CHAPTER FOUR
Matthew walked toward the two-story cottage he called home. Four generations of the Gray family had lived on the ranch, raising their family and nurturing the land as best they could. And now they were hiding a reporter whose story could launch her career or send her to prison. His grandfather would have laughed at the irony of it all. For most of his life, Matthew had been the one getting into all kinds of scrapes, pushing the limits of everyone’s patience. But what Ashley was doing was beyond anything he’d ever done.
He took off his boots and headed toward the kitchen. The cottage was quiet. Too quiet.
Ashley was sitting at the dining table wearing her headphones. Sheets of paper were spread out in front of her. She reached for a pen, wrote something down, then nodded to whatever she was listening to.
Matthew stood in the doorway watching her, remembering the two years they’d spent together. He’d been drawn to her quiet strength, the way she treated everyone. She was the sort of person who would walk into a room and talk to someone who was on their own. She’d pull them into a conversation and make sure they were included in what was happening.
He’d liked that about her, liked it a lot.
She looked up and jumped. Her headphones landed with a thud on the table. “You nearly gave me a heart attack.”
“Sorry. I didn’t want to interrupt whatever you’re doing.”
Ashley turned off her music. “I’m cross-referencing everyone who’s been at Jasmine Alfredo’s charity events with The Reaching High board members and their partners.”
“Have you found anything interesting?”
“Only that Congressman Welsh’s name comes up a lot.” She turned her laptop around so that he could see the screen. “These are the photos Harry took at the last four charity events that Jasmine organized. Congressman Welsh isn’t far from Jasmine in all of them.”
Matthew sat beside Ashley and clicked through the images. “Maybe they’re dating?”
“His wife might have something to say about that.”
He looked closely at one of the images. “He doesn’t act like a married man.”
Ashley studied the same photo. “I thought so, too. What’s even more interesting is that his wife wasn’t at any of these events. When he was running for mayor, his wife was always beside him.” She showed him the last image, then closed the file. “Bonnie has a meeting this afternoon with the treasurer of The Reaching High Foundation. She’s going to ask if she can look at their income and expenditure statement for the last financial year.”
“They won’t let her near it if they’re worried about what she could do with the information.”
“She’s already spoken to two board members. They think she’s a college student doing her thesis on successful marketing strategies for nonprofit organizations.”
“And they believed her?”
“Bonnie has bright red hair and dimples. If anyone can pretend to be genuinely interested in their charity, it’s her.”
“Is she worried that they’ll discover the truth?”
“She’s more worried about what the Foundation is doing.”
Matthew pointed to another sheet of paper. “What’s on your chart?”
“The Department of Health and Human Services gave The Reaching High Foundation $240,000 to help fund a youth center in Downtown Brooklyn. I’ve gone through the accountability report the Foundation returned at the end of the financial year.” Ashley picked up a sheet of paper and handed it to him. “The Foundation itemized each budget line, then listed the companies that provided the goods or services. So far, I’ve called five of the businesses to confirm whether the items they supplied were delivered.”
“And what did they say?”
“Three of the businesses aren’t answering their phones. They’re all based in New York City, so Harry is going to visit them.”
Matthew pulled the chart closer and read the notes she’d made in the last column. “The other two companies you called didn’t supply materials to The Reaching High Foundation?”
“It’s worse than that. They’d never heard of them. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, The Reaching High Foundation used both companies on other projects.”
“When are you taking this information to the police?”
“When I know where the money has gone. The Reaching High Foundation doesn’t have a lot of money in their bank account, and they haven’t used all the government funding for a youth center. The money must be somewhere.”
“Who authorizes withdrawals from the Foundation’s bank account?”
“The treasurer, but Jasmine Alfredo has signing rights as well.”
“You need to see their bank statements.”
Ashley nodded. “I’ve been trying, but I can’t access them.”
“The police would be able to issue search warrants.”
“I know, but I want to publish the story first. Once the police are involved, I won’t be able to do anything.”
He stared at the papers scattered across the table. “You need more help.”
The front door banged open. “Hello! Is anyone home?”
Matthew dropped his head to his chest. His sister was the last person he wanted to see.
Ashley jumped to her feet and threw the remaining sheets of paper into folders. “Is that Sally?”
