Prequel

The trendy LA café was unusually quiet considering it was a Sunday afternoon. A handful of people were scattered at tables inside, casually sipping coffee. Soft classical piano played over the speakers and a waiter approached the man sitting in the centre of the restaurant, the man with the horrible acid burn on his hand.

'What can I get you today?' The waiter asked. Jack Bauer looked up at him and smiled slightly.

'I'm still waiting for someone…' Jack said. The waiter nodded and walked away.

Jack took a sip from the glass of water on the table and then watched as the Toyota pulled up just outside the café. The engine stopped and a woman got out of the car. She looked very different, but Jack would never forget her face.

As she entered the café, Jack stood up. She saw Jack and gave him a nervous smile. She brushed her blonde hair behind her ears and walked towards the table. Jack stood up and hugged her.

'Dad, it's been so long.' Kim said.

'It's so good to see you.' Jack said. They pulled apart and Jack looked at his daughter in the eyes. A single tear rolled down his face and he wiped it away. Jack kissed her head and then hugged her again.

They finished their long embrace and sat down across from each other.

'How have you been?' Jack asked. Kim paused and smiled awkwardly.

'Good. I mean I'm single again but I think I've sorted a lot of my stuff out.' Kim said.

'That's good.' Jack said. 'I'm so sorry for everything that has happened to you…'

'I know Dad…' Kim said. 'I also know that a lot of what I've blamed you for in the past hasn't really been your fault.'

'I shouldn't have stayed with CTU. I should have left a long time ago.'

'No. Don't say that. This country is kept safe by people like you.' Kim said. 'I'm sorry that I held onto that anger for so long.'

Jack reached out and held Kim's hand.

'I think I'm ready to start talking to you again.' Kim said.

'That's good.' Jack said. The tears forming in his eyes made him look away. 'That's all I ever wanted.'

'I'm going to be busy for the next few months because of the campaign but after that I would like nothing more than to spend some time with you.' Kim said. 'Like the old times.'

Jack nodded. 'So you got the job as Norman Harris's personal assistant?'

'Yeah.' Kim replied. 'The reference from President Palmer helped out a lot.'

'I'm sure everything he said about you is true.' Jack said.

Kim smiled at her father.

'Do you think he has a chance at becoming President?' Kim asked.

'Norman Harris?' Jack asked. 'I really don't know. I haven't followed the news since I left CTU.'

'Of course.' Kim said.

Jack sighed and there was suddenly a tension between them. One that had always existed.

'Kim…' Jack said.

'Yeah?' Kim asked

'Promise me that when you're out there on the campaign trail that you'll be careful.' Jack said.

Kim nodded. 'I promise.'

The waiter approached the table.