A suggestion I was given by a friend of mine :) And people actually seem to enjoy this so I thought I'd post it here and see what you guys think of it :)

It can also be found on fanfiction.net and two other forums.

Anyways, a short prologue to get people up to speed on what happened before this story takes place.

Rated it NC-17. Even though some people may say it needs higher. Contains strong language, violence, sexual scenes and torture.

Hope you enjoy reading it :)

-------------------------

Prologue

8 months ago…

Rumours of possible attacks on the US and England were confirmed when a bomb was detonated in a steel works in the South Yorkshire region of England. The local CIA office dispatched a team, including their two Field Operations directors; Agent Melissa Jackson and Agent Nikita Hansen. Finding a second bomb on site. Whilst in Los Angeles, the Counter Terrorist Unit dispatched their own teams after gathering Intel reporting of a possible suicide bomber had entered the subway station.

It looked as though there was no possible lead from either side of the pond. Until CCTV footage showed an uncharted plane being prepped for take off. Melissa and Niki boarded the plane, despite the unknown destination. Finding more explosives hidden within crates inside the cargo hold. Venturing onto the higher levels. Only to discover their destination was Los Angeles. And the crew on board had killed themselves upon landing in LAX.

CTU was ready after picking up the Intel from the CIA. Getting their teams together at LAX and boarding the plane as soon as it had landed. Finding the crew dead and the CIA agents the only people on board that were still breathing. They were both taken into custody and brought back to CTU where they were both cleared of any charges and allowed to work alongside the agents.

As Jack and Melissa became close, the attacks on the country brought up a closer connection to Melissa. Finding out her two sisters were behind the attacks. Wanting to draw their disowned sister out from hiding. The attacks on their lives reaching critical. The two retired to one of the safe houses that were positioned over the city. Thinking they were safe until her younger sister, Suzanne, arrived with her men. Taking Melissa by force. Leaving Jack to search for his girlfriend with the aid of CTU.

Taken to her sister’s hideout, Melissa was tortured and almost killed before CTU located her position. Sending in teams to bring in her sisters. Melissa was rescued and brought back to full health again. But received information that her sisters had escaped CTU’s custody and were on the run. On return to CTU, the team discovered a mole was working within their agency. With no possible clues to who it was, they were left to wait for the mole to come out of hiding. Much to their surprise, Curtis Manning proved to be the mole. After his family was taken hostage by Melissa’s. His only job was to kill both Jack and Melissa and his family would be released. But his mission was cut short when Jack discovered the information and moved to protect Melissa by taking her to his home.

A week had passed… and no tips had been found on where her sisters were. There had been no contact with any of her family until a seemingly average local appeared on their door. Wanting help with her broken down car at the end of the street. Things became critical when Melissa spotted the spy across the street. Recognizing the face. She ran to get Jack but came face to face with the end of a gun. And her sisters men holding Jack captive.

Taken prisoner without being able to cry for help. They were taken to the second hideout her sisters had created. Tortured and punished with no hope left, Curtis moved in to help but was killed as a result. Using the equipment he had given them, the two made their move to escape. Jack left to fend off the last of the bodyguards the hideout as Melissa killed her own sisters. Leaving her shocked and traumatized at the action she took. Becoming disowned once more from her parents. Threatening that her sisters had been robbed of a chance of revenge. Her parents disappeared and Melissa stayed with Jack in Los Angeles. Moving in with him completely and becoming a part of the Field Operations in CTU.

Two weeks later…

Los Angeles was threatened with a new level 4 type virus known as the D Virus. Doctor Barbosa and his assistant Brett Dresden became caught up in a terrorist ring. A group of Japanese people still hurt from the events of the Hiroshima bomb. Seeking revenge on the people responsible for the devastating attack on their country.

Discovering the information that Doctor Barbosa had been killed. Melissa was forced to go undercover. Having the chance to get close to Brett Dresden. She learnt more information about the newly developed virus but, in the process, was raped by Dresden. Following him to the NHS labs, she was successful in getting the virus and delivering to assistants of the Japanese group. Jack in hiding, followed her to a small park where they were both taken captive by the Japanese. Along with Brett Dresden.

Escaping with the help of Dresden. CTU located the number of vials that had been planted all over Los Angeles. Successful in most but not every vile. Casualties were minimal and it seemed as though the threat was over until Brett received a call. The leader of the group, Mamoru, demanded that he brought Melissa to them. With her background, they could get all the money they wanted.

Developing a plan, Brett took Melissa to the meeting place with CTU watching from every angle. Attacking the group at that moment. The mission was a success. The group was killed along with Brett Dresden. But CTU received one casualty... Agent Michelle Dessler. Shot down during a gun fight.

Spending five months in a rehab centre. Melissa was left to get over the traumatic events of what happened along with Jack’s help, and the rest of CTU. Her progression quickened and she was released two months before the next events would occur…

Present Day

Day 1

Bauer Residence 0849

Checking the newspaper for anything interested, Jack come to a stop when he suddenly heard Melissa scream,
“Jack!”
His head shot up from the newspaper. Hearing a fear filled squeal. He quickly climbed off the stool. Rushing towards the stairs. Half way up the climb when he heard a second squeal. Another scream of his name,
“Jack! Come here!”
“What’s wrong?!”
“Hurry up!” She shouted from the bathroom. Jack checked the first room. Finding no sign of her. He turned and headed for the main bathroom. Opening the door to find Melissa backing away further as she stood on top of the toilet. Her gaze quickly shifting from the floor to Jack. Jack shook his head. Confused as hell as he asked,
“What?”
“Down there!” she hissed, pointing to the floor. Jack looked down at the floor. Fighting to keep his chuckle inside as he asked,
“That tiny spider?”
“That’s not tiny! It’s huge!” She squealed as it moved again, “Get rid of it! Please!”
“Okay! Okay! Just… relax,”
“How can I relax when it keeps moving!” She ended squealing again. Backing away further when the spider moved further forward. Jack shook his head. Stepping into the bathroom. He looked round for an empty container. Grabbing a small piece of cardboard. He spotted an empty container. Chuckling quietly when he heard a small squeal. Asking aloud with a slight tease,
“Is it still alive?”
“I know someone that won’t be if he carries on,”
“So you know its gender too?”
“Funny!” Melissa laughed jokingly before screaming as it moved again, “Jack!”
“I’m coming, hold on,” he chuckled. Tossing the container away. The card into the tiny bin by the door. Melissa backed off further. Wincing and cringing even more as she watched Jack cup his hands around the “threat”. lifting it up gently. He looked down at the creature that caused more trouble than any missile could ever create. He smiled, looking up at Melissa as he whispered,
“It’s harmless,”
“Oh yeah it is,” she panted, feeling her heart beat again, “It’s about as harmless as a nuclear bomb… please get rid of it!”
“Well you’re by the window,”
Melissa jumped off the toilet. Landing just a short distance away from Jack. He turned to face her. Keeping the spider with him as he asked,
“Want to touch it?”
Melissa screamed and ran out of the room. Closing the door behind her. Jack laughed. Shaking his head as he climbed up onto the toilet. Dropping the little guy out of the window. Watching as it ran off the edge of the window sill. He shook his head. Shouting back to her,
“Think it just killed itself,”
“Good!”
“And you say I’m evil,” he sighed, turning to face the door. Closing his hand round the handle. He felt the sudden jolt. Figuring it was just him. He attempted to open the door. Losing completely. Finding himself locked inside. He shook his head. Patting the door a little hard as he shouted,
“Mel it’s gone!”
“You’re not touching me with those spider hands,”
“Want me to disinfect the entire room?”
“That would be helpful,”
He shook his head, making his way over to the sink. Washing his hands TWICE before he asked,
“Can I come out now?”
“You washed those hands of yours?”
“Yes mom I have. Can I have dinner now?”

Melissa opened the door. Seeing the playful smirk on Jack’s face,
“You’re enjoying this aren’t you?” she teased,
“Maybe a little,” he whispered, stepping out,
“A little,” she giggled. Stopping him from touching her. She held his wrists tightly. Questioning him with her eyes. Jack shook his head, whispering with a slight hiss,
“Paranoid!”
“It’s called a phobia!” she hissed back, smiling before she whispered, “You want me to stay here, you’ll have to get use to killing spiders,”
Jack smiled. Finally getting the opportunity to put his hands on her again. Holding her hips as he kissed her softly. Whispering quietly to her,
“I’ll put it on the to do list,”
“Oh yeah? I don’t think I’ve seen that list… what else is on it?”
“How about I go show you?”
Melissa smiled. Holding his neck as they closed their eyes. Kissing deeply before it turned passionate. Hungering. Melissa pushed him forward against the wall. Smiling at the grunt he gave her till they heard the news report from the TV downstairs,

”This just in. breaking news people! Gus Erickson. Yeah the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Has been assassinated!”

Their kiss broke quickly. As quickly as their heads turned to the stairs. Listening in on the rest of the report,

”Information is scarce right now. We only know that the event just took place five minutes ago in Los Angeles. But as soon as we have something for you folks. You’ll get it first. Right here! On FOX news live!”

Melissa looked back at Jack. Seeing the shock on his face. He shook his head, whispering quietly,
“Oh My God…“
“Come on, before they call us in,”
Melissa turned and followed him down the stairs. Quickly slipping on their boots. Jack grabbed his car keys. Chasing her out the door. Quickly climbing into the car and driving away. Jack reached into his pocket for his cell phone. Quickly flipping it open and dialling for CTU. He sniffed before a sudden shiver shot through him. Melissa turned to look at him. Noticing the shiver from the corner of her eye. She waited a second before asking,
“You okay?”
“Yeah… just gonna be one of those days… this is Jack Bauer. Patch me through to Bill Buchanan..”
”Jack I was about to call. You’ve heard about the assassination of Gus Erickson,”
“Yeah, we just saw it on the news. We’re heading over to CTU now,”
”Good. We need you both here,”
“Have you got any leads on who the assassin could be?”
”Not yet. Secret Service are still searching. We won’t know anything till they do,”
“Okay. We’re a few minutes out. About five minutes,”
”Copy that,”
The top of the cell phone snapped shut as Jack tossed it away. Putting his hand back on the steering wheel as Melissa asked,
“They got anything on the sniper?”
“Not yet, Secret Service are still currently investigating the scene,”
Melissa nodded. Looking back out of the window again as they headed down the road leading to CTU.

CTU Director’s Office - Los Angeles

Bill watched the vide feed from the Secret Service on site. Shaking his head as the agent reported in,
”There are no fingerprints. Footprints. No witnesses. The only thing we have is the bullet… we’re sending it over to the forensics lab at CTU Los Angeles.”
Bill sighed. Turning the chair round when the office phone rang. He reached over for the receiver as Chloe made her way up the stairs,
“Buchanan,”
”Mister Buchanan. Please hold for the President,”
He looked towards the door. Seeing Chloe waiting outside. He quickly waved into the room. Holding her hand up as he brought his attention back to the phone,
“Mister President… no sir but the forensics team is ready and waiting for their arrival… thank you sir… yes sir I’ll inform the team now… thank you sir…”
Bill hung up. Looking back at Chloe as he asked,
“What is it Chloe?”
“Just thought I’d let you know sir that Division just called,”
“Why wasn’t it sent to my phone?”
“They were told that you were talking to the President and were re-routed through to my station,”
“What did they want?”
“Ryan Chappelle’s on his way over,”
“Why?”
“They didn’t say. They want you to call him when you have a minute,”
“Thank you Chloe,”
She nodded, turning and leaving his office.

CTU Floor - Los Angeles

Jack was the first to step out onto the floor. Looking round the room. He suddenly stopped. Realizing what the rest of them were looking at. He turned back. Seeing Melissa following him. She sighed heavily. Shaking her head as she carried on walking. Muttering as she walked past Jack,
“They’ve got more important things to do then to stare at me y’know,”
Jack sighed, nodding as he followed her across the floor. Asking quietly,
“You know where you’re going?”
“I’m heading up to field ops. That way, if any bugger wants to come and stare at me. They’ll find my moody ass up there,”
“Sure,”
Melissa nodded. Turning to head up to field ops when a familiar voice shouted,
“DARLIN!”
She stopped. Turning back to the station she had just passed. Smiling as she sighed,
“Hey Morris,”
“How are you feelin today sweetheart?”
“Meh… you know,”
“Oh cheer up darlin. It can’t be that bad,”
“It is when you’ve just been to rehab for five months.”
“Oh, cheer up darlin. Don’t want you to have a long face all day today,”
Melissa smiled. Nodding slowly before she asked,
“How about you?”
“Oh you know me darlin… same old, same old,”
“Yeah,”
Melissa turned and walked away, seeing Milo coming up from the other station across from them. Heading up to Jack’s office.

CTU Director’s Office - Los Angeles

Jack knocked on the glass door. Finding Bill on the phone. He waited till he waved him inside. Staying quiet as he opened and closed the door behind him. Catching the last part of the conversation,
“I don’t need him over here... I have my team under control… fine…”
Jack watched the receiver as Bill slammed it back down. Massaging his temples with his thumb and finger. Jack raised his gaze. Looking at Bill as he asked,
“What was that about?”
“Division is sending over a team with Ryan Chappelle,”
“We can’t be doing with him over here Bill,”
“I know that Jack. But we can’t override an order from Division. You know that,”
“… Just for a few hours…?”
“They didn’t say. He should be here in a few hours though,”
Jack nodded. Tapping the desk gently before he asked,
“What do you want us to do?”
“There’s nothing you can do yet. We’re still waiting for the agents from the Secret Service to arrive with that bullet they found at the scene,”
“Right… we’ll be in field ops if you need us for anything,”
Bill nodded, watching Jack leave the room. Crossing the bridge across to field ops.