“It is.” He moved the laptop out of Ashley’s way and slipped it into its case. “We’re in here, Sally.”
His sister strode into the kitchen. She frowned when she saw Ashley. “It’s true. You are here.”
Ashley closed the last folder. “Hi, Sally.”
Matthew’s sister tilted her head to the side. “I like your hair long. It suits you.”
“Thanks. Congratulations on getting married.”
No one would have thought the two women used to be friends. Matthew glanced at his sister, wondering why she’d come here if she knew Ashley was staying with him.
“I brought lunch with me,” Sally said. “I didn’t know if Ashley would be on her own or if she’d have company.”
Ashley’s shoulders relaxed. “The coffeepot’s hot. Would you like me to make you a cup?”
“That would be great. I’ll get the cooler out of my truck.”
Matthew followed his sister out of the house. “What are you doing here?”
“Making sure you’re okay.” She opened the passenger door and handed him the cooler. “Are you?”
“Of course I am. Ashley’s only staying for a week or two.”
“And then she’s going back to New York?”
He nodded. “Don’t lecture me about wearing my heart on my sleeve. Sean’s already done that.”
“Good, because someone needs to look after you.” She held onto his arm. “Promise me you’ll be careful.”
“Okay, I’ll be careful. I didn’t think you’d want to see Ashley.”
Sally sighed. “I need to apologize. I was angry about how she treated you.”
“She wanted to be a journalist in a big city.”
“Well, she certainly got what she wanted. I wonder if her job is worth everything she left behind.”
Matthew shrugged. “She hasn’t been back in three years. It must have been worth it.”
Sally stepped onto the porch. “You’re being awfully adult about her being here.”
“Someone has to be,” he whispered. “Sean’s acting like a five-year-old.” He took the cooler through to the kitchen and unpacked the lunch.
While they’d been gone, Ashley had cleared the table and set it with plates and cutlery.
It was almost like old times. Almost.
***
After lunch, Ashley cleared away the last of the dishes. Matthew had already left to help one of the ranch hands.
“I’ll leave the rest of the pie in the refrigerator,” Sally said.
“Sean will be happy.”
Sally didn’t say anything, and Ashley couldn’t blame her. They hadn’t spoken to each other in three years. Losing her friend had been almost as hard as saying goodbye to Matthew.
Sally covered the pie with foil. “I shouldn’t have yelled at you before you left Bozeman.”
Ashley looked at the dishcloth in her hand. “I deserved everything you said.”
“No, you didn’t. I knew you were grieving for your mom, but I still lost my temper.”
“You were sticking up for Matthew.”
“It’s still no excuse for how I behaved. Looking back, I know why you left. This place is so small that Betty-Sue made the headlines when she dyed her hair blue.”
Ashley smiled. “You’re joking?”
“Only a little. She dyed her hair for a fundraising event.”
Ashley left the dishcloth on the counter. She needed Sally to understand why she’d left. “I loved Matthew, but I had to leave. I wanted to work for a big newspaper, to make a difference in the world. I couldn’t stay here knowing I hadn’t at least tried to make a name for myself.”
“And have you?”
“Have I what?”
“Made a name for yourself.”
Ashley thought about her job. “Not really. I’m a society reporter for a mid-size newspaper.”
“In New York.”
She grinned. “That part is pretty awesome. But with all the awesomeness comes high living costs, smog, and rush-hour traffic that you wouldn’t believe.”
“Does the reason you’re here have anything to do with your society pages?”
“Sort of. Matthew told your parents I came to Bozeman for a friend’s birthday party.”
“I don’t know if mom and dad will believe him. But in the meantime, I think I can do something for you.” Sally looked at the folders stacked on the counter. “It looks as though you need an office. You could use one of the spare bedrooms in the cottage. Nathan’s got a whiteboard in the main homestead that he doesn’t use. We could set that up beside a desk and you’d have your own workspace.”
“That sounds great.”
“Come on, then.” Sally pulled Ashley toward the kitchen door.
“Where are we going?”
“To find the whiteboard. By the time Matthew and Sean arrive home, we’ll have everything ready.”
“Are you sure they won’t mind me using one of their spare bedrooms?”
