Chapter 5
The next afternoon, Genevieve stood in front of the bedroom mirror, holding up two different outfits. She debated between a sleek black dress and a red top with dark jeans.
She spotted Abe in the hall. "Hey, I need your opinion."
He appeared in the doorway.
"The black dress is more formal," she said, mostly to herself. "But the red outfit might be better for moving around on stage."
Abe stood behind her. "Which one makes you feel more confident?"
She looked at him in the mirror's reflection. "Probably the red." She turned to him. "It's more me."
"Then that's the one." He touched her shoulder gently. "How are you feeling about tonight?"
Genevieve set the black dress aside. "I'm a little nervous. I keep thinking about those photos and wondering what will be next." She paused. "But I refuse to let Jason bully me."
"He won't be allowed to get away with it," Abe said firmly. "That's exactly why I'm going to make sure you're protected."
His phone buzzed, and he glanced at the screen. "That's Officer LeBlanc. The security team is getting briefed in an hour."
"How many officers will be there?"
"Two plainclothes officers, plus me. And the club has a security team. We'll have the exits covered and eyes on the crowd." Abe sat back down on the bed. "I've been to Blue Nile before. It's a good venue, with decent sight lines and limited access points."
Genevieve nodded, trying to get used to the reality of needing that level of security for a simple performance. Three months ago, her biggest worry had been whether the sound system would cooperate. Now she was discussing police protection strategies.
"I got a text from my sister," she said. "She and Gabriel will be back tomorrow. I can't wait to see her."
"I intend to meet with Gabriel as soon as he's home," Abe said. "I'll fill him in on the situation, and I can hire Guardian Investigations as our consultant."
"I'm sure he will help," Genevieve said. "You worked well as a team on Brooke's case."
"Plus, Gabriel has experience with stalking cases. And Weston's computer skills might help us track down more information about Jason's activities." Abe stood and moved toward the door. "But for tonight, let's focus on keeping you safe while you do what you do best."
*****
Two hours later, Genevieve walked into the club with Abe beside her.
Blue Nile was an intimate music venue on historic Frenchmen Street.
Her band had set up in the downstairs, street-facing showroom.
There was an upstairs venue with a balcony view of the street.
That was often used for late-night DJ parties.
The ritzy blue and gold décor set the mood. The club offered a full bar and featured live blues and jazz. Famous bands performed there, and Genevieve was proud to be among them. She wasn't that famous yet but was determined to get there.
The venue was smaller than some of the places she'd performed, which made her feel both more secure and more exposed. There were fewer places for threats to hide, but also fewer escape routes.
The club had a unique vibe with the colorful backdrop and tables scattered throughout the main floor. A small stage dominated one end of the room, with a full sound system and professional lighting already set up.
Cadie was at the piano, running through scales to warm up her fingers. Genevieve had told her that Jason hadn't quit his antics yet, and the band was made aware of the added security.
"I see you brought protection with you," Cadie said, and stood to give her a hug.
Genevieve glanced around the room, noting the discreet presence of security personnel positioned in key locations. "Abe has everything covered."
"Good." Cadie lowered her voice. "Is it true that idiot followed you?"
Genevieve nodded. "We have a pile of photos. The pictures were professional quality and were taken from multiple angles. Someone was very close to Abe and me, without us knowing."
Cadie's eyes widened. "I'm glad you have protection."
The rest of the band was setting up their instruments. Genevieve waved to the drummer and bass player, both musicians she'd worked with many times. They were professionals who understood that tonight's performance needed to go well, regardless of any external drama.
"Let's run through the set list," she said, pulling out her folder of music. "I want everything to go smoothly tonight."
For the next hour, they rehearsed, working through transitions and making sure all the technical elements were functioning properly.
Genevieve felt her confidence returning as she lost herself in the music.
She was in her element. No matter what Jason tried to do, he couldn't take away her talent or her love for performing.
Abe remained visible but unobtrusive, occasionally speaking quietly into a small microphone clipped to his collar. Genevieve found his presence reassuring rather than distracting. He gave her space to work while maintaining his protective watch.
