Page 64 of Pursuit of Her

"We should return to the sanctuary," Reagan said finally. "Final briefing is scheduled."

At the base of the lighthouse, they paused in shadow as security signals confirmed their extraction route was clear. The moment felt significant, a quiet acknowledgment of their shared purpose and the city they both loved enough to risk everything to protect.

"Ready?" Reagan asked, night shadows emphasizing the determined line of her jaw.

Eve nodded, her decision to burn down her former life reaffirmed by the connection to Phoenix Ridge's founding principles. "Ready."

Together they slipped into the darkness, moving toward their waiting transport—two women in the tradition of those who had built this city on the promise that justice required courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to bringing truth into the light.

The sanctuary's operations center hummed with energy as midnight approached. Equipment cases lay open, their contents meticulously arranged: communications devices, bypassing tools, and extraction equipment. Eve moved between stations, verifying each component with methodical precision.

"Primary comms testing," Elena announced. "Channel secure."

Eve activated her earpiece. "Channel confirmed."

Ingrid approached, dressed in the conservative suit she would wear for her courthouse visit. "Final medical documentation prepared. Appointment confirmed with Judge Marsden at 9:30a.m."

"Your credentials still read active in the court system database," Sophia confirmed. "Entry should proceed without scrutiny."

Across the room, Reagan supervised preparation of evidence packets—digital files ready for simultaneous release to federal agencies and news outlets once operations succeeded. Despite her agreement to remain at command, her restless energy was evident in the tension of her shoulders.

"Foster's update confirms Martinez has concentrated resources on harbor district surveillance," Eve reported. "PRPD presence at both targets remains at standard levels."

"The diversion at Phoenix Ridge General is scheduled for 9:45a.m.," Mira added. "Security protocols will draw responders from both targets."

Reagan studied the timing diagram. "Extraction routes?"

"Primary, secondary, and emergency fallback all confirmed," Eve replied. "Network operatives positioned at all critical junctures."

Foster's voice came through the secure line. "Martinez has scheduled a department-wide briefing at 0900. All senior officers required to attend. Minimal detective presence during our window."

"Acknowledged," Reagan replied. "Maintain your position. No unnecessary risks."

Eve moved to the equipment station where her gear awaited. The modified maintenance uniform had been tailored to conceal a lightweight tactical vest and extraction tools. She changed methodically, muscle memory guiding movements perfected through countless operations.

Reagan approached as Eve secured communication equipment. For a moment, neither spoke, the weight of tomorrow's operation creating a charged silence.

"The mission parameters are solid," Reagan said finally. "Extraction protocols comprehensive."

"We've prepared for every contingency," Eve agreed, fastening the maintenance badge to her uniform. "Both operations should proceed without complications."

"Should," Reagan echoed, the single word carrying layers of concern.

Eve paused, giving Reagan her full attention. "What's really bothering you?"

"Sending you into the field without direct backup," Reagan admitted. "If something goes wrong..."

"It won't," Eve assured her. "And if it does, the contingencies will activate."

"Our network," Reagan corrected automatically. She hesitated, then added, "I've operated alone for a decade. Having someone else at risk—someone who matters—changes the calculation."

Eve understood the admission. After years of solitary mission focus, Reagan was adjusting to partnership again.

"We operated as partners for years before all this," Eve reminded her. "We balanced those risks then too."

"That was different," Reagan countered. "Department protocols, backup units, official resources."

"This is us completing what we started together," Eve finished for her. "Justice against corruption. Truth against deception."

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