Page 59 of Pursuit of Her

Eve studied the plans, her detective's mind automatically cataloging entry points, security measures, and contingency options. "We'll need a two-team approach. One for Stroud, one for Barrow."

"I've got something else you should see," Foster said, pulling up footage on another screen. "Commissioner Sutherland's press conference from this morning."

The screen showed Acting Commissioner Jane Sutherland, a stern woman in her fifties who had been appointed after Brooks's arrest. "We are pursuing all leads in locating Captain Morgan, who we believe was forcibly abducted during the hospital security breach. The vigilante suspect is considered armed and extremely dangerous."

The camera panned to show images of both Eve and Reagan displayed side by side—Reagan's photo labeled "Armed and Dangerous" while Eve's carried the designation "Missing Officer."

"They've got roadblocks on major highways and officers checking transportation hubs," Foster added. "Your faces are on every screen in the city."

"That complicates the approach," Eve noted, mentally adjusting their tactical options.

Reagan leaned forward, studying the building schematics with fierce concentration. "It doesn't change the objective. We need access to Stroud's private server and Barrow's encrypted communications."

"The evidence we recovered from the safe deposit box links both of them to the trafficking operations," Eve said, touching the screen to highlight specific connections. "Combined with Harmon's ledger and Davenport's financial records, we have enough to expose the entire operation."

"If we can access it," Reagan countered. "The physical evidence is in Stroud's chambers and Barrow's office at the capitol building."

Ingrid finished rebandaging Reagan's wound. "Whatever you're planning, you need to account for limited physical capability. She can't engage in any combat situation."

Reagan shot her an irritated glance that Diana returned with equal intensity.

"We'll need to modify the approach," Eve conceded, mentally reorganizing their strategy. "Foster, what's your status at the department?"

"Still clear for now," Foster replied. "Martinez suspects I'm sympathetic to you, but she has no proof of direct communication."

"Can you access the evidence lockup without raising flags?"

Foster considered. "Possibly. What are you thinking?"

Eve moved to the evidence board. "We need the original copy of Harmon's ledger. The photographs are useful, but the physical book contains handwriting that conclusively links Stroud and Barrow."

"And places me at significant risk," Foster noted without hesitation.

"I won't ask you to?—"

"I wasn't refusing," Foster interrupted with athin smile. "Just acknowledging the stakes. I can do it."

Eve studied the woman who had become her most trusted ally in the department. Foster had joined this fight with full awareness of the potential consequences. Like Eve herself, she had chosen truth over the institution.

"We'll need a distraction," Reagan said. "Something to pull attention away from both the federal building and evidence lockup simultaneously."

"I might have something," Ingrid offered, surprising everyone. "The hospital board meeting is tomorrow. All senior administrative staff will be present, including Judge Stroud's wife. A coordinated incident there would draw significant response."

Eve raised an eyebrow. "You're suggesting creating a security incident at a hospital?"

"I'm suggesting a non-threatening situation that requires protocol response," Ingrid clarified. "A suspicious package, perhaps. Something that demands procedure without endangering patients."

Reagan nodded appreciatively. "Draws resources away from our primary targets. Clean and effective."

Eve watched this exchange with newfound respect for the network Reagan had built during her decade of 'death.' These weren't just vigilante accomplices; they were professionals who had chosen to fight corruption through shadow channels when official ones failed.

"Where do we start?" Eve asked, focusing back on the operation at hand.

"We start with this," Reagan said, pulling up detailed schematics of both target buildings. "Every entry point, every security measure, every contingency. By the time we execute, we'll know these buildings better than the people who work there."

Eve studied the determined set of Reagan's jaw, the fire in her blue eyes despite the pallor of her skin and the obvious pain she was fighting. Ten years ago, Eve had watched that same determination focused on cases they worked together. Now, that intensity was directed at dismantling the corruption that had separated them for a decade.

"Let's begin," Eve agreed, mentally surrendering any lingering reservations about the path she'd chosen. She had crossed the line from law enforcement to whatever this was—justice by other means. There was no going back, only forward through the fire they were about to ignite.

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