Things don't stop and the others announced they're moving on
Salt & tears in the minds in the mouths of a bad decision
Too late for another mistake it's bringing me down
With all your faults it isn't your fault
What's going on

The CTU letter head was visible through the paper before he'd even unfolded the contents of the second envelope. He grimaced as he straightened the sheets out, he wasn't ready for this. Whatever this may be, he just knew he wasn't going to like it. He hated the sinking feeling he got in his gut, it made him feel like a coward. But, objectively, he knew he had every right to wonder and worry about why the hell they had contacted him, when they knew he was in rehab.

He looked down the sheet and felt the stress leave him as he let out a loud laugh. Over the neatly typed letters a bright yellow post it note had been stuck to the paper, in the centre of the sheet. Scrawled upon it read the words, "Hurry up Jack your replacement is a nightmare." She hadn't even signed her name but Jack knew who it was from. He smiled as he carefully peeled it off, careful not to rip the paper beneath it. He grinned again as he thought about her sneakily sticking it on with nobody knowing, CTU wouldn't let her send a personal note to him in an official document. It made her message all the more welcoming, and as well as cheering him up it was another sign that there was a life outside these white walls waiting for him.

The letter was from Hammond, and was a routine case form, giving the status of an agent. Only this time the agent in question was himself. It declared that he was on medical leave until further notice and somebody else had taken up the job of Head of Field Ops indefinitely, until he returned. Underneath the official statistics and information he needed to be aware of Hammond had added his own information.

He informed Jack of complications which may arise when he returned. Apparently Division had initially decided to prosecute him along with Tony, but a threat from the President and assurances from Brad prevented this. To Jack it was no surprise that they were going to try charge him, but it still sting. Jack felt relief, not at knowing his future was safe, but at the backing from Palmer. Surely this meant he was going to show Almeida the same support? He would assume so, Palmer was not only aware of the relationship between the two but he had also constantly been apprised of Tony's actions throughout the day. Palmer would understand his circumstances and commend him for the difficult task he had had to perform. He would be free, Jack thought, and he deserved it.

After Brads reassurances he had placed a cryptic warning about Tony's replacement. It was subtle enough to go unnoticed if intercepted but Jack understood it completely. He spent a moment or two considering the possibility of a connection between the new director and the new Field Ops man whom Chloe seemed to dislike. He decided it was too early to be making such conclusions and he should concentrate on other things.

Brad himself would be leaving CTU shortly, and so he was giving him the necessary information now. He knew he would have to show Brad his appreciation when he returned; he hadn't expected any help from CTU, especially not Hammond of all people. He was grateful for the blessing in disguise and promised himself he would make sure Brad knew so.

Again he returned the letter to its envelope and placed it with the one from Michelle. He wanted to re-read the letter form her now, knowing that Tony would be okay, he felt comforted. He also felt overwhelmed, Michelle promised him she would be there for him as a friend. Brad made it clear there was a position at CTU waiting for him. Had he lost anything he had before the habit? Other than another piece of his soul which he knew would be taken forever, he wasn't sure. Of course, the finality of that would depend on the final letter, and his daughter.

Sorry this is short I thought the end was fitting. Please, give me your thoughts! I love nothing more than reviews! I don't care about the content I just like to know people are reading!