The Promise (The Protectors Book 4) Read online

  “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.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  The next day, the first person Ashley saw at Bozeman Public Library was Erin Williams. They’d been best friends at college and had kept in touch with each other, even after she’d left for New York.

  Erin was helping an elderly man choose some books for his wife. Her laughter echoed across the library and made Ashley glad she’d come here today.

  She walked upstairs to the reference area, pulling her baseball cap low to stop anyone recognizing her. She’d always loved the library. With its exposed wooden beams, metal roof, and rows of bookshelves, it was the kind of place she could get lost in for hours.

  The second floor hovered o
ver the rest of the library like an overprotective parent. From the balcony, you could see almost every area of the library. It was the perfect place to read or daydream, and an even better place for teenagers to throw paper darts at their friends.

  Walking to the far side of the room, she searched for an out-of-the-way computer. She found what she was looking for and sat down. A student was working at a desk not far from her, but apart from them, no one else was around.

  With her backpack open, she pulled out the information Jason found yesterday. Only three of the companies had their owners listed on their tax returns, but two others had the date their businesses were registered. With that information, she could narrow her search and hopefully trace the current owners.

  An hour later, she felt like banging her head against the wooden desk. None of the online databases had been much help. The information about the registered companies was almost non-existent. She’d searched every website that looked remotely helpful, but she couldn’t find anything.”

  “Can I help you?”

  Ashley dropped her head to her chest. Erin was standing beside her. She turned sideways and smiled.

  “Ashley? What are you doing here?”

  “I arrived in Bozeman a couple of days ago. I needed to do some research, so I came to the library.”

  “Are you on vacation?”

  “Something like that. How are you?”

  “I’ll be better once I’ve given you a hug.”

  Ashley moved away from the desk and hugged her friend. “It’s wonderful seeing you.”

  “It’s great to see you, too. It’s been too long.” Erin touched Ashley’s wig. “Why are you wearing this?”

  “It’s a disguise. I don’t want anyone to know I’m here.”

  “Are you in trouble?” Erin whispered.

  “I could be.”

  Erin pulled out a chair and sat at the table. “You can tell me about it later.” She frowned at the computer screen. “What are you looking at?”

  “An online corporate database. I’m trying to find the contact details of the owners of five companies. I have the names of three business owners, but the other two are a mystery.”

  “Have you searched for them on the Internet?”

  “Not yet.”