Bruised
A/N: Again guys, I'm really super sorry this chapter took so long to get out. I had a massive exam at the beginning of August and I had to keep starting to write and stoppingand the juices just weren't flowing. I really hope it was worth the wait. Thanks so much for sticking with me! I'm actually really nervous about this chapter…haha.
Also, I would like to point out that though there's less Tony and Michelle in this chapter, we're loving them in our minds if not fully appreciating them in text. : ).
Enjoy!
Chapter Fourteen – Kill
Oh god, please don't tell me this has been in vain
I need answers for what all the waiting I've done means
You kill me, you've got some nerve
But can't face your mistakes
Hey, hey, hey, hey
I know what I should do
But I just can't turn away
- Kill by Jimmy Eat World
Jack Bauer felt more than a little on edge as he slipped inside the walls of CTU with Chase by his side. They moved quickly, backs pressed against the cement and eyes darting hurriedly around the darkened halls to make sure they were still alone. Every time he came back here he felt like it was to be his last, and every time he got proven wrong. The reasons were always good, but that still didn't mean he wanted to be back. Incidentally, the reason this time was as good as any he'd ever had before. This wasn't about stopping Cheng or righting wrongs or seeing that justice was handed out to those who deserved it. Those things all came second to the real reason he was risking god only knew what to come back to the place that had taken so much from him…
Plain and simple, he was here for her.
His thoughts remained distracted the entire journey into the heart of CTU. There were things he needed to say…things he wished he could make up to her…things he never thought he'd ever have to deal with again that he knew he couldn't avoid anymore. Sooner or later, he would have to face her and he had a feeling it would come sooner rather than later… He couldn't keep lying. He couldn't keep avoiding the truth because he thought he could protect her. Clearly, she didn't need him to protect her. Clearly, she didn't need him to be anything for her, but…
"Jack?" Chase interrupted his reverie, indicating to the closed door they now stood in front of. Jack lifted his eyes, staring back blankly. Chase raised an eyebrow.
"You coming?"
"In a minute. I want to check out a few things around here in case we need to move quickly."
"You don't know this place like the back of your hand?" Chase remarked wryly.
Jack ignored the question, inclining his head towards the door. "Go inside. I'll be right there."
Chase frowned, but didn't argue further, choosing instead to push inside and greet his companions.
Alex reacted first, jumping to her feet and embracing him warmly. She asked softly if he was okay and he nodded, repeating the question to her. She insisted she felt a thousand times better, running her hand down his arm and saying New York did her some good. Chase nodded, murmuring his greetings to Tony and Michelle who were watching him carefully.
"Where's Jack?" Tony asked, forsaking a return greeting.
"In the hallway looking for god only knows what. I'm not sure what he needs to check out that we wouldn't already know about, but that's Jack for ya."
Tony nodded, eyes narrowed on the door before squeezing Michelle's leg and announcing he was going to call Bill. Chase looked a little perplexed as he watched him duck outside, leaving him alone with the two women. Alex eyes remained locked on the door, looking particularly pale as she watched Tony disappear.
"Sit," Chase told her flatly, distracting her from whatever she was fixated on. "You still look like crap."
Alex rolled her eyes, slapping his forearm casually and settling on the couch beside Michelle.
Eva Jacobs felt a little unsteady on her feet as she returned to the main floor, glancing around hurriedly for Rick and finding him up in his office, hunched over his desk. She should tell him, she knew, but she was afraid he'd run with Evans if she gave him too much warning. There was obviously a connection there and she didn't know how Rick would react given whatever personal relationship he had with the woman. Brad Hammond's report had made it very clear how dangerous she could be, and if anything were to happen…
No, it was better she wait until the last possible second to bring Rick into the loop. He would have no choice to remain at CTU and Evans would be apprehended. No muss, no fuss. Alex Evans would be in federal custody, Rick would be let off the hook if he didn't interfere with the arrest, and everything could go back to normal…she hoped.
"Jack, I need to talk to you," Alex growled, blue eyes flashing angrily. Tony'd been gone for almost ten minutes when she decided she couldn't wait any longer. She couldn't miss any more opportunities to press Jack for the truth. Evading her questions was no longer an option now. She needed to know.
She'd found Jack alone down one of the back corridors not far from their hiding place, staring at nothing in particular on the concrete wall. Slowly, he turned to face her, obviously trying to place her emotions.
