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.

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

and Nicholas had known this partnership was a dance

he had no choice. His wife,

desk, and

but screeched to a halt

figures in black emerged from the car. Two laid a

car was clearly not an option; a single wrong move would leave

his teeth, threw the car into reverse, and slammed on

the vehicle behind him, blocking his

that escape was futile, Nicholas stepped out, scowling at the approaching assassins. He reached behind his back, gripping the screwdriver tightly. “Chief

didn’t he?” Nicholas’ temples throbbed. The question hung heavy in

situation was dire. Though bailed out, Jameson was now a marked man and Jasper and Alyssa were determined to bring him

by imminent danger, his primal survival instinct urged him to eliminate the threatNicholas. Nicholas understood Jameson’s ruthlessness, but

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 muscles to back it up. Cooperate, and your end will

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

need to be

Chief Novak. It’s a pity our

assassins charged

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

seasoned officer, fought with the desperation of a cornered

find its mark. A searing pain erupted in his left