Notes: … and we're back! Thank you everyone for the well wishes. I'm feeling much better now. I needed to update my eyeglass prescription. I'm sure you're all aware bechloe week just happened and there was a lot of content. It took some time to rewire my brain back to this AU. I'm guessing this'll just be another two to three chapters but let's see how we go. Always love hearing from you all.
Summary: There will be more of the complicated love-hate relationship of Chloe and Kommissar. Someone goes missing. Chloe has a job to do. Beca will have her doubts and an unexpected visitor. Usual trigger warnings: mentions of death, blood, beating, stabbing, torture, kidnapping and guns.
Chapter 12: Predictions and miscalculations
Chloe woke up when water was splashed on her face. The first thing she felt was her eyes was heavy. She could barely open her left eye and her throat was so dry then there was pain coming from everywhere but she felt it from her wrists the most.
Her wrists were tied above her head with her feet barely touching the ground. Chloe starts groaning in pain and tried her best to find her balance on her tippy toes.
She was in a dimly lit room with no furniture, no windows and one door. There were about five other people in the room with her. One of them approached her but she couldn't see his face.
"Twelve of our highly capable men are dead because of you. I couldn't believe it when they told me. Even as I'm looking at you now, I still can't believe it. But twelve of them are dead and here you are alive."
Chloe's training kicked in but she was too weak. She had a hard time recognising the accent, it sounded American mixed with something else. She was in too much pain to focus on anything else. This wasn't the first time she was held hostage but it was the first time she was while being off duty.
Chloe tried to speak but starts coughing instead. She could see her captors look around amongst themselves when she wouldn't stop coughing.
She could sense they wanted to help her but they were reluctant to go near her. It was as if they were scared of her.
"Look. We will cut you loose and give you something to drink. But you do anything and I swear to god I'm throwing our orders out the window, we will kill you right here."
Chloe could only nod in between her coughing fit. What did they think she was going to do?
With one nod from who Chloe presumed to be their leader, one of them approached her and rid her wrists of the nylon zip ties around it. Chloe fell to the floor with a thud. She winced in pain as she quickly assessed her injuries better.
There was definitely some sharp pain on the right side of her abdomen. She reached out and felt the cut. Before she could say anything or look up to her captors, she passed out once again.
Beca was awake before her alarm the following morning. She took this time to catch up with Chloe. They stayed cuddled up to each other. Despite knowing that the apartment was filled with listening devices, Beca couldn't bring herself to care anymore. Last night was perfect and this morning is being just as good. They were just talking. Beca was fully awake and had been staring at Chloe who was half awake and half asleep.
They were laughing and giggling as Chloe was trying her best to tell Beca about what she's been up to at work and about how her parents were planning to visit them. Chloe yawned and snuggled to Beca.
"I offered for them to stay here. I hope that's okay."
"Of course it's okay, Chlo."
Chloe then scrunches her nose and Beca just knows that she could feel her staring. Chloe then bit the insides of her cheeks to keep from smiling.
"I can feel you staring you know. What is it? You're giving me creepy vibes again." Chloe mumbled with her eyes closed.
Beca had to laugh at that. It was one of their many inside jokes. She kissed Chloe's forehead where the faint hint of her scar was. "It's time to get up."
Chloe laughed and snuggled into Beca. "No no no. Let's go back to sleep."
"Babe it's a work day. We have to get up."
"Actually you have to get up. My boss won't mind if I'm a little late this morning." Chloe says not moving away from Beca.
Beca shakes her head but holds on to Chloe. "Well I don't think my boss will be very happy with me if I'm late again cause of my girlfriend."
Chloe looks up to Beca with groggy eyes. "Again? Excuse you. I never make you late."
Chloe starts to pull away but Beca holds her to place. "Wait wait. I can spare a few more minutes."
They lay like that in silence for a bit. Chloe didn't try to go back to sleep.
"Hey what are you doing tonight?" Chloe asked Beca.
"Working." Beca regretted her short answer. "Why what's up?"
"I'm hanging out at Lill's tonight. You haven't met her. It'll be nice if you could come by."
"What's the occasion? Is it her birthday?"
"No it's not. We're just hanging out. So don't feel bad if you can't make it."
Beca knows Chloe doesn't mean anything by it but she suddenly feels a little defensive. "It's not that. But yeah I'll see what I can do. What time?"
"I'm going there straight from work. Luke will be there too and I think he's bringing his other friends from the hospital so he won't be bothering us much."
"Okay. I won't make any promises but I will call you if I can make it. I think I made plans with Jess."
"You don't sound so sure."
Beca laughed. "Cause I'm not sure if it's tonight or tomorrow."
"Oh well then either way, maybe you two can try and follow after your catch up. You can invite Ash too. But no pressure, there's always other nights."
"Yeah okay. I think they'll like that." Beca then remembered Chloe's conversation with her mother. "I'm really sorry I've been busy. I'll make it up to you I promise."
"No need to say sorry. I understand. I really do. I'm not going to make a fuss about it yet."
Beca kissed Chloe on the head and tried to get up but Chloe wouldn't budge. "Now I really have to go."
Chloe eventually rolled over to her other side and groaned. "It hasn't even been a few minutes."
Beca chuckled at that. She looks at Chloe for one more second and leans in about to whisper something in her ear but decided not to say anything. She didn't want anyone else to hear it. She wanted it to be just between her and Chloe. Instead she gives Chloe another kiss before getting up.
Chloe's assignment was happening in less than a week. She was going to spend the next few days camped in her office to study the brief. Kommissar as usual already set up their headquarters but they figured it would be too suspicious if Chloe didn't spend much time in her studio.
They also had to figure out a solid alibi for her especially now that the FBI's been watching her. She kept the studio open and she attended to customers just the same. She also had a number of photo shoots throughout the week.