"Alex, I don't think this is the best time - "
"It'll never be the best time. I need to talk to you. Now."
"Fine," he held out an arm, dragging her further into the darkness.
Alone in the dimly-lit corridor Alex felt emboldened. She paced slightly for a few seconds at first before spinning to glare at Jack, searching for her words.
"When I was sixteen I caught my mom on the phone one night when we'd just gotten back from the theater. She thought Claire and I were upstairs and she was in the kitchen talking really quietly. It was…it was weird. I had no idea what anything was about but…" Alex watched him carefully, waiting for some sort of reaction.
"She was asking for help," Alex stated clearly. "She said something about knowing they had just gotten back from Mexico but having no one else to call…" Her cheeks were hot and her throat felt dry as the words rolled off her tongue. Jack still hadn't moved, though even in the darkness it was apparent his face had lost some of its color.
"And she never mentioned it to me…who this mystery person was on the phone. She died right after that and it didn't seem relevant anymore, I guess, but…"
"Alex…" Jack finally spoke, his words hoarse as he reached out to touch her arm. She pulled back before he could, realizing her eyes had flooded with tears an instant too late. She hadn't meant to cry, not in front of Jack.
"And then Tony…" she swallowed hard. "Tony said something when we were in New York about Mexico and about you…about you being undercover with the…the Salazars eight years ago…" her chest felt tight, her palms were clammy and her breathing uneven.
"It was you," she blurted out before she'd even processed she'd been contemplating it.
"The phone calls…the…everything…she was calling you…"
Jack's eyes softened slightly and he hesitated before speaking.
"It was a long time ago, Alex - "
"But why would she call you? It doesn't make any sense…"
"Your mother called me and asked for my help a few days after I returned from Mexico. I was only back for a couple of weeks to take care of some personal matters but she was trying to think of a way out of your situation - "
"Bill asked her about a thousand times to let him help. He was going to put us in witness protection to try and stop my dad from - "
"Your father had a lot of influence within the system," Jack repeated the words she'd heard her mother say at least every time she'd heard Bill arguing with her.
"He would've found you eventually."
Alex blinked back the stinging in her eyes, remembering how hard she'd pushed every time her mom had told her that. She'd known it was true and she'd pushed anyway.
"So she called you," Alex spoke crisply, her tone all business even as her voice quivered.
"Yes."
"To…" her heart pounded wildly in her chest. "To kill him."
Jack nodded solemnly. "In her mind it was the only way out for you."
"- It was," Alex jumped in quickly. "It was the only way, she was right."
Again, Jack nodded. "I know."
Alex hissed, shaking her head slowly. "And you still didn't do it," she snarled. His head tipped a little towards the floor, looking apologetic.
"So, what? Were you too cracked out on heroin to do anything for anybody, or did you just not give a fuck what happened to her?"
"It was a difficult situation," Jack explained, his voice was neutral but his eyes flashed. "I'd been in Mexico; a lot was going down at the time - "
"And she wasn't a priority. She didn't matter to you."
"I was going to help as soon as I could - "
"How considerate," Alex scathed. "Apparently as soon as you could wasn't good enough though, because she was dead a week later. Guess you sorta dropped the ball on that one didn't you, Jack?"
Neither spoke for a few seconds. Alex's muscles were clenched in a vain attempt to contain the subtle shakes in her worn down body, while Jack remained almost statuesque, not moving to touch her again.
"I still don't get why she called you," Alex blurted out after a few seconds of nothing. Now Jack inclined his head a little.
"She was an old friend."
"So was he. You spent god knows how long on that mission together. Why would she trust you to not tell him what was going on or take his side or…" she trailed off, eyes widening a little.
"Or…not?"
"It was more complicated than that - "
"So you should probably start talking then!" she snapped, fresh rage bubbling within her.
"We went to school together," Jack began slowly. "Right before they recruited me to Delta Force."
Alex's breath caught in her throat and she stared back blankly.
"You…you knew her before…"
"Yes. Years before I met your father. Before the mission was even given the green light I spent a lot of time on the East Coast and I realized the connection then. I hadn't spoken to your mom in almost two years. I didn't realize she was married - "
"He wasn't hitting her then."
