Page 9 of Bold Encounter
"Excuse me," Jason said to the drummer."I'd like a word with Genevieve,alone."
Mickey glanced at her uncertainly.
"He was just leaving," Jason said, "weren't you?"
"Actually—"
"It's okay," Genevieve interrupted."I'll catch up with you later."
Mickey nodded and walked away, shooting a concerned look over his shoulder.
Jason stepped closer."Beautiful performance tonight.You've improved since our days together."
"What do you want, Jason?"She kept her voice calm, though she felt a bit dizzy.
"I'm just reconnecting with an old friend."He smirked."I've been following your career.You've done well for yourself."
"We're not friends."
His smile vanished."No?I gave you your start, Genevieve.Without me, you'd still be singing in dive bars."
"I worked for every bit of success I have."She took a step away."Please leave."
Jason leaned closer."You're still as ungrateful as ever.But I'm warning you—"
"Warning about what?"She stood her ground, refusing to show fear.
"Success can be…fragile."He reached toward her face."So can other things."
"I wouldn't do that if I were you."The deep voice came from the entrance.Abe stood in the doorway, his posture commanding.He held his badge up, and said with authority, “Detective Stewart.”
Jason's hand froze in midair.He turned slowly, his face changing into a mask of innocence."Officer," he said in an arrogant tone, "I don't think you know who you're dealing with."
"Wrong," Abe said."I don't thinkyouknow."
Jason sauntered closer and leaned toward Abe."You're just a cop.You mean nothing."
Abe didn't flinch."We'll see about that."
Jason turned to Genevieve."We're not done here."With that, he brushed past Abe and disappeared into the club.
Abe watched him go, then turned to Genevieve."Are you okay?"
"Better since you arrived," she said, feeling shaky.
"Let's get off this stage."Abe gently guided her to the small dressing room and closed the door."Tell me what happened."
Genevieve sank into a chair."He showed up, talking about how fragile success can be, and making veiled threats."
"Has he done anything else since the wedding?"
"No, but to appear twice in little more than a week after years of nothing?"She shook her head."It's unsettling."
Abe's expression was serious."I have my eyes on that guy."
"His behavior is unacceptable," she said."I think I need to take steps to ensure I'm protected."
"I'm here to do that," Abe said without hesitation.
