title: past and future, part4
author:
callisto24
fandom: 24
charakters: Jack, Tony, Chase, Michelle, Kim, Chloe,
Morris...
category: drama, m/m slash
theme: I intended to fill the gaps
between the seasons in a slashy, smutty, angsty way...
Jack between Chase and
Tony... rating: NC-17
disclaimer: nothing belongs to me, no money made
....
warnings: not my native language, unbetaed, probably contains horrible
grammatical and language mistakes...
corrections are always very welcome
:)
besides: contains character's deaths, depressing topics, drug abuse,
graphig slash scenes, non-con, violence... it's long and I finished it while
watching the start of Season6
still there?
Have
fun!!! ;)
* * * * *
Part4:
* * * *
*
Coming back to reality turned out to be a depressing
experience. He had been so happy to see Jack, that hiding the truth hadn ‘ t
bothered him. But now the feelings rushed back. Feelings of guilt, doubts if he
had acted right. It had been easy, too easy, easier than supposed. The words had
been spoken quick and secure, CTU experience had done the rest, and though it
had never been easy to hide something in front of Jack, this time he had
suspected nothing, he could swear it. Telling him about Kim, about Chase would
have been the right thing to do, he knew, but however, there hadn ‘ t been a
choice. Jack could be unpredictable, concerning Kim, and as Tony had to admit,
also when Chase was involved. He shook the thoughts from his mind. Nothing, but
his own stupid jealousy would cause a speculation like the last one. If Jack
knew, that Kim needed him, nothing would be able to stop him from seeking
her.
The situation with Chase was different. He could take care of himself
and Jack relied on him, relied on the fact, that he was there for Kim, would
help her go through the time of mourning. If he knew the truth, if he knew, that
Kim was disturbed, that Chase seemed to suffer, no doubt, he would return at
once, paying no attention to the risk. Tony stared at the landscape, barely
concentrated on the little traffic. The plains and fields looked all alike and
he sighed when he imagined the time he still had to spent on the streets, slowly
and carefully moving away from Jack, sensing the desire and pain growing with
each mile. He rubbed his temple in increasing confusion. He loved Michelle
truly, he longed for her, had been more than happy, she ‘ d taken him back, but
he couldn ‘ t deny his feelings for Jack. It had been hell to know him in
Washington, added to the ache, the separation with his wife had caused
constantly in his heart. He hadn ‘ t known better than drinking, doing stupid
things to distract himself from the fact, that he had been drowning helplessly
in a bottomless sea, not knowing what to do or where to go. But it had been his
decision then, the right thing, the only thing he could do this time.
But
now the things were out of his control.
Now, though he had Michelle back, the
ache had remained. Sometimes it seemed to become strong enough to prevent him
from breathing. Then he tried to suck in the air, but his lungs refused to obey
his orders until he imagined himself fainting, until he nearly welcomed the idea
of fading away forever just to make the hurting stop.. But the will to survive
always remained stronger. When he finally absorbed the air, it burnt like fire,
his chest stood in flames and tears appeared in his eyes. He would laugh at the
power his imagination possessed, ruling the functions of his body, if the pain
wasn ‘ t that consuming. A pain reasoned by the bitter knowledge that Jack wasn
‘ t there, that he couldn ‘ t count on him, that he stayed unreachable in the
distance, alone, a refugee, far away from everything, which had been important
to him, to them. And with each mile he put between himself and his love, a
conviction regained power, a suspect turned out to be true. It wouldn ‘ t end,
the longing for this man would remain a part of him and deep in his heart he
knew the one thing, which made it even worse. That it was as hard for Jack as
for him, probably harder, and he buried the hope, that a solution would offer
itself, that one day they would be able to pay the prize and be free.
* * * * *
“What are you doing here, each night,”
the Irish man snorted. “Can ‘ t you see, that we don ‘ t like company?”
Andrew laughed. “True
enough. I ‘ d never seen someone lie so easily to the foreman, had been a joy to
watch.”
Chase grinned. “So we ‘ re getting quits now, you helped me with
this guy.”
“O ‘ Hara isn ‘ t that bad, just bragging. And he tends to
paranoia, presuming cops everywhere.”
Chase swallowed the wrong way, when he
tried to suppress a laughing. “Well, I ‘ m far away from this,” he finally
managed to say. Andrew smiled back, studied his features attentively. “You know,
some of us are glad about each opportunity on earning extra money and I
wonder... .” He paused for a moment, before he prepared to turn away from the
table. “Think about it Chuck! Maybe there exists a chance for you to help us out
from time to time.” Chase glanced back sceptically. “Depends on the kind of
job,” he answered carefully. “But I promise to keep it in my mind.” “That ‘ s
all I could ask for,” Andrew nodded one last time to him, before he vanished in
a group, which members conspicuously ignored the man, sitting alone in a distant
corner night after night, usually without talking to anyone. Chase emptied his
glass before he left, aware, that from now on he wouldn ‘ t have to deal anymore
with the question if, but instead with the question when things will become
interesting. * * * * *
“I like it how you work, Chuck,” Andrew
stated, while they were waiting. “You ‘ re acting quick and avoid asking too
much questions. I told Simon about your qualities... .” He listened quietly out
into the darkness, before he shook his head. “Too early,” he mumbled to himself.
“They couldn ‘ t have finished now.” He looked back to Chase, who pulled the
black cap deeper in order to hide his face. “Simon checked on you and he had
been very surprised about what he ‘ d found out.”
When Chase didn ‘ t react
he went on. “I mean military experience, your knowledge about strategy and
weapon technology seems to be impressive, especially thinking about your age.”
He looked at Chase, obviously still astonished about the news he had heard about
the quiet man. “You have to know... ,” he hesitated, rubbing his neck and
sighed. “Simon is the most important man in town. He ‘ s close to the boss, and
if Simon is interested in you, things could turn out better than you might have
expected.” “Huh? And what would Simon expect from me?” Chase answered, seeming
confused. “I ‘ m pretty content with this here, not so much into changes.”
“Well,” Andrew considered his words. “You must have been different then a few
years ago. I mean playing soldier, learning about stuff in the academy... guess
you had expected something different concerning your future.” “Sometimes things
happen, no one could have foreseen,” Chase mentioned, lifting his left hand.
“Yes.” Andrew looked at him scrutinizing. “Maybe the organization will find
perfect use for your skills.” He sighed slightly. “I ‘ ve seen it before. People
making progress, climbing the steps quickly and suddenly gain one high position
after another, until they are sent to Europe, South America, leading interesting
missions, while I ‘ m stucking in this fucking city without any hope to get out
of it one day.” Chase looked at him curiously, until Andrew smiled and shrugged.
“Sorry, mate, it ‘ s just, I never received a training or an education, which
would be helpful... and seems like I will always be the one to be on guard, to
drive the car, to hire and recommend people... nothing new in there.” “Sounds
okay by me,” Chase responded low.
Andrew threw another questioning glance on
him. “You really must have gone through some bad experiences, Chuck. Don ‘ t
know, why else you should always be in such a broody mood.” When he received no
reaction by the other man, Andrew let out his breath audibly.
“Anyway, you ‘
ll meet the guy soon, maybe he ‘ s already watching you.” He grinned. “These
people are overacting, sometimes. Maybe that ‘ s the secret of their success.”
He scratched his temple. “This won ‘ t be the last day, I ‘ ll spent sitting in
a van, waiting for our heros bringing home the booty, earning lots of money. And
when I ‘ m coming home my beloved wife is pissed, because she had to spend the
day alone with the kids.” He blinked at Chase. “But who cares? Things have to be
done, right Chuck?” “Hmm,” Chase grumbled vaguely. “Guess you ‘ re right,
buddy!”
“Damnit, they ‘ re coming.” Andrew started hastily the engine, while
Chase climbed behind opening the car widely for their accomplices, who stormed
inside within seconds. “Gee, guys, what have you done all the time?” Andrew
called out. “Have been sitting here for hours and you know, that Chuck isn ‘ t
much of a talker. Had to lead the conversation on my own.” “Must have been hard
for you,” one of the men snorted, removing the mask from his face, while they
raced around the corners through abandoned streets. “Damn right,” Andrew
answered, blinking to Chase. “Can ‘ t tell you how glad I am to be with your
charming personalities again.”
* * * * *
“You did
what? Are you crazy?”
“Shut up Tony, you hadn ‘ t been there. I had to do
something.”
“But driving to Chicago? Alone, without back up, that ‘ s not
only stupid, it multiplies the danger for Jack, can ‘ t you see this?” “The
danger had been already existing, I had to react. With you and Michelle out of
the state and unreachable, I had no choice.” “I ‘ m always reachable for you,
you know it, especially when... .”
“Especially when it concerns Jack, I now
that,” Chloe snorted. “Decision had been made, problem is solved. I deleted all
traces, so did Jack. If they would have found him, we had heard about, right?”
“Not right,” Tony growled angrily. “We have no idea about the extent of the
risk. After what you told me, I ‘ m pretty sure, that there are more people
after him, than we had thought. And we neither know what they want, nor what
they intend to do.” Chloe shook her head. “They won ‘ t find him. There is
another problem disturbing me.”
Tony glanced at her. “What do you
mean.”
She sighed. “I ‘ m talking about Jack, he looks awful.”
“It ‘ s his
cover, Chloe, he changes whenever necessary, could be a little weird.”
“No...,” Chloe hesitated. “He looks sad, somehow lost, and he ‘ d lost
weight.”
“Well,” Tony tried a smile, though his body tensed up almost
painfully. “We know Jack, he... he only shows, what he wants to be seen.” Chloe
held his gaze. “I ‘ m not sure, if he can do this any longer. I mean this...
waiting.” Tony swallowed dryly and let his gaze drop to the floor, while his
voice faded, the anger completely vanished in one short moment. “We still have
hopes, that Palmer would be able to find a way out.” He rised his head again.
“It can ‘ t remain like this, I know.” Chloe nodded. “As long as you know, Tony.
Guess, that ‘ s all I wanted to hear.”
For an instant their eyes met, before
she turned around resolutely, leaving him alone with his thoughts.
* * * * *
“Cigarette?” Andrew offered to Chase,
who accepted gratefully.
“So, what happened? I ‘ m curious.”
“I see,”
Chase smirked and shrugged. “Not much. Wanted to talk about my past, made a few
hints, nothing clear or final.” Andrew sighed. “And what do you think about
him?”
Chase shook his head. “Don ‘ t know, made no impression on
me.”
Andrew rolled eyes. “Chuck, time for you to wake up. Can ‘ t wait what
you say, when your meeting the head of the organization. He ‘ s amazing, talked
to him once and he really gave me the feeling of taking part in something
important.” “Yeah, like rubbing and stealing.” Chase raised his
eyebrows.
Andrew laughed and bent over confidentially. “Now, you ‘ re almost
in, guess I can tell you.” Chase let the smoke out and watched it fading away
into the air, while he stayed calm as always. “You remember the weird things
happening this year? Airforce One shot down, to mention only one... ?” “And...
.”
“Guess!”
“You ‘ re crazy.” Chase grinned though his insides froze.
“Why should, I mean... what sense would lie in this?” “Nothing to care about. It
‘ s the message, which remains.”
“Message?” Chase shuddered. “But these
people were ready to contaminate themselves in the end... I mean... .” It was
Andrews turn to shrug. “It had been under control from the first moment on, the
plan had worked out exactly as it should do. Don ‘ t pay attention to the lies
the media are trying to tell you.”” “Hm,” Chase concentrated on his cigarette.
