Notes: How are we? I'm really happy with how things are going so far. I love reading your comments. Have fun with this one. I don't mean to blow my own trumpet here but I don't think any of you could have guessed how bechloe "meets" again in this chapter.
Summary: Aubrey makes an entrance here. The story's recurring theme of things are not always what they seem does not go away in this chapter.
CHAPTER 4: Misconceptions
Beca slumped on her chair when she arrived to work. That's been the staple this past two weeks. The last time she's spoken or seen Chloe was when she came to pick up the photos. She knows she's being dramatic. There's nothing to move on from.
"Hey Becs. Still nothing from our favourite photographer?"
"I don't even know what I'm waiting for. She's made it pretty clear she's not interested."
"Maybe she's seeing someone?"
Beca sighed. "Yeah. Maybe."
She's thought about all the possibilities. It could be as simple as Chloe was just not interested. But then she's brought back to the night they met and it was hard to believe Chloe wasn't slightly interested in her. So maybe Jessica's right.
When Beca saw Jessica's worried look, she shook her head and sat up straight. "It's okay. It doesn't matter. I'll be okay."
"Did you want me to set you up? We can go on a double date. We know someone who would absolutely kill to have a shot with you."
"God no. No offense but I'm good. Don't worry about me. I promise, this too shall pass as they say. It's called a one night stand for a reason, right?" Beca repeated Chloe's words to Jessica. Maybe if she keeps saying it, she'll actually believe it.
"Well partner I'm sorry to say this but today only gets worse."
"What do you mean?"
"Mitchell. Smith. In my office now." Beca heard Aubrey Posen, the Deputy Director call them from behind her then they hear the door slams.
"Wait. When the fuck did Posen get here? Don't tell me she's with –"
"She came alone. I don't know why she's here but it seems serious."
"Guess we better find out."
Jessica and Beca walked to Aubrey's office. As soon as they closed the doors, Aubrey didn't waste any time.
"What is this I hear about a breakthrough in the Reaper's case?"
"We wouldn't call it a breakthrough but we have a witness who claims she saw the reaper and that our guy's a woman. We found her to be a credible witness."
"But there's no other evidence that supports that. Will a woman fit the profile? Don't you think you're being rash about this?"
"With all due respect deputy director, there's also no evidence that supports the reaper is a man. This witness changes everything." Beca said with conviction. "It changes the whole profile."
"Who else knows about this?"
"At the moment no one outside this room."
"And what's your opinion Smith?"
"What if the Reaper isn't just one person? What if we're dealing with a group of cold blooded killers?"
"That's very likely, which makes this all the more complicated. I want you two to prepare an up to date report for me and let's meet in about two hours. We've received an anonymous tip about a possible target."
"A tip? Is it reliable?"
"I'll discuss everything at the meeting. Until then, none of this information goes out. Am I clear?"
"Yes ma'am." Beca and Jessica said simultaneously.
Lily who worked as a bartender at an underground pub was a close friend of Chloe's. The pub was less than a 10-minute drive from Chloe's studio and she would often find herself driving there when she needed a drink after work.
Chloe drove straight to the pub after she decided to wrap up early with work that day. Though the pub doesn't open to the rest of the public for a few more hours, a few of their regulars were welcomed earlier. Chloe parked at her usual spot in the alley and entered through the back door.
She saw Lily behind the bar already probably prepping for tonight. Other employees were already there and a handful of other regulars that Chloe in time became familiar with.
Chloe helped herself at one of the bar stools and Lily placed a beer in front of her right away.
"You were expecting me weren't you?"
Lily shrugged. "I think I have an idea what's gotten you so troubled."
Chloe reached for the beer and raised it to Lily before drinking. "I appreciate this but I think I'm going to need something stronger."
"It was the right thing to do Chloe and you know it." Lily said as she placed two shot glasses in front of Chloe.
Chloe watched as Lily poured her two shots. "Why do I feel like shit then?" She grabbed the shots one at a time.
"Can you just leave the bottle here?" Chloe reached for the bottle Lily was putting away.
