24fanfiction.com

INT. CTU - MAIN FLOOR

Chloe picks up her phone.

intercut with:

INT. CTU - HOLDING ROOM

JACK

This is Bauer.

CHLOE

Jack, it’s me. I need Audrey’s DOD access code so I can change her passwords and lock down her account.

JACK

Alright, hold on.

He puts the phone down and turns to Audrey.

JACK

Chloe needs your DOD logon information.

He hands her the phone.

AUDREY

My username is ar8838038 and my password is jeanvaljean24601.

CHLOE

Alright, thanks.

AUDREY

Yeah.

CHLOE

Just so you know, I have to go through all of your files and everything because it’s my job, but  between you and me, I don’t think
you’re a terrorist.

Audrey smiles, amused by Chloe’s bluntness.

AUDREY

Thanks, Chloe. I appreciate that.

CHLOE

Sure, no problem.

END SPLIT - STAY WITH CHLOE

Chloe is typing something when she notices Hailey standing there.

CHLOE

Can I help you?

HAILEY

Yeah, I’m Hailey Marshall…I just wanted to introduce myself. I work at Homeland Security…I’m here to replace Edgar Stiles for the time being.

Chloe seems irritated by her insensitivity in mentioning Edgar.

CHLOE

Um, yeah, that’s nice…did you get a logon yet?

HAILEY

Yeah, Miles set me up.

CHLOE

Alright, good…get to work then.

CUT TO:

INT. CTU - DIRECTOR’S OFFICE

Miles is typing when his cell phone rings. He looks around before answering.

MILES

Yeah?

HENDERSON (O.S.)

We’ve got a problem. Someone is shutting down her access.

MILES

Alright, I’ll take care of it.

HENDERSON (O.S.)

Are you almost ready to move her?

MILES

That’s not going to be easy. There are a lot of people here who aren’t convinced she’s guilty.

HENDERSON (O.S.)

Then tell them you’re taking her to the local DHS branch…use Bauer as a justification.

MILES

I don’t think Karen knows their history, and the CTU employees are doing a pretty good job of keeping it under wraps. If I go to her with it it will look suspicious.

HENDERSON (O.S.)

Access the telephone archives from this morning, around 11:30. That should provide all the justification you need.

MILES

Alright, I’ll get on it.

He hangs up and dials a number on the CTU phone.

MILES

(into phone)

Hailey, it’s Miles. Did Chloe O’Brien tell you to disable Audrey Raines’ DOD access?

HAILEY

Yeah, she said to shut it down in case Audrey gave it to anyone or anyone got it without her knowing.

MILES

Alright. Change of directive: don’t disable her access, just put a filter so we can monitor it. That way if anyone attempts to use her logon we’ll be able to trace it.

HAILEY

Yes, sir.

MILES

Also, tell Chloe to stop going through her files, in case someone already hacked in.

HAILEY

Alright.

cut to:

INT. CTU - MAIN FLOOR - CONTINUOUS

CHLOE

Hailey, what’s going on with the network?

HAILEY

What do you mean?

CHLOE

It looks like someone changed the port forwarding scheme.

HAILEY

I don’t know…it’s probably just an extra level of protection since CTU’s been compromised. G-d, that must be hard for all of you. Who ever would have thought that the daughter of the Secretary of Defense was helping terrorists?

CHLOE

Uh, yeah, whatever.

She looks at Hailey strangely, clearly put off by her bluntness.

cut to:

INT. CTU - DIRECTOR’S OFFICE

Miles is sitting at the desk when Karen walks in.

KAREN

I got a message that you wanted to speak to me in private…what’s going on?

MILES

I think we need to move Audrey Raines to DHS to be interrogated. Too many people here seem to be protecting her.

KAREN

That doesn’t make any sense. She doesn’t even work here…why would anyone be protecting her?

MILES

I think you need to listen to this.

He presses a button on the computer screen, which triggers an
audio recording of a conversation between Audrey and her father hours earlier.

ON RECORDING:

HELLER

You must be pretty shaken.

AUDREY

Yeah…I was pretty shocked. I’m just trying not to think
about everything right now.

HELLER

Unfortunately, I don’t think you have that option. As hard as it is you have to think hard about whether Walt did or said anything that could help us figure out who’s behind all of this. If you think of anything that may be useful I want you to call me right away, alright?

AUDREY

Yeah.

HELLER

Did you tell anyone at CTU about your relationship with him?

AUDREY

No. I can’t.

Her voice starts to crack.

HELLER

What’s wrong?