Melissa sat up in the chair she sat in. watching as Jack walked into the office. Leaving the door open for the time being. He collapsed on the couch across from the desk. Closing his eyes as Melissa asked,
“What did Bill want?”
“…Divisions’ sending over Ryan Chappelle,”
“Who?”
“A by the book kinda guy,” he answered, opening his eyes. Turning to face her. Melissa shook her head. Looking away for a moment before she asked,
“Not gonna help today then huh,”
“Not really.”
“So… what are we suppose to be doing?”
“We have to wait for the Secret Service to arrive,”
“Y’know… I’ve just remembered something,”
“What’s that?” Jack asked, getting up off the couch. Walking over to her as she took out a file from the drawer. Opening it up to him as she spun it round on the desk. Pushing it closer to him,
“Look at that,”
“It’s the dates for this week,”
“Yeah but read the details.”
Jack leaned down on the desk. Reading the notes as Melissa added,
“There’s three more secretaries coming to Los Angeles… If the assassin is going after the secretaries then they have three more targets there.”
“And we have no leads to help identify the person behind it… a dead end,”

Part 2

Field Operations, CTU - Los Angeles

Jack looked down at the schedule for that week again. Maybe for the hundredth time that morning. Finally looking up from the sheets. He watched as Melissa climbed the stairs again. Heading into his office. He sighed softly. Leaning back in his chair as he asked,
“Anything?”
“Nothing. Forensics are still waiting for Secret Service to arrive.”
Jack looked down at his watch. Shaking his head as he brought his gaze back up to Melissa,
“It shouldn’t be taking them this long. The shooting was just a few blocks away from here,”
“Want me to take a team and see what’s happening down there?”
“No, you’re better off staying here. Chappelle should be here soon anyway. No doubt he‘ll want to meet you and see how pissed he can get you,”
Melissa nodded. Looking up at the time she turned and headed for the door. Turning back as she asked,
“You hungry?”
Jack smiled. Getting up from his seat,
“I’m starving,”
“Let’s go get lunch while we wait for the Secret Service arrive. Come on,” she replied softly, heading back over to Jack. Taking his hand into hers when she saw his hesitation, “Don’t you dare back out of this. You haven’t had anything to eat,”
“Okay, okay, you win,”
“Good. Last thing I wanna see is you just suddenly drop down dead.”
“What? You mean like-”
“Don’t you dare!” she laughed grabbing a hold of his other hand. Smiling still as he kissed her cheek softly,
“I’m fine. Come on.” he chuckled.

Bill was walking out of his office when he saw the two heading for the stairs. Closing the file he had in his hands. He quickened his pace, calling out,
“Jack!”
He stopped at the top step. Climbing up onto the higher level again. Meeting Bill half way across the bridge. Accepting the file he handed to him. Bill leaned against the railings on the bridge. Quietly explaining,
“Chloe’s found a possible suspect,”
“Who is it?” Jack asked, flipping open the file,
“His name’s Jasper Isaacs,”
“Wanted for the assassinations of seven secretaries in 1998.”
“Look at the location where they all took place,”
“.. Los Angeles,” Jack answered, looking back at Bill. Bill nodded, before he continued,
“We don’t have his exact address.”
“Okay. I’ll check it over in a bit,”
“Where are you going?”
“Just going with Mel to get some lunch.”
“Okay,”
“Is there anything else?”
“The President has ordered the Secret Service to work with our techies. Same for field operations too.”
“We have all clearance levels?”
“Yeah,”
“Okay. I’ll come up to your office after lunch,”
Bill nodded before he turned round. Heading back to his office. Jack closed the file again. Following Melissa down the stairs. She watched him jog down to her side, asking quietly,
“What did Bill want?”
“Might have got a suspect for the assassination,”
“Who is it?” she asked, the two walking towards the corridor leading to the cafeteria. Jack handed her the file, explaining as they walked,
“His name’s Jasper Isaacs. Wanted for the assassinations of seven secretaries in 1998.”
“I’ve heard about this guy,”
“From where?”
“The cases we had we to study at University. Never been caught. Gonna be sentenced to death when you guys catch him,” she answered, handing the file back to Jack. He nodded, keeping the file by his side before she asked, “We got an address?”
“Not yet.”
“That’s all we have?”
“The President has ordered the Secret Service to work alongside the office. All and any information will be passed onto our techies when they get it,”
Melissa nodded as they walked into the cafeteria. Jack handed her file, telling her softly,
“Go sit down. I’ll get us something to eat,”
“Sure,”

Jack joined her at a table in a corner at the far end of the room a few minutes later. Handing her the sandwiches. She smiled, thanking him quietly as he sat down next to her. Looking down at the papers out in front of them. He shuffled closer, asking softly,
“Found anything?”
“Not really. There’s nothing in here except for the articles on the shootings.”
“You sure?”
“Yeah… should check it yourself. There’s no last known address. All the details are rare.”
“There should be more information in here,”
“Think someone’s been tampering with it?”
“Maybe…”
Melissa looked over towards the doors of the cafeteria. Seeing an older man stood in the doorway. His hands on his hips. Bald on top with a ring of hair round the back of his head. Melissa leaned closer to Jack. Taking out her sandwiches as she asked,
“Who’s the monk in the doorway?”
“What?” Jack asked, looking up from the file. Melissa nodded towards the door,
“The monk. Who’s that?” she asked again as Jack looked towards the door. He sighed heavily. Shaking his head as he replied,
“That’s Ryan Chappelle,”
“Great. He looks like a bucket full of laughs,”
Jack chuckled. Shaking his head as he closed the file. Grabbing his sandwiches as he whispered,
“Just stay low.”
Melissa turned away. Looking at Jack as Chappelle yelled,
“Jack!”
“Dammit,” Jack hissed. Turning back to face Ryan. Watching as he approached them. Keeping his hands on his hips as he looked down at their table,
“Those files are investigations. Not to be used as trays or a bit of light reading,”
“What do you want Ryan?”
“I need you up in field ops now.” Ryan barked, turning to look at Melissa, “This Agent Jackson?”
Jack nodded, dropping his lunch back onto the table,
“I want you both up in field operations now,”
“We’re having lunch Ryan. We have no leads. We can’t do anything till the Secret Service arrive at the Forensics lab,”
“I don’t care. You should be up in field ops ready to go when we have Jasper Isaacs location,”
“We don’t even have his last known address Ryan!”
“Either way, you both should be back in Field Ops. Not getting all mushy over sandwiches,”
Melissa shook her head. Turning away again. Ryan looked back at her. Asking quickly,
“Problem Jackson?”
She turned back. Putting the sandwich down as she replied,
“Yeah, there is actually, could you maybe like step a little further back. The rays from the sun are bouncing off that bald head of yours and hurting my eyes,”
Jack held his breath. About to step in when Ryan’s cell phone rang. Keeping his eyes firmly locked on Melissa’s. he reached into his pocket. Fishing out his cell phone,
“… Chappelle… I’m on my way now…”
He hung up quickly. Dropping his cell phone into his pocket as he muttered,
“When you’re finished here. I want you both up in field ops,”
Ryan turned and quickly left the two alone. Jack smiled, shaking his head when he heard Melissa’s giggle. She turned back to look at him. Telling him quietly,
“He’s worse than the guys at the CIA,”
“That was just the start of it,”
“Can’t wait to see more… he’s kinda funny,”
Jack shook his head. Picking up the sandwich again. Smiling and chuckling at more of her comments as they continued to eat lunch.

Field Operations, CTU - Los Angeles

The two separated after lunch. Jack heading for Bill’s office. He turned back to Melissa. Walking closer to her as she asked,
“Want do you need me to do?”
“Just go to my office. See if you can find anything on Isaacs. Any credit cards he’s used.”
“Sure,”
Jack smiled. Kissing her cheek softly before he turned and jogged up the stairs to Bill’s office. Watching as Melissa turned and headed for the stairs leading to Field Ops. About to walk into his office when one of the techies shouted to her,
“You don’t want to go in there,”
Melissa stopped. Turning round to Primrose. Their newest techie. Asking quickly,
“Why not?”
“He’s a bit pissed off,”
“When isn’t he Primrose?”
“Got a point,”
“Thanks for the warning though. Have Bill’s office on the intercom ready will you. Can see this going the other way,”
“Sure,”
“Thanks,”

Primrose nodded. Sorting out the communications as she watched Melissa walk into Jack’s office. Closing the door behind her. Chappelle looked up from the file in his hands. Tossing it onto the desk. Melissa looked down at the file. Recognizing it as her own. Her gaze met Chappelle’s again. Watching as he folded his arms. Staring at her as he commented,
“If I had parents as rich as yours, I think I’d be with them right now.”
“Yeah well. That’s your opinion,”
“I don’t think you’re going to be much help today you know Jackson,”
“Well, Jack thinks otherwise,” she shot back. Sitting down on the couch across from him,
“The only way you can help Jack is during the night,”
“This is getting a little personal isn’t it?”
“This agency is made up of serious, intelligent individuals-”
“So what are you doing here?”
“That need to act as adults!”
“Oh! That was harsh,” she replied, the sarcasm flooding her tone of her voice,
“If you can’t do this job. I’ll have you fired and replaced,”
“And I thought we could be friends,” she sighed. Leaning back into the couch. Taking a quick look over at Primrose. Seeing that she was watching. She looked back at Chappelle. Giving Primrose a quick wave.

Director’s Office, CTU - Los Angeles

Jack turned away from the screen. Looking back at Bill as he asked,
“Anything on Secret Service getting here?”
“They were delayed. Should be here in a few minutes,”
“Delayed? By what?”
“They didn’t say,”
“We’re suppose to be working alongside them and they don’t share information?”
Bill shook his head. Turning to his intercom when the buzz drowned out the voices in the room,
”Mister Buchanan. Is Jack Bauer there?”
“I’m here,” Jack replied, stepping round to the intercom. Looking at Bill as Primrose continued,
”Melissa wanted me to keep the intercom online sir. Ryan Chappelle’s in your office with her now,”
“Why’s he there?”
”I don’t know.”
Jack turned round. Seeing Chappelle on his feet. Melissa getting to hers. The two getting in each others faces,
“Dammit Ryan!” Jack hissed. Turning and racing out of the room. Bill shot up from his chair. Chasing after Jack as the two ran across the bridge connecting them to Field Ops. Getting into Jack’s office before the argument could get any further. Jack grabbed Melissa’s arms. Pulling her back as Bill moved to stand between the two. Looking between them. Keeping his gaze on Jack for a minute. Waiting till he gave Bill a quick nod. Telling him he’d got a hold of her.

Jack pulled her out of the room. Closing the office door behind him. Looking over at Primrose. She nodded. Quickly taking her leave. Watching as Melissa broke free of Jack’s hold. Stepping away. Taking a quick glance into the office. Watching as Chappelle locked gazes with her. Bill turned and looked. Grabbing the remote on Jack’s desk. He darkened the room. Watching as Melissa turned away. Looking back at Jack as he stepped closer to her. Asking softly,
“What the hell happened?”
“Chappelle. He’s such a pain in the ass. He’s so bloody worse than the guys at the CIA,”
“What did he say to you?”
Melissa looked back at him. Sighing as her shoulders dropped. Answering quietly,
“This office needs intelligent, serious adults,”
Jack swallowed hard. Taken aback at the comments. Melissa smiled. Shaking her head as she finished,
“You know what I’m like… can imagine how the rest of the conversation went,”
Jack nodded. Stepping closer to her again as she turned her back on him. Scratching her arm before she felt Jack’s wrap round her. She smiled with a soft sigh. Closing her eyes as Jack whispered,
“You’ll be alright. Chappelle needs a good sorting out sometimes.”
“He told me I was no help y’know,” she replied, opening her eyes.
“You’re always a help to us,”
“He said the only way I help you is during the night,”
“What?”
“That’s what he said,”
“Okay,” he sighed. Kissing her cheek before he turned away. Heading for the door of his office. Melissa turned and quickly followed him. Calling out,
“Jack!”

Bill turned round quickly. Hearing the room door open again. Not being able to stop him as Jack got straight into Chappelle’s face,
“You can say what you want about him Ryan. But when it comes to Melissa. You keep the comments to yourself!”
“What?” Bill asked. Jack’s gaze remained on Ryan as he answered,
“Mel just told me that the only way she helps me is during the night.”
Bill looked back at Ryan. Asking loudly,
“This true?”
“Yeah of course it is. You see the way she acts,” Ryan answered bluntly,
“You don’t screw with her Ryan!” Jack snarled, “You’re here to help the comm team on the floor! You stay away from Field Operations! And you stay away from Mel!”
Ryan nodded slowly. Glancing over at the door. Finding Melissa watching through the glass walls. He took his leave slowly. Stepping out of the room. Jack turned and watched as he gave Melissa a quick glare. Heading down the stairs to the floor.

