Page 62 of Bold Encounter
Abe turned to Jason, with a look as hard as granite.He grabbed the man's arm and yanked him to his feet, ignoring the grunt of pain."Andthat…is the FBI.You've committed federal crimes, and as far as I'm concerned, they can have you."
Genevieve moved to stand beside Abe, watching Jason's smug expression disappear.His eyes blazed with fury, as his carefully constructed world collapsed around him.
Denson stepped forward."Whatever protection the Barraco family provided you has ended.Now that the feds have taken over, yourfriendswon't want anything to do with you…too messy."
"If all they do is sever the relationship," Abe said, "consider yourself lucky."
It clearly dawned on Jason that his criminal backers would cut him loose rather than risk federal attention.His face went pale beneath the streaks of foam and dried blood.
Denson pulled out a set of zip ties to secure Jason's legs and prevent any last-minute escape attempts."It will give me great satisfaction to turn you over."
The sound of heavy footsteps pounding up the stairs grew louder.Multiple voices coordinated movements and positions as the FBI task force took control of the building.
Abe wrapped his arms around Genevieve, pulling her close against his chest.Tension drained from her body as backup burst out of the stairwell.
"It's over," he murmured into her hair."You're safe now."
The federal agents appeared in the hallway, tactical gear marking them as an elite task force.The one in charge took control of Jason and removed him from the premises.
Jason Thornton's reign of terror had ended.
Chapter 16
The fluorescent lights of the emergency room cast everything in stark white relief as Genevieve sat on the examination table, trying not to wince as the doctor examined the cut on her neck.Abe stood beside her with his hand resting protectively on her shoulder.
"The cut is superficial," Doctor Shafer said, applying a small bandage."It won't need stitches, but keep it clean and dry for the next few days."
"And the head injury?"Abe asked.
"She has a mild concussion," the doctor said, shining his penlight into Genevieve's eyes one more time."There are no signs of serious trauma, but she'll need monitoring for the next twenty-four to forty-eight hours.Wake her every few hours tonight to check for confusion or nausea."
"I'll watch her," Abe said without hesitation.
Doctor Shafer handed Genevieve a discharge sheet."Rest, stay hydrated, and no strenuous activity for at least a week.If you experience severe headaches, vomiting, or vision problems, come back immediately."
As they walked toward the exit, Genevieve took Abe's hand."I survived.When I was waiting for you to find me, I wondered about my fate."
"By the way, you were very impressive," Abe said, then pressed a kiss to the top of her head.
"Yeah?"
"Jason won't soon forget his encounter with you."He smiled."It wasn't what he'd imagined."
"I roughed him up a bit, didn't I?"Genevieve laughed with him, feeling good despite her injuries.She was grateful to be back to normal.
While they drove back to Abe's house, Agent Crundall called.Her voice crackled through the car's speaker system.
"Jason Thornton has been charged with federal kidnapping, assault, stalking, and conspiracy," she said."The Barraco family connections mean this goes way beyond state jurisdiction."
Genevieve felt relief wash over her."What kind of sentence is he looking at?"
"Twenty-five years minimum, possibly life if we can prove his involvement in other crimes," Crundall said."And Ms.Dumas, you should know that we arrested three members of the Barraco organization tonight.Jason's protection is gone.Even if he gets out—and that's a big if—they'll want nothing to do with him."
Abe looked at Genevieve then said, "I can't tell you how pleased we are to hear that."
"The Bureau appreciates your cooperation," Crundall said."Enjoy your freedom, both of you.You've earned it."
After the call ended, they drove through the familiar streets of New Orleans in comfortable silence.The city looked different to Genevieve now, brighter.The dark shadow over her life had vanished.
