Author's note: Thanks for the support! You guys are amazing. For those who don't know, Mar del Plata is the city where I was born and raised. Since Janee will be living there in my AU, I'll be sharing information about my country and my city. I hope you enjoy learning about different countries. By the way, is there anybody from Argentina reading this? Where are you guys from?

BTW, I've just read "Underground", the comics that are about the four years between Day 8 and LAD. So, I have just found out that Jack had a girlfriend called Sofiya while living in Ukraine.

Dear Cole: Thanks for the review! I admit that you're right. Kamistan is probably Iran or Iraq. (Islamic Republic of Kamistan. IRK. In Spanish, Iraq is spelled Irak). But I wanted Kamistan to be on the border with Russia to generate more conflict between those countries. Specially, because in my other story the war between Russia and Kamistan takes a much bigger role. Anyway, in my AU, Kamistan is culturally like Iran, but located in Belarus. Please, continue reviewing! I appreciate it.

Chapter 4:

YOU DID NOT DESERT ME, MY BROTHERS IN ARMS

November 30th 2022

Somewhere outside Moscow, Russia

At 5 AM Jack woke up from, yet another, horrible nightmare. It was about his time in a Chinese prison and in a Russian one. Audrey appeared in the dream and told him that he deserved being tortured.

He looked at Renee, who was by his side, lost in her own dream. He wondered what her dreams were about.

Realizing he wouldn't be able to go back to sleep, he got out of bed and headed to the kitchen. He made himself a tea. He sat down by the kitchen table, took Renee's laptop, and read the New York Times on the internet.

He found out that Caleb Holloman was now the President of the United States, the first Jewish President of his country. Holloman had been Heller's Vice President. Jack deduced that Heller resigned over his Alzheimer. Holloman was in a lot of danger for being Jewish. Many neo-Nazi groups wanted him dead.

Then he read an online Russian newspaper. There was a headline that caught his attention: "Jack Bauer, The American Butcher, escapes prison".

His features darkened. He hated such nickname. Was he truly a psychopath, like the media said?

After reading the news for two hours, he went back to bed. He lay awake next to Renee and watched her sleep.

Outside the cabin, the storm had stopped. A pale light shined through the window.

He still couldn't believe she was actually alive.

At eight AM, Renee woke up and opened her eyes. She saw Jack, staring at her with adoration written all over his face.

"Good morning", he said.

"Good morning", she replied, with a smile on her face. She pulled him closer to her and kissed him. She looked at her watch. It was 8 AM. "How long have you been watching me sleep?"

"Not long", he lied.

She rested her head on his chest and put her leg on top of his. He ran his fingers through her hair. She enjoyed his proximity for a moment.

Her hand began shaking, slightly. Suddenly, she was in pain again. She needed her vicodin. She had her pills in her purse, which was on the couch in the living room. How to get them without Jack knowing?

"I need to go to the bathroom", she said. She left the cozy bed and got dressed. She took her purse to the bathroom and took three pills.

Jack got dressed and headed to the kitchen. He began making breakfast. He found flour, milk and eggs to make pancakes.

"So, Cal Holloman is the president", he commented, once Renee joined him in the kitchen.

She got settled in front of the computer, to read the news.

"Yep", Renee confirmed. "Heller resigned two months after…" She stopped. She was going to say after his daughter died. But Jack didn't need her to complete the sentence. He looked down, sadly.

"What happened with Mark Boudreau?", he asked.

"Heller pardoned him, before resigning", Renee answered. Jack stared at her in disbelief for a moment. "Boudreau risked his life to help, at the end"

Jack wasn't happy about it. He sighed with resignation.

"I guess it's only fair", he admitted reluctantly. "After all, I got a pardon from Heller, and I killed several people. Boudreau deserved a second chance too"

"I heard he's now writing a tell-all book about what happened in London", Renee said, while Jack handed her a cup of coffee. "Thank you". She took a sip of the black beverage.

"I don't know how you take your coffee", Jack commented. "I hope it's okay like this"

"It is", Renee assured. Her coffee was black. "I drink a lot of black coffee, very strong, with sweetener. But I also love a good cappuccino".

A wide smile appeared on Jack's face. He served the pancakes, with honey, and sat down by the table with a cup of coffee of his own.

"I like knowing that", he said. "When I thought you were dead, the fact that I knew so little about you made everything even worse". He ate a little bit of his pancakes. "Do you like pancakes?"

"Who doesn't?", Renee replied, making Jack chuckle.

"You know? In Argentina we can eat pancakes with Dulce de leche. Those are amazing", he told her

"I can't wait to start a life there, with you", she admitted, as she held her hand.

They continued having breakfast in silence for a moment.

"I've been reading the news", Jack said. "They still haven't found the body we planted. They think I'm alive"

"They'll find it soon enough", Renee said.

Then, Jack brought up a topic that had been on his mind since the day before.

"Renee, how much money did you spend to rescue me?", he asked. Renee remained silent. "It must have been a lot, since you had to bribe the guards and the lav guy"

"That's not important", she affirmed.

"I need to know how much you spent", he said.

