Can’t Win Me Back

Xavier gasped for air, his eyes fixed on the washroom door, now barricaded. He felt a sudden, clammy dread.

Lost in his throes of addiction, Jasper's eyes glazed over as he succumbed to the familiar pull of unconsciousness. He was a sitting duck, helpless and at the mercy of whatever came his way.

With a fierce glare, Xavier snatched up a mop and stormed to the door, his voice sharp and strained. "Who's there?

A steady and low voice came from the other side of the door. "Mr. Hall, it's me. Julien."

Xavier's grip loosened, the mop clattering to the floor as tears burst forth. "Dr. Lovelace!"

"Don't panic. I'm the only one out here. There's no one else here." Julien's voice softened, laced with urgency." Jasper is having an episode, isn't he? Let me in so I can take a look at him."

Hastily wiping his face, Xavier shoved the cart aside and fumbled with the lock. The door creaked open, and Julien slipped inside, lithe and precise, locking it swiftly behind him.

Beckett. You are

sharply

himself, Xavier had bound his hands with his own necktie. He then gagged Jasper with his tie, a desperate measure to

face was ashen, his lips quivering

pleading, drowning in agony. His body shook uncontrollably, tears carving paths down his ashen face.

bag from his pocket, unfolding it to reveal

You're my patient. I am responsible

dropped. Jasper, once a beacon of charm and competence, had been reduced to this fragile state. And Julien... Julien was

to Julien? How would Jonah cope? And Alyssa... What would she do if

moving, deftly inserting needles at key points

and dazed, his breathing

the necktie binding Jasper's wrists. "How long