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.

save Mr. Beckett. You are

exhaled sharply and

his hands with his own necktie. He then gagged Jasper with his tie, a desperate measure to stop

was ashen, his

His body shook uncontrollably, tears carving

a black cloth bag from his pocket, unfolding it to reveal an array of acupuncture needles and syringes filled

positioned it at Jasper's temple. "You're not just my friend. You're my patient. I am responsible for you. I will answer with my own life if anything happens

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

happened to Julien? How would Jonah cope? And

was already moving, deftly inserting needles at key points on Jasper's head and

pale and dazed, his breathing steadied,

untied the necktie binding Jasper's wrists. "How long has he been