Heller shut down the laptop and then began to scoop up the documents from the floor, they had been scattered about as the debrief had intensified. Jack was looking off to the wall distantly and Heller couldn't help but wonder if he was back in China again.

Clearing his throat Heller tried to grab his attention, he felt his stomach tighten as he saw Jack flinch before realising where he was and who he was with.

"Sorry sir I was thinking about something," he said quickly trying to cover his tracks. His eyes were red. Heller had left the room earlier for some air, knowing Jack was struggling to hold it together he left him alone. Jacks eyes had been red when he returned but neither man mentioned it, Heller didn't want to make him feel and weaker than he had admitted to being earlier.

"That's okay," he said, his hands in his pockets as he fought to find words which could fill the silence. None came, instead he could hear Jacks voice in his mind narrating the horrible images it conjured up of him in China. At one point the felt sick, not only for the abuse but also his played part in it. He knew he shouldn't have allowed Kimberly to visit, he should have seen there real intentions through the murky air they conjured up.

As he had walked the grounds earlier to give Jack space he had been troubled by his own role. Kim and Jack had been hurt, because of him. If he hadn't allowed Kim to visit she would have been doing much better than she had when Jack was brought back. But he also couldn't help but wonder if he had made the right decision, knowing Jack would still be suffering in China if he hadn't. He knew he was being selfish for believing he made the right decision; especially when he knew that if the situations were reverse he's rather die in there than allow the men to hurt Audrey to save himself.

"This will be sent out tonight. I know its not complete but I just want to make sure you're okay with what's going to be submitted?"

Jack nodded, feeling drowsy. He was tired and the emotions he had been subjected to had only wore him out even more. His back was aching from sitting upright for so long but he wouldn't lower the bed until he was alone.

"The important parts are there; they don't need to know the rest."

Heller nodded as he perched himself on the end of the chair facing Jack.

"Jack, I couldn't live with myself if I didn't tell you that I would have done exactly the same thing in your position. I know your loyalty to David is going to make this even harder to accept, but please believe me when I say that you did the right thing. Most people wouldn't even hold out that long. David has always respected you, now more than ever. We both hope you can forgive us for what we put you through, but more importantly… that you can somehow forgive yourself."

Jack fiddled with the sheets and muttered a, "thank you sir," as he pondered the mans words. Somehow, the debrief made him feel better, almost calm about what had happened. He still felt anger at himself for his actions and for allowing himself to be taken in the first place; but Heller's words were filled with raw emotion and he was beginning to wonder if he could somehow accept them as truth.

Heller stood up to leave. "What's the prognosis on the foot" He already knew but he wanted to hear Jacks perspective on the matter, and change the topic so he could leave on a lighter note.

"Nothings clear sir, but therapy starts soon. The doctors were hopeful for maybe 80 recovery, but nothings certain until the work begins."

Heller nodded, "that's good Jack, that's very good. I hope we can see each other again, soon; not for work matters. That's your decision of course, and I want you to know that I will respect your choices as I already have."

Jack nodded, reddening with embarrassment as he listened, wondering if his decision to keep everybody away had been for nothing other than spite or some strange need to show power. He wasn't sure and decided it didn' matter.

Jack called out to stop Heller from leaving room. "Sir?"

Heller turned to face him, patience seemed to somehow envelope him. It was strange, he was one of the presidents top aides and yet he could make you feel like you had his full attention and nothing more.

Jack looked down not sure of how to compose his words. "Could you pass a message on for me?"

Heller's face remained blank as he silently nodded; inside his stomach was performing somersaults at the prospects if what the man was about to say.

"Could you tell President Palmer that I'd like to talk to him, if he isn't busy one day or something?"

The way he fumbled his words made Heller smile; "I'd be happy to."

"Thank you," he said, before the man left the room for good. "Thank you for everything."

THE END of this!

There will be another sequel ;)

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THANKS FOR READING