"No," Jack agreed. "This was before any of that. Kim was four and Teri and I were having problems. We got married young and things were changing for me very quickly. I was spending a lot of time away and that was hard on her…" he sighed apologetically.
"You…were separated?"
"Not officially. Kim wasn't planned and that just made everything even more strained between us so I spent a few months in New York…Teri just wanted some space."
"And…" Alex eyes had filled with moisture and her stomach churned. She gulped down the bile that had risen in her throat, turning her head to the side, unable to meet his eyes.
"You were planning stuff with my dad then…?"
Jack shook his head, expression solemn.
"No."
"You…you went there to see…" she turned to stare at him again. "But they were fine! He didn't start doing anything until after…"
Again, Jack shook his head.
"They weren't fine, Alex. He wasn't hurting her, but they weren't fine. They married very young and…and they were going through a rough patch. It happens…"
Her throat tightened, her words failed her and she tensed when gentle fingertips pressed into her spine. Jack's gaze shifted to the newcomer, lowering his head almost shamefully.
"Al…" Tony began softly, his body was positioned directly behind hers and his other hand gripped her arm. Her face was burning, her vision was blurry and only then did she realize she was shaking.
"What…?" she spun quickly between Tony and Jack, trying to decipher their wordless exchange. "You…were you…" a heavy lump settled in her stomach as realization washed over her. "Were you sleeping with her…?" she demanded.
"It was a complicated situ - "
"Oh my god…" her eyes bulged and Tony's grip on her tightened. "Oh my god! With my…with my mom…? How could you… "
"I'm sorry I didn't tell - "
Alex struggled against Tony's grip, gesticulating incredulously.
"You just have to fuck everything, don't you Jack…" her words were filled with venom and her eyes blazed. "Nina…Audrey…Teri…who else, Jack? Are they six feet under too? Have they been committed - ?"
"You need to calm down," his words were firm now. Behind Alex, Tony's eyes narrowed, obviously not pleased with the directive. Still he bit his tongue. Alex's breathing was raspy and both of Tony's hands gripped her arms now, holding her upright.
"He never hated Claire," she blurted suddenly, as if a light switch had just been turned on in her brain. Her blood ran cold.
"He beat the shit out of my mom and he hated even having to look at me but he never hated Claire…" she pursed her lips together, biting back a new onslaught of tears.
"And I never knew why…I thought it was because I tried to stop him when he…but Claire…he never would've laid a hand on Claire. He gave up Rick that day because I knew he wasn't going to lay a hand on Claire no matter what she said or did to him…" she blinked hard a few times, collecting her thoughts.
"Where was I? When you were…where was I?" Alex glared at him expectantly, Tony's fingers digging into her a little harder when Jack simply exhaled.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you…"
"Tell me what?"
Jack and Tony exchanged a look and white hot rage bubbled within her.
"Tell me what, Jack?"
Again, Jack reached out an arm to touch her. She snapped away like lightening, throwing off Tony's balance in the process and making them both stumble.
"She was pregnant when I went back to LA. She asked me to leave and I did."
"Pregnant with…" tears spilled down her cheeks, despite her attempts to restrain them.
"So she got rid of it?"
"No."
"But…but she was sure it was yours."
"Yes."
"So…" her legs quivered. "So…"
"I'm sorry."
"For what!"
Finally Jack's hand made contact with its target, brushing his thumb across her tearstained cheek as his pale eyes locked on hers.
"You know what."
Fresh tears streamed down her face and she shook her head bitterly, ripping his hand away with strength she didn't know she still possessed. Tony was still holding her steady as far as she could tell. He whispered something in a low voice to her, but she couldn't make her brain grasp the words he uttered. Her legs were jelly, her throat dry and her vision blurry.
"She wanted to keep it quiet," Jack explained, looking a little wounded at the way she'd torn away from him. "Convince him you were…" he shook his head quickly."We were too careless. We hoped he'd never find out but when he did…I thought he would take it out on me and be done with it. I never imagined he'd be capable of hurting either of - "
"He killed her because of you!" The words escaped her lips before she could even contemplate them and she fought to keep her voice steady. Behind her, Tony still remained silent.
"Do you have any idea what that was like for her? Day in and day out for ten goddamn years he beat the crap out of her and you…you just let him!"