"No it's okay. I'm happy to keep pouring them for you."
Chloe sighed. "Thanks."
Lily watched her friend bury her face in her hands. She was chopping lemon and lime. "What did you think would happen?"
"I don't know. I just wanted to give it a shot." Chloe then chuckled and raised her shot glass and drank. "Get it? Shot?"
Lily could only shake her head. "Okay let's say you start dating, then what? You'll pull off that double life shit? It'll never work."
"I am sort of living the double life shit my whole life already. Is it really that bad? Besides what if we never date? What if we become just really good friends?"
"Maybe with someone else it's not that bad. Dating or not, it's literally her job to catch you. Do you just like the thrill of it all?"
"It's not like that."
Chloe was quiet for a while. She was swirling the drink she's holding like she always did. "What if I stopped? What if I walked away from this life?"
Lily was taken a back. She took her time and poured Chloe more shots instead. "You like her that that much?"
Chloe thought about it but shrugged eventually. "Wouldn't know cause you're right. It's not going to work. Whether I walk away from this life or not, I can't change who I am and I don't think that's exactly her type."
Lily felt for her friend. "Of all people that you could have met and get on with that night, it had to be the one detective that's investigating the case."
"How was I supposed to know?"
"You can fool Komissar and the rest of them but not me."
"Maybe I had my suspicions that she was a cop or something. But I really didn't know who she was."
"Beca Mitchell. You really don't know her?"
Chloe shook her head. She didn't know who she was. "Why? Am I supposed to?"
Lily was thinking how she would answer that question when both their phones buzzed at the same time. It could only mean one thing.
"We're being summoned." Lily confirmed.
Chloe didn't even look at her phone. "No I wanna stay here and keep drinking."
"I think we have time for one more round." Lily started pouring her more shots. "I'll drive us."
Beca and Jessica we're back with Aubrey as they went through their reports up to the interview with their latest witness.
"And where's the witness now?"
"Secured." Jessica said. Beca remained quiet.
"Any more leads there?"
"At first she was paranoid. She thought she was being followed. We have guys on her 24/7 and nothing suspicious has been reported."
"Is there any threat?"
"As long as the reaper's out there, there will always be a threat to her life."
"But there's no history of the reaper going after the witnesses, right?"
"No but we don't want to risk it." Jessica didn't like where Aubrey was going with her line of questioning.
"I want to talk to her. Can you schedule that?"
"Yes Ma'am." Jessica makes a note of it on her pad.
"So about this tip." Beca said. "Have you verified this?"
"The tip came from Rafael Salazo Jr."
That name sounded familiar to both Beca and Jessica. It was Jessica who voiced it out. "Why does that name sound so familiar?"
"He is the eldest son of Rafael Salazo Sr. The leader of the Salazo Cartel."
Beca remembers now. "Our whistleblower. Isn't he in one of the safe houses under our protection program?"
"Yes. He's their target."
"And how does Rafael Salazo Jr. know this?"
"Because he's the one who's paying them to do it."
"Who's them?"
"You both know that we have had our suspicions that the reaper is a hitman. Now whether or not she works for some organisation, we don't know. But we do know she is hired to kill. So what better way to trap them than by playing their own game."
"It can't be this easy. How did he even contact them?"
"I'm not saying it is. I don't know the details. It's kinda hard to have a sit down with him these days. Why do you sound so worried Mitchell? Personally I thought you'd be thrilled."
"This guy or woman or whatever. This group has been at this for years and we haven't even come close."
"I know that. In case you're forgetting I was leading this investigation before you. I am just as familiar."
"Exactly so you should know that this is a little too easy therefore, very suspicious. You're telling me, just like that, someone who claims to have hired them to kill his own father approached us."
"What do you want me to say Beca?"
"This Rafael Salazo Jr. sounds like a sleaze ball, how can we trust him?"
"Right now this is our best chance of catching these guys."
"I guess what I want to know is if we only have one shot at this, then are you willing to risk it all with this guy?" Beca had her suspicions. "Did we approach him?"
