Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

"Josh!" Upon seeing Josh, David's eyes gleamed enthusiastically as if he had found a sliver of hope.

Separated by a long table, David was about to limp over to Josh when the policeman on the watch hurried over to pin him down out of concern he might lash out again.

Josh remained seated, but his disdain for his criminal brother was on full display from his back-leaning posture, vigilant gaze, and downturned lips. To him, familial bonds had always been the most useless thing in the Schmidt family.

In their youth, David had been Josh's playmate, but as adults, Josh regarded the foolish David merely as a tool. He had cleaned up David's mess multiple times and spoiled him to no end, all to prevent David from coveting his power.

His strategy had been to tame David and render David a dependent believer of his.

Alas, David was a dim-witted good for nothing.

The more Josh thought about it, the more he felt disgusted by David. Even until now, he did not think he was in the wrong for framing David for murder. He'd done everything to save David, so it was only fair for David to shoulder the blame.

"Josh, why am I charged with attempted murder? I've not done anything like that," David rambled, his cracked lips trembling. "I'm innocent! They made a mistake! Someone's trying to frame me. Who did I attempt to murder? I know nothing about that!"

tone as he cleared his throat. He spoke slowly as if addressing someone with difficulty in comprehension. "The witness statement and evidence are against you. The

white. "When have I asked him to

at this critical time? Didn't I repeatedly assure you

not! I did not murder. How many times should I repeat myself?" David slammed his fists on the table, spittle flying. "Call Dad now!

won't keep this from you. Dad also agreed with what I said just now," Josh's patience wore thin, and he frowned. "I've done all I could for you, but you

you mean? Giving up on

wardens to look out for you, so you don't have to suffer. This is the best I can do

on the table in front of David. Being cautious, he did not immediately offer a pen as he feared that David might use it to

on the stock transfer agreement, a sharp pain gripped his chest. "Josh, you're

yet! I might make it out one day. How could you get ahead of yourself and eye

you haven't grasped the gravity of the situation, have you? Dad would have saved you if he wanted to. He's utterly disappointed with you, and he'll never give a care anymore." Sounding concerned, Josh added, "Money and stock ownership are fleeting material possessions—you can't bring

life sentence; even if I appeal to reduce your

don't have a claim to my stocks!" David gritted his teeth and fought the urge to hit Josh on the head with the prosthetic leg. "I finally saw this for what it is. You're not here to save me—just here to laugh at me and get me to sign