“Wasn ‘ t interested that much in it.”
Andrew smiled. “That ‘ s what we
apprecciate here very much. You only have to know, that the organization is
trying to repair, what has been destroyed in this country during the last
years.” “Ok.” Chase seemed to consider the information. “I start to understand.
Obviously these people are pretty powerful.”
“Rely on it,” Andrew chuckled.
“... and now I ‘ m taking you out for a drink, in order to make sure, you won ‘
t forget old friends.”
* * * * *
Tony sat on the
edge of the couch, burying his face in his hands.
“What ‘ s the matter with
you?” Michelle asked him softly running her fingers through his hair.
“Hadn ‘
t heard you come in,” he looked up at her and smiled slightly. “It ‘ s only...
,that I ‘ m still worried. I can ‘ t see why he isn ‘ t calling.” Michelle sat
down beside him.
“Probably he don ‘ t want to take a risk, let the time pass
by, things calm down.”
Tony let out a deep breath and looked out of the
window.
“This is a hell of a summer. Everybody ‘ s longing for rain, people
are on the edge.”
“No, Tony.” Michelle stroke his back tenderly. “You are!
Don ‘ t worry too much about Jack. I know what he means to you and what you ‘ ve
gone through together, that you still feel guilty for his situation.” She leant
her head against his shoulder. “He always proved stronger than expected, I
wouldn ‘ t wonder, if he enjoys his freedom.” Tony smiled half-hearted and laid
his arm around her. “Let ‘ s hope he does,” he murmured, remembering Chloes
words to well to be able to believe it.
* * * *
*
“God, Jack. I ‘ ve been sick from fear.”
Tony ran the
last steps to the wooden shanty, isolated in the depth of the forest, hidden by
large trees, who concealed the sight on the blockhouse from the few people
visiting the hiking trail. He threw his backpack on the earth, panting, watching
the skinny figure leaning against the house. Jack let his cigarette fall onto
the ground and stepped on it indifferently, before looked up and allowed a small
smile to scurry over his features. “Do you really think coming here is a good
idea?” he asked, while he resisted the urge to throw himself into the other mans
arms, like he ‘ d imagined during the last weeks, only to sense his desparation
and loneliness growing day by day. So he had tried not to think about a meeting,
convincing himself, that it would be too dangerous for both of them, stupid and
egoistic, that he had to accept the thought to remain on his own. But then the
night had come, he hadn ‘ t been able to face it any longer. And when he had
been sitting in the darkness, empty bottles on the floor of his cheap room, a
shiny new syringe lying on the table in front of him, the sight of the drug
hypnotizing him, while silent tears streamed unnoticed down his cheeks, he ‘ d
known, that he only still would have a choice, if he would allow himself to make
the call. And Tony had known at once. There hadn ‘ t been any need to explain,
to speak it out loudly, Tony had taken the weight from his shoulders with few
words. He had understood, he had felt the same and though Jack had felt ashamed
about his own weakness, his heart had cheered despite the tears still running
down without a tiny little sign of leaving off. The coldness paralyzing his body
in spite of the heat of the night, started to vanish when he listened to Tonys
soft voice, speaking of his relief, of his thankfulness, of his deep and
undestroyable love. And after he had laid the phone down, knowing he had to get
rid of it soon, knowing he had to leave this place as quick as possible, despite
of all this better knowledge, he had curled down on his shabby bed and cried
properly, letting the tears and the sobs come and shake him, until he finally
had held nothing more inside him. And Tony had found him, had pressed on him,
insisted to see him, no matter how many questions were hanging around them in
the air far away from being answered. But now he stood in front of him,
regarding him in silence, his face living in changing emotions. Jack could see,
could feel the yearning emanating from the tall and handsome shape, sensed his
intense longing, the desperate desire for his touch, but at the same time Tony
stiffened. Jack received uncertain fear, a shock and suddenly sorrow
transforming into a disturbing need to care. He avoided to look at him any
longer, clinging to the necessity of staying rationally, whatever might happen.
“I ‘ m pursued since I left Chicago,” he said. “Sooner or later someone showed
up and I had to leave in a hurry.” “I know,” Tony answered low. “And you won ‘ t
have to stay long here, but I ‘ ve been walking through the forest since
yesterday and only met some wanderers with nothing but returning to nature in
their minds.” He stepped closer. “You ‘ re safe, for now.”
Jack threw his
arms around his neck, shuddering, while he hid his face in the wide jacket of
the dark haired. Tonys strong arms encircled him passionately and he pressed him
with his body against the wooden housewall, trying to come as close as possible.
And suddenly he felt whole again, healed, repaired inside, ready to take
whatever his fate would demand from him.
* * * *
*
Tony wound a long strand of Jacks hair, which shone copper
red in the light of the flames flickering restlessly in the fire place, around
his skilful fingers, regarding it in delight. “What is this?” he asked, not
hiding the mocking subtone.
“Huh?” Jack raised his head, he had laid
comfortably against the other mans chest.
“You don ‘ t like my style? Should
I feel hurt now?”
He grinned, stealing a short kiss from the dark haired
lips. Tony smiled back. “It ‘ s just... different. I ‘ ve never seen your hair
that long.” “Well,” Jack leant back.”Always trying to surprise you.”
He
silenced watching the fires dance. “Honestly I couldn ‘ t bring up the energy to
do something with it,” he added quietly. “I know,” Tony murmered, playing softly
with the smooth length, holding it against the light, watching the colour change
from red to gold, glistening with every movement. “I like it, it ‘ s beautiful,”
he sighed. “Wished it would stay that long.”
Jack considered the suggestion.
“When you ‘ re letting your hair grow, too?”
“No way,” Tony responded
determined. “I won ‘ t spend my days trying to comb the mess.”
“Come on,
Tony.” Jack teased him. “I ‘ d love to see black curls falling down your
shoulders.”
“Sure,” Tony rolled eyes. “Forget about it.”
“I don ‘ t
care.” Jacks voice suddenly became serious. “I love you no matter how you look
or what you do or where you are.”
They stared into the fire, listening to
the wood crackling faintly while it was burning down slowly.
Low, barely
audible Tony finally whispered his answer, causing a distant smile curling Jacks
lips.
He reached for the taller mans hand, taking it in a tender grip,
placing a long kiss on its inside, before he pulled it down until Tony could
feel his heartbeat beneath his fingertips. Lovingly caressing Jacks chest Tony
closed his eyes getting lost in the magic of the moment.
“I have to leave the
country.” Jack whispered.
“What do you mean?” Tonys eyes shot open. “You can
‘ t!” He stated, shocked by the thought. “We ‘ ll fix it... Palmer... .”
“No.” Jack imperceptibly shook his head. “It ‘ s over. I have no hope for a
change anymore and... .” He paused before he spoke even lower. “I can ‘ t wait
anymore, Tony. It ‘ s stupid, dangerous and it makes me crazy.” “Why?” Tony
asked, moving the hand, which still had been buried in Jacks hair down to stroke
his throat tenderly, a motion, he knew it would make Jack sigh. “Why now?”
Jack remained silent, feeling it impossible to explain, to open his heart
more than he already did. “Jack!” Tony urged him. “Please!” His fingers danced
featherly over the soft skin, went down to the shoulders, over the arm, followed
the lines of black ink and moved up again, releasing the earlobe, Tony wished he
could bite. Jack swallowed, electrified, his nerves screaming in joy and pain
without him being able to decide which of these emotions devoured him. “I can ‘
t be without you anymore,” he breathed before he could stop the words streaming
out of his mouth and startled when the realization hit him what he just had
confessed. He propped himself up quickly searching the familiar, suddenly sad
shining eyes, he had missed too long.
“I ‘ m sorry, Tony. I hadn ‘ t intended
to lay this on you, it ‘ s not how it sounds.”
Tony sat up straight, pulled
his knees up to his chest, watching Jack, who followed his example, drawing the
earth coloured cover closer to prevent the sudden cold breeze from making him
shiver, though the effort remained a futile attempt.
* * * *
*
They stayed silent, only the sounds of their breathing and
the slowly fainting fire to be heard.
In spite of the painful sting Jacks
words had caused in his stomach, the constant guilt pressing heavy weights on
his heart, Tony wished he could remain in this place, in this moment forever,
side by side with Jack without spending a single thought on danger, future or
reason. “I don ‘ t wanna be without you, either,” he finally mentioned, raising
his eyes to the rough ceiling, studying the uneven surface without noticing.
“But I can ‘ t... can ‘ t go with you... .” “I know, “Jack whispered, bending
his head down until his hair hid the face completely.
“I ‘ m not strong
enough for... .”
“You don ‘ t have to explain, Tony.” Jack looked up with a
bitter smile. “I know your background and I know your family. We all suffer from
a past we can ‘ t overcome.” Tony ran his fingers through his hair, fighting the
wetness ascending behind usually emotionless eyes. “Sometimes it scares me how
much you know about me.” Jack kept his smile. “You ‘ ve always been an open book
to me, at least the most times.”
He turned his eyes to the other man.
“Catholic heir is hard to deny.”
“No,” Tony shrugged. “Though I know better,
there will always be the voice of my father and grandfather in my head,
screaming at me, that it ‘ s a sin, what I ‘ m feeling, what we are doing.” “But
it isn ‘ t,” Jack murmured. “Times are changing.” “Hopefully for the better,”
Tony answered, meeting the blonds look. With a sigh he pulled him close, made
him rest comfortably at his side, head leaning against his shoulder, skin
touching skin. Jack snuggled near the warm body, thankful for the moment of
peace. “I don ‘ t want you to go anywhere,” Tony barely moved his lips, speaking
into his lovers ear, who recognized the meaning of his words without hearing
them properly. “I can ‘ t stay,” he whispered back. “It kills me.”
The wind
howled around the house, bringing the autumn relentlessly with it.
“Promise
me one thing,” Tony begged at least.
“Whatever you want to.”
“Give me
time until New Years Eve. If we hadn ‘ t seen any progress until then, I ‘ ll
help you to disappear outside of the States, let you go wherever you want to
go.” “You don ‘ t understand, Tony.” Jack swallowed slightly. “I ‘ m not sure,
if I understand properly. But I know, that I can ‘ wait anymore. Can ‘ t wait
for something to happen, for the slight possibility of a solution... can ‘ t
wait... for you each day, each hour knowing how senseless, how hopeless, how
stupid it is to long for you, knowing exactly with total conviction, that I
should be able to let you go, but... .” He paused for an instant, closed his
eyes in exhaustion. “But that ‘ s what I ‘ m not strong enough for.”
They
listened to the upcoming storm, whose sounds meanwhile dominated what formally
could be heard, felt locked in a trap, created by a fate, which would never show
enough mercy to simply let them go.
