Chapter 8 #2
"I enjoy the outdoors," Genevieve said. "It's one of the few ways I can clear my head." She had a mischievous thought. "See if you can keep up with me."
Without warning, she picked up the pace and jogged along the trail. Behind her, she heard Abe's surprised laughter as he caught up easily, his longer stride matching her increased speed.
"Is that a challenge?" he said.
"Maybe." She laughed as she dodged around a low-hanging branch.
They continued like that for several minutes, playfully competitive but not really racing. It felt good to move, to feel her muscles working and her heart pumping. The stress and fear of the past few days seemed to melt away with each step.
Eventually, Genevieve slowed to a walking pace, slightly out of breath but energized. The trail wound deeper into the forest, where the sounds of the city faded, leaving only birdsong and the rustle of leaves in the tranquility of the forest.
"There's a spot up ahead where we can rest." Abe pointed at a side trail that led to a small clearing.
In the clearing was a circle of grass surrounded by towering trees. Sunlight filtered through the canopy, creating patterns of light and shadow on the ground. A fallen log provided a natural bench. Abe had brought a small backpack with water bottles and what looked like a packed lunch.
"You came prepared," Genevieve said, then sat on the grass beside the log.
"Boy Scout training," he said, unpacking sandwiches and fruit. "Always be prepared."
They ate the delicious meal surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the forest. Genevieve felt a deep contentment, and a sense of rightness that felt good. She didn't need constant conversation with Abe. His presence was enough.
"This is perfect," she said, lying back on the grass and looking up at the canopy above them.
Abe stretched out beside her, close enough that their shoulders touched. "I wanted to give you a few hours where you could just be yourself. Not a target, not someone who needs protection. Just you."
She turned her head to look at him, struck again by his thoughtfulness. "Thank you for all of this. And for making me feel normal again."
He took her hand. "This is how it should be."
For another hour, Genevieve talked quietly with Abe or just enjoyed the peaceful surroundings. When the sun began to climb higher and the air grew warmer, he packed up. Reluctantly, she headed back toward the main trail with him.
The return pace was relaxed, and Abe pointed out interesting plants and wildlife. Genevieve felt refreshed and energized in a way she hadn't in weeks. Whatever challenges lay ahead, she could face them with renewed strength.
*****
Back at Abe's house, they sat at his dining room table with tall glasses of iced tea. Genevieve felt relaxed and happy. Her skin was still warm from the sun, and her muscles were pleasantly tired from the hike.
"I should probably start thinking about getting ready for tonight," she said, checking her phone. "I prefer to get there early."
"What time do you want to leave?"
"Maybe around five?" She took a long drink of her tea. "The venue isn't far, but I don't want to rush."
Abe nodded. "I'll coordinate with the security team. We'll have plainclothes officers in the audience and—"
Genevieve's phone rang, interrupting him. She glanced at the screen and saw Brooke's name.
"Hey," she said. "What's up?"
Brooke's voice was tight with stress. "You won't believe this. Jason came by the restaurant today."
Genevieve's stomach dropped. "He came to Jasper's?"
"Yes, he did. He waltzed in around lunchtime, ordered coffee and one of my apple turnovers, then asked to speak to me." Brooke took a breath. "I went out to the dining room and recognized him instantly. I remember him from when he was your band leader."
Genevieve felt sick. "What did he want?"
"He'd eaten half of his dessert and politely told me how delicious it was. I couldn't figure out what his game was. And I could hardly have Jasper throw him out because he complimented the pastry."
Genevieve waited for the punch line. "Of course not."
"Then he smoothly transitioned to bringing you up. He wanted me to know that he'd always admired your ability and would do whatever he could to support you in your career." Brooke's voice got sharper with each word. "He acted like he was a concerned friend looking out for your best interests."
"What did you say?"
"Well, I lost it. I told him to leave, that I was well aware of his meddling in your career and I didn't appreciate it." Brooke took a shaky breath. "I couldn't control myself."
"What did he do?"
"He just shrugged, like my reaction was nothing to him. Then he stood up and walked out. He didn't even pay the check for his pastry and coffee. It was like he was challenging me to go after him."
Genevieve closed her eyes, and the peace of the morning evaporated. "I'm so sorry, Brooke. I never wanted him to drag you into this."
"This isn't your fault," Brooke said. "But Genevieve, there was something about the way he looked at me. Like he was studying me, memorizing details. It was creepy."
After a few more minutes of conversation, Genevieve hung up the phone. She looked across the table at Abe, who had been listening with growing concern.
"What's wrong?" he said. "What did Brooke say?"
Genevieve told him, then said, "Jason is trying to get my own sister on his side. Or maybe he's just trying to show me that he can reach anyone in my family whenever he wants to."