Chloe always trusted her instincts. She felt good about this assignment but that's the thing. Feeling good makes her feel uneasy about it as well. There is no such thing as too easy.
It wasn't until Beca saw Jessica that she remembered.
"You wanna go for a walk and grab coffee?" Jessica offered.
They walked around for a little while in silence with their coffees. They found themselves in a park close to their building and settled on one of the benches facing a pond.
"You can talk to me or not if you don't want to but please know I'm here for you."
"I know that and I really appreciate it. I honestly don't what to think at this point. I hate the fact that I'm suspecting her or that we're investigating her. I am the worst girlfriend. I'm so scared that she'll find out and never forgive me for it."
"I don't think that'll happen."
Beca buried her face in her hands.
"Can I ask you something? I just need to know this. I won't judge you for whatever you will say. I just want you to be honest with me."
"Okay." Beca looked up to her.
"If god forbid this turned out for the worse, whose side will you be on?"
"I think you're asking the wrong question, Jess. I'm always going to be on her side."
"Even if she turns out to be the reaper we've been hunting for years? A killer? I don't mean to add to any more of your burden. But I feel like I have to be your reason here. Your feelings for her and your relationship are obviously clouding your judgment."
"Do you really think Chloe's guilty? Do you think she's a part of all this? And worse do you actually believe that she's the reaper? Cause it seems like I'm the only one who believes Chloe's innocent."
"That's what we're trying to find out, right? I just want to make sure that you understand the implications of if we do find out Chloe has anything to do with this."
"Do you think I don't know that? I think about it all the time. I know there have been a lot of questionable circumstances with Chloe. That's what led me to bug her place to begin with. Maybe it's true she was a member of the Special Forces and that she knew Kommissar. That doesn't mean she's the reaper. "
"For your sake I really hope so. I just really need you to understand there is a possibility that she is. And speaking of the bugs in the apartment, last night…"
"Oh my god. I was hoping you wouldn't bring that up." Beca looked away from Jessica and blushed in an instant.
Jessica started laughing. "You're the one who did and don't worry. I kicked everyone out before they heard anything."
"But you stayed and listened? Jess that's so weird!"
"Someone had to do it."
"Oh my god. Can we stop talking about it now? Come on, let's go back before Posen notices we've been gone too long."
Aubrey does notice the two were gone for too long and called them to her office as soon as they got back.
"Please sit. I hope you enjoyed your little coffee run."
Beca and Jessica didn't say anything and just sat across from Aubrey.
"I want you two to visit Ms. Hicks, the witness, today. Show her a few photos and see if she can pick out Chloe. She did see her face, right? At the night of the murder?"
Beca and Jessica exchanged looks. "I don't think that's necessary, Ma'am."
"And why is that Mitchell?"
"Cause the witness has seen and met Chloe."
"What? When?"
"Remember when you gave me permission for her to stay under my protection for a few days, Chloe was there too. They've met and there's nothing."
"How could you put her life in danger like that?"
"It wasn't and as you know, she's safely back in our custody."
"All the more I want to talk to her then. Bring her in."
"For what? If Chloe was the reaper she should've identified her right then and there."
"Or she was too afraid to even speak up. Look back and think hard Mitchell. Do you remember anything at all about how the witness was towards Chloe and vice versa?"
"No. She was scared but that's only natural in the situation she's in. I would never risk her life like that."
Aubrey stared at Beca long. "Still. Bring her in. I want to see for myself. Smith you interview her. Mitchell I don't want you in that room."
"This is still my investigation." Beca said with her voice slightly raised.
"And I don't want you compromising it more than you have already. Here." Aubrey handed Beca a file. "That's the security detail for the Governor's visit. That should keep you busy. The venue isn't cast in stone yet. Her team insists to do it outside in the open. We have to convince them to have it in an auditorium or a convention centre instead."
Beca grabbed the file and stood up. There was no point in arguing. It wasn't worth it.
"Would that be all Ma'am?"
"Yes you can go."
Chloe closed up for the day right on the dot and went straight to Lilly's pub. She was hanging out in the back office while Lilly was doing some prep. Chloe had her usual drink in her hand and took a long sip. For the first time in a while she was feeling relaxed.
She had her eyes closed when she heard Lilly come in chuckling. "Long day?"
"Do you have any idea how suffocating it is in my apartment and studio right now with all those bugs they put in place?"
"I'm sure they'll take it down in a week or two."
"They better or I think I'm gonna start to lose it."
Lilly sat on the couches beside Chloe and waits for a few moments. "So do you want the good news or the bad news?"
"No. No talk about work. Tonight is my night off. I don't wanna hear it."
"Promise this'll be the last one for tonight."
Chloe doesn't respond.
"I think this is the best time to tell you actually."
Chloe sighed. "Okay. Fine. Hit me with the good stuff first then."
"It appears like the Governor is giving her speech outside the building. They're setting up the stage as we speak. Hopefully they won't switch it up last minute."
"You do know it doesn't really matter. We'll get the job done. And the bad?" Chloe stands up and helps herself with another drink.
"I think some agents have been lurking around your warehouse. But after further checking, I don't think the people lurking were federal agents."
"Do you want one?"
"I'm good thanks I'm working tonight."
Chloe finished pouring her drink. "The warehouse isn't a secret and Beca knows about it. I didn't even bother to check if they had that bugged too. I put everything on hold while they're watching me."
"I know how much you prepare for every job. It's your attention to every detail. That's why you're so good at what you do. But if these people are not with the FBI, don't you think we should look into it?"
"Yes we should. But there's nothing in the warehouse to be worried about right now and work is all I did today so please no more talk about work?"
Lilly didn't want to let the topic go but Chloe was right. It wasn't urgent yet. "Alright fine no more talk about work. How are you? Beca still coming tonight?"
"She says she'll try."
