Swamped

Ah, now you remember. The mayor had been exposed for involvement in corrupt dealings - which he had tried to pin on members of the town council who had opposed several of his initiatives.

And didn't Flame say that the informant was looking into the city council? They might well have had a hand in that. You just need to recall the name of one of the framed councillors...

Oh, of course.

"I had something to show you, but it's gone missing. But perhaps I can tell you something instead."

"It had better be good," they mutter.

"Do you know much about Councillor Rose?"

You spot the slightest hint of a crack in their facade of confidence. Perhaps you got especially lucky and they investigated Rose recently enough that they wonder if you spotted them somehow.

"I don't know a lot for sure. I've heard plenty of things. Still need to check a few of them out for myself."

"Such as whether they have a hidden ledger in a secret compartment in their desk drawer?" you muse. "The sort of ledger where someone tracks the debts they don't want anyone to know about?"

You're getting a very focused look in return.

"Stories like that go around about everyone with any sort of power," they reply. "I ain't heard anything new yet."

Not yet. So you suppose you'll have to add in one of the more enticing details you remember.