“Trust me. I know my brothers. Creating an office is the least of their worries.” Sally opened the front door and walked toward the main homestead.
“Why are you doing this?”
Sally stopped in the middle of the yard. “Because I feel guilty about the way I treated you and because I want to help. I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you, too,” Ashley murmured.
“Do you want to give friendship another try?”
“I’d like that. But I’ll only be here for a few days.”
“I know. Just do me a favor and try not to break Matthew’s heart again.”
Ashley saw the worry on Sally’s face. “I wouldn’t have asked him for help unless it was important.”
Sally sighed. “I know.” She linked arms with Ashley. “Do you need any pens or paper?”
“I brought enough paper with me. If you have a spare whiteboard marker, I’d appreciate it.”
“I’m sure we can find something.”
Using one of the cottage’s spare bedrooms as an office was a wonderful idea. Ashley could lay everything out, connect faces and names on the whiteboard, and try to make sense of all the information she’d collected.
She just hoped that after Bonnie talked with the treasurer of The Reaching High Foundation, the connection between Jasmine and Congressman Welsh was more obvious.
If it weren’t, she would fly back to New York and take her chances with whoever was following her. Without proof that the grant money had been stolen, her story would be going nowhere.
***
“You’re not going to believe this,” Bonnie said as soon as Ashley called her. “The treasurer of the Foundation has only been in that role for the last three months.”
Ashley could hear the excitement in her friend’s voice. “Is that good or bad?”
“It could be good when I tell you why the last person left. Apparently, there was a huge argument between Jasmine and the previous treasurer. The next day, the treasurer resigned. No one’s saying what the argument was about.”
Ashley frowned. “Did you find this out at your meeting?”
“No. I spoke to one of the Foundation’s personal assistants in the coffee shop afterward.”
“Did you see any of the Foundation’s financial records?”
“Not yet.” Bonnie sounded disappointed. “The treasurer said she’d send me a copy of their income projections and their marketing plan. I don’t think they’re going to help.”
“They might. I’ve still got a copy of the accountability report the Foundation filed. I’ll keep working through that. Harry’s going to call me after he’s met with the companies who supplied materials for the youth center project.”
“I asked the treasurer about the projects they fund. Her only involvement is to pay the bills and make sure the overall costs don’t exceed the budget. Program leaders are assigned to each project. They’re in charge of making sure the right people are involved in each project.”
“Who was the project leader for the youth center?”
“Congressman Welsh. He managed all the contractors.”
Ashley opened one of her folders. “Congressman Welsh was running for mayor about the same time as the youth center project was starting. He would have been busy.”
“Maybe he made an honest mistake. He might have overpaid a contractor and they never told him.”
“He didn’t pay the bills—that was the treasurer’s job.”
“And she would only pay the amount that was invoiced. Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”
Ashley turned on her laptop. “Someone invoiced The Reaching High Foundation for work that was never completed. I’m opening my copy of the accountability report.”
“We need to see if the companies involved in the youth center are legitimate.”
“I can do some background research from here. I’ll speak to Harry and tell him what we think has happened.”
“Have you started writing the story?” Bonnie asked.
“Not yet. I want to wait until I’ve got all of the information in front of me before I do anything. You’re not being followed, are you?”
“I don’t think so. I saw Harry yesterday, and he’s okay. How’s Bozeman?”
Ashley smiled. “I haven’t set foot in town, but I have fed six cats and climbed into the hay loft.”
“Sounds exciting.”
“At least it’s better than hitting Grand Central Station at rush hour.”
“Only if you like cats and barns. How’s Matthew?”
“He’s okay.” Ashley had told Bonnie about what happened when she’d left Bozeman three years ago. “I saw Sally, Matthew’s sister, today.”
“Did she speak to you?”
“She apologized for yelling at me.”
“That’s great,” Bonnie said. “It might bring closure to that part of your life.”
“You’ve been reading too many self-help books.”
Bonnie laughed. “I’m exploring my spiritual and emotional potential.”
“Don’t practice on me. I’m happy being emotionally challenged.” Someone cleared their throat. Ashley turned around and sighed. “Matthew’s here. I’ve got to go.”
“Call me if you need help.”
“I will. Bye.” She ignored the amused gleam in Matthew’s eyes. “That was Bonnie. She talked to the treasurer of The Reaching High Foundation. We think we know how the money was diverted away from the youth center project.”
