Notes: Are you ready? I'm still not. This is the chapter when it's happening; the major character death tag. Read at your own risk at this point. I'm so heartbroken throughout the whole process. Cried a lot too. It was a good writing exercise though. I'll make it up to you guys! If you want to skip this chapter and read the end, there will be one more chapter coming your way.

Summary: Emotional rollercoaster. A bit angsty, heartbreaking, tried to put a bit of fluff in, but who am I kidding? Beca knows and she starts to question everything. Chloe tries her best as she always does. TW: mentions of torture, death, blood, killing, shooting. The usual.

Chapter 14: Decisions and convictions

Beca knew she had to be careful around Chloe. Chloe was a professional and by now she would be an expert at reading Beca. If Chloe knew about Beca knowing the truth, there's no way of guessing how she'd react. Beca was still processing the fact that Chloe is indeed the reaper and she's not sure what to do about it yet. All she knows now is that right now, she's not ready to lose Chloe.

Kommissar

Chloe

Luke

Lilly

Special Forces

Mom
Aubrey

Salazos

Cartel Wars?

Beca had been scribbling on her notes. She was trying to put everything together. She deduced that Kommissar, Chloe and most likely Luke were all in it together. She wonders if Lilly was too. Chloe doesn't have a lot of friends that she knows of and she trusted no one else more than she trusted Luke and Lilly. The two of them must be in on it as well.

What if Chloe was faking it this whole time? What if she was using her? This was a hard pill to swallow and just the thought of it breaks Beca's heart. She didn't want to believe it.

Was she in denial? What would Chloe even benefit from being in a relationship with her?

Her thumb was hovering over Jessica's name on her phone. She saw a few missed calls and several messages asking Beca where she was. She can't avoid her forever but she couldn't bring herself to tell her yet. She knows she should and she will but she's buying time. Time for what exactly she doesn't know.

There is an arrest warrant out for Kommissar and that's only because Kommissar went out of her way to make sure they would get her. It definitely felt as if she was protecting Chloe. It doesn't make sense especially when Beca knew the reaper's target is Kommissar. That means Chloe being the reaper was out to get Kommissar. Beca didn't know how everything worked. Was Chloe allowed to pick and choose jobs offered to her? And if she has accepted, does Kommissar know this?

Beca then thought whether it was all a set up. What if Kommissar or whoever it was only made it appear as if the reaper's next target was her? Beca shook her head, that doesn't make more sense. One thing's for sure, Kommissar wants the FBI to think she's the reaper.

"Why?"

Was Kommissar afraid? Was she protecting herself or was she protecting Chloe or is there someone else here playing a bigger role?

Something doesn't add up. She's missing something. Beca was determined to find out and she set her mind to keep this to herself until she gets those answers. And if Chloe was indeed toying with her then two can play that game…

"Beale wake up."

Chloe didn't know how long she was sleeping for nor did she know where she was. But the voice brought her back. Just hearing his voice, she already knew this wasn't real. There was no way this wasn't a dream unless…

"Beale."

She couldn't believe what she was hearing. She has not heard Mulligan's voice in years but she's sure she was hearing him. She knew right away it was his. She never usually hears his voice in her nightmares.

She gasped in surprise when she heard an explosion and gunshots firing in a distance. She knew exactly where she was now. She was back in the battlefield.

"Come on Beale wake up." He says again.

Her eyes remained closed. She wanted to get out of here. She wanted to wake up. She knew she was dreaming. Everything stilled then. Chloe held her breath but she felt a hand over hers. It was warm. She held just as tight despite knowing this wasn't real. Mulligan's dead. The last thing she wants is to see his lifeless body in her arms again.

"Open your eyes. It's okay."

There were tears in her eyes when she hears him speak again. This was different from her usual nightmares but she could tell this was already worse.

"I don't want to. I'm scared." She was able to say back to him.

"Chloe." She heard another distant voice. She recognised it to be Beca's and she tilts her head to the side to hear her better.

"Beca?"

"It's just me." Mulligan's voice again.

Chloe opened her eyes to the direction where she heard Beca's voice in hopes of seeing her.

"What's happening? Am I dead?"

Then she heard him chuckle which made her turn to look at him for the first time. She couldn't help it she honestly just wanted to see his smiling face one more time.

"Hey there."

Chloe stares at him long and hard until she couldn't take it anymore. Her heart shattered the moment she saw him standing over her. It hurts to see Mulligan dead over and over, but she finds that it hurts more to see him alive.

Mulligan was smiling but he was wearing the same uniform he was wearing when Chloe cradled his lifeless body. Chloe shuts her eyes close again and shakes her head. She then looks to the other side of the room to look for Beca again. She's sure she heard her. She knows she's here.

"Who are you looking for?" Mulligan asked her.

Chloe starts to panic. She suddenly has that urgent need to see Beca but she couldn't move. She frantically looked around for her.

"Beca!" Chloe called out.

"Listen to me soldier!" Mulligan was gone and it was the Colonel now standing over her. "She's dead. We have to go now."

"No! No! You're lying."

"We have to leave her. We have to go now. She's dead."

