten before he makes a move, so I hope and pray he doesn't have her already. I'm kicking myself for never getting her number, but I have a good idea where she is. I push the gear stick into drive and head for the college campus.

The people at the main office refused to help me. I told them it was an emergency, but the fact that I didn't know what class she was in or even have a phone number, was enough to make them send me away. I guess that could be a good thing, if this hadn't been an actual emergency.

I walk around the hallways, peaking in ever door and window in an attempt to find her, but I'm not having any luck. Every second that goes by has me even more on edge.