Sorry this Chapter's kinda short; it's my second to last chapter, so I'm trying to set this up for the "finale."
After a few minutes, Jack received a phone call.
" Michael… The triggers didn't work… have you forgotten about your wife?" Tariq drawled. "Come to this location."
Jack's PDA received an address, so he hopped in his Camry and drove off to his latest destination. The address was well outside the city, obviously so that the terrorist could avoid being caught.
It was what looked like a small wood workshop, and as Jack entered, it looked to be empty. Jack drew his gun, and began to look around. Before he got too far, a man in a leather jacket appeared from behind a table, with his gun pointed at Jack.
" Tariq says come with me," the man ordered, turning on his heels and walking off.
Jack jogged after him, as the man unlocked a door. It was a large room with a huge screen, which the man turned on using a small metal remote.
Tariq's face immediately appeared. Behind him Jack could see the same 3 hostiles, surrounding Chloe. Jack could tell she was trying to keep from shaking, but he could tell by her eyes that she was extremely frightened. One man kicked her in the groin and she tried not to yell, even so Jack heard a groan through the bandana covering her mouth.
" It's not looking to good for your wife, Michael. But that's your own fault," Tariq grinned. " But you can help her. Tell me the correct codes for the bombs, and she's all yours."
" And what makes me think that you'll even hand her over once I give you the code?" Jack asked.
" You're just going to have to trust me," Tariq sneered.
" That's not good enough, Tariq," Jack responded, arching his eyebrows. " We meet at a neutral location, I give you the code, and you give me my wife."
" Michael, I'm the one calling the shots," Tariq reminded him.
" But I'm the one with the code. I believe I have the advantage," Jack countered, hoping it was sinking in with Tariq. " I'll give you the code for the first bomb, you give me my wife, and then I give you the rest."
" What makes me think you'll give me the rest?" Tariq asked.
" You're just going to have to trust me," Jack shot.
Tariq nodded, and gave him another location for them to meet. Jack figured Tariq understood that, even if he didn't get the rest of the codes, he would do enough damage in Time Square. Better than Syeed.
" Jack don't do it!" Jack heard I high pitched shrill. He turned to the screen to see Chloe, who had somehow removed the bandana, and was screaming at him. " I'm just one life! Think of the city of New York!"
Jack was impressed at her courage, and her willingness to sacrifice herself, but he would never sacrifice her, especially in this situation. Jack had it under control, if only she knew that. Tariq and the others looked mildly confused, and Jack realized why. If they were really married, Chloe would know that Jack wouldn't even think about sacrificing her, even for the greater good; they were supposed to be in love. He would have to sell it.
" Sweetie I love you, and I would never let those men hurt you," Jack almost whispered. At first Chloe looked confused, but soon Jack's actions registered in her brain, so she nodded.
" I love you too Michael, please come quickly," Chloe responded, suppressing tears.
At that moment Jack realized how much Chloe meant to him. He couldn't bear to see her frightened and hurt like that. No matter what she looked like on the outside, the way she was trying to be tough with the terrorists, Jack knew she was scared for her life. He would do anything to make sure all this ended well, and that they did not lay one more hand on her. He was Jack Bauer, he would save the day, and in the process, save the women he had grown to care so much for.
So fueled by his will to rescue Chloe, he stomped away to make the exchange.