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.

to defy Jameson; even if he had the courage, he couldn’t afford

Nicholas had known this

aware that his future was bleak. But he had no choice. His wife, his love, needed

screwdriver from his desk, and hid it behind his back before

toward the hospital in his black SUV but screeched to a halt in a

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

clearly not an option; a single wrong move would leave him stranded with a

gritted his teeth, threw the car into reverse, and

blocking his escape. The narrow alley

that escape was futile, Nicholas stepped out, scowling at the approaching assassins. He reached behind his back, gripping the screwdriver tightly.

of you, didn’t he?” Nicholas’ temples throbbed. The question hung

a marked

Confronted by imminent danger, his primal survival instinct urged him to eliminate the threatNicholas. Nicholas understood Jameson’s ruthlessness, but

of your capabilities. That’s why we came to you. We wouldn’t be here unless we have the guts and

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

need to be at

a pity our employer wants you

assassins charged at

Nicholas with their blades, one after another, but they missed. Amidst the howling wind, the terrifying sounds of punches and kicks

fought with the desperation of a

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