"I'm sorry sir, but I did not actually assist anything, I came in and I was too late. All I did was respond how anyone would, pretend it never happened. I didn't want to get caught in the cross hairs between you and Jack."
"You should have called Division. You should have helped me. This is the second time you have been involved in an incident like this Michelle, I will not tolerate anymore. CTU is short staffed and so I will allow you to return to work, but if I hear anymore or your insubordination I shall suspend you and press charges. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes sir. What do you want me to do?"
"Work on the satellite link to try find where the hell Jack's gone. I want that son of a bitch back here under arrest now."
"Sir. You honestly don't think Jack is involved with this. The very mention of Jack working against us is unspeakable."
"Listen Michelle, I don't want your opinion here. I want Jack here, now!"
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Michelle crossed CTU and went over to Milo and Kim.
"Kim, I'm going to need you to help me track a satellite link. Come with me."
They entered Tony's office and Michelle opened up the necessary computer file.
"What did Chappelle say to you?"
"Nothing just gave me one hell of a warning."
"At least he didn't fire you." She laughed.
Michelle wondered why Kim's spirits had suddenly lifted. Moments ago she was worried sick about her father, and now...
"What's cheered you up?"
"Erm, nothing." Kim replied, remembering her promise of secrecy.
"You sure?"
"Yep."
"Okay, you just seem a little different is all."
"Nope, just trying to look on the bright side."
"Oh." Said Michelle, still suspicious. She decided to leave it for now.
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Palmer and Sherry had finished cleaning up Jack, who still lie asleep. They had removed his shoes, and then his shirt to clean his chest. He had a small cut just above his right eyebrow, which now had white tape over. He had a longer gash on his cheek next to his ear which Sherry had also covered. There was heavy bruising on his left cheek bone and also on his fore head. There was mainly bruising on his chest, and a few cuts here and there, where the skin had broken, but Sherry had taken care of everything. She could tell most of his ribs were broken, but his breathing was fine so he hadn't punctured a lung. Seeing how David looked scared at his stabbed arm, she carefully cleaned it with antiseptic cream and gently re-bandaged it up again.
They left the room so as not to wake Jack. She turned to Palmer,
"You wanna tell me what happened now?"
"I guess." He sighed, " You know what we did to the terrorist group that planned the nuclear strike?"
"Yes."
"They had evidence of my involvement. That's what's inside the documents I had."
"So...?" she encouraged him.
"I authorised a mission for Jack to retrieve those documents. He didn't know they were for me. Not many people did. But it went wrong when they got there. Harry Dean contacted me saying he had Jack and another agent in his possession, as well as the documents. In the end I managed to get them to release Jack, and give back the documents, threatening to destroy their cell. Only, when I got there, Jack had gone back for Tony, and his girlfriend Kate, who they had kidnapped."
"And?"
" When I got there, they again had Jack. After seeing what they had done I tried to trade with them again. I couldn't leave Jack. They had beaten him up with a crow bar, and I just couldn't leave knowing it would continue."
"But that's not what is bothering you, is it David."
He lifted his head and his eyes met hers.
"No. The other agent, Tony Almeida, he was also in the room. They had also hurt him. They gave me the choice, I could take Jack and Tony, or Jack and the documents that incriminate me. I chose documents over the life of an innocent man Sherry." Tears filled his eyes. "They killed Kate Warner Sherry, Jack's girlfriend. They said they would make sure Jack had nothing to go back for. They killed her. It's all because of me."
"It's okay David. You made the right choice. Now, we have to think this situation through very carefully. Does Jack know about the agreement you made, or that Kate is dead?"
"No. He was out of it."
"Okay. But when Jack wakes up he is going to want to know how he ended up here, why they even let his go the first time, never mind how they let you come and get him."
"How do I do that?" He asked confused.
"The death of Kate can work to our advantage David. They kill Kate Warner, and threaten to do so to Jack Bauer, so you secretly go and pay their ransom because of your admiration and loyalty for Jack. That is perfect David! You are out of the woods if you stick to this story."
"I don't want to lie to him Sherry, he deserves more than that."
"David. We both know how dangerous this man is. You don't want his to know you sacrificed his friend and were partly responsible for the death of his girlfriend do you? I have seen him mad David, and I wouldn't want to be in your shoes when the lightening strikes."
"I understand. I will stick to the story."
"Do not mention the documents or it may become obvious you have something to hide."
"What if he asks why he was released the first time?"
"He wont, David. His concern will be Tony, and Kate I guess. If he does ask, say you have no idea, you weren't informed of the situation until later."
"Ok. I just don't like the thought of lying to Jack, after all he has done for me."
"It is his job David. Leave it at that, okay."
"Fine."
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Harry Dean spoke to someone on the phone.
"You have no information on his location?"
"None at al. Were currently tracking satellites to try find where he went."
"Well hurry up. I want notifying of any possible leads."
"Sure."
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Kim tried pulling up the link, but it was obvious her mind was else where. Deciding she had had enough, she shut the computer down, and headed towards the toilets. Instead of entering she passed straight by, rounded a corner and left through the fire exit. Once outside she began running, and after 10 minutes she reached the pickup point. Just as explained, there was a black limo. She walked up and opened the door, letting herself in. Once seated the driver turned and said,
"Kim?"
"That's me."
"Good."
They set off driving.
Back at CTU, Milo picked up the phone and dialled a number he was familiar with.
"Yes."
"It's me. She's left."
"Okay."
He hung up, and looked around, checking no one had noticed him on the phone.