Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

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.

More importantly, he lacked the stomach to defy Jameson; even if he had the courage, he couldn't afford to do so.

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

that his future was bleak. But he

his desk, and hid it behind his back

the hospital in his black SUV but screeched to a halt in a deserted alley.

masked figures in black emerged from the car. Two laid a spiked chain

an option; a single wrong move would leave him stranded with

teeth, threw the car into reverse, and

escape. The narrow alley had become a cage, and he was the trapped prey. Realizing that escape was futile, Nicholas stepped out, scowling at the approaching assassins. He reached behind his back, gripping the screwdriver tightly. "Chief Novak?" the leader rasped, his tone laced

of you, didn't he?" Nicholas' temples throbbed. The question hung

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

urged him to eliminate the threat-Nicholas. Nicholas understood Jameson's ruthlessness, but tonight

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

his voice laced with urgency. "My wife's critically ill. I

It's a pity our employer wants you dead regardless. Take him

assassins charged at

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

a blade to find its mark. A searing pain erupted in his left

right at his face. There