Chloe is in an unusual position. She can't really do anything about Beca being busy since she's technically busy because of her. She also doesn't want to demand something that she can't give Beca sometimes.
"What time is Luke arriving? I'm surprised he's not here yet."
"Not 'til after 8. So you have a few hours to yourself. Help yourself with whatever you like. You know where to find me."
"Thanks Lil. I really appreciate it. I might actually doze off for a bit. I'll come out in an hour."
"Sure. Take your time."
Beca's been staring at the wall clock for the whole afternoon. The morning went by quick. After she's reviewed the file three times, she spent most of her day thinking about when Emma was over at her place and all her interactions with Chloe that she could remember. Then she's watched and rewatched her interview with Jessica earlier today.
It was unremarkable. What were they expecting? It was frustrating. Emma even asked if they could let her go already. She requested if she could be moved to Boston to at least be closer to her family, which was reasonable. Beca was genuinely surprised that Aubrey agreed. That was the only silver lining from today.
It turned out it was Jessica and Ashley's date night so Beca was excited to meet up with Chloe. Chloe already texted to let her know that she was already at the pub. Beca called Chloe as soon as she got in her car but her call went straight to voicemail.
"Hey Chlo. Just wanted to let you know that I'm leaving the office now. I just need to grab something back in my house quickly then change. Maybe shower? I should be there in an hour tops."
Beca was feeling a little more nervous than excited. She always likes to meet more of Chloe's people. She was also really glad that she was able to make it tonight. She knows Chloe understands her work but she still wanted to be present. It was when she dropped her keys on the counter when the hairs on the back of her neck rise.
Beca turns around. It was too late to reach for her gun. There was already one directly pointed at her.
"Good evening detective."
Kommissar was standing in the middle of Beca's living room with her gun at Beca in one hand and a picture frame of Beca and Chloe together that was on the coffee table in the other. Beca could feel the blood drain from her face.
"Who are you?"
Kommissar looked down at Beca's gun. "Your gun." Kommissar points to the table. "Let's be smart here."
Beca does what she's told and puts her gun between them and raised her hands to show she wasn't a threat.
"And your phone?"
Beca reached for her phone carefully and slowly placed it on the table as well. She made sure not to make any sudden movements. "Who are you?"
Kommissar starts to laugh. "That's funny. You know who I am. Anyway sorry about this." Kommissar nods to her gun. "I wasn't sure if you were going to be happy to see me or not. I know you've been looking for me so here I am."
Beca went wide-eyed. "Kommissar?"
"So you do know who I am. Yes. The one and only." Kommissar then sits on the couch and crossed her legs. "I hope you don't mind that I keep this out. I don't trust you yet."
"Is it really you? But what are you doing here?"
"Isn't it obvious? Now come sit and let's talk." Kommissar offers Beca the seat across from her and smiles when she set down the frame she was holding back to its place. "You make a beautiful couple by the way."
"Do you know the girl in the picture?"
"Isn't she your girlfriend?"
"What do you want? Are you here to kill me?"
Kommissar laughed out loud. "Don't be ridiculous. Why would I do that? What am I supposed to gain from killing you? You alive or dead doesn't matter to me."
"Then why are you here?"
"Like I said. To talk. Now sit."
Beca didn't move. Kommissar rolled her eyes. "If it makes you feel better, I'm putting my gun away. I promise I'm not here to kill you. But I'm starting to hope you do something stupid so I can at least hit you."
Beca took a deep breath. She focused on not showing any signs of fear. Kommissar was a good head taller than her. She was very intimidating. Her blonde hair was neatly pulled back in a bun and there was not a single strand out of place. But Kommissar did have a point. There was nothing to be gained from her death. So Beca steeled herself and sat.
Kommissar was pleased and waited for Beca to say something. They stared at each other at first then Kommissar started looking around the apartment while waiting.
She counted up to ten seconds in her head before looking at Beca again. "Well? Don't you have any questions for me? Time's ticking detective."
"Why are you here?"
"I want to make a deal. Your team's looking for me, correct?"
"How would you even know that we were?"
"Everyone's looking for me. But I choose who gets to find me."
"They say you were in the Special Forces. Is that true?"
"One of the most secretive and elite military units in the world. Careful detective. You wouldn't want to be involved with something like that."
Beca lets it go for now. "So about this deal. What kind of deal?"
"We'll get to it. I know you have more questions."
She knew Kommissar was planning something but Beca takes the bait anyway. "For the past two years, we have been investigating almost 30 unsolved murders and counting around the country. Same gun, same method. Do you know anything about that?"
Kommissar laughs again and it brings chills to Beca. "I forget how pathetic cops ask questions. You guys really are the worst."
Beca had a fair amount of experience in interviewing witnesses, suspects and persons of interest. Kommissar would have to be the toughest one by far.
She ignored her. "Salazo. Who was he to you?"
Kommissar's composed herself again. "You have to be more specific. If you mean the cartel, I know of it."
"We have photos confirming that you made contact with Ralph Salazo. You knew him. Did you work for him? Were you working together or did he work for you?"
"I've been in the game for a long time. I knew the Salazos. Ralph Salazo was my friend."
Beca noted how she used the past tense. She knows he's died.
"Ralph Salazo was found dead over a month ago now. Did you have anything to do with it?"
"It's no secret that Ralph was a snitch. There were a lot of people after him even before they knew that he was one. He betrayed his whole family; his whole organisation. The moment he gave FBI information, he signed his own death warrant. He should've known better."
"Did someone pay you to kill him?"
Kommissar smirked and made sure Beca was looking at her when she answered. "No one paid me to do it."
"So you did kill him."
"What would you do if I say yes?"
"Are you responsible for the multiple unsolved murders we're investigating?"
"I want to know what you think."
Beca's still finding it hard to believe that Kommissar was confessing everything to her in the middle of her living room. She has heard hundreds of confessions and there's always that feeling that she gets.