Bill looked over at Melissa. Waving her inside. Jack turned completely. Pulling her into his arms as Bill asked,
“You both alright?”
“I’m fine.” Melissa answered. Caressing Jack’s back before they separated. Jack kissed her cheek again before he stepped over to the office walls. Looking down at Ryan as he approached Chloe’s station. Turning back as Bill continued,
“I’ll call Division. See if they can send someone else over. We can’t be having Ryan here today. Not with this threat.”
“We don’t need anyone from Division here.” Jack commented. Folding his arms as he watched Chloe try to shake off Chappelle, “If he’s here to control the team. Then he can handle the team on the floor. There is only the three of us up here in field ops. I think I can handle that,”
“I’ll call Division. See what they can do,” Bill sighed. taking his leave. “Secret Service will be here shortly. I want you both down on the floor for when they arrive,”

Part 3

Floor, CTU - Los Angeles

Melissa was stood by Morris’s station when Secret Service arrived. Watching the men in black walk onto the floor. They approached the first station. The first agent leaning closer to Milo. Mumbling a few words before he pointed over at Melissa. She turned back to Morris. Sighing softly,
“Gotta go mate,”
“Have fun darlin,”
She smiled, laughing softly before she asked,
“Just give Jack a quick ring would ya?”
“Sure thing sweetheart. Send him down to Forensics?”
“Yeah, thanks,”
Morris smiled and nodded. Leaning over for the phone as Melissa walked away. Friendly greeting the two agents,
“We just have to wait for Agent Bauer to arrive then we can show you down to Forensics,”
“He’s out in the field?”
“No. he’s talking to Bill Buchanan,”
The agents nodded. About to turn when Jack arrived. Smiling at Melissa before they headed for the Forensics lab.

Jack grabbed a hold of Melissa’s hand. Pulling her back slowly as they made their way down the corridor. Waiting till there was some space between them and the two agents. He leaned closer to her. Asking quietly,
“Any other problems with Chappelle?”
“No. haven’t seen him in a while,”
“Okay,”
“Something going off?”
“No. I was just making sure you’re alright,”
Melissa nodded. Giving his hand a gentle squeeze as they approached the door to the labs. Finding Henry Walker inside. His assistant Nick Granger walked back into the lab as Secret Service tossed Henry the bag containing the bullet. Henry muttered his thanks. Looking up at the agents. Seeing how pissed off they were. He looked back down at the bullet in front of him. Watching Jack from the corner of his eye. Stepping forward, closer to the two agents as he asked,
“Did you get anything else from the scene?”
“No.”
“Just the bullet?”
“Yes,”
Melissa rolled her eyes at their vagueness. Taking a seat behind the two agents. Jack folded his arms as he said with a slight warning,
“The President has ordered the Secret Service to co-operate with this office. It might help us identify and locate the sniper, if you give us more details,”
“We will give you the details when it is necessary,”
“No. that won’t work for us,”

The agent stood by Jack turned round. The glare from his eyes hidden behind the darkened glasses. He leaned closer to Jack’s face. Hesitating for a moment when he saw no sign of Jack backing away. Melissa braced herself for a brawl. Watching the other agent before Jack warned,
“If I have to call the President just to repeat his orders to his own agents-”
“The rifle the assassin used was silenced. The bullet hardly made a scratch in the wood behind the Secretary.”
“That didn’t hurt did it?” Melissa asked, leaning back in her seat. Keeping her gaze on the other agent as he spun round to face her. Shaking his head slowly before he asked,
“What’s a British agent doing here if this is-”
“She was transferred to this office eight months ago. Leave her alone,” Jack quickly stepped in, “Your men had better start co-operating. You want us to help-”
“We don’t need the help of a local police station,”
“This what the delay was about? A silly grudge against this office?”
The agents turned away. Turning back to Henry. Tossing him a small envelope. The first agent turned and walked away. Standing by the door as the other informed the group,
“There are photos from the site there. You need anything else. Contact the President,”
The group watched as the men in the black left. Slamming the door behind them. Nick shook his head. Commenting with a sigh,
“Tight asses,”
Melissa smiled. Laughing quietly as Jack stepped closer to Henry. Looking at the bullet. He asked quickly,
“How long before you know what rifle the shooter used?”
“A couple of hours.”
“We’ll be up in field ops. Call when you have something,”
“Yes sir,”

Jack nodded, turning back to Melissa. Waiting for her to get to her feet before they walked out of the lab. Finding the two agents talking to Ryan Chappelle,
“Baldylocks and the two bears… great,” Melissa muttered turning away. Jack snorted. Fighting to keep his chuckle in as Ryan approached the two. Asking with a shout,
“Something funny Bauer?!”
“You wouldn’t like to know Ryan,”
Ryan nodded. Looking at Melissa for a moment. He turned back to Jack. Putting his hands on his hips as he continued,
“The Secret Service have just requested to file a report of abuse from our agents,”
“What?”
“They aren’t comfortable with the way they’re being treated,”
“Maybe you should go ask them why they aren’t willing to share information with this office,”
“They said they were,”
“Check the surveillance footage.” Jack finished, stepping forward. Grabbing Melissa’s hand as he did so. Pulling her along till Chappelle shouted,
“I want Jackson with me!”
“I need her with me Ryan.” Jack shouted back, continuing to walk down the corridor,
“I’m the higher ranking agent here Jack! You take orders from me!”
Jack shook his head. Walking round the corner of the corridor. He stopped and turned back to Melissa. Whispering quietly,
“I want you to head over to the women’s toilets. And just stay there till I can figure something out,”
“To keep me away from him?”
Jack nodded. Hearing Ryans shouts again.
“Go!”
Melissa nodded. Walking round him. Jumping into a sprint as she disappeared down the next corridor. Jack turned round once more. Walking again as Ryan appeared. Looking round the corridor. He turned back to find Jack about to step out onto the floor,
“Jack!”

Morris heard the shout. Turning round as he stood by Chloe’s station. Chloe turned round in her seat. Seeing Jack leaning against the wall in the corridor behind them. He gave the two a quick nod towards Bill’s office. Getting a nod from them both in return. Jack turned back to face Ryan. Remaining silent as Ryan interrogated,
“Where is she?”
“Who?”
“Oh don’t play dumb with me Jack! Where did you tell her to go?”
“She said she had to go make a personal call. She’s gone outside,”
Ryan nodded. Stepping back one step before he hissed his warning,
“I find no sign of her out there. I’m reporting you to Division,”
“Problem Ryan?” Bill asked, stepping round the corner,
“I require Agent Jackson’s assistance. Bauer is stopping me from getting that,”
“You never told me why you needed her,” Jack commented,
…
“So what do you need her for Ryan?”
…
“More comments?”
…
“See how much further you can piss her off?”
…
“Think the heat generating on that patch of yours is messing with your head, Ryan. Maybe you should go lie down,” Jack sighed, turning and walking away. Bill watched him walk onto the floor. Stepping up onto Chloe’s station for a minute before he stepped down. Walking across to the stairs leading to Field Ops. Bill turned back to Chappelle. Stepping closer to him,
“My people are doing fine on their own. We’ve only had news of this threat for a few hours and you think my team is out of control?”
“With field agents like the ones you have now. I say you need more than help here Bill,”
“Jack Bauer is the best we’ve got. He can handle his team. Milo Pressman is the floor manager. You are here to watch over them. My advice to you would to be follow your own orders. Agent Jackson is a field agent. Leave the two out of your mess,”

Women’s Toilets, CTU - Los Angeles

Melissa walked out of one of the cubicles. Brushing her fingers through her hair. Ignoring her reflection in the mirror till she heard her cell phone ringing. Digging it out of her pocket. She smiled at the name on the top screen. Flipping it open,
“Hey,”
”Hey, you still in the toilets?”
“Yeah. Can I come out of hiding now?”
”Yeah. I’m in my office. Head over here,”
“Sure,”
She hung up quickly. Hearing the door to the toilets open. A blonde haired woman stepped inside. Glancing at the first cubicle till she saw Melissa stood by the sinks. Washing her hands once her phone was back in her pocket. Melissa glanced over at her. Turning back to look down at her hands as the woman stepped closer to her. Leaning down till she saw Melissa’s eyes. Melissa looked at her. Raising an eyebrow. She turned the tap off. Warning jokingly,
“I’ve got my dad’s habit of doing this to people when they do that,”
“What?” she asked. Melissa straightened. Flicking her fingers out at the woman. Flicking the water into her eyes. The woman gasped. Staggering back a little as Melissa went to get the paper towels. Looking back at the woman, she asked bluntly,
“You one of the people on Chappelle’s team?”
“Yes I am.”
“Well, tell him to piss him off.”
“He only wants to speak to you,”
“About what?”
“A new rule that has been brought up within the government-”
“Get to know your mates better?”
“Something like that,”
“No thank you,” Melissa sighed, turning and walking out of the toilets. Finding another member of Chappelle’s team outside. Coloured skin. His eyes dark and threatening. Melissa smiled. Shrugging her shoulders as she stepped away. Hearing the guy following her. She glanced back occasionally. Slipping her phone back out of her pocket. She quickly sent a message to Jack. Dropping the phone into her pocket.

Field Operations, CTU - Los Angeles

Jack straightened from leaning over Primrose’s desk. Watching the screen as Henry and Nick examined the bullet. Still searching for the weapon of choice. He reached into his pocket. Taking out his cell phone. Reading the message in his head. His gaze never left the screen as he whispered,
“Excuse me, for a moment,”
Primrose smiled and nodded. Closing the screen down as she watched Jack head down the stairs to the floor. Putting the phone back into his pocket. He headed for Chloe’s station. Leaning over as he quickly hissed,
“Chloe!”
“What?” she asked. Hissing back as their eyes locked,
“I need you to run a call through to Chappelle’s phone.”
“What? Why?”
“He’s got his team on Mel. They won’t leave her alone,”
“What do they want with Melissa?”
“He’s trying to get rid of her.”
“Why?”
“Chloe! I don’t have time to explain this! Just do it! Please!”
“Okay!… jeez,”
Jack nodded. Pushing away as he whispered,
“Thank you,”

Chloe shook her head. Sighing as she reached over for the phone on her station. Watching Jack run off. Heading down the corridor behind her. He scanned either side of the corridor. Hearing Melissa’s shouts to his right. He jumped into a sprint. Racing down the corridor. Turning the corner to find the taller man on her. Backing her against the wall. Melissa shook her head. Catching a quick glimpse of Jack to her right. He rushed down the corridor to her side. Charging into the taller man. Knocking him off his feet. The woman from the toilets screamed. Backing off as she watched Jack take Melissa’s hand into his. Giving them both a quick glare before taking Melissa away.

The two made their way over the floor. Jack giving a quick nod to Chloe. She smiled and nodded. Hanging up on the phone. Getting back to her work. Bill looked down from his office. Watching the two make their way back up to Field Ops. He carefully took off his glasses. Resting them down on his desk as Ryan followed the two upstairs.

Sorry it took a while to update this. Our internet crashed 2 weeks ago for no reason that we could see. and we've only just got it fixed.

here's an update anyways :)

----------------------

Part 4

Field Operations, CTU - Los Angeles

Jack locked the door to his office once Melissa was back inside. Watching as she sat down on the couch. The sigh escaping her was filled with anger and frustration. Putting her face into her hands for a moment. Ideas racing through her mind. The gentle taps of Jack’s boots hitting the floor forced her to look up. Watching him as he walked round to the back of his desk. Collapsing into his chair. He turned it slightly, till the back of the chair was turned to the floor below. Shaking his head slowly. He huffed quietly. Looking back over at Melissa as she asked,
“What the hell is this new rule that they were talking about?”
“What do you mean?”
“That woman that followed me into the toilets. She said that there was this new rule where people have to get to know them better,”
“What?”
“I don’t know.”
“Bullshit,”
“… yeah… she said it was new.”
“I heard nothing.”
Melissa shrugged her shoulders. Leaning back on the couch. Watching Jack still as he reached over for the phone. Calling Bill’s office,
“… It’s Jack. Have you heard anything about this new rule that’s been put into action by Division?… something about getting to know your co-workers better… I didn’t think so… no it’s just Chappelle wanting Mel again… yeah if you would… thanks Bill…”
He smiled slightly. Hanging up as Melissa pushed off from the couch. Walking over to him steadily as she asked,
“Everything okay?”
“Yeah, everything should be fine. Bill’s gonna call Division. See if they can actually sort something out to try and get rid of Chappelle,”
Melissa nodded. Sighing heavily as she sat down on his desk. Glancing down at the floor as she watched Chappelle appear with his goonies. Gathering security. Pointing towards Jack’s office. Melissa bit her bottom lip before whispering,
“Think we’re in trouble,”
Jack turned and looked down onto the floor. Grabbing the remote from the desk. He downed the lights. Watching as the officers approached the stairs. Climbing up them slowly. One of them taking out his cell phone.

Melissa jumped. Almost falling off the desk when Jack’s phone rang. She looked down at the phone first before looking back at Jack. Watching as he shook his head. He got up from his chair. Heading over to the filing cabinet. Leaving the phone to ring as he began,
“I’ve got more information on Jasper Isaacs if you want to take a look at it. The files actually fell out of the folder,”
“Okay,”
He reached into the drawer, fishing out the spare sheets. Knocking it shut with his elbow as he turned back to her. Tossing the papers onto the desk. He turned and watched as the officers tried the office door. Banging on the glass as Jack continued,
“It’s not much still, I know… but it’s better than nothing,”
“It’s okay. Be something to do while we wait for something else to happen,”
Jack nodded. Sitting down in the chair again. Glancing over at Bill’s office. He straightened his posture suddenly. Seeing him heading towards the office. Ordering the two officers downstairs before sending Chappelle down after them.

