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.

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

who wouldn’t blink at taking a life, and Nicholas had known this

future was bleak. But he had no choice. His wife,

back, retrieved a screwdriver from his desk, and hid it behind

his black SUV but screeched to a halt

from the car. Two laid a spiked chain across

an option; a single wrong move would leave him stranded

eyes blazed with fury. He gritted his teeth, threw the car

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

scowling at the approaching assassins. He reached behind his back, gripping the screwdriver tightly. “Chief

he?” Nicholas’ temples throbbed.

was now a marked man and Jasper and Alyssa were

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

to you. We wouldn’t be here

now,” Nicholas pleaded, his

need

Chief Novak. It’s a pity our employer wants you dead

assassins charged

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

with the desperation of

cruel mistress slowing his reflexes just enough for a blade to find its mark. A searing pain erupted in his left arm