Page 16 of Pursuit of Her

"Captain Morgan, can you comment on the evidence left at these crime scenes?" a reporter called out.

Before Eve could respond, Brooks smoothly intercepted. "The department cannot comment on active evidence during an ongoing investigation."

Eve maintained her silence, her mind processing the dynamics at play. If Brooks was connected to the targets through her husband, her control of information became not just political maneuvering but active obstruction.

The press conference continued with carefully crafted non-answers, the trio of officials presenting unity while Eve cataloged inconsistencies. When Mayor McAllister emphasized "respect for the victims," Eve noticed District Attorney Powell's momentary flinch—the prosecutor had likely seen the same evidence Eve had and knew exactly what these men had done.

As cameras flashed and questions flew, Eve's mind worked through the patterns emerging from the investigation. If Reagan was systematically eliminating members of this "Phoenix Network," she would already be planning her next target. Based on the appointment book, Arthur Pembroke seemed the most likely; his financial firm occupied the penthouse offices in the Lighthouse Tower, overlooking the cliffs.

"Captain Morgan, would you like to add anything?" Commissioner Brooks asked suddenly, her tone pleasant but her eyes sharp with challenge.

Eve stepped forward, aware of the cameras, the recording devices, and the political minefield stretching before her. "The Phoenix Ridge Police Department is committed to justice," she stated, choosing each word carefully. "We will follow the evidence wherever it leads, regardless of who it implicates."

A subtle message beneath the standard response. She caught the almost imperceptible narrowing of Brooks' eyes, the slight tension in her jaw.

Message received.

The remainder of the conference passed in a blur of political platitudes and carefully deflected questions. When it finally concluded, Eve extracted herself from the press room, avoiding Martinez's watchful gaze and the Commissioner's attempt to engage her in private conversation.

Back in her office, Eve found Foster waiting, tablet in hand and expression grave.

"I found something," Foster said without preamble as Eve closed the door. "The money Davenport transferred, it went to a trust benefiting survivors of sexual assault. Specifically, women who worked for the four men who've been killed."

"Restitution," Eve murmured.

"There's more," Foster continued, swiping to a different document. "I've been analyzing the appointment book. Five names appear repeatedly in connection with the four victims, always in coded references."

She displayed a list: Arthur Pembroke, Sebastian Harrington, Landon Fairchild, Winston Ashford, and Jonathan Brooks.

"Commissioner Brooks' husband," Eve confirmed quietly.

Foster nodded. "The book contains references to 'clean-up' services coordinated through Brooks. Details are vague, but the implications..."

"Are clear," Eve finished. "They protected each other. Evidence disappearing, cases dismissed, victims silenced."

Foster watched Eve carefully. "This vigilante isn't just killing randomly. They're systematically targeting a specific network of powerful men who've been operating above the law."

Eve maintained her composure, though her mind connected these findings with Mendez's deleted facial recognition results.

"Keep this between us," Eve instructed. "Continue analyzing the appointment book, but maintain absolute discretion. If Commissioner Brooks realizes what we've found…"

"We'll both be reassigned before morning," Foster finished grimly.

Eve nodded, decision crystallizing. "I need to verify something tonight. Alone. Can you manage the investigation for a few hours without raising suspicion?"

Foster studied her. "You have a lead on the vigilante."

Not a question. Eve nodded once. "Based on the pattern and Pembroke's schedule, I may have identified a surveillance location. If I'm right, I can intercept our suspect in time."

"You should take backup."

"This requires discretion," Eve countered. "Any unusual deployment would alert Martinez, who reports directly to Brooks. If the Commissioner's husband is connected to these victims..."

"You need to verify the connection before bringing in the department."

"Exactly." Eve was grateful for Foster's perceptiveness. "I'm still a police captain, Foster. My duty is to stop this vigilante and bring them to justice. But I need to understand exactly what we're dealing with first."

Eve checked her watch. If her suspicions were correct, she needed to move quickly. "Keep me updated on any developments," she instructed, gathering her jacket.

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