Page 1 of Bold Encounter
Prologue
Genevieve Dumas strode toward Jasper's Bistro to deliver a message to her sister, the pastry chef there.Brooke worked late on Wednesday, so Genevieve had decided to relay the news in person.
After finishing her evening performance, she took the bus to the Garden District then walked along the nighttime streets toward the restaurant.It would only take a few minutes to talk to Brooke, then she could go home to sleep.
Her sister had recently witnessed an abduction and gotten caught up in apprehending the criminals.Since rumors and discreet conversations abounded in the nightclubs where Genevieve sang, she'd decided to help.
Earlier that evening, she had paid attention and heard something that might be useful.Genevieve didn't usually worry about her younger sister, but Brooke had managed to become embroiled in a dangerous situation.
Genevieve wanted to assist with solving the case.She was concerned about her sister.Fortunately, a local PI named Gabriel Durand had offered protection, so her sister wasn't alone.
The street was well lit by the local bars and restaurants.Genevieve spotted Jasper's sign just ahead.She walked faster, realizing that it was nearly closing time.
As Genevieve reached for the door, she felt a presence behind her.Before she could turn, a strong arm wrapped around her.She gasped yet reacted without hesitation.
Genevieve lifted her right leg and with all her strength she stomped hard.Her foot came down on top of the aggressor's foot with impact to the arch and ankle.If she'd had more time to gauge the blow, she might have broken his ankle.
The foot stomp caused her attacker to groan and release her, the automatic response she expected.In that instant, Genevieve slipped away and yanked the restaurant door open.
She glanced back to see a muscled guy with tattoos.But the attacker wasn't looking at Genevieve.A uniformed officer appeared in the entryway and captured his attention.
"Hey!"the officer shouted, then the attacker vanished into the dark.The officer glanced down the street, then shook his head."He's gone.Are you okay?"
Other than her pounding heart, Genevieve was unscathed."Who was that guy?"
"I'll tell you," the officer said, "but let's get inside first."
After escorting Genevieve into the restaurant, the officer filled her in on what he knew, including that her sister wasn't working that night.While she calmed down, the officer made a couple of calls.
One call resulted in the prompt arrival of Abe Stewart, a local police officer who Genevieve knew about, but hadn't met.She assumed that he'd been patrolling the area, since it didn't take long for him to get there.
Her sister had spoken about Abe.It seemed he was Gabriel's friend and was helping with the case.What Brooke hadn't mentioned was what Abe looked like, and he was a striking figure indeed.She stared as he approached.
Detective Abe Stewart was over six feet tall, broad shouldered and muscled.He had a close-cropped dark beard but shaved his head to a mere shadow.His dark eyes and skin reflected his Creole heritage.
But it was more than just his captivating looks.There was something about Abe.His fierce appearance was deceptive, as Genevieve sensed kindness before he even spoke to her.It was in his eyes and his demeanor as he approached.
For a moment, Abe stood in front of her, as though giving her space.He didn't overwhelm her or start questioning her.He looked at her as though assessing her safety.
Genevieve glanced down, which he likely took as a reaction to trauma."I'm sorry you got caught up in this."
That brought her back to the present."Yes, your officer told me very little.I was hoping you could share more."
For the next few minutes, Abe told her what was known.It seemed the guy who had attacked her was involved in Brooke's situation.
"That's why one of my officers was posted to watch for him," Abe said."That guy had been here this afternoon, likely scoping things out.I'm sure he returned to grab your sister."
Genevieve's breath hitched.It had to be true.Brooke was only two years younger, but they were often mistaken for twins.The only observable difference was that Brooke had long, dark hair, and Genevieve's was short and wavy.But at the restaurant, Brooke kept hers under a chef's cap.
"We look so much alike."Genevieve rubbed her forehead."What a night."
While Abe was talking to her, Brooke and Gabriel arrived.Finally, she could deliver the message to her sister, although that news had been overshadowed by the sudden attack.
Brooke listened as Abe recounted what had happened, and she paled when she realized that the attacker had nearly harmed Genevieve."It should have been me."Then she paused."What was it you came to tell me?"
Genevieve took a breath to gather her thoughts.Then she delivered her message.She'd learned that a guy who might be a major player in Brooke's case was going on a trip, only it didn't sound like a vacation.
Genevieve didn't know if that data was helpful, but there was more."My attacker tonight…wasn't justsomeguy."Genevieve described the scary tattoo she'd seen on his arm.
