Fearless Encounter

Chapter 6

On the way to the police station, Gabriel seemed quiet. Brooke was trying to put all the pieces together, but felt she was missing a lot. “What are you thinking? Could this still be a sexually motivated crime?”

Gabriel touched her knee in a reassuring way. “We’ll find out. I know this is distressing, but we’re making progress.” He paused. “Due to the drug use, I wouldn’t rule out a rape-motivated crime. But it’s too soon to tell.”

His touch warmed Brooke in an intimate way, making her attraction to him stronger than ever. But she had to stay alert because it would be a mistake to rely on him. Gabriel was there for now, but that wasn’t permanent. She had no idea how things would progress, or what she was involved in. It was no time to be weak or dependent. She was an independent woman and needed to keep on top of the developments.

“What are you thinking?” Gabriel said.

“Oh, just about…all of this,” Brooke said, glancing at him. “Everything you’re doing for me. I appreciate it, but…”

“I understand,” Gabriel said. “This is unfamiliar to you, meaning that I doubt you’ve been involved in crime before—even as a witness.” He looked at her, surely noting that she didn’t exude confidence. “Navigating crime and dealing with criminals has been my career. It’s my nature to see that you get through this safely. But that doesn’t make you weak.”

The way he said it, Brooke felt like he could read her mind. She wanted to be back on her own, in control of her life. And more than anything, she wanted her friend found and rescued.

When they got to the police station, Abe was waiting for them. “Come on back—I’ll show you what we’ve got.”

Brooke and Gabriel sat across the desk reading the report. It was the first time that she had seen a missing person report. Much of it was routine, including full name, date of birth, and social security number. Meg’s employer would have had all that data. The narrative included the last time that Meghan Reid had been seen and other details. There were several photographs included in the file, plus the social media photo of her in costume.

“Do you recognize her?” Abe said.

“Meg is a good friend from high school,” Brooke said. “I just saw photos on social media and realized it was her.”

“She hadn’t seen her in a while, though, and doesn’t know more about what happened,” Gabriel said.

“I need to help her,” Brooke said. “She’s a special friend. What have you found out about the incident?”

“It seems that she was at a friend’s house for a party that evening,” Abe said. “She lived alone, so apparently her absence wasn’t noticed until she didn’t show up for work today. Her boss tried calling and texting with no response. So, he sent an HR employee to her house, but she didn’t seem to be home. Luckily, her boss knew a couple of other people who were at the party with her. He called around until he contacted Pamela Williams, the hostess. A friend who attended took photos of the party attendees and she had copies. She emailed the one of Meghan Reid, which her boss then posted on social media—hoping that she would contact him.”

“I assume that foul play is suspected due to Brooke’s report of abduction,” Gabriel said. “But her boss wouldn’t know that just yet. He might assume she stayed over with someone, or that there is some other explanation.”

“That’s true,” Abe said. “Except Pamela told him she saw Meghan leave with a man. She didn’t think much of it. The man was in costume, but he must have arrived late because Pamela didn’t know who he was.”

“Did she happen to get a picture?” Brooke said.

Abe slid a photo out of another file. “Take a look at this.”

Brooke stared at the photo of a man in an ornate costume and mask. She hoped it was the guy she had seen, so she could identify him, and Abe could arrest him. Her heart sank. “That’s not him,” she said, shaking her head. “It’s a different costume, but also, this guy is shorter and thinner than the man I saw in the alley.”

“That’s too bad,” Abe said. “I suppose it would be too much to expect to have a photo of the perp. It doesn’t rule out that this guy is involved. Once we find him, I’ll have him brought in for questioning.”

“If you find him,” Gabriel said.

“What do we do now?” Brooke said.

“The best thing would be to work together,” Abe said to Gabriel. “You have a vested interest because of Brooke. I know you well, so there’s no question you’ll pursue the investigation. It only makes sense to team up. We can assist each other and avoid double work.”

“Can you set that up?” Gabriel said.

“Already put in the request.” Abe smiled. “The PD will hire Guardian Investigations, so it’s all legal. Once the NOPD is your client, we can share data.” He leaned back. “It shouldn’t take long. I’m on good terms with the station chief, so I can push it through. I’m guessing we’ll be in business together by tomorrow.”

“That’s good to hear,” Gabriel said. “The longer we wait, the less likely we’ll find Meghan Reid soon enough.”

Even Brooke knew what that meant.