“That’s good because there’s someone you need to meet.”
She looked over Matthew’s shoulder.
“He’s downstairs. I called a friend who owns a security company. He sent one of his staff to help you access the financial information you need.”
“Why did you call your friend?”
“He knows what he’s doing.”
Ashley’s heart pounded. “And you think I don’t?”
“You know what you need, but not how to get it. Fletcher Security can help.”
Ashley picked up her laptop. “Did you consider asking me first?”
“You were talking to Sally.”
“Your sister was here for half an hour after you left. You could have asked when she went home.”
Matthew stuck his hands on his hips. “You would have said no.”
“Exactly. Bonnie and Harry are already helping me. We don’t need anyone else.”
“You need help. I got you help.”
Ashley clamped her lips together. It wouldn’t matter what she said. Matthew thought he’d done the right thing and nothing she said would change his mind. “Who’s the person downstairs?”
“Jason Smith. He’s an ex-Detroit Police Detective.”
“He’ll arrest me for stalking.”
Matthew’s lips twitched. “I think you’re safe. Do you want him to see the information on your whiteboard?”
“We don’t need to take it downstairs. Everything is on my laptop.”
“If you’re happy to show him your laptop, we’d better go downstairs. The sooner you write your story, the sooner you can get back to your rush hour traffic.”
Ashley gave her laptop to Matthew and took a handful of folders off a shelf. “How much of my conversation did you hear?”
“Enough to know that you think you’re emotionally challenged.”
“I was joking.”
Matthew’s lips twitched. “Are you ready to meet Jason?”
She nodded and headed downstairs. If Jason could help her access the Foundation’s bank accounts, it wouldn’t matter how emotionally challenged she was. She could publish her story and move on to the next one.
And if she were really lucky, she wouldn’t miss Montana or the man walking behind her.
***
Ashley waited for Jason to finish reading the document she’d given him. She’d told him everything she’d learned, showed him the reports, photos, and public records she’d scanned.
He was different than the person she’d expected to see. With his golden brown eyes and broad shoulders, he could have been on the cover of a fashion magazine instead of living in the middle of rural Montana. She didn’t know what had brought him to Bozeman, but she was glad he was here.
Matthew handed her a cup of coffee.
“Thanks.”
He left another cup beside Jason before sitting beside her.
Jason raised his head. “We need to know who owns the companies that provided invoices for the youth center and literacy projects. If there’s a link between those businesses and Congressman Welsh, Jasmine Alfredo, or the treasurer, it will strengthen a fraud conviction.”
“I thought I’d visit the library tomorrow,” Ashley said. “They have some databases that might help.”
Matthew frowned. “I don’t think you should leave the ranch.”
“I’ll wear my wig and sunglasses. The only person who could recognize me is Erin, the library manager.”
Matthew looked at Jason.
“She should be okay. The chance of anyone searching for Ashley in Bozeman is remote. If she had family living here or had been back in the last few years, it might be different. Once we know who owns the companies, we can see if our suspects have any more secrets they’re hiding.”
Ashley left her coffee mug on the table. “I could borrow one of your trucks, Matthew. It shouldn’t take too long.”
“Fine. But call me right away if you see or hear anything that worries you.”
Jason cleared his throat. “Next on the list are accessing bank accounts. You’ll need search warrants to see any account information.”
Ashley shook her head. “No search warrants. I don’t want the police getting involved. Not yet, anyway.”
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 watches The 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?”
Catherine came hurtling around the corner, almost colliding with the basket of muffins in his hand.
“Hi, short stuff. How was your day?”
“Okay.” She stepped around him and grinned at Ashley. “I’ve been waiting for you all night. Do you want to see the picture I painted at school?”
Ashley smiled as Catherine pulled her toward the stairs. She looked over her shoulder at Matthew. “Are you coming?”
“You’re on your own. I’ll take the muffins into the kitchen.” He watched them disappear upstairs before heading down the hallway. The kitchen at the Gray ranch had always been the center of everyone’s life. Before their mom and dad had left to live in Florida, they’d replaced the original cabinets with pale yellow cupboards and a white granite counter. After Amy had married his brother, he’d expected some things to change, but Amy had liked everything his mom had done.