* * * *
*
Hours later Tony was on his way back to civilization,
breathing heavily under the weight he was carrying, the existing weight inside
his backpack and the imagined one inside his mind which seemed harder to bear by
far. Jack had surrendered quickly and though Tony knew, that the blond would be
able to go wherever, whenever he wanted to, he also knew in perfect clearness,
that Jack would stay, because it was, what he had begged him to do. He stood
still, tried to shook the sense of guilt from his shoulders, the awkward feeling
of having made an unforgivable fault. He knew, that there lay no sense anymore
in relying on David Palmers influence, he had done what had been possible for
them. With a change in the political leadership of the country, maybe things
could turn out better one day and hopes concentrated on Davids brother, who
pushed his career successfully. But within the next weeks or months it it wouldn
‘ t be probable, that anything could be improved. Tony tried to tell himself,
that leaving the country would be the most stupid thing Jack could do. He wouldn
‘ t be able to without leaving more traces, which couldn ‘ t be eliminated, than
he would ever leave inside the States, expecially because they couldn ‘ t tell
yet who else, besides the Chinese government would be interested in catching him
alive. Tony watched the clouds hurry over the sky, drawn by invisible powers.
Coloured leaves flew up, whirled around him, enlarged his confusion, drew his
thoughts in different directions. Blackness arised from one edge over the
wavering trees, became bigger and more consuming, sending premonitions of
disastrous future events straight into his heart, until he started to shake and
shiver unvoluntarily.
* * * * *
“Wait
a moment, Chuck,” Simon ordered him, putting the headset on, while watching the
movements on the computer screen. “Still have a task for you.” Chase sighed and
leant defeated against the door, he just had intended to open. Though he entered
the organization step by step, it seemed nothing more to be, than extended drug
dealing, robbery and involvement in various obscure business enterprises. He
obviously had lost the patience necessary for his job, hated it be pushed around
by a slimy bastard like Simon, who made no move without contacting a distant
figure, which grew more mysterious each day. “Yes Sir!” He nearly bowed down,
not caring that his partner in conversation couldn ‘ t see him. “No, I ‘ m
sorry. We hadn ‘ t found him yet. Yes.... , no ... nobody would repeat a fault
like this, the fools had been punished. Won ‘ t ever get the chance again,...
no... no chance for anything, that ‘ s for sure. Nobody will ever try to play
the hero, to ignore your instructions... .” Simon remained silent, wrote a note
on a piece of paper, gave it to Chase, forming with his mouth an order. Chase
nodded, ready to turn over the message at once, when he involuntary heard the
next words, while he was closing the door silently in order to avoid disturbing
the man, who still was busy in placing excuses. “We have an idea, hints to the
Appalachian Trail, maybe preparations to leave the country. But whatever he
does, this won ‘ t happen... yeah, I know we need Bauer, perfect for... yes.”
Chase held his breath, making no further move. But the distant voice faded away,
muffled, probably by a second door, Simon might have vanished behind. Chase
listened attentively, his heart pounded in his chest. But it remained useless
and after a moment, he decided it would look strange, if one of the men saw him
lurking there. Hesitating and slowly he moved away, cursing himself because of
his imagination. How many Bauers would exist alone in New York? No wonder, that
one or probably more were involved in this organization, above all if it was as
big as they weren ‘ t becoming tired of telling him. He tried to get rid of the
thought, but couldn ‘ t prevent the images running through his mind. Pictures of
Jack alive and pursued. Long buried emotions crawled over him, reached daylight
and he was still to shocked to be able to stop them. What if... ? He shook his
head in determination. No way, that he would let the weakness overrule him, he
had never been the kind of man, who believed in weird coincidences. The most
probable solution always would remain the right one. And Jack was dead, any
other possibility made no sense. They had buried him, they had mourned him and
to doubt the facts only would increase the pain. Chase swallowed, tried hard to
get a grip on himself, when he left the dark building without knowing where he
was or what he did. He pressed the forgotten paper in his fist, unable to care
about his next step, while he staggered forward, blind for silent tears filling
his painfully burning eyes. “Chuck!” A voice called him from the distance, but
he couldn ‘ t stop moving, though he didn ‘ t know anymore about his aim, about
what he was doing there. “Chuck, man, you ‘ re alright?” Andrews face came into
his vision, slightly concerned and Chase suddenly felt his strong grip on his
arm. “I... I ‘ m sorry,” he stuttered. “Remembered for a moment... .” Andrew
looked at him questioning, nodded then. “Some demons of the past, am I right?
“Sometimes they are hunting you, when you ‘ re not prepared.” Chase bent his
head, stared at the paper. “Let me see this,” Andrew demanded, taking it
determined from the limp hand. “That ‘ s no deal,” he mentioned, after having
studied the letters. “I ‘ ve done this for Simon a thousand times.” He regarded
Chase and hesitated a moment, before he pulled him aside. “Listen buddy, you ‘
re not looking good. Let me handle this and wait for me in my car, so we can
talk. Whatever it is, I know the crap here... .” “No, it ‘ s nothing... ,” Chase
tried to refuse, but soon felt himself led to Andrews car, where he thankfully
slipped into the seat, closing his eyes, trying to shut his mind against the
thoughts which threatened to overrun him. Only a minute seemed to have passed,
when Andrew returned. “Nothing as good as delegating work,” he grinned, starting
the motor. “Shall I drive you home? You look like you ‘ d seen a ghost.” “No.”
Chase managed finally to shook his head. “Just a sudden memory hit me, and as
you said... I hadn ‘ t been prepared to deal with it.” Andrew smirked. “I ‘ ve
always said, you ‘ re holding something back. That ‘ s never good, comes out in
the worst moment you can imagine.” “Yes,” Chase swallowed. “It ‘ s only that I
don ‘ t want... I can ‘ t... think about it, it ‘ s too painful.” He turned his
head, stared out of the window, to hide the tears, which started to run down his
cheeks. He pressed his eyes shut, cursing the reason for his break down,
concentrated desperately on his breathing, hoping, that he would be able to
rebuild his strength. Andrew made a clicking noise with his tongue, before he
went on talking.
“I know, what you mean. Lost my brother, when I ‘ ve been a
child, has been my hero. Hadn ‘ t cried for a year, remained strong, tried to
prove something. Then one day, I saw these kids playing basketball, and the one,
who played in his usual position... he looked like him.” He threw a glance at
Chase who made no effort to change his position. “Result is, I broke down
completely... .” He paused. “Needed some time to deal with my sorrow. I mean...
don ‘ t want to intrude..., but maybe you ‘ d lost someone, too, recently. Would
explain some things.” They drove silently until Andrew stopped in front of the
building containing Chases small apartment. “I suggest you grab some sleep,
right Chuck?”
“Ok,” Chase agreed, but couldn ‘ t bring himself to make a
move.
“Oh boy,” Andrew rolled eyes, went out of the car, surrounded it in
order to help Chase out from the other side. “I ‘ m fine,” Chase refused, when
he felt the other man tug him outside.
“I know,” Andrew replied, still
offering support. “But you owe me a drink now, promise?”
“I promise, “Chase
answered low and went forward slowly, feeling tons of weight holding him in
place. “You know... ?” He suddenly turned back. “I ‘ ve got some whiskey up
there. Maybe you want the drink now?” “Won ‘ t say no to a free drink,” Andrew
grinned, laying friendly his hand on the other mans shoulder, pushing him
steadily forward.
* * * * *
“So, you wanna tell
me now?” He asked, when they sat in front of two glasses in Chases apartment
which wasn ‘ t more than a room with an integrated tiny attempt of a kitchen.
Chase hesitated, taking one gulp at first, then shook his head. “No need to, I ‘
m okay. But thanks for your help anyway.” Andrew leant back comfortably, looking
around. “Have never been in your home before and I think I know why.” He smiled,
before he raised his glass to his lips. “You ‘ ve a nicer home, I guess,” Chase
shrugged. “Thinking about wife and kids.”
“Yeah, I ‘ m blessed,” Andrew let
out his breath. “Knew her from kindergarden, became pregnant with fourteen, left
school and married with fifteen and that ‘ s the story.” “But you still are with
her.”
“Took my responsibility. And you? Family somewhere?”
“A child, my
cousin volunteered to care for her, because I couldn ‘ t anymore.”
“The
mother?”
“Left me, like my girlfriend. I ‘ m not that good in
relationships.” He sighed. “To be honest, I left them before they could left
me.”
Andrew raised his eyebrows. “Thought so, got some vibes.”
“What do
you mean,” Chase asked before he took another gulp.
“Come on man, it ‘ s
obvious, at least to me.”
“What?”
“Significant behaviour. You had grown
up in the bible belt area, me on the streets. Pressure here and there, you
needed to prove that you ‘ re a man.”
“Shut up,” Chase hissed. “You don ‘ t
know anything.”
“Really?” Andrew spoke quietly. “If I was asked, I would
suppose, that your boyfriend left you, hurt you deep, so you have no intention
to open up ever again.”
“Stop it!” Chases voice sounded hoarsely, the words
stuck in his throat, refused to come out.
“It ‘ s not... .”
“What is it?”
Andrew whispered tenderly, leant forward laying his free hand on Chases knee.
“He ‘ s... he ‘ s dead.” Chase sobbed suddenly, unable to maintain control
any longer. “He ‘ s dead and I can ‘ t do anything about it.”
The glass
slipped from his fingers, but the only thing he noticed were arms holding him,
pulling him in a soft embrace, an embrace, he had longed for without knowing it,
comfort he had desired since he ‘ d been together with Jack this special
night.
And he lost himself in the touch, allowed himself to be held, to be
healed, to be cared for, until he contained no more tears to cry, until he
collapsed in exhaustion, united with the first man, who seemed to understand him
completely.
* * * * *
Jack knew what he had
to do. He knew why he had given in so easily. He had known it for weeks. It was
an inevitable act, the logical conclusion. He hated himself for not being
stronger, but he knew, that there was only one way for him to bear the pain any
longer. He would stay, he would wait, he would run and hide as long as he was
asked to. But he couldn ‘ t do it without some help. The fight had lasted long
enough, it was over now, he knew it. And the winner laid in front of him on the
table and waited patiently. Just a moment and he would be redeemed, at least for
some hours, maybe more, maybe less, depending on his next actions. He regarded
the familiar stuff spread out, glistening in the spare autumn light, ...shivered
in anticipation... .
* * * * *
Tony ran, his
insides burnt, his heart pounded and each breath set his lungs in flames.
Nevertheless he ran like a madman, let each weight, which slowed him, drop
down on the ground, threw it away, his rucksack, his jacket ... until he moved
freely, not knowing what fear it was, that forced him to took up speed, to run
as if his life depended on it.
* * * * *
“Do
you wanna talk about him?”
Chase shook his head silently.
“Sometimes it
can help.”
“No,” Chase hesitated. “It ‘ s been complicated.” He sighed. “Very
complicated, I can ‘ t understand myself how or why we could get into all this
trouble.”
Andrew pulled him closer, ran his left hand through Chases soft
hair, while he was stroking the younger mans waist with the right one. He blew
against a dark curl.
“I like it, that you ‘ re letting it grow. Makes you
look friendlier.”
Chase smiled slightly. “Not exactly what I had intended.”
“Keep it this way, promise... .”
Chase shrugged. “Don ‘ t know.” He
tried to change the subject. “So how are you doing this, your family and all...
I mean... .”
“I keep my space and so does my wife. She doesn ‘ t know
everything about me as I have no idea what she ‘ s doing the whole day. So we ‘
re getting along really well.”
