Chapter 142

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When Eve walked home on Tuesday June 13th she saw Chris Smith. Eve tried to avoid him, hoped he didn't see her. She was too ashamed to face him, but she was glad he was free. Congress was recommending the release of most of those held without charges. Mason was evidently listening. When Eve got home her father's car was in the driveway. That was really unusual for the middle of the day. As she walked in Zack was in his chair, a gun was on the table. Eve quickly realized it wa sher gun.

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Zack; I found this in your room, locked in your drawer specifically. You want to tell me what you're doing with a gun.

Eve: Amy gave it to me for my birthday. She thought I might need it to protect myself.

Zack: Do you know how much trouble you could get in for this. Technically I'm suppossed to report yo to the police.

Eve: Will you?

Zack: No. You're still my daughter.

Eve: Don't tell Karen. She'd rat me out for a candy bar.

Zack: Eve, I know you don't like your stepmother, but don't say things like that.

Eve: I owe her nothing.

Zack: I loved your mother, but she made mistakes. She got arrested for drunk driving with you in the car when you were four.

Eve: I don't rememer that. Maybe mom made some mistakes, but at least she never hurt me on purpose.

Zack: Neither did Karen. She and I just made some mistakes together.

Eve: Did you tell the police that I was selling contraband illegally? I'm pretty sure Karen did. And I know that Karen was the one who told Amy I was a police informant.

Zack: No, she wouldn't do that.

Eve: She did. Your little whore sold me out to increase her own chances of getting into an Ark. And you invited her into this home.

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After her fight with her father Eve stormed out of the house. She just needed some time to cool down. Eve walked in the woods. A part of her hoped Cujo would be here somewhere. But she knew that wasn't really possible. Even if they hadn't put him to sleep, he couldn't survive out here. Eve loved Cujo, but he was not a wild dog. Eve savored this early summer evening. She'd always taken for granted that it would e cold in the winter, hot in summer. But when perpetual winter was coming Eve learned to savor early summer evenings. After a few hours Eve began walking home. She knew she had to apologize to her father. But Karen's car was now in the driveway. Eve would have to apologize quietly, with out Karen finding out about Eve's gun. But as she approached her house she heard it, a gunshot.