Chapter 2
Genevieve sat in Abe's police car, her pulse still racing from the confrontation with Jason.
Streetlights cast shifting shadows on the sidewalks as they drove through the French Quarter.
The House of Blues faded in the rearview mirror, yet she couldn't get past the disturbing moment when Jason had reached for her.
"Thank you again," she said, turning to look at Abe's profile. His eyes were focused on the road ahead. "I'm meeting friends for a late dinner after the show. My best friend Cadie will be there. She plays piano in my band."
Abe glanced at her. "Where?"
"The Double Club on Chartres Street. It's not far." Genevieve touched his arm, feeling the tension in his muscles. "I'll be spending the night at Cadie's place. I'll be safe there."
His concern warmed her even as it reminded her of the danger. Jason's sudden reappearance in her life felt surreal. She didn't understand why after years of silence, he would show up. And it was when things were finally going well in her career.
"I don't like leaving you," Abe said, his deep voice pulling her from her thoughts. "But I need to wrap up a few things if I'm going to take time off to help you. And I want to start digging into Jason's background."
"I understand. Honestly, I'll be fine surrounded by friends. Jason wouldn't try anything in public." Although she spoke the words, she wasn't entirely convinced.
Abe pulled up outside the café. Its warm golden light spilled onto the sidewalk. "Text me when you get to Cadie's. I want to know you're okay."
"I will." Genevieve hesitated, then impulsively leaned across and kissed his cheek. "Thank you for coming when I needed you."
His eyes softened. "Anytime."
Inside the café, Genevieve spotted her band members at a corner table. Mickey waved her over to sit down. His drumsticks were tucked into his back pocket, as usual.
Cadie's curly, dark hair was pulled back in a loose ponytail. She smiled then motioned to the empty chair beside her.
Genevieve slid into the seat. The familiar smell of rich coffee and fresh beignets calmed her slightly. She wouldn't tell them about Jason yet.
"Are you okay?" Mickey said, leaning forward. "You seemed distressed backstage earlier. Was that guy bothering you?"
"Not really. He didn't stay long," she lied.
Mickey seemed satisfied with her answer, but Cadie's eyes narrowed. She probably suspected there was more to it.
The meal passed in a blur of conversation about the night's performance, upcoming gigs, and industry gossip. Genevieve laughed at appropriate moments and chatted to her friends, but her thoughts kept returning to Jason.
Later in Cadie's apartment, Genevieve finally let her guard down and sank onto the floral sofa with a sigh.
"Okay, spill it," Cadie said, curling up at the other end of the sofa. "And don't tell me nothing's wrong. I've known you for too long."
Genevieve took a breath before recounting Jason's appearances after the wedding reception, and then at the club. "It's like he's been watching me, waiting for the right moment to show up."
"That's upsetting," Cadie said. "But at least that cop was there."
"Yes, Abe came over." His name brought a flutter to Genevieve's stomach that had nothing to do with fear. "He's been…protective."
"Protective, huh?" Cadie raised an eyebrow. "And incredibly hot, from what you've told me."
Genevieve shrugged, as there was no point in denying it. "Fine. Yes, he's attractive. But he's just doing his job."
"No officer's job description includes this kind of attentiveness." Cadie's eyes sparkled mischievously. "You're getting special treatment."
"Maybe." Genevieve remembered the tenderness in Abe's eyes when he'd asked if she was okay. "But it doesn't matter. My life is complicated enough without adding romance to the mix."
"If you say so." Cadie's tone made it clear she didn't believe a word of it.
*****
Genevieve slept fitfully, haunted by Jason's recent behavior. But when she woke up, she remembered Abe's strong hands and his gentle voice. The good thoughts calmed her.
The smell of coffee drew her to the kitchen, where Cadie was having coffee. Genevieve grabbed a mug and poured some for herself then sat at the table. She feared that she looked as wiped out as she felt.
Cadie knew her well. "What's really going on with that guy Jason?"
Genevieve sipped her coffee. "I'm not sure, but he is bugging me." She paused, remembering earlier encounters. "He has a controlling personality. When I was in his band, I saw him face off with musicians who questioned his decisions."
"Hmm, that isn't good."
"Nope," Genevieve said. "And it was often a simple matter of a band member suggesting a different song selection or arrangement. Jason would explode and belittle the person in front of everyone."
"That's extreme."