He paused. “She hasn ‘ t to know what I ‘ m
doing for a living. I ‘ m glad, she asks no questions.” Thoughtfully Andrew
studied Chases face. “But I guess, that ‘ s not what you would expect from a
partnership.” Chase considered his words, took Andrews rough hand into his and
regarded the warm dark skin emitting a sweet scent, reminding him of coffee and
chocolate. He kissed the brighter inside of each graceful finger, remembering
the way they had brought him to life again and again, chasing away his sorrow at
least for some precious and unforgettable moments. When he wasn ‘ t answering,
Andrew went on speaking. “You seem to me more like the kind of guy, who wants
all or nothing, am I right?”
Chase let more time pass, before he let out a
shaking breath. “Honestly, I have no idea anymore, what I wanted once,
besides... besides the one thing I couldn ‘ t get.” “Because he passed away?”
Andrew asked softly.
Chase closed his eyes, felt the familiar pain reach his
heart again, press it together until he winced, tried to change his position,
only to feel the increasing hurt turning his insides out, nearly causing him to
throw up as an inevitable reaction to the short time, he had forgotten, what
tortured him restlessly.
“Easy boy,” Andrew supported him, helped him set
upright, stroke his back lazily.
“You don ‘ t have to talk, I ‘ m sorry,
man.”
“No,” Chase looked down, enjoyed the touch of those beautiful strong
hands, caressing him tenderly.
He swallowed hard. “It ‘ s... I never had...
he has never been mine... he always... .” He leant back against the lean body
embracing him carefully. “I never knew how much I wished him to be my own... how
much I longed for him... until he... .”
Andrew nodded patiently, started to
softly massage Chases shoulders, before he encircled his muscular chest, moved
his fingers featherly up and down, nearly unnoticable like a soft breeze,
blowing over his oversensitive skin.
“If I had known before... .”
“But
you hadn ‘ t.” Andrew whispered into his ear. “Some things can ‘ t be changed,
and we can only hope to understand afterwards why they had happened.”
“Why
they had happened?” Chase repeated bitterly. “Don ‘ t offer me this spiritual
shit, Andrew, I won ‘ t take it.”
He turned round in the other mans arms.
“If you wanna help me, there is another way, only one way to do it now.”
“I
think I know what you mean,” Andrew smirked, lowering his mouth on the young
agents lips, but before he could cover the welcoming curves with his own, Chase
moved them again.
“Make me scream, Andrew,” he whispered huskily. “Make me
forget... please... .”
And Andrew smiled, when he closed Chases mouth in a
deep kiss, moved his lean body against the slim shape gliding beneath him,
sucked forcefully his breath, his pain, each dark thought out of his mind,
allowing Chase to flee his past, to flee reality for this one single
night.
* * * * *
Tony broke through the closed
door, stumbling and falling on the floor, crawled up quickly, struggled and
jumped forward.
Felt like moving in slow motion, when he reached out
desperately, met Jacks disturbing hollow eyes for a scaring instant, before he
pushed the shimmering needle out of shivering hands.
Breathing heavily he
drew the pale figure into his arms, holding him tighter, than he ever did
before, convinced that he would never be able to let him go.
“What are you
doing, Jack,” he managed to croak huskily, when his heart had finally slowed
down enough to allow him to speak.
Jack shuddered in his arms. “You were not
supposed to see that,” he answered, his voice trembling uncontrolled.
Tony
let go, leaning back, hiding his face behind his arms.
“You stupid son of a
bitch! I would never forgive you... I would never forgive me... .”
“No.” Jack still wasn ‘ t able to look at him.
“But you wanted. How long were you planning it. What the hell is running
through your damned stubborn mind... .”
Tony silenced suddenly, leant back
beside the other man, rubbing his temple forcefully as if this movement could
help him to calm down.
They sat there for what seemed an eternity, before
Tony turned over, pulled the hand from Jacks face revealing the tears streaming
down his features, without a sound escaping his lips.
“I ‘ m sorry, Jack.” He
sighed. “I didn ‘ t meant to be so harsh. It ‘ s ..., I can ‘ t imagine how hard
it must be for you,... I ‘ m only thinking about... .”
Jack shook his head.
“I know it ‘ s difficult for you.”
“Jack!” Tony searched for his eyes,
shining big and dark in the cold white face. He caught them with his soft brown
ones, tried to send warmth and care with his look, before he approached the
smaller figure again, this time very slowly and tenderly, pulling him carefully
and lovingly into a soft embrace, laying all his love in the touch.
“You won
‘ t get away with this, you know it,” he whispered into the other mans
ear.
“What do you mean?” Jack mumbled, closing his eyes, clinging to the
taller shape, melting in his arms.
“I mean, that you ‘ re coming with me
now, that I won ‘ t let you go, that we ‘ ll find a place, where I can keep an
eye on you. And we won ‘ t discuss, this is fact,” he added, when he sensed Jack
stiffen in his embrace. “That sounds more than stupid.”
“The only stupid
thing would be to let you here on your own, no way, this won ‘ t happen.”
“I
‘ m not... Tony... ?”
“You know better than me, that there are places not
far from L.A., hidden places in the desert, where no one cares about his
neighbour. And after all this time, nobody would think about you returning
there. It might be the safest place on earth for you.” “I don ‘ t think...
.”
“No thinking anymore, Jack. No fear, no doubt. There is no other
way.”
He bent down, kissing hungrily Jacks neck, who arched back immediately,
unable to suppress a gasp, making Tony smile, although the sadness around them
still seemed to remain impenetrable like a gigantic black cloud. “I ‘ ll show
you something,” he whispered, before he fumbled under his shirt, undid the small
chain he weared around his throat. He held it in front of them, turning it,
until the little light from outside was caught in the surface of the
unpretentious silver cross. “A talisman. My grandpa gave it to me. I ‘ m
carrying it with me often, but today I weared it for the first time.”
He
hesitated. “And when I went away from you, it started to burn, it hurt me
physically.”
Tony closed his hand around it. “Imagination does strange things
to our minds, but I feel, that you should take it now.” He took Jacks hand, let
the chain slid inside it, before he pulled it to his lips. “Take it as a part
from me, as a proof, that I will always come back to you, that you won ‘ t be
alone again.” Eyes locked, melt into each other, when arms reached out, limbs
entangled in a feverish dance, fingers started frantic movements, pressing,
rubbing, gliding over hot bodies sinking down, not noticing the small silver
symbol getting lost in the heat, falling silently on the ground, mirroring the
last rays radiating through the room, before darkness swallowed them.
* * * * *
“Well done, Chuck! I knew, I could
trust you.”
“He deserved it,” Chase answered quietly, watching Simon
carefully, who nodded before he spoke again.
“Not easy to find someone, who ‘
s willing and able to take care of this kind of problem.”
“You mean to kill
someone?”
“I meant to make a final decision.”
“He was a threat and a
danger, he brought it on himself.”
“How you got rid of him will teach the
others to stay in line.”
Chase allowed a smile to twitch around the corners
of his mouth. “Then my job is done.”
“Not at all.” Simon regarded the young
man thoughtfully.
“Just qualifies you for a bigger task.”
“Like
what?”
“Like the elimination of a special risk.”
He hesitated for a moment
and looked around fearfully, before he lowered his voice. “The most important
thing would be to keep your mouth shut. Nobody... and really nobody might know,
what instrunctions I would give to you.” “Okay by me.”
“You ‘ re a good man,
Chuck. I ‘ ll send you to California, there is a person who needs special
attention!”
Simon grinned, while Chase glanced at him, his green eyes cold
and dark in abhorrence.
“Shall I go alone?”
“I ‘ ll choose somone for
your backup. Probably Andrew, you two stick together all the time anyway. No one
would wonder about you joining for a job.” He watched the agent srutinizing. “It
‘ s really important and I rely on you. This is my turn now, “ he added
cryptically. “You ‘ ll receive further information, when it ‘ s the right time.”
He waved Chase away, who was relieved to be allowed to vanish. He doubted that
he would be able to hide his aversion any longer. His dislike grew stronger the
more the man trusted him and as much as he hated the thought to leave the state,
as much he appreciated the possibility to be out of Simons touch. Next thing to
do would be to notify Mr. Woodside about his progress. Now wonder Simon had
fallen for their deception, hadn ‘t been that difficult to convince him of his
qualities as a cold blooded killer. Some rumours, help of police, agents and a
willing traitor, whose vanishing had to be tarnished, and Simon found him
capable of coming near to the boss, of approaching the heart of the
organization. Chase felt guilty about the way he had been forced to use Andrew
in his game, but they had needed a witness for his actions and his friend had
believed completely what he had shown him last night, proving the cruelty to
punish a man, who had planned to betray their aims, to kill him and to cover the
tracks. He hadn ‘ t seen the men in the dark, when they had drawn the the
consciousless body out of the cold water, revived him, made sure, that he would
be able to testify. Chases lover had looked, as if he would be ready to throw
up, but had done his best to hide his emotions. Obviously he had been shocked
about ease Chuck had shown, while he probably hadn ‘ t expected more than a
serious warning. “Might be for the best,” Chase soundlessly considered the fresh
memory. Keeping him at distance would keep him secure in future, at least as
secure as possible. Though the idea of being confronted again with places, he
had meant to leave behind forever, roused the wish in his mind to be not alone
then, to have someone with him, whose presence could create the illusion of
being protected. He wasn ‘ t sure, if he actually was asking for too much.
* * * * *
“Why haven ‘ t you told me?”
“Told
you what?”
“You ‘ re leaving for L.A. . Simon wanted me to escort you.”
Andrew glanced angrily at Chase. “Had at least expected, that you would tell me
yourself.” “I wanted to give you a possibility to retreat, to find a proper
excuse.”
Chase squirmed uncomfortably with his words, sensed the relentless
black eyes studying him with hardly hidden fury. Andrew folded his arms in front
of his chest, before he answered.
“Why should I? This is the opportunity I ‘
ve waited for. Besides... ,” he leant forward confidentially. “I don ‘ t plan to
let you go. After all I just found you.” “I thought, you were... .”
“What?
Freaked out?” Andrew shook his head. “No chance. Have seen worse. And things
have to be done, right?” Their eyes met and Chase felt hesitation and confusion,
but also unconditional willingness. “You should stay,” he tried again. “Your
family needs you and this might turn out dangerous.” Andrew blinked. “Another
reason to go. Who else should take care of you.”
“Don ‘ t worry about me.”
Chase answered quietly. “There are things, you don ‘ t know and you probably don
‘ t want to know.” “Don ‘ t feed me with this bullshit. If you don ‘ t want me
to come, say it, but don ‘ t expect me to listen.” “I... I...., “ Chase
stuttered, while a bright smile grew slowly on Andrews face.
“Give it up,
man. I can see what you want.”
The taller man turned away, threw a last
glance over his shoulder.
“I already agreed to the trip. You never really
thought, that I would miss the opportunity to have you for my own in the city of
Angels? Forget it, Chuck!” Chase watched him leave with a mixture of worry,
relief and amusement whirling through his mind. Finally he shrugged and smiled.
The man amazed him more and more and he couldn ‘ t deny, that he craved for the
feelings Andrew was able to create in him, feelings that went deeper than simple
arousal or the hot, fulfilling sex they shared, whenever possible.
* * * * *
“So, the hair is gone?”
Tony
ruffled through Jacks short haircut, tried in vain to mess it up.
“That ‘ s
why I got rid of it.” The blond smiled. “Distracted you too much.”
“Never.”
Tony kissed the smooth forehead and let his lips wander down to caress the fine
wrinkles around his lovers eyes, licked down the sun burnt cheekbones, proof for
the hard work Jack did day by day under the hot desert sun, until he he reached
his favorite place. He nuzzled against Jacks throat, gaining another soft sigh
from the delicate mouth.