Something in her gut is telling her this isn't a confession although it surely seems like one.
Kommissar was enjoying Beca's silence. She knew her mind must be whirling like crazy. Kommissar can hear a lot in her silence.
"Let me make your job more complicated as it is. Let's say I am a hitman, a hired contract killer. Whoever hired me is just as liable. If you catch the hitman, they'll just hire another one. It doesn't matter."
"Would you agree to come in and give an official statement? We can offer you full immunity if you tell us anything and everything about everyone who's hired you."
Beca's phone suddenly rings. They both look at it. Beca wants to reach for it so bad but she doesn't want to provoke Kommissar. But she also knew Kommissar had also seen who was calling her. It was Chloe. They let it ring and ring until it stopped.
Kommissar had that look again. "You know what. I love games. Don't you love games? I think we should play one."
"What game?"
"On Saturday, you are aware the Governor will be giving a speech in front of hundreds of people, maybe a thousand."
Beca doesn't like where this is heading.
"Your objective in this game is to protect the Governor at all costs. Keep her safe. If you win, then I'll come in and give my statement."
"Are you saying what I think you're saying?"
Kommissar didn't answer Beca and kept going. "Here are the rules. It's rather simple. If you catch me, you win. If the Governor is left unscathed, you win. My goal is to not let you win. But don't worry. There'll be plenty more of other games after that. I hope you're not a sore loser."
"I don't like games."
"I see you're no fun. That's too bad cause we're playing the game whether you like it or not. You don't even have to keep this a secret. You can tell anyone you like about this. I don't really care."
"Why are you telling me all this?"
"Like I said. I love games."
Beca's phone starts to ring a second time and Chloe's name appears again bright and clear.
"It seems like you have somewhere you have to be. I have to go anyway. This has been entertaining at least. It's nice to finally meet you detective."
"No wait. Tell me more about the game. Meet with me again. Set a time and place and I'll be there."
Kommissar stood up. "That's not how this works. Don't miss me too much I'm sure I'll see you again soon. Say hi to your girlfriend for me." She says glancing at the phone on the table.
"Now stay where you are 'til you hear the door close. You move, I shoot. Am I clear?"
Beca nodded and Kommissar casually walked out. She wasn't in any rush. Beca was left sitting there. She was frozen in her place, too scared to move and she held her breath until she heard the door click. She then stared at the empty seat across from her as the realization of what just happened hit her.
She doesn't know how long she stayed there. She jumped when her phone rang. It was Chloe again. She couldn't avoid her girlfriend forever so she reached for it and saw that her hand was shaking. She used both hands to press the phone on her ear.
"I'm so sorry Chlo."
"Hey. Is everything okay? I've been trying to reach you. It's close to two hours now since you last called."
"I'm so sorry. Something came up at work. I'm not going to make it tonight. Can you apoligise to Lilly for me?"
"Oh okay sure. That's okay. I didn't mean to nag. I was just wondering where you were. A text wouldn't hurt."
Beca took a deep breath and cleared her throat. "I know I know. I'm really sorry. I got caught up. What time will you be home you think?"
"I don't know yet. But I'm not staying out too late."
"Okay. This might be an all-nighter. Don't wait up for me. I'll see you in the morning, okay?"
"Okay."
Chloe hung up the phone whether it was intentional or not. Beca just wanted to be with Chloe and have a fun time but how could she when the reaper just literally visited her. And let's not forget the small possibility that Chloe and Kommissar know each other.
Chloe sounded disappointed but that was expected. Beca had no time to dwell on Chloe and how to make it up to her. She called Jessica and Aubrey next asking them to meet her in the office. It was urgent enough. She couldn't help being wary of her surroundings. She felt like she was being watched. She shuddered at the thought of Kommissar watching her.
When Chloe ended the call, she caught Lilly looking at her and shook her head. Beca wasn't coming. She downed her drink and asked for another glass. She let out a sigh. Maybe she was just missing Beca.
"I'm sorry Chlo. I have some good news though."
"I said no more talk about work."
"Your gun's here. We can pick it up in the morning."
Chloe sighed. "At least something's going right."
Chloe ended up staying over at Lilly's and Beca with her team pulled an all-nighter at the office. Beca was glad that her team and superiors believed her when she said Kommissar came to see her. She was more relieved that they believed her when she told them about Kommissar's threats on the Governor's life.
Beca barely had any sleep. Today was going to be full on. They were going to meet with the Governor's team to convince them there was a threat without giving away their source. They needed everyone to be on board in order to make sure the Governor's safe.
It was about less than an hour before their meeting when she saw a slightly frantic Jessica in the hallway.
"Hey. Hey Jess. Breathe. What is it?"
"It's Ash. She said this morning she was following a lead. It's been hours Bec and I can't contact her. I have a bad feeling about this."
"What lead?"
"With the reaper case. She said she didn't want to be late and would tell me about it when she got back. Now her phone's turned off and I don't know where she is."
"Hey it's okay. Stop jumping to conclusions. I'm sure she's fine. Let's have our guys try to track her before she went off the grid all right?"
"I already did. They have yet to get back to me."
"Okay. That's good. That means they're working on it. I'm sure it won't be long now."
"I'm overreacting right?"
"It's okay Jess. You're obviously worried about her. We're all tired. We haven't had much sleep and things are really hectic around here right now."
"I should've gone with her. I shouldn't have allowed her to go on her own. I'll never forgive myself if anything bad happened to her."
"Hey we don't know anything yet."
"Mitchell. Smith. What are you two doing here? We are talking to the Governor in a few." Aubrey interrupted the two of them.
"Sorry Ma'am. It's Agent Jones. She's missing." Jessica said to Aubrey.
"Missing how? What do you mean she's missing?"
Jessica explained again to Aubrey what happened.
