He could hear the phone ringing but he decided to leave it, he was still exhausted from the previous days events. The phone rang out and after a few seconds Jack could hear Tony's voice blaring out over the answer machine. He cringed as he bunched the pillows over his head - Tony's voice was the last thing he wanted to hear first thing in the morning.
He tried to shut it out but knew it wouldn't work, he had to get up and go into work; he was already late. Stretching over to the phone he clicked the 'mute' button and Tony's voice disappeared, the place was silent again.
After a quick shower Jack began to dress, choosing a white shirt to go with his black trousers - as he was late he could at least try to look professional. As he dressed he noticed the one bruise on his stomach - Mark had only gotten one clear shot through. He smiled to himself as he thought about that before inspecting his face, the bruising on his cheekbone had changed from the ugly brown it was last night to a softer purplish colour. It didn't hurt when he prodded it, in fact, the only thing that did sting were the knuckles on his left hand, still bandaged from the night before.
This time Jack did laugh, he hadn't struck Mark with his strongest arm, making the victory even more tasteful, the weasel hadn't had a chance against him. He knew he'd have to see Carol at some point today, and Casey too. Carol was never forthcoming with details about her and Marks relationship, maybe he'd get more information from her. If last night was a typical display he'd have to have another 'talk' with Mark; nobody would talk to his family in such a way.
After running his hands through his hair and considering it 'done' he made his way into the kitchen; although he didn't have time for breakfast he would need a cup of coffee to keep him awake. Carol had arrived at the station an hour after he was arrested, but they wouldn't let him go. They still hadn't taken his prints or his statement. He was allowed to talk to her for a brief moment where he told her he was sorry for starting the fight and that she should go home, he'd get a cab when he was released. As he was sober they wouldn't be holding him overnight.
He drank the coffee quickly as he eyed the note Kim left him before she left for college. She hadn't expected him to be more than an hour or so at Carols and had been worried sick. Nobody had answered the phone when she had called, making her even more paranoid. She'd been relieved to see him sleeping when she woke, but angry at his disappearance.
"You better have a good explanation for last night," she had scribbled, no kisses at the bottom, which told him he was in trouble. Great, he though, first Tony now Kim.
He was about to rush out of the house when he remember he hadn't grabbed his wallet. He found the clear plastic bag holding his keys and wallet among the other things he had with him when they had taken him in. He sighed as he realised he'd have to walk to Carols to get his car - he was going to be even later than planned. Today was going great already, he thought sarcastically as he left the house.
Tony had left a message for him to come straight to his office in reception as he entered the building. He sighed before heading over to it, since when did Tony think Jack took his orders? He went to glance at his watch before remembering he had left it at home, he grabbed his cell and checked the time, he was two hours late.
"Where the hell have you been?" Tony demanded before taking a moment to take in the tired mans appearance.
"I'm sorry Tony I don't recall being told that I had to answer to you," Jack snapped sarcastically.
"Well you're late and we're running on active protocol."
"Why?" Jack asked, generally confused.
"We got a tip that they are already here, got in some time last week. Our sources were wrong Jack, so instead of keeping them at bay we need to find them."
"Alright," he muttered, lost in thought. "Do we have any more Intel?"
"Its all in your system already."
"Thanks," Jack said as he started to turn away.
"Hey what happened to you anyway?"
"None of your business," Jack said slowly as he turned back around to face him, intimidating Tony.
"Well I think it is my business when I get LAPD on my ass this morning. They ran some prints for assault and look who they belong to," he spoke quickly annoyed with Jack's attitude. Like Jack he wouldn't back down.
"Yeah well the guys not pressing charges so it's none of your concern."
"Yeah, maybe not but I had to cover your ass when Chappelle smelt your blood!"
"Thanks Tony," he said as he headed for the door ignoring his questions, "I'll call a briefing once I'm all caught up."
"God damn it Jack what the hell happened?" He was angry now, he didn't like Jack leaving him in the dark. Since they had been working together running CTU few occurrences like this had happened but it didn't mean he would accept it when it did happen.
"Family business," Jack called before walking away. Tony sighed, that was the most information he would ever get out of Jack, especially if it concerned his family.