Aubrey was quiet but didn't back down. "What do you want to hear? I honestly don't think whoever approached who is relevant."
"If indeed we are dealing with the reaper here, I think we should give her more credit. If it's true that she works with a group and I believe we can all agree that is the case cause one person could not have pulled this off, all the more we should think about our approach."
Beca doesn't know why she feels so strongly against this plan.
"Look okay. The director and I have been receiving a lot of pressure from the white house. The press is hungry for a story. They know something is up. They want an arrest. But in saying that, this has been well thought out and approved. So if you are questioning our due diligence, I take that personally. Maybe you should start giving us and our work more credit."
"Don't get me wrong deputy director. We wanna catch this guy just as bad as everyone else does. I just feel like we're going in blind in this operation. Do you really think we can catch this guy?"
"That's the reason I'm here. There's a bigger chance we will if we help each other."
"And if we fail?"
"Then we will all have to suffer the consequences then but let's hope it doesn't get to that."
Beca and Jessica looked at each other and nodded.
"What's the plan?"
Every time they had a prospective job, Kommissar would organise headquarters at a new secure place. They would never have it in the same place twice. The meeting started out as usual when they received jobs and Kommissar would always lead them.
Chloe was honestly barely paying attention and it's not just because of the alcohol. The first meeting wasn't always as detailed. She was sobering up a little as the meeting went on and her ears perked up as soon as she heard something quite odd.
"Wait. Why does he want it done on a specific day?"
Kommissar didn't bother hiding her surprise that Chloe was slightly paying attention. "No Chloe he didn't say to do it on a specific day but he does want it to be done on that particular weekend."
"Why?"
"Who knows? Maybe cause his father might be moved to a new safe house? Maybe he has a solid alibi for that weekend? It could be for a number of reasons."
"Am I the only one finding this odd?" Chloe looked around the room. Luke and Lily were also present at the meeting.
"What's so odd about it? Under the circumstances, I think it's reasonable." Kommissar pressed.
Chloe wasn't convinced but didn't say anything more. She had her arms crossed and was sitting upright now. This meeting now had her full attention.
Kommissar continued with her briefing but was bothered by what Chloe wasn't saying out loud.
"What is it?" She stopped and asked Chloe.
"I wasn't saying anything."
"Your face says it all. Just get it out of your system."
"Why? What's the point? You guys are obviously not bothered by anything so why should I?"
Luke and Lily looked at each other. They were getting worried. It wasn't often that Kommissar and Chloe clashed but when they did, it usually doesn't end well.
"Why am I getting the feeling that you don't want to do this job? Like your heart isn't really in it."
"How dare you question my commitment?" Chloe snapped back at Kommissar.
"Okay everyone let's calm down." Luke finally said.
"We're calm." Komissar and Chloe said at the same time without looking away from each other.
"All I'm saying is that it's a little suspicious." Chloe insists.
"Just because of his instruction to do it on the weekend of the 12th, right?" I personally like this job. I want nothing more but to take this guy out. Think about it Chloe, a cartel leader falling into our laps."
"Actually more than the specific date. Like you said, it's too good. And you know what they say, if it's too good to be true then it's probably because it is too good to be true. Come on Sar, we have the same training, surely you feel there's something off here even just a little bit."
"I get it okay. But me and Lily have been watching this guy and he's clean. He just wants his father dead cause he wants to run the cartel. So he's a selfish ungrateful son and because he also doesn't like it that his father is now a snitch for the FBI."
"Are you kidding me right now? The target is in the custody of the FBI?" The red flags were going off again for Chloe.
"Why? Can't do it? That never seemed to bother you before."
"No it's not that. But don't you see why this isn't helping with my suspicions at all?"
"Look. We've checked this guy out and there's nothing Chloe. I bet you the FBI has done the exact same thing and knows how dumb and useless he really is."
"Yeah? Like dumb enough to go with their plan of trying to set us up?"
