Page 35 of Pursuit of Her

Deputy Commissioner Warner spoke for the first time, her voice carrying the practiced sympathy of someone delivering a predetermined outcome dressed as a negotiation. "We believe you're too close to this case, Eve. Your history with Detective Reagan Shaw?—"

Eve's blood turned to ice. Her expression remained impassive only through years of disciplined self-control. "Detective Shaw has been presumed dead for a decade. What possible relevance?—?"

"Your apartment contained an active investigation board focused on Shaw's disappearance," Brooks interrupted. "Detective Martinez observed it during last night's security check. That suggests a continued emotional investment that may be clouding your judgment."

They knew. Or suspected. Eve calculated rapidly, assessing how much they'd pieced together and how much remained speculation.

"Reagan Shaw investigated judicial corruption before her disappearance," Eve countered smoothly. "The current vigilante targets share similar profiles. It's a natural connection to explore."

"A connection you pursued without proper authorization," Richardson noted.

"I follow evidence, not politics." The words escaped before Eve could filter them, sharp and dangerous in the tense atmosphere.

Brooks's expression hardened. "That's precisely the concern, Captain. Your recent actions suggest a growing disregard for chain of command and established procedure." She opened a folder of her own, extracting an official document bearing the department seal. "Effective immediately, you're being placed on administrative leave pending an Internal Affairs review of your conduct."

There it was—the move Eve had anticipated but hoped to avoid until she'd secured the evidence from the safety deposit box. She kept her breathing steady, mind racing through contingencies.

"On what specific grounds?" Eve asked, playing for time.

"Procedural violations, potential evidence tampering, and conduct unbecoming," Richardson supplied, the bureaucratic language rolling off his tongue. "The specific allegations are detailed in this document."

He slid another folder toward her, thicker than the first. Inside would be carefully constructed charges, enough to justify her removal without revealing Brooks's true motivation: protecting her husband and his network.

Eve didn't touch the folder. "Commissioner, removing me from this investigation now would be detrimental to the department and the citizens of Phoenix Ridge. I'm closer to identifying the vigilante than anyone."

"Then you'll have no problem sharing your complete case notes and evidence with the transition team," Brooks replied smoothly. "Detective Martinez will take over effective immediately."

The pieces clicked into place. Martinez—Brooks's loyalist—would bury any evidence connecting the victims to Jonathan Brooks or the wider network. The investigation would stall, eventually becoming cold as public attention shifted to newer tragedies.

Eve had perhaps thirty seconds to salvage this situation. She chose her words with surgical precision.

"Before I step aside, I should note that I've already submitted substantial evidence regarding connections between the victims to the District Attorney's office." A calculated bluff; she hadn't contacted the DA yet, but Brooks couldn't know that. "Including financial records linking all four victims through shared business ventures."

Brooks's expression flickered, a momentary tensing around the eyes that confirmed Eve had struck a nerve. "What evidence?"

"Bank transfers, shell companies, property holdings," Eve said vaguely. "I'm sure Detective Martinez will find it all in my case files." Another lie—Eve had kept the most damning evidence separate from official records. "I was actually preparing to brief you on these findings later today."

The tension in the room shifted subtly. Brooks exchanged a quick glance with Warner, silent communication passing between them.

"These connections weren't mentioned in your official reports," Brooks said finally.

"I was verifying before formal submission. As per department procedure on high-profile cases."

Richardson frowned, clearly sensing the undercurrents but not fully understanding the subtext. "Commissioner, regardless of potential evidence, the procedural violations remain?—"

Brooks held up a hand, silencing him. "Perhaps we've been hasty," she said, her tone shifting to something more measured. "Captain Morgan's investigative instincts have proven valuable in the past. Instead of immediate administrative leave, I propose a compromise."

Eve waited, expression neutral despite the small victory.

"You'll partner with Detective Martinez for the next forty-eight hours," Brooks continued. "Share all evidence, bring her up to speed, and transition leadership of the investigation. After that, you'll take voluntary leave while IA completes their review."

A temporary reprieve—not perfect, but enough to give Eve time to access the safety deposit box and locate Sophia Gresham. She nodded with apparent reluctance.

"If that's your decision, Commissioner."

"It is." Brooks gathered her papers, the meeting clearly concluded on her terms. "You'll meet with Martinez immediately following this meeting. I expect full disclosure of allevidence and theories, Captain. No exceptions."

"Of course." Eve rose, maintaining the precise posture expected of Phoenix Ridge's highest-ranking female detective. "Will there be anything else?"

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