“At the moment, I won’t ask a judge for a search warrant of Meghan Reid’s home,” Abe said, then turned to Brooke. “I could get an affidavit from you about what you witnessed, but it wouldn’t show probable cause to search Reid’s home. It appeared to you that she was being abducted. But at the carnival and after she’d been drinking at a party—and according to Pamela, that was the case—there’s no hard evidence of a crime. There might have been mutual consent, if you get my meaning?”

“What if we don’t locate her soon?” Brooke said, fearing the worst.

“That will be a factor,” Abe said. “But her boss had a cousin go out to her house, since she was the emergency contact on the employment forms. The cousin had a spare key, so she went inside. There was no sign of anything wrong. Everything looked in order. There’s no reason to believe anything else happened other than dressing then going to the party. There was no indication of a crime at the home. And the last time the cousin heard from her was that morning. Meghan talked about the party and what she planned to wear. The conversation seemed normal.”

“Seems like a dead end for now,” Gabriel said.

“As we build the case, I’ll consider obtaining a warrant,” Abe said. “If we have reason to suspect there might be evidence that a crime occurred in her home, then I’ll go to the judge.”

Abe agreed to text the moment he had authority to hire Gabriel as a PI. Brooke couldn’t get out of the police station soon enough. She’d never liked the environment and marveled that Gabriel had worked there for so many years.

*****

There wasn’t anything further Gabriel could do until the PD became his client. “The first thing Abe will do is provide the list of party attendees. We’ll start there to find out what they know.”

Brooke didn’t refuse his offer of a drink. There was a lot to think about, and she had questions. He went to the Pontchartrain Hotel. “Does the Hot Tin bar sound okay?”

“That’s fine.” Brooke had been several times. The bar was on the hotel rooftop with a view of downtown New Orleans and the Mississippi. It was a good place for a private conversation.

They went up to the bar then sat at a table by the windows. The balcony was through accordion doors, the best place to see the view—or to make a marriage proposal. That had happened one of the times Brooke had been there. It was certainly a romantic place. But in January it was chilly, so she chose to sit inside.

The place was famous for cocktails, so Brooke ordered the Spritz, a blend of tequila, Campari, and grapefruit. It was bound to be potent, but it was that kind of week.

Gabriel went for a drink called Book Burn, a mix of barrel-aged gin, passionfruit, and lime. “Gotta keep up with you,” he said.

Brooke looked out the windows, glad to have some space. She’d felt a bit cornered the last few days, so the expansive view was nice. Until the drinks arrived, she didn’t talk about much, except to mention the design of the bar, with its authentic décor reminiscent of the nineteen forties. She tried to get her mind off the case, but it was useless. She couldn’t quit thinking of Meg and what she must be going through.

When the waiter delivered their drinks, Brooke took a couple of sips. “This is good.”

Gabriel tried his, then lifted his glass—confirming his pleasure with a nod and a smile. “I don’t come here often enough.”

His expression was filled with emotion that Brooke couldn’t quite name. Yet she guessed that he didn’t date much, even though it had been a while since his wife’s passing. Her attraction to him was powerful, and the longer she was with him, the more irresistible the chemistry. If only she was his date, instead of the woman he felt obligated to help. “I should go home,” she blurted out, before filtering her thoughts.

Gabriel looked at her.

“I don’t mean right this minute,” Brooke said before taking another sip of her cocktail. “I just meant that I shouldn’t stay at your place any longer. You’ve been more than generous. But I’m imposing.”

“I understand that’s it’s an inconvenience for you,” Gabriel said. “Of course you want to return to your own home and your routine. But I’d like you to give me a couple more days.”

Brooke hesitated.

“Humor me,” he said. “I need to gain certainty that you’re not a target. And with all that’s happened…”

She sighed. “Okay, but I owe you…big time.”

Gabriel smiled. “I’ll remember that.”

“What’s your gut feeling about this case? And the chances of finding Meg quickly?”

“It’s not a rape crime,” Gabriel said. “Or not solely. Your friend is a career woman in a high-tech field. Weston texted a bit more info about her. She’s a brilliant researcher with quite a track record in data security software. As Amalie pointed out, this incident is likely connected to her career.”

Brooke’s gut twisted. “Do you think she’s still alive?”

Gabriel twirled his glass on the table. “There’s no way to know. In the last seventy-two hours, a lot could have happened. And the perp had accomplices, at least one that we know of—that other guy she left the party with.” He paused. “But we have to assume that she is alive, and we’ll find her.”

