The Devil She Knows
Pitch Perfect Horror Week 2021 - Day 7
Author's Note: This is a continuation from Day 6 - Will Chloe Come Back?
Aubrey drove the Bellas bus through the dark night. Beca stood in the aisle, bent over to look out the front window.
"How did Chloe sound, Beca?" Emily asked.
Beca turned to look at her. "She sounded scared. But, also relieved? Maybe something else, I don't know. She was definitely scared though."
The bus got quiet again.
"We're almost there," Aubrey called out.
Beca moved to stand next to Aubrey, holding on to the poles as she again bent to look out the front window.
Aubrey made the turn into the gas station and everyone was looking around.
"There!" Beca cried out pointing to the side of the station.
Everyone stood to look and suddenly someone came running from around the corner.
"Chloe," Beca breathed out grabbing the handle that would open the doors.
Aubrey stopped the bus and Beca was off and running before the wheels stopped moving. She ran straight into Chloe's arms. Tears were streaming down both their faces.
"I'm here, Chloe," Beca cried. "I'm here."
Chloe cried as she clung to Beca as if she was never going to let her go. After a moment, Beca pulled back and wiped her tears.
"Come on," Beca told Chloe, taking her hand. "The girls are waiting for you and we should probably get you out of here."
Chloe let Beca lead her onto the bus. The girls remained seated and Aubrey stood and awkwardly pulled Chloe into a hug.
"Brey," Chloe sighed as she melted into the hug.
"We can continue this reunion at the house," Beca said. "I want to get out of here before someone comes looking for Chloe."
Beca sat down and Chloe sat next to her. Aubrey started the bus and pointed it toward Barden. Chloe hesitantly looked around at the Bellas. They all looked back at her with smiles on their faces.
"We really missed you, Chloe," CR said when Chloe's gaze reached her.
Chloe smiled as the tears streamed down her face.
"I really missed all of you, too," Chloe sobbed.
Beca gathered Chloe in her arms and held her. She kissed Chloe's forehead and said, "You're safe now, Chlo. I, we won't let anything happen to you. We're all just glad you're back with us."
~~ Pitch Perfect Horror Week 2021 - Day 7 ~~
Beca made up Chloe's bed and Aubrey helped her get settled. Aubrey started to leave and Beca sat on the end of the bed so Chloe wouldn't be alone.
"Brey, could you stay please?" Chloe said as Aubrey started to open the door.
Beca's breath hitched as she stood. She made to leave and Chloe stopped her.
"Where are you going, Beca?"
"I, um, was just going to leave you two alone," Beca said. "I thought that's what you wanted."
"No," Chloe said, shaking her head. "I want you both to stay. I have something I need to tell you."
Beca looked at Aubrey and they both moved to sit side-by-side on the end of the bed.
"What's going on, Chloe?" Aubrey asked. "What do you need to tell us?"
"You're not pregnant are you?" Beca blurted out.
Chloe frowned. "No, I'm not pregnant. I wish it was something that simple."
"Then what is it?"
Chloe inhaled through her nose and blurted out, "Tom's planning to kill his followers. Again."
Beca and Aubrey both sucked in a breath.
"Are you sure about that?" Aubrey asked.
"Yes, I'm sure," Chloe said. "He had Seth buy a bunch of wine and grape juice. That's what he did when he killed those people before we left the tent city just outside of Barden. He's going to poison the drinks and tell them they are toasting the Heavenly Father."
Beca and Aubrey didn't say anything at first. Both were thinking back to the day they found the bodies in the tent city. A shiver went through both as they remembered.
"Chlo?" Beca said. "Not that I'm not glad you're alive, but why didn't Tom kill you when he killed the others? Didn't you drink with them?"
"I did," Chloe said tearfully. "But Tom wa-wanted me for himself and so he kept drinks for him, me, Seth, and Mary separate from the others. I f-f-found out later that my wine had been dosed with enough sleeping pills to knock me out but not kill me. Tom did it so that he and Seth could get the guys patrolling the ground into the tent and ki-kill them, too. He only wanted his devout followers to live."
Chloe hung her head, shamed by what she had been a part of.
"We should go to the police," Aubrey said. "You need to tell them what you know so they can stop Tom before he has a chance to kill those people."
"I, I,-" Chloe stammered as tears fell down her cheeks. "I can't. I don't want to go to jail."
Aubrey put her hand on Chloe's outstretched leg. "You can tell them everything Tom did and save a bunch of people in the process. I don't think they'll put you in jail if you cooperate."