"She didn't want my help - "
"You should've helped anyway!" She yanked herself from Tony's grasp. "That's a fucking copout, Jack! She didn't want anybody's help but she needed yours!" her hands swiped at her cheeks. "Bill tried to help…he never stopped trying to help! I was a kid and I hated myself for not being able to do more …" a loose sob escaped her throat and she whimpered a little, gaze locked on Jack's. "It killed me not being good enough to save her…"
"Alex, there was nothing you could've done - "
"But there was something you could've done! You could've saved her…" she stepped back and shrugged her shoulders, teeth gritted.
"And instead you're the reason she's dead."
Tony's warm hands found her arms again and he tugged her back a little towards him.
"Alex, I can't imagine how hard this must be for you," Jack explained gently, reaching out to touch her shoulder.
Her eyes stayed on the floor and she sniffled a little.
"And I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. Given the circumstances, the time never felt right."
She shook her head. She didn't want to hear his excuses.
"I'm not trying to interfere with your life, Alex," he continued softly, leaning towards her a little. "But if you need anything…from me…"
She lifted her gaze slowly, blue eyes shining brightly from her tears even in the dim-light. Shaking her head she pursed her lips together tightly before speaking.
"Just go, Jack."
Jack turned to Tony who nodded briefly in agreement, palms still circling her arms. With a heavy sigh, Jack nodded, turning on his heel and disappearing into the shadows.
Neither of them said a word for a few long seconds. Finally, Tony broke the silence, as Alex started to pull away from him.
"Al…" he murmured to her back. She shook her head, swiping gruffly at her cheeks.
"I'm okay," she choked out. "I'm okay, I'm…"
"Al," he tried again, closing the distance between them. She tensed at his touch, but he turned her around in his arms.
"C'mere," fresh sobs escaped her throat as he enveloped her in a bear hug. Thick tears warmed the side of his neck as his fingers slid soothingly through her hair. He exhaled calmingly, other hand circling her back and lips touching her temple.
"I'm sorry," he breathed. "I'm sorry, Al"
At his words her grip on him tightened and she sobbed a little harder, nodding weakly. When she pulled away, her eyes were red and puffy. Shaking his head tenderly, the pads of his thumbs wiped the tear streaks from her face. She took a few deep breaths, dabbing her eyes with the corner of her sleeve.
"You good?" he checked. She nodded quickly, breaking contact with him. He nodded too, slinging an arm around her shoulders.
"C'mon, let's get outta here."
The first person Bill saw when he walked into CTU was Rick, though that possibly could have had something to do with the fact that he was looking for Rick specifically. He hadn't spoken to Alex in days and he wanted to know what the situation was – where she was, how she was feeling and coping and everything he wished he'd been around to see for himself. Leaving her in London had been difficult, and despite Karen's insistences and Alex's reassurances he still didn't have a complete picture of what was going on. It was only natural he worried about her and her…situation with everyone involved.
"Hey…" Rick looked up immediately from whatever he'd been leafing through as soon as he realized who'd arrived.
"How's it goin - "
"The Chinese know she's here." Bill watched the color drain from the younger man's face and wondered if he'd done the same thing at the realization. It had been Chloe that had been monitoring the channels and Chloe that had passed along the Intel. He'd broken out into a cold sweat as soon as he heard the chatter less than half an hour before, wasting no time hopping into his car and driving directly to CTU. Cheng had people moving in LA. Cheng had found her.
Rick exhaled, fist clenching the paper in his hand.
"Here in LA or here at CTU?"
Bill hissed and his jaw tightened and Rick needed no more answer than that. He nodded curtly, dropping the papers on the desk beside him and turning to face Bill full on.
"How long do we have?"
Bill shook his head. "I don't know."
Rick's eyes snapped shut for the briefest of seconds before he glanced around quickly and inclined his head.
"Alright. We'll get her out. Jack and Chase just got here, they'll be able to sneak her out…"
"What about you?"
Rick's head tilted to one side. "What about me, Bill?"
"Are you going too?"
He sighed softly and shrugged. "I should stay here. I just got back, people are already suspicious…"
"I can cover for you."
"It'll still look suspicious. Besides if the Chinese show up here and…" he trailed off, gulping hard at the thought. God only knew what Cheng would do if he somehow made his way into CTU and Alex wasn't anywhere to be found. The thought made Rick nauseous. They had to think of a way to get the rest of the people out. They should never have brought her back like this.
"She'll be safe with Jack - "
"She'd be safer with you."
