Counterterrorism in America

Inside the building, Owen and McClane were making their way toward the 46th floor. With the elevator shaft no longer safe, they had to rely on the stairwell, moving cautiously to avoid security cameras. The slow pace frustrated them, but McClane was determined to rescue his wife, Holly, and Owen wouldn't leave his side.

It wasn't just because they had become close comrades who had saved each other's lives. Owen's duty as a police officer compelled him to act. Additionally, Owen had no intention of wandering alone after his near-death experiences. Separating from McClane earlier had nearly cost him his life multiple times. Sticking with the protagonist felt like the safest bet.

On top of that, Owen still hadn't forgiven Hans for his order to kill him without hesitation. Anything he could do to sabotage Hans's plans was something he would gladly take part in.

As they strategized their next move, the radio McClane had taken from one of the robbers crackled to life.

"Dynamic Duo, are you there?" came Hans's voice, deceptively casual.

McClane frowned, surprised that Hans would initiate contact. He picked up the radio. "Hans, you sound like you're in a good mood. What's the occasion?"

"Ah, I am indeed," Hans replied. "And can you guess why, Mr. Dynamic Duo? Or should I call you... Sergeant John McClane?"

McClane's expression darkened, his cocky grin vanishing. Before he could respond, Hans continued smugly, "That's right, Sergeant. Not only do I know your name, but I also know about your lovely wife, Holly. What a coincidence—there's a Holly among the hostages here. I assume you two are acquainted? In fact... she's standing right next to me. Would you like to say a few words to her?"

McClane's face turned ashen. Then, through the radio, he heard Holly's voice.

"I'm sorry, John."

"Honey! Are you okay? Have they hurt you?"

"Not yet," she answered.

McClane was about to say more when Hans interrupted, his tone dripping with arrogance. "She's right—for now. But I'm afraid her safety depends on you. Half an hour, McClane. That's how long you have to show yourself. Otherwise…"

Hans let the threat hang in the air, expecting McClane to crumble under the pressure.

Before McClane could respond, Owen snatched the radio and pressed the talk button. Without a word, he fired several shots into the wall beside him, creating a chaotic burst of noise over the radio. Then, he abruptly shut it off.

In Hans's office, the crime lord frowned. The gunshots were unexpected. He called out through the radio, but there was no response—only dead silence. His men hadn't reported killing anyone either. Something was off.

"What the hell are you doing?" McClane snapped, trying to grab the radio back. Owen shoved him aside.

"Are you seriously going to walk straight into their trap and get yourself killed?"

Owen had pieced everything together. The journalist. He remembered now—Hans had learned McClane's identity because a sleazy reporter had uncovered it and broadcast it live in the original movie. The reckless act had nearly cost McClane his life.

"And what's your plan, huh?" McClane slumped against the wall, defeated. The fire that had carried him this far seemed extinguished.

"I have a plan," Owen lied, desperate to buy time and keep McClane from giving up. To his own surprise, a real idea came to him in that moment.

"Really? What is it?" McClane grabbed Owen's shoulder, hope flickering in his eyes.

Before Owen could answer, the radio crackled again—this time with a different voice. "Detective Owen, do you read? Please respond."

Outside the building, CTU Agent Jack Bauer led a squad of officers as they stormed a news van. With a swift kick, the van's rear door flew open. Bauer and his team pulled journalist Elvin out into the street, ignoring the fact that the incident was being broadcast live.

"What the hell are you doing?!" Elvin shouted as they dragged him away. "I'm a journalist! You can't do this to me!"

Bauer stepped forward, holding up his badge. "Jack Bauer, CTU. You're under arrest for aiding and abetting terrorism."

"Are you insane? You think I'm helping terrorists? That's slander! The public has a right to know the truth!" Elvin protested, his voice dripping with righteous indignation.

Before Bauer could respond, Detective George stormed forward and punched Elvin in the gut, doubling him over in pain.

"You son of a bitch!" George snarled. "You broadcasted McClane and Owen's identities! Do you have any idea what you've done? You're gonna get them killed!"

Police Chief Havill stepped in next, delivering a brutal kick to Elvin's side. "It was you, wasn't it?! You leaked information about our assault plan! Because of you, two entire SWAT teams are dead!"

Elvin coughed and gasped for air, his mind racing. He knew he wasn't responsible for the SWAT teams' deaths, but Havill wasn't about to let facts get in the way. The chief had found the perfect scapegoat and wasn't letting go.

George, sensing Havill's intentions, threw Elvin another glare of approval. They had worked together long enough to know exactly how to handle situations like this.

Hearing that Elvin might have caused the death of their comrades, nearby SWAT officers lost control. Ignoring the cameras and their superiors, they surrounded Elvin and started beating him. Bauer eventually had to intervene to stop the assault.

Bauer shot Havill a knowing look. He understood what the chief was doing and didn't care, as long as the reporter survived. Once the situation calmed down, Bauer ordered, "Take him away."

Two officers dragged the bruised and battered Elvin to a waiting police car. Despite his injuries, the reporter stubbornly continued to shout, "I'm going to sue you! This is abuse of power!"

"Tell it to the judge," Bauer replied coldly.

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