"I'm going to call my Uncle," Beca said. "He's a lawyer. He can help you figure out the best way to do this."
"That's a good idea, Beca," Aubrey said. "Chloe, do you want Beca to call her uncle?"
Chloe looked at Aubrey and then at Beca. She didn't say anything, she just nodded her head.
"I'll call him now," Beca said and stood as if to leave. "He lives in Atlanta and can be here in about an hour."
"No, wait," Chloe said, stopping Beca. "Can we call him in the morning? I'm really tired and don't feel up to it right now."
"I'll call him now and ask him to come here around ten, okay?"
"Okay," Chloe said.
Beca left the room and placed the call. She assured her uncle it could wait a few hours. He promised to be there and they ended the call.
". . .glad you're back," Aubrey said as Beca re-entered Choe's room.
Chloe didn't say anything. She and Aubrey looked at Beca.
"He'll be here at ten," Beca said, shoving her phone into her back pocket. "I'm gonna go to bed. I'm tired, too. I'll see you later, Chloe."
"Please stay," Chloe said as Beca turned to leave. "Please?"
"I don't think the bed is big enough for the three of us, Chlo," Beca said chuckling softly.
"Oh, I'm not staying in here," Aubrey said and stood. "I'm sleeping downstairs."
"But, I thought-. You know what? Never mind," Beca said. "Why don't you use my bed? It will be more comfortable."
"Thanks, Beca, I think I will," Aubrey said, squeezing Beca's arm as she left the room. "Goodnight, you two."
"Goodnight, Aubrey," Beca said.
"Goodnight, Brey."
Aubrey left and Beca stood awkwardly in the middle of the room. Chloe gave her a small smile and lifted the blankets and made space for her.
Beca kicked off her shoes and climbed into bed. Chloe wrapped herself around Beca as Beca laid on her back.
Chloe sighed when Beca put her arms around her. "I finally feel safe."
~~ Pitch Perfect Horror Week 2021 - Day 7 ~~
The next morning, Beca's uncle arrived at the Bellas House. Aubrey went to wake Beca and Chloe.
"Beca," Aubrey called softly from Chloe's bedroom door. Beca didn't stir so she walked over to the bed. "Beca, wake up."
Beca slowly opened her eyes to find Chloe staring at her. Chloe looked up at Aubrey and Beca turned to do the same.
"Your uncle's here," Aubrey said. "Get dressed and I'll see you both downstairs."
"Okay," Beca said, getting out of the bed. "We'll be down in twenty."
Aubrey smiled and left the room, softly closing the door. Beca turned to look at Chloe.
"I can't believe it's already ten," Chloe said. "I haven't slept that well in months."
"Me, either," Beca said. "Do you need something to change into? I'm sure I have something that will fit you."
"That would be great," Chloe said.
"Okay," Beca said. "I'll get you something and be right back."
Beca left and quickly gathered what Chloe would need. She ran back to Chloe's room and handed Chloe the clothes.
"Thanks," Chloe said.
Beca left and went back to her room. After she had dressed she hurried back down to Chloe's and lightly tapped on the door.
"You ready, Chlo?"
The door opened and Chloe stepped out. "Let's do this."
Beca smiled as she and Chloe went downstairs. Beca introduced her Uncle Vinny to Chloe.
"Is there somewhere private where Chloe and I can talk?" Uncle Vinny asked.
"You can use the study room," Beca said, pointing to a door off to the side.
Chloe and Vinny walked over to the room and entered.
"Let's make something to eat," Aubrey said, looking at the girls. "I know Beca and Chloe must be starving."
"I could eat," Beca said.
The girls filed into the kitchen and sat around the table.
"Your lawyer uncle's name is Vinny, huh?" Stacie said, giggling.
"Why is that funny?" Beca asked.
"It would be funnier if he was your cousin," CR said, chuckling.
The other girls started laughing as well. Beca just stared at them.
"I don't get it."
"Oh, my God," Jessica said. "You really don't like watching movies, do you? My Cousin Vinny is a classic. I'm sure you've at least heard of it."
"Nope, doesn't ring a bell," Beca said, shaking her head.
The girls then proceeded to try and explain the movie to Beca.
~~ Pitch Perfect Horror Week 2021 - Day 7 ~~
It had been two hours since Chloe and Vinny started talking. Beca was pacing back and forth in the living room, chewing on her thumbnail, and constantly looking at the study door.
"Beca, sit down," Fat Amy said. "You're making us all more nervous."
"I can't help it," Beca said. "Chloe's been through a lot and I just want to be there for her."
"You are," Aubrey said. "And Chloe knows that."