Rick chuffed out a weak laugh at Bill's newfound supportiveness, running his tongue over his teeth.
"If I'm here I can throw the Cheng off her trail if they show up…something, anything to slow them down…"
"No, you should go." Bill stated definitively. "I can deal with Cheng. You should go with them…make sure she's fine. I can handle CTU."
The younger man's dark eyes widened a little.
"Bill, come on, you know what Cheng's like…"
"I do. That's why I need you to get her out of here safely. I can run CTU just fine and we'll deal with Cheng if we have to."
"Bill…" Rick studied him carefully, clawing at his brow in worry. "If something happens…"
"Then it happens." Bill insisted. "Go. Now. Who knows how much time you have."
"Bill…"
"Go - "
" - Rick!" Eva's heels clicked purposefully as she darted across the bullpen to intercept him. Her normally tanned skin looked oddly pale and she pressed her body against his before he could move. Behind him, Bill raised an eyebrow but said nothing.
"Hi Mr. Buchanan," Eva addressed him breathlessly. "How are you?"
"Fine, Eva, thank you."
"Umm…do you think I could steal him away for a minute?" Her fingers caressed Rick's arm delicately and Rick tensed a little but didn't pull away. "I've just gotta check something down in IT quickly."
Bill met Rick's gaze, agreement passed between them. Rick wouldn't be back when he finished whatever Eva wanted him for.
"I'll uh…I'll be right back, Bill."
Bill inclined his head curtly and waved him away, eyes staying on Rick's retreating form until he was out of sight. He only hoped they had enough time.
"Eva, I really don't have time for this now," Rick insisted as she shoved him through the doors of IT. "Can't you talk to Nadia? She's better at this stuff than me anyw - "
"I saw you with Alex Evans."
Rick froze, heart pounding in his throat as he listened to her even breathing from behind. His palms grew clammy and a chill rolled down his spine as he turned to stare at her.
"Excuse me?"
"I saw you with Alex Evans in that old break room…or outside it actually. You brought Claire down there to see her and then you stood outside with her…"
"I'm sorry, Eva."
"Sorry for what? That you lied to me? That you disappeared for two weeks with barely a word? That you're apparently involved with a murderer?"
Her words had grown hysterical and Rick sighed, stepping closer to touch her arm. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you the situation. She disappeared ten months ago and I hadn't even heard a word about her until my brother called me. I thought she was…" he gulped hard when an unexpected lump formed in his throat.
"I thought she was gone for good."
Eva's eyes had clouded with moisture and Rick squeezed her shoulder a little. She was about Claire's size and for a second he amused himself with the contrast between her and Alex. It hadn't seemed so glaringly obvious until that moment.
"Eva, I am sorry this happened the way it did. I shouldn't have started anything when I knew there was no way I was over…"
"You…were with her…"
Rick had to bite back a laugh at that, his mouth curving upwards a little.
"Yeah…you could say that."
"She's…the Field Operative, right? You were with her?"
His nostrils flared at the distinctive bite in her words and his eyes narrowed slightly. He forced himself to breathe deeply a few times; there was no point arguing with Eva now about how she felt about his taste in women. Right now he just needed to get Alex and everyone else out of there. Eva could think whatever she wanted as far as he was concerned.
"Yeah," he ran his fingers through his hair. "Look Eva, I got some things to take care of right now. Can we finish this conversation - "
"I called Mr. Hammond!"
Rick's eyes widened with horror and dropped his hand from her arm.
"You did what?"
"He put out the warrant for her arrest! She's a murderer, Rick! She murdered her father. There's been a warrant out for her for a week. I had an obligation to report it - "
"When is he getting here?"
"He was passing through security when you were talking to Buchanan. I'm sorry, I didn't tell you sooner I just…I wish you hadn't brought her here. The last thing I wanted to do was get you arres – Rick!"
Eva called after him as he made a beeline for the door, darting down the hallway and back towards the bullpen.
"AL!" The door to the break room swung open and everyone stared in disbelief as James Wiley pressed inside. He glanced between Tony and Michelle and Chase before finally landing on Alex.
"What the hell are you doing here?"
"Rick called me thirty seconds ago. We have to move you…now…"
"What are you - ?"
