Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

The station captain was under pressure from his superiors because the police officers still couldn't get Nicholas to talk.

When he learned that Alyssa wanted to try negotiating with Nicholas, he decided solving the case was more important than following protocol. Although Alyssa wasn't a professional negotiator, he made an exception and allowed her to meet with Nicholas for a chat.

Jasper and Cyrus watched Alyssa's confrontation with Nicholas through a one-way mirror in the observation room next to the interrogation room. Their faces were grim and filled with concern.

In the interrogation room, Nicholas stared emotionlessly at Alyssa. "Ms. Alyssa, I've confessed everything I need to confess. I don't think we have anything left to discuss."

"Chief Novak," Alyssa began.

"Please don't call me that. Here, I'm just a cold-blooded murder suspect," Nicholas mocked.

Even as a prisoner, he retained his elegance-decades as an official had imbued him with an air of calmness that wouldn't disappear overnight.

"Alright, Mr. Novak, then," Alyssa conceded. Her gaze held warmth and respect. "I know you didn't end up here because you're evil. It was because you had no other choice."

"You're wrong. All my decisions were my own," Nicholas insisted. A corner of his lip twitched. "Ms. Alyssa, I only agreed to this meeting because you once saved my wife. I've confessed to my crimes and won't elaborate further. Please leave."

On the other side of the mirror, Jasper gritted his teeth and clenched his fists.

Sensing Jasper's nervousness, Cyrus patted his shoulder reassuringly. "Don't worry, Jasper. I'm sure Lyse knows what she's doing."

Alyssa took a deep breath to compose herself. She placed a report in front of Nicholas.

asked, lowering

reputable institution on the new medication you consider your

crimes for him. You

think that this so-called 'research' for a new medication was a sham from the start," Alyssa continued, her voice calm yet her eyes sharp. Her words

mean? What scam?" Nicholas

a low voice. "Not only is it entirely ineffective

it's more complex. It even

blow. As a policeman, drugs were his sworn enemy. He never

them This revelation she

his

swn!

and everything he believed

Nicholas roared. "This report is fake! You're trying to trick

falling for it. He's close to revealing

obstacles for the mastermind so the 'experiment' can

a decorated police commissioner like him would join forces with the

Alyssa. "That wasn't his intention. He was just desperate to save his

sighed in frustration. "While that's pitiful,

took

doubts. All those who the medication suffered

Nicholas. He leaned back abruptly,