Around the same period, a consulting business associated with a close family member began receiving payments from a subcontractor connected to the towing operation.
She insisted the relationship was separate.
But she understood how damaging it could appear if investigators examined the timing, correspondence, and decisions.
Then came the complaints about unnecessary impoundments.
And the new commissioner.
A man with a reputation for reviewing evidence personally.
A man who didn't owe his appointment to her political allies.
A man who had requested direct access to complaint and contracting records before his first official day.
She had convinced herself that he was dangerous.
Not to public safety.
To the arrangements she'd spent years constructing.
So she created a plan.
She would turn the commissioner's first visit into a confrontation.
She would make him appear arrogant.
Aggressive.
Unfit to lead.
And if the incident forced the mayor's office to postpone his transition while investigators reviewed competing accounts, she would gain time to protect herself.
The plan depended on the sergeant.
She knew his temperament.
She knew he'd been accused of excessive force.
She knew he disliked being challenged by civilians.
And she knew he was unlikely to question a direct order from her office.
She hadn't instructed him to slap anyone.
That was true.
But she had deliberately placed him in the commissioner's path, supplied identifying details, and encouraged an unnecessary confrontation.
Now the result was beyond her control.
She looked toward the doorway.
Then took a deep breath.
She needed to attend the meeting.
She needed to act surprised.
And above all, she needed to make sure nobody connected the sergeant's unusual assignment to her office.
At 12:06, the deputy chief entered the conference room.
Everyone turned.
She wore a perfectly tailored dark-blue uniform jacket with gold insignia and an expression of professional concern.
โCommissioner.โ
She extended her hand.
โI'm sorry I missed your arrival.โ
The commissioner stood.
He shook her hand briefly.
โGood afternoon.โ
She looked toward his cheek.
Her eyebrows rose.
โI heard there was some kind of disturbance outside.โ
The commissioner studied her face.
โYes.โ
Her expression became sympathetic.
โTerrible situation.โ
He nodded.
โVery.โ
She glanced toward the chief.
โI hope the officer involved is being dealt with appropriately.โ
The commissioner returned to his chair.
โAn independent investigation is being arranged.โ
โOf course.โ
She sat.
Then smiled faintly.
โWe all want accountability.โ
The commissioner looked toward the folder in front of her.