Chloe closed her eyes and drowned out the shouting.

"No!"

"Chlo. Chloe." Chloe then hears another voice.

"Chloe. Wake up. It's okay. You're just dreaming." Luke was almost shaking Chloe awake.

Chloe opened her eyes and saw Luke standing over her. She was panting and was out of breath. She put her hand over her heart and closed her eyes again.

"Fuck." It's just a dream she repeats to herself. She clears her throat and wipes her tears. "Wha- what time is it? Is Beca back?"

"Not yet." Luke ignored Chloe's other questions. "Your nightmares. How long?" He asked while handing her more tissues.

Chloe accepted and looked away from Luke while she wiped her tear-stained cheeks. She caught her breath and calmed herself. She sniffed a little from her crying and blew her nose.

"How long Chloe? You promised you would tell me as soon as they were back."

"I know I'm sorry. It just slipped my mind."

"How long then?"

"They started coming back a little before Christmas." Chloe almost winced seeing Luke's reaction.

"Chloe. It's been months."

"I know I know. I should've told you but everything's okay. I'm dealing with it okay."

"You were crying and thrashing in your sleep. That's not okay. You're not okay. How often does it happen?"

"Not often."

"So how frequent is it?"

"I don't know. I can't even remember the last time I had a nightmare."

"I think you should schedule an appointment with Nicole."

Nicole was her therapist. She helped a lot in dealing with her PTSD and nightmares.

"I'll find time to do just that, okay? I promise. And I really am sorry."

"Don't be sorry to me. I'm just looking out for you. We all are."

"I know and I appreciate it. I only have them when I'm extra anxious. How's Beca doing with all of this? What happened after I-?" Chloe took a deep breath and composed herself. "She saw everything Luke. She's not stupid. She knows."

"I don't know Chlo. It's hard to tell but she was really worried about you. If it weren't for work she wouldn't have left your side. Don't think about it too much, okay? She'll be back later."

Chloe nods but she was worried. It was hard to forget Beca's reaction to what happened. Who knows how things would have unfolded if Chloe wasn't injured. But maybe this was for the best.

"I really hope you're right."

Luke's phone starts to ring and he was about to excuse himself when he saw it was Lilly calling. Luke showed Chloe before answering.

"Hello?"

Chloe listened in half of the conversation. She could tell right away something was wrong just by how Luke's jaw clenched and he visibly gulped. Chloe patiently waited for the call to end.

"What is it?" She asked as soon as Luke put his phone down.

"Brett was found dead this morning. The FBI thinks the reaper got to him."

"What? How? That's impossible." Chloe closed her eyes as the realization crept in. "Kommissar?"

"We think so. But we don't know for sure."

"But why would she kill him?" Chloe was fond of Brett and she doesn't understand why she would do it. Chloe could sense Luke was hesitating. "What is it?"

"She's missing. Lilly's not sure whether it's the FBI who has her or somebody else. Otherwise, then she's gone off the grid again doing who knows what. Lilly won't stop until she finds her."

"Surely we would know it if the FBI has her, right? Let's not jump to conclusions yet. I'm sure Lil's on top of it. When was the last time you talked to her?"

"Yesterday when you were brought in."

"Okay so it hasn't been that long."

Chloe had a really bad feeling about all of this. With Brett dead and Kommissar missing, she suddenly felt she wasn't safe to stay in the hospital.

As if Luke can read her mind, he asked. "Do you want me to drive you home? I'm not sure when Beca will be back but you'll be more comfortable in your own apartment than here."

Chloe doesn't think twice about it. "I'd really like that. Can you let Beca know? My phone's still dead. I'll charge it at home."

Beca was rushing. Her flight was delayed and she was running late to everything. She's still trying to figure out what to say to Jessica and she felt bad she wasn't there for Chloe when she woke up. She was glad to hear the news that Chloe was now out of the hospital and resting at her own apartment.

She stopped herself there. She wasn't supposed to have those feelings for Chloe after Boston.

She sat at the back of a taxi and once they turned the corner to her house, she saw Jessica's car parked on her street. Jessica stepped out of the car when she saw Beca arrive.

"Where have you been? I've been trying to call you." She said as soon as Beca was out of the taxi.

"Sorry I'm just all over the place. Chloe's good and she's out of the hospital, which is a relief. I was going to grab a few things then go to work."

"So that's where you've been this whole time?"

Beca knows she couldn't lie. She shouldn't. Jessica knew her better than that so she tries to improvise where she doesn't lie but she doesn't tell the truth either. "I've just been so worried about Chloe you know. But she's better now and I try not to worry as much."

"You always have been a worrier. I know you want to be with her and all but that'll have to wait. Something happened. The reaper's at it again."

"What?"

"It's not good Bec. I'll brief you on the way. We have to go."

Beca's head was spinning. Brett Ronson. That's the name of the latest victim. She didn't know his name but she will never forget his face. He was the same guy that caught her following Chloe to the warehouse, the same guy who was going to shoot Beca if Chloe hadn't intervened.

"What's wrong Becs?" Jessica asked when she saw her reaction.

