Page 72 of Pursuit of Her

"Evidence secured?" Reagan managed, the mission still her primary focus.

"The complete server contents have been transmitted to federal authorities," Eve confirmed, applying pressure to the wound. "Barrow, Stroud, the entire network—all exposed."

Through the encroaching darkness, she saw Martinez lowering her weapon, internal conflict resolved. Winters coordinated the arrest of Barrow and his security team, professional and meticulous. And Eve—beautiful Eve with her clear green eyes remained at her side, applying pressure to the wound, her face the last clear image as consciousness began to fade.

"Mission completed," Reagan whispered.

"Together," Eve responded, her voice the final anchor as darkness claimed Reagan's awareness.

The vigilante's decade-long hunt had reached its conclusion. Justice was delivered, not through execution, but through exposure to the light. And somehow, against all probability, both she and Eve had survived to witness it.

Whether Reagan would survive the bloodloss remained uncertain as her consciousness faded completely. But the mission—their mission—was finally complete.

13

EVE

Eve stood at the window of the safe house, watching dawn break over Phoenix Ridge's eastern mountains. Three days had passed since the confrontation at the Capitol Complex. Three days of uncertain waiting, whispered medical updates, and the gradual unfolding of justice they'd set in motion.

The safe house—a modest cabin nestled in the foothills above the city—had been prepared long before they needed it. Eve recognized Reagan's strategic thinking in every detail: multiple exit routes, secure communications, medical supplies, and enough provisions to last weeks if necessary. A decade of contingency planning to prevent exactly the kind of vulnerability that had nearly killed Reagan three days ago.

"Any change?" Elena asked, entering with two steaming mugs of coffee.

Eve accepted one gratefully. "Dr. Hammond says the fever's broken. She's stable, but still unconscious."

Elena nodded, relief evident beneath her professional demeanor. "The antibiotics are finally working."

The memory of their extraction from the Capitol Complex remained fragmented in Eve's mind: Reagan unconscious from blood loss and Assistant Chief Winters creating a diversion to allow Eve and the network's medical team to transport Reagan while Senator Barrow was processed. The chaos that followed had provided just enough cover for their escape, but they'd cut it dangerously close. Reagan's heart had stopped twice during transport.

Eve's secure phone vibrated. Sophia's hourly text update.

"Media coverage expanding," Eve read aloud. "Senate Ethics Committee has opened formal investigation into Barrow's activities. JudgeStroud placed on administrative leave pending federal inquiry. Commissioner Brooks facing additional charges for conspiracy and attempted murder."

"The evidence packets are having the intended effect," Elena observed. "The network they spent years building is collapsing."

Eve scrolled through the remaining updates. "Foster reports department in disarray. Officers choosing sides between Martinez loyalists and those backing Winters."

"And you?" Elena asked. "They're still officially listing Captain Morgan as 'missing, location unknown.'"

"Technically accurate."

The cabin door opened as Dr. Ingrid Westfield entered, medical bag in hand. The cut above her eye from the courthouse operation had begun healing, though the bruising remained.

"Reagan's asking for you," she said simply.

Eve's heart lurched. "She's awake?"

"And already arguing that she should be up. Dr. Hammond threatened to sedate her again if she tries to leave the bed."

Eve moved immediately toward the back bedroom that had been converted into a medical recovery area. Through the partially open door, she could hear Reagan's voice—weaker than normal but unmistakably determined—arguing with Hammond about medication dosages.

"Reducing the morphine will accelerate recovery."

"Reducing the morphine will increase your pain unnecessarily," Hammond countered. "Your body needs rest to heal."

"I've endured worse."

"That's not the medical standard I'm aiming for."

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