Owen stepped out of the CTU break room in the morning.
CTU had multiple break rooms—originally designated for other purposes, but over time, most had been converted into rest areas.
The agency operated 24/7, with personnel theoretically divided into three shifts, each working eight-hour rotations. But ever since Jack Bauer took charge of the Los Angeles division, work hours had drastically increased. Almost no one got off work on time anymore. During major incidents, all teams were expected to stay on duty indefinitely.
The abundance of break rooms was a blessing for Owen—he could crash wherever he wanted.
CTU's facilities were top-notch, with an in-house shooting range and gym. He wasn't the only one practically living here. After washing up, he followed his usual morning routine—an hour of training at the gym.
Last night, Ash and her team finally agreed to join his plan. Killing Alex was one thing—but taking out his father was a far more satisfying prospect.
Bryan had also reassessed their strategy, and after learning about Heatwave's expertise in explosives, he found ways to further refine the plan.
With no reason to go home, Owen spent most of his time at CTU—practicing his marksmanship, reviewing McCall's training tapes, or going on field operations.
Since taking down a few mercenary teams earlier, the number of bounty hunters flocking to Los Angeles had dwindled.
No one wanted to die for money they'd never get a chance to spend.
And with 200 soldiers guarding the prison, no one was stupid enough to attempt a breakout.
However, the NSA had just delivered bad news.
Someone was trying to unite the remaining mercenary forces.
They hadn't identified who yet—but it was almost certainly connected to the Montell family.
That morning, they executed their bait operation.
With a bounty on his head, Owen was the prime target in Los Angeles.
Dozens of people were likely searching for him. But ever since CTU encrypted his personal data, he had effectively vanished from public records.
Unless bounty hunters physically scouted his known associates, they had no way of finding him.
The problem was—Owen staying holed up in CTU was safe but useless.
Jack Bauer's plan was simple:
Get Owen out into the open and draw the enemy out.
CTU would ensure his safety. Their rapid response team was on standby, and a satellite was monitoring him in real time.
But the operation was a bust.
Owen left unharmed.
He returned unharmed.
No one took the bait.
Back at headquarters, Jack summoned him to his office again.
Owen arrived to find Chloe already inside.
He knocked, entered, and took a seat. Jack gestured for Chloe to proceed.
For the first time in days, she had good news.
"We found the mole."
Owen remained silent. He knew there had to be more to the story.
Chloe continued.
"We set up a honeypot system. It's pretty straightforward—aside from Alex, you are their top priority.
"But once CTU's security measures activated, your personal data became classified. Not even the FBI or local law enforcement can access it.
"CTU has the only internal access, and even then, it's heavily restricted.
"So if the enemy still wants to track you, they'd need someone inside CTU to pull your records."
Chloe paused, looking at Owen.
He nodded in understanding.
"A honeypot—meaning you baited the mole with my file. Anyone who accessed it without cause got flagged."
"Bingo," Chloe confirmed.
Owen glanced between her and Jack.
"So? Who is it?"
Chloe exhaled.
"Neymar."
Owen blinked.
What?
Of all the people he suspected… Neymar?
The guy was the stereotypical tech geek—quiet, introverted. Owen had even seen him in the gym this morning.
No one—no one—would have guessed he was the traitor.
Owen resisted the urge to glance downstairs.
Jack's office had glass walls, giving them a view of the entire CTU floor.
Likewise, anyone down there could see them.
If Neymar was watching them right now, one wrong look would tip him off.
Still, Owen couldn't hide his confusion.
"You're not arresting him?"
"No," Jack said flatly.
Owen frowned.
Jack continued, his voice low and fast.
"The enemy must have leverage on Neymar—something forcing him to cooperate. Even if we capture him, there's no guarantee he'll talk.
"So instead of exposing him, we'll use him."
Owen leaned forward.
"How?"
Jack's eyes gleamed.
"I'm setting up an operation."
He tapped a file on his desk.
"In two days, I'm requesting Alex be transferred out of federal custody.
"We'll spread false intel—that he's being formally handed over to the Department of Defense and flown to Washington.
"If the enemy wants to break him out, they have to strike before he reaches CTU."
Owen's mouth fell open.
"You're setting up another Los Angeles disaster."
The last time Alex was moved, dozens of law enforcement officers died. The entire country had watched the chaos unfold.
And that was with only a few mercenary teams.
Back then, many bounty hunters hadn't even arrived yet.
Now?
The city was crawling with them.
If they all descended on a single transport route—
Los Angeles would turn into a war zone.
Jack remained unfazed.
"There will be casualties," he admitted. "But they'll be acceptable losses.
"This is the fastest way to end this.
"Alex's transfer will force everyone out of hiding.
"I've already contacted the military for support. If everything goes as planned, we'll wipe them out in one strike."
Owen stared at him.
"Acceptable losses"?
If this went sideways, the governor would lose his job.
Hell, the mayor might be forced to resign.
But Jack?
Jack didn't answer to the mayor.
Jack Bauer had his own agenda.
_________________________
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