Jason didn’t seem surprised. “If you want to see where the government funding has gone, you don’t have a choice. We could ask a judge for a nondisclosure order. That means the account holders won’t know anyone’s looking into their banking records.”
“If the police become involved, will they stop me from publishing my article?”
“If it impacts on any potential court proceedings they will. You’ll have to decide what’s more important—making sure this doesn’t happen again or publishing your story.”
Matthew was watching her.
She took a deep breath and focused on Jason. “My story is more important.”
“It’s your call. If you change your mind, let me know.”
“Is there anything we can look at without a search warrant?” Matthew asked.
“I might be able to access each person’s tax return. That will give us an idea of their income and tax-deductible expenses over the last few years. I can also access each contractor’s tax returns and verify whether they’re registered companies. That will help with Ashley’s research at the library.”
Jason opened another document she’d scanned. “Congressman Welsh’s mayoral campaign costs are unusual.”
Matthew leaned forward. “What do you mean?”
“Some of these expenses are far less than I would have expected.”
Ashley frowned. “I thought they were already high.”
“His advertising and promotions expenditure is less than his printing costs.”
“If his expenses are higher than what he reported, why would he only declare part of his costs?”
“I don’t know,” Jason murmured as he continued to read the document. “They’re public information. He should have declared them.”
Ashley leaned forward. “Maybe he didn’t want his voters finding out how much money he spent on his mayoral campaign.”
Jason closed the file on her laptop and opened another. “Even if he received corporate sponsorship to cover some of the expenses, it should have been disclosed.”
Matthew picked up his mug. “Does anyone want another cup of coffee? I’ve got a feeling we’re going to be here for a while.”
“Thanks. Black, no sugar,” Jason said. “I should be gone within the hour.”
Ashley pulled out her cell phone. “I’ll call Bonnie and Harry and let them know what we’re doing.”
Jason frowned. “Is that the phone you used in New York City?”
“No. My friend Harry bought it for me before I left.”
“And the laptop?”
“An old one of Harry’s.”
“Your friend knows what he’s doing.”
Ashley shrugged. “He watchesThe Twilight Zone. It’s made him neurotic when it comes to personal safety.”
“There’s nothing wrong with that.” Jason picked up his own laptop. “I’ll work on the dining room table. I’ll send you the tax information once I have it.”
“Thank you.” Even though she hadn’t wanted Jason’s help, she felt as though she was finally getting somewhere. Whether the information they found led to Congressman Welsh, Jasmine Alfredo or their treasurer would be the million dollar question.
***
Later that night, Matthew knocked on Nathan and Amy’s front door. “Is anyone home?”
