Page 68 of Pursuit of Her

Reagan moved toward the exit passage with determined purpose, her focus absolute despite the pain radiating from her wounded shoulder. Ten years of hunting from the shadows had led to this moment—the final confrontation that would determine whether justice prevailed, and whether both she and Eve survived to see what came after vengeance.

"The tactical team at the courthouse is expanding their search," Sophia reported, studying the thermal imaging. "They're looking for anyone else connected to Ingrid's operation."

Reagan adjusted her tactical vest, ignoring the fire radiating from her wounded shoulder. "Is Mira still in position to extract the remainder of the evidence?"

"Negative," Elena replied grimly. "Courthouse security has completely locked down the building following Ingrid's escape. Mira's gone dark—likely compromised."

Reagan processed this loss. Mira Branford had been with the network since the beginning—a former prosecutor who'd lost her career after investigating judicial corruption. Now she was potentially in custody, another casualty in their war against the Phoenix Network.

"Diversion status for the Capitol?" Reagan asked, refocusing on Eve's situation.

"Executing now," Elena confirmed. "Vehicle collision at the east entrance with smoke effects. Should draw half the tactical resources away from Eve's position."

Dr. Hammond prepared additional medical supplies. "You'll likely bleed out before reaching extraction."

"I understand the risks," Reagan replied, checking her weapon. "Eve's walking into a trap designed to eliminate both of us. The decision is simple."

"It's not just the mission anymore," Hammond observed quietly.

Reagan didn't deny it. For a decade, the mission had been everything—justice against corruption, vengeance against those who'd tried to kill her. Now, Eve had changed the equation.

"Phoenix Two, status?" Reagan prompted through communications.

"Server room accessed," Eve responded, tension evident beneath her professional tone. "Encryption more complex than anticipated. Working through protocols."

Reagan studied the thermal imaging showing tactical teams temporarily redirected toward the east entrance disturbance. "You have approximately four minutes before security recognizes the diversion. Can you complete the extraction in that window?"

A pause. "Negative. Decryption requires a minimum of five minutes."

Reagan calculated quickly. "Activate direct access module. I'll route through sanctuary systems to boost processing power."

"That connection could be traced to your location," Eve cautioned.

"We're evacuating this location regardless. Proceed."

Sophia's concern was evident. "If Martinez catches either of you?—"

"This isn't about arrests anymore," Ingrid interjected, wincing as Dr. Hammond finished treating the cut above her eye. "It's elimination. They were waiting for us at the courthouse. They knew our exact approach route."

"The evidence you extracted," Reagan said. "Is it enough to establish connections without Mira's portion?"

"Enough to corroborate what Eve's extracting from Barrow," Ingrid confirmed, holding up the small drive. "The network won't be able to deny the connections."

Reagan processed this development while checking the sanctuary's evacuation progress. Essential personnel were already transferring to secondary locations, evidence secured, and systems wiped.

"Tactical teams redirecting to Phoenix Two's position," Elena warned. "Three-minute window compromised."

"Download initiated," Eve confirmed.

Reagan made her final decision. "I'm moving to extraction point Bravo. Coordinate sanctuary evacuation."

"Reagan," Sophia interjected, "your injury?—"

"Is irrelevant compared to the alternative," Reagan finished. She turned to Dr. Hammond. "How long before I'm combat-ineffective?"

Hammond's expression remained clinical despite her concern. "Twenty minutes maximum before blood loss compromises function. Less with physical exertion."

"Enough time to reach Eve and secure extraction." Reagan moved toward the exit.

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