A Different Divergent: Everyday Love

56

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.