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

and Nicholas had

he had no

turned back, retrieved a screwdriver from his desk, and

in his black SUV but screeched to a halt in a deserted alley. At the other end, a black vehicle blocked

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

single wrong move would leave him stranded

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

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

stepped out, scowling at the approaching assassins. He reached behind his back, gripping the screwdriver

he?” Nicholas’ temples throbbed. The question hung heavy in the air,

now a marked man and

primal survival instinct urged him to eliminate the threatNicholas. Nicholas understood Jameson’s ruthlessness, but tonight wasn’t the time for him to meet his

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

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

need to be

It’s a pity our employer

assassins charged at

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

officer, fought with the

mark. A searing pain erupted in his left arm as a knife