Chapter 110

"What the fuck was that all about?" Rhys cornered John backstage. Dylan and Ian got up and stood in between them. "I know things are intense but none of us knew that was coming. Rhys, can you call your attorney?" Dylan asked.

Rhys backed off John. " I suggest we hire another one at this point. I don't trust anyone outside of our circle and my guess is that there will be more to come." Rhys picked up his phone and walked out.

Pearl just sat there, in front of the mirror. Why would David do this? She thought.

"Dylan", John said, "I don't know what's going to happen after that outburst on live television. We can only hope for the best. I have to call Jason." Tony, Ian and Blake followed him out the door. Dylan looked at Pearl. "Are you ok? I need to know that you're ok." He asked, putting his hand on her shoulder.

"I'm ok." She said, still staring into the mirror.

Dylan was still furious. "Let's hope I don't see this asshole David anytime soon. I can't be responsible for what I do to him if I see him." Pearl looked up at Dylan and said, "This is my fault. All of it. I never should have gotten involved with him. He is probably angry and jealous. My wedding is all over the internet." Pearl put her face in her hands.

"Pearl, I saw the wedding news, too." Dylan began, "and I admit, it hurt like hell knowing it happened. I was jealous and sad. But I would never, ever think about slandering you or hurting you. This isn't just about jealousy. This is revenge. And if we wants to fuck with you, he's stupid. Because it means he fucks with all of us. You aren't alone. I promised you that. And you have this band as your family. And a husband that has connections. David fucked up and has no idea what's coming for him." Dylan said and walked out. Pearl sat there, alone in silence, trying to stifle the tears as they began to fall.

"We've read the article and Rhys has contacted his attorney. They are getting a team together with a corporate lawyer as well as one that specializes in slander and defamation cases. It's going to be ok." John said when they got back to hotel. Rhys still hadn't returned. He and Jim had to "take care of a few things" but said they would be back soon.

"We have to meet with Jason in the morning. We can only hope this doesn't affect our album." John said and went back to his room. Iris stayed with Pearl, making her some tea. Dylan sat at the table in the dining area of the suite, looking out the window. "Where is your husband? He should be here, with you." Dylan said, still looking out.

"He will be back soon. He promised." Iris said.

Dylan stood up, kissed Pearl's forehead and said he had to make a call. "I'm not leaving. I'm just going outside for a minute" he said.

Pearl felt awful. This was not what she wanted or expected. She knew David was a jerk and she knew he was angry with her but she told him he could have the company. That she didn't want it. She didn't care at all about having any ties to him. What was going on? There must be an explanation.

"Pearl, are you awake?" Rhys asked, shaking her. She had fallen asleep waiting for him. "I am now. What time is it?" Pearl asked, rubbing her eyes.

"Midnight." Rhys said, sitting on the bed.

"Where have you been?" Pearl asked, feeling anxious and pissed off.

"Jim and I had a couple of things we needed to handle. I didn't want to upset you even more so I just took care of it."

"What? What did you take care of? And don't treat me like that. I am strong enough to handle things and I don't need you using the excuse of protecting me to keep things from me." Pearl was furious now.

"Ok. That's fair." Rhys said. " I got a call that someone set fire to the bookshop. Thank god Frank was in the back, doing his final inventory. They thought it was closed and empty. Someone threw a Molotov cocktail through the front window but Frank heard the breaking glass and called 911 immediately, throwing a rug over the fire. There was only minimal damage."

"Oh god." Pearl said.

"And there's more." Rhys said. "Someone saw Carys in town two days ago, having lunch, with David Powers."