Brooke prayed for that outcome. Then she thought of the Zagat article. That had rattled her, but she’d consoled herself with the idea that some random criminal wasn’t likely to see that photo—social media or not. The connection to a high-tech company changed things. She was anxious for the investigation to continue so law enforcement could step in and handle things—and find Meg in time.

With that in mind, she didn’t want to be alone at night and was grateful for Gabriel’s offer. He was a bit of a mystery to her. Since he was handsome, smart, and capable, surely a woman would have garnered his attention. But he seemed reserved on that subject, and it didn’t appear that he was seeing anyone. She cared about him, if only as a friend. And she wondered what emotions he had buried. It had to be a nightmare to lose a loved one, especially your spouse.

Gabriel downed the rest of his drink, then said, “Will you have another?”

Brooke realized that she’d finished her drink. It tasted good, and she welcomed the numbing effect. “Sure, if you are.”

Gabriel waved at the waiter, who came to pick up the empty glasses. “We’ll have refills,” Gabriel said. “And bring a basket of bread or crackers, whatever you have.”

“Good idea,” Brooke said, feeling the alcohol. Sitting with Gabriel, she couldn’t deny that she wanted him. She’d have to be blind not to.

The drinks arrived with crusty bread and butter. They took a few minutes to eat and sip water, then returned to the cocktails.

“Didn’t want to be accused of getting you drunk,” Gabriel said with a smile.

What he implied made Brooke tremble. She’d love for him to have his way, but he was only kidding. Two more sips of her cocktail seemed to loosen her tongue. “Tell me more about your wife,” Brooke said. “What happened? If you are okay with sharing that.”

Sadness filled Gabriel’s expression, and he looked down at his drink as though searching for answers. It made her wonder if he’d share the story with her, and she regretted pushing him. He leaned back, his shoulders sagging, making Brooke’s heart fill with compassion.

“It’s been over three years,” he said. “But I still struggle to come to terms with the loss. Margot was caught in the crossfire during a drug deal gone wrong. It was a dangerous part of the city, and she never should have been there.”

Brooke listened, relieved that he was talking about it.

“After working late, she had taken a shortcut through a bad area to avoid traffic and get home faster.” Gabriel’s eyes revealed deep emotion. “Camille, our oldest daughter, had her eighteenth birthday that day, and my wife was running late. She was at a hospital across town, covering for another nurse. She hadn’t wanted to work that day but was badly needed. She texted that several emergencies had come in. With drinking and drugs so prevalent during parades, that was to be expected. She knew that I was at home with Amalie and Camille, preparing for the party. Margot let us know that she would be late but intended to be home before the guests arrived. She didn’t text again before leaving the hospital.”

Brooke swallowed back tears.

“It was carnival season, and cars weren’t allowed on the parade route,” Gabriel said. “Surrounding streets would have been heavily trafficked. Normally, she wouldn’t have taken the route that she did.” He sighed. “I found out later that the shorter way she chose was blocked due to all the congestion. It appeared that she stopped behind other cars on the route… Gunfire erupted. She was still in her car when she died.” He wiped a tear away. “She was only forty-one…so young.”

Brooke was at a loss for words.

“It shouldn’t have happened,” Gabriel said. “I knew how crowded the area was that day. I was preoccupied with the birthday party.” He looked at Brooke. “She shouldn’t have been alone. When I knew she’d be in a rush to get home, I should have gone to get her. If I had…”

Brooke reached across the table and put her hand over Gabriel’s.

“I should have protected her,” he said.

It was heartbreaking, and so senseless. Brooke didn’t offer empty platitudes. All she could do was understand—and she did. Knowing Gabriel for the short time that she had, she understood that his failure to protect his wife tortured him.

“I was overcome with grief…and anger,” he said. “The crime I’d fought so long in this city had taken my wife from me, taken her life…so unfairly.” He took a drink. “Our daughters were devasted, and for a while, I wasn’t sure that we’d all recover.”

“And now?” Brooke said softly.

“With her death, the joy vanished from my life,” Gabriel said. “But over time, I’ve made the effort to move on. It’s what she would want. I have two daughters I adore. For them, I couldn’t let grief consume us.”

“And the anger?”

“That’s why I left the PD. All the red tape, the delays, and even dishonesty—vested interests.” Gabriel stiffened. “I left and started my own firm, where I call the shots and have control.” He thought for a moment. “Ultimately, the criminals were brought to justice. But it took too damn long. And putting them in jail didn’t bring my wife back.” He shook his head. “It was all so senseless.”

