“I’m just wondering if I’m being audited and if that’s the explanation for why an IRS revenue agent just walked off with my computer, which by the way I don’t believe is proper. It’s my understanding that revenue agents can’t just enter a private residence without permission. Did Lucy give the IRS permission?”

No answer.

“Did her partner Janet?”

Nothing.

“Well for sure I know I didn’t,” I say to them. “So I’m wondering who gave the IRS permission to search this house and remove personal property from it? Not just my niece’s personal property but also mine.”

“We’re really not at liberty to discuss an active investigation, ma’am,” the other agent says curtly, loudly.

“If I’m the target of an active investigation and am being audited I have a right to know. Isn’t that true?” I ask Donoghue but I don’t need her to answer. “And I’m confused and find it necessary to continue to point out that revenue agents aren’t allowed to simply help themselves to whatever they decide to carry off-site.”

I’m playing them and they know it. The smiles are gone.

“You’ll have to take it up with them, ma’am,” the loud curt agent says and his tone is sharper. “We don’t work for the IRS.”

I’m not certain the man in the khaki suit who just walked out with the iMac works for the IRS either. He didn’t look like the type, not like any auditor I’ve ever met. Also he introduced himself as a revenue officer and not a revenue agent, and officers are usually assigned to cases that involve unpaid tax debts while agents conduct audits. I don’t know why either type of IRS employee would be inside Lucy’s house.

“This is my attorney and I’m glad she’s a witness to your active investigation,” I then say. “A picture’s worth a thousand words. You gentlemen have a nice day.”

“How did they know this is your room?” Donoghue asks me as we walk away.

“How did you know it’s my room?” I ask her back.

“Because I overheard someone make a reference when I first walked into the house. I caught words to the effect that what they’d just packed up was the Doc’s computer and to make sure it’s clear the contents of that room are yours,” she explains. “They had no doubt about it. Any reason to think you might have a problem with the IRS?”

“No more reason than anybody else that I’m aware of.”

“And Lucy?”

“I have nothing to do with her finances. She doesn’t discuss them with me. I do assume she pays her taxes,” I reply.

“Why might the IRS investigate her for tax crimes?”