Aubrey listens to Jessica and nods. "And our guys are looking into it?"
"Yes Ma'am."
"Okay. It hasn't been that long. We give the Governor priority at the moment until we get a report about Jones. At the moment there's nothing we can do but wait. So I ask you to focus at one thing at a time. I promise you once we know more we will act. Are you good with that?"
"Yes Ma'am. Thank you. I appreciate that."
Beca reached for Jessica's hand as an attempt to comfort her.
"Good. Now let's go."
Lilly and Chloe successfully picked up the package. They met with Kommissar at their headquarters. Luke had hospital duty so it was just the three of them.
"Everything went well at the drop?"
"Yup. Any news on the venue?" Chloe asked Kommissar back.
"They're still undecided."
"What's taking them so long?"
"Who knows?"
Chloe and Lilly both wear gloves and start unpacking the gun. Chloe assembles it slowly. The gun was going to be the trickiest bit. No matter what the FBI must not get their hands on the gun. It wasn't her usual pistol; it was a more specialized rifle. Specifically, it was a designated marksman rifle with an effective range of about 300 to 600 metres. Chloe hasn't seen one of these since she was in the Special Forces.
If the FBI gets their hands on this gun, then it could potentially lead them to their suppliers and that's never good. Chloe has to make sure that doesn't happen.
"Have we heard from the client? He's still good with this?" Chloe asked Kommissar.
"Yes he's not backing out. He's going to try to send us more information when he gets it."
"Let's wait for that then. In the meantime, we're going to pick up my car then I'll be at the studio. I'll be back for this guy later to go for a test run at the range. Only contact me when you have news on the venue. Anything else can wait."
"Okay. I hope to have something by today."
Beca was barely home leading up to the Governor's speech. Chloe was trying not to think too much about it. She's gotten to learn how Beca was when she was on a mission as Chloe would call it.
They got her alibi covered. Chloe was scheduled to have a photo shoot at Ojai which is about an hour and a half drive from LA. Somewhere along the way they were going to swap cars and Chloe would be on her way to the venue. It was ultimately decided to have it outside which made Chloe's job so much more easier.
They decided to put Chloe in one of the hotel rooms, which had a full view of the stage. Chloe was currently setting up and unlike her previous jobs, she wasn't in the dark and going in solo. She had her earpiece on and was constantly communicating with Lilly and Kommissar. She was also on to make sure that she could answer in case Beca called.
Chloe checked the wall clock and it was time. The Governor should come out any minute. She looked through the scope for last minute checks and adjustments. It was all set. All she had to do now was not kill the Governor for real.
So she waited.
And waited.
And waited.
She even started to look around with her binoculars.
She pressed on her earpiece. "What's the hold up? Where the hell is my target?"
No one responds. "Hello?" Chloe repeats. "Where's everyone?"
No response. Chloe realizes she's been cut off. Something must've happened. She went for the door and took a quick peek at the peephole. She couldn't really see much much that was at least helpful. Then she pressed her other ear to the door to listen for anything. It was quiet; maybe a little too quiet.
"Fuck."
The FBI was raiding the whole building. Beca felt good about this. This was the perfect trap. They were finally going to close this case.
Beca kicked the door open and the first thing she sees is the rifle stand still in place by the window. But there was no gun. She stepped closer to the window and saw that it had the perfect view of the stage.
Beca looked around the room. She didn't leave anything else.
"Clear Ma'am."
"Dammit. She was just here I know it. Search the building!"
Beca looked around again. All she could think about was that Kommissar couldn't have gone far. She had to still be in the building. Beca had to decide whether it was through the rooftop or the basement. She could have gone outside the window. Beca considered it for a moment. She looked out the window again.
Their search was from top to bottom it had to be the basement. Beca bolted to the basement. It was dimly lit and there wasn't anyone else around. It was pure gut instincts that told her Kommissar was here somewhere.
She slowly walked around with her gun out. When she heard a motorcycle engine revving, she quickly turns to her left but the headlight blinded her. She kept her gun pointed towards the bike.
"STOP! FREEZE!"
Chloe heard the voice first. She knew that voice from anywhere. She was certain it was Beca. She then spots her in her direct line of sight. Chloe revved the engine again. She was just glad she already had her helmet on.
"Kommissar, we had a deal. The Governor's safe and I caught you." Beca took a step forward. She heard more revving and the tires screeching. Beca decided to stand in the middle of the path to try to stop Kommissar.
"I don't want to shoot you. Game over, Kommissar."
Beca could tell Kommissar was going to drive straight to her at full speed with no signs of stopping. She knows she should shoot but she couldn't pull the trigger.
Chloe heard Beca loud and clear. She honestly didn't know if Beca was going to shoot or not but her hesitation was telling. So she drives straight to Beca and Beca jumps away at the last minute. Chloe looked back to make sure Beca was okay before turning the corner and she was. Beca was already looking right back at her.
Chloe couldn't think straight. Kommissar and Beca had been talking. She wants to know every detail and for how long it's been happening. Chloe was speeding on the highway when she was able to reconnect and receive communications from Lilly and Kommissar again.
"Chloe you copy?"
"Yeah I'm here. What the fuck happened back there?"
"FBI. We'll deal with that later. Glad you're okay. We have the target's location. You up for this?"
"Tell me. Let's finish this goddamn job."
"Becs you alright?" Jessica stopped the car beside her partner. "Get in."
"She's gone. Motorbike. No plates. She turned right."
"We have a bigger problem."
"What?"
"We think she's on her way to the Governor's safe house and she's already got a ten-minute head start."
"What? How would she know where it is?"
Jessica reached for a file in the back seat and handed it over to Beca. "This is from the intelligence unit. The husband is the one who hired the reaper."
"Oh my god." Beca was flipping through financial documents, documents from his network provider. "Why? Was he having an affair? Was she having an affair?"
