Page 15 of Bold Encounter
An hour later, Abe was driving back to Genevieve's condo, his mind cataloging everything he'd learned.The timing of the camera malfunction was too convenient.His detective instincts told him that there was more to going on beneath the surface, and that warranted investigation.
He didn't expect results on the fingerprinting yet, but he could update Genevieve about the non-functional cameras.More importantly, he wanted to talk with her further about Jason.He didn't want to hound her or upset her more than necessary, but she had insights into Jason's personality and method of operation that could be crucial.
Also, he needed to get information about her upcoming performances.If he was going to protect her properly, he had to know her schedule in advance.Any bodyguard worth his salt would secure performance venues before his client arrived.
Abe parked outside the condo building and took the elevator to Genevieve's floor.The new locks Brian had installed looked solid, and he felt better knowing Jason wouldn't be able to simply pick his way inside again.
Genevieve answered his knock promptly.He noticed she'd changed into jeans and a soft sweater that made him stare.Her hair fell in waves around her face, and he caught a hint of her perfume as she stepped aside to let him in.
"The officer came," she said, closing the door behind him."He dusted for prints and let me know that he would file a report.But he didn't share any observations."
"That's standard," Abe said."If he found any prints other than yours, the evidence will be processed and added to the investigation."
"Investigation?"Genevieve's eyes widened."Is it that bad?"
"Let's put it this way," Abe said, settling onto her sofa as she moved to the kitchen."I'm not going to sit around and wait for Jason to make his next move.There's more going on with him, and I intend to find out what."
Genevieve returned with two glasses of iced tea.Her movements were graceful despite the tension she had to feel.
She handed him a glass and sat beside him."What do you need from me?"
"Information about your schedule.Who's your manager?I need contact information and a list of your upcoming performances."Abe pulled out a small notebook."Also, I'll need the names and contact information for your band members."
"What do they have to do with this?"
"To ensure your security, I need to know that everyone close to you has been screened," he said."I don't suspect anything, but I want to be thorough.Jason might try to get to you through someone else."
Genevieve nodded and gave him the information he requested.As he wrote, Abe was acutely aware of her presence beside him, the way she tucked one leg under herself, the concerned expression that made him want to reach out and smooth the worry lines from her forehead.
When he finished taking notes, he looked up to find her watching him with an expression he couldn't quite read.
"What is it?"he asked.
"I was just thinking how lucky I am that you're the one helping me," Genevieve said softly."I feel safe with you, Abe.I haven't felt that way in a long time."
The admission hit him harder than he'd expected.He set his notebook aside and turned to face her fully."You don't have to worry about Jason while I'm around.I won't let him hurt you."
"I believe you."Her voice was barely above a whisper.
The moment stretched between them, charged with an awareness that had nothing to do with protection and everything to do with the attraction that had been building since they'd first met.Abe found himself leaning slightly closer, drawn by the warmth in her eyes.
Then he remembered where they were and why he was there.He cleared his throat and reached for his tea, needing to break the spell before he did something unprofessional.
Abe filled her in on what he'd learned earlier, then said, "Why did you quit Jason's band if the gigs were good?"
"I told you a bit about that," Genevieve said."He was too controlling."
"That's not good."
"Not at all."Genevieve leaned against the sofa."It was intolerable.If we offered ideas about different songs or arrangements, he wouldn't hear of it.Only his ideas and decisions had any validity, according to him."
"Sounds like he had issues, even then."
"Big time."Genevieve sighed."I couldn't deal with it.I was determined to get my career to take off and knew that I had to get away from him.But he's convinced that he's responsible for my start."
"Just the opposite."
"Exactly."Genevieve stood and paced."Controlling set lists was bad enough.But he was manipulative and often made me feel cornered and vulnerable."
