Page 21 of Bold Encounter
"Probably."Abe continued making notes."We'll need to interview the doorman and anyone else who might have been approached."
She sat down, trying to encompass the full weight of the situation."I feel so stupid.All those signs, and I just ignored them or explained them away."
"Don't do that to yourself."Abe sat beside her."Most people want to believe they're safe and that the uncomfortable feelings are just imagination.The important thing is that we know now, and we can take steps to protect you."
"What kind of steps?"
"Enhanced security measures, including changes to your routines.I'll set up increased police presence around your performances."He paused."And you're staying with me until we can neutralize this threat."
The certainty in his voice, the way he said "we" instead of "you," touched her deeply.He wasn't just doing his job anymore.This was personal for him too, and that worried her.
"Maybe I should handle this alone," she said quietly."I don't want you to get hurt because of me."
"That's not happening.We're in this together now.And I'm certainly not stepping aside because it's inconvenient for Jason Thornton."
He was already pulling out his phone to request evidence processing for the photos.Then he assigned an officer to start putting together security for her performances.As Genevieve listened to him work, coordinating resources and building a case, she relaxed a little.
Abe had listened to her fears without dismissing them, and he'd answered her questions honestly even when the truth was frightening.He had made her feel heard and protected.Abe truly saw her as an equal partner, even in her own protection.
Chapter 5
The next afternoon, Genevieve stood in front of the bedroom mirror, holding up two different outfits.She debated between a sleek black dress and a red top with dark jeans.
She spotted Abe in the hall."Hey, I need your opinion."
He appeared in the doorway.
"The black dress is more formal," she said, mostly to herself."But the red outfit might be better for moving around on stage."
Abe stood behind her."Which one makes you feel more confident?"
She looked at him in the mirror's reflection."Probably the red."She turned to him."It's more me."
"Then that's the one."He touched her shoulder gently."How are you feeling about tonight?"
Genevieve set the black dress aside."I'm a little nervous.I keep thinking about those photos and wondering what will be next."She paused."But I refuse to let Jason bully me."
"He won't be allowed to get away with it," Abe said firmly."That's exactly why I'm going to make sure you're protected."
His phone buzzed, and he glanced at the screen."That's Officer LeBlanc.The security team is getting briefed in an hour."
"How many officers will be there?"
"Two plainclothes officers, plus me.And the club has a security team.We'll have the exits covered and eyes on the crowd."Abe sat back down on the bed."I've been to Blue Nile before.It's a good venue, with decent sight lines and limited access points."
Genevieve nodded, trying to get used to the reality of needing that level of security for a simple performance.Three months ago, her biggest worry had been whether the sound system would cooperate.Now she was discussing police protection strategies.
"I got a text from my sister," she said."She and Gabriel will be back tomorrow.I can't wait to see her."
"I intend to meet with Gabriel as soon as he's home," Abe said."I'll fill him in on the situation, and I can hire Guardian Investigations as our consultant."
"I'm sure he will help," Genevieve said."You worked well as a team on Brooke's case."
"Plus, Gabriel has experience with stalking cases.And Weston's computer skills might help us track down more information about Jason's activities."Abe stood and moved toward the door."But for tonight, let's focus on keeping you safe while you do what you do best."
*****
Two hours later, Genevieve walked into the club with Abe beside her.Blue Nile was an intimate music venue on historic Frenchmen Street.Her band had set up in the downstairs, street-facing showroom.There was an upstairs venue with a balcony view of the street.That was often used for late-night DJ parties.
