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, he couldn’t afford to do

life, and Nicholas had known this partnership

he had no choice. His wife, his

retrieved a screwdriver from his desk,

sped toward the hospital in his black SUV but screeched to a halt in a deserted alley. At the

the car. Two laid a spiked chain

wrong move would leave him

teeth, threw the car into

him, blocking his escape. The narrow alley had become a

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

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

out, Jameson was now a marked man and Jasper and Alyssa were determined

enemies. Confronted by imminent danger, his primal survival instinct urged him to eliminate the threatNicholas. Nicholas

we work for is irrelevant,” the leader smirked. “We’re aware of your capabilities. That’s why we came to you. We wouldn’t be here unless we have the guts and

Nicholas pleaded, his voice laced

ill. I need

It’s a pity our employer wants you

charged at

Nicholas with their blades, one after

a seasoned officer, fought with

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