Page 30 of Bold Encounter
When the server left, Genevieve said, "I keep thinking about how professional that man looked.He wasn't a random music fan who recognized me.I'm guessing that someone hired him to document where I was and who I was with."
Abe leaned forward."Tell me what you recall."
"He was well dressed, and I'd say he was in his forties.He wore a navy sport jacket that looked expensive."Genevieve paused before continuing."But it was his positioning that bothered me.He chose a table that gave him a clear view of where Brooke and I were sitting, and his phone was angled toward us the entire time."
"Did you see him actually take photos?"
"Not obviously, but he picked up his phone then angled it toward me.That happened more than once."She rubbed her forehead."And when we noticed him, he left immediately.He didn't finish his meal.He just tossed money on the table and walked out."
The server returned with their drinks.Genevieve's cocktail arrived in a hurricane glass, garnished with fresh fruit and a tiny paper umbrella.She took a couple of sips.
Abe tasted his bourbon, perfection in a glass."Genevieve, I need to share what we discovered this morning at Guardian Investigations.And I want to answer your questions the best that I can."
She sat straighter."What did you learn?"
"Jason's rise in the music industry hasn't been as organic as it appeared on the surface."Abe kept his voice low.
"I'm aware that his advancement was unusually rapid."
"It's likely that he had help, or he's been using methods that run outside of acceptable business practices," Abe said.He didn't want to overwhelm her but needed her to understand the scope of what they were dealing with.
He took a gulp of his drink."There are articles in industry publications questioning how he's managed to undercut established labels for venue contracts, and how certain artists under competing management have faced unexpected issues."
Genevieve widened her eyes."You think he's been doing to other people what he did to me last night?Sabotaging their reputations?"
"That's exactly what we think," he said."I believe that Jason has been systematically undermining anyone who stands between him and what he wants."
"He used his power as a weapon?"she said."That's playing dirty.If he's destroying careers, surely people would notice.How does he get away with it?"
"His actions are protected by plausible deniability."Abe waited for that to sink in."For example, he positions himself as looking out for the industry's best interests, warning aboutproblematicartists.By the time anyone realizes what's happening, the damage is done."
Genevieve picked up her cocktail and took a long sip."That's extremely conniving."She thought about that for a moment."So, the surveillance at Jasper's…"
"He has resources," Abe said."And he seems to have no qualms about using his money and connections to get what he wants."
The courtyard's peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by blooming flowers and the gentle sounds of the fountain, no longer felt tranquil.
"I need some air," Genevieve said, then finished her drink."Can we walk for a bit?"
*****
Abe took her to Coliseum Park in a residential area not far from the restaurant.The afternoon sun slanted through the towering oak trees, creating patches of golden light on the grass.Children played on the playground, and couples strolled along the winding paths.
Abe gave Genevieve space but stayed close.She strolled for a bit before sharing her thoughts."It's hard to believe that someone could be so heartless," she said, and paused beside an ornate iron bench."When I knew Jason before, he was controlling and manipulative, but this…"
"I'm not sure how far he'll go," Abe said."But if he follows the pattern—"
Genevieve's phone rang.She glanced at the screen."It's Jason."
"Answer it, but let's sit down first."He guided her to the bench, positioning himself close enough to hear the conversation."Put it on speaker."
With trembling fingers, Genevieve accepted the call.
"Genevieve…" Jason said.Gone was any trace of the menacing undertone from their previous encounters."I hope I'm not catching you at a bad time."
She glanced at Abe, who nodded encouragingly."What do you want, Jason?"
"I wanted to check on you.I heard you had a lovely lunch with your sister today.Brooke looked radiant.Marriage clearly agrees with her."