Kommissar closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "That's just outrageous. You know what? Cut the crap. Why don't you just admit it? What's the real reason you don't want to do this? It's for the right price, it's a terrible person. And since when do you question the job when the FBI's involved?"
"It's not that I don't want to do it. There's just something here that doesn't sit right with me. That's all."
"I would never put your life or anyone's life here at risk."
"I know and we're way past that. That's not even the point."
"Okay. Let's put on a vote then. Raise your hand if you want to do this."
Kommissar raised her hand and so did Luke and Lily. Kommissar and Chloe were in a mini staring contest. It was Chloe who breaks contact first.
"Fine. I still want a full briefing though."
"Done. Meet again in two days, does that work for you?"
"Yeah. It's not like I have a say anyway. May I leave now?"
Chloe was about to walk away but Kommissar raised her hands in defeat. She doesn't like arguing with Chloe.
"Chloe wait."
"What?"
Kommissar bit her cheeks, she was going to say something else entirely but this is what she blurts out instead.
"You know the easiest way to know who's right is to contact your friend at the Bureau."
"That's just low Sar. I too have been wronged, lied to and abandoned. But I will not cross that line."
Chloe was just too easy to rile up when she's in this mood. "But you're the only one among us who has a potential insider."
"You know what, fuck you. I might just contact her and let's see who'll be laughing in the end."
Chloe walks away. Luke stops Lily and Kommissar from following her. "I'll go. I got this."
Beca had a long day at work. Her head was hurting from thinking too much. She worked a 9 to 5 job but in reality it was way more than that. It was now a little after 7pm and as if on autopilot, she finds herself parked not far from Chloe's studio. She was disappointed to see it was dark and all closed up.
Beca was hoping to catch a glimpse of Chloe. She thought something as simple as that would lift her spirits. She knew it was pathetic but she couldn't help it.
She looked around and saw there were several other cars parked along the street but none of them was the black pick up truck Chloe used at the wedding.
She takes her phone from the dash and scrolls through her contacts. She hovers over Chloe's name but decides against calling her. Beca then opens a blank text message instead. She ended up just staring at the blinking vertical line.
"This is ridiculous." She puts her phone back up in the dash. "What am I even doing here?"
Just as she was about to release the brakes and leave, she sees a car stop in front of Chloe's shop. She holds her breath, Beca was sure it's Chloe who was sitting in the passenger seat.
"Thanks for the ride Luke."
"Did you want to talk about it? I have about an hour to spare before my shift."
"No it's okay. You go ahead. I just remembered I have a few things to finish for a shoot. It'll be the perfect distraction to get my mind off things."
"At this time? Alright. I better not hear from Lily you went out drinking without me again."
"No promises. I'll see you soon, Luke."
"You too. Take it easy."
Chloe leaned in to give Luke a hug before stepping out the car. She waved to him and watched him drive off. She sighed when he was out of sight. She was exhausted.
She takes out her car keys and started looking around for her beloved pick up. "Fuck. That's right." She remembers she drove to Lily's pub earlier.
She checks the time quickly. She thinks about whether she has enough time to pick up her car. Right now she just wants to lie down first. She enters her shop and goes straight to the back office.
Beca didn't know what to do. It all happened so fast. She wasn't sure what was happening until she saw two men in suits pulling Chloe into an SUV that parked in front of Chloe's shop. She couldn't see clearly if they were forcing her in. She didn't see Chloe struggle but Chloe didn't look too happy either.
That's how she found herself trailing this same SUV. She's not yet sure if she should call it in. There really isn't a threat yet but she can't deny the concern that washed over her when she saw they were heading to what looked like an abandoned warehouse.
She saw the SUV make a turn and stop in front of the warehouse and it's exactly what she feared. She stopped her car in the corner and waited. She was just about to reach for her gun in the glove compartment when someone knocked on her window.
She froze. Without even looking, she just knew she's been caught. She looked to her phone that was on the dash when she heard the knock again. She turned to see it was indeed one of the men in suits that dragged Chloe and he was pointing a gun out at her. She raised her hands to show him she wasn't armed.