“Give me some months, I ‘ ll let it grow again.”
“I know another thing to grow soon,” Tony grinned and slid his long fingers
over the naked body until he found what he was looking for.
“Jesus, Tony,
give me a little time to recover,” Jack gasped, while he felt his soft shaft
enclosed by a strong hand.
“You wanna talk?” Tony teased him, encircling the
object of his desire, stroking it tenderly with his fingertips, his voice
remaining astonishing cool.
“So, the little family is nice? There hadn ‘ t
been a reason to worry about you during the holidays?”
“No need to,” Jack
whispered back and stiffened with a moan, when Tony started to pull
lovingly.
“Should bring Diane a nice present for taking care of my treasure.”
“You won ‘ t dare to... .” Jack arched up when Tonys grip became
firmer.
“She deserves it. To keep you company isn ‘ t an easy job, everyone,
who knows you, would certify it.”
“Tony!” Jack breathed desperately. “I can
‘ t ... anymore.”
Tony bent forward, blowing against the already glowing
earlobes.
“Do you know, what I love most?”
Jack licked his lips, while he
started to rock back against the body behind him. A groan escaped him, when Tony
joined his movements, strengthened the attentions he spent on the hardening
flesh.
“What?” Jack managed to croak, before he softly bit his tongue to
suppress a cry.
Tony held him tight, his second hand moving in lazy circles
up and down Jacks chest, pausing to squeeze dark nipples, only content, when the
smaller man couldn ‘ t avoid a small delighted scream and pushed up into the
rhythmically massaging fist.
Tony held him even tighter, stopped his moves,
pressing him close, making Jack gasp, when he felt melting against the taller
body, which surrounded him firmly, giving all he had in the useless attempt to
become one.
Jack struggled frantically, aroused to the point, he couldn ‘ t
bear it anymore, eager to be finished, longing for relief, surrendering to the
sweet torture.
Tony kissed Jacks ear, licked around it and finally whispered
huskily:
“That I know the only way to make Jack Bauer lose
control.”
“Then do it, please!” Jack pleaded, giving up, what was left of his
self-discipline, when he cried out with the final strokes driving him over the
edge.
* * * * *
“You drive me crazy.” Jack sighed, after he
had come down from the heights of orgasm, still panting in the strong arms of
his lover.
“I ‘ m just using the little time we have.” Tony stated. “Won ‘ t
waste a second.”
“We still have time.” Jack mentioned in response, when his
heartbeat slowed down at last.
“Nothing suspicious for months. I guess I
start to feel free and secure finally.”
He paused considerating his words.
“Means, you can come here more often... maybe... if you want to... .”
“As
often as possible.” Tony softly kissed the smaller mans shoulder before he
nibbled on the small silver chain hanging around Jacks neck. “Our time on earth
is limited. Sometimes I think... .”
Jack startled nearly noticable. “Any
problems with your health, Tony?”
“No, I ‘ m fine.” He grabbed the cross and
turned it between his fingers, watching it thoughtfully.
“I ‘ m glad, you ‘
re carrying it with you, though you ‘ re not religious.”
“God knows no
religion,” Jack sighed relieved. “So, what makes you think... ?”
Tony
shrugged. “Don ‘ t know. Got this feeling, something might happen soon.” He
shook his head. “Maybe thinking too much.” “Nothing wrong with thinking,” Jack
smiled and reached around to pull Tonys face closer to his. “I ‘ m thinking of
you all the time.” He brushed soft lips carefully over the other mans tempting
mouth. “And you ‘ re right. We have no time to waste. Tomorrow can be too late.”
He smiled at him, eyes locked, shone in sadness and desire for something
incomprehensible, inconceivable, none of them would be able to put in words.
“And now let me take care of you. I ‘ ll please you in a way, you won ‘ t
forget, you will remember night for night until you ‘ ll come back to me.”
“Nothing would be able to hold me back.” Tony finally smiled back. “Let ‘ s
celebrate what we have, as long as we ‘ ll have it.” He settled back, allowing
Jack to return the joy, he ‘ d received moments ago, exchanging gentle caresses,
which proved love and passion until they collapsed contently, out of breath, too
tired to quarrel with their fate.
* * * * *
“I
suggest you to come over here, as soon as possible!”
“Are you nuts,
Christopher? I ‘ m leaving the country, there ‘ s no time for small talk
anymore.” “Might interest you, that your friend Simon has sent a killer after
me?”
“What do you say?”
“We ‘ ve got the information for a while, today
the suspicion was confirmed. A young man, never conspicuous, advanced slowly in
our ranks. Started in New York, until he was sent southward.” “Why should I
believe you?”
“You don ‘ t have to. I only thought it would be fair to
inform you, that Simon is acting behind your back. Wouldn ‘ t wonder, if he
already had done more. You shouldn ‘ t trust him anymore.” “Calm down,
Henderson! We still have few hours left. You ‘ ll bring the guy to me and then
you ‘ ll finish your job. It ‘ s more important than anything else.” “I ‘ m not
your servant, Roger. Take a look at him here or forget it. You know, I ‘ ve no
time for these kind of games.” Connors put the phone down considering the news.
“This bastard is really tugging on my nerves. If he survives the next days,
maybe we should get rid of him. He already knows to much.” He sighed and stroke
his hair back. “Well, had my doubts about Simon. Is there still time for a
visit?” “Yeah boss. I ‘ m already checking the files. There are pictures and
reports, describing each man, who had come from North during the last weeks.”
“Make it months! And hurry up. I wanna be vanished, when the trouble will
start.”
* * * * *
“Chuck, Andrew! Time for
you to meet our boss now.”
Chase stopped in his motion, let the papers sink
down on which he noted the supplies, glancing at his friend, who smiled excited.
“Told you, you ‘ ll meet him,” he whispered, when he moved past the younger
man.
Chase looked around in confusion, approached the man, who had called
them.
“I ‘ m missing stuff. What about the canisters brought here yesterday?
They seemed to be important.” “Forget about them, boy.” Chase felt the folders
taken from him, while he was pushed forward relentlessly. A bright haired man in
his fifties scrutinized him, his sharp eyes wandering over his body. Chase
turned his head to watch Andrew standing in a corner, next to a heavily armed
man, who usually stood outside the warehouse. In this moment he sensed the
danger. It hung in the air since they ‘d arrived and he cursed himself having
forgotten to care about. Now he stood in front of the man he should kill as soon
as Simon would order him to do it and he felt, that it was to late. He hadn ‘ t
really intended to murder him, but staring into the hard, merciless features, he
recognized something familiar, an unscrupulousness, he ‘ d seen before, he ‘ d
felt himself, when he had worked with Jack, and he knew that he would be able to
kill him, without regret. But he wouldn ‘ t, Henderson told him in his cold
glance, that his orders were no secret anymore. Chase hadn ‘ t said much to
Andrew, but it might have been enough, added to the husky confessions in dark
storage rooms or during nightly visits, he maybe had been able to come to a
conclusion. Damnit, he had been careless, he hadn ‘ t thought about anything
during the last weeks, nothing had been important, but distracting himself from
the fact, that he was here again, in this town, he had learned to hate. He
couldn ‘ t put up with the temperature, the permanent blue sky, the streets, who
seemed to be familiar, though he knew he hadn ‘ t seen them before. He fought
the urge to go and visit Jacks grave by drinking whenever possible and using
Andrews comfort, when the alcohol wasn ‘ t enough anymore, when the waiting
prolonged, waiting for an instruction, waiting for new orders, for anything to
change his feelings, now matter at what costs. If someone becomes suspicious, it
would have been quite easy to find out about him, he talked during his sleep, at
least Andrew had mentioned it more than once. Chase raised his chin. In fact, he
wasn ‘ t really shocked, more annoyed by his stupidity. But after all, this
could turn out to be the end, he ‘ d wanted. A short smile twitched around his
lips, when he met Andrews eyes, who looked at him questioning, obviously sensing
the vibes, but not knowing what to think about them.
“Christopher!” A tall figure in an elegant suit, the long hair
bound back entered the room behind them. Andrews face lightened with the sight
and he nodded into Chases direction, whose insides squirmed noticing the trust
in his eyes. Maybe there would be a chance to talk himself out of it, after all,
he had no idea how much they knew, if they really knew anything. Anyway it had
to be possible to convince them of Andrews loyalty. Unarmed, the warehouse
carefully guarded, and now surrounded by Connors men, any try for an escape
would prove senseless,so Chase concentrated on finding explanations. “I ‘ m glad
to see, that you decided to take a look.” Henderson grinned at the approaching
man.
Roger smirked contemptuously. “I decided it should be necessary to
bring you a message by myself.”
He lay a hand on Christophers shoulder and
turned him around, until he faced Chase completely.
“CTU meets CTU.”
“What?”
“I relied on you Christopher, and you ‘ re occupying a federal
agent directly under your nose?”
“This can ‘ t be true,” Henderson defended
himself. “He has been checked from head to toe, his background exhibits no gaps.
Simon has sent him here only for one reason.” “Simon is no topic, the threat is
far more serious.”
“Like what?”
“Like the FBI lurking around and no one
cares. Sounds familiar? I can ‘ t believe how foolish you are.”
“Me? Simon
sends a killer, who ‘ s working for the government? Maybe I shouldn ‘ t wonder.”
“Simon is already dead, and I made sure, that his dead had been painful.”
“What do you think, Mr. Edmunds?” He turned to Chase, who met his eyes
quietly. “Would people avoid to make similar mistakes, when the punishment is
tough enough, when only the thought on what a person had to endure would cause
another person to become sick?” He looked back to Henderson. “I think, there is
a chance.”
Christopher raised his hands in defense. “I had no idea. Seen
this Edmunds guy for the first time today, he worked practically invisibly.”
“That ‘ s what he was supposed to do,” Roger snorted. “I only wonder, how he
could come so close without you noticing a thing.”
“Shit, Roger... he came
from Simon, and we were ordered to take whatever New York offers.”
The boss
glanced at him, no further emotion visible on his features.
“Alright. You
made your point clear and I have no reason to doubt your words. But believe me,
when I say, that I ‘ m watching you. The next days will make a change and you ‘
re a part of this.” Henderson nodded. “I agree.” His gaze fell again on Chase,
who made no effort to move.
“And you think, that this boy is an agent?” He
looked sceptically and turned to Andrew. “Thought he had nothing else in his
mind but screwing his buddy.” “He is.” Roger grinned. “And I wonder he returned
here, more than ignoring my warning.”
He pointed on Chase, and soon one of
his men lifted the young mans right hand, pulling down his sleeve, revealing the
almost forgotten tattoo.
“So I had to admit, in those days I intended more to
scare Bauer, than giving a thought about the boy.”
He smirked and mentioned
to let Chase go, who blushed in anger and embarrassement.
“Bauer?”
“Jack
Bauer, CTU L.A.! I bet you ‘ ve worked with him, too.”
“You know very well I
did,” Henderson shot back. “And you also know what happened between us.”
“Maybe.” Connors started to enjoy the conversation. “But I guess the young
man has no clue about his lovers past.”
Now Chase couldn ‘ t prevent his
face from turning red, catching a glimpse on the astonished face Andrew showed,
before he noticed Christophers eyes widening. “What ‘ s your point?” The older
man spoke finally. “Bauer is dead and no one cares.”