The silence that followed was laced with emotion. Brooke felt closer to Gabriel. He’d allowed her to see into his heart, and so much made sense. Another man wouldn’t have blamed himself. But Gabriel had devoted his life to protection. Without his voicing it, she knew that his failure—real or imagined—to protect his wife had crushed him.

Brooke was unable to deny the feelings she had for Gabriel. He may not feel the same way, and she could accept that. It wasn’t the time to consider starting a relationship. He was there to protect her, and that was everything. He was a good man and a good friend. Whether Brooke might mean more to him, she wasn’t sure. But that wouldn’t change how she felt about him.

Gabriel changed the subject, and they ordered dinner. It was getting late, and the alcohol had its effect. Brooke welcomed the food. During the meal, conversation was at a minimum. The mood had shifted, and she couldn’t help seeing Gabriel in a new light. She understood him better—and she cared.

When they got back to his house, he stood under the porch light to unlock the door. Brooke stood next to him, desire flooding her. He must have felt it, because he hesitated before leaning down to kiss her. It was a tender kiss that radiated sensations through her body. She kissed back, wanting more. But Gabriel pulled away, stroked his fingertips across her jaw, then opened the door for her to go inside.

The evening was over, but Brooke didn’t want to part with Gabriel. Yet she didn’t trust what was happening. He’d just told her about losing his wife and was vulnerable. Once inside, Gabriel didn’t make a move, and she wasn’t about to.

Gabriel didn’t turn on any lights. He stood in the living room with the outdoor lights shining in and watched as she stepped closer. Then he rubbed his hand down her arm and kissed her again.

He waited without saying anything. Brooke could have taken advantage of the opportunity, knowing if she fell into his arms, he might take things further. But she didn’t do it. Something held her back. The evening had been special, and she felt close to Gabriel. An unspoken agreement passed between them.

“It’s late,” she said in a soft voice. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

Gabriel nodded and stepped back, but his gaze followed her all the way to the bedroom. She went inside and shut the door, before taking a deep breath. Oh my God, what was that? Brooke wanted it to be the start of something special, but she dared not hope. She was an idiot to leave him in the other room, but she feared messing things up.

She rubbed her hands over her face before getting ready for bed. Snuggling under the covers did little to relax her mind. She thought of Meg and the horrible situation she was in. She wondered if she was hurt or in pain. It agonized her to think of her good friend being abducted. It wasn’t right. She had to do all she could to help find Meg.

*****

The next morning, Brooke woke early to dress. Tuesday was her day off, and she had a lot to do. She needed coffee.

Gabriel was in the kitchen scrambling eggs. “Good morning, beautiful.”

Brooke intended to act like nothing had happened—because it really hadn’t, she told herself. But his warm greeting didn’t help. She headed straight for the coffee pot and didn’t speak again until she got caffeine in her veins.

When a plate of eggs was set in front of her, there was no choice but to eat. It would be rude not to. Besides, her stomach was growling. “Thank you for this. You don’t have to cook for me.”

“I was making breakfast anyway.” Gabriel sat across from her, looking tempting in his cotton shirt and jeans.

“I’ll be out today,” Brooke said, heading off any offer of police security. “I know you want to keep a close eye on me, but I won’t be alone.”

Gabriel looked at her with suspicion.

She smiled. “It’s my day off. I have Pilates with Lisle. It’s our regular class. And then I’m going to my sister’s house to visit with her.” And she intended to talk to both about Meg, since they knew her too. Maybe they’d have an idea that would help.

When Gabriel didn’t say anything, she added, “Lisle is picking me up here, if that’s okay.”

“Sure…of course.” He put his plate in the sink. “Would you mind texting when you’re done with all of that…so I know that you’re okay?”

“Absolutely,” Brooke said. “I was wondering if… Um, can I use the washing machine? I’m kind of running out of clothes.” It sounded like she was his girlfriend or something. Everything she did or said seemed like that. The more she tried to act casually, the more awkward it was.

“Make yourself at home. You know where everything is.”

Gabriel told her that he’d received a text from Abe. The PD had agreed to be his client, so they could work together. He’d agreed to meet with Gabriel to start interviewing the party attendees. “Hopefully, we’ll get a lead.”

Brooke hoped one of the partiers had seen the abductor well enough to identify him, but that might be too much to ask.

Before Lisle picked her up, she managed to get a load of laundry done. It was difficult to get her mind off Meg. Gabriel had already left, but he’d given her a spare key.