"I know him."

Everyone in the room turned to her.

"What do you mean you know him?"

"I mean I ran into him before. I recognise him. I think he was security for one of Chloe's shoots."

"Chloe? So they know each other?"

"I don't know to what extent."

Beca knew where this was going. They were going to have to eventually bring Chloe in for questioning. Not necessarily as a suspect but they definitely need to hear what Chloe had to say. It became the elephant in the room.

Out of all the people there, Beca didn't expect her mom to bring it up in the way she did.

"I know what you're all thinking and I agree. But I don't think it's the right time to talk to Chloe officially. I think we should see how our investigations go first. We see where that goes then we take it from there."

A lot of the things don't add up. Beca hated the thought of it but Chloe seemed to be in the middle of it all. She was the common link to everyone.

Jessica was driving Beca home. She knew Beca needed to process these things. But she also knew it wasn't like Beca to keep things from her. But here she was not being fully honest with her and Jessica wasn't used to it. She kept glancing at the passenger's side but Beca was too in her head to notice.

Jessica cleared her throat. "What are you thinking?"

Beca didn't even hear her. Jessica had to put a hand over her leg to get her attention. Beca jumped a little before catching herself and adjusted in her seat.

"Sorry. Were you saying something?"

"There's something you're not telling me. I know you Becs."

"There's just a lot in my mind right now. As you can imagine."

"Yeah I can tell. Do you need help in trying to sort them out?"

Beca sighs. "There's just some things that don't add up."

"So did you find something there then?"

"Excuse me?"

"You know from the witness."

Beca turns to Jessica. "How did you know?"

"Come on Becs. You can't hide things like that from me. So what happened? How did it go?"

Beca thought a lot about this. She trusted Jessica more than anyone in the world but she knew how she would react. She couldn't do that to Chloe yet especially when Beca still doesn't know half of the things going on here.

Even after everything, Beca was being protective of Chloe.

"Nothing. She confirmed it was indeed Kommissar. Don't you just feel like I don't know like there's something not quite right here? Like we're missing something?"

"Yeah I get what you're saying and we worked hard for this. Don't you think that maybe Chloe may shed us some light?"

"Yeah I mean, I guess. She does know Kommissar. Like what they've said before, she is our best lead." Beca didn't sound convinced.

"She is."

Jessica parked her car outside Beca's house but wasn't ready to part ways with Beca just yet. Beca was waiting patiently for Jessica to unlock the car doors.

"Hey I know how much you want to see Chloe but is it okay if I talk to you about something?"

"Right now? Here? Yeah of course." Of course she wasn't going to reject Jessica.

Beca was nervous. Has she been caught? Does Jessica know?

"I think we should keep looking into Chloe. We can't let her off the hook yet."

"I mean I agree." Beca stuttered.

"So while you were out in Boston, I've been doing my own work and I've looked into the men that went after you the other day, they're from the cartel. We suspect our latest victim is from the same cartel. There's no way that's a coincidence."

This was all new information to Beca. "Why didn't you say anything earlier in the meeting?"

"Cause I wanted to talk to you first. Becs if the cartel has anything to do with this. This case just got a lot more complicated. The reaper whether it's Kommissar or Chloe or whoever she is. We don't know if they work for them or with them. But they went after Ash. This is personal. We can't take this lightly. We have to be very careful. You have to be careful."

"Chloe would never."

"We don't know that. I know she cares for you but we don't know where her loyalty lies. This whole thing is just a big mess and Chloe seems to have all the answers. Can I count on you partner?"

"I'm going to talk to her when she gets better, okay? I just want to make sure she's okay first. I haven't talked to her since the incident Jess."

"That's good to hear."

"What's good to hear?"

"I lied. I'm sorry. I did report to the Director and Posen. They know about the men after you that day. I didn't mean to trick you Becs but they just needed a bit of time."

"Time for what?"

"Chloe is being interviewed right now about the incident at the Shopping Centre."

"What?! Couldn't it wait? Jess. She's recovering from being shot after saving my life."

"We just want to hear her side of the story."

"You wanna know if our statements will match." Beca is now realizing what's happening.

"I'm on your side Becs and I want to get to the bottom of this as much as you do. If she says something different, honestly I wouldn't know who's lying and who's telling the truth."

Beca was worried cause it's true. She hasn't talked to Chloe about anything. She was honest in her statement. She knew it was a risk and her partner would surely pick up on the fact that the gunshot wound to the head was very similar to how the reaper does it.

"And if it matches and it will. Please don't set me up like this again."

"I'm sorry. It had to be done. I know your feelings for Chloe and I know how she feels about you. I'm not questioning your relationship and I'm not going to take it against you for trying to protect her. So I don't mind doing the dirty work. I'll let you go as soon as they're done."

Chloe was in her balcony staring out to the night sky. It was getting cold and she should really be lying down but she needed to think. Fresh air will do her good. Two FBI detectives ambushed her to an interview an hour ago. She was surprised it took them this long to get her statement. They didn't ask her anything about Brett, which she found odd, and she's still waiting to hear from Lilly about Kommissar.

