Chapter 31: Chapter 31: Appreciation from Jack Bauer
Finding the police station dull, Owen decided to visit McClane in the hospital, who had been shot the day before. George, affectionately known as Dad, mentioned it was just a flesh wound, so Owen thought it a good day to check on him.
Acting on the thought, Owen grabbed his car keys and headed straight to the hospital. Parking his car, he got out holding a bouquet of flowers, only to unexpectedly run into Bob at the hospital entrance.
Owen had met Bob the previous night, grateful to the ace sniper who had saved his life, though they had hardly spoken before Jack Bauer whisked them away to CTU.
"Hi Bob, you here to see someone?"
"Hey Steve, just checking on a few SWAT guys who got hurt. What about you?"
"I'm here for McClane."
"Oh, I see."
"Bob, got plans tonight? How about a drink at the Wildcat Bar near the precinct?"
"Sorry, Steve, I have to head back this afternoon for an urgent military task. I'm just here to say goodbye. Really sorry..."
"No worries, that's how it is with the military. Next time you're in Los Angeles, let me know. Drinks are on me."
"Looking forward to it."
The elevator dinged, and they stepped out in different directions. Bob went his way, "Nice meeting you, Steve."
"See you."
They parted ways.
...
In the hospital room, McClane, dressed in a hospital gown, lay in bed while Holly was peeling an apple for him. Seeing Owen at the window, McClane exaggeratedly shouted, "Hey buddy, finally here. Man, you look terrible. Looks like they beat you up pretty bad in my absence. And you brought flowers? I'm not a woman, but go ahead, dear, put them in a vase."
Owen, smiling at McClane's sharp tongue, handed the flowers to Holly, "You're mistaken, buddy. These are for Ms. Holly, not you. And yes, I look terrible, but it's all superficial. I'll be fine in a few days, unlike you, stuck in bed. But glad to see you're not dead, haha..."
McClane retorted, "Heard you got investigated? Haha, those CTU morons, wasting taxpayers' money by doubting you?"
CTU had acted swiftly, apparently having already questioned McClane. Owen was unfazed, "You sound more like a lawyer than a cop."
"Ha, spending too much time around those bastards. But seriously, you saved me, and now I owe you one."
"Keep it, maybe you'll have a chance to return the favor someday."
"Ha ha ha..."
McClane seemed far from a gunshot victim, more lively than ever. Owen enjoyed his company; despite knowing each other for less than 24 hours, their shared life-and-death experience made them feel like old friends.
Meanwhile, in CTU's three-story building in Los Angeles, Nina, who hadn't slept all night, knocked and entered Jack Bauer's office.
"Jack, you wanted to see me?"
"How's the case?"
"I've submitted the operation details to the director."
Jack nodded, rubbing his tired eyes, "What about Steve Owen?"
"No other issues found. Testimonies from McClane and other hostages are in his favor. We're still looking into it."
"Stop the investigation."
Nina was surprised by Jack's decision. Knowing Jack both professionally and personally, she understood his intentions.
"You think highly of Steve Owen?"
"Yes, look at these videos..."
Jack turned his laptop towards Nina, showing footage of Owen maneuvering around the Nakatomi Plaza, outsmarting the robbers, recorded by surveillance cameras. These were hastily compiled by the tech team overnight.
"He's skilled and has a clear head, even under threat. I want him in the field operations team; Tony's team has been short-staffed."
"I understand. I'll stop the investigation."
"Also, release some information to distract the media. It's better for field operatives to stay under the radar for their future missions."
"Got it. I'll manage the media to focus on Flyte, shifting some attention away."
...
Owen had just left the hospital when he received a call from George.
"Where are you?"
"At the hospital, visiting McClane..."
"Come to the chief's office when you're free; Cavill wants a word..."
"Okay, heading there now..."
Hanging up, Owen headed to the parking lot, only to be startled by a group of reporters emerging from the elevator.
Initially confused, Owen realized they were there for him. He quickly escaped through the fire escape, not keen on media attention or having his past dug up.
As for McClane's fate with the reporters, Owen hoped for the best for his friend.
Owen's familiarity with fire escapes seemed fated. Smirking at the irony, he sneaked out the back door, grabbed his car, and drove to the precinct.
Circling the precinct before entering, Owen spotted reporters at the main entrance, likely barred from entering for interviews. He slipped in through the back door, avoiding further media attention
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