Chapter 13 #2
On the way home, Abe gave Genevieve the highlights. She listened intently without much comment. There wasn't much she could say. She had to trust that her safety was his top priority.
At his house, Genevieve got ready for her performance, while Abe coordinated security arrangements. The Spotted Cat was a smaller venue, and less of a challenge to secure. He leaned against the wall outside his bedroom with his phone pressed to his ear.
"I want eyes on every entrance," he told his security team leader. "Anyone who doesn't belong there gets questioned immediately. And I want backup plans for emergency evacuation from at least three different routes."
Once the instructions were given, Abe ended the call. Through the bedroom door, he could hear Genevieve on the phone with Cadie.
"There'll be extra security tonight," she said. "I'll explain when I see you."
He could hear Cadie's concerned voice through the phone, though he couldn't make out the words.
"I know it sounds scary," Genevieve said, "but I have the best protection possible."
She emerged from the bedroom twenty minutes later, dressed in black jeans and a flowing purple top that would move well under stage lights. Her short, wavy hair was a bit wilder than usual. He was tempted to put his hands in her hair and kiss her like never before.
Abe was struck by her emotional transformation. Gone was the frightened woman who had learned about organized crime that morning. In her place stood someone who had made peace with the danger and found strength in her resolve.
"I was terrified when I learned about the criminal organization," she said, then walked over to him. "But I've had time to consider what's happening, and I can't live in fear forever."
Abe studied her face. She looked determined, yet she had to be scared. "Genevieve…"
"This is a familiar venue," she said, "somewhere I've performed before. That gives me confidence. And I trust you completely to keep me safe."
"I don't want you to be overconfident," he said. "The people we're dealing with—"
"I know how dangerous they are," she said, then reached up to touch his face. "But I also know that you won't let anything happen to me. And I refuse to let Jason and his criminal buddies destroy what I've worked my whole life to build."
Abe pulled her into his arms, holding her close and breathing in the scent of her perfume. He wanted to tell her they should cancel the performance, that no career opportunity was worth risking her life. But he also knew that giving in to fear would mean Jason had already won.
"I'll be there every second tonight," he said, his face buried in her hair. "No matter what happens, don't lose sight of me."
"I won't," she said, and stepped back. "I promise."
Genevieve held a jacket in one hand, and Abe helped her put it on. She wore purple sneakers decorated with rhinestones. "Classy shoes," he said.
She stuck one foot out and turned her ankle to show off one of the sparkly shoes. "And they're comfortable…in case I need to make a run for it."
Abe smiled. "Clever."
As they prepared to leave for The Spotted Cat, Abe checked his weapon one final time, tested his radio, and reviewed the floor plan of the venue in his mind. His protective instincts were operating at maximum intensity.
But underneath his professional focus, reality surfaced. He had to be extra vigilant, because he was protecting Genevieve. His experience in law enforcement taught him that danger could lurk where least expected.
He would use every resource available. Although he wished the feds could move faster, as more backup would be better. But his team was well trained and knew the game.
Abe was determined that the evening would go well, and Genevieve would remain unharmed. He brushed aside his growing concern about how ruthless Jason's criminal backers were and swore that he'd protect her, no matter what.
*****
As Abe and Genevieve stepped through the front entrance, The Spotted Cat Music Club buzzed with energy. The intimate venue was filled with noisy patrons, ready for an entertaining evening. The warm glow of stage lights created an inviting atmosphere.
Genevieve looked at the stage where her friend sat at the piano, running through scales and adjusting her sheet music. "There's Cadie," she said, her voice carrying a note of relief. "I'm going to head to the stage."
Abe caught her arm before she could move away. "I'll have eyes on you the entire time," he said. "If you get worried about anything, just look out at the audience. You'll see me."
She nodded, then rose on her toes to kiss his cheek. "I know you'll keep me safe."
The moment Genevieve walked away, Abe's focus shifted to security protocols.
His trained gaze swept the venue, noting exits and sight lines.
The Spotted Cat had two access points. The front entrance where they'd entered was the main one.
Plus there was a back door near the stage that led to the alley.
He walked to the front door, where one of his security team members stood in position. The guard gave him a subtle nod, confirming his post was secure. Abe then worked his way through the growing crowd to the back entrance, where another security officer manned his post at the rear exit.
"Detective Stewart," a familiar voice called from behind him.
Abe turned to see Officer Denson approaching. He'd worked with Denson for years at NOPD and trusted him. The man had the kind of experience and competence that made him perfect for this type of assignment.
