Bold Encounter (Daring Protectors #2)

Prologue

Prologue

Genevieve Dumas strode toward Jasper's Bistro to deliver a message to her sister, the pastry chef there. Brooke worked late on Wednesday, so Genevieve had decided to relay the news in person.

After finishing her evening performance, she took the bus to the Garden District then walked along the nighttime streets toward the restaurant. It would only take a few minutes to talk to Brooke, then she could go home to sleep.

Her sister had recently witnessed an abduction and gotten caught up in apprehending the criminals. Since rumors and discreet conversations abounded in the nightclubs where Genevieve sang, she'd decided to help.

Earlier that evening, she had paid attention and heard something that might be useful. Genevieve didn't usually worry about her younger sister, but Brooke had managed to become embroiled in a dangerous situation.

Genevieve wanted to assist with solving the case. She was concerned about her sister. Fortunately, a local PI named Gabriel Durand had offered protection, so her sister wasn't alone.

The street was well lit by the local bars and restaurants. Genevieve spotted Jasper's sign just ahead. She walked faster, realizing that it was nearly closing time.

As Genevieve reached for the door, she felt a presence behind her. Before she could turn, a strong arm wrapped around her. She gasped yet reacted without hesitation.

Genevieve lifted her right leg and with all her strength she stomped hard. Her foot came down on top of the aggressor's foot with impact to the arch and ankle. If she'd had more time to gauge the blow, she might have broken his ankle.

The foot stomp caused her attacker to groan and release her, the automatic response she expected. In that instant, Genevieve slipped away and yanked the restaurant door open.

She glanced back to see a muscled guy with tattoos. But the attacker wasn't looking at Genevieve. A uniformed officer appeared in the entryway and captured his attention.

"Hey!" the officer shouted, then the attacker vanished into the dark. The officer glanced down the street, then shook his head. "He's gone. Are you okay?"

Other than her pounding heart, Genevieve was unscathed. "Who was that guy?"

"I'll tell you," the officer said, "but let's get inside first."

After escorting Genevieve into the restaurant, the officer filled her in on what he knew, including that her sister wasn't working that night. While she calmed down, the officer made a couple of calls.

One call resulted in the prompt arrival of Abe Stewart, a local police officer who Genevieve knew about, but hadn't met. She assumed that he'd been patrolling the area, since it didn't take long for him to get there.

Her sister had spoken about Abe. It seemed he was Gabriel's friend and was helping with the case. What Brooke hadn't mentioned was what Abe looked like, and he was a striking figure indeed. She stared as he approached.

Detective Abe Stewart was over six feet tall, broad shouldered and muscled. He had a close-cropped dark beard but shaved his head to a mere shadow. His dark eyes and skin reflected his Creole heritage.

But it was more than just his captivating looks. There was something about Abe. His fierce appearance was deceptive, as Genevieve sensed kindness before he even spoke to her. It was in his eyes and his demeanor as he approached.

For a moment, Abe stood in front of her, as though giving her space. He didn't overwhelm her or start questioning her. He looked at her as though assessing her safety.

Genevieve glanced down, which he likely took as a reaction to trauma. "I'm sorry you got caught up in this."

That brought her back to the present. "Yes, your officer told me very little. I was hoping you could share more."

For the next few minutes, Abe told her what was known. It seemed the guy who had attacked her was involved in Brooke's situation.

"That's why one of my officers was posted to watch for him," Abe said. "That guy had been here this afternoon, likely scoping things out. I'm sure he returned to grab your sister."

Genevieve's breath hitched. It had to be true. Brooke was only two years younger, but they were often mistaken for twins. The only observable difference was that Brooke had long, dark hair, and Genevieve's was short and wavy. But at the restaurant, Brooke kept hers under a chef's cap.

"We look so much alike." Genevieve rubbed her forehead. "What a night."

While Abe was talking to her, Brooke and Gabriel arrived. Finally, she could deliver the message to her sister, although that news had been overshadowed by the sudden attack.

Brooke listened as Abe recounted what had happened, and she paled when she realized that the attacker had nearly harmed Genevieve. "It should have been me." Then she paused. "What was it you came to tell me?"

Genevieve took a breath to gather her thoughts. Then she delivered her message. She'd learned that a guy who might be a major player in Brooke's case was going on a trip, only it didn't sound like a vacation.

Genevieve didn't know if that data was helpful, but there was more. "My attacker tonight…wasn't just some guy." Genevieve described the scary tattoo she'd seen on his arm.

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."

"A good old-fashioned foot stomp encouraged him to release me." Genevieve took the last sip of her coffee. "He was lucky. If I'd had more warning, I could have done more damage. I might have saved you guys the trouble of hunting him down."

"I don't doubt you were close to delivering him to us, all tied up with a bow."