"Unlock the doors and step out of the car. Don't even think about doing anything stupid."
Beca did as she was told. When she was out the car, the man who was still pointing a gun at her nodded to the direction of the warehouse.
"Walk."
Beca nodded. She didn't say anything but her mind was in overdrive. She was so annoyed that she didn't have anything on her, not even a pocketknife. She didn't even let her partner know what she was up to so no one knows where she is. If she ends up dying tonight, it would all be on her.
Once inside the warehouse, she sees more people bustling about. She was terrified but also very confused. This was not what she was expecting.
"Stop. Hands where I can see them." She heard the man say again. He walks in front of her. "Who are you and what are you doing here?"
"My name's Beca Mitchell. I uhm. I work with uhm the uhm."
Brett didn't look away from her once nor did he drop the gun. "What are you doing here?" He asks again as he cocked his gun.
"Brett let her go. She's with me." Beca heard Chloe say. She turned to her and could see her walking towards them. She had a camera around her neck and was carrying two tripods.
"With you?" Brett raised his eyebrows but lowered his gun.
Beca dropped her hands and breathes out a sigh of relief. Chloe hands her the tripods and gives her arm a quick squeeze.
"I called her. She's my assistant." Chloe says to Brett. "Now put that away. You scared her enough."
"Oh. I'm sorry. I didn't know." Then he turns to Beca. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to scare you."
Beca could only nod and offered him a tight-lipped smile. She couldn't trust her voice at the moment.
As soon as Brett walked away, Chloe pulled Beca to the closet room. Once inside, she grabbed the tripods from Beca and put them on the floor. She stands in front of her and looks at her face. She doesn't hesitate to put both her hands on Beca's arms and slowly move it up and down.
She saw how Beca was shaken up. "Breathe with me, okay. In through the nose and out through the mouth."
Beca did just that. She could see how concerned Chloe was and whatever Chloe was doing to her was working.
"That's good. Keep going. Are you hurting anywhere?"
Beca shook her head, still not trusting her voice. Eventually she stopped shaking and relaxed a little.
"You okay?" Chloe asked in almost a whisper.
Beca nods. "Yeah. But what the fuck is going on? What's happening here?"
"We'll talk more about it later. You have some explaining to do yourself."
Beca almost forgot about how she got here in the first place. Before she could protest, Chloe continued. "But right now, I have a photo shoot to do and it's really important. I'm taking pictures of a really prominent family and you're going to assist me. The sooner that's over, the sooner we can get out of here and talk. Okay? Can you do that?"
Beca hasn't gotten over what just happened but this was her mistake and she brought this on to herself. "Wait. I don't know what to do. I don't want to fuck this up for you more than I have already."
"Hey." Chloe lifted her chin gently. "You haven't fucked up anything yet. I'm sure you'll be fine. Just stay close to me and do as I say. It's not that hard, I promise."
Beca was determined to make it up to Chloe. She's been watching Chloe work for some time now and she's not entirely sure how long it's been but she didn't mind. She didn't really do much. Every now and then Chloe would ask her to switch cameras or fix the lights and the background but really all she did was sit back while Chloe took photos.
"Alright. We're all good. Next!" Chloe calls out. "Back in ten please."
Beca stood up when she saw Chloe walking towards their corner. "Here let me." She offered to get the camera off Chloe and gave her water too. "Drink?"
Chloe smiled. "Thank you." She accepts the water. "Although to be honest I prefer something stronger."
"Is that even allowed?"
"Of course. It's my shoot."
Beca was shaking her head. Chloe then caught one of the guys signaling for her to follow them to one of the offices.
"Hey Bec. Will you be okay here for a few minutes? I just need to talk to the client."
"Yeah. I promise I won't go snooping." She meant it more as a joke.
"You better not." Chloe was reluctant to leave Beca.
"Go go. I'll be fine." Beca actually felt a bit bad for disrupting Chloe's work so if Chloe needed her to stay put then that's exactly what she's going to do.
"Alright. Sit tight. I'll be right back."