"I feel like-"
Beca's gaze shot to the study door when she heard it open.
"Thank you, Mr. Mitchell," Chloe said as she exited the room.
"You're welcome, Miss Beale," Vinny said. "Do you want to say goodbye before we go?"
"What?" Beca said. "Goodbye? Where is she going?"
"I, um, I have to go to the police station," Chloe said. "To tell them about Tom."
"I called them while Chloe and I were speaking," Vinny said. "They want to talk to her as soon as possible so they hopefully stop Tom from doing what Chloe said he plans to do."
"Can she at least eat first?" Aubrey asked. "We made soup and sandwiches."
"I'll just take a sandwich with me," Chloe said, looking at Vinny. "If that's okay?"
"That's fine," Vinny said.
Aubrey rushed into the kitchen and put a couple of sandwiches in a bag and grabbed two bottles of water. She went back to the living room and handed the bag and water to Chloe.
"I packed enough for both of you," Aubrey said as Chloe took the food.
"Thank you," Chloe whispered.
Vinny opened the door and before Chloe could walk out, Beca ran over to her and pulled Chloe into her arms.
"No matter what happens, I'll be here waiting for you," Beca whispered.
Chloe let a small sob escape as she hugged Beca tighter. Beca pulled out of the hug and looked at her uncle.
"Take good care of her, Uncle Vinny," Beca said. "Let me know when you're done."
"Will do, Beca," Vinny said, giving Beca a quick hug.
Chloe followed Vinny out the door and Beca slumped into the nearest chair. She put her head in her hands and stared down at the floor as tears burned her eyes.
"She's going to be fine, Beca," Emily said.
Beca wiped her eyes and looked at Emily with a smile. "I know," was all she said.
~~ Pitch Perfect Horror Week 2021 - Day 7 ~~
Chloe and Vinny had been gone for quite a while. Beca was still beside herself with worry.
"Come eat, Beca," Aubrey said. "You'll need to keep up your strength."
"I'm not hungry," Beca said dismissively.
"I didn't ask if you were," Aubrey retorted, staring at Beca.
Beca stared back; neither one blinking.
"Find," Beca finally said.
Aubrey smirked and headed for the kitchen; Beca followed. They both stopped when there was a knock at the door.
"I'll get it," Beca said, veering off in that direction.
She opened the door to find her Uncle Vinny standing there; alone. Beca stepped out and looked around.
"Where's Chloe?"
"The police took her into custody," Vinny said.
"What!? Why?!" Beca yelled. "This is bullshit!"
"May I come in so I can explain?"
Beca allowed him to enter as Aubrey and Stacie came out to see why Beca was yelling. They saw Vinny, but not Chloe.
"Where's Chloe?" Aubrey asked.
"My Uncle Vinny was about to explain why the cops took Chloe into custody," Beca said tersely.
"What?"
"Why would they do that?"
"It was for her own protection," Vinny said.
"Why does she need protection?" Beca asked. "Is it because of Tom? Did he threaten her? I'll kill him before I let him get near her again!"
"Calm down, Beca," Vinny said. "Chloe told them a bunch of stuff about Tom and some of his followers. Some bad stuff I can't give you any specifics about. The police thought it best if they took Chloe into protective custody until they had Tom and the others in custody."
"Is she okay?" Beca asked.
"She's fine," Vinny said. "Once they have everyone arrested, she'll be allowed to come home."
"That could take a while," Aubrey said. "Can we see her at the jail?"
"No," Vinny said. "They're going to move her to a safer location and don't want anyone to know where she is. I'll be informed of her location but will not be telling anyone." He paused and looked directly at Beca as he added, "Anyone where she is."
The other Bellas came from the kitchen and stood behind Stacie and Aubrey. Beca frowned at her uncle and crossed her arms over her chest.
"I don't care where she is as long as I know she's safe," Beca said.
"She's safe," Vinny reassured Beca and the others. "I promise."
Beca looked at her Uncle Vinny.
"What else is there?" Beca said. "I feel like you're leaving something out."
"I forget we're family and you know me so well," Vinny said with a smile. "Chloe may need to stay in protective custody for longer than just until Tom is arrested."
"Why?" Aubrey asked. "Are Tom and his people that bad?"
"Yes, they are that bad," Vinny said. "Tom will be charged with murder, armed robbery, and, um, child rape. The others will be arrested for the same since they are accomplices or participants in those acts."
"Oh, my God!" several Bellas cried out.
"Child rape?" Stacie muttered, shaking her head. "Sick bastards."
