Page 76 of Pursuit of Her

At the lighthouse entrance, Powell departed first, returning to the vehicle. Winters lingered, her expression somber.

"For what it's worth," Winters said quietly, "I'm sorry. About Shaw. About what happened ten years ago. Some of us suspected, but we didn't act."

"And now?" Eve asked.

"Now we have a chance to rebuild something better," Winters replied. "But we need people who understand both sides of the system. People like you and Shaw."

Eve watched them depart, the immunity proposal secure in her possession. The offer represented something she hadn't fully anticipated: the possibility of reconciliation between Reagan's justice and the system that had failed her. Not a return to what was, but perhaps a path toward what should be.

She climbed the lighthouse tower one final time before departure, gazing across Phoenix Ridge with a new perspective. The city was fundamentally changed by what they'd exposed—painful but necessary transformation. Like Reagan's vigilante justice, like Eve's abandoned faith in the system, like the wounds they both carried, visible and hidden.

The lighthouse had guided ships through dangerous waters for over a century. Now it had witnessed the first tentative steps toward guiding their city through the aftermath of exposed corruption, toward whatever new shore awaited.

Reagan sat at the edge of the bed, her movements deliberate as she tested the limits of her recovering body. Even that small exertion left her pale, a sheen of sweat forming on her forehead despite the cool mountain air filtering through the cabin windows.

"Hammond will sedate you if she catches you attempting this," Eve observed from the doorway.

"Hammond isn't my commanding officer," Reagan countered, though she didn't attempt to stand further. "I need an accurate assessment of my current physical capabilities."

Eve crossed the room, setting a mug of tea on the bedside table. "Current assessment: significantly impaired but improving. Second GSW to an already compromised shoulder. Substantial blood loss. Infection requiring aggressive antibiotic intervention."

"Recovery timeline?"

"Four weeks minimum before field readiness," Eve replied, the clinical evaluation softening as she sat beside Reagan. "But we have something more immediate to discuss."

She produced Powell's immunity proposal. Reagan accepted it with her left hand, her dominant right arm still immobilized in a medical sling. Her eyes moved rapidly through the document, her mind assessing terms and implications with characteristic precision.

"Federal immunity in exchange for testimony," Reagansummarized. "Interesting development."

"I insisted on protection for network members," Eve added. "Powell's suggested confidential witness status with anonymity protections."

Reagan continued reading, her expression revealing nothing of her thoughts until she reached the final page. "Cessation of all vigilante activities. That's their primary concern.”

"They can't be seen to condone execution as a form of justice," Eve acknowledged.

"Regardless of its effectiveness," Reagan added dryly.

"The question is whether the terms are acceptable."

Reagan set the document aside, her movement causing a nearly imperceptible wince that Eve noticed nonetheless. "The network was never intended as a permanent solution. It existed because official channels failed systematically. If this represents legitimate reform rather than containment strategy, it deserves consideration."

A knock at the cabin door interrupted their conversation. Sophia entered with Elena, both carrying equipment that they set carefully on the main room's table.

"We've compiled the requested status reports," Sophia announced. "All members are accounted for and secure."

Eve observed the interaction carefully. For a decade, these women had operated under Reagan's direction, building a shadow justice system when the official one failed. Now they awaited guidance on their uncertain future

"Powell's proposal includes potential immunity for network members," Eve explained, addressing both women. "But it would mean fundamental changes to our operational structure."

"The primary mission is completed," Elena noted. "Barrow, Stroud, Brooks—all exposed and facing federal charges. Even if we continued, our targets have become significantly more cautious."

Sophia's expression remained thoughtful. "And Martinez is rebuilding department tactical resources specifically to counter our methods."

"The landscape has shifted," Reagan acknowledged. She gestured toward a chair, silently requesting assistance. Eve helped her move to the main room where she could address the gathered network members more formally.

Despite her physical weakness, Reagan's presence commanded immediate attention from the women who had followed her leadership through a decade of shadow operations. Dr. Hammond entered last, her disapproving glance at Reagan's position outside bed conveying volumes about medical advice ignored.

"The federal immunity proposal creates both opportunity and challenge," Reagan began, her voice stronger than her physical condition suggested. "Our mission has always been justice—exposing corruption that official channels protected. We've succeeded in ways even I didn't anticipate."

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