Chapter 267
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After Julia agreed to her request Eve left. She went back to councilman Wilkins' home. Eve didn't give specifics, but she asked him to set things in motion. Wilkins promised he'd get to it by the time she came to work in the morning. She then had to leave. According to Jamal they were doing the transfers tonight, after midnight. This meant that Eve had no leverage if she got caught tonight. Once the account was set up, likely within the week, then she could bribe sector guards. As Eve left for the church it hit her, there was no going home, not anymore.
Eve went to the church. There was a fairly large crowd. Some pre-teens who'd escaped the mercy clinics, others who'd gone into hiding to avoid taking the tattoo, which they considered to be the "Mark of the Beast." Some were being assigned to specific refugees. Eve didn't know many names, tried to avoid remembering faces. If she was questioned later she hoped to legitimately forget specifics. It was perhaps for this reason, that Jenkins assigned Teri to Eve.
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Jenkins: I elieve you remember our recent sister Teri.
Eve: Yeah, that's how I found this church.
Teri: Thank you again. Did reverand Jenkins tell you what to say if we're caught?
Eve: That I found you after your escape and hid you in my home. I would've handed you over to a mosque or a church if I knew of any that took in refugees.
Jenkins: Yes. But I never went over it with you.
Eve: No but I've gotten really good at tradecraft these last two years.
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As Teri and Eve went home Eve kept looking around, fearful they were being followed. This was probably just her paranoia, but then there were people who wanted them dead. Eve didn't understand how Teri was so calm. Her own mother tried to kill her, and there was no way of knowing who might be an informant. A lot of desperate people who'd do anything for a few extra potatoes. In theory everyone had enough food to survive, but the hunger was always annoying. And with the guards stealing, the temptation was great to do desperate things. Teri seemed calm because she believed she'd already been saved. She didn't want to die, but if she did die, she'd be in Heaven. Even if islam was the true faith, Eve was well aware that she'd made some mistakes. Thus the fear was greater for Eve. The walk home tonight was a bit like dog years, every minute felt like seven. After what seemed like hours Eve and Teri arrived home. Eve introduced Teri to Julia. They seemed to get along, at least for now. There were only two beds and a couch. Teri was willing to take the couch, she was a guest, and Eve was with child.
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Teri: Thank you for your help.
Julia: Anytime. Eve, did you make the arrangements yet?
Eve: Yeah. It should be done by halloween. I can give you some of the little luxuries too. My way of thanking you.
Julia: I appreciate that. I can hold the sector guards until it's official. Besides, if Teri here does die first, she can put in a good word for us with the big guy.