Ron Phillips leaned back in his seat. “We’ve published your article about Congressman Welsh in our online edition. It’s breaking news across all media networks. Tomorrow’s print and digital editions ofThe Daily Timeswill have the first of your follow-up stories, and your interview with Jasmine Alfredo.”
“What about the bomb threat?” Ashley asked. “Won’t that make everything more difficult?”
“We receive multiple bomb threats each year. This one is a little different, but none of the threats are taken lightly.” Mr. Phillips looked over the top of his glasses. “The phones have been running hot with interest from other news networks. The bomb threat has only fueled more speculation about Congressman Welsh’s activities.”
“When will we be able to return to the office?”
“The FBI has suggested keeping the building closed for the next couple of days. It will give them time to search each floor and find whoever is behind the threats. Regardless of what happens at work, you won’t be returning to the office until next week at the earliest.”
Ashley frowned. “I can go back with everyone else.”
“Congressman Welsh has some powerful allies. It will be better for everyone if you worked from another location. I’ve booked you, Harry, and Bonnie into a hotel for the next two nights. We’ll look at our options again in a couple of days.”
“Do you really think that’s necessary?”
“The FBI thinks it is, and that’s good enough for me.”
The conference door opened and Special Agent Fallon walked into the room. “Congressman Welsh has released a press statement. When you’ve finished in here, come and see me. I’m down the corridor on the left-hand side.”
Ashley took the piece of paper he gave her and read the statement. “He says he’s innocent.” She handed the press release to her editor.
“No surprises there,” he muttered as he read the statement. “I can guarantee that most of his friends will be running for cover. Mud sticks, and in this city everyone wants to be squeaky clean. What do we know about Congressman Welsh’s life outside of politics?”
“Not much. Politics is his life. Bonnie tried to interview his wife, but she wasn’t talking to anyone.”
Mr. Phillips rubbed his jaw. “Try harder. Your story might shake a few stones loose. When that happens, we’ll have an avalanche on our hands. I want you, Bonnie, and Harry to be on top of any stories.”
“What about the FBI investigation? We could get in their way.”
“You aren’t writing for the society pages, Ashley. Keep going until you’re told to back off. When that happens, push harder. I want a story about Congressman Welsh’s life outside of politics by the end of the week. Harry can take the photos.”
Ashley picked up the press statement. “Is there anything else you want us to do?”
“Tell Bonnie to look for loose stones. Send the stories straight to me. I don’t want any information leaked to another paper.”
“Okay. I understand.”
Mr. Phillips pushed back his chair. “We’d better see what Special Agent Fallon wants.” He opened the door and waited for her to leave the room. “Let’s hope the security footage at Harry’s apartment has identified the intruder.”
Ashley was only half listening to her editor. She was already thinking about ways she could talk to Congressman Welsh’s wife before Friday. It wouldn’t be easy, but it was better than looking over her shoulder for the person who had been following her.
She just hoped Bonnie and Harry were happy to get involved. Because no one, including Ashley, knew where this story would end.