After the sound check, Genevieve and Cadie retreated to the small dressing room behind the stage. It was barely larger than a closet, with a mirror surrounded by bright bulbs. There was a small table covered with makeup and hair supplies.
Cadie settled into one of the two chairs. "So, tell me about staying at Abe's place."
Genevieve applied lipstick carefully, using the task to avoid meeting her friend's eyes. "It's just for security. He has a guest room."
"Uh-huh." Cadie's tone was skeptical. "And how's that working out for you?"
"He's been nothing but respectful." Genevieve finally looked at Cadie in the mirror. "But it's getting harder to keep things strictly professional."
"Why would you want to?"
"Because my life is complicated enough right now. Jason is getting out of hand when my career is at a crucial point. The last thing I need is to mess things up by getting romantically involved with the cop who's protecting me."
Cadie was quiet for a moment, studying her friend's reflection. "Or maybe the last thing you need is to let your doubts keep you from embracing a relationship that could be good."
Before Genevieve could respond, there was a soft knock on the dressing room door.
"Five minutes," called the stage manager.
Genevieve stood and checked her appearance one final time. Then she smiled at Cadie. "Showtime."
*****
The Blue Nile was nearly full when Genevieve took the stage. She could see Abe positioned near the bar with a clear view of both the stage and the main entrance. Other security personnel were stationed throughout the room, blending in with the crowd but ready to respond if needed.
As she adjusted the microphone, Genevieve scanned the audience. She recognized several familiar faces, including club regulars and a few people from the music industry. Near the front, she spotted Stephen Canton, an executive from Pickford Recording.
"Good evening," Genevieve said into the microphone, attempting to keep her voice warm and confident. "Thank you for being here tonight. We're going to start with something special."
She nodded to Cadie, who played the opening chords of one of Genevieve's original compositions.
The song was emotional and powerful, allowing her to showcase the depth and range of her voice.
As she sang, Genevieve felt the familiar magic of connecting with an audience, the way music could transcend all the noise and drama of daily life.
The first set went beautifully. The crowd was engaged and responsive, and Genevieve felt her confidence rise. She was on the high she got when doing what she'd been born to do. For forty-five minutes, she almost forgot about the threats that had dominated her thoughts for the past week.
During the break between sets, Genevieve made her way to Stephen Canton's table. He was a distinguished man in his fifties with silver hair and an expensive suit, known throughout the industry for his ability to spot talent and develop careers.
"Stephen, I'm so glad you could make it tonight," she said, extending her hand.
"Genevieve, wonderful performance, as always." He stood to greet her. "I wanted to discuss possibilities with Pickford Recording. Do you have a few minutes?"
"Of course." Genevieve felt a thrill over the conversation that could change her career. It was the moment she'd anticipated.
But as Stephen began to speak about opportunities and touring possibilities, Genevieve became aware of another presence approaching their table. She looked up to see Jason Thornton walking toward them with a look of superiority, as if he had every right to join their conversation.
"Stephen Canton," Jason said, then extended his hand to the executive. "Jason Thornton from Thornton Music Group. I don't think we've met."
Stephen shook Jason's hand politely. "No, I don't believe we have."
"I've heard great things about your work at Pickford," Jason said. Without being invited, he pulled up a chair. "I actually wanted to talk to you about Genevieve."
Genevieve felt her stomach drop. She glanced toward the bar and caught Abe's eye. He was already moving in their direction, but Jason was speaking quickly.
"Genevieve and I go way back," Jason said, in a casual tone. "I gave her some of her first big breaks in the industry. She has amazing talent, though I have to say that working with her can be challenging."
"Challenging how?" Stephen asked.
"Oh, you know how artists can be with their creative temperament and all that.
" Jason laughed as if sharing an inside joke.
"She's had some personal issues lately that have affected her reliability.
There were a few missed rehearsals, and some conflicts with band members.
I'd hate to see a company like yours get caught up in any drama. "
Rage coursed through Genevieve's veins. "That's not true. Jason is—"
"Just concerned about your wellbeing, as always," Jason said without missing a beat. "The music industry can be tough on someone who's dealing with any instability."