He was beaten black and blue. Worse than when Dillan had made him fight off the debt.
I checked for a pulse in his neck, releasing a breath when I felt the faint beat. I dropped my head to his.
“What did you do this time, you idiot?”
The men chuckled from where they stood at the wall. “He made many large bets, both on sports games at bar, and poker games in back. What he win at table, he lost in bar.” Ivan explained. “I heard he supposed be cut off. I assume you terrify Dillan with little trick.”
My head snapped to him. How the hell did he know about that? What else did he know?
He grinned. “Dillan so angry when you cut him off. And then he took out on his poor employees. I often enjoy company of one. She all too ready vent her frustrations slightest opportunity. It was easy pry her for more information after. A woman scorned really is best tool against untouchable adversary. She told me all about how you storm way into club, demanding speak Dillan. And they all just cater to you. She so angry when she find out what you did to him. And yet, he no punish you. Instead, he help you. It make me wonder what you find on him. What you did with that information.”
“I did nothing. He’s a lying, cheating, dirtbag. He forced my brother to fight, won a boatload of money off him, and then still insisted we pay more. Dillan deserved what he got. I only gave him back access because he promised not to let my brother back in. He promised he would spread the word around town.”
Ivan put a hand to his heart, like he felt for me. “An honorable thing to do, but, unfortunately, Dillan can no control rest of us. He a powerful man, sure. But he can no control deals we each make. To be fair, I was curious after my little bunny tell me. I remember your brother. See, it was my man who fought him in ring. Dillan consistently refuses my offers to work together, but he still take my money when comes to fights. I no want partnership anymore. I want control of Indecent. Of his poker room and fighting rings. When he first opened it no problem. I did no think he would go far. I since learn I was wrong. His power grow all time. He has stayed in his lane, yes, but I will no allow anyone to have more power than me. Los Angeles is my domain. And with your help I can take out two adversaries for price of one.”
I was lost on what all he was talking about.
“Dillan no much of a problem, more like annoying thorn in shoe. I prefer him be under my umbrella. The Italians, now they problem. I want you make look like they coming after Dillan. Make so he has no choice but seek aid from me.”
“Which you will offer, with a deal of your own.” I deadpanned back.
Ivan grinned back at me. “Yes.”
With a dramatic sigh, I sat on the floor, keeping a protective hand on Randy’s shoulder. “What do you want me to do?”
“Nothing you have no done before. I want you break into Dillan’s system. Transfer funds from Italians. Make look like someone in Dillan’s organization paying bribes to them. Plant evidence on Italian’s side, like they trying forcefully take over Indecent.”
“And where do you want the Italian funds to go?” Like I really had to ask.
“Me of course. Make them think Dillan stealing their money.”
“You’re basically asking me to start a war between Dillan and the Italians.” I needed to be positive here.
He seemed pleased that I caught that. “Yes, exactly. Dillan no equip fight war against Italian mafia. He need help. My help. Which come at price.”
“Why me? Why Randy?”
He shrugged. “Your brother showing up was fate. I need someone who could do all this. Bunny no know your name. But I knew Randy’s face. I knew what you do. I figure you already had… beef with Dillan, so you willing take him down.” He waved towards my unconscious brother. “He just insurance policy.”
