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 he had the courage, he

a life, and Nicholas had

But he

desk, and hid it behind his back before

halt in a deserted alley. At the other end, a

from the car. Two laid a spiked chain

wrong move

eyes blazed with fury. He gritted his teeth, threw

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

reached behind his back, gripping the screwdriver

he?” Nicholas’ temples throbbed.

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

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

we came to you. We wouldn’t be here unless we have the guts and

not now,” Nicholas

need to

pity our employer wants you dead regardless. Take him

assassins charged

their blades, one after

seasoned officer, fought with

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