Page 27 of Bold Encounter
"Like they're wondering how someone with relatively limited industry experience managed to secure some of the deals he's gotten," Amalie said."They're not making accusations, but there's definitely an undercurrent of speculation."
She scrolled through another article."This piece fromNew Orleans Music Scenementions that several established labels were surprised when Thornton Music secured exclusive contracts with two major venues.Apparently, other labels had been negotiating for those same deals."
Weston looked up from his own research."That suggests either he significantly underbid the competition, or he had leverage that others didn't."
"There's more," Amalie continued."This article fromSouthern Music Business Weeklytalks about the 'unconventional methods' some newer labels are using to establish market presence.It doesn't name Thornton specifically, but the timeline matches, and some of the described tactics sound familiar."
Abe felt his detective instincts sharpening."What kind of tactics?"
"Pressure on venue owners, interference with competitor bookings, rumors spread about other artists' reliability," Amalie read out."The article presents it as industry gossip, but when you look at the pattern…"
"That matches what Jason did to Genevieve last night," Gabriel said.
Weston had been typing rapidly while listening to Amalie's findings."I'm seeing some interesting patterns in the business filings, too.Thornton Music Group was incorporated with significant initial capital, but the source of that funding isn't immediately obvious."
"How significant?"Abe asked.
"Enough to suggest either he had a major investor, or he had access to funding sources that aren't reflected in the public records," Weston said."I'll need to dig deeper, but those are definitely questions worth pursuing."
Amalie turned back to her laptop."The social media presence is interesting too.Thornton Music Group has all the right industry connections, but they developed awfully quickly for a new label.Some of these relationships typically take years to build."
Gabriel stood and began pacing, a habit Abe remembered from their police days when his partner was working through a complex case."To recap, we have a guy who launched a record label with mysterious funding who quickly established industry relationships that usually take years to develop."
"And regarding Genevieve, he's escalated from intimidation to personal stalking," Abe said."We need to find out what fuels this guy, and what we're up against."
Weston looked up from his screens."I can pull some strings, access databases beyond the typical ones.If there are connections between Thornton and less legitimate business interests, I'll find them."
"How long will that take?"Abe asked.
"Give me twenty-four hours for the preliminary work," Weston said."Longer if we need to go deeper."
Amalie closed her laptop and looked at the three men."I'll keep working on the social media angle.Maybe others are aware of his behavior.And if Jason mistreated artists besides Genevieve, there will be digital breadcrumbs."
"Good thinking," Gabriel said, his pride in his daughter evident.
Abe had a lot to share with Genevieve when he picked her up.He was glad that she'd had a chance to visit with Brooke.At a time like this, she needed her sister.
*****
The morning reunion with Brooke had been everything Genevieve had hoped for and more.Her sister practically glowed with happiness, her face radiant in a way that had nothing to do with the Caribbean sun.
Jasper had greeted her, then insisted on brewing fresh coffee and giving the sisters privacy in the dining room, while he worked in the kitchen.
"You look amazing," Genevieve said, settling into one of the comfortable chairs at a table near the window."Married life suits you."
Brooke's smile was radiant."I never thought I'd feel this way again.After the divorce, after everything with David's father, I'd convinced myself that part of my life was over."
"And now?"
"Now I wake up every morning grateful that Gabriel found me," Brooke said."Or that I was brave enough to let him catch me when I was falling."
The metaphor wasn't lost on Genevieve.Her sister had been in danger when she met Gabriel, and their relationship had developed while he was protecting her from criminals.
"Speaking of catching people who are falling," Brooke said with a knowing smile, "how are things with Abe?"
Genevieve glanced away."What do you mean?"
"Genevieve, I've seen the way that man looks at you.And I saw how you looked at him at the wedding.There's definitely something brewing there."
