Page 29 of Bold Encounter
"I must be, but how did he know I'd be here?How did he know about my lunch with you?"
The implications were disturbing.Jason was having her watched even with her family, which made her situation worse than she'd realized.
Lisle stood up."I'm getting Jasper."
"No," Genevieve said quickly."The man's already gone, and I don't want to create a scene that might hurt the restaurant's reputation."She pulled out her phone."I'll text Abe."
Her fingers trembled slightly as she typed:Need to leave Jasper's soon.Something happened.
Abe's response came immediately:On my way.Are you safe?
She replied:For now.
Brooke stared at the table where the man had been sitting."This is really serious, isn't it?It's not simply an ex-bandleader with hurt feelings."
"No," Genevieve said."It's not that simple."
The cheerful atmosphere of their sisterly reunion evaporated.As they waited for Abe to arrive, Genevieve scanned the dining room, wondering if there were other observers she hadn't noticed.The thought that her precious family time had been violated angered her.
Her phone buzzed with another text from Abe:Two minutes away.
Whatever Jason had in mind, she would fight back.But she didn't have to fight alone.
Chapter 7
After parking, Abe strode into Jasper's Bistro.The lunch crowd was beginning to thin out, but the dining room still buzzed with conversation and the gentle clatter of silverware against plates.
He spotted Genevieve at a table with Brooke, so he headed that way.She seemed relieved to see him."Abe…"
"What happened?"he said.Brooke looked up and motioned for him to sit.He looked from one sister to the other."I'm here," he said.
Genevieve gave him the highlights of what had transpired, and he wasn't pleased to hear it.
"That's not good," Abe said."I don't know who the man was, but I can assure you I'll find out."
Brooke stood."I'll let you guys talk.I must check on the pastry station."
Genevieve looked at Abe."Can we go somewhere private to talk?"She stood and gave her sister a hug."I'll call you."
Then, with his arm around her, Abe guided her out of the restaurant."I know a good place to go."
The drive through the French Quarter was mostly silent.Genevieve occasionally glanced in the side mirror to see if they were being followed.Abe kept his focus on the traffic around them.
"Bourbon Heat has a courtyard," he said as they turned onto Bourbon Street."It should be quiet this time of day."
Genevieve nodded without turning away from the window."That sounds good."
The restaurant wasn't far.With its elegant façade, the historic Tricou House was a reminder of New Orleans' grandeur.Bourbon Heat occupied the multilevel structure, with a fifty-foot balcony offering spectacular views of the street below.
Intent on privacy, Abe led Genevieve through the main entrance toward the back courtyard.The lush oasis was a hidden sanctuary away from the bustling energy of Bourbon Street.Tropical plants created natural privacy screens between tables, and the afternoon sun filtered through the canopy of trees, casting dappled shadows across the brick courtyard floor.
The space was nearly empty except for a couple of tourists sharing a late lunch at a corner table.Abe chose a secluded table beneath a flowering magnolia tree.He helped Genevieve with her chair, then sat across from her.
The quiet of the courtyard was welcome, the silence broken only by the gentle splash of a fountain and distant jazz music drifting from nearby venues.It was a good place for Genevieve to relax.
A server approached with menus, but Abe waved them away."Just drinks, please.I'll have a bourbon, neat.And for the lady?"
"One of your inventive cocktails," Genevieve said."Something with rum.I need something stronger than coffee right now."