But more than that she wonders where Beca is and she can't help but worry. Was Beca in trouble or has Beca figured it all out?

When Jessica confirmed with the other Agents that their statements matched, she let Beca go. Beca was relieved but she didn't show it. They didn't have time to talk about what happened but their answers matched anyway. They both gave truthful answers. Beca's relief was short-lived because now not only does she have to watch herself when she's with Chloe but with Jessica too. She can definitely feel that something was up.

Beca stopped in front of Chloe's apartment door. She had to ready herself. She wasn't sure what she was walking into. Beca took a deep breath and exhaled as she held on the handle.

She opened the door slowly. It was quiet so she assumed Chloe would be sleeping but when she walked inside, she could see Chloe standing outside the balcony with her back facing her. Beca didn't know how exactly she would feel when she sees Chloe again but overwhelming relief washed over her see Chloe on her feet alive and well.

Beca's not sure if Chloe knows she's here. Chloe hasn't bothered to turn to look at her. Beca composed herself and walked towards the balcony. She leaned on the doorway with her arms crossed and cleared her throat making Chloe turn to her as soon as she heard it. Beca saw Chloe's initial shock but she was greeted with a soft smile from Chloe as their eyes met. This was her Chloe.

She reciprocates Chloe's smile. How can this be the same person? "You're awake. Hi. How are you feeling?"

"You're here." Chloe was convinced Beca was avoiding her. "I was wondering when my girlfriend would show up."

Beca rolled her eyes playfully at Chloe's pouting. "How are you feeling? Tell me."

Chloe looks at her funny. "Why are you just standing there?"

Beca gave in to the urge. Chloe was like a magnet to her. She walked to where Chloe was standing and opened her arms for a hug. "Have you been out here long? It's cold."

"Not long. I'm glad you're here. I hope they didn't give you a hard time."

Beca hugged Chloe tighter. "I didn't know they were coming here. I'm so sorry. I would've stopped them if I had known."

"Why are you sorry? They were just doing their jobs. I'm not mad. Did you think I was?"

Beca kissed the side of Chloe's head before pulling away from the hug. She didn't know why she was feeling guilty. "How're you feeling really?"

"Not bad." Chloe says.

Beca was about to tell Chloe to stop putting up a brave front but Chloe followed it up with. "But not good either. Definitely not good." She says shaking her head.

Beca couldn't help her eyes welling up with tears again. This was her Chloe. There was something about looking into Chloe's eyes knowing she was going to be fine that was starting to get to her and she tries to blink back her tears.

"You gave me a real scare out there." Beca's voice cracked as she cups Chloe's face and tucked loose hair behind her ear.

"I'm sorry for ruining our trip. I was really looking forward to it."

"We can always go to another." There was that overwhelming feeling again. She wanted so much to believe it. This time she couldn't help the tears from falling any longer and she cried on Chloe's shoulder.

She tried to stop but she only cried harder. Chloe wasn't expecting Beca to break down like this. But she wrapped an arm around Beca and stroked her hair.

"Hey. It's okay. I'm okay see? I promise. This is nothing."

Beca pulled back again and rubbed her eyes and wiped away her tears.

"Does it hurt?" She asked in between sniffles.

"It always does." Chloe chuckled surprised by her own answer.

Beca tried to cheer up for Chloe but her eyes and tears said otherwise.

"But you make it better." Chloe added. She was genuinely sincere in saying it. "You make everything… better." Chloe wanted to say worth it.

Beca didn't like questioning Chloe's intentions but knowing what she did now, she couldn't help it. Was this all an act? Was Chloe pretending right now? She had no reason to pretend. She had no reason to protect Beca; to put her own life at risk just to save hers.

It was weird knowing the truth. Looking at Chloe now and looking back at everything, she's slowly starting to question herself. Maybe deep down she had known for a while. There was always something about Chloe.

"Come on. Let's get you warmed up inside. It must hurt from standing too much."

"I'm okay Bec." She says as she allowed Beca to drag her back inside.

She let Chloe sit first and put a blanket over her. "So our statements matched. I would've been here earlier but they wanted to take your statement first."

"I wasn't worried. I knew it would."

"I would've lied for you. I was seriously considering it."

"I was worried you would and I'm glad you didn't. I don't want you lying for me. This was my fault. They were there for me. I would never forgive myself if anything happened to you."

"I still have a lot of questions about what happened but I want to say this first. You saved my life back there you know. You saved both of us actually."

Chloe understands more now why Beca broke down like that. She can't even imagine how overwhelmed she is. But there was something else in the way Beca was looking at her now that she was having a hard time reading. She couldn't tell if it was good or bad.

"What is it? Why are you looking at me like that?" Chloe finally asked.

Beca was fighting with herself and it was a fight she was losing. Just looking at Chloe like this was making her question everything about the past 36 hours. She didn't mean to jump when she felt Chloe reach for her arm but she did and she's not sure whether she's just really jumpy today.

"Sorry. What was that?"

"Come here." Chloe lifted the blanket and Beca snuggled next to her.

"Is everything okay?" She asked when Beca was settled.