"Jesus Christ, it's good to see you, Al," Wiley blurted out randomly, sparing ten seconds to lift and squeeze her so tightly her lungs strained for breath. His face landed on her shoulder and hers on his. He felt good. She'd known Wiley since she was nineteen, trained at Langley with him and lived with him and a few others when she came back from Russia. Wiley was solid; he felt like home.
She pushed back abruptly, and he placed her back on the floor.
"What the hell happened?"
"Hammond's here."
The blood drained from her cheeks and Alex stared at him in disbelief. Tony was on his feet in an instant, reaching for Michelle's hand and tugging her close.
"How? How does he - ?"
"Eva followed Rick down here or something…tipped him off. We have to go now…"
"But Hammond's going to - "
"Rick said to go."
"No, no, no, that's not the plan - "
"He said to trust him - "
"But that's not the plan!" She whirled around to face the others. "Karen's working this on my behalf and if he arrests Rick or if Rick says something stupid or…"
"It's all for nothing." Tony finished solemnly. Alex nodded, checking her weapon quickly and moving towards the door.
"Al, Rick said - "
"I know what he said…"
"Al - "
The sound of her footsteps pounding across the hallway echoed throughout the room. Chase moved first, tearing after her with the rest of them hot on his heels.
Alex sped down the corridor, the pain in her side and her back forgotten as she darted around corners, getting closer to the bullpen with each pass. Tony had caught up to her first, saying nothing as he fell in step with her. Behind them she heard the footsteps of the others and knew they couldn't be far off either. Still, as she finally approached the center of CTU she made no acknowledgement of anyone, pushing through the glass doors and into the light.
"Almeida, if you fail to produce Evans we'll have no choice but to take you into custody and search the premises. It was made very clear to me who's been responsible for keeping her off our radar thus far," Hammond's cold voice resonated through the room as everyone moved towards the sound. When they came into view Alex noted both Hammond and Rick standing smack dab in the middle of the bullpen. Rick had his arms folded across his chest, looking almost bored as Hammond held a finger close to his face like he was scolding a child. Across the room, Alex saw Bill descending the staircase, his expression urging her to get back before anyone else saw her. She ignored him, stepping further into view as Rick glared back at Hammond. Hammond shifted his hand, motioning to the security guards that had been flanking him to do as he said…
"Brad, stop," Alex ordered, finally calling attention to herself. Tony's hand snapped out to hold her back a second later than it needed to and he could do nothing but watch as she crossed the room.
"No idea what I'm talking about, hmm Almeida?"
Rick's eyes shut slowly and his fists balled at his sides as Alex approached.
"I suppose you broke into CTU without his knowing then, Evans?" Hammond continued, eyes flickering towards Tony, Michelle and Chase and then back to Rick.
"For some reason that seems unlikely to me… "
Alex lips formed a line, her blue eyes steely as she glared back at him.
"Take them all into custody - "Alex leapt forward, stretching out a hand defensively as Tony finally spoke.
"Don't be an idiot," he snarled callously. He'd shoved Michelle behind him, tucking her out of view as best he could. "You've got two security guards to restrain five of us. It's not gonna happen."
"Perhaps then we should start with Michelle and see how the rest of you fall into line…"
Tony barreled forwards, but Alex was closer, her weapon flinging up level with Hammond's chest before Tony had even taken two steps.
"You have what you came for," she barked, brandishing her weapon menacingly in his direction. "Let them go and I'll come quietly…"
"Al…" Rick protested warningly, but she waved him off, eyes locked on Hammond. This was the smart play, they all knew that.
"Let them go? After aiding and abetting a fugitive?" Hammond lifted an eyebrow. Alex snorted.
"Or you can arrest all of us now," she threw an arrogant glance in the direction of the security guards. She'd have both of them dead on the floor before anyone could blink, let alone set off their own weapon. Hammond knew that.
"You'd never be able to leave the building."
"Not without making a mess," she responded coolly. "And you don't want this to get messy Brad, trust me."
Hammond considered her words for a moment before sighing exhaustively.
"Fine. Check her for any more weapons - "
"Brad…" Rick had stepped forward, reaching out for her. "Don't bother with her. You can arrest - "
"Take Evans into custody - "
"Brad, stop," Bill protested as he moved towards everyone. "In an hour's time President Palmer will have cleared her record. Keep her on CTU premises for that long, but let her be. There's no reason to - "
"Take Evans into custody," Hammond hissed over his shoulder. The security guards moved forwards tentatively as three voices called out angrily and protest, two from Alex's left and one from directly behind her. Rick reached for her, but she avoided his grasp. If someone had to get arrested it had to be her. Security stopped moving.