Nathan, his second-to-eldest brother, was standing in front of the kitchen sink.
“My status as Catherine’s favorite adult is under threat.”
Nathan threw a dishtowel over his shoulder. “You should have been here earlier. All we’ve heard about is Ashley.”
“She’s been on a lot of people’s minds,” Matthew muttered.
His brother’s eyebrows rose. He walked to the kitchen door and pushed it shut. “Don’t tell me you’re falling for her again?”
“I’m not falling for her.”
“Do you know how unconvincing you sound?”
“It doesn’t matter how I feel. Ashley’s not staying in Bozeman.”
“So I’ve heard.” Nathan looked inside the basket. “Are they lemon and huckleberry muffins?”
“I think so. Sally sent Ashley the recipe.”
“I’ll make everyone a hot drink.” Nathan took four cups out of the pantry. “How does your ex-girlfriend like her coffee?”
The glare he sent his brother bounced off his thick skin. “Cream and one sugar.”
Nathan poured coffee into the mugs. “How is her investigation coming along?”
“A lot slower than she’d like. Jason Smith from Fletcher Security is helping her.”
“Was that her idea or yours?”
“Mine. I didn’t know what else to do. She won’t ask the police for help.”
“She’s still as stubborn as ever.”
Matthew took a plate out of the cupboard. “The story means everything to her. I’m worried she’ll get hurt.”
“You’ve done everything you can to keep her safe. If she’s not prepared to listen to you, that’s her decision.”
The kitchen door opened and Amy smiled at Matthew. “Is it okay if I come in or are you having a top-secret, brothers only meeting?”
“Of course you can come in. We were about to bring the coffee and muffins into the living room.”
“It’s just as well Toby’s a heavy sleeper. Catherine’s showing Ashley all her treasures. She’s so excited that I doubt she’ll go to sleep tonight.”
Matthew handed Amy a cup of coffee. “I’ll read her a story when she’s ready for bed. That usually calms her down.” He still remembered the first time he’d seen his niece. She’d been about ten months old and had arrived at the ranch with Amy, straight off a plane from Chicago. Her blonde hair and big brown eyes had melted his heart, especially when Amy told him what their mother had done.
Catherine was Amy’s half-sister, but she’d lived permanently with Amy since she was five months old. With a 26 year age difference between the two sisters, Catherine called Amy, mom. In every way possible, their relationship was more like mother and daughter. When their mom gave up her parental rights to Catherine, Amy officially became her baby sister’s next of kin.
Nathan waved his hand in front of Matthew’s face. “Earth to Matthew. Are you still with us?”
“I was thinking about the first time I saw Catherine.”
Nathan glanced at his wife. “And now look at us. We’re married and have two amazing children.”
Amy kissed her husband’s cheek. “We’re the luckiest people in the world.”
Matthew picked up two cups of coffee. “I’ll leave you two lovebirds alone. If you’re looking for me, I’ll be with Ashley and Catherine.”
He left the coffee in the living room and headed upstairs. When he peered around Catherine’s doorframe, Ashley was sitting on the floor beside his niece, admiring his niece’s rock collection.
“I found this one in the Yellowstone River,” Catherine said. “It’s called a moss agate.”
“It’s beautiful. Did your dad cut and polish it?”
“No. Mr. Humphries from the Bozeman Gem and Mineral Club did that for us. When I told Mr. Humphries about my collection, he said I should join their club.”
“Did you?”
“Not yet. Dad said we’ll see how things go. What does that mean?”
Ashley lifted another small gemstone out of Catherine’s treasure box. “It means he’ll think about it.”
“How long does that take?”
“I don’t know.”
Catherine replaced the polished rock she was holding. “I’ll ask him again. He might have forgotten.”
Matthew tapped lightly on the door. “There are muffins and hot drinks downstairs if you’d both like to join us.”
Ashley smiled at Catherine. “What do you think?”
“Let’s go.”
As soon as Ashley was on her feet, Catherine held her hand and led her toward the stairs.
Matthew followed behind, smiling at Catherine’s excited chatter. She was definitely enjoying Ashley’s visit, and he had a feeling it wouldn’t stop at showing Ashley her gem collection.