"If Tom is arrested and they can't find the others," Vinny went on to explain. "Chloe would still be in danger from them. The good news is, if Tom pleads guilty to everything or another of his followers turns on him, Chloe will still have to testify but they don't think she'll have to worry about anyone coming after her."
Beca breathed in through her nose and let it out slowly. "Was Chloe able to tell the police where Tom and his goons can be found?"
"Yes," Vinny said. "That's why I'm hopeful this can all be over very soon."
Beca looked over at Aubrey and the rest of the Bellas. They were looking back at her expectantly.
"I guess we'll finish dinner and hope the cops don't fuck it all up," Beca said. "Care to join us, Uncle Vinny?"
"Maybe some other time," Vinny said. "I should get home."
"Okay," Beca said. "I'll see you out."
Beca looked at Aubrey as she walked past.
"Come on, girls," Aubrey said, clapping her hands together reminiscent of her time as the Bellas Captain. "Let's eat before it gets any colder."
The Bellas slowly walked back to the kitchen. Aubrey looked back over her shoulder to see Beca standing outside the door with her uncle.
"I wanted to thank you, Uncle Vinny," Beca said. "Chloe really needed someone on her side to make her feel like things were going to be okay."
"I thought that's what you and those girls were for," Vinny said with a smile. "She, uh, she talked about you on the ride to the police station."
Beca didn't say anything, she just stared down at the ground.
"Despite what's happening to her right now," Vinny said. "She seems like a really good person."
"She is," Beca said, bringing her head up to look at her uncle. "There's no one better than Chloe."
"She said the same of you," Vinny said. He took a moment and then said, "I know it's probably not my place, but I think that girl has feelings for you. Strong feelings."
"She's my best friend," Beca said.
"Is that all she is?" Vinny asked as he turned toward the steps. "I'd better go."
Beca surprised them both by grabbing her Uncle Vinny in a hug.
"Thanks!" Beca said as she pulled back from the hug.
"I'll talk to you soon," Vinny said.
"Bye, Uncle Vinny."
~~ Pitch Perfect Horror Week 2021 - Day 7 ~~
The Bellas were sitting around trying to decide what to watch on Netflix. Beca was still riled up over what little they learned about what Chloe had been through.
"I swear Tom is the devil incarnate," Beca said to no one in particular. "He's walking evil."
"I don't think anyone here disagrees with you, Beca," Stacie said.
"In my country," Flo said. "He would be executed just for thinking about touching a child inappropriately."
"I sometimes wish that happened in this country," Ashley said. "There is nothing worst than someone who rapes or murders a child."
"It makes me wonder," Beca said. "What was Tom like when Chloe dated him? What did she see in him? And why did she break up with him in the first place? Did he show signs of what he was becoming? Or was it something else?"
"Not something, someone," Fat Amy said.
"Amy!" Aubrey whisper-yelled.
"What?" Fat Amy asked with a shrug. "I didn't say who did I?"
"What are you talking about, Amy?" Beca asked.
"She's not talking about anything," Aubrey cut in, glaring at Fat Amy. "Are you, Amy?"
"It was nothing. I'm sorry I said anything," Fat Amy said, looking down at her hands in her lap.
"Aubrey, could I speak to you in the kitchen?" Beca asked as she stood.
"Sure," Aubrey responded, standing as well. "Lead the way."
Beca went to the kitchen; Aubrey followed.
"What's up?" Aubrey asked.
"My Uncle Vinny said something before he left," Beca said. "And I wanted to ask you, um, I want you to be totally honest with me here, okay?"
"Okay," Aubrey said.
"Do you think Chloe has, um, feelings for me?" Beca asked her cheeks pink. "And, I'm not talking about I'm her best friend kind of feelings."
Aubrey smiled as she looked at Beca.
"Not to betray my best friend," Aubrey said. "But, yes, I do believe she has strong not-so-best-friend type feelings for you. How do you feel about that?"
"I feel, um, pretty good about that," Beca said. "I have some strong not-so-best-friend type feelings for her, too."
"I know," Aubrey said.
"How could you know that?" Beca was surprised by Aubrey's admission. "I didn't know what my feelings were until over the summer. My mom actually called me out on them. And now, you and my Uncle Vinny."
Aubrey didn't say anything at first, but the smile never left her face.
"What are you going to do about it?"
Beca stared blankly at Aubrey. Aubrey waited patiently as Beca took a moment to think about it.
"I, uh, I should probably tell her," Beca finally said.
"I think that's a great idea," Aubrey responded. "Let's go see what movie we're watching."
Beca followed Aubrey out and the Bellas started chuckling as soon as she stepped into the room.
