Chapter 11
The elevator doors opened on the third floor with a soft chime, revealing a reception area that screamed money and influence.
Polished marble floors reflected the light from crystal chandeliers, while floor-to-ceiling windows offered a beautiful view of the New Orleans skyline.
This wasn't the office of a struggling music entrepreneur.
Abe stepped into the space, his uniform commanding immediate attention from the young woman behind the reception desk. She looked up from her computer screen, and he caught the slight widening of her eyes when she noticed his badge.
"Detective Stewart, NOPD," he said, approaching her desk. "I need to speak with Jason Thornton about an ongoing investigation."
The receptionist hesitated. "Is Mr. Thornton expecting you?"
"No, but I'm sure he'll want to cooperate with police business." Abe kept his voice even. "This concerns matters that affect his business reputation."
She reached for her phone then pressed an extension. "Mr. Thornton? There's a Detective Stewart here to see you about…police business." She paused. "Yes, sir. I'll tell him."
Abe used the brief delay to study his surroundings more carefully. Expensive artwork lined the walls, including what looked like original photographs of famous musicians. A display case showcased industry awards and accolades, all bearing Jason's name or Thornton Music Group's logo.
The setup was impressive, but more than that, it was calculated. Everything in was designed to project success, legitimacy, and power. This wasn't just an office—it was a statement.
"Detective Stewart?"
Abe turned to see Jason approaching from a hallway that led farther into the suite.
The man was as Abe remembered him. He was in his mid-forties, with a lean build.
His dark hair was spiked in a trendy style fitting for his industry.
Yet Abe was certain that behind those bright blue eyes was a dark soul.
What struck him immediately was Jason's demeanor. There was no surprise or concern about a police visit. Instead, he looked mildly pleased.
He extended his hand with a confident smile. "What brings NOPD to my humble office?"
Abe shook the offered hand, noting the firm grip and the way Jason held eye contact just a beat too long. "I have some questions about your recent interactions with Genevieve Dumas."
Jason's smile never wavered. "Genevieve? Of course. Talented woman. Please, come back to my office, where we can talk privately."
*****
Jason's office was even more impressive than the reception area. The desk was mahogany, massive and perfectly organized. Behind it, shelves displayed more awards, photographs with industry luminaries, and what appeared to be platinum records.
"Can I offer you something to drink?" Jason asked, moving to a sidebar that held an impressive collection of liquor. "Coffee or something stronger? I have an excellent bourbon."
"I'm on duty," Abe said, remaining standing despite Jason's gesture toward the leather chairs arranged in front of his desk.
"I understand, but I'll have a drink myself." Jason poured himself a small glass of amber liquid then sat behind his desk. "So, what questions did you have about Genevieve? I hope she's well."
Abe looked down at the man across from him. Jason's body language radiated confidence. This wasn't someone worried about police scrutiny. This was someone who'd been anticipating this moment.
"Ms. Dumas has been experiencing some harassment lately," Abe said. "There has been unwanted contact, surveillance, even threats to her career. I'm investigating these incidents."
Jason took a sip of his drink, and his expression shifted to one of concerned sympathy. "How terrible for her. The music industry can be challenging for independent artists, especially women. There are a lot of unsavory characters out there."
"The harassment appears to be coming from someone with connections in the industry, a person with enough influence to affect her bookings and sponsorships."
"Really?" Jason leaned forward slightly, his interest appearing genuine. "That's disturbing. Genevieve is incredibly talented. Any professional sabotage against her would be both criminal and foolish."
Abe marveled at Jason's smooth delivery. The man was practiced at expressing exactly the right amount of concern while revealing nothing. "Are you familiar with her recent booking at the House of Blues?"
"I heard it was canceled," Jason said, shaking his head sadly. "It's such a shame when venues lose confidence in an artist's…reliability. The industry can be so unforgiving when someone burns bridges with the wrong people."
There it was. The reply was a subtle admission in disguise. Jason wanted credit for his actions without accepting responsibility.
