Page 37 of Bold Encounter
"This isn't your fault," Brooke said."But Genevieve, there was something about the way he looked at me.Like he was studying me, memorizing details.It was creepy."
After a few more minutes of conversation, Genevieve hung up the phone.She looked across the table at Abe, who had been listening with growing concern.
"What's wrong?"he said."What did Brooke say?"
Genevieve told him, then said, "Jason is trying to getmy own sisteron his side.Or maybe he's just trying to show me that he can reach anyone in my family whenever he wants to."
Abe stared at her, his expression grim."He's way out of line."
Genevieve let the implications of Jason's boldness sink in.He wasn't just targeting Genevieve anymore.He was targeting the people she loved, and that changed everything.
*****
By five o'clock, Genevieve had forced herself into performance mode.She'd changed into an outfit that looked great under the lights on stage.She touched up her makeup, then fluffed her hair into loose waves.Then she looked at her reflection in the mirror.No one would guess she'd spent the last hours reeling from Jason's latest violation.
The drive to the Maple Leaf Bar took them through the tree-lined streets of Carrollton, past the historic streetcar line and quaint shotgun houses that gave the neighborhood its character.
The neon sign of Maple Leaf Bar glowed against the dusky sky.The club had been hosting live music seven nights a week for decades.It was one of the longest continuously operating music venues in New Orleans.
Genevieve had performed there before, and the familiar sight of the entrance usually filled her with excitement.Tonight, she had to manufacture that feeling.
"You sure you're up for this?"Abe said.
"The show must go on," she said, managing a smile."I refuse to let Jason win."
The Maple Leaf maintained its authentic dive bar atmosphere with dark wood paneling, mismatched furniture, and walls covered with decades of music memorabilia.The stage was small but adequate, with good acoustics that had made countless performers sound their best.
The crowd was already gathering.It was a mix of regulars who knew good music and tourists drawn by the club's reputation.
Cadie waved from behind the piano, her dark hair gleaming under the stage lights."There's our star," she said."I was starting to worry."
"We got slowed in traffic," Genevieve lied easily.She gave her friend a hug."Everything ready?"
"The sound check went perfectly.The bass sounds fantastic through this system."Cadie studied Genevieve's face."You look tired."
"I went hiking," Genevieve said, which was partially true.But she didn't want to burden her friend with the details of Jason's latest intrusion."I'll be fine once we start playing."
She spotted Abe at a table near the back where he could see both the stage and the main entrance.Two other plainclothes officers had taken strategic positions around the room.The security presence should have been reassuring, but instead it reminded her of why it was necessary.
Mickey, the drummer, approached with his usual pre-show energy."Ready to tear the roof off this place?"
"Always," Genevieve said, forcing enthusiasm into her voice.She couldn't let her personal drama affect the band's performance or the audience's experience.
As showtime approached, Genevieve did her usual vocal warm-ups and reviewed the set list one final time.They'd chosen a mix of her original compositions and classic blues covers, songs that showcased her range and connected with the Maple Leaf's diverse audience.
The club was nearly full when she took the stage.The intimate venue meant she could see individual faces in the crowd, make eye contact with listeners, create the personal connection that made live music special.She scanned the room quickly, part of her dreading the sight of Jason's familiar figure, but saw only strangers and music lovers.
"Good evening, New Orleans," she said into the microphone, her voice automatically finding its performance warmth."We're going to start with something special tonight."
The opening notes of her first song filled the room, and Genevieve felt the familiar magic take hold.For the next hour and a half, she could lose herself in the songs and connect with her audience.
The set flowed beautifully.Cadie's piano work was inspired, the drums drove the songs forward, and the bass provided the foundation that held everything together.Genevieve felt her voice soar on the high notes and dig deep into the emotional core of the blues.
Between the songs, she glanced toward Abe's table.He watched her with obvious pride and admiration, and she drew strength from his presence.Even in this public setting, surrounded by strangers, she felt protected and valued in a way that steadied her nerves.
As the evening progressed, Genevieve began to relax.There was no sign of Jason, no threatening presence in the crowd, and no photographers lurking in the shadows.The audience was engaged and appreciative.Several people sang along to songs they recognized, while others swayed to the rhythm with drinks in their hands.
During the final song, an emotional ballad about resilience and hope, Genevieve believed the evening would pass without incident.