Jack handed Melissa the keys. Giving a quick nod towards the door. He climbed to his feet slowly. Groaning quietly as the ache he suddenly felt in his arm. Melissa glanced back at him as she unlocked the door. Opening it up as she asked,
“You okay?”
“Yeah I’m fine… probably from where I got that guy,”
She nodded. Stepping back as Bill walked inside. Closing the office door behind him. Hissing at them both,
“What the hell is going on!”
“Ryan is digging his nose into nothing of his business! You need to have him sorted out!” Jack hissed back. Stepping closer to Bill, “All he’s done, since the second he walked into this building! Was cause trouble! He’s to watch over the Comm team! Not mine!”
“He knows that Jack-”
“So why does he keep coming for Melissa?”
“My guess would be because of her background,”
“What about my background?” Melissa asked, folding her arms as she continued, “Because I killed my sisters? Have rich parents?”
“Possibly,”
“More like definitely,” Jack commented,
“He’s a little suspicious,”
“Of what?”
“Because I’m in a job that pays less money than what I could be getting if I stayed with my parents,” Melissa answered for Bill. Looking over at Jack as she added, “Think about it… my parents are some of the richest people on this planet and I’m in this kind of job… it’s gonna raise some eyebrows,”
Jack nodded. Turning away as Bill stepped in,
“There’s going to be a live feed from the scene in just a few minutes. I want you both down in the situation room,”
“Yeah,” Jack sighed. Bill nodded. Turning and leaving them alone again.

Melissa huffed. Collapsing onto the couch. Closing her eyes as she whispered,
“If my background was gonna cause this much bloody hassle, I would have stayed back in England,”
“It’s not causing hassle… Chappelle just likes to nit pick,”
“Well he’s picked the wrong gal to do that with.” she sighed, opening her eyes again,
“Yeah, I know,”
“I swear to God! He doesn’t leave either of us alone… he’s gonna end up with a busted… something,”
“Something?”
“Well I have a few areas in mind… one in particular,”
Jack chuckled. Shaking his head before he held out his hand to her. Melissa smiled. Huffing quietly as she got to her feet. Taking a hold of his hand. Jack smiled. Whispering to her,
“Ignore Chappelle. He wants anything from us. He can go through Bill first.”
Melissa smiled and nodded. Their eyes closed for the brief kiss they shared. Jack smiled. Kissing her cheek softly before they turned to leave the office. Jogging down the stairs quickly. Bill met them half way across the floor. Walking with them to the situation. Finding Chloe and Morris sat across from each other at the far end of the room. Milo stood watching the screen on Chloe’s laptop. Glancing over at Chappelle as he barked,
“Secret Service are ready whenever you are,”
Bill gave a quick nod to Morris. The group looking up at the screen as one of the other agents appeared. Pressing his finger against the piece in his ear. Reporting in loudly,

”We have nothing else from the scene. There are no witnesses. The only evidence we have is the bullet that is still being studied at CTU Los Angeles. We have a list of possible suspects. They’re currently being forwarded to the comm team at CTU. We have our own agents working alongside them.”

Jack shook his head. Folding his arms as he leaned against the glass walls. Looking over at Chappelle. Seeing his gaze constantly locked on Melissa. He pushed off from the glass. Leaning closer to Melissa. Whispering quietly into her ear,
“Move away. But don’t make it look suspicious,”
She nodded slowly. Pausing for a few minutes. Continuing to watch the screen. Looking at the photos the agent showcased before reaching into her pocket. Taking out her cell phone. Jack glanced back at her. Leaning over again. Looking down at the screen. Melissa flipped it shut as Jack nodded. Stroking her arm as she turned to leave. Quietly excusing herself as she passed Buchanan. Jack watched her leave. Waiting till she’d disappeared behind the walls of the room before bringing his attention back to the screen,
”Without any hard evidence. It’s impossible to start a search. There were no witnesses. No one in the crowds saw anything suspicious.”
“That’s the end of the report,” Chloe reported. Closing the window down. Bill shook his head. Putting a hand on his hip. Massaging his temples with the other before he gave out the instructions,
“I want the comm team to run a search with each name that’s on the list. As soon as you find intel from no later than two weeks ago. Send it to field ops. As soon as they have that. Jack, I want you and Melissa to check it out,”
“Right,”
“Ryan, you stay on the floor,” Bill ordered, facing the impatient man. Butting in before Ryan could object, “Melissa is none of your concern. If she is a problem or is causing bother. Then I will let Jack handle the situation,”
“His feelings will be on a personal level,” Ryan objected, “You need someone else on this,”
“Melissa hasn’t done anything wrong, Ryan,” Jack growled, “The sooner you accept the fact that she chose this job over money. The quicker we can get this crisis ended,”
Ryan nodded. Biting his tongue as no rebound came to mind,
“If you’ll excuse me. I’ll go find Mel and tell her what needs to be done,”
“Sure Jack,” Bill replied quietly,
“Thank you,”
Jack left quickly. Leaving out of the door Melissa made her escape through.

Looking left and right. Hearing a small soft,
“Psst!”
He turned to his right. Heading down the corridor as Melissa walked out from behind the corner. Slipping her phone back into her pocket, asking quietly,
“What the hell is wrong with Chappelle?”
“He’s not into people who-”
“I’m not into him either, so-”
“Who can rebound at things he says,”
“Oh… okay… well… tough shit, I’m here. What do we need to do?”
“The Secret Service had gathered a list of the most likely suspects. We need to head back up to field ops. Get ready to go out once we have an address,”
“Okay,”
Jack smiled. Nodding as Melissa stepped closer to him. Looking into his eyes as she whispered,
“There’s something else,”
Jack looked into her eyes. Staying quiet as she continued,
“Something bothering you?”
“No. it’s just Ryan.”
“You know… you really need to kick his ass… and I hope it’s sometime soon,”
Jack smiled. Chuckling again before he replied,
“Well… we’ll see,”
Melissa smiled again. Kissing him softly before she whispered,
“I love you,”
“Love you too,”
He retuned the kiss, tender and loving. Before they turned and headed for Field Ops.

Two hours later…

Field Operations, CTU - Los Angeles

They’d gathered the files on all thirteen suspects the Secret Service had gathered. Jack tossed the last file onto the desk. Closing the drawer as he asked,
“Anything?”
“… Not really. It’s only Jasper Isaacs… Emily Sanders and… Tera Kistler that are linked to the secretaries,”
“Which are?”
“Well you already know about Jasper Isaacs. Emily Sanders was the woman who was married to the past Secretary of Defense Richard Halford. Who was found murdered in his office the day before his speech to the troops in Iraq. All links point to Sanders but she’s not been caught.”
“What about that Tera Kistler?”
“She’s killed three of the past secretaries… and somehow… one of the recent Attorney Generals.”
“She sounds more likely to be the person we’re looking for,”
Melissa nodded. Handing him her file when the intercom behind her buzzed. Jack nodded to her. Opening the file as she leaned behind her. Pressing down on “receive”,
“Field Ops,”
”We’ve got an address for you guys to check out,” Morris informed them,
“Who’s?”
”Tera Kistler,”
Jack closed the file. Stepping closer as Melissa asked,
“Where is it?”
”Her last address is the Hollywood Tower Apartments. 6200 Franklin Avenue,”
“How recent is it?” Jack asked, reaching over for his jacket,
”A week mate,"
“Thanks Morris.”
Melissa jumped off the desk. Grabbing her own jacket as Jack raced out of the office.

Part 5

Hollywood Apartment Tower - Los Angeles

Managing to slip through the evening traffic with ease. The drive over to the apartments took just little under an hour. Enjoying the ride as the sun set. Engulfing Los Angeles in a warming orange. Jack took off his shades as they reached the apartments. Looking through the window as Melissa looked across the street. Watching as a group of punks pointed at the car. Whispering comments. Sniggering together before finally bolting. The owner of the store across the street chasing the pack off with a baseball bat. She turned back to Jack, opening the car door as he whispered,
“Come on,”
They climbed out of the car quickly. Spotting the group hiding in the nearest side alley. Peeking round the corner as the two agents headed for the main doors of the tower.

Jack stepped inside first. Looking round the small hallway. The desk on the right. Protected by a metal cage. A small hole in the netting in the middle of the desk. He turned back to Melissa. Finding her just walking inside. She closed the door quietly behind her. Looking round the small entrance. Shaking her head. Screwing her face up slightly at the smell. She swallowed hard. Turning back to Jack as he stepped over to the reception desk. Looking through the cage walls. He found the guy in charge asleep in his chair. The chair standing on two legs. Jack clenched his fist. Slamming it down onto the desk. Melissa jumped. Holding her breath as her heart raced. Peering over his shoulder when she heard the man inside scream. Falling off his chair. Jack shook his head. Watching as the chubby man scrambled to his feet. His eyes blinking rapidly. Looking between the two before he yelled,
“What the fuck are you doin man!”
“I’m Agent Bauer. This is Agent Jackson. Los Angeles CTU.”
“What?”
“We need to see Tera Kistler,”
“Why? What’s she done?”
“Where is she?”
“The last time I saw her pal was last week,”
“What day?”
“Wednesday,”
“What for?”
“Getting her room number changed,”
“What is it now?”
“378,”
“Do you have a spare set of keys for her room?”
“No. she lost the first pair. Took the spare set with her,”
Jack nodded. Stepping back. He looked at Melissa. Giving her a quick nod towards the elevator. She rolled her eyes. Knowing what was coming. Jack turned away. Heading for the stairs as the man shouted again,
“HEY! You’re not going to see her man!”
He turned to look at Melissa. Finding her in the elevator. The lift doors closing. He looked back at Jack. Seeing the agent turn round. Glaring at the man as he continued to object,
“Stop your bitch from going up there!”
“This is part of a federal investigation. You intend to stop us. I’ll have you arrested,”
“That girl has done nothing wrong!”
“She’s the prime suspect of the murder of three secretaries and a past Attorney General. Don’t tell me she is innocent!”
“She’s a model! She doesn’t know how to fire a fuckin gun mate!”
“We have evidence that she is linked to those killings. As well as the assassination of Gus Erickson today!”
“You’ve got the wrong gal!”
Jack shook his head. Turning away to climb the stairs. Ignoring the mans shouts. Keeping the same pace as he climbed the stairs. Hearing the chubby man chase him up to the fifteenth floor.

Melissa stood waiting for him when he arrived. Hearing the mans shouts before she saw Jack. The guy turned to look at Melissa. Laughing as he told Jack,
“Now SHE looks like she could kill someone!”
“She’s a federal agent,”
“Best suspect there mate!”
“Oh piss off,” Melissa moaned. Following Jack down the corridor. The guy still following them. Trying to object again,
“Foreign too!”
“Will you shut up?” she shouted, spinning round to face him, “Why are you defending her anyway? Does she give you a good show or something?”
The man blushed. Giving them the answers they needed. Jack turned again. Finding the apartment,
“We’re here,”
Melissa turned back round. Looking at the door number as Jack knocked on the door. Getting no sign of a response. He knocked again. Waiting for another minute. Hearing nothing on the other side. Melissa stepped back. Taking out her gun as she ushered the guy away. Watching as Jack took out his gun. Taking a few steps back before he moved to kick the door down.

Hearing the odd scream. Jack kicked the door one with one try. The door slamming down into the apartment. He stepped forward inside. Raising the gun. Keeping a firm hold of it as he stepped one more step inside. Hearing Melissa follow slowly. Their eyes scanning the area. He signalled for Melissa to check the left side of the apartment. Getting a nod from the corner of his eye. Jack turned to the right. Hearing the owner follow them. He stood in the doorway in horror. Watching as the two agents separated. Deciding to follow Jack, the owner kept an eye on Melissa till she disappeared into the kitchen area.

Finding the place a mess. Broken tiles on the walls. Cupboard doors barely attached to the hinges. Rotting food left to stink the room. Laying by the stained sink. The rusting side board. Hearing a small crack beneath her boot. She stepped back quickly. Looking down at the smashed egg shell on the floor. Looking back as she raised her boot. Sighing when she saw the yolk splattered all over the bottom of her boots. She stepped over the small puddle. Looking through the windows. Looking down over the back alley behind the tower. Seeing the bins. A few homeless people. Hearing the owners shouts as he followed Jack round the lounge area.

Jack ground his teeth. Continuing to check the rooms as the owner continued his protests. Trying to stop Jack from heading into one of the back rooms. He turned round. Keeping his right hand on his gun. His left lashed out at the man. Grabbing his wrist tightly. Digging his fingers into the mans skin. Watching as he fell to his knees. Grabbing Jack’s wrist. Hissing and spitting at him,
“Bastard! Let go!”
“You’re interfering with a government investigation. Continue and I will have you prosecuted.”
…
“Understood?”
…
“You either go back down to your cage on the bottom floor and wait for anymore of your goonies to walk inside. Or you shut up and stay here,”
“… Sure,”
Jack released his wrist. Throwing it aside. Watching the man hiss and huff. Staring up at Jack as the agent turned and walked into the back room. Finding it completely spotless except for the door on his left. He placed both hands back on the gun. Stepping quietly forward. The smell of drying blood grew stronger and more overpowering. He cleared his throat before he shouted,
“Mel!”
“Yeah!”
“Found something, get over here!”
The owner followed her inside as she rushed round to Jack’s side. Looking at the door in front of them. Seeing the blood seeping underneath. Jack turned to the owner. Asking quietly,
“What’s your name?"
“Ian,”
“Ian, I want you to go to the nearest phone and call for an ambulance,”
“Sure,”
Ian turned and left. Heading into the lounge again. Calling for the ambulance as Jack turned to Melissa,
“You get the door,”
Melissa nodded. Keeping her right hand on the gun. She stepped round Jack. Getting a hold of the door handle. She paused for a second. Turning to Jack as she whispered,
“It’s still warm,”
“Open the door now,”
She turned the handle quickly. Pulling the door open. Stepping back as Jack stepped forward. Following the trail of blood. He stepped inside slowly. Looking round the room. Spotting a pile of blood stained knives on his left. A few snapped. Others jagged. Melissa followed him inside. Looking to the right. She gasped quietly. Giving a quick prod to Jack’s arm. He turned his head back slightly. Asking quietly,
“What?”
“We’ve got a body,”
Jack turned fully. Seeing the bloodied corpse by the window. Her lower half still inside the building. The other either dangling out of the window… or worse. Jack took the lead. Stepping over the still growing puddles of blood. Melissa stayed back. Fighting the nausea that was building in her gut. Hearing Ian rushing to their position. He staggered to a halt. Seeing the blood soaked carpet. Stepping towards Melissa. She heard the patter of Ian’s boot hitting one of the puddles. Turning back to him. She warned softly,
“Stay there,”
“You’ve found something?”
“Just stay there, please,”
Ian nodded. Stepping back. Stepping out into the next room as he asked,
“Have you found the body?”
“We’re gonna need forensics over here,” Jack called to her, “Looks like this was a homicide,”
“How can you tell?”
“The slices on her throat and her wrists.” Jack paused. Crouching down. Checking her abdomen, “And her chest… it’s too precise,”
“What do you mean?”
“The person that killed her knew what they were doing. They knew which areas to target,”
Melissa nodded. The two turning again when they heard Ian racing away. Jack stepped forward to follow. Slowing when Melissa turned and raced after him. He reached into his pocket of his jacket. Calling CTU,
“… This is Jack Bauer. We need forensics and a back up team at the Hollywood Apartment Tower!”