Chloe looked back at Beca, who was looking at her already, to see if she was really okay. Beca gave her one last reassuring smile and that was enough for Chloe.
There were two men guarding the door and they let Chloe in without question. Chloe saw Carter sitting on the desk.
"I think you're in my seat." Chloe said to him.
"Chloe." Carter stood up to greet Chloe. "How are you? How's everything? Business doing good?"
"Yeah you know the usual. Kommissar sends her regards by the way."
"Ah yes. No offense to you but I was hoping she would come meet me this time."
"Well you know her and that's what I'm here for. Anyway, back to business, are we good? You have everything?"
Chloe was known to be the messenger and only a messenger for Kommissar. They figured keeping things that way was the best option for them.
"Everything's here. You know we like you and that we've done a lot of business over the years. More than that, we trust you. You're reliable and you get things done."
"Yes and we share the same sentiments."
"I'll be direct. What's the FBI doing here? Is the FBI trailing you now?"
"To be fair, she followed your guys."
"That's true. I will need to talk to them about that. But what's really happening here?"
"It's not the FBI that's following me. It's just her. Lets just say she fancies me."
"Fancies you?"
"We met at one of the weddings I attended. I was the photographer. I turned her down and she's just persistent I guess."
The guy starts to laugh a hearty laugh. He leaned back and Chloe watched his Adam's apple move up and down.
When he finally collects himself. He's looking at Chloe again. "You're serious?"
"Sadly."
"Kommissar must be having a field day about this."
"One of the few things I'm enjoying about this is how much she hates it. You have no idea how much shit I am getting from her."
"Oh but I can imagine it. But seriously, you can assure me right? That this won't cause any problems?"
"They are the least of my problems Carter. So you shouldn't be worrying about them."
"But you will tell me and let me know if it should start to become a problem?"
"Of course."
"So what will we do now?"
"I'm almost done with the shoot. Don't worry. I have everything under control."
"Alright. Where should I leave the money then?"
"Just leave it in the vault. We'll take care of it."
"Very well. That's sorted. It's always a pleasure Chloe. Send my regards to Kommissar as well."
"I will and you too." And they shook on it. "And please there's no need to pick me up next time. I'm happy to meet you here."
"We just wanted to make sure you'd show up."
"Who's going to take the photos if I don't?"
"I look forward to seeing the final output by the way."
Chloe walks out of the office shaking her head. Right away she's looking for Beca. She sees her in the same spot where she left her.
"Everything okay?" Chloe asked Beca when she saw her fumbling with her hands.
"Oh hey. Yeah. It's just that, I think I left my phone in the car."
"Oh. Did you need to call anyone? You can use my phone." Chloe offered her phone to Beca.
It was honestly tempting for Beca but she ended up just staring at Chloe's phone.
"You worked today didn't you? And I'm sure you're working tomorrow too. It's almost 9 now, I'm sure you're tired. I got this covered. You don't have to stay. I just need a few more shots then I should be done."
"No no if it's okay, I want to stay. I don't mind. Besides who's driving you home if I leave you here?"
"Remember Brett? He'll drive me."
Beca snorted. "That guy? I'm definitely staying then. I don't care what time you finish. Don't worry about me I'm fine."
"Okay. But how sure are you I'm riding with you?"
Beca was stunned once again. That was a very good point.
"I'm kidding. If you do decide to stay, then I'd really like that." Chloe leans in closer to her only to grab her camera behind Beca.
Beca had to clear her throat before speaking. "I'll be here."
Beca should be tired. She came from work. She hasn't slept. She's barely eaten. But there was no place she'd rather be than here watching Chloe do her thing.
Right now, Chloe was showing the pictures she's taken on a laptop and she can't stop looking at Chloe, her passion and how proud she is of her pictures. She just lights up the room, she makes the people she's taking pictures of feel the most beautiful and it shows.
"And that's a wrap!"
Everyone in the room starts clapping and Beca's not sure what to do so she starts clapping with them.
