Page 12 of Bold Encounter
Abe nodded to Cadie."Nice to meet you."
"You too," Cadie said, then pointed toward the front door."The door was open when we arrived."
"I'll have that area fingerprinted too.He must have picked the lock," Abe said, then called for an officer to come out and handle dusting for prints.
He turned back to Genevieve and asked her for the contact info of the homeowners' association so he could request access to cameras in the common areas.She rifled through a drawer and handed a card to him.
"I'll get that set up.If we're lucky, we can document Jason's entry into your building," Abe said."I'm not holding my breath, though."
"I should get going," Cadie said hesitantly."Will you be all right?"
"Of course."Genevieve forced a smile."I have protection."
After Cadie left, Abe followed Genevieve through the apartment.Nothing seemed out of place in the kitchen or living room.The bathroom was untouched.But when they reached her bedroom, Genevieve stared.
A single, wilted rose rested on her pillow.
Abe touched her shoulder."When did you last sleep here?"
"The night before last."Genevieve's voice sounded distant to her own ears.
Abe pulled out his phone and took several photos of the rose, then said, "We need to have your locks changed immediately.And I want to talk to building security and review any camera footage."
"Of course—he had to get into the building somehow," Genevieve said.She perched on the edge of her bed, as far from the rose as possible.The feeling of violation was overwhelming.This was her sanctuary, her private space.
"I'll need to call someone about the locks," she said, then reached for her phone.
Abe sat beside her, close enough that she could feel his warmth."I know a guy who can be here in thirty minutes."
"Thank you."She looked up at him, struck by the intensity in his dark eyes."This is above and beyond, Abe."
"Not for me."His voice was soft but certain."I take threats like this seriously.Especially when they're against someone I care about protecting."
The admission hung between them.
Abe cleared his throat."Have you had breakfast?You look like you could use some food while we wait for the locksmith."
"I'm not hungry."But her stomach rumbled.
He smiled."Let me make you something.I'm told I make a good omelet."
In the kitchen, Genevieve watched as Abe moved with surprising grace for such a large man.He found eggs, cheese, and vegetables without having to ask where anything was, as if cooking in her kitchen was the most natural thing in the world.
"So," he said, whisking eggs in a bowl, "tell me more about Jason Thornton.When did you first meet him?"
Genevieve leaned against the counter."A few years ago, when I was between bands."Memories flooded back."Jason had just started his own label and was looking for artists.He had connections and no trouble booking venues.It seemed like a good opportunity."
"And it wasn't?"Abe poured the eggs into the pan.
"At first, it was great.Even though Jason was a pain, the band worked well together, and the gigs were good."She twisted a dish towel between her fingers."Then he started making it clear he wanted more than a professional relationship with me."
"And you weren't interested."
"Not even a little."Genevieve sighed."I was already dating my second husband, which rubbed Jason the wrong way, even though it was none of his business.Besides, there was somethingoffabout him.He was too controlled one minute, and too intense the next."
Abe nodded then slid the omelet onto a plate.
"I refused his advances, but that didn't stop him from trying."She accepted the plate with a grateful smile."When Alton took me out, Jason got weird and possessive.He showed up at our dates and called at all hours."