Melissa checked the corridor beneath the floor Jack was on. Hearing Ian’s footsteps to her left. Seeing his shadow on the wall. She jumped into a sprint. Chasing him down the next staircase. Firing off a round when she saw the top of his head. Getting a loud squeal before a long scream. Hearing him tumbling down the stairs. She quickened her pace. Rushing down the remaining stairs. Reaching Ian’s disfigured body at the bottom. Still awake. But in severe pain. He grunted and growled. His eyes darting to see her heading his way. Even with his arm broken. He reached for the gun. Hidden beneath his shirt. Melissa leaned over slightly. Firing off a round close to his head when she saw the barrel of his handgun. Stepping closer to him. She knelt down behind him. Taking out the gun. Tossing it into the bin close by before reaching into her pocket for her cell phone.

Jack stood outside the apartment door. Ordering the other residents to get back into their apartments when his cell phone rang. He waited for the last resident, an elderly woman, to return to her room as he took out his phone,
“Bauer,”
”It’s me,”
“Are you alright?”
”Yeah I’m fine.”
“What about Ian?”
”He fell down the stairs. Looks like he’s broken… pretty much everything,”
“Is he still alive?”
”Yeah he’s awake still.”
“Okay. The back up team should be here soon. They’ll take him into custody,”
”Okay,”
“Anyone tries to interfere. Do what needs to be done. I’ve got a feeling Ian’s the one who killed Tera,”
”Copy that,”

Part 6

Apartment 378, Floor 15, Hollywood Apartment Tower - Los Angeles

Jack stayed with the body. Leaning out of the open window. He winced at the sight. Finding the broken glass of the smashed window, embedded into her neck. Her eyes wide in shock and alarm. Jack shook his head. Looking down over the side. Finding the shards of glass down at the ground floor. He reached into his pocket again. Hearing his cell phone ringing,
“Bauer,”
”Jack! Need your help down here!"
“What’s wrong?”
“There’s a group of punks that have ju-”
“Mel?”
He paused. Holding his breath, swallowing hard as he heard her shouts down the phone,
”Piss off!”
“What are you doing with Ian bitch!?”
“I’m a federal agent! Come any closer and I WILL use my weapon!”
“Get off him bitch!”
“Step away! Now!”
“We’ll kill you bitch!”
“Mel!”
…
“Dammit!” he cursed with a hiss. Hanging the cell phone up. Racing for the apartment door. Opening it to find the residents back out into the corridor. The groups gathering as they mumbled and gossiped. A few turned round. Seeing Jack in the doorway. They prodded and nudged their neighbours. Heading back indoors. Jack growled. Taking out his cell phone again. Dialling for CTU,
”… Buchanan,”
“Bill where are the back up teams?!”
“They’re five minutes out Jack. What’s happening?”
”Mel might be in trouble,”
“What’s going on?”
“Sounds like some of the residents are downstairs with her. I can’t keep the residents out of this apartment.”
”The back up team shouldn’t be too long!”
“Roger that,”

Ground Floor, Hollywood Apartment Tower - Los Angeles

Melissa fired off a third round into the floor. Just missing the feet of one of the thugs in front of her. The guys gasped in surprise at the precision. Looking back at her as she shouted,
“MOVE AWAY!”
…
“My partner is just upstairs! He has to come down here to sort you guys out! I promise you that he’ll be the last thing you ever see!”
“Yeah right!”
“Don’t try me!”
“What are you gonna do? Shoot me?” their leader taunted. Nodding to his guys as he sniggered. Laughing more as his mates joined in with his laughs. He turned back Melissa. Holding his hands out as he taunted further,
“Shoot me cop,”
“I have orders to shoot you if I need to,”
“Come on!” he yelled rushing forward. Melissa pulled the trigger. Moving slightly to her left as the guys body crashed just a few inches away from Ian. Melissa rose to her feet quickly. Watching as the rest of the group turned and ran out of the building. She replaced the safety on the gun. Holstering it in her hip holster. Looking round the floor for her phone. Finding it flashing at the foot of the stairs. She sighed, frustrated. Walking over to the stairs. Grabbing her phone. Finding the line dead. She flipped it shut. Looking over at the thug she’d brought down. Her cell phone ringing as her eyes locked with the gangster. Keeping his gaze as she answered the call,
“Jackson,”
”Are you okay?”
“God Jack,” she sighed, turning away, “Yeah I’m alright.”
”What happened?”
“That group we saw across the street when we arrived. They came into the building. Wanting to know what we were doing with Ian.”
”Is Ian still alright?”
“He’s still a mess if that’s what you mean.”
”What about the group?”
“I had to take one of them out… but the others have gone,”
”Okay. The back up team should be there in a few minutes. As soon as they arrive on the floor. I’ll be down with you. Okay?”
“Okay,”
She hung up again. Slipping the phone back into her pocket. Hearing the cars screeching outside. She spun round. Looking down at gangster. Finding his eyes frozen. Dead cold beside Ian. She raised her gaze. Smiling as Castle rushed into the building with Alpha team,
“Agent Jackson?”
“Yeah,”
“Where’s Agent Bauer?”
“He’s up on the fifteenth floor. You need to send Forensics up there,”
“Yes ma’am,” Castle responded. Nodding before he turned to the forensics team behind him, “Fifteenth floor. Take the elevator,”
“Yes sir,”
Castle turned back to Melissa. Taking a quick glance at the men on the floor,
“Which is the suspect?”
“The one that’s still alive,” Melissa answered bluntly.
“Yes ma’am,”
Melissa smiled and nodded. Excusing herself quietly as she headed for the exit doors. Stepping outside into the fresher air.

Apartment 378, 15th Floor, Hollywood Apartment Tower - Los Angeles

Jack stayed with the body till Forensics arrived. Finding him in the dead room. He turned. Hearing the patter of the mens boots on the blood. Stepping aside. He allowed the team to absorb the sight in front of them. Shaking themselves quickly. They made their way past Jack. The last agent reporting,
“Agent Jackson stepped outside sir,”
“Thank you. I’ll send Alpha team up here once they have the suspect in custody,”
“Yes sir,”

Outside Grounds, Hollywood Apartment Tower - Los Angeles

Melissa wiped her eyes of the tears that were building. Shivering slightly till she felt a pair of warm hands hold her shoulders. Glancing back behind her. She met Jack’s gaze as he crouched down behind her. Giving her shoulders a gentle squeeze as he asked,
“You sure you’re alright?”
“Yeah… I don’t know what’s come over me…” she paused. Clearing her throat as she brought her gaze back round again. Facing the buildings across the street. Jack stood up. Climbing over the small wall Melissa was sat on. Sitting down next to her as she carried on, “I just watched the forensics team head into the elevator and then I just walk outside and just… cry,”
“How are you actually feeling?”
“I feel fine. It’s my job. I’ve seen it all before… what the hell is wrong with me?”
“There’s nothing wrong with you,”
“Maybe I’m just tired,” she suggested quietly,
“That would be my guess too,”
Melissa nodded. Wiping her eyes again before Jack whispered softly,
“Come here,”
Her eyes closed quickly as Jack wrapped his arm around her shoulders. Pulling her close. He kissed her hair softly. Resting his head against hers. Whispering even softer to her,
“This is what’s gonna happen… we’re going to take this guy over to CTU. I’ll explain to Buchanan that you’re not well. And I’ll take you home. I’ll cook dinner while you take a hot shower. Then we can just settle down for the night.”
“Sounds too good to be true,” she joked, opening her eyes. Jack smiled. Chuckling softly before he whispered,
“Whenever you’re ready… we will,”
“It’s been eight months almost… if I’m not ready now then there’s something wrong,”
“It’s gonna take them. Dawn at the centre said you can’t rush into this,”
Melissa sighed again. Shaking her head. About to open her mouth when Alpha team walked past them. Taking Ian into their vehicle. Castle turned back to Jack. About to ask for his orders when Jack butted in,
“I want you to take your team up to the apartment room. See if you can help the forensics team in anyway. I’ll take the suspect back to CTU,”
“Yes sir,”
Jack nodded. Watching the team head back inside.Melissa raised her head from his shoulder. Looking into Jack’s eyes as she whispered,
“You don’t fuck me anytime soon. I’ll just have to screw you instead,”
Jack smiled. Shaking his head before he replied,
“Not until you’re ready,”
“I thought it was the girls that played hard to get,”
“Men can as well,”
“You’re evil,”
“Come on,” he chuckled. Getting to his feet. Helping Melissa to hers. The two headed back to the vehicle Alpha team had secured Ian inside. Climbing into the front seats. Jack started the car. Taking a look in the rear view mirror. Making sure he was secured before he pulled out of the spot. Turning and driving back to CTU.

Outside Grounds, CTU - Los Angeles

Delta team were ready and waiting for when Jack brought the car into the grounds. Bringing it to a stop just by the entrance slope. The team quickly moved in to retrieve the suspect and take him inside. Jack glanced over at the doors. Spotting Bill waiting for them. He looked at Melissa. Seeing her eyes fluttering. Almost falling asleep till she felt Jack’s knuckle jab her gently. She opened her eyes fully. Playfully hitting him before she asked,
“What?”
“I’ll be two minutes. Just gonna talk to Bill,”
“Okay,”
“Don’t fall asleep on me,”
“If you’re nice and fast I won’t,”
Jack smirked. Climbing out of the car as Bill walked down the slope. Meeting him at the front of the car. Jack sighed before he asked,
“Anything with Chappelle?”
“He’s working with the Comm team. He got a call from Division while you two were at the tower,”
“Thank god,”
“Are you two alright?”
“Yeah I’m fine. I was hoping you could get someone else on to interrogate Ian. Mel’s too tired. Thought I’d take her home. Make sure she’s okay,”
“Sure Jack. I’ll have Burke work on him,”
“Thanks Bill,”
“You want updates to be sent to your cell?”
“Yeah thanks,”
Bill nodded. Looking over at Melissa as Jack turned and climbed into the car. Giving Bill a quick nod before he drove out of the car park. Heading home for some much needed rest.

Part 7

--------

Once they were home. Things seemed to slow down. Even though she wanted him so badly. She would probably have fallen asleep before they could have gotten anywhere. Having dinner quickly. Melissa had a quick shower before climbing into bed. Falling to sleep as she listened to the TV downstairs. Hearing a few chuckles from Jack.

Day 2

Bauer Residence… 0749

Melissa woke up earlier than she thought the next morning. Opening her eyes slowly. She sighed softly. Turning back to look behind her. Finding Jack awake. His fingers interlocked as his hands laid on his chest. His eyes staring up at the ceiling. Melissa rolled over fully. Facing him as Jack looked down at her. Smiling slightly before he asked,
“Can’t sleep?”
“Nah, I slept like a baby,”
“Thought so,”
“Why are you up so early?”
“Couldn’t sleep,” he replied, turning his gaze back up to the ceiling. Melissa shuffled slightly in the bed. Watching his chest rise and fall slowly before she asked,
“What’s bothering you?”
“Just this whole thing with the secretaries,”
Melissa shook her head, replying softly,
“There’s people at CTU to concentrate on that… you should be relaxing when you’re at home… gonna stress yourself out,”
Jack smiled. Looking at her before he whispered,
“Guess you’re right,”
Melissa smiled. Watching as he rolled onto his side. Staring into her eyes as he asked,
“So how you feeling this morning?”
“Alright I guess… just dreading going back to CTU while Chappelle’s still there,”
“You can handle him,”
“Yeah but for how long before I get my ass fired?”
“You’re in my unit. You won’t get fired unless the guys from Division come to see you,"
“That’ll probably be sooner rather than later,”
“You’ve gotta start thinking positive. Not everyone is out to get you,”
“They will once they see my background. I mean co-”
Quickly silencing her with a passionate kiss. Melissa held onto Jack’s shoulders tightly as he eased her over onto her back. Climbing on top of her slightly. His right hand moved to gently hold her cheek. His thumb caressing her softly as he broke away. Staring deep into her eyes before he whispered,
“Stop worrying so much,”
Melissa smiled. Shaking her head before she looked away. Looking back at Jack as he whispered,
“Hey… you’re gonna be fine. Once we have the guy responsible for these killings. Chappelle will be gone and we can do things as we use to,”
“Hopefully sometime soon,”
“Yeah,”
“… so… we getting breakfast or heading straight over to CTU?”
“Come on. We’ll get something to eat… once we’ve had a shower,”
“We?”
Jack smirked. Kissing her briefly before he climbed off the bed. Taking off his pants before he leaned down to pick up Melissa. Carrying her into the bathroom. Melissa smiled and giggled. Rubbing his back as she asked,
“I thought you didn’t want to?”
“Too tired last night. Think I would have fallen asleep in you,”
Melissa laughed. Shaking her head. Screaming playfully as Jack put her down on her feet.