"Don't worry about that", Renee told him.

"Please, tell me", he begged.

"Six millions", she admitted, reluctantly.

Jack rested his back on the back of the chair and widened his eyes. It was more money than he could spend in a lifetime.

"I… I don't have that kind of money. I'll never be able to pay you back", he said, feeling mortified. He couldn't even look at Renee.

"I don't care", she assured him.

"I care", he affirmed.

Renee held his hand and squeezed it softly. Jack looked sick.

"Please, let it go", she begged him. "I was more than happy to do it".

"You didn't have to do it", he said, with a severe tone. He'd never wanted Renee to sacrifice so much for him. He didn't feel worthy. "I was willing to face the consequences for my actions. I was willing to sacrifice my freedom for Chloe and my family".

"I know", Renee assured. "But I didn't want to leave you there"

"How did you even get that kind of money?", he asked.

"My grandfather, Archer Walker, was very rich", Renee answered. "My dad inherited his money and invested it well. I inherited the money after my dad died"

Jack was extremely surprised. Renee didn't act like the average rich woman. Then again, he didn't act like someone who grew up rich either.

"Yesterday, you were talking about getting a job. Do you even need a salary?", he inquired, feeling puzzled.

"I don't. But I want a job. I'm not gonna sit down and do nothing. I want to work"

Jack understood her. His admiration for her grew even bigger.

"I made a lot of money when I worked undercover with criminal organizations", he told her. "But before I turned myself in, I sent most of it to Kim. I set some apart though, just in case I ever needed it"

After breakfast, Belcheck appeared.

"Hi", he greeted them.

"Hey", Jack greeted him back, happy to see him.

Being a man of few words, Belcheck went straight to the point. He handed Jack a suitcase with some clothes and a lot of money.

"Here's the money you set apart. Two hundredth thousand dollars", Belcheck told him.

"Thank you", Jack said. "Take 50 thousand for yourself"

"That's not gonna happen, Jack", Belcheck said, firmly. "I don't want money. I helped you because you saved my life, not because I wanted money"

"But I want to show my gratitude", Jack protested.

"Unnecessary. I already know you are grateful", Belcheck assured him. "Besides, I don't even need it. I'm working for a group of people who pay very well"

Jack knew better than to make questions about such group.

"Okay. Thank you very much", he said. "If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask"

"Mr. Belcheck, would you like a cup of coffee?", Renee offered.

"I'm not Mr. Belckeck. I'm just Belcheck. Like Madonna or Cher", he corrected her. "And, yes, I would like some coffee, please"

Renee smiled and went to make coffee, while the men sat down by the table.

"Do you have the fake IDs?", Jack asked.

"Yes. For both of you", Belcheck replied, handing him a big envelope.

"Thanks", he said, as he opened the envelopes and looked at the fake documents. There were birth certificates, passports, driver licenses and IDs.

"You are Jake Geller, and Renee is Alexia Jones", Belcheck said, as Renee handed him a cup of coffee.

"Better than the name the people from the WPP gave me", Renee said. "Rosary Snow". She rolled her eyes. "Do I look like a Rosary to you?"

"Not at all", Jack replied, with a smirk. "Alexia suits you".

He caressed her cheek and looked into her eyes.

"I think I'll go by Alex", she said. "Or should I go by Lexi?"

"I like Alex", Jack replied, and brushed her lips with his.

Becheck stared down at his coffee, a bit uncomfortable with such display of affection.

Renee put on a short blonde wig and glasses. Jack put on a black wig and wore glasses as well. Besides, he had a beard.

An hour later, they were on their way to Kamistan. Belcheck was driving; Jack was in the passenger's seat, while Renee was in the back seat.

"Where are you going to live?", Belcheck asked.

"In Mar del Plata, Argentina", Jack replied, knowing he could trust his friend.

"I actually know a guy in Buenos Aires, Sergio Mendoza. He's a very successful business man", Belcheck said.

"He's in the drug business?", Jack guessed, because his friend normally knew drug kingpins everywhere.

"He can help you find a job", Belcheck told him.

"We are not gonna work for a drug dealer", Renee affirmed, instantly. "We are supposed to stay away from problems"

"You don't have to work for him", Belcheck assured them. "But he's very well connected. He could help you get a legitimate job".

"Okay. We are gonna need all the help we can get", Jack said.

At noon, they stopped at an old diner, to have lunch. The place was small and plain. None of them liked Russian food. Fortunately, the restaurant also offered burgers and fries.

"I'd like a cheese burger with fries", Renee said, looking at Jack. "Please, honey, order for me while I go to the bathroom"

"All right", Jack agreed. He watched her as she walked away, with fascination written on his face. "It's the first time she calls me honey"

"She's perfect for you", Belcheck said, approvingly.

"Belcheck, you may be a man of few words, but you always speak wisely", Jack said, with a smile. Then, his grin faded away. "I just don't think I'm perfect for her. I put everybody I care about in danger"

Belcheck didn't know what to say, so he didn't say anything.

"What about the woman you dated in Ukraine?", Belcheck asked.

