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Her expression once again businesslike, she added, “And one other thing. She refuses to have more than two of us guarding her.” Having delivered all of her aunt’s instructions, she turned her attention to her captain. “She’s not going to contact me for a couple of days. Since I have to stick around, I think I should go on with my regular duties as if nothing is happening.”
    â€œShe’s right,” Boyd said, then had second thoughts about sending her out into the streets. She could be nabbed by some thug who hadn’t heard that she was under Garduchi’s protection. The strength of the sharp wave of protectiveness he experienced, irritated him. He told himself that his concern was because she was his only lead to Leona. Aloud, he said, “However, it would probably be best if you found some paperwork for her that would keep her off the streets.”
    Drake nodded his agreement, then turned his attention back to Katrina. “Contact me the minute you hear from your aunt.”
    â€œI’ll call in sick.”
    â€œGood. And for today you can help Shroder in the squad room with the paperwork on the Clemming’s case,” he said with dismissal.
    Katrina had been sharply aware of his wariness. Performing a snappy salute, she turned and exited. Her stomach was in a knot. She was tired of having to prove herself. Putting her life on the line for five years should have been enough.
    Wanting to keep his connection with officer Polenari as inconspicious as possible for the moment, Boyd remained behind in Drake’s office watching her through the windowed door. “You don’t trust Officer Polenari?” he asked.
    â€œI want to. She’s been more scrutinized than any of my other people and as far as I can tell, she’s squeaky clean. But all of her father’s family was tied to Garduchi.”
    â€œI didn’t see the name Polenari on my list of known associates.”
    â€œShe and Leona are the last of the line. Her father and brother were taken out in a territorial war when she was seventeen.”
    â€œWhat about her mother’s family?”
    â€œThey were never part of Garduchi’s organization. They live out in California but, as far as I know, she doesn’t have any contact with them.”
    â€œYou ever ask her why she joined the force?” Boyd asked.
    â€œShe said she wanted to help right the wrongs her family had inflected and in the process, maybe find evidence that would put Garduchi behind bars. She seemed sincere. She actually asked to be assigned to this precinct. It’s one of the toughest in the city and she spends a lot of time talking to the kids, trying to keep them off drugs or getting them to go into rehab if they’re already hooked.”
    Boyd was aware of the continuing underlying uncertainty in Drake’s voice. “But you’re still not certain where her loyalty lies.”
    â€œIf she is a plant by Garduchi, she’d have to play her role perfectly or we’d know.”
    â€œSo, if you don’t trust her, why not get rid of her? Or, better still, why’d you hire her in the first place?”
    â€œDidn’t have a choice. She didn’t have a record or anything that would prevent her from applying. Her scores on all tests and field maneuvers gave her a top ranking and we needed women recruits. If I’d turned her down, she could have sued for sex discrimination.”
    Boyd didn’t like what he was hearing. If Officer Polenari was working for Garduchi, then there were two possibilities. Either she was bringing her aunt in to set her up to be murdered or she had chosen to side with her aunt in which case Garduchi would be after both of them. Either way, anyone in their company could be caught in the cross fire. “I’d like a copy of her personnel file.”
    â€œFigured you would.” Drake buzzed his secretary and requested Katrina’s