AUDREY

Dad, Walt’s the one who tried to have Jack killed.

HELLER

Good g-d. Are you sure?

AUDREY

Yeah. He ordered the Secret Service agent to take him out instead of taking him into custody. That’s why Jack ran away. And now…now Jack’s going to the president’s retreat to see what he can find, and when Walt finds out he’s alive I’m afraid he’s going to try to have him killed.

back to scene

KAREN

I don’t understand. She’s already come forward about her relationship with Walt Cummings…that’s what she’s being questioned about right now. At this time there’s no indication that she knew anything about what he was up to.

MILES

There’s no indication because she hasn’t had to answer any tough questions, because she’s being interrogated by someone she used to be involved with.

KAREN

Are you sure?

MILES

Yes. I had a suspicion before…I know I’ve heard rumors and what-not, and this conversation all but confirms it.

KAREN

Why did Bill not mention anything about their history when we took her into custody?

MILES

Because he’s protecting her. So is everyone else at CTU, because they seem to have this notion that Jack Bauer knows best, even when he has a clear conflict of interest.

Karen sighs.

KAREN

Alright, contact Sarah at DHS and let her know. I’ll sign the transfer order as soon as you confirm that DHS has the personnel available to handle the interrogation. I’ll call Secretary Heller and let him know we’re moving his daughter to DHS.

MILES

I thought he didn’t know what was going on.

KAREN

Apparently he does…I spoke to him a few minutes ago.

MILES

Alright. Why don’t I call the White House and explain the situation in case Heller tries to interfere?

KAREN

Fine. That’s probably a good idea.

cut to:

INT. CTU - HOLDING ROOM

AUDREY

We worked on a lot of projects for the past seven months, since I got promoted to interagency liason. He always asked how I was doing, and for some reason, I felt like I could talk to him about stuff I couldn’t talk to too many people about.

JACK

Did you talk to him about me?

AUDREY

Yeah…actually, that’s pretty much what I meant just now. Everyone back home asked me how I was coping with Paul’s death, but only a few people knew that we were ever together and I kept it that way it seemed easier not to have to talk about it. But Walt somehow knew…he said my father mentioned it but that was probably a lie…he surprised me by asking about you one night, and for some reason, I found myself talking about emotions I had pretty much pushed aside since you disappeared. Looking back I feel so stupid for trusting him, but at the time, for some reason I felt like I could talk to him…I told him a lot of things that may have helped him to figure out that you weren’t really dead, even though I didn’t know you were alive.

JACK

Like what?

AUDREY

Like how I was angry that they refused to let me see the body before I left CTU, and how I didn’t understand why my father promised me he’d have your death investigated but suddenly changed his mind and decided it would be better to let it rest.

Jack nods, typing a note into his laptop.

AUDREY

After we slept together, we both realized it was a mistake…he was still trying to work things out with his wife, and I guess it made me realize how much I still missed you, much as I didn’t want to admit it.

JACK

Did you tell him that?

AUDREY

Yeah, he asked, and I admitted…

She takes a deep breath and steels herself for her next admission.

AUDREY

I admitted that I still dreamed about you almost every night.

She looks away, feeling vulnerable after putting that out there. Jack smiles awkwardly, then glances around and discreetly takes her hand and holds it under the table.

Chloe knocks on the door before he can respond. He steps out into the observing area to talk to her.

JACK

What’s going on?

CHLOE

I don’t know but there’s something fishy.

JACK

What do you mean?

CHLOE

A few minutes ago, Miles told Hailey to ignore my order to shut down Audrey’s DOD logon so that we could use it to track anyone who tries to access it.

JACK

That doesn’t make sense. Whoever has her logon has to know that she’s in custody and that we’re monitoring.

CHLOE

Exactly. Then she told me that Miles wanted me to stop accessing Audrey’s files in case someone else was watching. And I noticed that someone reconfigured the port forwarding sequence…I think everything we’re doing is being monitored by DHS.

JACK

That’s probably part of the emergency restructuring.

CHLOE

But why would he simultaneously want her logon kept open but not want me accessing it? If we are going to monitor it doesn’t it make sense to know what was there beforehand so we can detect any news files that crop up?

JACK

One would think. Have you talked to Bill?

CHLOE

No, not yet.

JACK

Go let him know, and keep your eyes open. I’ll ask Audrey if she has any idea if anyone has her information.

CHLOE

Okay.

JACK

Let me know if you find anything else that looks suspicious. And make sure you get a snapshot of her e-mail and activity log before you log off.

CHLOE

Did that.