Roger laughed amused.
“We ‘ ll have to talk about it.”
He regarded his watch. “But momentarily we
‘ re running out of time.” He pointed on Chase. “I ‘ m taking him with me. He
helped me once, though next time a pretty tattoo wouldn ‘ t be sufficient.”
Henderson shook his head.
“Do what you have to do. What ‘ s with the other
guy?”
“Kill him. He ‘ s unimportant.” Connors answered, already heading for
the door, followed by his guards, who pushed Chase forward, who tried to resist,
tried to turn back, to look at Andrew, who stood there motionless, staring at
him in surprise and shock.
* * * * *
Chase stumbled when he
heard the shots echoing from the blank walls, tearing his eardrums, but felt
pushed forward by rough hands, before he had a chance to resist. Like moving in
trance, he was transported outside, shoved into the dark van, still stiff in
shock. The ride was over soon, Chase hadn ‘ t even noticed, he was handcuffed.
Probably it had happened, when they had left the warehouse. Chase made no effort
to free himself, he spent no thought on escaping, his mind remained occupied
with whirling pictures, heightening his confusion. He found himself standing in
the middle of an office, which seemed to be nearly emptied from its usual
accessories. Connors pulled some files from the drawers in his desk, packed them
carefully in different cardboard boxes, which his men carried outside once they
were filled. Finally finished Connors leant back in his chair, folded his arms
in front of his chest and smiled contently. “So, boy, I figured you had no idea
what happened.”
Chase pressed his lips together, desperately trying to hide
his confusion.
Connors sight moved up and down the lean body, an evil smirk
spreading around his lips.
“Too bad, that your mentor never trusted you. How
does it feel to be used and abused again and again, to be assessed just good
enough to babysit your lovers daugher.” He regarded his prisoner attentively.
“Looks like even this job turned out to be too difficult for you. I would love
to know what Jack thinks about you leaving the situation he had arranged for
you.” “Jack is dead.” Chase couldn ‘ t hold back, was rewarded with an amused
sparkle flashing in the expressive eyes of the older man. “Listen, who ‘ s
talking,” he grinned. “Sorry Chase, I think you deserve better than being left
behind in the dark. First of all, he isn ‘ t dead, it ‘ s what he wants you to
believe.” Connors face took a compassionate expression and he shook his head.
“I ‘ m not so fond of these mindgames, but very soon more than only some
chosen people will know the truth about him. And by hiding in the desert like a
sad coward he is doing us an immense favor.” “Why should I believe you, “ Chase
asked doubtfully.
“You don ‘ t have to.” Connors stroke a strand of his dark
hair back, visibly admiring the feel of the silken curl. “In fact, I don ‘ t
care what you believe or not. You ‘ re unimportant. I had nothing more in my
mind but to irritate Christopher, I ‘ m missing the necessary respect in his
words and actions. On the other hand, he won ‘ t annoy me very long anymore.” He
scrutinized Chases shape again, before he threw a glance on his watch.
“So... what will I do with you?”
His grey blue eyes shimmered in
delight, when he noticed the uncomfortable squirming, Chase wasn ‘ t able to
prevent. “Unfortunately there ‘ s not much time left, but maybe there exists a
chance for a little fun... at least for one of us.” He laughed and blinked to
the men guarding the door.
“I admit, you are a very interesting guy. When my
boys had brought me the news about your special relationship to Jack Bauer, I
had been highly amused. Had sounded to me like you had developed some talents, I
hadn ‘ t expected.” He grinned again. “Too bad, that your hero had some problems
with addiction, especially concerning a certain former CTU agent.” Connors
nodded to a man, who appeared in the door.
“Frank, your timing is perfect.
Would you be so kind and release Mr. Edmunds from his clothes. I ‘ m sure you
are interested, too in the state he ‘ s in. Let ‘ s decide after a quick look,
how we will use our spare time with him.” “My pleasure,” Frank mumbled and
ripped expertedly Chases shirt open.
“Delicious,” he continued, licking his
lips with the sight of the strong chest musculature turning up. “Don ‘ t stop,
honey, “ Connors commanded. “But you ‘ re allowed to take your time.”
His
eyes enjoyed the sight of the young man, startled in shock. He called for help,
when Chase suddenly lost his stiffness and tried to move away from the skilfull
hands stripping him. He made a clicking noise with his tongue and shook his
head.
“Chase, don ‘ t be stupid. You won ‘ t want to make me angry.”
He
smirked again. “I remember you doing a good job satisfying your partner.
Unfortunately Jack seems to prefer older or more experienced lovers, obsessed
persons lurking around, watching him receiving the fuck of his life.” Connors
giggled, when Frank unbuttened Chases pants.
“I already get the impression,
that you have... potential.”
He looked around questioning. “Anyone here, who
remembers Almeida's advantages? We really shouldn ‘ t create a competition... at
least the seize isn ‘ t that important. Am I right.” “What do you want?” Chase
was ready to lose his self-restraint.
“What I want?” Roger looked at Frank,
who pulled Chases trousers down.
“Nothing kid... . I ‘ m just checking out
the possibilities.”
* * * * *
Chase felt even more
embarrassed, when his face started to redden. His suddenly exposed appearance
made him sense his vulnerability, the impossible situation he had manoevred
himself in. And deep inside a suppressed cry tried to work its way out of his
lungs, the shock about Andrews death left him unable to form a concrete thought.
He refused to remember the shooting, instead he concentrated on
Henderson.
Somehow the name seemed familiar, he could swear he had heard or
read it in connection with Jack, though he couldn ‘ t remember anyone ever
talking about him. Meanwhile Frank had taken a sharp knife from one of the
guards and started to play around cutting Chases shirt in long stripes, letting
the silver shining blade slide dangerously close along the white skin. Obviously
the game amused Connors highly because he leant forward in his chair and stared
in delight at his prisoner, who stiffened instinctively avoiding to receive a
cut. Looking at Chase squirming Connors finally spoke again.
“The boy looks
good... healthy... too healthy as I see it. The skin is perfect, despite our
pretty tattoo. Nice, that you still have it. Otherwise we would have to repeat
the action, if only to keep our pride. “ He grinned and stood up, took a few
steps until they stood face to face, staring into each other eyes, Chase too
proud to look down. His green eyes held the other mans gaze, determined not to
evade. Roger broke his stare at first, still grinning brightly to hide his
sudden embarrassment. His gaze moved down, studied the large bulge hidden by the
thin white material, before he circled the immobilized young man, twice, finally
reaching out for the bound arms, touching the black ink. “Seems like no one
tried hard to remember... .” He sighed. “My next message had to be clearer
then... .” he considered the thought for a moment. “ We should take care, that
Jack will receive a body which shows the extent of torture a human being can
bear.” He smiled evilly. “Your skin is too white, too clean, too... let ‘ s just
say... it ‘ s disturbing me.” He reached out, let one long slim finger slide
over the contures of strong arm muscles, moving down the side until he
concentrated on the flat stomach, his hot palms caressing the surface, going
deeper, playing with the waistband of his briefs before cupping demandingly the
soft contents. Chase flinched unvoluntarily, tried to hide his discomfort, when
Roger suddenly pulled back, starting a husky giggle. He nodded to the others.
“You know what you have to do, Frank. Decorate our friend here with some nice
patterns. I want to hear him scream, to see him squirm. And for God ‘ s sake -
get rid of these.” He pointed to the cotton underwear which Frank hastily tried
to remove at first, getting in trouble, when Chase couldn ‘ t avoid trying to
wriggle out of the strong grips holding him in their iron fists. “Uhm - Boss?”
Frank glanced at Connors, after he had cut the briefs open like the shirt
earlier. “What about this magnificent specimen of manhood? I don ‘ t know what
you have in mind but maybe these would be worth to be spared for your special
attention.” Connors raised his eyebrows. “Frank, you ‘ re a really perv. The
time in prison definitely had brought out the worst in you. “ He shook his head,
letting his breathe out in a long hiss. “I ‘ m starting to get bored... .”
Walking to the door he commanded. “Do what I ‘ ve told you and I ‘ ll make sure
that the plane will be ready soon.” “Excuse me boss,” Frank called him again.
“You will take him with you? ... I mean... the cleaning up... I ‘ m not sure how
much I should hurt him, considering the mess... .” “That ‘ s what I have you
for.” Connors shot back, obviously losing his temper.
“Now do it... or should
I show you first how... ?”
Frank ran his hands through the short bright
hair, tried to smile at the guards who showed no emotion. “Alright then... let ‘
s do it!”
He stared at Chase. “If you don ‘ t move, I ‘ ll do a few cuts and
let them look pretty horrible. And when you ‘ re lucky he ‘ ll leave soon and
will decide to kill you quickly.” Chase bit his teeth, when the knife cut his
skin open. The pain burnt like fluid fire, hot blood streamed out of his body.
Chase couldn ‘ t prevent to yelp, when the blade moved from the sensitive parts
of his belly to his chest, covering it with small cuts, which started to bleed
immediately. He winced and hissed. His skin seemed to stand in flames and bright
flashing lights started to shine in front of his eyes. “He won ‘ t be happy,
until you ‘ re screaming properly,” Frank whispered, but Chase couldn ‘ t
overcome, what had remained of his pride. He sucked in the air around him, felt
tears rising behind his eyes, covering the world with a red haze before they
fell down, left their traces on his features.” Pitiless strong hands held him
tight, bewared him from stumbling, from breaking down.
“Make some noise!”
Frank urged him, lowering the blade to Chases thighs. Chase sobbed when he
sensed the cuts below his groin, his legs trembled, only causing the knife to
slid deeper into his muscles. But he couldn ‘ t cry out, he couldn ‘ t bring up
the strength to make a sound. Not until Connors returned, oviously pissed off.
“We can ‘ t afford another delay, I ‘ d already made that clear,” he barked into
his cell phone, regarding Chase absent mindly. “Make sure, I ‘ ll leave then, I
don ‘ t intend to make acquaintance with nerve gas or to get lost in the
inevitable chaos after Palmers death.” Furiously he threw the phone into a
corner and adressed Frank.
“What ‘ s that? Are you kidding? I shouldn ‘ t
order a bitch to do the job of a man.”
“I ‘ sorry, boss... . I did what
you... .”
“Shut up and give me the knife!”
Frank obeyed, glanced in fear
at the taller man, who looked down on him in open fury.
It happened quick and
unexpected.
Franks eyes widened, when he felt the blade enter forcibly his
body, splitting his skin, sliding into his guts. A strangled sound escaped his
lips, before Connors pushed the limp shape away violently, clearly disgusted by
the man. He turned to Chase, who breathed heavily, watched the wounds covering
his prisoner, the bloody weapon still in his hands. “I hate to do this,” he
croaked. “It ‘ s not, what someone in my position should be forced into. But you
have to understand, Chase... he was a worthless insult of my intelligence.” He
stroke his hair back, which fell freely on his shoulders now, not caring about
the blood he distributed, the blood glistening dark red, wherever it covered his
brighter silver strands. “It ‘ s important to show the scum how far it is
allowed to go... you would agree to this, Chase, am I right?” Chase shuddered.
The pain made him shiver, the loss of blood weakened him to the point he doubted
his own senses. Pure madness flickered in Connors eyes, when he watched the
young man hungrily, apparently not yet satisfied. “You understand me, kid, don ‘
t you?”
