As the federal subpoenas papered the Missouri countryside that spring, the old anxieties returned.

Two other officials said federal subpoenas have been issued.

The federal subpoena concludes with two catch-all demands for records relating to gifts to the governor's office, and reviews of state business transactions.

Separately, Horizon confirmed that it also had received a federal subpoena.

Mr. Yontef's lawyer declined to say what records the federal subpoena requested.

He looked at me and said, "Be prepared to answer some questions yourself, or the only thing you'll get out of that meeting is a federal subpoena."

The commission would not provide details on the federal subpoena.

Although attention around the governor has in recent weeks focused on federal subpoenas for hiring records, he has said his administration has done nothing wrong.

"I hope you're not obstructing the service of a federal subpoena," Hedley said gravely.

A Novation official confirmed this week that the company was recently served with a federal subpoena demanding that it produce documents.