Page 61 of Pursuit of Her

"And you?" Eve pressed. "What happens to Reagan Shaw when her list is complete?"

Something shifted in Reagan's expression. "I don't know," she admitted quietly. "I've been dead for ten years. I'm not sure who I am beyond this mission."

The honesty struck Eve deeply. She reached for Reagan's hand.

"We'll figure it out," Eve promised. "Together."

Reagan's fingers tightened around hers, communicating more than words could express.

The moment broke as Elena approached. "Barrow's security detail has doubled since the gala."

Reagan's focus sharpened, the mission reclaiming her attention. "Show me."

Eve followed, her decision reaffirmed by everything she'd seen. The network Reagan had built wasn't perfect, but it served justice with an integrity the official system had abandoned. She had chosen the right side in this war, even if it meant burning her former life to ashes.

The central operations room hummed with activity as the network finalized infiltration plans. Eve studied the building schematics projected side by side: the federal building housing Judge Stroud's chambers and Senator Barrow's office in the Capitol Complex.

"Stroud's server room is located here," Sophia indicated. "Access requires dual authentication: both key card and biometric scan. His private terminal contains records of all communications with Brooks and the financial transactions."

"Traditional approach is impossible with our current status," Eve assessed. "Every federal building has our faces on security alerts."

Reagan studied the schematics, lines of tension marking her face despite painkillers.

"We don't need a traditional approach," Reagan countered. "We have Dr. Westfield."

Ingrid looked up. "Explain."

"You still have access privileges at the courthouse for medical consultations," Reagan said. "Your credentials haven't been flagged."

"I can get through initial security, but not into the server room."

"You don't need to," Sophia replied, pulling up maintenance schematics. "The HVAC system's primary access point is adjacent to the women's restroom, a space you'd have legitimate reason to visit during a consultation."

"Maintenance access would bypass the security checkpoints," Eve realized.

"The panel requires a specific key," Sophia added, producing a replica. "Which we've already duplicated."

The plan took shape with each woman contributing expertise. Mira outlined when security would be minimized during shift changes. Elena detailed the specifications for the bypass device that would clone Stroud's access credentials.

"This approach puts you at significant risk," Eve cautioned Ingrid. "Federal charges would mean substantial prison time."

Diana's expression remained calm. "I was discredited for questioning evidence tampering in the Rosalie Gresham case. My career was already sacrificed for this cause."

"Barrow presents a different challenge." Reagan redirected their attention. "His security is personal rather than institutional—private contractors rather than federal officers."

"His schedule shows a fundraising breakfast tomorrow morning," Elena noted. "His office will be minimally staffed."

"But his private server never leaves the secured room adjacent to his office," Sophia added. "We need physical access to extract the encrypted files."

"That's my entry point," Eve said. "I can approach through the service corridors using maintenance credentials."

Reagan's expression darkened. "You're still recognized throughout the city. The risk?—"

"Is necessary," Eve completed firmly. "I have the training and experience for this infiltration."

"And if you're spotted?" Reagan challenged.

"Foster has arranged for a diversion at the main entrance precisely three minutes after my entry," Eve replied. "Capitol security protocols will draw personnel away from the service corridors."

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