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.

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

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

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

from his desk,

but screeched to a halt in a deserted alley. At

emerged from the car. Two laid a spiked chain across

option; a single wrong move would leave

teeth, threw the car into reverse, and

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

reached behind his back, gripping the screwdriver tightly. “Chief Novak?” the leader rasped, his tone laced with

he?” Nicholas’ temples throbbed. The question

a marked man and Jasper

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

we work for 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 be

now,” Nicholas pleaded, his voice laced with

critically ill. I need to be at

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

assassins charged

be the night of his death. They slashed at Nicholas with their blades, one after another, but they

a seasoned officer, fought with the desperation

its mark. A searing pain