Page 75 of Pursuit of Her

Winters had the grace to look uncomfortable. "I've reviewed those records since the Capitol incident. Shaw's evidence was substantial even then. The department's failure to act appropriately is indefensible."

"What exactly are you offering?" Eve pressed, redirecting to the present situation.

Powell removed a document from her folder. "Complete federal immunity for both you and Shaw in exchange for comprehensive testimony against the remaining network members. No prosecution for any actions taken in pursuit of evidence against Barrow's organization."

Eve studied the document without touching it. "And the conditions?"

"Three," Powell replied. "First, full and complete testimony in federal court. Second, surrender of any remaining evidence not yet disclosed. Third, cessation of all vigilante activities."

"That's the official offer," Winters added. "Unofficially, there's recognition that both of you possess expertise valuable to reforming the systems that failed so catastrophically."

Eve arched an eyebrow. "Meaning?"

"Meaning that following federal testimony, there might be opportunities for consultation on institutional reform," Winters explained. "Not immediate and not public, but eventually."

Eve considered these terms, weighing them against Reagan's decade-long mission and her own more recent commitment to justice outside the system.

"Reagan's safety is non-negotiable," Eve stated. "Any agreement must include explicit protection protocols against retaliation."

"Already incorporated," Powell confirmed, indicating a section of the document. "Federal witness protection available if deemed necessary."

"And her complete medical recovery before any testimony."

"Reasonable accommodations for medical necessity are standard," Powell agreed.

Eve reached for the document, scanning its contents with her detective's thoroughness. The terms appeared comprehensive—full immunity for both of them in exchange for testimony that would dismantle what remained of the Phoenix Network.

"I need to discuss this with her," Eve said finally. "This isn't my decision alone."

"Of course," Powell acknowledged. "But the window for this arrangement is limited. Federal prosecutors are moving quickly to secure testimony from lower-level officials."

"One additional provision," Eve added, looking directly at Winters. "The network members who assisted our operation receive the same immunity protections."

Winters and Powell exchanged glances, silent communication passing between them.

"That complicates matters," Powell admitted. "We don't have a complete understanding of how many individuals that would encompass."

"Twenty-seven core members," Eve supplied. "All women the system failed in various ways. Assault victims whose cases were dismissed. Officers forced out for reporting harassment. Medical professionals who lost positions for challenging powerful men."

Winters leaned back, studying Eve with new understanding. "This was never just about vigilante justice, was it? Shaw built something larger."

"She created an alternative when official channels failed," Eve confirmed. "Every womaninvolved tried proper procedures first and found them corrupted."

Powell made notes on her legal pad. "I can't promise blanket immunity for twenty-seven additional people without review, but I can include a provision for case-by-case consideration based on specific involvement and mitigating circumstances."

"That's not good enough," Eve countered. "These women risked everything to expose corruption the system wouldn't acknowledge. Their protection isn't optional."

"What would you suggest?" Powell asked, professional curiosity evident.

"Confidential witness status," Eve proposed. "Their testimony provided anonymously and their identities protected through federal programs."

"That might be workable," Powell conceded after consideration. "I'll need to consult with federal prosecutors."

Winters studied Eve with renewed respect. "You've changed, Morgan. Six months ago, you would've been arguing for full prosecution of vigilante actions regardless of motive."

"Six months ago, I still believed the systemcould correct itself from within," Eve replied simply.

As the meeting concluded, Eve accepted the document for review, making no commitments but acknowledging the possibility of cooperation. They established secure communication protocols for her response within forty-eight hours.

---