His right hand held her neck softly as his lips locked onto hers once more. Deep and filled with love and lust. Running his left hand down her back. Hearing her moan as his hand held her butt. Pulling her closer. Feeling his growing hardness. He broke their kiss again. His left hand quickly shifting from her cheek to her hip. Lifting her shirt up and over her head. Tossing it behind them towards the bedroom. His hands returned to her bare chest. Kissing her softly as his hands brushed against her breasts. Hesitating for a moment. Melissa felt it. Not only from his touch. But in his kiss. She broke away slowly. Kissing his cheek as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Keeping him close as she whispered into his ear,
“I’m fine Jack… don’t worry,”
He pulled his head back. Looking into her eyes. Figuring he would see her fear hidden in the darkness of her brown eyes. Instead he found the warmth he’d seen before the whole incident. Smiling. He leaned closer again. Kissing her deeply. Hungrily. Backing her a few steps back towards the shower.

Jack brought her to a stop just a step away from the shower. Savouring one last kiss before he started to lower. Melissa’s hands moved to hold his head. Her hands sliding up into his hair. Running her fingers through it as she watched Jack get down onto his knees. Kissing every bit of skin he came across. Smiling, feeling his heart race in his chest. Filling with relief as he listened to her soft moans. The occasional giggle as his tongue traced the curve of her breasts. The hard bumps as her nipples hardened quickly as his cock did.

His fingers seeped under the bikinis she wore. Looking up at her for the second green light. Melissa smiled. Winking at him before Jack continued. Kissing just below her navel. He kissed each thigh softly. Getting a soft moan in response to each kiss.

He rose slowly. Kissing his way back up her body. Kissing each of her breasts again before he targeted her lips. Kissing her hungrily. Their moans muffled by their lips. Jack’s hands grabbed a hold of her hips. Pulling her closer. Grinding her groin against his. Moaning at the softness he felt against his hardness. Melissa broke their kiss. Panting as she reached behind her. Opening the shower door. Jack guided her inside. Their lips still locked as Melissa reached over to turn the shower on. Jack jumped slightly. Feeling the first of the chilly water hit his back. Pressing his body against hers. Pressing her back against the shower wall. Gasping as she felt her own chill shoot down her back. Her head fell back. Gasping loudly again as she felt Jack grind his hardness against her. Feeling the searing heat between her legs. They weren’t gonna need any foreplay.

Melissa looked back into Jack’s eyes. His water blue eyes on fire with lust. Jack seeing the depth of her brown eyes swallowed by her heated passion. His hands slid down to the back of her thighs. Kissing her hungrily as he lifted her feet up off the floor. Melissa quickly wrapped her arms round his neck. Her hands holding onto him tightly as she bent her knees. Wrapping them around his waist. Jack pressed her against the shower wall again. Penetrating her body in one controlled. Swift thrust. Melissa gasped loudly. Letting her head fall back. Moaning louder as her fingers dug into his shoulders. Easing her claws when she heard Jack’s grunts. His thrusts shorter. Reaching as deep as he could.

Keeping his left hand on her thigh. His right slammed against the shower wall. Groaning loudly. His head fell back slightly. Bringing back down. Their eyes locked again. Swallowing hard. Jack leaned closer. Kissing her softly before he whispered,
“You okay?”
Melissa nodded. Swallowing hard herself before she whispered,
“Please make love to me,”
Obliging with her every wish. Jack kissed her deeply. Both of them moaning softly as he started to slowly thrust deep inside of her. Long and deliberate. Each stroke hit her g-spot. Forcing her to cry in pure bliss. Their foreheads resting together as he picked up the pace ever so slowly. Melissa never felt the change. The heat and the waves that were building inside of her were making her head spin. Her skin bubble up with sweat. Building up as quickly as it did on Jacks. The water raining down from the shower barely washing it away.

For long minutes, Jack kept up the same pace. Making love to her at a controlled pace. Digging his head into her shoulder as Melissa dug her nails deeper into his skin. The two of them grunting in unison. Feeling the last push before the final crash. Gasping hard and loud. They held onto each other as hard as they could. Moaning loudly as Jack’s body stiffened. His cock buried deep within in her. His juices ripping out of him. Her body contracting violently around him.

The waves eased a few minutes after the first impact. Leaving them gasping and panting. Groaning and moaning as Jack slowly and carefully pulled out of her. The pressure on her shoulder faded. Jack raised his head slowly. Looking deep into her eyes. Smiling when he saw her smile. Seeing her own love in her eyes. Seeing his own reflected in them. They kissed softly before she whispered,
“I love you,”
“I love you too,”
They smiled again. Caressing each other softly. Savouring tender, soft, loving kisses. Stealing more as they washed each other down. Scrubbing away the sweat. Towel drying each other down before they quickly got dressed. Grabbing a quick breakfast. They headed out of the door. Climbing into the car again.

As Jack drove them over to CTU. Melissa reached over for the cell phone sitting in the small slot. Jack glanced over at her. Looking back at the road as he asked,
“Calling Buchanan?”
Melissa shook her head. Putting the phone to her ear. Waiting for the answer,
”CTU O’Brien,”
“Hey Morris,”
”Darlin! How are you this glorious morning?”
“Oh y’know.”
”Yeah sweetheart. I know.”
“How about you?”
”Oh you know me by now darlin.”
“Shit huh?”
”Yeah darlin. See!”
Melissa shook her head. Laughing softly. Waiting for Morris’s hearty chuckles to cease before he asked,
”So what are you wanting sweetheart?”
“Do you know if Burke got anything out of Ian last night?”
”Hold on, I’ll check for ya now…"
Jack glanced back over at her. Looking at the road again as he asked with a whisper,
“Anything?”
Melissa shrugged her shoulders. Turning the phone away for a second as she whispered back,
“He’s checking,”
”I can hear you darlin,”
Melissa smiled. Biting her lip as she returned her attention back to the phone. Seeing the smirk on Jack’s face as she answered,
“Sorry mate. Jack’s being nosy,”
”When isn’t he darlin?”
Jack shook his head. Chuckling quietly as Melissa asked,
“Got anything yet?”
”The reports coming in now.”
“He got something?”
Grateful they reached a red light. Jack brought the car to a stop. Looking over at Melissa as she stared straight ahead. Nodding her head as she answered,
“Uh huh,”
”He got nothing sweetheart. Looks like you’ll be having breakfast over spit,”
“Thanks Morris. I have butter on my toast,”
”I’ll see if I can arrange that for you,”
“You’re the best. See you soon,”
”Bye love,”
Melissa hung up. Slipping the phone back into the small slot as the light turned green. Jack started the car again. Driving up the road towards CTU. Asking quietly,
“Well?”
“Burke got nothing,”
“Just as I thought,”
“So, Morris thinks Bill will want us to be on Ian again when we get there,”
“Hopefully won’t take long,”

Floor, CTU - Los Angeles

The two agents walked inside to hear the “BREAKING NEWS” newsflash on the TV behind Chloe‘s station. Bringing it up onto the other stations. Jack stepped closer to the nearest station. Melissa stood beside him as they watched the reporter at the scene report in for FOX news;
”I’m live in Houston Texas! Where just moments ago! The Secretary of Agriculture! Mario Bauer! Was shot dead outside the building I’m standing behind now! During the fire fight! Three secret service agents were shot whilst trying to protect the Secretary! No one claims to have seen the shooter! We won’t know for sure what kind of evidence the agents will have till their own forensics teams arrive on the scene! As soon as we have something! You’ll get it here folks!”

Part 8

Floor, CTU - Los Angeles

Bill turned round. Seeing the two by the entrance doors. He excused himself from the techie he was working with. Scratching the back of his head as he approached them. Jack turned to his right. Asking quickly,
“Where’s Ian?”
“He’s in interrogation room three,”
“Want us to go at him now?”
“If you would. Burke didn’t seem to get anything out of him,” Bill sighed as the three headed towards the interrogation rooms, “He didn’t break under the drugs.”
“Think he just needs to be scared?”
“That would be my guess as well.”

Jack nodded as they reached the room. The guard patrolling the door gave them a quick nod before swiping the card down between the metal blocks. The red light flashed green and the door buzzed open. Bill stepped inside first. Jack waiting for Melissa to walk inside before following them in. looking through the mirror. They watched as Ian was woken up once more. His wrists still strapped to the arms of the chair. His feet firmly cuffed to the legs. Bill walked over to the intercom. Holding his finger down on the “send”,
“Agent Burke! Step back into the observation room!”
Burke nodded. Removing his equipment. Packing it away before he left the room. Stepping into the observation room. He closed the door quickly before arguing,
“I don’t think violence will break him,”
“You’ve been at Ian for the past ten hours. You need to rest,” Bill shot back,
“I am capable of doing my job sir,”
“What’s that suppose to mean?” Jack asked, folding his arms, “No one said you couldn’t. Bill’s just letting you have some time to rest,”
“I am close to breaking him,”
“I don’t think you are Burke. Just let Jack and Melissa handle it for a while.” Bill replied calmly. Burke shook his head. Stepping aside. Muttering under his breath,
“He’s all yours,”

Bill turned to Jack. Giving him a quick nod. Jack nodded back in response. Turning to Melissa as he whispered,
“Come on,”
Melissa nodded. Following Jack as he walked into the room. Stepping round the table as Melissa closed the door behind her. Staying in her position as Ian chuckled,
“Oh look. My pals come to spring me out.”
…
“That’s not nice! Giving an old friend the silent treatment!”
“You are responsible for the murder of Tera Kistler,” Jack started. Stopping as Ian chuckled,
“And?”
“Why?”
“Cause I felt like killing something,”
“That’s all?” Jack asked. Stopping his pacing. Looking down at Ian as the man nodded. Shaking his head to get rid of the built up sweat. Jack glanced over at Melissa. Seeing her gaze on Ian. Staring at a certain spot. Ian looked away from Jack. Bringing his gaze over to Melissa. Seeing her line of view. Ian looked down at his shoulder. Twitching as he asked,
“What?!”
Jack looked back at Ian. Seeing the nervous twitch. Looking between his shoulder and Melissa. His voice growing louder. More threatening as he continued to demand what she was staring at.

Jack walked round the back of him. Hoping Ian was too caught up in Melissa and his shoulder that he wouldn’t have noticed his movement. Standing right behind him. Jack reached into the pocket of his jeans. Taking out the small key. Melissa glanced over at Ian’s other shoulder. Screwing her face up slightly. Ian twitched harder. Starting to tremble as he shouted,
“What do you want from me?!”
“Just answer the mans question,” she replied bluntly. Keeping her gaze locked on his shoulder,
“I killed her because I felt like it!”
“There’s a reason behind your choosing,” she answered. Almost robot like. The same tone of voice. The same volume. Ian trembled harder. Staring straight at her as he shouted,
“Because I wanted to!”
“There’s a reason,”
Ian shook his head. Swallowing hard as his body temperature suddenly soared. Feeling a presence behind him. He tried to turn back. Hoping to see what it was that was in hiding.

Jack, now crouched behind him, kept a firm hold of the key in his hand. Looking up at Ian as he threw his head frantically from left to right. Looking round the room quickly before turning back to Melissa. Asking rapidly,
“Where is he?!”
“Where’s who?”
“That guy!!”
“What guy?”
“That guy with the blonde hair!!”
“There’s only you and me here,”
“No there isn’t!” Ian chuckled, “There’s someone else in this room!”
“A ghost?”
Ian laughed a little harder. Shaking his head but froze as Melissa finished,
“People have died in here… some from the attacks they suffered… others from interrogation like this one,”
She finished as Jack ran the key down Ian’s arm. Quickly pulling it away as Ian shrieked. Jumping a mile in the chair he was strapped to. He looked back at Melissa. Asking quickly,
“How did you do that?”
“Do what?”
There was another scrape of the key down the opposite arm. Getting a higher shriek. Melissa stepped forward. Almost standing on her tip toes. Seeing the small nod from Jack. She put her feet back on the ground firmly. Looking back at Ian as he asked,
“What are you doing to me!?”
“I’m not doing anything.”
“Yes you are!”
“No I’m not,”
Ian growled. Clenching his fists. Shrieking again as Jack ran the key down his arm once more. Squeezing his eyes shut. Ian threw his head back. Stamping his feet like a toddler having a strop. Hissing and panting as Melissa stepped closer to the table. Asking gently,
“All you have to do, is tell us why you killed her. There’s a reason right?”
“… Yes!”
“Tell me what it is, I’ll make it all stop,”
“You promise?”
“Yes,”

Ian froze for a second. About to gave them a lie when Jack ran the key down his arm for the fourth time. Getting a more louder. Ear piercing scream before Ian yelled,
“Cause I overheard her talking!”
“Talking about what?”
“Saying she was the one who killed that attorney general,” he panted, “I killed her to get some revenge back for this country!”
Letting his head fall forward. Jack glanced over Ian’s shoulder. Shaking his head at Melissa. Melissa looked back at Ian, asking softly,
“Did you hear anything about killing Gus Erickson?”
“No.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes! Please! Just… just tell it to stop!” Ian begged, almost crying. Melissa nodded. Stepping back from the table as Jack rose to his feet. Tossing the key onto the table. Ian looked down at the small piece of metal. Feeling his cheeks flush with embarrassment as Jack commented,
“There‘s your ghost,”