He approached the young man, blinking in rage when he received no
answer. Chase stayed paralyzed, unable to react, unable to move, unable to say a
word. He stared at the shiny weapon, longing for it, wanting it to invade his
body, to cut him open until everything he held inside would stream out, break
out like hot lava, carrying away his insides, his thoughts, his feelings, the
pain, the hurt, the desparation. “Kill me... ,” he tried to form with his
lips.
“Move... ” his subconsciousness commanded eagerly, but in vain.
The
weapon stayed in Rogers hand, shaking, trembling, when Connors kept his self
control with great effort. “You don ‘ t think, I ‘ ll let you go that easy,” he
smirked finally. “At least in one thing this piece of shit was right.” He
laughed frantically.
“Besides, nothing arouses me more than the smell of
fresh blood, a sight like yours and a certain portion of anger, giving me
strength, giving me power, making me hot until I ‘ m near to an explosion.” He
pointed to the now empty desk. “Bend him over there,” he ordered. “I ‘ ll make
sure, that Bauer will go crazy when he learns what we did to his lil buddy. Will
distract him from his own fate, will make him feel kind of lucky about his
upcoming execution for the presidents murder.”
Chase barely
noticed being pushed against the desk, his whole body already screaming in pain,
his sight darkened by an impenetrable mist. He felt his legs parted roughly from
behind, held in place by the men, who secured them with their own feet, while
something big and hard moved against the sensitive opening, strangely exposed
when a strong arm pressed his upper body down on the hard table. “No,” he
managed to croak, when realization of what might happen to him hit in, but the
answer consisted of nothing but a hoarse laughter and quickened breathing from
above. And then it was inside, splitting him apart, ripping him open with angry,
forceful thrusts. And he screamed, he couldn ‘ t keep the pain inside anymore,
he screamed in desperation, humiliation, frustration, screamed even louder, when
the panting from above was mixed with exhausted laughter, filling the gaps
between these violent strokes. He felt himself bleeding not only outside his
body anymore, but the thrusting didn ‘ t stop. Instead Connors took up speed,
grunting and shoving, bending over to bit his ear, to whisper rough, toneless
commands. “You don ‘ t like this position, sweatheart, don ‘ t you? You wanna be
the man in charge, am I right? But now one is but me, you have to learn this the
hard way.” He added a few sharp prods making Chase whimper in pain. He had
already lost the strength to cry out, squeezed his eyes shut, tried to close his
mind, to keep reality outside of his perception. Connors stopped, gasping,
buried deep inside, struggling for air. “Damn, you are a great fuck,” he panted.
“Guess who taught me how to handle a man like you.” He breathed, suddenly pushed
in further, made a sound of delight, when he felt himself sink deeper, lowered
his lips close to Chases ear. “It ‘ s a lecture you will learn from me, just as
someone you know very well had learned it once from his mentor, when the asshole
picked him up from the streets.” He giggled breathlessly. “Christopher
instructed him very well and now he loves to receive it and I suppose he loves
it rough, wouldn ‘ t mind if he gets hurt... at least, that ‘ s what I ‘ ve been
told.” Chase tasted blood in his mouth, the world looked red again, when his
eyes shot open in shock. He was close to pass out, hoped for this mercy, when
the brutal movements started again, when Connors found his way to completion,
shouting out triumphantly when his hot seed filled his victim. With a final
grunt he pulled out and his weight lifted from Chases sore body. In his ears an
anaesthetizing drumming devoured each possible sound. Though suddenly free, he
remained motionless, oblivious to his surroundings, to the tears streaming down
his face.
When the world slowly returned, he could hear nothing
but a disturbing rustling, felt more than that he saw Connors ranting again in
fury. “I can ‘ t wait any longer you stupid bastard... make it twenty minutes,
otherwise, I ‘ ll rip your head off... .” Connors gaze fell on the abused body.
“I will take someone with me, if he ‘ s still alive then. Take a good look at
him. Aren ‘ t you ready to start in time, you ‘ ll be the next who will receive
my special treatment.” Ending the conversation he whirled around, staring at
Franks dead body, still lying untouched in the corner.” “I ‘ m surrounded by
idiots. Couldn ‘ t anybody put out the order to get rid of this?”
He looked
at Chase again.
“Bring him to the plane. He will provide for a little
encouragement. And if he survives, I ‘ ll keep him, South America can be so
boring... ” Chase felt lifted up and dragged forward. He tried to move, but each
effort seemed to increase the pain. He begged silently for unconsciousness, but
received no mercy. On the contrary, the cold night air woke him up, when it
touched his damaged skin. “The guy is disgusting,” one of the men mentioned when
they hastened forward. “He ‘ s bleeding all over me. What if I catch something
from the bastard.” “The boss won ‘ t be that stupid.” The answer came at
once.
“The boss is getting mad, have you listened to his words?”
“Shut
up, or do you wanna die, “ the other man hissed, took a blanket and threw it
over Chase before he shoved him on the backseat of a dirty car. “You don ‘ t
need to touch him, if you ‘ re such a pussy,” he smirked. “Just drive him to the
plane and make sure, that the boss will be able to start soon. Otherwise he ‘ ll
kill us all, I have no doubt.” The short ride shook Chase from head to toe,
until he finally found himself dragged out of the vehicle and pushed into the
plane. “Yes Sir, no problem... 15 minutes, 10... don ‘ t worry. I ‘ ll be ready
in time.”
Chase rolled aside, moved into the shadows, struggled to stand up.
His knees shook and his body trembled, but in this moment he discovered his
chance. 10 minutes might be not much, and he still was handcuffed, but at least
he had to try. He scanned his surroundings, a privatjet... nothing
extraordinary, which was his luck.
Only few places could contain, what he
searched for and trying to avoid any noise he opened drawers and cupboards,
until he found in an integrated box under a velvet bench what he was looking
for. The weapon was loaded and Chase hid it under his blanket, cowered in the
shadows, awaiting the guard remembering him. “Don ‘ t talk... fix it..., “the
man snorted and entered the plane. In the same moment the first shot flashed
through the air, caused the guard to stumble more in shock and confusion. The
second shot met him into the chest. “What ‘ s happening?” A frightened voice was
heard, followed by silence, when the mechanic obviously preferred to stay away
from the danger. Chase held his breath and turned the gun like he had been
taught years ago, when he had been trained for comparable situations. He pointed
it away from his body, but directed it on the chains handicapping him. He bit
his lips, when he fired, feeling the heat burn his skin. Two more shots and he
was free, propped himself on his hurting hands when he staggered forward.
Suppressing a sob, suppressing the pain, suppressing each further thought he
grabbed the weapon and headed outside, moved blindly, fell, stood up, knowing
each delay could turn out to be his downfall.
The plain seemed to
be endless, when he tripped forwards, unsure about way or direction, heading for
the blackness, where it appeared to be the darkest.
“Who is it?
Stop or I ‘ ll shoot.” The voice bellowed out from the nothingness.
Chase
fired instinctively, sank on his knees, heard another body hit the ground with a
hollow sound. He crawled forward, reached for the dead man, checked blindly for
his pulse. When he received none, he quickly searched his pockets, removed with
shivering hands the jacket, slipped inside finding a cell phone starting to make
noise. “What ‘ s up there? Heard some shooting... .”
Chase muffled his voice
with the jacket sleeve. “Everything ‘ s alright, just a mistake,” he murmured
low, cutting the connection.
He tried to calm down, to slow his breathe
unsure about what to do. Something happened, he heard people shouting in anger
and confusion, he had no time for consideration. He dialed a number, silently
praying for a quick response.
“Almeida?”
“It ‘ s Chase... Edmunds. Is it
the truth? Is Jack alive?”
“Who? ... what are you talking about... Chase...
?”
“There are things going on with him and the presiden... a danger... I can
‘ t remember... .”
Chases mind fogged in exhaustion, his thoughts whirled,
when he tried to make sense to himself.
“Are you alright, Chase?”
Tony
sounded worried.
“I ‘ m ... . You have to contact CTU, Jack ‘ s in danger...
it ‘ s Connors... he ‘ s behind.”
“Chase, calm down... where the hell are
you?”
The phone slipped from his fingers, when suddenly lights flashed
through the darkness.
Chase pressed himself flatly on the ground, using the
sudden possibility to take a look.
Not far away he saw a cabin and started to
crawl there. Same moment the engines of the plane started and despite all Chase
smirked shortly. The son of a bitch would have to make a decision and he wouldn
‘ t be pleased. Cars crossed the field, obviously unsure about where to search.
Chase climbed through a broken window into the cabin, more kind of a larder.
He found the darkest corner, laid his weapons next to him and waited for the men
to come.
* * * * *
He heard the shootings from
far away.
Chloe had destined the place, the call had come from, very fast.
He was glad, that she had decided to work longer, had been able to use CTU
equipment for her research, otherwise it would have taken an immense effort and
much more time to achieve a result. This was one of the rare occasions, when he
regretted the fact he was refused any access to the technology he had been
accustomed to for the past long years. Cursing he turned the wheel into the
direction where he presumed the source of the noise. Looking around he could
swear, there existed no area more abandoned than this godforsaken place outside
of Los Angeles.
He was clearly worried.
Chase had sounded scared, not only
scared, but also scaring and Tony wondered, if he might be in bigger problems
than he had supposed until this moment, if it was possible, that he might had
lost his mind. Left alone the fact, that from all the people in this city he had
decided to call him, and that probably mainly for one reason... to ask him for
Jack. Tony cursed again.
He had no idea, what Chase had been doing during the
past months, had been content with Bill telling him, that he had accepted an
offer from North. Had seemed to be the perfect chance for Chase to free himself
from the past, to make a new start like Kim had done with Barry, leaving it all
behind, no looking back. Tony had checked on Kims new friend and found out that,
though he had his doubts, Kim could have chosen worse.
Probably it had been
nothing else but an act of compensation, when she had searched for a father
figure, but on the other hand... it would be understandable after the
experiences she ‘ d already made.
But Chase... , he had banned him
from his thoughts. Damnit - a young man, tough agent, what had Tony been
expected to do? What could have happened? And why had he turned up, returned
suddenly to L.A. without letting anyone know?
He opened his
phone with one hand. “Chloe, do me a favor... check on Chases job. Probably
someone from Division must have recommended him to Washington or Boston, I can ‘
t remember. At least, you should be able to find something in the files.” “Done!
And hurry up! You know, that I ‘ m not allowed to do this without reasoning. The
new guy already watches me with suspicion. ... Or you decide to go for the
permission, which would make things easier.” “Chloe - I won ‘ t get one, and
certainly not in time. Besides I still don ‘ t know what to make of this.”
Chloe sounded quite unnerved, when she spoke again.
“When you are trying
to ruin his career by telling nonsense or blowing up a cover... I will never
forgive you! Don ‘ t think, I hadn ‘ t noticed that you two had trouble.” “I
have no intention to harm him, don ‘ t worry. I ‘ m only making sure that he ‘s
okay!”
He clapped his phone shut, doubting his own words in earnest.
Nevertheless Chloe was right. There existed a possibility, that his
interference would ruin something, Chases work or at least his reputation. Again
he cursed the time he ‘ d lost by leaving the guy alone.