On the way, Lisle plied her with questions that Brooke did her best to answer. She wanted to share Meg’s situation, but didn’t spring that on her immediately.

“So, you and Gabriel are a thing now?”

“I didn’t say that. There is no such thing going on. He’s attractive, that’s all.”

“And you’re living with him.”

“It’s not like that, and you know it,” Brooke said. “I don’t plan to stay there much longer. Abe is working on the case with him, so I expect a breakthrough soon. In any case, I intend to look out for myself.”

Lisle gave her a knowing smile.

“Don’t look at me like that,” Brooke said. “Focus on my real issue, the crime that was committed. And I have more to tell you about the victim.”

Lisle widened her eyes. “You’re going to make me wait?”

Pilates required focus, so during the session only the instructor did the talking. Afterward, Lisle suggested coffee, so they walked to a nearby café.

“I could use this,” Brooke said, sipping her hot brew. “I only had one cup this morning.” She put her cup down. “I should have gotten an extra shot.”

“Spill it,” Lisle said. “What should I know?”

Brooke told her that the missing woman was her friend Meg and how devastated she was over it. “It’s scary to think that a woman I’ve know so long has been taken.”

“You introduced us a few times,” Lisle said. “I don’t know her like you do. But why? I don’t understand what’s behind this.”

“I don’t either, and it’s not like Meg to be involved in anything unsavory,” Brooke said. “Whatever happened, she wasn’t complicit. I’m sure of that.”

Brooke talked more of their friendship, and Lisle helped brainstorm anything that might be useful. But they came up dry. Neither could think of any reason for Meg’s situation, or of anyone she knew who was suspicious. Meg was respected in her field, and her lifestyle was conservative.

“If anyone should be in trouble, it would be me,” Lisle said. “I’m wild compared to Meg and everything you’ve told me about her.”

“I hope for a clue soon.” Brooke was worried.

Lisle chatted about dating, particularly a new guy who seemed promising. She was clearly trying to distract Brooke from the pressure of the situation, and Brooke listened, glad to have the focus on something besides danger. “So, is it serious?”

“Doubtful.” Lisle shrugged. “You know my luck with men.” She drained her coffee cup, then looked up. “I gotta get going. I was supposed to be off all day, but my sous chef called in sick. Jasper needs me this afternoon. Keep me posted. I’ll be thinking about you…and Meg too.”

“Sure,” Brooke said. “Can you drop me at Genevieve’s place? She’s expecting me.”

On a day off, Brooke often visited her sister. Performing was a nighttime occupation. Staying up late and sleeping in was Genevieve’s routine.

When Brooke rang the bell, her sister was still in her robe. “Come in. I’ll get some coffee.”

“You’re too late for me,” Brooke said. “I’ve already had two cups. But take your time. Once you get ready, we can grab some lunch.”

Genevieve ushered her in and gave her a hug. While she had coffee then showered, Brooke waited. It felt good to be in her sister’s condo. It was safe for the moment. But it wasn’t that way for Meg.

The scare of the parade incident had faded. Brooke had recovered from the shock. Sinking into an armchair, she finally had an opportunity to consider the situation—and it wasn’t promising. The threat still existed, and she had no clue what the consequences might be. Her safety wasn’t assured, despite Gabriel’s best efforts. Yet something else nagged at her. The danger she was in could affect her career, her coworkers, and those she was close to.

Missing her son, she texted. David might be between classes. Luckily, he was walking across campus to his next class and answered her. Brooke didn’t tell him what had happened. He’d be concerned, and she didn’t want to distract him. There wasn’t anything he could do about it anyway. His replies were reassuring. He was fine, making friends. He’d talk to her more when he had a chance.

Brooke let him get to class. She looked at a couple of pictures on her phone. He looked like his dad, with dark hair and dark eyes. He was handsome, but then, she was biased. Although her son had no problem getting dates. Everett Clark hadn’t been a great husband, but he was a good father. He got along well with his son and was glad to pay for college. That had worked out, as there was no way Brooke could afford it.

She leaned back in the chair and closed her eyes. Her family and friends were important to her. It was bad enough that she’d put herself in jeopardy. The last thing she wanted was for her bad fortune to affect those she loved. And the magnitude of Meg’s situation weighed heavily on her. There had to be something she could do to put an end to the danger. Whatever it was, she’d find it. Gabriel’s protection only went so far. It was time to take charge, to step up and take care of this. Only…she wasn’t sure how to do that.