"No there is no affair whatsoever. This is what I can't get my head around. The report includes statements from several witnesses saying that he's been wanting her to resign and walk away from politics."
"So why would he want her dead?" Beca asked the million-dollar question.
"Exactly. It doesn't make any sense."
Beca looked out the window and could see a very similar black motorcycle drive past them going the opposite direction. She followed it with her eyes until it disappeared onto the bend.
Chloe made it to the location given to her by Lilly. She checked the surroundings first. It wasn't as heavily guarded as she expected but she was going to be blind going in. She found a spot about 25 metres away from the house. She scoped through the windows but couldn't sight the target anywhere.
"We have a problem." She says into her ear comms. "I'm gonna have to go in."
"Wait stay where you are 'til we get more info."
Chloe hated this. She hated not being able to finish a job. This might also be the first. She didn't like not knowing. It felt like a trap and it was one that she was not willing to walk into.
Chloe sighed. "I think we should call it. At least we know she's here. We can regroup and try again before she leaves LA."
Chloe starts packing up again and didn't wait for a response. She usually didn't mind the odds not being in their favour but she had to be smart about this.
Lilly looked to Kommissar waiting for her decision.
"I agree." Kommissar says into the microphone. "We'll meet first thing in the morning."
Chloe was already on her motorbike when she received confirmation and already had made plans to meet up with Luke.
Beca and Jessica didn't stay at the safe house for long. The reaper may not have come but they didn't feel like celebrating just yet.
"There's nothing we can do Mitchell. The Governor wants to push through with her speech."
Aubrey and the rest of Beca's team had an exit meeting before calling it a day.
"She can't. As long as Kommissar is out there, she's not safe. She has a target on her back. What about her husband? Can we at least bring him in?"
"We can't. We don't have enough evidence against him."
"What are we waiting for? A dead body? We were lucky today. What about tomorrow?"
"We're getting closer. This is good."
"It's not enough."
"I know. But we'll have to take this win for now."
"What about Agent Jones? Any news?"
"No. Her captors haven't made contact either. We can't hide this from the public any longer. We will have to make an announcement tomorrow. Smith I assume the family knows?"
"Yes. Do you think Kommissar's behind this too? We've interviewed locals around the area of her last location but nothing. They're all dead ends."
"We'll find her. Good job today Agents. You can go."
Beca followed Jessica to the car. Jessica was quiet and Beca didn't know what to say. She knew there was nothing she could say.
"It's been two days. I just hope she's not hurt."
Beca beat Jessica to the driver's side. "Let me drive Jess." She took out her hand asking for the keys. Jessica handed it to her and walked to the passenger's side.
Beca was reversing out of the driveway. "I'm staying with you tonight, okay? I'll call Chloe I'm sure she'll be okay with it."
Jessica nodded. "Thanks."
Beca was glad Jessica didn't fight her on it.
"Where is Chloe anyway?"
"She's still in her shoot. I hope this is enough to clear her name. She has nothing to do with Kommissar. She wouldn't let anything happen to Ash."
"And they confirmed she's been there all day?"
"Yes. In fact she hasn't left."
Jessica just nodded and looked out the window. Beca gave Jessica her space and they continue to drive in silence. Beca refused to believe that Chloe had anything to do with Ashley's disappearance.
Kommissar was back in her own hideout for the night reviewing everything and going through what happened today. They were minutes from disaster. She didn't expect that kind of response from Beca. She was impressed. Maybe she did underestimate her a little bit.
She chuckled to herself. She wanted to make things interesting and they're interesting alright. Chloe was right, the job wasn't a complete failure yet. The Governor was still here. It was still game on.
She was rummaging through her cupboards looking for glasses. She badly needed a drink. They were really lucky today and she doesn't really like believing in luck.
"What were you doing going to Beca?"
"Holy fuck Chloe. How did you find me?"
"I'm not the only one on Lil's radar. Now tell me everything."
"Nothing. She was looking for me so I just went to see her."
"Don't go near Beca. You leave her out of this. Promise me."
"I'm not going to hurt your girlfriend Chlo if that's what you're worried about. What do you take me for?"
Chloe doesn't believe that for a second. She doesn't know where this urge to protect Beca is coming from but her gut tells her Kommissar had every intention of hurting Beca.
"Don't look at me like that. I won't hurt her I swear. We just talked."
"About?"
"I made her believe I was the reaper. I wanted to get her to stop being so suspicious about you and get off your back. You should be thanking me. I did it for you."
"You didn't have to do that. Everything was under control. Was that the reason why they knew I was coming?"
"Okay. I admit maybe that was a miscalculation on my part. But no big deal, you made it out, right?"
"You didn't just cost us the job today, I was almost caught today."
"Keyword almost."
Seeing Chloe's reaction, she raised her hands in surrender. "For what it's worth I'm sorry. You're right. I shouldn't have done that. I'm sorry. I take full responsibility for today."
Kommissar then tilts her head at Chloe with a slight smirk. "Just out of curiosity. Let's say I did hurt your precious Beca, what are you going to do about it?"
"Don't even dare think about it Sar."
"Interesting. I guess it's nice to know that between Beca and me, you're going to choose her."
"I'm not choosing anyone."
"Who else is off limits then?"
Chloe thought about it but then it hit her. She has caught wind of the missing agent but she didn't know who exactly it was.
"Please tell me you had nothing to do with the missing Agent."
Kommissar shrugged. "Alright I won't then. Did you want anything to drink?"
She had her back turned to Chloe now as she got drinks from her fridge. She then heard a gun click and she smirked.
"What did you do?"
Kommissar took her time in preparing their drinks. She also reached for a whiskey bottle and turned to Chloe. "How do you like yours? Neat?"
Chloe then shot through the bottle of whiskey that Kommissar was holding. Kommissar didn't flinch. "Answer the question."