"Sorry it's just. I have. There's a lot going on at work right now and I don't know. I'm sorry if I'm a bit out of it."

Chloe's look softened again and it made Beca feel more guilty. She wasn't even sure why she was feeling guilty in the first place. Chloe is the one lying to her and pretending... maybe.

"You don't have to stay here with me you know. Luke's just out doing his rounds. He'll finish his shift soon. You need to get your rest too."

"If you think for a second that I'm leaving you here, then you're so wrong. And if you think I'll be able to rest at home knowing you're here, think again. Besides I'm resting right now."

Chloe had to smile at that. "I'm just worried about you."

"Don't. I'm okay. I want you to focus on getting better."

"I'm not sick. Just injured."

"Then focus on healing."

"I will. But what about you?" Chloe adjusts their position and puts an arm over Beca's shoulders trying not to wince in pain too much.

Beca rested her head on the nook of Chloe's neck. She put her arm over her waist careful not to hit her wound. "What about me?"

"How are you doing? Are you okay?"

Beca was not supposed to feel this safe. She was supposed to be furious. She was supposed to be doing everything she can to prove Chloe was guilty. But it was hard to ignore Chloe's arm around her, humming a random tune and her fingers tracing up and down Beca's arm.

She felt Chloe giggle and it was the only time she realised she already had her eyes closed. "I knew it."

"You knew what?"

"I knew you were tired. Go to sleep Bec. I'll be right here."

It's funny. It almost felt like Chloe was the one protecting her and bringing her comfort. It's like she was going out of her way to make sure Beca felt safe and it was working. She craved Chloe's warmth. How could she allow herself to be played like this? Beca had no excuse but just for tonight she would pretend.

"Hey Chlo?"

"Hm?"

"I'm glad you're okay. I missed you."

A week later, they were both back to work. For Beca it was a constant struggle. She knows the truth but she wasn't doing anything about it. She knows she has to tell Jessica. She's been trying to work up the courage to talk to her about Chloe. Especially when she has this feeling that Jessica is starting to question whether Kommissar really is the reaper.

For Chloe it was the opposite. For the first time ever, the prospect of her walking away from her other life and moving forward with her life with Beca excited her. Maybe a happy ending with her was possible after all?

But then she does hear from Carter and she's worried that he's up to something again. Instead he was inviting her to attend Brett's wake. It was midafternoon when she decides to close the studio early. She didn't think it would be a problem to give her respects.

So that's how she found herself sitting across from Carter. There was an unspoken agreement between them where they set aside their differences for now. Carter invited Chloe to stay for coffee and Chloe agreed.

"I know you didn't do this and I do apologise for what happened. I hope we can move on from that and work together better."

Chloe stayed quiet. She watched Carter closely.

"I know Kommissar did this and she won't get away with it."

"So you don't have her then?"

Carter looked grim. "I was hoping you could tell me where she is."

"We're still trying to find her too. Carter we've known each other for a while now and like Brett, I've grown fond of you too. We had a good working relationship. I'm afraid I can't help you anymore. I want to move on from this life and never look back."

Carter sighed. "Very well if that's what you want. But this is me asking. Kommissar is after me. I need your help."

"Why can't I just kill you right now to get it over with?"

"Because I can help you build your new life and to avenge your comrades."

This got Chloe's attention. "What do you mean? What about my comrades?"

"Once upon a time there was an elite group of six. Together they could accomplish anything. One becomes a traitor. Now four are dead and two remain. Who do you think took them out?"

"Kommissar would never do that."

"Would never what? Become a traitor or kill her comrades?"

"Don't tempt me Carter. If I find out you're lying."

"I'm not lying. I wouldn't lie to you."

"I was there out in the field with her. She would risk her life for all of us. She was a great leader and we would never have accomplished those missions if it weren't for her. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for her."

"You always were her favourite. Look I'm gonna be blunt. The real reason we want Kommissar dead is because she's tipping the scales. The cartels have been operating smoothly until you singlehandedly dismantled the Salazos. Kommissar killed your comrades before they were able to reach you."

"I don't understand."

"You were always her weakness. But don't you see it? She's using you. This life will haunt you for as long as she is alive. If you say you want to walk away and never look back, you have to kill her."

"I still don't understand. What do I have to do with anything? That's her business. Her choices. I'm not a part of that."

"How do you expect anyone to believe you had nothing to do with it? I'm on your side Chloe. Help us with this and I'll help you walk away from it all."

"I'll consider it."

Carter nodded and Chloe left him with that. She was wary of the time. She wanted to be home when Beca got off work.

"That's all I ask."

Chloe didn't want to admit it but Carter got into her head. She came to pay her respects to Brett but she left grieving for four more people. She wasn't dumb. She knows Kommissar was accused as a traitor in the past. It's exactly why she was discharged. That didn't bother her. It never did. But she wouldn't be able to look past it if Kommissar had anything to do with their comrades' deaths. She didn't even care if Kommissar was getting mixed up with the cartels.