"How are we looking?"
"Tight as we can make it," Denson said. "I know the regular club security isn't up to this task alone, but we've got the access points covered. Nobody gets in or out without us knowing about it."
"Good," Abe said. "Keep me posted if you see anything unusual."
He took a position at the side of the crowd where he had a clear view of both the stage and the main floor. His jacket concealed his weapon. With a practiced eye, he continued to scan for any sign of trouble.
When Genevieve took the stage, Abe felt a surge of pride.
Her voice filled the room with rich, soulful tones that seemed to captivate the audience.
She moved gracefully, engaging with the crowd as if she didn't have a care in the world.
If he didn't know her so well, Abe would not suspect she was nervous or had anything to worry about.
The first set flowed seamlessly. Genevieve's band was in sync, the audience was engaged, and there was no indication of trouble in the venue.
Abe allowed himself to relax slightly, though his vigilance never wavered.
Between songs, he caught Genevieve's eye and saw her smile when she spotted him in the crowd.
As the evening progressed, the venue remained secure, and Genevieve was doing what she did best. She shared her incredible talent with an appreciative audience, while Abe maintained his vigilance.
The final song ended to enthusiastic applause, and Genevieve and her band took their bows. Abe felt a sense of satisfaction as he watched her beam at the crowd. She'd performed without incident, despite any potential threat. And she deserved that.
The audience began filtering out and the band members packed up their equipment.
Abe moved toward the stage, watching as the other musicians gathered their instruments and headed for the back exit.
Cadie lingered at the piano, chatting with Genevieve for a few moments before giving her friend a hug and following the others out.
Officer Denson approached Abe as he reached the edge of the stage. "Looks like we're all set here, detective. You need the team for anything else tonight?"
Abe shook his head. "You can release everyone. I'll escort Genevieve to my car and take her home."
"Roger that," Denson said, then spoke into his radio to coordinate the team's departure.
The security personnel began their organized withdrawal from the venue, leaving club security to see that the stragglers made their way out before locking up.
The evening had gone well. Abe's team had done their job and Genevieve was preparing to leave. But he wouldn't fully relax until she was home.
He reminded himself that security couldn't be perfect, but tonight they'd come as close as possible. The concert was a success. At present, Abe tended to define that by Genevieve's safety.
He looked out over the club and saw that the last of the audience members were chatting and filing out at the front door. His security team had left. The venue was nearly empty, with only staff cleaning up and the venue's security hovering near the front door.
When Abe turned to look back, Genevieve was right beside him. He wrapped her in his arms, glad to have her so close. "You did great tonight."
Genevieve looked up and smiled. She touched his cheek then said, "Let me get my stuff and we can get out of here."
Abe looked out at the venue, relishing the sight of emptiness. He turned toward Genevieve, who was on the other side of the stage beside Cadie's abandoned piano bench. She slipped on her jacket to get ready to go.
A man dressed in the black clothing of a stagehand grabbed Genevieve's arm. Her scream pierced the air, then he plunged a needle into the side of her neck.
Before Abe could react, he felt the pressure of a gun barrel pressing against his left side. He couldn't afford to get injured. Genevieve needed him.
Abe's years of close-quarters combat training kicked in and he executed a defensive maneuver. He pivoted sharply to his right, moving his body away from the direct line of fire. With the side of his left hand, Abe stuck hard on the man's forearm to force him to release the gun.
As the weapon slipped from his hand, Abe drove his right fist into the side of the man's neck, knocking him to the ground.
The gunman collapsed to the stage floor, unmoving.
Abe spun toward Genevieve, shoving the attacker's gun into his jacket and drawing his own weapon. But he was already too late.
The stocky stagehand was getting away, carrying Genevieve's limp form over his shoulder as he disappeared through the back door.
Abe couldn't risk a shot. Genevieve's body blocked a direct hit. The abductor was clearly practiced at his deadly skill.
Abe sprinted for the back door, slamming through it with his shoulder and bursting into the alley behind the club.
Under the alley lights, he saw a white van pulling away. He sprinted toward the vehicle and got the license plate before it sped away.
The taillights disappeared around the corner.
"Dammit!" Abe shouted into the night air.
He ran for his car, adrenaline pumping through his veins. He was certain the accomplice had vanished as quickly as he'd appeared. And Abe had the dude's gun anyway.
There was no time for delay. The woman he loved was gone, taken by professionals who had outmaneuvered his best efforts to protect her.