Chloe thanks the family and a woman walks with Chloe towards where Beca was sitting.
"Thanks for accommodating us tonight. This place is perfect and you've been incredible and very patient. You're such a professional. I'm so glad Carter referred you to us."
The woman couldn't stop gushing about Chloe and honestly Beca couldn't blame her.
"Thank you and it's no problem at all. You make my job easier. I had a lot of fun."
"We really appreciate you taking the time. Carter said you were very hard to book. So thank you for making time for us."
"He's exaggerating I'll tell you that. It's been my absolute pleasure."
"Alright, I'll let you go and rest now. Spend some quality time with your girlfriend. She's so supportive just being here with you."
It took Beca a moment that the woman was referring to her and she blushed profusely.
"She is a trooper."
"Get home safe."
"You too."
Beca and Chloe were walking side by side to Beca's car now. The turn of events in the past two hours alone were a little too crazy for Beca to handle but she wasn't complaining. "So wait a minute. Did I hear that correctly? You own that place?"
"Sort of. The business does. If I need a location for shoots and stuff, I set up there."
"I should've figured that out. You literally walked in and out of there bringing nothing."
Chloe shrugged. "I'll pack it up another day. It should be fine. Future me's problem."
"So uhm who did you just take pictures of by the way?"
"I honestly can't say cause if I do I might have to kill you."
"I see I get it. I understand those things are confidential. I have another question if that's okay."
"Shoot."
"Why didn't you correct her?"
"What do you mean?"
"That woman. She thought I was your girlfriend."
"Oh. That. It's nothing really. I didn't want to embarrass her."
Beca nodded. She's amazed at how well Chloe was taking this. She pointed to her blue EcoSport. "That's my car."
Chloe only hummed.
"What? Don't judge it. I love this car."
"I didn't say anything."
They both settled in and fastened their seatbelts.
"So where do you live?"
Chloe enjoyed teasing Beca. "Wow you really really want to take me home."
Beca couldn't help it but blush. She walked in on that one.
Chloe reaches for Beca's phone but stops just before to ask for Beca's permission. "May I?"
"Yeah sure."
Chloe turns on waze and puts in an address. "There."
"Alright."
It was the first time they sat in awkward silence at least for Beca. Chloe wasn't that bothered. She was waiting for Beca to keep asking her questions. Chloe turns to look at Beca and watches her. She could see Beca was a bit tense just by how tight her grip was on the steering wheel and she was making sure Beca knew she was looking at her.
Chloe almost found it amusing how uncomfortable Beca was.
"Why are you following me?" Chloe asked when she couldn't wait for Beca to say something.
She could see Beca thinking and giving up by how her shoulders dropped. "I'm not."
"Okay. Let's say for a second I believe that." Chloe was smirking.
Beca rolled her eyes. She is such a creep. If she didn't have a chance before, she definitely blew her chances with Chloe now.
"Fine here's what happened. I was having a shit day. Just shit things at work and I don't know. I was on my way home but I ended up on the street of your shop. I swear it just happened. I thought seeing you maybe would make my day better at least. But you weren't there. Then I was about to leave but then you arrive."
Beca quickly glances at Chloe and she shouldn't have done that cause she was met with those eyes staring at hers already. Those same ones that were full of concern for her earlier. Chloe had been so gentle with her back at the warehouse.
"And then I waited too long trying to decide what to do next. Like should I just walk up to you or call you or send you a text or something. Then the SUV showed up and the next thing I know you were being dragged into their car."
"I think being dragged is a stretch."
"What was all of that about anyway? I never realised how dangerous it is to be a photographer until I met you."
"It's not. I just happen to deal with powerful people who want to keep their lives private. They're going to be featured in a magazine and they wanted me to take their photos."
"So do you work for the magazine?"
"Nope."
"No offense and I know you're very good at what you do. But why you?"
"Simple. People hire me for my discretion. I saved your life back there. When they found out you're FBI, they would have killed you."
"Why? Were they doing anything illegal back there?" Beca was worried Chloe would say yes.
