Page 70 of Pursuit of Her

"Satellite tracking shows Martinez redirecting all tactical resources to your position," Sophia warned. "They've identified your heat signatures."

"Eight officers converging from east and north corridors," Eve confirmed, checking her device. "Ninety seconds before they reach us."

Reagan studied the building schematic, identifying their increasingly limited options as the blood continued to seep through her tactical vest despite the coagulant.

"The summit chamber," she decided. "Two levels up. Maintenance access connects directly to underground parking."

"Which will be the first place they look," Eve countered.

"Not if they believe we're taking the roof exit," Reagan responded. "We leave evidence of roof access, then descend through maintenance while they deploy upward."

They moved toward the emergency stairwell, each step requiring increasingly conscious effort as Reagan's blood loss mounted. Eve noticed her deteriorating condition but said nothing, understanding the necessity of continued movement.

As they ascended toward the summit chamber, Reagan felt the first effects of significant blood loss—dizziness, blurred vision. She compensated automatically, focusing her awareness more intensely on essential functions.

"You're deteriorating," Eve observed.

"Operational parameters within acceptable range," Reagan countered.

"Hammond's assessment?"

"Twenty minutes to compromised function. I've used approximately seven."

Eve's expression hardened with determination. "Then we complete the extraction within the next ten. No deviations."

Their communications activated with Elena's final report: "Sanctuary evacuation complete. Communications going dark in thirty seconds."

"Execute full protocol immediately," Reagan ordered. "Don't wait for confirmation."

The communications channel went silent as the Sanctuary network implemented emergency protocol, simultaneously releasing select evidence to federal authorities.

Eve and Reagan exchanged a glance, both understanding the implications: completely on their own with no support against Martinez's coordinated hunters.

"Together?" Eve asked simply.

Reagan nodded. "Together."

They moved toward the summit chamber and whatever waited beyond.

The summit chamber's opulence stood in stark contrast to their desperate circumstances: mahogany panels, crystal chandeliers, and panoramic windows overlooking Phoenix Ridge beneath gathering storm clouds. Reagan scanned the room, fighting the encroaching effects of blood loss.

"Maintenance access located in the southeast corner," she noted, each word carefully controlled.

Eve moved swiftly. "Martinez will have the parking structure secured."

"Primary teams redirected to the roof," Reagan countered, following more slowly. "Secondary teams are insufficient to cover all exits."

Eve accessed the maintenance panel, revealing the passage beyond. "You first. I'll secure our exit."

Reagan descended the metal ladder, each rung sending fire through her damaged shoulder. Halfway down, her vision blurred momentarily, hands slipping. Eve supported her weight as they reached the maintenance level connecting to the parking structure.

"The wound's completely reopened," Eve observed, examining the blood-soaked bandages. "You need immediate medical intervention."

"Extraction first," Reagan insisted. "Evidence security prioritized."

A noise from ahead silenced further discussion. Eve pressed Reagan against the wall, both instantly alert despite Reagan's deteriorating condition.

"Multiple hostiles," Reagan whispered.

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