"You owe me a bottle."
"What did you do?"
"It's not important Chloe. You focus on the job and I'll deal with this."
"Who did you kidnap?"
"It was an accident. She ran into me and then recognised me. What was I supposed to do?"
"We both know there is absolutely no chance that she just accidentally ran into you."
Chloe then did the maths in her head and started connecting the dots. Beca was being extra worried about her best friend the past couple of days and tonight she was staying over at Jessica's because of "work".
"It's Ash, isn't it?"
Kommissar shrugged again. "I just figured we would need a bit of a diversion with everyone on our tail and true enough we could put her to good use. I wanted to make things interesting."
"Make things interesting? What the hell are you getting on about?"
"That agent had no business lurking in the location of the drop."
"What are you talking about?"
"If I hadn't gotten to her first, she would have seen you and Lilly picking up the guns this morning. I actually saved her life. If she saw you two, she'd be dead. Now you owe me two bottles."
Chloe dropped her gun. "That's impossible. How could she have possibly known where the drop was going to be?"
"It doesn't matter. What matters is that she didn't see you."
Chloe pointed her gun at Kommissar again. "Where is she?"
Kommissar started laughing. "What are you gonna do Chlo? Rescue her? Bring her home?"
"Did you hurt her? I swear Sar if you did."
"I didn't. She's in a secure location, safe and unharmed. Did you want to pay her a visit?"
"I want to see her. I wanna make sure she's okay."
Kommissar started tapping on her phone and mumbled words that Chloe couldn't make out. When she found what she was looking for she showed Chloe a live video of Ashley on her phone.
"You placed her in a fuckin' cage?"
"What? I had to improvise. She's being fed and she's okay. As soon as this is over, I'm letting her go."
Chloe looked closer but couldn't see much. Ashley was just sitting in a corner.
"Promise me you'll do just that?"
"It's up to you really. If you fail in this job, she's going to get hurt."
"And whose fault was it that it's not finished?"
"It doesn't matter. What's important now is that her life is in your hands. Now I suggest you go back to your cave and start reviewing the new brief."
It took all of Chloe's willpower to not put a bullet through Kommissar's head. She hated Kommissar so much right now.
"We're not done talking about this. Once this job is done, we're circling back to this."
"Whatever. Get it done first."
They spent almost all night brainstorming. The Governor was confirmed to give her speech in the same venue the next day and head straight to the airport after. The airport was a no go because they have no time to survey the area and prepare. The hotel was a no go because the client wanted it done in public. It had to be done during the speech.
They couldn't go back to their original plan because the hotel would for sure be swarming with the FBI and surveillance equipment will be installed everywhere. They had to improvise.
In the end they thought that the only way they could do this was of a drive by. Their plan was simple on paper but risky.
Chloe had one shot at the Governor and not only does she have to avoid hitting any vital organs but she had to do be able to shoot her first with her only shot all that while in a moving vehicle. Then they had to get away. Their exit routes were limited. They set up alternative routes but it wasn't full proof.
Worst case was that Chloe would be forced to have a shootout with the police. They were hoping it wouldn't come to that. They were getting close. It was almost time. Kommissar was the one driving while Chloe was in the back seat setting up. They figured to go big or go home. They might as well risk getting caught together if there was a bigger chance of Chloe being caught if she was alone.
The FBI was in full force. They were driven from their success yesterday. They knew it was unlikely that the reaper would go back to the hotel but they had to cover all of their bases. There were teams on the ground, there were teams in cars, there were undercover agents in the crowds and a few scoping from rooftops of surrounding buildings.
Beca and Jessica were among those who were driving around in their cars surveying the area. It was this time when they received a tip about spotting two unregistered motorcycles parked in an alley not far from the venue. It's got the reaper written all over it and Beca's instincts were telling her they were right.
Beca and Jessica sent to dispatch that they were on their way to check the motorcycles. Aubrey reported no change or anything suspicious on the radio and reminded everyone to stay alert as the Governor was being introduced and she started to make her way on stage.
Most of the roads were closed and monitored by authorities. The risk was that anytime, they could be pulled over and be randomly checked by police. They were on the one-way street going around the building where the Governor would give her speech. It was a go. There was that twinkle in Chloe's eyes when she heard the cheers and applause of the crowd.
Timing was crucial. It could make or break their plan. Chloe thinks Kommissar left it too long. Kommissar shouldn't have waited last minute to launch the diversion. There was nothing Chloe could do about it now. She shifted her focus on her job instead of the diversion. She double-checks everything again. Once Chloe spots the Governor she was going to be ready to shoot. Kommissar and Chloe were about six, seven cars away from the corner where Chloe would have eyes on the Governor.
"When I say so, press my window down a few inches." Chloe instructed Kommissar.
They were moving very slowly and Chloe noticed the FBI were scrambling. This was their best chance. The only flaw in their plan was that Chloe didn't have a solid alibi but it was one that they were all willing to gamble on and deal with after. They just didn't have enough time to figure everything out.
Beca and Jessica were currently posted across from the alley when Aubrey confirmed that the Governor was now on stage. The Governor had just started her speech when Aubrey called them.
Beca put Aubrey on loudspeaker in the car. "Is everything okay?"
"So far nothing but I'm afraid this isn't a coincidence. We now have Agent Jones' location."
Beca and Jessica sat straight up and leaned forward into the car's speakers.
"You're approximately 20 minutes away. I'm sending it to you now. A group of agents are also on their way. It's your call Mitchell. You can stay where you are and hold your position or you can join the Hostage Rescue Team."
Beca could already feel Jessica's eyes on her. There was no decision to be made. Beca started the car and made a U-turn and sped away from the alley.
Jessica squeezed Beca's arm. "Thank you."
"Of course." Beca then addressed Aubrey. "Let them know we're on our way."
