Can’t Win Me Back

Late at night, the police station office was illuminated only by the eerie glow of a computer screen. It displayed Jameson’s interview after his bail.

Nicholas, haggard-looking, stared at the screen. An overflowing ashtray sat beside him.

He pursed his lips, his trembling fingers dialing Jameson’s number. To his surprise, it was engaged. Despair clenched his heart as he gripped the phone tighter.

Nicholas slumped on the couch, his eyes squeezed shut. Throughout his lifetime, he had faced horrors untold, his hands stained with the blood of many.

Yet, none of it prepared him for the soul-crushing despair that threatened to consume him now. This was the darkest night of his life.

Four agonizing days passed in this state. Then, one night, his phone rang. It was Natalie’s doctor.

“Mr. Novak, your wife had a sudden episode! She’s unstable. Please come to the hospital immediately!”

“Is she okay?” Nicholas shot up, grabbing his coat and rushing toward the door.

“Mrs. Novak is in the ER. We’ll discuss details when you arrive!”

Nicholas reached for the doorknob as the call ended. He hesitated, feeling the weight of a loaded gun in his pocket. It was a tempting deterrent, a promise of defense. But using it meant wading into a deeper swamp. Every shot, every bullet casing left behind, would be another clue for the police to follow, a neon sign pointing straight back to him and his tangled web of secrets with Jameson.

Cyrus, a rising star in the force, reminded Nicholas of his younger self. Given time, Cyrus would surely uncover their shady business.

the stomach to defy Jameson; even if he had the courage,

was a devil who wouldn’t blink at taking a life, and Nicholas had known this partnership was a dance with the reaper from the

future was bleak. But he had no choice.

turned back, retrieved a screwdriver from his desk,

but screeched to a halt in a deserted alley. At the other

emerged from the car. Two laid a spiked chain across the

not an option; a single wrong move would leave

teeth, threw the car into reverse, and slammed on the

deafening crash echoed as his car rammed the vehicle behind him, blocking his escape. The narrow alley had become a cage, and he was

escape was futile, Nicholas stepped out, scowling at the approaching assassins. He reached behind his back, gripping the screwdriver tightly. “Chief Novak?” the leader rasped, his tone

all of you, didn’t he?” Nicholas’ temples throbbed.

a marked man and Jasper

caught in a web of enemies. Confronted by imminent danger, his primal survival instinct urged him to eliminate the threatNicholas. Nicholas understood Jameson’s ruthlessness, but tonight wasn’t the time for him

we came to you. We wouldn’t be here unless we have the

this, but not now,” Nicholas pleaded, his voice laced

ill. I need to be at

Novak. It’s a pity our

charged

and silent night would be the night of his death. They slashed at Nicholas with their blades, one after

with the desperation of a

to find its mark. A searing pain erupted in his left arm as a knife sliced deep, bone