Chloe was too distracted and there was a lot on her mind that she didn't notice she was being watched. Beca and Jessica were doing surveillance. They found out through more investigation that Brett worked for a Carter Watkins. His record was clean; he did business in technology, property and stocks. He also has a wife and three kids.

The location of the victim's wake was heavily guarded. It also wasn't open to the public. It was exclusive. They saw Carter walk in with his security sometime in the morning. He's been coming everyday. He usually leaves by lunch but today he stayed longer.

Beca and Jessica were waiting for Carter to leave when they saw Chloe walking towards the building. Neither of them expected Chloe to show up today or at all. She barely even looked at the guards and they let her through as if they were expecting her. It was just confirmation that Chloe indeed knew the victim.

"Do you think Chloe knows Carter as well?" Jessica asked.

"I don't know."

Chloe stayed for about an hour and Beca willed herself not to run out to Chloe when she saw her step out of the building. She looked very distressed and she wanted nothing more than to be there for her.

"She seems pretty upset. Do you think this is enough to bring her in for questioning?" Jessica asked.

"I honestly don't know. She probably knew him well."

Jessica sighed. "Go on. I'll be fine. Talking to her is part of the investigation."

"No way. I'm not leaving you here."

They saw Chloe take out her phone. Beca froze but her phone never rang. There was a tug in her heart knowing Chloe didn't call her first. She's seen that look on Chloe before. It was the same look she had when she saw Beca had a gun to her head.

Then they saw Carter stepping out of the building. He went to the opposite direction Chloe went.

"Let's go Jess. Carter's the assignment. I'll deal with Chloe later."

With another uneventful week and nothing to go ahead with their investigation, Gail stepped in and pulled a few strings. The Bureau was becoming desperate. There was still no sign of Kommissar. Beca was slapped with her worst nightmare.

There was an arrest warrant for Chloe. There were murmurs around the room as soon as her mom announced it. They were going to have a briefing on how to do it.

"Let me do it." Beca stood up with conviction.

Gail raised an eyebrow at that.

"I want to do it. I told you before if we prove Chloe had anything to do with this, I would arrest her myself. I know where she is. She'll never see it coming."

Gail eyed Beca for a long time as if considering it. "A team of Agents will escort you and will be on stand by."

Beca couldn't believe she got the green light from her mother. "Thank you."

"Okay. What's the plan Agent?"

Chloe took the day off and decided to stay in. She had bothered Lilly enough by spending almost all day at her pub.

Then her phone rings and it was just the person she wanted to hear from.

"Lil? Any news? Found her yet?"

"Chloe where are you?"

Chloe recognised the urgency in the tone of Lilly's voice.

"I'm at my apartment. Why? What's going on?"

"They know and they're coming to get you. Beca knows."

"What?"

"Trust me Chlo. She knows. I need you to get out of there right now."

Chloe froze.

"Are you with her now?" Lilly asked.

"No. But she sent me a text she was on her way home."

"Shit. I don't know what they're planning but it can only mean bad things for you. You need to get out of there. Do you hear me? Right now."

It was happening. The day Chloe dreaded the most.

"Chloe? You there?"

"Yeah I'm here."

"I need you to get out of there. We have a contingency plan for things like these. You know what to do. I'm so sorry Chloe. I know how much she means to you."

"I have nothing to hide. They have nothing on me." Chloe was finally able to say.

"On the contrary Chloe, you're hiding a lot. Please just go."

"Sorry I can't."

Chloe ended the call and jumped when she heard the locks click to their apartment. She sat in the lounge and braced herself.

Beca was glad she was able to convince everyone else to wait outside the apartment. She had her gun out but she knew she won't be needing it.

She locked the door behind her and put her gun away.

"Chlo?"

She slowly walked inside and spotted Chloe sitting in the middle of the room. Chloe avoided looking at Beca for as long as she could. She wasn't ready for her judgment. Everyone else's she could handle but not Beca's.

"Chlo." Beca said again.

Chloe looked up slowly and the moment they made eye contact, they both knew. Chloe stood up with her chin high and faced Beca.

"It's okay Bec. This was inevitable. It's okay."

Beca had tears in her eyes and she ran to Chloe and hugged her. Chloe was confused but fell into the hug.

"We don't have much time. You know I will do everything in my power to protect you. I can't even begin to imagine what you've been through but please know I'm on your side and everything I do is to protect you because I love you. I promise you that."

"What are you saying?"

"But I can't do that if you're not completely honest with me."

"You want honesty?" Chloe scoffed and stepped away from Beca. "Okay. Since you're so obsessed with honesty, why don't you be honest with me? You keep demanding for it but you yourself aren't being honest."

"What?"

"We both know what honesty will do to our relationship. We tried Bec. At least we gave this a shot, but it's over now. Let's stop pretending there's no problem because there is. We both can't change my past. I did what I did. How can you still love me after knowing that?"

"I ask myself the same thing but I do love you. I don't care. It is what it is."

"You don't know what you're saying."

"I do. I love you. And it kills me that this is how it's ending."

"Just do what you have to do Bec."

"Chloe please. You're not listening to me." Beca was getting impatient.

"I can't do this to you. I'm not doing this with you."

