“Don’t tell me. The type that wouldn’t hesitate to blackmail someone as a way to get their money back?”
Dylan gives me a grim nod. “That, and much worse if they don’t get what they’re owed. From what I can deduce, Ryan lost big about six months ago. Started borrowing to cover his losses, and so on. Classic gambling spiral.”
“And now they want their money,” I conclude.
“Exactly. I also found emails between Ryan and various potential buyers for his half of Summit Studio. He’s desperate to sell, which we already know, but Sasha has first right of refusal on any sale. She can match any offer he gets.”
I run a hand over the back of my neck. “So he’s trying to force her into buying him out by threatening to sell to someone else?”
“Looks that way. But here’s where it gets interesting.” He leans close to the camera. “I don’t think Ryan sent that text.”
“What do you mean?”
“My bet is they have his phone. I found a few threatening text messages from different unknown numbers. The last one was more along the lines of a death threat. It said that if hedidn’t pay up soon…” He slices a finger across his throat and shrugs. “That was a few days ago.”
My stomach drops. “So they’re using the video as a means to get their money directly from Sasha.”
“Bingo. Cut out the middleman. My guess? In order to save his own ass, Ryan told them she’s got enough money to cover the debt.”
“Fuck.” I scrub my hand over my face. “So what now?”
Dylan’s face breaks into a smug grin. “Now we fight fire with fire. I’ve already located the video on their server. It’s encrypted, but it’s nothing I can’t handle. Give me another day, and I can wipe it out of existence.”
“Did you find out who the blackmailers are?”
His grin turns almost predatory as he leans back in his chair.
“You thinkin’ mafia?” I ask, lowering my voice unnecessarily.
“Nah, but close enough. They’re part of a loan shark operation. One who prey’s on gamblers, offering quick cash with insane interest rates.” Dylan cracks his knuckles. “I’ve already started gathering intel on their entire op. By the time I’m done, they’ll have much bigger problems than dealing with Ryan.”
I nod, feeling a surge of relief. “So what should I tell Sasha?”
“Not to pay. The process of wiping the video from their servers has already started, and I’m setting up some nasty surprises for anyone who tries to access it.” He takes another swig of his drink. “But she should probably be careful for the next few days just in case. These guys tend to play pretty rough. I wouldn’t put it past them to make a trip if you know what I mean.”
“How rough?” I growl.
Dylan’s expression turns serious. “Rough enough that you might want to stick close to her until this all blows over. I’m going to do an even deeper dive, just to double-check these guysdon’t have any actual ties to the Triple Six Mafia. But it’s going to take more time.”
That’s all I need to hear. “Keep me posted. And thanks, man. We’re even.”
“Bet your ass,” he agrees with a smirk. “I’ll reach out when I’ve got more.”
After hanging up, I tap my fingers on my desk, mind racing.
Shit. This is the kind of news that could send anyone spiraling, especially with everything else Sasha has going on right now. And I have no clue how to break it to her.
I pick up my phone and call Ryder. If there’s anyone who can give me solid advice on how to approach this, it’s him.
“Sup,” he answers on the second ring. “How was the ranch? You two lovebirds have a good time?”
“We’re not lovebirds,” I snap, immediately regretting it. “Sorry, man. It’s been a day.”
His tone shifts, all playfulness gone. “What’s wrong?”
Pinching the bridge of my nose, I sigh. “Remember how I told you Sasha’s ex was being a dick about selling his half of Summit?”
“Yeah?”