Maybe Chase had
been drunk, drugged or in bad company. He could imagine a lot of explanations
for his weird call. And then he shouldn ‘ t forget how similar the guy was to
Jack. If he rejected help, no one in the world would be able to give it to him,
especially not Tony.
But then again there existed the question why he had
adressed him.
Tony slowed the pace. He was close to the
signal.
The distant shootings had stopped a while ago, the flashes of glaring
light vanished.
A plane had started, which wasn ‘ t unusual in this area.
Their money allowed the landowners to start or land whenever they wished to, as
long as they considered a few rules. Tony threw a last glance on his computer
screen, grabbed his weapons and left the car.
Soon he found the lost phone
lying in the damp grass, dared to use his flashlight for an instant.
Blood
sticked to the object, not yet dried.
Tony startled, when he suddenly heard
the gunfire again, this time closer.
Without further hesitation he prepared
his weapon and headed carefully into the direction of the noise.
Silverblue
flashes illuminated the field for seconds before it became dark again.
Husky
voices cried orders, heavy armed men tried to reach a special place, cursed
audibly when they were impeded by a hail of bullets. Tony needed not much
fantasy to be able to imagine what was going on.
He sneaked nearer,
approached slowly the source of the sounds.
Soon he was able to estimate the
number of attacking men in army suits, stopped for an instant only to screw
silencers on his guns, before he placed one in his holster, pointed the other
one into the direction of the battle, while he moved silently closer using each
protection he could get. The moon still was hidden by clouds,, so he had to wait
for the sudden flaming lights of the gunfire to receive an impression of the
situation. But he presumed the attackers to be better equipped, to own
instruments, which would allow them to discover him in spite of the dark night,
and therefore he tried to exclude any dangers as much as possible.
The men weren ‘ t organized.
He noticed soon, that they also
weren ‘ t acting with a plan. Impatiently they tried to storm their aim in
irregular distances. But paying attention to their number or ammunition or the
way they seemed to have enclosed their victim, everyone besieged by them, would
be forced to accept his defeat a long time before dawn.
* * * *
*
Chase sensed them coming nearer. He didn ‘ t know how many they were, if
he had hit one of them or what they had in their minds. He only knew, that
sooner or later he would be running out of ammunition, that he wouldn ‘ t be
able to stop them, that he had to prepare for them to take him. But before he
would allow this to happen, he would prefer to be shot at
first.
He listened into the sudden silence, which frightened
him more than the rough sounds of the gunfire before.
From his corner he
watched the door and the single window, ready to fire on each intruder, who
would dare to enter the cabin.
Two guns in his possession, he saved the one
with one last single bullet left for himself, for his last escape, shoved it
into the inner pocket of his jacket, making sure, that he could reach it
instantaneously, if he needed to. He slowed his respiration, concentrated on his
task, prepared for the inevitable.
The door opened and he shot, cold blooded,
fired on the moving shadows until his gun was empty. Then he rised slowly and
stepped out of his corner, ready to meet his destiny.
The bullet hit him in
the shoulder, but he felt nothing, when his feet couldn ‘ t hold his weight
anymore, when he stumbled and fell.
* * * * *
Tony had acted in his cool, distant manner, circled the cabin
until he had discovered the man, who stood behind the most.
The noise of the
next salvo he had used to eliminate him, only to pursue his next aim patiently
and quiet.
It had taken some time until the remaining men had noticed the
dimunition of their superiority. Suddenly their attention had to be parted
between two parties and sooner than they had been able to react, Tonys gun
nearly had finished its job.
He caught the last two men after they had
broken the door.
Shots from inside the hut, one of them staggered. Both fired
like mad men.
Tony aimed, let his breath out, shot, shot again, watched the
suddenly slack bodies sink to the ground.
Silence.
Tony held his breath
and listened.
No sound aubible, no sign of life anymore.
“Chase?”
He
carefully stepped closer, the gun in front of him, ready to fire, expecting
another enemy to show up.
“Chase... it ‘ s me! I ‘ m coming in now. Don ‘ t
shoot!”
Slowly he moved forward.
Climbing over the two massive figures
draped in front of him, finally entering the small building. “Chase!” He called
him again, unsure what to expect, unable to recognize something in the
dark.
The smoke from the gunfire filled the air, caused him to cough, but he
continued his search, though the sharp smell burnt in his
lungs.
“Chase, I have a light, I ‘ ll switch it on now.”
The
torch flickered.
Another limp body in the corner, on the ground, face
down.
“Chase!”
Tony hastened closer, feared the worst. “Damnit, kid!” He
shouted out, fell on his knees beside the motionless man.
Shivering he
searched for a pulse.
Low and feeble he sensed the fainting
signs of life.
“Hold on, boy!” Carefully he turned him on his back, taking a
look at the damage.
“What the... ,” he hissed with the first
impression.
The boy bleeded, had injuries over his whole body. And he was
naked under the wide army jacket. His shoulder and side showed two angry bullet
wounds, hopefully not life threatening, but bleeding conspiciously. “The
bastards,” Tony ranted furiously while he desperately was looking for
appropriate material to stop the red stream.
Chase sighed and
trembled.
“That ‘ s right. Stay with me, help is on its way.”
He found
some fabric, he quickly ripped in stripes, pressed some clean tissues on the
injuries and fixed them.
Chase winced in pain.
“Stay awake! I need you to
hold the bandages in place.”
With one hand he pressed the lower wound shut,
reached for his phone.
“I need surgery quickly. Agent shot, probably
tortured. Hurry up!”
Chase groaned, then opened his eyes.
Tony smiled at
him.
“Glad you ‘ re back. Hold this tight!”
He directed the younger mans
hand to his shoulder, assured him. “Just hold this, you ‘ ll be okay
soon.”
“Jack!” Chase croaked.
Tony glanced at him, his eyes shining dark
in the thin light of the single torch.
“He ‘ s okay too. Don ‘ t worry, son,”
Tony answered finally.
Chase closed his eyes in relief.
“Thank God,” he
whispered and a nearly visible smile spread on his tormented features.
“You
have to stay awake, Chase, you ’ ve lost a lot of blood.”
The younger mans
eyelids flickered, when he tried to stay conscious, clearly near to pass out
again.
“Talk to me - tell me what you know! Who are those people?”
Chase
coughed and tried to sit up.
“Easy, Chase, careful!”
Chases eyes shot
open, when he reached for Tonys shoulder. “You have to help them... Jack...
President Palmer... .” “Calm down, Chase, they are both fine. Everything ‘ s
alright.You fixed it, remember? Jack and you... together... .”
“No... ,”
Chase moved frantically. “Calm down, Chase, for heavens sake, be careful, you ‘
re bleeding all over. I don ‘ t want to put you in any more danger, I ‘ m ...I ‘
m HIV- positive.” “What?” Chase stopped his movements, stared at him in
disbelief.
“No, you aren ‘ t!”
“It ‘ s okay, boy, just don ‘ t make me
bleed somewhere, alright?”
Chase again tried to get up, when a small yelp
escaped his lips.
Tony reacted immediately, whirled around and fired. He hit
one man in his chest, the other one in the head. They fell down, their cries
muffled, when they crumpled on the floor. Tony shot again, before he turned back
to Chase. “You ‘ re okay?”
Chase nodded silently.
“Wait a second!” Tony
slipped out of his Security jacket, wrapped it around Chase and helped him to
rise.
“Help will be here soon - you only need to stay awake.”
“Tony?”
The dark-haired supported him on his way out of the dusky building. Finally,
when they had passed the dead bodies in the entrance, he met his eyes,
shimmering in the silver light of the moon, when in the distance the echoes of
the arriving ambulance could be heard. “Thank you, Tony!”
The older man
smiled touched. “Come on - you ‘ ve made it.”
* * * *
*
When the medical staff had taken over, assured him, that he
had arrived in time, that they would sedate and take Chase to the hospital, Tony
hurried back to his car. “What ‘ s the matter? What can I do?”
“Nothing,
Chloe! You ‘ ve done enough tonight. Get some rest. Chase will be in hospital,
but there is no danger for him. He has to calm down and will be interviewed
tomorrow. There is nothing any of us can do.” “What did he say?”
“Very
little. Mainly about Jack and Palmer, but I suppose he wasn ‘ t clear.”
Tony
hesitated for a moment.
“Chloe... I ‘ m sorry, but I have to tell you. Chase
escaped torture, maybe he had been drugged. We won ‘ t know until tomorrow. The
place here is checked up and secured, but yet nothing had been found. What about
you?” Chloe swallowed hard, returned to professionalism. “I found some
connection to a New York department, known for their dealing with undercover
agents. But couldn ‘ t get a grip on someone responsible yet. Some secured files
told me that Chase had worked for them a while ago. But then the entries stopped
suddenly without explanation. “ “Looks very much like he tried something on his
own, like... .”
“Like Jack?”
Tony sighed. “Leave a report for Bill. I
will come in in the morning, to tell him the rest. Need to see Michelle now, and
you should go home, too. We can ‘ t do anything tonight. Danger is banned, so we
need to rest before making any further decisions. “Ok,” Chloe agreed, glancing
to Spencer, who suppressed a yawning.
She wasn ‘ t sure, if she was able to
sleep now.
“I ‘ ve sent you my results! See you tomorrow then.”
Tony laid
the phone down and switched on his laptop looking for the promised information,
mainly to distract himself from the horrible pictures whirling through his mind.
What if Chase had spoken the truth, at least in some points, if he hadn ‘ t
mixed up his vivid past with an actual real life nightmare, like he ‘ d
expressed it to Chloe? What if he really had discovered something about
Connors?
Tony shuddered. The coldness of the night forced its way through his
body, reached his bones, penetrating them to the mark. What if... he pressed his
eyes shut. No, he won ‘ t think about what had happened to him in prison, what
could have happened to Chase. He had buried the memory deeper than he had
supposed to, and he hurried to shove it back soon. It would make no sense to
torment himself with questions, that can ‘ t be solved now. There would be time
enough.
Tony ran his fingers through his damp curls. He would talk to
Michelle and... she would put his thoughts in order.
And then... then he had
to tell Jack, no way to hide it in front of him.
But at first he had to
figure out if it was his fault, if his decision to protect Michelle, to drop the
case... .
He shook his head violently.
No, there had been no other way
for them all. Though he knew very well, that things would look quite different,
if Jack hadn ‘ t been forced to stay away, if he had had the possibility to keep
an eye on... . He rubbed his forehead, stared blindly on the monitor, until his
sight fell on a name, he recognized. Quickly he typed in a message, considered
it a moment and sent it with a copy to Bill.
He had worked successfully with
Woodside years ago, certainly the New Yorker would be able to help him.
If
Chase had worked in his department, he would know very soon in which trouble the
guy had been.
Tony started his car. He needed to see Michelle. And he needed
Jack.
Maybe Chase had talked weird for a reason, to remind him of the
connection between Jack and Palmer, to urge him to take action, to use Davids
upcoming visit in L.A. to remember him on his possibilities. If his brothers
influence increased, if Wayne decided to candidate for presidency soon, things
might change fast.
Tony smiled bitterly. Anyway he ‘ d learned his lesson. He
promised to the invisible powers, that he wouldn ‘ t let Chase down again. As
soon as he would be allowed to see him, he would do it, would do for him
whatever necessary. He let his breath out, when he felt exhaustion take over.
His last thoughts he sent to Jack, before he drove the car into his garage,
before he returned to his wife to regain peace and strength in her comfort.