"Gentlemen," Hammond shouted over everyone's protests. "That was a direct order. Take Evans - "
"Brad, don't," a new voice filled the room. Alex spun around as Jack came into view, his face neutral as he moved towards them.
"Brad," Jack began hoarsely, insinuating himself between Alex and Hammond.
"You don't have to do this."
"Evans committed a crime, now Evans must face the consequences. That's the law, Bauer, in case you've forgotten…"
"Jack, leave it," Alex hissed under her breath. He didn't owe her anything; doing this wouldn't change anything.
"…I know that. And I also know you blackmailed her into going to China in the first place," Jack growled, pushing Alex in the direction of Rick whose hand landed on her hip without reservation.
"Right now President Palmer is reviewing evidence that proves exactly what you and Senator Warrington did ten months ago. It's over, Brad. There's no reason to arrest anybody. It was a forced confession and we all know that."
Hammond studied Jack furiously as he contemplated his words. Nostrils flared and the color rose in his cheeks and Alex felt Rick's hand move in soothing circles against her thigh. Hammond knew Jack was right; in a few hours he'd be in federal custody if they had the evidence they said they did. Arresting any of them would do nothing…
"Take Evans into custody."
But eliminating her might. If they needed her to testify to have a case eliminating her would mean Hammond and Warrington only got a slap on the wrist. The thin coating of sweat on her body ran cold as Alex realized how ridiculously easy it would be to make it look like she died while in custody…while trying to escape custody. Her eyes prickled with furious tears and she bit back a sob. Not now…not after everything…
No, no, it wouldn't go down like that. Karen would come through. She had to believe that Karen would come through before it got to that point.
Wearily she leaned back into Rick, her lips grazing his ear and her voice cracking just slightly. It was her or all of them and she couldn't…it couldn't be all of them.
"You have to let go," she barely-whispered. Instead his hands tightened on her and he shook his head gruffly, breaths puffing unevenly against her skin.
"Rick, if you don't…" she breathed softly, taking her gun and placing it in his hand as she pried herself loose. He knew what she was going to say. If they didn't put her in custody this whole thing could go south very quickly. Hammond would stop at nothing to cover his own ass and they had to keep this as clean as possible. Karen would be there soon and she could hang in there until then. It would be over soon.
"You have to let go," she told him again. Her lips touched his cheek and she bit back the sob that threatened to escape her throat. Knowing it was for the best didn't make this any easier.
As she started to move away he yanked her back for a brief second, murmuring something in her ear.
"Cheng."
She turned to stare at him in disbelief, just as security grabbed an arm each and pulled her even further away.
"Brad…" Bill tried a final time, moving into the center of the room. "She is innocent! What you're doing to her is criminal! When this is all over…"
"Put her in Holding," Hammond insisted flatly. "Now."
"Brad!" Jack snarled, stepping forward as they dragged her away. "Brad…do not do this…"
Hammond ignored him, urging them onward.
"Brad!" Jack shouted angrily. "BRAD…!"
Alex's head snapped back when the door to Holding opened. She'd been settled for a minute, right hand cuffed to the chair and Hammond sitting opposite her. Through the door walked a pretty woman in a knee length pin skirt and fitted blouse. Long, dark waves cascaded down her shoulders and the woman's almond eyes slanted towards Alex. Color rose in the woman's cheeks and she tucked a lock of hair behind her ear and looked towards the glass across the room. She wiped her palm on her skirt, her other hand clutching a manila folder tightly.
From the table in front of Alex, Hammond finally spoke.
"Thank you for joining us, Eva. I realize this decision might have seemed…difficult for you."
"Of…of course, Mr. Hammond," she stammered, crossing the room and dropping the folder in front of him. "I'm happy to help."
Alex sighed as she looked up at the woman, giving her a once over. So this was Eva. It would've been painfully obvious she was the one who squealed, even if Wiley hadn't told her minutes before. She was nervous to face her…probably nervous to face Rick after all this was over.
"Were you in touch with Medical?" Hammond queried. Eva nodded briefly.