"No but you know how rich people are and you're not known to be very discreet."
Beca relaxed a little. She was still getting used to Chloe's sense of humour. "I disagree. We can be discreet."
"Really? Like how you followed me there and got caught? Yeah you're the epitome of stealth alright."
"I'm sorry okay. I thought something bad had happened to you."
"Why do you worry about me so much? You always assume I'm in trouble. Why is that?"
"That's just me. I worry a lot about everyone and everything. I always expect the worst."
"Oh and here I thought I was special."
Beca wasn't ready for it and she starts stuttering with her response. Chloe laughs at how much of a dork Beca is. Then Beca's phone starts ringing. Beca looks at the caller ID quickly. It's Jessica.
"I have to take this. It's my partner. Is that okay?"
"You sure? It might be something confidential with work."
"Nah you're alright. You just let me in on a super secret shoot."
Beca nods and clicks answer and Jessica's voice is booming in her car.
"Becs! Where are you? I'm outside your house open up."
"What are you doing at my house?"
"I was worried about you. I know how much Aubrey gets to you and I know you've been sulking already so I got you beer and pizza."
"Dude what are you doing? You're married now, where's Ash?"
"Hey Becs!" Beca hears Ashley on the other side. "Come on get off your couch and open up."
"Oh my god you two. Go home. I'm fine."
"Are you with someone? Wait a minute. Your car isn't here. Where are you? Rebeca Mitchell? Are you out on a date? What are you doing answering our calls?"
Beca can hear Jessica grabbing the phone from Ashley. "About time Becs. I'm so happy for you. Getting laid would definitely get your mind off our hot photograph."
"Alright, I'm hanging up now. Go home both of you."
Beca's sure Chloe heard it. She set herself up with that one. She should've known better. She's not sure which was worse. The fact that Chloe was not saying anything or that she couldn't think of anything to say to her.
Beca was so relieved when her phone suddenly says they have arrived which was the perfect distraction.
She looked around. "Where are we?" Beca asks.
"I had to pick up something here earlier and left my car parked up there. You can just park up here."
"Right here we are." Beca pulls up the hand brake.
"Yeah. Thanks for the ride."
"Is it weird to say that I had fun with you this evening?"
"A little yeah. Considering what happened."
"Why didn't you ever call me?" Beca thought it was now or never. She might never be alone with Chloe like this ever again.
"I don't think I understand what you're asking."
"I just don't get it. I feel like we have this great connection but you're closed off. And I'm not sure if it's intentional or if there's something. Is it because of what I do?"
"Didn't you specifically say only to call you if there were disgruntled clients?"
"I find it hard to believe that you didn't encounter at least one disgruntled client since we last spoke."
Chloe decided to turn the tables on Beca. "Well it's a two way street. Why didn't you try calling me?"
"I'm honestly just a coward. I think I preferred imagining you rejecting me than you actually rejecting me. But if I did call you and asked you out on a date, would you say yes?"
"Will you stop following me if I say yes?"
This is what Beca liked and didn't like about Chloe. She's so witty and playful and she's such a tease. "I can't promise that but do you want to find out together?"
Chloe's resolve was wearing thin and she knew it yet here she was playing with fire knowing she's going to burn herself.
"Maybe try giving me a call first then we'll find out."
With that Chloe left her. She got out the car and didn't look back. She took out her keys and as soon as she got in her pick up her phone rang. The little leap her heart did surprised her. But the moment was gone as soon as she saw who was calling her.
"I think I know why you're calling and before you totally lose it. I am on my way to get the money now."
Kommissar obviously heard from Carter about what happened already.
Beca waited until Chloe reversed out of that alley and went on her way before going the opposite direction to head home herself. It took her awhile but while watching Chloe drive off she reached for her phone and starts to call Chloe.
She felt like she was back in high school with how giddy she was getting when she heard it ring.
But then it kept ringing. She wasn't picking up. Beca waited until she heard Chloe's voice on the other end.
"Hey it's Chloe. You just missed me. Leave a message?"
Beca hangs up.