"I'm choosing you. Whatever it is. And if any of it was at least a bit real to you."

"Fuck you." Chloe cut her off.

"I didn't mean it like that."

"No. Fuck you Beca. I know what I've done and I might do it again but I never used you. It was real to me too so how dare you question that?"

"Really? You're mad at me? I'm the one here who's willing to overlook the fact that the love of my life is a cold-blooded murderer!"

Beca's outburst stunned both of them but more Chloe than Beca.

"I know it's you. Maybe I've known for a while. I was just too blind to see it but I know it's you. It's the reason I'm alive, right? You had your chances but you chose to spare my life every time."

There's a sudden shift in Chloe and for the first time Beca was scared of her.

Chloe took a step towards Beca. "What did you just call me?"

"Believe it or not I'm doing this for you because I love you and I want to keep you safe. This is me choosing you." Beca pulled out the handcuffs.

"You're arresting me? On what grounds?"

"Please. Let's do this the easy way."

Chloe was about to challenge Beca but stopped when Beca put the handcuff around her own wrist and the other on the metal bar on the counter.

"What are you doing?"

"I love you Chlo. We don't have much time. You have to go."

"Bec."

"Go. I'll be fine don't worry about me. Maybe I'll see you again. We don't know. It's time I catch you as a detective and when that happens, I'm not letting you get away."

"Bec." Chloe pleaded.

"Please Chloe."

Chloe nods and accepts it. She takes Beca's gun and gives her a quick kiss. "For what it's worth, I love you too and it wasn't me who kidnapped Ash. I wish we had more time so that I can tell you everything but I wanted to make that clear. I'm not sure if you'll still believe me."

"I believe you."

Beca had tears in her eyes again. Chloe hugs her one more time and when she pulled back, Beca saw there was that shift in her eyes again. Chloe fought back her tears and nods her head as if she was willing herself to walk away.

Then she walks back towards Beca again. "Forgive me Bec. I have to make it believable. I can't risk you getting into trouble."

Chloe knocks her out again with a hit to the back of her neck.

6 months later…

It took about a month before the FBI cleared Beca of being an accomplice in Chloe's 'escape'. They investigated Luke and Lilly too only to be met with dead ends. They turned Chloe's apartment and studio upside down including Beca's apartment and found nothing. Beca had to stay with Jessica and Ashley for more than two months.

Kommissar and Chloe just disappeared. It was crazy that Beca still waited to hear from Chloe. She'll never tell anyone but there were days when she felt like she was being watched and instead of being crept out by it, she found solace thinking it could be Chloe watching her.

There had been nothing on the their case until they found another body. It had the reaper's name all over it except a different gun was used. But it was enough to get everything going again.

Beca wasn't a big drinker but she started drinking soon after Chloe disappeared. She slowly understood the frenzy over alcohol. Jessica and Ashley tried their best to babysit her and they get it. In some ways she was grieving so they let her.

One weekend she drank so much that she passed out at the bar. This wasn't the first time. Jessica was going to come pick her up so she wasn't worried. It became their routine.

Beca woke up hours later with a massive hangover. She pulled the blanket over her head and rubbed her temples.

"Fuck I'm never drinking again." She grumbled.

She fell asleep on the floor and her back was starting to hurt. She slowly pulled back the sheets and opened her eyes. She looked around her surroundings and she wasn't in Jessica's apartment. She was in a fuckin' cell.

"Did I get arrested last night?" Beca asked herself. She slowly got up and saw she had food and water in the corner. She reached for her pockets for her phone but they were empty. She stood up and tried the cell door but it was locked.

"Hello?" She called out to anyone.

She was in an empty room with a door about 5 meters away. It didn't dawn on her yet that she was kidnapped. She was still a little disoriented. Beca then walked to grab some water.

"Hello?" She called out louder after a few gulps.

The door then opened and the man who entered turned on the lights. It took a while for Beca's eyes to adjust. Her eyes widened when she recognised the man in front of her.

"Hello Agent Mitchell. I believe you know who I am but I'm afraid we haven't met. Allow me to introduce myself. Carter Watkins. Nice to meet you."

Beca's eyes narrowed at him. "What do you want? Why did you take me?"

"Believe it or not, this wasn't my idea. But I must say it's brilliant."

Beca was too hungover for this. It was only making it worse. "Please just get to the point."

Carter smiled. "You my dear are bait."

It was slowly dawning on Beca where he was getting at.

"Personally, no offence, if it were up to me, I would not have pushed through with this plan. It's just plain suicide. But my boss is convinced that it will work so who am I to say no?"

Beca was about to speak when Carter raised a finger to stop her. "I know you're dying to find out. I promised I would call her as soon as you wake up so if you could just give me a second."

Carter took his phone out and after a few taps put his phone against his ear.

"Hello. Yes she's awake. She's dying to talk to you. Okay. I'll put you on speaker."

Carter held his phone out and Beca was gripping hard on the bars of her cell.

"Rebecca?"

Beca's jaw was agape. "Mom?! What the fuck?!"

"Oh calm down."