"Interesting choice of words," Abe said. "What makes you think it was about reliability rather than, say, external pressure on sponsors?" Jason had avoided mentioning the trumped-up security concerns about Genevieve's performance.
His smile turned predatory. "Detective, I've been in this business for years. When major sponsors get nervous about an artist, it's usually because they've received concerning information about that person. Industry reputation is everything."
"And who might provide that kind of concerning information?"
"Oh, any number of people: former colleagues, business associates, other artists who've had difficult experiences." Jason's tone remained conversational, but his eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "The music community is very close-knit. Word travels fast when someone becomes…problematic."
Abe stepped closer to the desk. "Mr. Thornton, harassment and stalking are serious crimes. Intentionally interfering with someone's livelihood through false statements constitutes criminal intimidation."
"Absolutely," Jason said. "Anyone engaging in such behavior should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I hope you catch whoever is responsible for threatening Genevieve."
The man's audacity was appalling. He was practically confessing in a way to avoid paying for his transgressions.
The unabashed conniving put Abe on high alert. "You seem very concerned about Ms. Dumas for someone she considers to be harassing her."
Jason's expression shifted slightly, a flash of something darker crossing his features before the mask of concern returned.
"Harassing her? Detective, I think there's been a misunderstanding.
I've always been supportive of Genevieve's career.
In fact, I've recently reached out to offer my assistance during what must be a difficult time for her. "
"Your assistance?"
"I've offered professional guidance, introductions to industry connections, and protection from the kind of people who might want to damage her reputation." He leaned back in his chair. "The music business can be brutal, especially for artists who don't have powerful advocates."
"And you see yourself as that kind of advocate?"
"I see myself as someone who recognizes talent and wants to help it flourish," Jason said smoothly. "Genevieve and I have history. We worked together successfully in the past, and I believe we could do so again."
Abe could hear the possessiveness underlying Jason's words. The man genuinely believed he had some claim on Genevieve, and a right to control her career and her life.
"Ms. Dumas has made it clear she doesn't want your assistance or contact."
Jason's smile turned cold. "Sometimes artists don't know what's best for them. Sometimes they need guidance from people with more experience and better connections."
"And if they refuse that guidance?"
"Then they might find themselves facing unnecessary obstacles," Jason said, his tone still conversational. "The industry has ways of teaching difficult artists about the value of cooperation." The direct threat was delivered with a crooked smile.
"That sounds like intimidation, Mr. Thornton."
Jason held up his hands in mock innocence. "Not at all, detective. I'm simply describing how the business works. Artists who alienate important people often find their opportunities limited. It's unfortunate, but it's reality."
Abe felt his professional restraint slipping. "Let me be clear. If Ms. Dumas experiences any further harassment, interference with her career, or threats to her safety, I'll be looking directly at you."
"I appreciate your dedication to protecting the citizens of New Orleans," Jason said, then stood up.
"But I hope you're also investigating other possibilities.
Genevieve has made enemies over the years.
You might look to former husbands, rival artists, or disgruntled business associates.
Any of them might want to damage her reputation. "
"I'll keep that in mind," Abe said, moving toward the door. "Thank you for your time."
"Of course." Jason walked around his desk, following Abe out. "I hope this situation resolves quickly. It would be terrible if good people got caught in situations beyond their control."
The threat was unmistakable, and Jason's satisfied expression made it clear he wanted Abe to understand exactly what he was saying.
Stepping into the hallway, Jason extended his hand again. "Detective, I hope we can work together to ensure Genevieve's safety. After all, we both want what's best for her."
Abe didn't take the offered hand. "What's best for her is for certain people to leave her alone."
Jason's smile widened. "I'm sure everything will work out as it should."
*****
The hallway outside Jason's office felt like a different world. Gone was the opulent atmosphere of wealth and power, replaced by the more utilitarian feel of a converted warehouse. Abe walked toward the elevator, processing what had just occurred.