"They weren't…willing to authorize the use of the drugs unless they were here to supervise…"
"And did you tell them who was asking for the drugs?"
"I did sir, yes."
"Well, call them again," Hammond snarled, indicating to the phone behind him. "You posted double security on the doors?"
"Yes," Eva confirmed as she scurried towards the phone.
"Very good," Hammond's eyes landed on Alex finally. "We can't be taking any chances with you now, can we Agent Evans?"
"I wouldn't advise that, no," Alex retorted snidely. "But you're gonna feel pretty stupid when Karen Hayes walks into this building with a warrant for your arrest and my release papers."
Hammond snorted. "That's if Karen Hayes is allowed to walk into this building. I wouldn't put too much faith on that, Evans. You never know what might detain her."
Alex stared him down, teeth grinding as she watched him smirk a little.
"Agent Evans," he began, his voice formal again. "I have reason to believe you leaked information to Cheng Zhi and members of his organization that could be damaging to figures within the United States government. I need you to tell me everything you can recall that you told them while you were both mentally and physically compromise.- "
"If you want to kill me, kill me." Alex growled, stonefaced. "I'm not playing your games anymore."
Hammond sighed again in exasperation. "What did you tell Cheng, Evans?"
"Absolutely nothing."
Hammond straightened, exhaling loudly and shaking his head.
"Fine. We'll try this the hard way."
Michelle watched as Rick darted around the room, whispering quiet things to key people as quickly as he could. Jack had left first, off to do god only knew what god only knew where. Behind her, she found feel Chase fuming at what had just transpired. He'd hissed and cursed and jerked forward throughout the whole proceedings, clearly ready to jump in the middle of everything and try to stop what was happening from happening. Michelle still felt nauseous and shaky, even though a few minutes had passed. It had hit home too closely and she wished she could've been anywhere but there in that moment. It was the worst possible case of déjà vu. The look on Rick's face when they pulled her from his grasp…she knew that look. She knew it far too well.
Now he approached them, Chase stepping forward and snarling something at him that Michelle didn't really hear. There was a "what the fuck was that" and accusations about not shouldering blame for something that was neither of their faults. Rick's eyes found Michelle's eyes and she gulped a little, stepping closer to Tony as her own vision started to blur.
"You guys have to leave now," Rick insisted, motioning to Bill with a wave of his hand. "You guys and Bill and Claire have to get out of the building right now - "
" – Why?" she demanded. "What's wrong? What about Al - ?"
"Cheng found her. For all we know, he's almost here. You guys have to get out before they move on CTU…"
Dread flooded Michelle at Rick's words.
"Well we can't just leave her here!" Chase shouted. "Why the hell would you let her take the fall for y - "
"Because it was the best play to make!" Rick snapped back, challenging him to argue some more. "She knew that. I can get her out now before it's too - "
"If Hammond doesn't kill her or Cheng's guys don't get to her first - "
"I will get to her." Rick declared icily. "Jack and I are working on it. You just worry about getting yourselves out of here. I've gotta figure out a way to evacuate the rest of…"
Rick trailed off, what little bit of color was left in his cheeks draining from them. His eyes widened as he and Tony exchanged a bewildered look. Three seconds later, Michelle heard it, a herd of thundering footsteps pounding down the corridors…
Alex leaned back lazily in her chair, false bravado oozing from her pores as Eva worked tirelessly to get Medical to agree to releasing some of the drugs used in interrogations. So far, no one was budging no matter how many times Hammond insisted Eva remind them who was asking. This was all Alex needed to get through this. She was just there to buy time.
"I guess the doctors down there don't really give a fuck whose ass you kissed to get where you are, huh Brad?"
Hammond's eyes flashed, but he said nothing.
"Mr. Hammond, the doctor wants to talk to you - "
"- Shut up!" Alex snapped suddenly, a deadening weight settling in the pit of her stomach. In the distance she heard something that... It was faint but…she knew that sound. What Rick had said before they pulled her…
Oh god.
"Who do you think you are, Evans, talking to personnel like - "
" – shut the hell up! I'm trying to hear…"
The entire room went dead silent as Alex focused on what she thought she heard.
"What do you hear?"
She shut her eyes tightly and held her breath. She knew that sound and she knew it well.
"What do you hear Ev…"
Hammond trailed off, needing no more of an answer. The machine gun fire erupting through the halls of CTU was answer enough.