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

a life, and Nicholas had known this partnership was a dance with the reaper from the

But he had no choice. His wife, his love,

a screwdriver from his desk, and

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

in black emerged from the car. Two laid a spiked

not an option; a single wrong move would

teeth, threw the car into reverse, and slammed on

crash echoed as his car rammed the vehicle behind him, blocking his escape. The narrow

He reached behind

you, didn’t he?” Nicholas’ temples throbbed. The question hung heavy in the air, a mere

now a marked

was trapped, a fly caught in a web of enemies. Confronted by imminent danger, his primal survival instinct urged him to eliminate

“We’re aware of your capabilities. That’s why we came to you. We wouldn’t be here unless we have the guts and muscles to back it up. Cooperate, and your end will

settle this, but not now,” Nicholas

need to be at

pity our employer wants

assassins charged

death. They slashed at Nicholas with their blades, one after another, but they missed. Amidst the howling wind, the terrifying sounds of punches

officer, fought with

a cruel mistress slowing his reflexes 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 the