Memories of You

Chapter Fifty-Seven - Late Night Workout

Thank you once again my wonderful readers.  I can't thank you enough for your continued support.  Also, Happy Father's Day to all our dads out there.  Have a wonderful weekend!

Thank you once again to Depecher and BarbaraK2U for your continued work.  You guys are amazing and wonderful, and many other adjectives.  Thank you.  

Tobias' POV

I stare at the back of Tris' head, wondering what she's dreaming about right now. I slowly slide my hand over her side, up her arm and down again, feeling how soft her skin is. I hear her moan softly, and can't help but wonder if her dreams are about Germany still, about me, or if she is dreaming of something completely different.

I'm terrified to leave her right now for fear of her having a night terror, especially after finding her curled into a tight ball in the shower, shivering under the lukewarm water. She fell asleep in my arms before I could question her about what happened, and I don't want to wake her unless she has a nightmare. I would have interrogated her parents had I been willing to leave her this evening.

I roll over slowly, staring up at the ceiling, finally letting the one thought I've been trying to suppress for the past three hours slip through: am I really about to send my wife into the den of a monster? Am I really about to let her work for him, knowing something happened tonight that I won't be able to discuss with her until after she comes home tomorrow?

I close my eyes, letting out a slow breath, feeling the tension twist deep within my shoulders. I don't think sleep is going to be claiming me anytime soon. I am far too wound up at the moment, so I might as well blow off some steam. I sit up slowly, swinging my legs over the side of the bed. I grab my pants and quietly get dressed.

I lean over and gently touch my lips to Tris' forehead, being careful not to wake her up. I scratch Rags' ears as he lies across her feet and whisper, "Come get me if she has a nightmare, boy. Keep her safe in the meantime." He thumps his tail slowly in response, not bothering to move or open his eyes, and I quickly leave. I walk toward the kitchen, so lost in thought about whether I've prepared Tris enough for tomorrow that I don't even notice the individual sitting at the table holding a glass.

"Jesus!" I gasp, jumping back in surprise.

"Nope. Wrong father," Andrew slurs slightly, bringing the glass to his lips and taking a small sip. Andrew sets the glass down, his eyes focused on the table. "Couldn't sleep either?"

I sigh, letting my heart rate return to normal. "No. I'm sure you understand why," I state in a clipped tone.

He pushes out the chair next to him. "Come sit, Tobias. Have a drink with me. Neither one of us appears to be going to bed anytime soon."

I walk over slowly, taking a seat next to Andrew. He stands and walks over to a cabinet in the corner, and pulls out a tumbler. He pours about a finger's worth of bourbon into the glass, keeping it neat, then returns and sets it in front of me as he takes a seat.

I bring the glass to my lips, taking a small sip. We sit in silence for several moments, nursing our drinks, until Andrew finally speaks. "How could I have been so blind?" he whispers. "I didn't realize Marcus was such a despicable person until tonight. The way he looked at Beatrice..." He trails off, squeezing his eyes shut as if in pain, then opens them again.

I thought my muscles were taut before, but now they're almost painful. Marcus must have his sights set on Tris; while that may be good for the mission, it puts her in even more danger.