"What?" Beca asked.
Aubrey sat down and started chuckling when she looked at the TV.
"It looks like we're going to watch My Cousin Vinny."
Beca gave the girls her resting bitch face and sat down next to Aubrey. Stacie hit play and the girls settled back to watch, including Beca.
~~ Pitch Perfect Horror Week 2021 - Day 7 ~~
It had been a week since Chloe had been put into protective custody.
Four days after Chloe's interview with the police, the police raided Tom's camp, and the arrest of Tom and his, for lack of a better term, team had been all over the news for a couple of days now. The police managed to get to the camp before Tom could carry out his plans to kill his followers. Once they had Tom in custody, they made arrangements and sent everyone back home to their families and loved ones. Tom and his team were taken to jail and denied bail the same night.
Beca still had not heard anything about Chloe. She was on the phone with Aubrey, talking about starting up Bellas rehearsals to try and get back to some sort of normalcy.
"I think that's a great idea, Beca," Aubrey said. "I'm on my way to Barden now and we can talk more when I get there."
"Oh, okay," Beca said. "See you in a bit."
Beca ended the call and put her phone in her pocket. A few minutes later, Beca heard a car outside and went to the door, surprised Aubrey was there already.
Beca was doubly surprised when Chloe got out of Aubrey's car and was making her way up the walk to the house.
"Chloe!" Beca yelled and sprinted out the door and down the steps, meeting Chloe halfway up the walk.
Chloe grabbed Beca, wrapping her arms around Beca's neck. Beca wrapped her arms around Chloe's waist and pulled her closer. Beca pulled her head back and stared into Chloe's eyes.
"I love you," Beca said.
Chloe didn't say anything, she just leaned in and crushed their lips together.
Aubrey smiled as she made her way past them, continuing up the steps to stand with the rest of the Bellas.
Beca kissed Chloe back. They only stopped when breathing became an issue. Chloe leaned her forehead against Beca's.
"I love you, too," Chloe said.
"How are you here right now?" Beca asked.
"Let's go inside so I can tell everyone at the same time," Chloe said.
"Kiss me again," Beca said, smiling at Chloe.
"My pleasure," Chloe said, placing her lips on Beca's.
The Bellas continued to watch for a moment before making their way back inside. Beca and Chloe kissed for another minute or two before following the girls inside.
"So, how are you here right now?" Beca asked again.
"Tom confessed to everything and threw all his accomplices under the bus with him," Chloe said. "With all that, I wasn't needed anymore so I was let go. I called Brey to pick me up so I could surprise you all."
"I was happy to do it," Aubrey said, smiling at Beca and Chloe.
"So, that's it?" Stacie asked. "You're back and everything can return to normal."
"Yep," Chloe said.
"What's going on with you two?" Fat Amy asked, pointing between Beca and Chloe. "Because that kiss was not normal."
"But, it was hot," Stacie added.
"Yeah, it was," Chloe said, smiling when she saw Beca's face redden.
~~ Pitch Perfect Horror Week 2021 - Day 7 ~~
Six months later, Beca and Chloe were cuddled together on Chloe's bed watching a video of their latest rehearsal to see where they could make some improvements.
"There," Beca pointed to the screen. "Right there is where we need to change the choreography. It looks awkward or something. I'm not sure how to explain it."
"I see what you're saying," Chloe said. "I'll work with Stac-"
"You guys," Stacie screamed as she burst into the room, slamming the door against the wall. "Did you hear? It's all over the news."
"Hear what?" Beca asked.
"Tom and the other creeps got life in prison for every person they killed in the tent city," Stacie said. "They are to run concurrently. The prosecutors wanted the death penalty for the rapes but the judge wouldn't allow it as an option."
"My Uncle Vinny explained that to us," Beca said. "That's why the prosecutors opted to drop the rape charges and go for the murders. That way they'll never get out of prison."
"Oh, yeah," Stacie said. "Emily said to tell you that dinner should be ready in about half an hour."
"Thanks, Stacie," Beca said. "Just call us when it's ready, okay?"
"You got it, Captain," Stacie said and left the room.
Beca closed her laptop and moved it off Chloe's lap.
"Are you okay?" Beca asked. "You didn't say anything about what Stacie told us."
"I'm in shock, I guess," Chloe said. "It's over. It's really over."
"Yep," Beca said. "It's really over."
"Thank, God," Chloe said, pulling Beca into a kiss.
"Mmmm," Beca said, returning the kiss.
Chloe finally ended the kiss.
"I love you."
"I love you, too."