Just One Spark (The Kingston Family 4)

Linc cleared his throat. “We thought you could use the support.”

Dash carried his mug in one hand, phone in the other, to the table and joined them. “Yeah, and despite how I sound, I appreciate it.”

“Are you aware of the fallout from yesterday’s run-in with Billy’s sister?” Xander asked.

He shook his head. “I’ve been avoiding social media, email, television, you name it.”

Xander glanced at Linc. “It’s bad. Have you looked outside? The paparazzi are lining the street. They’re staying off private property for now, but I wouldn’t count on that continuing.”

Dash groaned. The entire reason he liked the Hamptons was the privacy the people here gave him.

“Have your manager get security out here, yesterday,” Xander said.

Dash stiffened. “I’m planning on firing my manager the first chance I get. He’s the one who notified the paparazzi we were at the rehab center. Until this year, the events have been under the radar, but Dean’s been relentless about publicity lately and he showed up.” He paused. “And has suspiciously been nowhere to be found since.”

“That bastard,” Xander muttered. “I’m calling Alpha Security. I’ll have someone here soon.” He rose and headed to call the firm they both used, Dash when on tour and Xander when Sasha had had a stalker and needed round-the-clock protection.

Xander rose and stepped out of the room to make arrangements. Dash could have easily made the call, but he needed his focus on next steps and appreciated his sibling taking point.

“What’s out there?” he asked Linc. “What has Heather revealed?”

Linc leaned forward. “She accuses you of dragging her brother into the music scene, into drugs, and told the press you bought the coke and it’s your fault Billy died.”

Dash pinched the bridge of his nose. “So everything I expected.”

“Except the payoff,” Linc said.

Dash guzzled the coffee, needing the jolt to function and deal with this. No doubt he had Naomi leaving half a dozen messages on the phone he’d turned off last night, informing him of everything Linc just had.

“And I’m sure that would go over well. Kenneth Kingston paid off the family of the man who died using drugs purchased by Dash Kingston,” Dash muttered.

“I’m guessing Heather doesn’t know about the money or else she’d have informed the media.” Linc drummed his fingers on the counter. “I can talk to her and facilitate a new deal that ensures she doesn’t keep giving interviews and lets this die down.”

Jordan put her hand over Linc’s and shot Dash a sympathetic look. He knew she meant well, but he didn’t want everyone feeling sorry for him.

“Where’s my nephew?” he asked, changing the subject.

“With Mom. She took him overnight,” Linc said. “Now focus, Dash. Thoughts on me stepping in?”

“Stepping in about what?” Cassidy asked, joining them in the kitchen.

Dash rose from his chair, a huge sense of relief filling him now that she was by his side. He held his seat for her and pulled out another for himself. “Linc wants to talk to Heather and basically pay her to stop giving interviews and let things die out.”

Cassidy’s eyes opened wide in surprise. “What do you want?” she asked him.

He looked at her while he answered. “I don’t think any of us should stoop to Dad’s level. I should man up and deal with the consequences of both my actions and his.”

Approval lit her gaze.

“But I also think I should talk to Heather, face-to-face. Even if she doesn’t buy my side of the story, even if she keeps talking to the media, at least I’ll have apologized and done what I need to do for myself.”

Reaching over, Cassidy grabbed his hand and squeezed tight.

Linc rubbed the back of his neck. “I can’t say I blame you. I wasn’t exactly looking forward to cornering the woman and playing bad guy.”

“Agreed,” Xander said, rejoining them and sitting down by Sasha, who gestured to Cassidy, obviously wanting to talk in private.

“Are you okay?” Cassidy asked Dash.

He nodded. “Go on. I’m fine.”

She smiled and rose to her feet. Along with Sasha, they walked out of the room.

“I hope your fiancée isn’t planning to tell Cassidy I have too much baggage and she can do better,” Dash muttered.

Xander narrowed his gaze. “She can’t do better but that’s not the point. Whatever Sasha says, she’s just looking out for her friend. She wants what’s best for her.”

“So do I.” Dash slammed his hand on the table, knowing full well no sane woman would want to deal with this shit. First the baby mama drama and now this.

Jordan, who’d been silent until now, stood and walked over, placing a hand on his back. “Everyone wants what’s best for you, too,” she said.

He glanced up at the woman who’d made his brother a more open, warm human being. “I know that.”

“Then trust that what’s best for Cassidy is you. No matter what anyone else thinks or says.” Jordan glanced down. “Can I get you another cup of coffee?” she offered.