Melissa smiled. Fighting back her giggle as she turned and followed Jack into the observation room. Seeing the defeated look on Burke’s face. Jack closed the door as Bill commented,
“Great work you two.”
“But we got nothing useful,” Jack sighed,
“You think he knows something else?”
Jack looked through the mirror. Shaking his head as he watched Ian break down. Turning back to Bill as he answered,
“I don’t think so.”
“Alright. Well till we hear something from the Secret Service. We’re still running the searches on Jasper Isaacs.”
“We’ll being in field ops if you need us,”
“Okay,”

The two nodded. Heading out of the observation room and back into the corridor. Walking to their left. Heading back to the floor as Jack asked,
“You know how to run a background check right?”
“Yeah. Why?”
“I want you to go up into my office. Use the computer in there. The Comm team are already tracking Isaacs’s credit cards.”
“But the shooting was in Texas. He’s out of Los Angeles now,”
“I know. But we need something to go on. We can’t just sit here waiting for it to come to us,”
“Okay. So what do you need me to do?” Melissa asked. The two stopping at the foot of the stairs leading to Field Ops,
“I want you to run a background check on Jasper Isaacs. See if you can find anything else on him. Aliases. Anything.”
Melissa nodded. Hearing an all too familiar voice to her right. Her shoulders dropped. Shaking her head as she sighed,
“Here comes Chappelle,”

Part 9

Floor, CTU - Los Angeles

Melissa looked back at Jack as he finished telling her,
“I’ll be in interrogation room three if you find anything,”
“You think he knows something else?”
“Maybe. No harm in trying,”
“Okay,”
“Chappelle comes… just get rid of him somehow. If you have to literally kick his arse out of the office then fine.”
“You’re gonna have to make stop saying that you know. You’re making it sound as though you want him to come up,”
“Maybe I do,” he whispered, smiling at the giggle Melissa gave him, “Go on,”
“Sure,”
She kissed his cheek softly before turning round. Quickly making her way up the stairs as Jack turned to head back over to the interrogation room. The two slipping through Ryan’s fingers as he lost sight of them both.

Interrogation Room 3, CTU - Los Angeles

Jack opened the door quickly. Finding Bill still inside the observation room. Burke back in the room with Ian. Jack closed the door quietly as Bill turned back. Seeing Jack, he turned back to watch Burke. Keeping his arms folded as he asked,
“Got something?”
“Not yet,” Jack answered, walking over to Bill. Standing next to him as Bill continued to ask,
“Think he knows more?”
“There’s something not right,”
“Have you checked his background?”
“I thought it would have been done already?”
Bill turned his head to face him. Answering quietly,
“Burke said he would do it,”
“He hasn’t said anything?” Jack asked looking back at Bill. Bill sighed. Allowing his arms to unfold as he turned to the intercom,
“Agent Burke! Come into the observation room,”
Jack shook his head. Stepping back. Stepping away from the door as it buzzed. Watching as Burke walked inside. Closing the door behind him as he asked,
“Yes sir?”
“You’re off the case. Go back to your station,”
“I don’t understand,”
“Where’s the file on Ian?”
…
“… I thought so. Pack up your stuff. You’re done here. Go back to your station,”
Burke shook his head. Storming out of the room without his equipment. Jack shook his head. Taking out his cell phone. Dialling for Melissa’s cell,
”… Jackson,”
“It’s me. Are you in my office?”
”Yeah it’s just logging me on now,”
“What took so long?”
”Trying to avoid Chappelle. Think he’s looking for us,”
“Darken the walls and lock the door,”
”I’ve done that,”
“Good,”
”What do you need me to do?”
“I want to run a background check on Ian…” Jack paused, looking over at Bill. Watching as he shook his head. Jack huffed. Closing his eyes for a second,
”We don’t know his last name?”
“Burke was suppose to get his file but never did,”
”I’ll get his photo from our files and check with the databases,”
“Okay, thanks. Call my cell when you have something,”
”Will do,”
“Great,”
“Well?” Bill asked, watching as Jack slipped his cell phone back into his pocket,
“Mel’s gonna check it all out. See what she can find. She’ll call as soon as she has something,”
Bill nodded. The two turning to look through the mirror as Ian shouted,
“I know there’s someone watching!”
Jack shook his head. Stepping over to the door. Letting it buzz completely before he opened it. His face stone cold as Ian joked,
“Key man!”

Director’s Office, Field Operations, CTU - Los Angeles

Melissa finished uploading the photo to the search. Watching the right of the screen as mug shots quickly filled and emptied the box. Bringing up the second window with her second search. Typing in the name “Jasper Isaacs”. her fingers suddenly froze. Her eyes glancing over towards the door. Seeing Chappelle on the other side. Reaching over for the desk phone. She dialled quickly. Putting the receiver to her ear. Cradling it under her chin. Resting it on her shoulder.

Ryan continued to try the door. Yanking as hard as he could. The glass rattling snatched her attention every time,
”Interrogation Room three,”
“Is Jack Bauer there?”
”Yes ma’am but he’s currently interrogating the suspect,”
“Well who is there with you?”
”Bill-”
“That’ll do,”
”Okay..”..
… “Bill Buchanan,”
“I need you to get Jack now,”
”You’ve found something?”
“Yes. It might help,”
”Hold on,”

Melissa looked back over at the door during the minutes Bill moved to get Jack. Watching Ryan reach for his cell phone. Answering quickly. Muttering a few words before he turned round and walked away. Heading back down onto the floor. Melissa rolled her eyes. Sighing softly before Jack answered,
”Mel, what you got?”
“This is gonna sound stupid but it might do the trick,”
”What is it?”
“His full name is Ian Gecko. Born in New Jersey. He used to be a Marine in 1998.”
"What happened?”
“He was forced to retire due to injury. During a war game. The guns that were used were muddled with the real ones. So they used proper bullets instead of the duds. He was shot… somewhere… down below,”
”… And this will help because?”
“He’s currently seeing a therapist for paranoia,”
”Paranoia about what?”
“Having anything put close to his… you know,”
”… Thanks,”
“Yeah,”
”What about Isaacs?”
“Nothing yet. Still searching, I‘ll call when I have something,”
”Okay,”

Melissa hung up to see Chappelle return with two security guards. Huffing quietly. She leaned back in the chair. Keeping her left hand on the keyboard. She sent the information over to the computer in the interrogation room. Leaving the other window open. Seeing the information still being searched for. She glanced back over at the door. Watching as the guards took out their keys. Unlocking the door with ease. Pushing it open. Attempting to step inside but Ryan got there first. Almost knocking the guard off his feet. He charged into the office like a bull in a china shop. Seeing Melissa leaned back in Jack’s chair. He scowled angrily. Putting his hands on his hips as he shouted,
“Jackson!”
Melissa turned away. Looking back at the screen. Seeing the results come up. She dragged the chair closer to the desk as Ryan spat,
“Don’t play that dumb act with me! Face me when I talk to you!”
“Piss off dad,”
“These men will escort you to holding,”
“For what? Trying to have some privacy while I search the databases?”
“That’s the techies job. You’re a field agent. Although I must admit. I’ve only seen you on your arse so, I guess you fall into that category,”
“Oh wow, that really hurt, you don’t happen to have a tissue do you? I mean, I think you must have plenty. Gotta have something to catch that shit that comes out of your mouth.”
Ryan gritted his teeth. Squeezing his hips harder as Melissa commented,
“But I’m not so sure which end I’m talking to here. Both of them talks crap either way,”
“These men will escort you to holding!”
“You ran this through with Jack?”
“Bauer is busy.”
“No he isn’t.” Melissa replied. Inching a little closer as the two guards stepped into the office. One heading for Melissa as the others took out the handcuffs. Quickly typing a message. She sent the search results over to the interrogation room. Along with the small message before she was yanked to her feet. Her hands behind her back as the second guard snapped on the cuffs. Melissa threw her hair back out of her eyes with a quick flick of her head. Looking over at Ryan as he threw his head towards the door. Melissa smiled. Shaking her head as the guard forced her towards the door. Commenting on her way out,
“It only works when you actually have hair!”

Interrogation Room 3, CTU - Los Angeles

Bill called Jack back into the observation room. Waiting for him to walk inside. Waiting for the door to click closed before he informed him,
“Chappelle’s placed Melissa under arrest,”
“What!”
“We’ve just been sent the search results from her screen. With a small message at the bottom. Saying Chappelle was arresting her,”
“Son of a bitch!” Jack cursed. Racing out of the room. Rushing round to the corridor behind the interrogation room. Hearing Bill racing after him with the guards. Seeing the two guards outside Holding Room five. Jack rushed forward as the guards spotted him. Reaching for their guns. They forced Jack to a stop just a few metres away. The officer on the left quickly barking,
“We have orders to keep you out of there,”
“Who’s orders?”
“Ryan Chappelle’s sir,”
“I’m the Director of this office,” Bill shouted from the other end, “I’m countermanding your orders! Open that door now!”
“… Yes sir,”
Jack turned back. Giving Bill a quick nod of thanks as the guards unlocked the door.

Chappelle turned round. Seeing Jack storm inside. The furious look on his face told him everything. Ryan quickly shouted before Jack could growl and spit,
“She is under arrest for verbal assault!”
“You release her now Ryan!”
“She is interfering with our work,”
“You're interfering with our work! You’re job to is to watch over the comm team! You’re interfering with nothing of your concern! You can’t do your job properly. I’ll call the White House. And request that you be either removed from the building or fired by the President… either way… I’m getting rid of you Ryan,”
“You don’t scare me Jack,”
“Maybe not. But I know the President does,”
Ryan swallowed hard. Nodding slightly before he whispered,
“Fine,”

Quickly exiting the room. Jack looked through the mirror on the wall ahead of him. Seeing Melissa chained to the chair. Her feet in cuffs. Jack cleared the pad on the door. Forcing the door open with a quick boot of his foot. Melissa looked up. Grabbing the chains. Figuring it would be Burke or Chappelle. Jack raced inside. Falling to his knees in front of her. Melissa eased her hold on the chains. Smiling as Jack asked,
“Are you okay?”
Melissa nodded, quickly but answering,
“Yeah I’m fine,”
“Did he hurt you?”
“No, I’m alright,”
Jack nodded. Panting slightly as he looked back at the door. Seeing Bill in the doorway. He tossed the keys to Jack. Getting a quiet “thanks” as Jack caught them. Turing back to Melissa. Fiddling with the keys till he found the right shape. Quickly releasing her feet before moving to her wrists. Tossing the metal bands away. Dropping the keys with them before wrapping his arms round Melissa. Pulling her close as he asked again,
“You sure you’re alright?”
“Jack, I’m fine. Really!”
“Just wanted to make sure,”
Melissa smiled. Laughing softly as she held onto his shoulders. Giving his neck a soft kiss once she knew Bill had left. Closing her eyes as she felt Jack’s hands rubbing her back. Kissing her neck softly as Melissa asked,
“How about you?”
“Yeah I’m alright… probably kill Ryan myself by the end of the day,”
Melissa smiled. Laughing quietly before Bill raced back into the room. Jack pulled away as the two looked over at him. Panting slightly as he told them,
“We have an address for you to check out.”
“Where?”
“Beverly Hills. Morris has tracked Isaacs last transaction. It was buying a house in Beverly Hills just a few weeks ago,”
“You think he’s still there?”
“He might be. I want you two go in first. If either of you identify him. The back up teams will move in,”

Part 10

On route to Beverly Hills - Los Angeles

The evening traffic was heavy. And annoying. Horns honking all around them. Melissa shook her head. Looking away from the road ahead of them as Jack stopped at a red light. Shaking her head again. She waited for a second before she commented,
“Jack you’re a cop! Go through it,”
“Why the rush?”
“I’m not in a rush,”
“Relax.”
“I am relaxed… you Americans are terrible drivers,”
“Why? Because we don’t know how to get out of round a bouts?”
“Could say that,”
“More like yeah. That’s right,”
“Mind reader,”
“Something you didn’t know,”
“Right,” Melissa laughed. Seeing the smirk on Jack’s face. She turned back to the road as Jack started driving again. Picking up speed as the next set of traffic lights turned amber. Just making it passed as it turned red. Melissa smirked. Commenting again,
“See, now that’s what I’m talking about,”
Jack chuckled. Clearing his throat as the cell phone between them rang. Melissa leaned over slightly. Picking it up. Looking at the screen. Jack glanced over at her. Looking back at the road as he asked,
“Who is it?”
“Probably Morris,”

Jack nodded. Tapping the steering wheel as Melissa answered,
“Jackson,”
”Hey darlin,”
“Hey Morris. What’s up?”
”Got something you might want to know about,”
“What is it?”
”The new owners name of the house you’re going to,”
“I thought Isaacs was still in there?”
”Not now love,”
“Okay, so who owns it now?”
”An actor by the name of Ralph Banderes,”
“Okay.”
”I’m sending his details over to your PDA sweetheart,”
“Thanks a lot Morris,”
”Anytime sweetheart,”
Melissa hung up. Tossing the phone onto the dashboard before reaching for the PDA. Activating the touch screen as Jack asked,
“What was that about?”
“Jasper Isaacs doesn’t own the house,”
“Who does?”
“This actor,”
“They want us to turn round?”
“He didn’t say,”
Jack nodded. Making a quick turn to the right. Heading towards Beverly Hills.

