Page 71 of Pursuit of Her

The emergency door burst open. Detective Andrea Martinez entered, flanked by tactical officers, weapons raised.

"Captain Morgan," Martinez called. "This is your final opportunity to surrender. Senator Barrow has authorized lethal force against the vigilante. Don't include yourself in that authorization."

Eve positioned herself between Reagan and the officers. "She's bleeding out, Martinez. Immediate medical intervention is required."

"Medical care will be provided following surrender," Martinez replied, advancing cautiously.

The maintenance corridor's opposite door opened, revealing Senator Barrow himself with two private security contractors. Impeccably dressed, he projected complete confidence.

"This situation has become unnecessarily complicated," Barrow observed with casual authority. "Detective Martinez, secure both suspects immediately. We'll handle the disposition privately."

Reagan registered the implication: Neither she nor Eve would leave alive regardless of surrender. Martinez was merely the instrument, with Barrow ensuring no witnesses remained.

"Unfortunate, but necessary," Barrow continued, addressing Eve directly. "You had such a promising career, Captain Morgan. A shame to waste it on this…vigilante's vendetta."

"Justice isn't a vendetta," Eve countered, her weapon steady. "The evidence speaks for itself."

"Evidence can be managed," Barrow dismissed. "Witnesses are more problematic."

As Martinez advanced with her team, Reagan made her decision, drawing on her final reserves of strength. Despite the blood loss, she moved with practiced precision.

"Eve," she whispered, activating the contingency device at her belt. "Southwest corner. Now."

Understanding passed between them instantly. Eve moved in perfect coordination as Reagan deployed the device—a military-grade flash-bang modified for extended effect. The corridor erupted in disorienting light and sound.

Reagan engaged the nearest tactical officer, disarming him efficiently. Eve moved simultaneously, neutralizing a second officer with precision.

Barrow's security contractors responded, and Reagan calculated trajectories, recognizing one targeting Eve with lethal intent. Without hesitation, she intercepted, her body shielding Eve from the line of fire.

The bullet struck her already damaged shoulder, spinning her against the wall. The pain registered distantly as Eve neutralized the shooter.

Through the clearing smoke, Reagan saw Martinez recovering, weapon drawn and aimed directly at her. Time slowed, situational awareness calculating the inevitable: Martinez would fire, and in Reagan's compromised state, evasion was impossible.

Eve moved between them, her stance unwavering, weapon leveled at Martinez despite the tactical disadvantage.

"Don't do this, Andrea," Eve warned.

"Stand aside, Captain," Martinez responded, weapon steady. "My orders are clear."

"Those orders come from the man who orchestrated corruption throughout Phoenix Ridge," Eve countered. "The same man who ordered Reagan's execution ten years ago when she got too close."

The corridor suddenly flooded with light as the emergency doors burst open. Assistant Chief Gloria Winters entered, flanked by uniformed officers, her authority immediately shifting the dynamics.

"Detective Martinez," Winters called. "Stand down immediately."

Martinez hesitated, caught between conflicting loyalties.

"Officer Bennett," Winters instructed, "place Senator Barrow under arrest for conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and attempted murder of police personnel."

"This is outrageous! I'm a United States Senator—" Barrow protested.

"Who was just recorded authorizing the execution of suspects rather than arrest," Winters interrupted. "Every word was captured on multiple devices and transmitted directly to federal authorities."

Reagan registered the implications: Winters had coordinated with Foster, setting up an elaborate counter-operation to capture everything.

"Medical team incoming," Winters announced, approaching where Reagan leaned heavily against the wall. "Hold on, Shaw."

Reagan's vision blurred, the blood loss finally overcoming even her exceptional control. She felt Eve's arms supporting her as she slid toward the floor, her body reaching its physical limits.

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