Angeliena, thanks so much for reading :)
Jack was still in the Com Ops van when the call came in from Tony.
"I have some news… it's not good."
Throwing down his pen Jack massaged at his temple, his fingers cool against his flushed skin, "Tony, have you ever brought me good news? What now?"
"Ballistics show Commander Peters was shot by Chase."
Closing his eyes briefly he scratched at his head, irritated, "Damnit Tony, I just can't see it... why, what's the reason?"
"It seems there's bad blood between them. When Chase first applied to join SWAT in DC, Peters was handling intake and he declined the application. He put on Chase's file that he was too reckless, was undisciplined and didn't follow chain of command. Peter's then moved to New York and the incoming Watch Commander immediately approved Chase's transfer. He'd seen some of Chase's work in the field and he thought he would be an asset to the team. Perhaps Chase never forgave Peters and he's now taken out his revenge."
"Tony, I just don't buy it. I've spent a lot of time with him over the last six weeks; he's not the vengeful type."
"Jack, you've been wrong… we've all been wrong… about people before, remember---"
Jack was ignoring the ringing phone but Sarah's voice came over the intercom, "Jack, it's Chase on line 2."
Jack told Tony to stay on the line as he stabbed at the conference call button. "Chase, where are you?"
"Jack the colours are weird, everything's strange… Whoa, I don't like this."
"Chase, it's okay. Tell me where you are, I'll come and get you."
"I'm in a phone booth in the desert. There's a cucumber... no, that's not right," he laughed. "A cactus, it's a big cactus... and it's moving, the whole sky's moving."
"Chase, I know where you are. Just wait for me, I won't be long."
"I don't like it here, Jack. It's cold... and the colours... the colours are sad."
"Hang tight Chase, don't worry, we---" the line went dead.
"Goddamnit! What the hell's he on, Tony?"
"I have no idea," Tony shrugged. "I'll get some backup for you. He's armed and obviously high as a kite."
"No, no backup, it will scare him off... Baker's here, he can come with me. Chase trusts us."
"But you can't trust him Jack, remember that. Be careful."
"Yeah," Jack muttered as he opened the van door. "Tom follow me, I know where Chase is."
As they headed to the Dancing Cactus Diner Jack phoned Baker and filled him in with what he knew. Tom made no comment but Jack knew he felt as bewildered as he did. This just didn't seem right. But Jack recalled what Tony had begun to say. He had been fooled by Nina, perhaps he was wrong about Chase too.
He parked near the phone booth which he could see was empty. Slowly climbing out of the SUV, he was careful to keep his empty hands in open view. "He's not here," he said softly into his mic. "I can't see him."
He called out, "Chase it's me, Jack. I'm here to help you. My truck's warm, let's go home."
He walked in an ever expanding circle. A group of people exited the diner and left in two RVs but there was still no sign of Chase. Jack wanted to check out the diner but he felt suddenly exposed, the hairs on the back of his neck had risen. He sensed he was being watched, stalked; hunted as if he were the prey. And the thought that it was Chase doing the hunting filled him with rage. He'd enjoyed working with Chase, he'd trusted him, hell he'd even confided in him.
As Jack reached his truck his world exploded. The SUVs window shattered & blew out over him while a sliver of glass from the side mirror sliced his ear. It was a moment later before he heard the double report of the shots. He scrambled under his truck while fumbling for his Coms earpiece which had come loose.
Baker's truck pulled up alongside and Jack was able to climb into the rear. They quickly retreated to a safer distance while awaiting the arrival of CTU, SWAT, LAPD, the Sheriff's Office, tracker dogs and whoever else Jack could think of.
Edmunds was now the prey.