Page 2 of Bold Encounter
That seemed to be the most helpful bit of information, since Abe pegged the tattoo as a Russian Mafia symbol.That appeared to be a breakthrough, so Genevieve felt that she'd helped after all.
Then Abe stood next to her, offering to drive her home.Genevieve certainly didn't want to walk by herself, so she agreed.
"I'll make sure it's safe there and post an officer to keep an eye on your place tonight."
Before they left, Brooke hugged her and promised to call when they knew more.Then Abe walked her out to his police vehicle and helped her in.Genevieve felt better already, since the vehicle was a deterrent to any attack.
Driving slowly, Abe focused on traffic.The Garden District was packed, like it was on most nights.But it was late and some of the crowds had thinned.He wasn't chatty, but Genevieve sensed that Abe was fully aware of her.
She directed him to her condo, then he parked to walk her to the door."Would you like to come in?"She realized how that sounded."I mean…to look around and make sure it's safe."
Abe nodded and followed her inside.
*****
Although he'd intended to call for backup to watch the condo, Abe hadn't done so.Instead, he looked around.One couldn't be too cautious, and Genevieve had a point.He should make sure her condo was secure.
But more than that, Abe wasn't ready to leave yet.He'd seen Genevieve sing at one of the clubs, but he hadn't met her.The night of that performance he'd been there on an investigation, and it was only by chance that he'd caught a glimpse of her.
Genevieve Dumas was a petite woman with lovely, dark eyes and wavy hair.She sang the blues with a power that surprised him.Her strong, deep voice had pierced straight to his soul, and he hadn't forgotten.
Abe hadn't thought he'd see her again, as he didn't hang out in the clubs.But her name had come up again when he started working on Brooke's case with Gabriel.Then tonight, there she was.Even rattled from an attack, she appeared calm.Maybe that came from experience on stage.
She was gorgeous as ever.At Jasper's, Abe had stood and looked at her for a beat or two before he could speak.He dared not give in to the attraction.He was on duty that night, and besides, she was Brooke's sister.It didn't pay to mix his professional and private life.
In any case, he would have offered to take her home.It was a bonus that she was a beauty.And it didn't take long for him to figure out that she was tough, no matter how fragile she might appear.
Genevieve guided him around her condo.It was modestly appointed, so she didn't spend extravagantly.Although she must do pretty well—she'd performed in the New Orleans nightclubs for years and was popular.
Abe would make sure that Genevieve was secure, then he'd go.It was a pleasure to be around her, but he didn't belong with a celebrity.And he had no business being interested anyway.To take advantage of a vulnerable situation wasn't his style.
Genevieve sat at her kitchen table and motioned for Abe to do the same."Do you think he will come back?"
He sat across from her."Not tonight.He will choose a better time, and likely another location.Whatever he can do to avoid being identified or captured."
"I worry for Brooke."
"I understand, but Gabriel is sticking close to her.We're pushing this case forward as quickly as possible."Abe hesitated, looking into Genevieve's eyes, momentarily distracted.
"I'll be glad when it's over," she said."I'm not directly involved, but I feel protective of my younger sister."
"You look like carbon copies of each other."
Genevieve smiled."We do, but I'm two years older.I'm the responsible older sister."
Abe chuckled.The tabloids painted a different picture of Genevieve, more the wild blues singer with a lifestyle to match her nightclub career.
"Glad you don't take me too seriously."She grinned at him."Can I get you a cup of coffee?"She stood up."I'd offer you a drink, but I know you're on duty and all.I wouldn't want to corrupt you."
"Coffee would be good."
For a few minutes, Abe talked with Genevieve.He found her to be smart and quick witted, noting that her inner qualities matched her outer beauty.It wouldn't take much for him to be seriously interested.
"Tell me," Abe said, "how did you escape that thug tonight?"
Genevieve shrugged."Self-defense training.You don't think I roam the streets of New Orleans at night without being able to defend myself, do you?"
"I already knew you were smart."
