Page 54 of Bold Encounter
"We will make it through this, honey," Abe said."You mean everything to me.And I refuse to allow Jason to win, no matter what organization he panders to."
He put his hand on Genevieve's thigh, then focused on driving.The sooner backup was arranged, the better he would feel.
At the station, Abe was grateful to find Agent Crundall available.He asked Genevieve to wait in the lobby, where officers were around to ensure her safety.Although he couldn't envision the crime family committing violence in the station.
Since he wasn't sure what the meeting would involve, he preferred to go in alone.Eventually, the FBI would interview Genevieve, but that didn't have to be today.
Agent Crundall was a woman in her forties with steel-gray hair and sharp eyes that missed nothing.She listened to Abe's briefing with the focused attention of an agent who was familiar with the mob's tactics.
"We've been trying to make a case against them for the better part of a decade," she said, then sat forward in her chair."Their money-laundering operations have been particularly difficult to close down.Your information about Jason Thornton can work to our advantage."
Abe rested his forearms on the desk."My focus is not on taking down the Barraco family.I'll leave that for the FBI to deal with."He took a breath."What can you do to protect Genevieve?"
"We'll assign monitoring of the Barracos' activities in connection with Jason Thornton, and get a task force functioning quickly," Crundall said."But I have to warn you, Detective Stewart, these people are professionals.They don't make the kind of mistakes that small-time criminals do."
Abe felt frustration building in his chest."So, what are you saying?"
"I'm saying we need to build this case carefully and methodically.One wrong move, and they'll disappear like smoke, taking their evidence with them," Crundall said."We want to use Ms.Dumas's situation to gather more intelligence about their operations, but her safety is our primary concern."
"Good," he said."Because if anything happens to her while she's helping your investigation—"
"Understood," Crundall said."But detective, you need to realize that we're dealing with people who have killed federal witnesses before.They won't hesitate to eliminate anyone they see as a threat."
Leaving the station, Abe felt the weight of responsibility.Putting a task force together would take days at least.The federal agents would provide backup, but immediate protection would still fall to him.To fail in his task would be fatal.
*****
On the way home, Abe gave Genevieve the highlights.She listened intently without much comment.There wasn't much she could say.She had to trust that her safety was his top priority.
At his house, Genevieve got ready for her performance, while Abe coordinated security arrangements.The Spotted Cat was a smaller venue, and less of a challenge to secure.He leaned against the wall outside his bedroom with his phone pressed to his ear.
"I want eyes on every entrance," he told his security team leader."Anyone who doesn't belong there gets questioned immediately.And I want backup plans for emergency evacuation from at least three different routes."
Once the instructions were given, Abe ended the call.Through the bedroom door, he could hear Genevieve on the phone with Cadie.
"There'll be extra security tonight," she said."I'll explain when I see you."
He could hear Cadie's concerned voice through the phone, though he couldn't make out the words.
"I know it sounds scary," Genevieve said, "but I have the best protection possible."
She emerged from the bedroom twenty minutes later, dressed in black jeans and a flowing purple top that would move well under stage lights.Her short, wavy hair was a bit wilder than usual.He was tempted to put his hands in her hair and kiss her like never before.
Abe was struck by her emotional transformation.Gone was the frightened woman who had learned about organized crime that morning.In her place stood someone who had made peace with the danger and found strength in her resolve.
"I was terrified when I learned about the criminal organization," she said, then walked over to him."But I've had time to consider what's happening, and I can't live in fear forever."
Abe studied her face.She looked determined, yet she had to be scared."Genevieve…"
"This is a familiar venue," she said, "somewhere I've performed before.That gives me confidence.And I trust you completely to keep me safe."
"I don't want you to be overconfident," he said."The people we're dealing with—"
"I know how dangerous they are," she said, then reached up to touch his face."But I also know that you won't let anything happen to me.And I refuse to let Jason and his criminal buddies destroy what I've worked my whole life to build."
Abe pulled her into his arms, holding her close and breathing in the scent of her perfume.He wanted to tell her they should cancel the performance, that no career opportunity was worth risking her life.But he also knew that giving in to fear would mean Jason had already won.
"I'll be there every second tonight," he said, his face buried in her hair."No matter what happens, don't lose sight of me."