Jack’s phone rings.

JACK

(into phone)

This is Bauer.

BILL (O.S.)

Jack, I need you to wrap things up with Audrey…Karen issued an order to transfer her to DHS.

JACK

Why would she do that?

BILL (O.S.)

She feels that too many people here are protecting her…she wants her interrogated by people who don’t know her…she thinks they’ll be more objective.

JACK

Bill, she’s already been cleared of any knowing involvement in the terrorist attacks.

BILL

I’m not so sure about that. I don’t believe that she was involved, but I’ve yet to see conclusive evidence that she wasn’t…just because you’ve decided that she’s innocent doesn’t mean she’s been cleared. I already voiced my objections to transferring her, but maybe Karen’s right that someone who doesn’t know her so well may be able to do this more effectively. If she has nothing to hide then she’ll have nothing to worry about.

JACK

Fine. But I want a live feed so we can start working up anything they get immediately.

BILL

I’ll see what I can do, but I can’t promise that they’ll agree to that.

Jack slams the phone down, then tries to get his anger under control as he reenters the interrogation room.

AUDREY

What’s going on?

JACK

Karen Hayes ordered us to transfer you to the DHS branch downtown for further questioning.

AUDREY

Jack, I’ve already told you just about everything I can think of.

JACK

I understand that, but my opinion doesn’t hold a lot of weight right now given our history…they think I’m not being objective.

Audrey nods, looking scared.

JACK

Listen, I’m going to call your father and let him know you’re being transferred, and I’m going to see if he can arrange for a lawyer to be present when they question you.

AUDREY

Why do I need a lawyer? As far as I know I haven’t done anything illegal.

JACK

I understand that, but given the attempts to make it look like you did, I’d feel better if you had a lawyer.

AUDREY

Alright.

Jack glances outside the room quickly, then places his hands on her shoulders and looks her in the eye.

JACK

We’re going to get this sorted out, I promise.

Audrey nods shakily and looks at him gratefully. Jack moves away from her as he sees two guards approaching.

The guards enter the room and approach Audrey.

GUARD

Please put your hands out in front of you.

Audrey hangs her head with shame as she puts her hands out and the guard cuffs her.

JACK

Is that really necessary?

GUARD

It’s standard procedure, you know that.

Jack nods and gives Audrey a reassuring look as the guard leads her away.

TRACK WITH THEM as they walk through CTU. Audrey looks down and tries to ignore everyone staring at her as the guard leads her down the stairs.

back to:

INT. CTU - OBSERVING AREA OUTSIDE HOLDING

Jack is holding his cell phone, waiting for the other side to pick up.

HELLER (O.S.)

Heller here.

JACK

Mr. Secretary, it’s Jack Bauer.

HELLER

What’s going on?

JACK

I just wanted to let you know that Audrey was being transferred to DHS, so if you manage to get on a plane you should probably go straight there.

HELLER

(not happy)

Why are they moving her?

JACK

They think I’m interferring with the investigation.

HELLER

Who gave the order?

JACK

Karen Hayes. I’m probably being paranoid, but something about this seems a little fishy…I would recommend calling a lawyer to meet her at DHS.

HELLER

Jack, listen to me. I do not want her to leave CTU until I get there. I don’t trust DHS…I can’t go into detail, but I have a bad feeling this is some kind of a setup.

JACK

I can’t say I disagree, but I don’t know what I can do. Can you preempt the order?

HELLER

No. The president designated DHS as the primary agency in charge of managing the threat…for the time being, Karen’s authority exceeds mine…I’m on a plane now…we left San Diego a few minutes ago…I should be there within the next half hour…do you think you can find a way to keep her there until I get there?

JACK

I’ll see what I can do.

HELLER

(pleading)

Please, Jack, don’t let anything happen to her.

JACK

I won’t, sir. I promise.

He hangs up and thinks fast as he walks out onto the main floor. He sees Karen Hayes and gets an idea.

He looks regretfully at Audrey, who is being searched by the guards in the lobby area as they prepare to take her outside.

JACK

Ms. Hayes, I need to talk to you in private for a minute. It’s important.

KAREN

Alright, I’ll be with you as soon as she gets picked up.

JACK

Please, it’s urgent. I need to talk to you right now.

KAREN

Fine.

She reluctantly follows Jack to the observing area outside Holding 1.

KAREN

(annoyed)

What is it, Jack?

JACK

Ma’am, I believe that taking Audrey Raines over there will put this investigation at risk.

KAREN

On what grounds?

