On the streets, a convoy of black SUVs led the way, followed closely by a SWAT assault vehicle, speeding toward the outskirts of the city.
One of the drivers was Owen. By now, his driving skills were CTU-certified, and without even asking, others automatically let him take the wheel.
The convoy deliberately avoided congested roads, moving swiftly. On the less crowded routes, they stood out even more.
At first, pedestrians were curious, but when they saw the heavily armed operatives, they quickly backed away. Fortunately, the SWAT vehicle in tow ensured no one mistook them for terrorists.
Each CTU field agent was equipped with an MP5 submachine gun and a Glock pistol, along with flashbangs and bulletproof vests. Their vests bore the bold, white "CTU" insignia for identification purposes.
However, under normal circumstances, they wouldn't even need these weapons—SWAT handled the breaching operations, while the field team followed up after securing the area.
As Owen drove, his phone rang. He answered to hear Carlos on the other end.
"Hey, buddy, where are you guys speeding off to? You on a mission?"
"You saw me?"
"Yeah, I just saw your convoy passing by. Need more hands? I can help. You should recommend me to your boss…"
"Go solve your own cases," Owen snapped and hung up.
Carlos's intentions were obvious—the guy had failed the CIA entrance exam three times and was now looking for alternative routes into FBI or CTU.
Carlos had brought this up before, but Owen was still new to CTU. He had barely settled in before the terrorist attack turned everything upside down. He didn't even have time to figure things out, let alone pull strings for someone else.
---
With Nina's remote support, the convoy reached its target location quickly. From a distance, they could already see the white house by the river.
They didn't bother with stealth—the vehicles pulled up right at the entrance with a screeching halt. Everyone disembarked, immediately forming a combat-ready formation, fanning out to surround the house.
Owen could tell—they weren't planning negotiations. No warnings, no attempts to talk.
But something didn't sit right with him.
He wasn't sure why, but he had a gut feeling that the Mission Impossible Squad wouldn't be caught this easily.
The house had only one door. The SWAT team leader bent his arm into an L-shape, signaling for his men to advance.
Two SWAT operatives swiftly approached the front door.
It was just a simple wooden door—no need for tools. The lead operative kicked it open, and the team rushed inside.
The first wave of operatives held their positions, covering all angles while the rest moved in deeper. Each doorway was secured with a two-man team, breaching and clearing methodically.
Within moments, reports came in from all rooms—
"Clear!"
By the time Owen and the field agents entered with Tony, SWAT had already swept the entire house.
The lights were still on—but the house was completely empty.
---
Ten minutes earlier
Ethan Hunt had just executed Jack Bauer, proving his identity.
Salim, now convinced, was about to discuss the nuclear warheads when Luther suddenly interrupted.
"They're here."
They had no idea how CTU had found them—but they were coming.
Luther had set up a surveillance camera five kilometers away on the only road leading here. Just now, he had seen a convoy racing past, with CTU logos clearly visible.
"How much time do we have?" Ethan asked.
"Two minutes!"
---
Meanwhile, the CTU field agents scattered, searching each room.
Their tactical cameras transmitted live footage to CTU headquarters, where analysts studied every frame.
At CTU headquarters, the main screen was divided into nine sections, each displaying footage from a different agent's body cam.
Nina, watching intently, stomped her foot in frustration.
They had found security cameras in the hallway—clearly, the enemy knew they were coming and had already fled.
Chloe and the data team were examining every detail when suddenly—
"Oh, my God! They killed Jack!!!"
---
At the white house, there was no shock—only silence.
When Owen and the others reached the living room, a crowd had already gathered near the fireplace.
Some agents clenched their fists in rage. Others, more accustomed to death, remained expressionless but somber.
Everyone, both on-site and at CTU headquarters, was stunned—staring at Jack Bauer's lifeless body.
His eyes were wide open, his body riddled with bullet holes, blood pooling beneath him, spent brass casings scattered nearby.
"Jack… no… JACK, NOOO!!!"
At CTU, Nina was sobbing uncontrollably.
Chloe's eyes were red.
Tony, choking back tears, trembled as he tried to step forward—but couldn't bring himself to approach Jack's body.
The remaining agents looked equally devastated.
Jack had been their leader, their mentor. He had started as the head of the field team before being promoted to CTU director.
He was family.
Even the SWAT officers, hardened by years of combat, could sense the pain in the room. They silently patted the agents' shoulders before stepping away, leaving the grieving team alone.
Jack's eyes remained open, his last expression one of fear and helplessness.
Owen couldn't stand to see a hero die with open eyes.
He stepped forward and gently closed Jack's eyelids.
But the moment his fingers touched Jack's skin, something felt off.
The texture—it wasn't right.
Hesitant, Owen pressed again.
The skin felt tight, artificial—not like human flesh.
It felt just like…
The silicone mask they had recovered at CTU.
Owen pinched the skin—and it lifted.
With a firm tug, the face peeled away—revealing a different face underneath, his mouth duct-taped shut.
This wasn't Jack Bauer!!!
Everyone froze in shock.
This was good news—Jack wasn't dead.
But then…
Who the hell was this guy?!
---
Suddenly, another agent shouted from the kitchen.
"Guys! Look at this!"
Everyone rushed over.
In the center of the kitchen, a trapdoor had been flipped open.
Below, a dark tunnel led straight down.
A ladder extended into the depths, and below it—
The sound of rushing water echoed.
---
Meanwhile…
Ethan Hunt and Salim sat aboard an inflatable boat, while Luther steered the motor.
As they emerged from a one-kilometer-long underground waterway, they entered the Los Angeles River.
In the distance, the shadow of the white house was still visible.
_________________________
[Check out my Patreon for +200 additional chapters in all my fanfics! Only $5 per novel or $15 for all!!] [www.p@treon.com/Mutter]
For every 10 Power Stones received, I'll release an extra chapter ✨