"That's over for good. I'm with Renee now", Jack said. "Sofiya probably thinks I'm dead. And, honestly, it's better that way".

A waiter finally took their order.

A few minutes later, Renee went back to the table, after secretly taking two vicodins.

"Jack, would you like to talk to Chloe?", Renee asked. "Once we are in Argentina, we won't be able to contact anybody, because it'd be too risky"

"I know. I'll skype with her from Kamistan", Jack said.

"What about Kim?", Renee inquired. "Are you going to tell her you're alive?"

"I don't know", Jack admitted, feeling torn. "Last time I faked my death, her life fell completely apart. She lost her boyfriend and her step daughter. She tried to kill herself. I don't want her to feel any pain. But I don't want to put her in danger either"

Renee took his hand with compassion in her eyes. She could see how troubled he felt.

"You don't have to decide anything right now", she said.

They left the restaurant and headed to B'Dar. They had to pay a trunk driver to smuggle them through the border. Belcheck didn't have to hide, but Renee and Jack had to get inside big boxes to get into Kamistan. They could hardly breathe.

Once they reached their destination, they headed straight to the Airport.

"There aren't any direct flights to Argentina", Jack informed them. "We'll have to take a flight to Sao Pablo and transfer to a flight to Buenos Aires there"

"When is the next flight to Sao Plablo?", Renee asked.

"Tomorrow at 9 am", Jack replied.

"I'm staying with you till then", Belcheck said. "Just in case you need anything"

"Okay. Thank you", Jack agreed.

They found a hotel with two rooms available. It was an old yellow building, near the airport. Belcheck booked two adjoining rooms using one of his many fake identities. He stayed in his room, watching TV, to give the couple privacy.

Renee and Jack went to their room. It was small and simple. The white walls needed desperately some paint and the furniture was very old. But it was clean and had a decent internet connection.

At three PM, Jack sat by a desk, planning to use Renee's laptop to skype with Chloe.

"I'll go get some coffee, honey", Renee said, to give Jack privacy during his conversation with his dear friend.

After Renee left, Jack started a video-call with his friend.

Chloe appeared on the screen. Her hair was still black, but it was much shorter and even. She was wearing suit pans and a shirt. Her makeup was normal. She did not longer look like a punk. She was getting ready for work, since it was 6AM in Boston, where she currently lived.

"Hi, Jack!", she greeted enthusiastically. "It's great to see you"

"It's great to see you too, Chloe", he said, with a smile. "You look great"

"Thanks", she said. Sadly, she couldn't return the compliment because Jack looked too thin and had bruises on his face. "Where are you now?"

"Kamistan. And you?", Jack asked. "Still living in London?"

"No. I moved to Boston", Chloe replied. "After Heller pardoned me, I got a job at MIT. I'm a professor there"

"That's great", Jack approved, feeling happy for his friend.

"Jack, I called Kim yesterday. I had to tell her you're dead", she said, wrinkling her nose awkwardly.

"How did she take the news?", Jack inquired, with concern.

"She was very upset, obviously", Chloe answered. "But it's better that way. She'll be safer"

"I know", he whispered.

"I'm gonna check on her and send you reports from time to time", she promised.

"I truly appreciate that", Jack said.

He often felt so alone. But now he realized that he had good friends. The realization made him feel warm inside.

"How's Kate Morgan doing?", Jack asked.

"She left the CIA, she felt guilty because it was her fault that Audrey died", Chloe explained.

"It was my fault, Chloe", Jack affirmed. "I could have saved her, but I chose to go after Cheng instead"

"Many people were partially responsible, not just you", Chloe said awkwardly, with her normal bluntness. "Cheng had her killed. Kate screwed up big time. Mark worked with the Russians for a while, which ultimately led to Audrey's death. Secret Service was useless…"

"I know", Jack whispered. His eyes moistened.

"So, what are your plans? Where will you go?" Chloe asked.

"To Mar del Plata, Argentina", he replied. "Renee's coming with me. She and I will live together"

Chloe wasn't surprised. She could easily tell Jack and Renee had a special bond. The morning of the shooting, she wasn't at all surprised when Renee answered his cellphone. Afterwards, she saw him lose his mind when they took his lover away from him.

"I'm happy for you, Jack", Chloe said. "She's the right woman for you"

"I think so too", he admitted.

"I won't be able to visit you. The Russians might be watching me", she said, getting tearful. It made her feel sad that she and Jack never got to hang up like normal friends. They had only hung up a little while Jack lived in New York.

"I know", he whispered, feeling sad because he'd never see his best friend again.

"But I'll set up a secure internet connection, so we can skype", she said.

"Good. I'd like that", Jack said, giving her a half-smile.

"Well, I've got to go", Chloe told him, with a knot on her throat. "Thank you for turning yourself in for me. You are a good friend. I knew you wouldn't abandon me".

"I was happy to do it", Jack assured her. "And thank you. I know you helped make my rescue possible"

"It was the least I could do", she said. "Bye, Jack. Please, take good care of yourself"

"You too", he told her.

To be continued….

Please, I want to hear from you guys. Send me some reviews.