Page 78 of Pursuit of Her

The morning sun cast long shadows across the entrance as Eve studied the familiar shield emblem above the door, embossed with the department motto: "Protect and Serve." After twenty years, she'd understood the first part completely: tactical protection, physical security, crime prevention. Only recently had she fully comprehended the deeper meaning of service: justice beyond procedure, accountability without compromise.

"Ready?" Reagan asked beside her, standing straighter than her still-healing injury warranted.

Eve glanced at her, noting the careful concealment of discomfort beneath a composed exterior. Despite medical advice, Reagan had insisted on attending this meeting. Dr. Hammond had finally relented with strict limitations and the promise of immediate return to recovery afterward.

"Federal agents have secured the building," Eve confirmed. "Foster confirms Winters is alone in the conference room."

"And Martinez?"

"Reassigned to Harbor Division pending internal review."

Reagan nodded, satisfaction briefly visible before her professional mask returned. They proceeded through security where federal agents verified their identities and conducted procedural weapons screening despite the immunity agreement. Eve noted how Reagan's posture remained vigilant despite the protections in place, a decade of survival instinct not easily set aside.

They were escorted to the third floor where Assistant Chief Winters waited in the cornerconference room—a deliberate choice that Eve recognized immediately. Unlike the main meeting spaces with glass walls signifying transparency, this room offered privacy and security, with multiple exit options and limited access.

"Captain Morgan," Winters greeted as they entered. "Ms. Shaw. Thank you for coming."

Eve studied the room carefully, professional assessment automatic after years of training. A digital recorder sat on the conference table, its red light indicating activation. Formal documentation of their appearance as required by the immunity agreement.

"This meeting is being recorded in accordance with federal protocols," Winters confirmed, gesturing toward chairs. "Please be seated."

Eve took position with her back to the wall, Reagan beside her, both maintaining clear sightlines to the door. Winters noted their positioning without comment.

"I'll begin by confirming your signed immunity agreements are now in effect," Winters stated formally. "Your testimony against Senator Barrow has been scheduled for next month,with appropriate security protocols in place."

"And the network members?" Reagan asked directly.

"Eighteen have accepted confidential witness status," Winters confirmed. "The remainder are still under consideration pending final review."

Eve leaned forward. "Those reviews need to be expedited. Some members remain vulnerable until formal protections are established."

Winters nodded. "Federal authorities are prioritizing cases based on assessed risk levels. Dr. Hammond and Ms. Gresham have already received full witness protection enrollment. Others will follow within the week."

Reagan's expression revealed nothing, but Eve noticed the slight relaxation of tension in her shoulders. The network members had been Reagan's responsibility for a decade; their safety remained her primary concern even now.

"The purpose of today's meeting," Winters continued, "extends beyond procedural updates. The department is undergoing comprehensive restructuring following the exposure of corruption at multiple levels."

"Necessary restructuring," Eve noted. "Long overdue."

"Indeed." Winters's expression sobered. "Which brings me to a formal matter requiring resolution." She opened a folder and removed a document bearing the department seal. "This concerns your status, Captain Morgan."

Eve had anticipated this moment since accepting the immunity agreement. Official severance from the department she'd served for twenty years—the formalization of her choice to stand with Reagan rather than the system she'd once believed in completely.

"Your actions, while ultimately exposing critical corruption, violated numerous departmental policies and procedures," Winters stated for the record. "Under normal circumstances, these violations would result in termination with prejudice."

"These circumstances were anything but normal," Reagan interjected, tension evident in her voice despite her controlled exterior.

"Precisely why we're here," Winters agreed, surprising them both. She placed another document on the table. "This is an official reinstatement offer, with promotion to Deputy Commissioner effective immediately. Full restoration of rank, benefits, and service record."

The unexpectedness of the offer momentarily disrupted Eve's composure. Reinstatement rather than termination—a path back into the system she'd abandoned.

"The department recognizes that your actions, while unorthodox, demonstrated extraordinary commitment to justice," Winters continued. "The restructured command believes your perspective would be invaluable during this transition period."

Eve studied the document without reaching for it. "And Reagan's status in this arrangement?"

"Ms. Shaw would be classified as special consultant on departmental corruption prevention, working through your office with appropriate security clearances." Winters's gaze shifted to Reagan. "Your methodologies were extreme, but your understanding of systemic vulnerability is unparalleled."

Reagan's expression revealed nothing, but Eve felt the slight tension in her posture—the vigilante being offered partial rehabilitation within the same system that had once tried to kill her.

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