Abe stared at her, his expression grim. "He's way out of line."
Genevieve let the implications of Jason's boldness sink in. He wasn't just targeting Genevieve anymore. He was targeting the people she loved, and that changed everything.
*****
By five o'clock, Genevieve had forced herself into performance mode.
She'd changed into an outfit that looked great under the lights on stage.
She touched up her makeup, then fluffed her hair into loose waves.
Then she looked at her reflection in the mirror.
No one would guess she'd spent the last hours reeling from Jason's latest violation.
The drive to the Maple Leaf Bar took them through the tree-lined streets of Carrollton, past the historic streetcar line and quaint shotgun houses that gave the neighborhood its character.
The neon sign of Maple Leaf Bar glowed against the dusky sky. The club had been hosting live music seven nights a week for decades. It was one of the longest continuously operating music venues in New Orleans.
Genevieve had performed there before, and the familiar sight of the entrance usually filled her with excitement. Tonight, she had to manufacture that feeling.
"You sure you're up for this?" Abe said.
"The show must go on," she said, managing a smile. "I refuse to let Jason win."
The Maple Leaf maintained its authentic dive bar atmosphere with dark wood paneling, mismatched furniture, and walls covered with decades of music memorabilia. The stage was small but adequate, with good acoustics that had made countless performers sound their best.
The crowd was already gathering. It was a mix of regulars who knew good music and tourists drawn by the club's reputation.
Cadie waved from behind the piano, her dark hair gleaming under the stage lights. "There's our star," she said. "I was starting to worry."
"We got slowed in traffic," Genevieve lied easily. She gave her friend a hug. "Everything ready?"
"The sound check went perfectly. The bass sounds fantastic through this system." Cadie studied Genevieve's face. "You look tired."
"I went hiking," Genevieve said, which was partially true. But she didn't want to burden her friend with the details of Jason's latest intrusion. "I'll be fine once we start playing."
She spotted Abe at a table near the back where he could see both the stage and the main entrance. Two other plainclothes officers had taken strategic positions around the room. The security presence should have been reassuring, but instead it reminded her of why it was necessary.
Mickey, the drummer, approached with his usual pre-show energy. "Ready to tear the roof off this place?"
"Always," Genevieve said, forcing enthusiasm into her voice. She couldn't let her personal drama affect the band's performance or the audience's experience.
As showtime approached, Genevieve did her usual vocal warm-ups and reviewed the set list one final time. They'd chosen a mix of her original compositions and classic blues covers, songs that showcased her range and connected with the Maple Leaf's diverse audience.
The club was nearly full when she took the stage.
The intimate venue meant she could see individual faces in the crowd, make eye contact with listeners, create the personal connection that made live music special.
She scanned the room quickly, part of her dreading the sight of Jason's familiar figure, but saw only strangers and music lovers.
"Good evening, New Orleans," she said into the microphone, her voice automatically finding its performance warmth. "We're going to start with something special tonight."
The opening notes of her first song filled the room, and Genevieve felt the familiar magic take hold. For the next hour and a half, she could lose herself in the songs and connect with her audience.
The set flowed beautifully. Cadie's piano work was inspired, the drums drove the songs forward, and the bass provided the foundation that held everything together. Genevieve felt her voice soar on the high notes and dig deep into the emotional core of the blues.
Between the songs, she glanced toward Abe's table. He watched her with obvious pride and admiration, and she drew strength from his presence. Even in this public setting, surrounded by strangers, she felt protected and valued in a way that steadied her nerves.
As the evening progressed, Genevieve began to relax.
There was no sign of Jason, no threatening presence in the crowd, and no photographers lurking in the shadows.
The audience was engaged and appreciative.
Several people sang along to songs they recognized, while others swayed to the rhythm with drinks in their hands.
During the final song, an emotional ballad about resilience and hope, Genevieve believed the evening would pass without incident.
The applause was enthusiastic and sustained, and the band took a final bow. Genevieve felt the satisfaction that came from a job well done, the high that performing gave her. She waved to the crowd, thanked her band members, and began gathering her things from the stage.
But as the adrenaline faded and she made her way toward the backstage area, she was worried. Jason's absence should have been a relief, but the calm felt like the eye of a hurricane.
While she was packing her microphone case, Abe appeared. "Great show," he said, but she could see the same wariness in his eyes that she felt.
"He wasn't here," Genevieve said.
Abe frowned. "I kept looking for him too."
Genevieve had performed beautifully. Her band had been flawless, and the audience had loved every minute. It should have been a perfect evening.
Instead, she wondered what Jason was planning while she was on stage, and that thought chilled her more than his physical presence ever had.