Over the next few days, Jack got more sleep than he had ever had. Maybe in his entire life. The nurses were taking good care of him…for good reason.
The fact that he had little Teri in his life now was exhilarating. Jack learned that Kim had married a man named Steven. When they'd spoken together for a few minutes, Jack knew his daughter made the right choice. Steven proved to Jack that he cared deeply about Kim and his daughter Teri.
Kim and Stephen weren't the only visitors for Jack. One of his greatest friend's stepped through the door.
"Jack," she said.
"Hey, Chloe," he said. Before he knew it, Chloe was giving him a big hug.
"Chloe…"
"Sorry, Jack. I just…I really thought you weren't going to make it this time."
"You have Kim to thank for that."
"Yeah. Jack…you're a grandfather?"
Jack chuckled a bit at this. "Yeah, I guess I am. It's great, Chloe."
Two more people entered the room, one of whom Jack recognized.
"Morris, good to see you."
"You too, Jack. How you doing?"
"About as good as I can be right now." Jack noticed the little kid next to Chloe.
Chloe noticed too. "Oh right. Prescott, I want you to meet a good friend of mine. This is Jack."
"Hi, Jack," the kid said.
"Hi there, Prescott. It's good to meet you." He and the boy exchanged a hand shake. "Your mom is a great woman. Do me a favor and don't give her a hard time."
"I won't," Prescott said. "Mommy and Daddy have said you kill bad guys. Are you like a superhero?"
Jack shot a questioning look at Chloe and Morris. Chloe gave a dirty look at Morris, who could only shrug.
"You could say that," Jack said. "But it's alright now. I think I'm retiring from the 'superhero' business."
"Aww…," Prescott said.
Morris took Prescott to get some snacks to leave Jack and Chloe alone.
"He's a good kid, Chloe," Jack said. "You're going to be great."
"Thanks, Jack," Chloe said with a smile. She looked down.
"What's wrong?"
"It's Tony. Is it true Jack? About everything he did…"
Jack got serious. "Yes, Chloe. Tony used us. You. Me. Bill. He only wanted revenge."
"For Michelle?"
"Yes…and his son."
"What?"
"Michelle was pregnant with Tony's child when she was killed."
Chloe was silent for a few moments. "I don't believe it."
"Chloe. The Tony we knew is gone. He didn't care what happened to anyone is his path."
"And Bill…" Chloe started to tear. "He sacrificed himself."
"I know." He took her hand. "He died for his country…just like he wanted to."
Chloe looked at Jack in the eye. "What are you going to do now?"
Jack looked down and back up. "I don't know…but whatever I do, I have a reason to live."
I don't intend to make this story that long. Jack gets a few phone calls next chapter!
LONG LIVE JACK BAUER!