Chapter 342

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On Saturday May 3rd the White House was buzzing with rumors that Jed Mason was stable and would make a full recovery. Eve was grateful for this. She eventually found Zoey, the look on Zoey's face confirmed the good news. Eve and Zoey went to talk in private.

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Zoey: Thank you again, for saving him.

Eve: I was just following my instincts. Do you mind if I ask you something?

Zoey: I asked you enough questions, go ahead.

Eve: What did you mean when you sais he was your only husband "Despite what I might've heard?"

Zoey: Getting people, even children, out of these mini-kingdoms, has been difficult. Often we have to make deals with these warlords. They increase their own standings through marriages to people in Mason's government. So yeah, to get these people out, I've married three of these warlords.

Eve: Wow. So you technically have four husbands, but consider Jed your only true husband?

Zoey: It's actually three husbands and a wife, but to answer your question yes. We keep our marriage a secret so that each warlord can claim I'm only married to them, that I'm their property. It's a bit hypocritical since they all have multiple wive.

Eve: How does it work? A quick ceremony and then you come back here?

Zoey: Each of them demanded a wedding night from me as part of the deal. Honestly, I'd rather be turning tricks at Marissa's brothel than spend a night with any of them But I did what I had to do to get people, essential personnel, child laborers, to the Arks safely.

Eve: I understand. I had to do some unpleasant things to protect my baby, and the refugees from the mercy clinics. But I don't understand, your participation in the games.

Zoey: Gardner threatened to have us all killed if we didn't participate. His way of showing who's really in charge right now. I thought I was ready to die, let someone slit my throat and be done with it. But before the games a woman, the mother of another tribute, Carmen, asked me to end her daughter's suffering. I did it. I killed Carmen, and others, to spare them the pain of being torn apart y angry mobs, forced into slavery or prostitution. I don't expect you to understand or condone my actions, but I'd like to show you something.

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Zoey brought Eve to a tree on the White House lawn. She showed her an inscription carved into the tree. "Mary, beloved child. Rest in peace."

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Eve: Who was Mary?

Zoey: My baby. I never knew for certain if it was a boy or a girl, but I always believed it was a girl. So I named her Mary. President Mason never had much faith they could stop ELE, not really. And I couldn't take the chance that Mary would suffer after impact. After the abortion me, Jed, and MimI, we had a private ceremony here. We said goodbye, and honored her. I know you were a side-walk counselor, this might be difficult for you to understand, but I did love her.

Eve: I do understand. When I was pregnant, I was scared. One time, I actually tried to kill Hope. Sometimes I do question whether I made the right choice.

Zoey: I remember. When Mimi was pregnant, all those jerks calling her nasty names for becoming a single mother. she said it was worth it all, just to have Rebecca. But after Febuary 4th, Mimi confided in me that she wished she hadn't gone through with her pregnancy.

Eve: I'm not saying I agree with some of your choices. I'm not saying I neccessarily disagree. But I do understand, and I consider you a friend.

Zoey: Thank you, friend.