Page 40 of Bold Encounter
"There were no fingerprints, no witnesses, and no evidence it was him."Abe ran a hand through his hair in frustration."A good lawyer would tear apart any case I tried to build with what we have now."
"What's the threshold?"Gabriel asked.
"Physical harm to Genevieve or anyone else," Abe said."Documented bribery or extortion would do it…or proving theft.I need evidence of an act that crosses the line from unethical into illegal."He paused."I've considered suggesting Genevieve file for a restraining order, but that could backfire."
"How so?"Gabriel said."He's clearly stalking her, and that's a crime."
"Guys like Jason see legal intervention as an insult," Abe said."A restraining order might trigger more attacks, instead of deterring him."He looked at both men."The wise approach is to gather evidence first, build a solid case, then take him down completely."
Gabriel nodded slowly."I agree.Half measures with someone this dangerous will make things worse."
"I can keep digging into his finances," Weston said."I suspect his funding sources are shady.He could be involved in illegal activities.I need to find the connection."
"Good," Abe said."And Gabriel, I'm considering surveillance.I'll let you know if I decide we should proceed with that."
"Having eyes on Jason could help us predict his next move," Gabriel said."Just say the word and I'll set that up."
*****
Esplanade Studios was a professional rehearsal space that serious musicians used when they needed to get everything right.The large room boasted high-quality acoustics and state-of-the-art sound equipment, the kind of setup that wasn't cheap to rent for an afternoon.
Abe sat in a chair at the back of the room, watching Genevieve and her band rehearse for the House of Blues performance.Genevieve's agent had secured the space because the upcoming performance was too important to leave anything to chance.
"Let's take that bridge section again," Genevieve said into her microphone."I want the transition to be seamless."
Between the songs, she caught his eye and smiled.Even in this professional setting, working on technical details and musical arrangements, she radiated a joy that was infectious.Music was her calling, and watching her work only deepened his admiration for her talent and dedication.
"This is going to be incredible," she said during a break.She took a sip of water."We'll be playing to eighteen hundred people, and sharing the stage with some of the biggest names in blues and jazz.The industry scouts will be out in force."
"How does it feel different from your other performances?"Abe asked.
"It's the size of the event," Genevieve said."It's one thing to connect with a crowd of two hundred at an intimate venue.It's another thing entirely to hold the attention of nearly two thousand people in a space like the House of Blues."
"You'll be amazing," Cadie said, joining their conversation."You always rise to the occasion."
"I have to," Genevieve said."If I can blow the roof off the House of Blues, that will help to build my fan base.I intend to rise to a level where I'm undeniable.Then no one will be able to stop me."
Abe admired her fighting spirit, her refusal to be intimidated or driven away from her dreams."That's the right attitude," he said."Don't let anyone define the terms of your success."
"I won't," she said with a smile.
The band ran through the set two more times, fine-tuning transitions and making sure every note was perfect.The band's chemistry was evident, and their performance flowed effortlessly from one song to the next.Then Genevieve announced that they were ready.
As the other band members began packing up their instruments, Genevieve's phone rang.She glanced at the screen and frowned.
"It's my agent," she said."That's odd.He usually doesn't call during rehearsals unless it's urgent."
She answered the call, and Abe watched her expression change.
"What do you mean,canceled?"she said, her voice rising."That's impossible.We have a contract."
The other band members exchanged glances before slowly continuing to pack their equipment.Cadie moved closer to Genevieve, looking concerned.
"Security concerns?"Genevieve said."What kind of security concerns?I've never had issues at any venue."
Abe felt his stomach drop.He could only hear one side of the conversation, but the direction it was heading was becoming clear.
"A major sponsor requested the change?"Genevieve's voice was hollow now."Which sponsor?Why would they have any say in the lineup?"
