Page 8 of Fearless Encounter

While Brooke was getting ready, Gabriel cleaned up the dishes and texted Abe to meet them at the station. Saturday was his friend’s day off, but that didn’t matter. He was a bit of a workaholic and wouldn’t mind a couple hours at the station.

The eighth district station in the French Quarter was like home to Gabriel. He knew most of the officers, except the new guys. The station’s colonial structure had quite a history. It had been built in the eighteen hundreds and was originally the Bank of Louisiana. After a couple of fires, it was rebuilt with a Greek Revival look, a boxlike European design with huge white columns.

During the drive, Brooke had been quiet. Gabriel led her inside to the expansive halls leading from the entry. In contrast to the station’s historical image, the interior was modern. The floors gleamed as if recently polished and the reception desk shined in the fluorescent light. The receptionist lifted her hand in greeting. “He’s in his office.”

Gabriel was a frequent visitor, and the staff allowed him access without the normal red tape. He turned the corner and walked toward the familiar office, but he didn’t need to go far. Abe Stewart was in the hallway, talking to a couple of officers. He stood out in the crowd. He was six feet three, with broad shoulders and a muscled frame. He shaved his head to a mere dark shadow and had a close-cropped, dark beard. In law enforcement, his Creole heritage worked to his advantage. The city was a unique melting pot of Creole, French, Spanish, and more. In many situations, Abe fit in much better than Gabrielcould. His family had lived in the city for generations, so he understood much that others might not.

His friend cut an imposing figure, but his stature was sometimes misleading. He used his strength in a positive way and served the city he loved with compassion. He had been a good partner and remained a trustworthy friend. He glanced up, then dismissed the other cops. “Hello,” he said, and held out a hand to Brooke, ignoring Gabriel.

Abe towered over Brooke. She looked up and, with only a slight hesitation, shook his hand. “I’m Brooke Montgomery.”

On his way into the office, Gabriel acknowledged his friend with a nod.

Coffee was offered. Gabriel chatted a bit with Abe until the coffee was brought in. The conversation seemed to relax Brooke. She stopped gripping the chair arms and leaned back, sipping her drink.

In a calm, easy manner, Abe proceeded to interview Brooke and obtain the details of the incident she’d witnessed. He asked all the pertinent questions, giving her plenty of opportunity to respond. While she told the story, Abe typed the information into his computer. “And you hadn’t seen this woman before?”

“Not that I recall,” Brooke said. “She was elaborately dressed and wearing a mask. I’m not sure I’d recognize my best friend in a costume like that. But I clearly recall the purple hair and the sparkling tiara. She was somewhat petite, because the man seemed to completely overpower her—not only with his aggression but his size.”

Abe seemed to ponder the situation. “You’ve given us reason to open a case. We don’t have enough to locate this woman, but it’s early yet. More information could turn up.”

“And keep this quiet for now,” Gabriel said. “Like we discussed, there’s no need to involve the press—until we learn more.”

“I agree.” Abe looked at Brooke. “I would advise not sharing this information with friends or family just yet—for your own safety.”

She leaned forward. “You really think there’s a threat?”

“That depends on many factors.” Abe paused, as if deciding on the right words. “You witnessed a violent crime, which makes you a target. The question is whether the perpetrator had a good enough look at your face to recognize you. And whether he will come after you.”

Brooke didn’t respond, so Gabriel said, “We’ll be careful.”

*****

When back in the car, Gabriel turned to Brooke. “I want you to know that we can count on Abe. He will do the right thing, without getting caught up inprocedure.”

“Why do you say it like that? You sound…I don’t know…annoyed.”

“I’ve had experience with the inner workings of law enforcement,” Gabriel said, realizing he was sharing more than he intended. “Never mind—you’re in good hands.”

Brooke frowned but didn’t push.

Gabriel started the engine. “I intend to stay close until we know more.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ll work with my team to uncover any data that might help,” Gabriel said. “Meanwhile, you shouldn’t be alone.”

Brooke’s eyes widened. “I have to go to work, you know.”

“It should be safe with the other employees there,” he said. “I’ll pick you up at the end of the day.”

“But I hardly know you.”

Gabriel smiled. “I’m your protector.”

“Says who?”

“I say so—until the danger has passed. I don’t look the other way when a woman is in trouble.” He cringed at old memories that haunted him, but brushed the thoughts aside.