Page 58 of Bold Encounter
"You forced me to do this," he said, his tone shifting."You ran away, brought that cop into our business, and attempted to turn the industry against me.Did you think I'd just disappear, and let that nobody steal what's mine?"
The possessive undertone in his voice made her step back.Jason noticed the movement and smiled, but it wasn't a pleasant expression.
"You're afraid of me," he said with satisfaction."Good.You should be."
He paced in front of her, taking his time."Do you know what I've done to people who tried to interfere with my plans?The jazz musician in Lafayette who spoke out against my business practices is currently serving five years on drug charges.The singer in Baton Rouge refused to sign with my label, and her career is over,permanently."
Genevieve's mouth went dry."You destroyed their lives."
"I protected what's mine," Jason said."Just like I'm protecting you now.I'm keeping you from making bad decisions and getting rid of people who don't understand your value.I'm saving you from a world that would use you up and throw you away."
He stepped closer, and she smelled his expensive cologne.Nausea hit her.When she looked into his eyes, Genevieve witnessed his madness with shocking vividness.
"Say it," Jason said, his voice dropping to an intense whisper."Say you understand now."
*****
Abe stood in the NOPD conference room, staring at the whiteboard where the FBI had mapped out the Barraco family's known properties.Every minute that passed was another minute Genevieve was in the hands of killers, and the thought was driving him to the edge of sanity.
"We ran the plate number you got at the scene.The company that owns that getaway van lists this warehouse district building as their address," Agent Crundall said, pointing to an address on the map."But it's registered to a shell company.It could be a decoy."
"No," Abe said."It fits Jason's psychological profile.He'd want somewhere that represents his power.It's a recording studio in a building he thinks he owns."
Images flashed through his mind.He remembered Genevieve's terrified scream as she was carried away.Fury simmered when he recalled the cold calculation in Jason's eyes during their recent confrontation.
"Genevieve is alive," he said."She must be alive.Jason wants her compliant, notdead."
But the alternative scenarios were alarming.What Jason might do to break her spirit, to force her into his delusion of love, was unthinkable.And when triggered, the psycho would resort to violence.
Agent Crundall looked up from her phone."My team can be there in under an hour."
"An hour?"Abe's voice cracked with strain."We don't have that kind of time.If they realize we've tracked them, they'll move her or…" He couldn't finish the sentence.
Officer Denson looked at him."Abe, we'll get her back."
"Damn right.I'm not letting this asshole destroy Genevieve," Abe said.He'd just found the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.He loved her with all his heart and refused to lose her."We're going now," he said, grabbing his jacket."Officer Denson, you're with me.Where are your officers?"
"They headed home, once our duty at the club was over."
"You can call them in the car," Abe said."Tell them to turn around pronto, and to meet us at the address as fast as possible."
"Detective Stewart," Agent Crundall called out, "this is a federal operation now.You need to wait for—"
"That woman is going to die if we wait," Abe said, his voice deadly calm."I've been a cop for enough years to know when someone's life is measured in minutes, not hours."Without turning back, he added, "Run prints on that gun I confiscated.You should be able to ID one of the perps."
For the second time tonight he checked his weapon, his radio, and his backup magazine.There would be no more chances.
"Besides," he said, heading for the door, "Jason wantsme.I'm the one whostolewhat he thinks belongs to him.If I show up, it might buy her time."
The drive through the streets of New Orleans was a blur of sirens and flashing lights.Abe pushed his patrol car hard, taking corners at speeds that would have been reckless under any other circumstances.
Officer Denson rode shotgun.After calling his officers for backup, he coordinated with the federal agents over the radio."They're forty minutes out," he said.
"We can't wait," Abe said."By the time they set up a perimeter and plan their approach, it could be too late."
The building came into view, a converted warehouse in the industrial district.Most of the windows were dark, but Abe could see lights on the third floor.
"Hold on, Genevieve.I'm coming for you."
