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.

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

blink at taking a life, and Nicholas had known this

was aware that his future was bleak. But he

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

halt in a deserted

from the car. Two laid a

option; a single wrong move would leave him stranded with a chorus of popping

blazed with fury. He gritted his teeth, threw the car into reverse, and slammed on the

vehicle behind him, blocking his escape.

futile, Nicholas stepped out, scowling at the approaching assassins. He reached behind his

temples throbbed. The question hung heavy in the air,

a marked man and Jasper and Alyssa were determined

urged him to eliminate the threatNicholas. Nicholas understood

we came to you. We wouldn’t be here unless we have the guts and muscles to back it up. Cooperate, and your

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

I need to be

It’s a pity our employer wants you dead regardless.

assassins charged

Nicholas with their blades, one after another, but they missed.

fought with the desperation of a

his reflexes just enough for a blade to find its mark. A searing pain erupted in his