GPS told them they were close to the location provided by Aubrey. Jessica looked like she was bouncing on her seat and Beca's knuckles almost turned white from how tight she was holding the steering wheel.
Then both their hearts fell from the dreaded announcement on dispatch that there was an attempt on the Governor's life and someone's been shot. They were calling all ambulances and medical services to urgently attend to the area. There were also reports that the shooter was spotted in a midnight blue van with tinted windows.
Beca turned off dispatch.
The first responders were already there when Beca and Jessica arrived. They secured the surrounding area and all the building exits. They had to assume there were going to be armed men inside. The mission was to locate Ash and get her out alive. The kidnappers sent through a video of Ash. She was seated in a corner of what looked like a prison cell. She had duct tape over her mouth and her hands appeared to be tied behind her back.
The only consolation was that she was alive but they could see in the video that the right side of her shirt was soaked by blood. They weren't sure where the blood was coming from exactly. They didn't have much time. They had a quick briefing while they put on their gears and prepare their equipment. Beca and Jessica were going to lead the team coming in from the front.
Chloe and Kommissar didn't have much time. Chloe took her shot when she saw her opening and she knows she's done it. It was chaotic. They were able to get away from the busy roads but their van was identified and it won't be long until the police spotted the vehicle. They had to get rid of the van. Kommissar started driving towards plan B.
Jessica was sick to her stomach the moment she saw Ash. She was in a cage like an animal. She was unconscious but she could feel a pulse. They rushed her to the ambulance that was waiting. Jessica got in and rode with Ash in the ambulance while Beca got in Jessica's car and followed them.
She called Aubrey to let her know they have Ash and they were heading to the hospital. Aubrey said to meet her there. They were heading to the same one. Aubrey gave her a rundown of what happened to the Governor and Beca couldn't believe it. She looked at the compartment where the intelligence report on the husband was stashed.
Chloe could already hear Kommissar laughing when they both arrived safely at their headquarters. Lilly met them with a somber look.
"What is it?" Kommissar asked.
"I killed her, didn't I? I killed the Governor." More than anything, in Chloe's perspective this was a job failed. All that hard work for nothing. Chloe sighed. "I'm sorry guys. This was one's on me."
"No Chloe. You didn't." Lilly said.
"Oh. Then what is it?"
"The husband took the bullet for her."
"What?" Kommissar and Chloe asked at the same time.
"I don't know how he did it but he jumped in and took the bullet for her. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital just a few minutes ago."
Chloe was confused. These jobs were draining enough as it is. She wasn't ready for curveballs like this.
Kommissar turns to Chloe. "I'm going to get to the bottom of this. Lilly will drive you home. I'll take care of this and let you guys know what I find out."
"What about the Governor?" Chloe asked Lilly.
"The bullet only grazed her on the shoulder. Six stitches."
Chloe felt like she was spiraling. She doesn't understand what happened. Why would he take the bullet for her? Why would he go through all that trouble only to jump in at the last minute? Why even hire someone to shoot your wife to begin with? Kommissar stepped in when she noticed Chloe was being too quiet.
"Let me deal with this. You two go home. Chloe, you have to go. Set your stories straight. They might want to know where you were."
Ash was going to have to stay over night at the hospital. She was sleeping a lot due to exhaustion and dehydration. Even after the doctors assured Jessica that Ash was going to be fine, she didn't want to leave her side. Beca understood as she felt the same. Thankfully the gash by her collarbone didn't need any stitches.
She had been staying with Jessica trying to be strong for her best friend. She was just as overwhelmed. She couldn't take her mind off the moment they found Ash inside that hellhole. No living thing should be put in that situation.
Beca only left her when she offered to go home earlier and grabbed them both some fresh clothes to change in when their families arrived. The room was starting to swarm with people. Beca decided to step out to get some air. She nodded to Jessica and Beth squeezed her arm on her way out.
Beca slumped on the bench across the door and rubbed her eyes. Exhaustion was catching up to her.
"Hi, may I know which room Ashley Jones is in?"
Beca's head shot up. She thought she just heard Chloe.
"Are you family?"
"No. I'm a friend."
Beca turned to the voice. She wasn't hearing things. She turns to the left where reception was and saw Chloe talking to one of the nurses.
"Sorry dear. Only family can visit Ms. Jones."
"Oh. Okay. Thank you."
Chloe stepped away from the reception and was about to take her phone out when she saw Beca in one of the benches already looking at her. She let out a sigh when she saw her and walked to where she was.
Beca could almost cry just seeing Chloe. The past couple of days had been gruesome.
"Hey. I got your messages. I came as soon as I could."
Chloe dropped the bags of food she was holding and sat next to Beca. Beca turned to her and haven't said anything. Chloe studies her face. Beca looked tired and looked like she was just about to break.
Chloe gave her leg a little squeeze. "I'm here. What do you need?"
Beca then leaned into her and buried her face to her chest. Chloe wrapped her arms around her in an instant. She wasn't sure if Beca was crying but she starts to move her hand up and down her back to comfort her.
"I wasn't sure if you've had time to eat. I brought food. Have you eaten?"
Beca still doesn't answer and had her arms around Chloe's torso and held her tighter. She inhaled in Chloe. Beca didn't know how much she needed this. It felt like her much-needed lifeline. Chloe sighed and kissed her on the head.
"Do you want me to take you home?" Chloe tries again.
"Can you hold me for a little while longer?" Beca finally says.
"Of course. Anything you need."
Chloe was starting to get emotional herself. She was on the verge of losing everything, of losing Beca. But it dawns on her that this was all temporary. Time was ticking.
Chloe holds on to Beca. Reality was catching up to them and Chloe knows the ending if she keeps this up. It was inevitable. She was a fool to believe that they could pull it off. Chloe at this moment was willing to walk away from it all and choose Beca and this life.