The house were stunning… perhaps a little over the top. Jack looked over at Melissa. Asking her quietly,
“Which house are you buying?”
“You wish,” she laughed, looking back at him,
“Could have happened,”
“In another lifetime maybe,”
“Which house is it?”
“The one at the end of this road.”
Jack nodded. Speeding up a little more. Slowing as they approached the end of the road. Bringing the car to a stop at the foot of the drive. They looked through the metal barred gated. Seeing the curtains flicker up by the front windows,
“Might as well go up to the front doors,” Jack sighed, opening the car door. Melissa climbed out as she grabbed the PDA and the phone. Slipping each into a separate pocket before closing the door. Walking round the car as Jack slammed the car door shut. Sighing as he asked,
“See any way over the wall?”
“They know we’re here Jack. Just use the intercom,”
“There’s an intercom?”
“Jeez,” Melissa laughed, heading over to the right side of the gates, “This intercom,”

Jack followed her. Watching the window up beyond the gates as the intercom buzzed,
”Who the hell are you two!? Press?”
“No. we’re agents with Los Angeles Counter Terrorist Unit. We’d like to come in and ask you a few questions,”
”About what?”
“The previous owner of this house,”
”… hold on. I’ll have the guards unlock the gates,”
Melissa nodded. Stepping back as Jack asked,
“The guards?”
“He’s an actor Jack,”
“You telling me if you didn’t pick this job. You’d be like this too?”
“God no. think I can I keep my own feet on the ground thanks,”
Jack nodded. Looking round the area. Seeing a few other flicks of curtains. Blinds shutting. Turning back to face the gates as a man, dressed just like a traditional butler approached the gates. Entering the password on the keypad. Stepping back as the two gates retracted. Giving the two agents a slow bow. Before he politely, almost snobbishly, ordered,
“Follow me please,”

Setting off up the drive. They spotted the other butlers in the gardens. Few cleaning the numerous pools. Others watering the plants. Cleaning the rubbish from the patios. The front door was white. Three windows that were outlined with gold. The guard stepped inside but turned round to the two,
“Wait here,”
Jack scratched the back of his head. Looking round at the gardens. Melissa turned round. Seeing him either admiring the gardens or feeling slightly jealous. She smiled, seeing him turn round as he asked,
“What?”
“Nothing,”
Jack smiled, stepping closer to her as he whispered,
“No. I’m not jealous. More like… disgusted,”
Melissa smiled and nodded. Whispering back,
“Can understand that,”
“You two agents for government?” a little boy asked. The two faced the door again. Looking down at the small boy in the doorway. Jet black hair. Tanned skin. Holding his small grey rabbit tightly in his arms. Jack looked up as the father approached them. Shouting loudly,
“Ciro! Vaya a su cuarto!”
Cira turned and ran for the stairs. Racing up them as a slightly older girl appeared at the top of the stairs. Their mother behind them. Keeping a hold of their two children as she asked,
“Ralph! Quién es esos dos? Los cosecants?”
Ralph turned round. Looking up the stairs as he replied,
“Ningún Dorota. Ellos son Agentes de la Unidad Terrorista Contraria en Los Angeles.”
Dorota looked back at the two outside. Giving a quick throw of her head as she demanded,
“Dónde están sus insignias? Qué es sus nombres?”
Ralph turned back to the two. Asking quietly,
“My wife would like to see your identification,”
Taking out their identification. Jack Identified them both,
“I am Agent Jack Bauer. This is Agent Melissa Jackson. We’ve just come to ask your husband a few questions. If you would like to sit with us, you can,”
Ralph smiled. Whispering a quick “thank you” before he turned to Dorota. Translating quickly,
“Esto es Agente Jack Bauer. y el Agente Melissa Jackson. Ellos han venido a preguntar algunas preguntas acerca del tipo poseyeron esta casa antes nosotros hicimos. El dice si usted quiere venir y sentarse con nosotros mientras ellos preguntan el questiosn. Usted puede.”
Dorota nodded. Turning to the two kids. Whispering a few words before they raced off to their rooms. Making sure their doors were closed before Dorota headed down the stairs. Joining Ralph by his side as he allowed the two to walk inside.

Finding another of the butlers inside. He closed the door as soon as Jack was inside. Giving him a quick bow before leading them into the smaller lounge. Finding Dorota sat on the leather couch by the windows. Ralph by the small table. Filling two glasses with white wine. He turned to the two agents. Asking quietly,
“Would you like a drink?”
Melissa shook her head. Swallowing before she answered,
“No, thank you,”
Looking over at Jack. He got the same response. Turning to the table. He shrugged his shoulders. Replacing the lid on the bottle before joining his wife on the couch. Holding his free hand to the couch before them,
“You can sit down if you like,”
They thanked him quietly. Sitting down across from him. Waiting for a brief moment before Ralph asked,
“So… the last owners of this house? You would like to know about?”
“Yes. Did you ever see them?” Jack asked,
“Don’t you remember?”
“Excuse me?”
“You were there no?”
“No. I haven’t been in this area before,”
“You must have. You were the one who handed me the keys,”
“I think you’re mistaken… Jack hasn’t ever been up here in the last few weeks,” Melissa added. Confused by the whole thing. Ralph smiled, shaking his head as he gently put the glass down on the table in front of him. Leaning back on the couch as he replied,
“My wife and my children can agree with me. He is the man who handed over the keys,”
“What was his name?” Jack asked,
“He never said what his name was,”
“Didn’t you ask or anything?”
“No. Didn’t see why we should,”
Melissa looked at Jack. Seeing his mind working again. Trying to put the pieces together. She looked back at Ralph as he asked,
“Do you not know your own name sir?”
“I do know who I am. I could never afford a place like this,”
“It was you sir,”

Jack shook his head. Getting to his feet. Looking round the room. Locking his gaze with Melissa’s. she shook her head. Confused as hell. Looking back over at the two on the other side as she asked,
“Are you totally sure it was Jack that came to this house?”
Ralph nodded. The three looking over at Dorota as she added,
“Eso es el hombre que nos entregó las llaves. por qué no lo toma usted en custodia si él es el hombre que usted quiere?”
“Por qué hace uno de sus propios agentes es un terrorista?” Ralph asked. Dorota shook her head. The two starting to shout. Jack looked back at Melissa. Whispering quietly,
“Can you understand anything they’re saying?”
“At that speed?”
Jack turned back to the couple. Finally breaking his silence,
“Dispénseme señor y el fallo. He sido leal a este país toda mi vida. nunca hace yo sueño de la curva contra mi propio país. no cantidad de dinero podría hacer eso. ni poder cualquier persona. mis lealtades mienten con las personas que adoro. y para este país que adoro. debemos salir ahora. pero gracias para su tiempo. si es bien con usted los dos. si usted recuerda nada. por favor contacto CTU. Gracias.”
Melissa’s eyes widened slightly. Hearing him speak like that. She swallowed hard. Clearing her throat as she got to her feet. Seeing the two reply with nods. Seeing the shock on their faces. Melissa followed Jack out of the house. Laughing to herself quietly.

She waited till they were almost at the end of the drive. Jogging slightly. She grabbed Jack’s wrist. Jack turned back. Smiling as he asked,
“No supo que podría hablar español?”
“Not like that I didn’t,”
“You understood that then?”
“I only studied Spanish for three years. Didn’t go into the details,”
“Ah, así, usted no sabría lo que estaría diciendo si dije esto... te quiero,” Jack said softly. Stopping her by the car. Holding her hands as Melissa stared into his. Her mind trying to translate. Till it finally hit her. Smiling, she whispered back to him softly,
“Te quiero... sé eso,”
Jack chuckled. Kissing her softly before they climbed back into the car.

Director’s Office, CTU - Los Angeles

Bill was back in his office again when Jack and Melissa arrived back at CTU. Heading straight for Bill’s office. Slipping through Chappelle’s fingers again as they walked into Bill’s office. Bill looked up from the files in front of him. Taking off his glasses as he asked,
“What did you get?”
“Nothing,” Jack sighed,
“There was something,” Melissa corrected. Jack shook his head as Bill looked between the two. Asking after a short moment for silence,
“What?”
Melissa leaned back against the wall. Looking over at Jack as he answered,
“The guy that handed them the keys… was supposedly…”
“… Who?”
Jack shook his head. Looking back at Melissa. She pushed off from the wall. Giving a nod towards Jack as Bill looked at her. Bill looked back at Jack. Asking quickly,
“You?”
“It doesn’t make sense!” Jack growled, “I can’t even remember going to Beverly Hills in my life,”
“You think there’s something going off? Trying to set you up?”
“For what? Everyone knows I was either at home or here when these shootings took place!”
“I know that Jack!”
“They did seem pretty confident it was Jack,” Melissa commented, “You were there Jack.”
“Yeah I know… unless it was someone that looked almost like me,”
“Almost?” Melissa asked. Looking back at Bill as he finished her sentence,
“Must have been identical Jack,”
Jack huffed running his hands through his hair. Turning round away from the two. He walked towards the glass wall overlooking the comm team. Looking down at Chappelle. His arms fell back his sides again. Watching Chappelle as he said aloud,
“If Chappelle finds out about this. We’ll be stuck for good.”
“He won’t find out about this. The only people that know are you. Melissa and myself Jack,”
“It has to stay that way,” he replied, turning round to face the two, “It can’t ever leave this room.”
“It’s safe Jack,”
Jack nodded. Smiling as Melissa walked over to him. Kissing his cheek softly. Looking down over the comm team. Seeing Chappelle heading off the floor. She held onto his hand gently. Turning back as Bill started to explain,
“I want you both to head home. Get some rest. I’m gonna be sending you both down to the new Lakeside Library. Shaun Parks, Secretary of Health and Human Resources is going to be there to give it the grand opening. I want you both down there in the crowd. See if you can any sign of the sniper. Secret Service will be informed. I’m about to call the President. Brief him on the situation. Make sure the agents know about this.”
They nodded slowly. Heading out of the room as Bill shouted to them,
“I want you both here tomorrow for seven,”

Part 11

Day 3

Bauer Residence 0630

Almost zombie like, they quickly made their way round the house. Getting ready to head out. Skipping breakfast. Knowing they could get something on the way over to the library. Dressing in streetwise style clothes. Just the regular jeans and t-shirt would do. Melissa was stood in the living room. Looking into the mirror as she sorted out her hair. Never seeing the shadow growing from behind her. She felt a presence near her. Shivering slightly. She froze. Her hands in the air. Wrapped around the tail of hair she had. Glancing over towards her right shoulder. Glancing over to the left. She quickly looked back into the mirror. Putting the bobble into her mouth as Jack appeared behind her. Growling her ear. Smiling and sniggering at the scream he got in return. Melissa turned round. Taking the bobble out of her mouth as her hair fell back down again. Playfully hitting his arm as she screamed,
“Jack!”
He smiled. Sitting down on the couch as Melissa turned back to look into the mirror. Sorting her hair out again as she told him,
“I’ll get you back one day,”
“Yeah. One day,” he chuckled. Watching her finish tying her hair up. Making sure it was tightly locked round her locks before she turned to Jack. Grabbing her jacket as she asked,
“You ready to go?”
Jack nodded. Huffing as he got to his feet. He walked over to Melissa steadily. Looking into her eyes. He smiled again. Brushing his hand softly against her cheek. Smiling still. Melissa smiled, asking quietly,
“What is it?”
“Nothing. Just thought I’d…”
“Thought you’d what?”
Jack smiled. His hands moving to softly cup her cheeks. Leaning closer to her. Kissing her tenderly at first. Still a little hesitant. Melissa smiled. Feeling it in his hold. In his kiss. Opening her eyes along with his. She smiled. Whispering to him softly,
“It’s okay… you don’t need to be scared,”
Jack smiled. Nodding gently. Keeping his eyes on hers till they closed them once more. Her hands closing round his wrists as their lips connected in a passionate kiss. Moaning softly. Melissa’s knees almost caved in. holding onto him a little tighter till it finally ended. Their lips breaking away slowly. Keeping his hold on her. Their heads fell back forward again. Their foreheads touching gently. As Jack brushed his thumbs back and forth. Lovingly against her jaw line. Smiling as he whispered,
“I never imagined having this kind of a connection with somewhere in the same line of work,”
“Scared something would happen to them?”
“Yeah,”
Melissa smiled. Pausing before she whispered,
“Me too,”
Jack smiled. Whispering softly to her,
“I love you,”
“I love you,”
Smiling again at each other before leaning in for another softer kiss. Leaving it short. Knowing they couldn’t spend all day there. They broke their kiss in unison. Quickly rushing round. Gathering the rest of their things before heading out of the front door. Climbing into the car and quickly heading over to CTU.

Director’s Office, CTU - Los Angeles

Bill looked down onto the floor once more. Rubbing his eyes. He himself not being use to the early wake up call. He spotted the two walking inside. He stood up. Tapping the desk as he looked over to the smaller desks on his right. Calling out quietly to the two techies,
“Morris. Chloe.”
“Yes sir,” they replied together,
“You have the layouts ready?”
“Just bringing them up onto the screen now,” Chloe reported as the two agents walked into the room. Bill walked round to the front of his desk. Greeting them both before they walked over to Morris. Looking over his shoulder at the screen. Morris rolled the pencil between his fingers. Looking up at the three. Giving the guys a quick nod before he cheered at Melissa,
“Morning darlin!”
“Hey Morris,” she sighed,
“Oh cheer up darlin,”
“I’m tired, gimme me a break,” she laughed. Morris chuckled. Tossing the pen onto the desk. Scurrying forward in his chair as the layouts appeared in the window. Tapping the return key. He brought up the next layer. Red dots appear