Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Days passed. Everything looked calm on the surface.

Beneath the surface, however, something was brewing.

On the fourth day, a black car pulled up to the police station entrance. Jason emerged, his face etched with a dark scowl. He took a deep breath before entering the building. An officer stood guard outside a visitation room where Nicholas and Jason met.

"Mr. Novak-" Jason began, but Nicholas cut him off.

"You don't have to say anything, Mr. Derullere. I understand. I've told the police repeatedly that I acted alone. No one else is involved. Regardless of the sentence, I won't appeal."

Jason clenched his jaw. As he hesitated, Nicholas continued, his voice weak, "That being said, before everything is finalized, I'd like to see Mr. Schmidt one last time. There are things I need to ask him in person."

"Mr. Novak, Mr. Schmidt is an important figure. He won't be meeting with you again," Jason said in a low voice. The mere mention of Jameson's name sent shivers down his spine. Nicholas pressed his lips together, his fingers curling into fists.

"I'm here today with a message from Mr. Schmidt himself." Jason closed the distance between himself and Nicholas, and his tone was measured. Mr. Schmidt is aware of your numerous crimes, and he believes that you will never get to see the light again.

"In light of this, you may go in peace. He will see to the necessary arrangements for your funeral. As for your wife..."

He left the sentence unfinished. Nicholas's heart plummeted.

Mr. Schmidt will ensure your

feet. He offered Nicholas a curt nod before exiting

suffocating rage threatened to consume him as his

station, his expression grim. As he approached his car, his phone

read, "Mr.

understands

made

message containing a geolocation. It was

his

Keeping his composure, he

the driver, who

an acquaintance, and seeing him like

head, so

tasked with monitoring Jason,

took a pensive glance at Jason before

minutes later, Jason arrived

pulled