JACK

I think there’s someone over there working against us.

KAREN

And what evidence to you have to support that accusation?

JACK

I can’t go into detail, but you’re going to have to trust me.

KAREN

Let me get this straight. You’re asking me to make critical decisions based on an unsubstantiated accusation from someone whose judgment has clearly been compromised by personal considerations?

JACK

That’s not what this is about.

KAREN

I’m sorry, Jack, but without any evidence to suggest that she’ll be endangered, I see no reason not to proceed with the transfer, and I suggest you stop interferring before I have you detained for impeding an investigation.

Jack goes over to the door and checks that it is locked.

JACK

Then I’m sorry, but I’m afraid you’ve left me no other choice.

KAREN

Excuse me?

Suddenly, Jack whips out his GUN and points it at Karen, shoving her against the wall.

KAREN

What in g-d’s name do you think you’re doing?

He maintains a firm grip on her as he takes out a pair of handcuffs.

JACK

Cuff yourself up.

KAREN

Are you out of your mind?

Jack shoves her again and points the gun right to her head.

JACK

Do it or I will shoot you.

Her hands tremble as she does as she is told.

JACK

Where’s your cell phone?

KAREN

In…in my purse.

He grabs her purse and takes out her phone.

JACK

I’m going to call security, and you’re going to order them to uncuff Audrey Raines and bring her back into Holding Room 1. If you deviate from that order I will kill you.

Karen nods, shaking as he holds the phone to her ear. 

KAREN

Ch…change of plans. Uncuff Audrey Raines and bring her back to holding.

GUARD (O.S.)

We’re about to leave for DHS. You want us to bring her back to CTU?

KAREN

Yes. We’ll continue to question her here for the time being.

GUARD (O.S.)

Alright, we’ll be right there.

cut to:

EXT. CTU

Audrey is sitting in the back of a CTU vehicle, tears brimming in her eyes as she looks out the window. The guard opens the door.

GUARD

Get out.

She looks at him questioningly.

GUARD

Change of plans…you’re staying here. They said to bring you back to holding.

Audrey nods and follows, looking confused.

back to:

INT. CTU - OBSERVING AREA OUTSIDE HOLDING

Jack is watching the security camera of the lobby on the laptop.

JACK

Tell them to uncuff her.

He holds a mouthpiece up to her.

KAREN

(into mouthpiece)

Uncuff her, please.

GUARD (ON SCREEN)

Before we get to holding?

KAREN

Yes. Right now.

Jack watches on screen as the guard uncuffs Audrey, both of them looking bewildered.

He takes some rope out of the CTU kit he had retrieved from its hiding spot this morning and starts tying her up.

KAREN

Why are you doing this, Jack? Are you that desperate to protect your girlfriend that you’re willing to put millions of American lives at risk by holding up CTU and impeding this investigation.

JACK

(angrily)

SHUT UP!

He puts a piece of DUCT TAPE over her mouth.

THROUGH THE GLASS WINDOW, we see Audrey being escorted into the adjacent holding room. She and the guard look shocked when they see what Jack has done with Karen Hayes.

Jack tightens the rope holding Karen to the chair, then goes over to the in-wall microphone on the wall that connects to the holding room.

JACK

Now leave the room and lock the door.

The guard looks at him with an open mouth, still shocked at the sight.

JACK

Do it now!

The guard does as he is told. Audrey stares at Jack in disbelief. Jack turns away and whips out his cell phone.

CHLOE (O.S.)

O’Brien.

JACK

Chloe, it’s Jack. I need you to access the security camera outside Holding 1 and put it on the big screen.

CHLOE (O.S.)

What for?

JACK

Please, just do it, Chloe.

cut to:

INT. CTU - MAIN FLOOR - CONTINUOUS

CHLOE

Fine.

She pushes a few buttons and is shocked by what she sees on her screen. Gasps can be heard around the room as the same image of Karen tied up with tape over her mouth appears on the big screen.

CHLOE

Jack, are you insane?

ON SCREEN:

Jack picks up the phone and presses the intercom button.

JACK (ON SCREEN)

Attention, all CTU personnel. This is Jack Bauer. As you can see, I’ve taken Homeland Security Director Karen Hayes into custody. My preference is to let her go unharmed, but if any of my demands are not met, she will be killed. If anyone attempts to enter or leave this building, I will have no choice but to shoot. If anyone goes near Holding Room 1 without my permission, the Homeland Security Director will be dead before you have time to stop me.

PAN the main floor, showing everyone’s shocked expressions.

fade out.

commercial break