Tony sat looking at the weather report for the Tahoe area, wondering if an early thaw was good news or bad, when the doorbell startled him. Putting down his cup of coffee he went to open the door and stood in shock at seeing Kim standing there.
"Kim, hello," he tried to smile. "What a nice surprise, please come in."
Brushing past him, she turned suddenly and lashed out, punching him on the cheek. It was a surprisingly hard blow and Tony staggered back, stunned.
"What-"
"He's alive isn't he?" Kim hissed, her eyes narrowed in fury and Tony was uncomfortably reminded of Jack in a temper.
"Kim-"
"Jack is alive. You've known all this time and you didn't tell me... how could you?" she wailed.
"Kim, it was for the best-"
Kim stepped forward and Tony took a quick step backwards, thinking he was about to be punched again. "You sanctimonious bastard," Kim glared, "You stood there at the funeral and said 'I'll always be here for you' you came to me in the hospital after I lost my baby and said 'I wish there was something I could do'. For the past eight months all you've done is lie to me, all lies!... But now I want the truth Tony... all of it."
"I'm sorry Kim, really... and so's Jack. He's gone to find Chase, he's trying to help."
"Help?" she snorted. "Jack shot Chase and I need to know where they are so I can get my husband home."
"Shot? How the hell can you know that!"
"Angie told me and her I believe, now talk."
So Tony told Kim everything. After listening silently, Kim strode through the house to Tony's desk, picked up the phone and dialled 411.
"Kim listen, you can't tell anyone, it's too dangerous. Government forces could target your dad again, he could get killed."
"I'm sorry Tony, didn't you hear? My dad died eight months ago and now he lives only in my memory. It's the living I'm concerned with here and my Chase needs help - Information? Yes, I'd like a number in Washington DC please... Secretary of Defense Heller."
"... so an elderly medium and a six year old child helped you to locate your husband who's been held by a woman believed dead for over four years. And Jack, who's been officially dead for eight months, went to rescue him but instead he shot him. Do I have that right, Mrs Edmunds?"
With a sinking heart, Kim said, "Mr Secretary, Angie's just five, but yes, the rest is accurate."
"Please call me Jim. Your father spoke of you often Kim, he was very proud of you and your family... one moment, I'll need to put you on hold."
Kim sat on her hands to stop their shaking. She kept her eyes focused on her knees, too embarrassed to look up at Tony who surely must be gloating. She felt such a fool for the way she had behaved, of course no one could possibly believe such an improbable tale.
"Kim-" began Tony, but he was interrupted by Heller on the speaker phone.
"My apologies for keeping you on hold Kim, Tony... I had an aunt who had the gift of second sight. She was never sure whether it was a curse or a blessing, but she taught me there are more connections in this world than we suppose... There's a detachment of Rangers currently on standby in San Fransisco who are itching for a bit of action. I think they'll welcome a winter training exercise in the Sierra's. I'll need all your information, including photos of Jack, Chase and this woman Liz. Kim, we have a helicopter flying LA to Tahoe in two hours time, could you be ready by then?"
"Thank you, yes, oh thank you, Jim." Kim gushed, not sure whether she was laughing or crying.
Tony placed a hand on her shoulder and kept it there as he leaned toward the phone, "Mr Secretary, I should warn you that Liz Ashley is a very dangerous woman. She's ruthless, cruel and an excellent strategist. She's killed three CTU agents, her sister and probably others as well. I strongly recommend she be treated with maximum prejudice."
"Thank you Tony, I shall be sure to pass on your recommendation. Kim, Tony, I shall be following events closely, but if there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to call."
"Thank you Sir," Kim and Tony replied together.
Stabbing the speaker phone off, Tony moved around his desk and sat beside Kim, "Listen Kim, I know you're angry with me and I respect that, but I hope we can move past it and work together to ensure the safe return of Chase and your... and Jack."
Kim nodded mutely, her tears spilling over, and Tony took her into his arms, "It's okay Kim, the Rangers are the world's best and you know Chase and Jack, they're both tough, they can get through this." Kim continued her weeping unabated and Tony took her hand and looked into her eyes. "Kim, there's something I need to know... where the hell did you learn to punch like that?"
Kim's tears slowed and Tony passed her a box of tissues. Taking one, she wiped her eyes and smiled proudly, "Chase taught me."
"Well, it damn well hurts," he smiled back. "Come on, you don't want to be late for your flight. What about Angie, will you take her?"
"No, I'll wait until we know more details. Maria her babysitter will stay with her, she's done it before."
"Okay good... and Kim, good luck."
"Thank you Tony," Kim whispered as she kissed him on his uninjured cheek. "I'll call you."
Chase continued across the black ice, slipping on the clear patches and struggling through the snow drifts. His falls were becoming more frequent and it was getting harder each time to pick himself up. His every movement punctuated with grunts of pain, he knew he wouldn't make it across. The clearing on the far shore seemed no closer than when he had started. Bathed in sweat, he had unzipped his jacket earlier and now each time he fell a stain of red was left on the flattened snow.
Slipping again, he crashed to the black surface, his wounded shoulder striking the unyielding ice first. With a cry of despair he tried to rise, but his body refused to obey and he sank into the cold surface, his tears of frustration freezing along with his now cold sweat.