Jack woke early the next morning with a slight headache from the few bottles he'd drank while out with Chase. He couldn't stop playing the conversation through in his mind, it was as though his brain had recorded Chase's words and was on constant repeat. He could feel himself beginning to accept that maybe, just maybe, he hadn't failed himself. But as much as his mind wanted to accept it, his heart wouldn't allow it, and he didn't understand why.
He knew he had a couple of hours to spare before Sarah arrived so he set his mind on a wash before the session began. He leant over and worked on taking the bandages from his foot. Once the task was complete he laid back to study the messy scaring on his skin. Again he was surprised he felt nothing at the gruesome sight, just grateful that it was functional and improving.
After hobbling into the bathroom he propped one crutch up against the shower and dutifully began filling the bath tub, eyeing the shower ruefully but not chancing it. As he soaked he could hear noise begin to filter through the house, the high pitch voice of Angela as she chatted to her parents who were constantly shushing her. He couldn't help but smile to himself.
The water began to cool and so he slowly pulled himself up onto one leg and leant against the side of the tub as he carefully wrapped a towel around his waist. Once the task was complete he reached out for the crutch and held it tight as he manoeuvred his way onto the edge of the tub before standing on his wobbly feet. He took a breath to gather his bearings before making his way into the room. He eyed the telephone on the bedside table and as Chase's words echoed through his mind he decided to make a phone call.
Heller had promised to pass on his message to Palmer, that he would like to speak to him, almost a week ago. No contact had been made, and although Jack knew the ex-President was a busy man, he was still hurt by the lack of contact - it didn't help his slowly returning confidence in himself and the signing of the confession.
Picking the receiver up he held it in his hand for a moment as he closed his eyes to seek out the number which would put him through to Palmers office. He hastily dialled with shaking hands and gave the receptionist his name and CTU clearance number. As he was placed on hold he wondered if his security clearance number was even authorised anymore, it wasn't likely.
"I'm sorry Sir," the woman said, "that's an invalid number."
Jack paused a moment, unsure of what to say, still feeling weary about making the call at all. "Um, I must have got it wrong," he said feebly, "could you please just tell President Palmer that Jack Bauer called?"
"President Palmer has a very busy schedule Sir, may I ask what it concerns?"
Jack felt his spirits dampen further as he closed his eyes. "Its private," he said quietly, "just please tell him I called."
The woman ended the call and Jack hung up the phone dejectedly. If Chase was right, and he had done right by himself and Palmer wasn't enraged or humiliated by his confession; then why was Palmer avoiding him? Jack felt his mood turn sour as he realised that Heller too had been stringing him along, trying to make him feel better by saying that Palmer wanted to speak to him when in reality Palmer clearly wanted nothing to do with him. As he climbed back into bed and pulled a pillow over his head Jack admitted to himself that he couldn't blame the man - he had probably ruined him.