"It was too much for me," Genevieve said. "I left the band, which angered him. But that was too bad. I was making smart moves for my career, and working for him wasn't one of them."
"I'm sure he didn't see it that way."
"No, he didn't," Genevieve said. "Quite the opposite. He pressured me to go out with him, even though I was already dating someone else."
"It seems like he thinks a lot of himself," Cadie said. "Since I started working with you, I haven't heard of Jason or his band."
"Consider yourself fortunate."
After they finished their coffee, Cadie drove her home. Genevieve thought about squeezing in a nap, since the lack of sleep was getting to her. She used her key, and they entered the building and took the elevator up to her condo.
As they approached her front door, Genevieve stopped, and Cadie bumped into her. A white envelope was taped to the door with her name scrawled across it in bold black letters.
"What is it?" Cadie asked, peering over her shoulder.
Genevieve pushed on her front door, noticing that it was already open. Someone had been in her condo. Fearing the worst, Genevieve grabbed the envelope and opened it.
She read the note: Your future is mine. Tell your cop friend to stay out of it.
Cadie said, "You need to get Abe here, right now."
Genevieve texted, and Abe replied that he was on his way. She pushed the door open with her foot but didn't see anyone inside. Cadie followed her into the living room, but it was quiet.
Genevieve paced with her phone clutched in her hand. She didn't know how Jason knew where she lived, which made her wonder what else he knew. "No doubt Abe showing up after my performance last night didn't sit well with Jason."
"It's like the stuff you were telling me," Cadie said. "It doesn't appear that he's changed. Maybe you should stay with me for a few more days."
Genevieve shook her head. "I can't let him chase me out of my own home." She wouldn't let Jason Thornton intimidate her. "I don't know why he's bugging me now. But he's going to have to back off."
A sharp knock at the door made both women jump. Cadie peered through the peephole in the door before opening it.
Abe filled the doorway, his broad shoulders blocking the hallway light. He wore jeans and a dark blue button-down instead of his uniform, and Genevieve felt a flash of heat despite the circumstances.
"Where's the note?" he asked without preamble, stepping inside.
She handed it to him. "It was taped to my door when we got here."
Abe examined the paper, his expression darkening. "I'll take this to the station and see if we can get prints from the note or the envelope." His gaze swept the apartment. "Have you checked to make sure nothing's been disturbed?"
"Not yet," Genevieve said. "We called you right away. I'm glad Cadie was with me." She proceeded to introduce her to Abe.
Abe nodded to Cadie. "Nice to meet you."
"You too," Cadie said, then pointed toward the front door. "The door was open when we arrived."
"I'll have that area fingerprinted too. He must have picked the lock," Abe said, then called for an officer to come out and handle dusting for prints.
He turned back to Genevieve and asked her for the contact info of the homeowners' association so he could request access to cameras in the common areas. She rifled through a drawer and handed a card to him.
"I'll get that set up. If we're lucky, we can document Jason's entry into your building," Abe said. "I'm not holding my breath, though."
"I should get going," Cadie said hesitantly. "Will you be all right?"
"Of course." Genevieve forced a smile. "I have protection."
After Cadie left, Abe followed Genevieve through the apartment. Nothing seemed out of place in the kitchen or living room. The bathroom was untouched. But when they reached her bedroom, Genevieve stared.
A single, wilted rose rested on her pillow.
Abe touched her shoulder. "When did you last sleep here?"
"The night before last." Genevieve's voice sounded distant to her own ears.
Abe pulled out his phone and took several photos of the rose, then said, "We need to have your locks changed immediately. And I want to talk to building security and review any camera footage."
"Of course—he had to get into the building somehow," Genevieve said. She perched on the edge of her bed, as far from the rose as possible. The feeling of violation was overwhelming. This was her sanctuary, her private space.
"I'll need to call someone about the locks," she said, then reached for her phone.
Abe sat beside her, close enough that she could feel his warmth. "I know a guy who can be here in thirty minutes."
"Thank you." She looked up at him, struck by the intensity in his dark eyes. "This is above and beyond, Abe."
"Not for me." His voice was soft but certain. "I take threats like this seriously. Especially when they're against someone I care about protecting."
The admission hung between them.
Abe cleared his throat. "Have you had breakfast? You look like you could use some food while we wait for the locksmith."
"I'm not hungry." But her stomach rumbled.
He smiled. "Let me make you something. I'm told I make a good omelet."