"Calm down?! Mom. I'm in a fuckin' cell."

"You're always so dramatic. We just want Chloe to come out of hiding. I'm sure you understand."

"What the fuck is going on?"

"Simple. My hunch is Chloe will come running to save you. And if Chloe comes running here, so will Kommissar. So I thought why not hit two birds with one stone?"

"If you hurt Chloe, I will never forgive you."

"If everything goes to plan, you have nothing to worry about. Why not just make yourself useful? You're there to bait Chloe and Chloe will bait Kommissar. Everyone wins."

"Mom what's going on here?"

"I don't expect you to understand Rebecca. You put yourself in that situation. I warned you about her. Don't you want to know how Chloe really feels about you?"

Beca was about to argue with her mother but stopped herself. It was pointless. "Let me go. Stop this non sense."

"Let's give them a few days to at least try. The news will report it some time today and I'm sure it'll reach them somehow."

"And if they don't come running?"

"Let's just say you better hope she does."

"Fuck off mom. Just kill me already."

"Don't be ridiculous. I'm not going to kill you Rebecca. I'm sure we can figure something out. But let's talk some more later. I have a press conference to attend."

She ended the call at that. Carter shrugged and put his phone back in his pocket.

"Well that's me. I'm off. I would hate to be here when Chloe arrives. She would shoot me on the spot with no hesitation." He said with a shudder.

"You're that afraid of her, huh?"

"I'd like to think it's more of respect. I know what she can do and I'm not dumb. So it was lovely meeting you. Your mom is delightful to work with. I'm gonna go. You're in good hands, trust me."

"Fuck you. You are so dead."

"You are your mother's daughter."

Carter tried to look as if he wasn't bothered but it was obvious he was scared. Beca felt a bit smug knowing that Chloe would probably kill him for her. It wasn't the first time. When he was gone, Beca looked around and kicked the cell door a few times more out of frustration.

She looked up to the ceiling and closed her eyes. As much as she did want to see Chloe again, "Please don't come Chlo. I beg you. Stay away."

Beca's been held hostage for four days. She hasn't seen Carter nor talked to her mom again. Everyday she prayed for Chloe not to show up. Being locked up gave Beca a lot of time to think. She never liked her mother. They never got along. But she would never suspect her to be working with the cartels. No wonder she hated Kommissar and Chloe so much. They were dismantling the cartels one big boss at a time.

What if Beca had it all wrong? What if all this time Chloe and Kommissar were on the right in this fight?

Beca didn't trust the water they were giving her. She had a feeling she was being drugged that's why she was sleeping a lot and felt groggy most of the time. She took small sips to keep herself hydrated. She was curled up in a corner in the dark just about to fall asleep and she stilled when she thought she heard something outside. She listened some more and even held her breath. There was nothing. She could be hearing things like the other day she thought she heard commotion as well which turned out to be nothing.

Beca's breathing started to even out when she heard it again. She could swear she heard something like a metal bar dropping to the floor. She was facing the wall and forced her body to turn to where the door was. It was a struggle. Her water was definitely spiked.

Then she heard someone grunting trying to budge the door open and that gave her the strength to push back and she was now lying on her back and turned her head to the door.

Three more budges and the door broke free. Beca saw the light from the flashlight first. She closed her eyes relieved that she was being rescued but at the same time terrified for Chloe. She fell right to their trap.

"Detective?"

Beca opened her eyes when she heard Kommissar's voice. Kommissar walked towards her door and inspected the lock. Then she walked around her and inspected the rest of her cell.

"What are you doing here?" Beca's voice was raspy.

Kommissar scoffed. "Getting you out of here."

"Hey!" A man suddenly showed up and turned the lights on. He already had a gun pointed at Kommissar. He pulled the trigger and Beca closed her eyes at the sound of it only to open them again to find that same man lying on the ground.

She could hear Kommissar chuckling to herself. What a psycho Beca thought to herself.

"I had it under control." Kommissar said.

Beca was about to respond when she realised Kommissar wasn't talking to her.

"You're not supposed to be here." Kommissar continued. "You shouldn't have come. This is an obvious set up."

"Step away from the cage Sar."

Beca looked up to find Chloe with her signature gun out with blonde hair under her black cap; the reaper herself.

"Did you do this?" Chloe said to Kommissar. She hasn't looked at Beca.

"Seriously Chlo? I'm here to fuckin' get her out." Kommissar said while standing up.

They were face to face now and their familiarity with each other was palpable. Chloe did say they were in the military together but Beca was just seeing now how well they knew each other.

"Look. Can we kill each other some other time? Maybe after we get ourselves out of here? Didn't it occur to you that this was a trap and you're falling right into it?"

"Didn't it occur to you that maybe this was a way to lure you out?"

"She's not my girlfriend."

"But here you are."

"Chloe goddammit. I'm on your side. We don't have time for this. Can we please fight about this on the way out of here?"

Chloe had a decision to make. She could shoot Kommissar right here and be done with it. She couldn't decide until Beca spoke up. It was the first time she looks at Beca. She knew how furious she would be when she sees Beca and she just might shoot Kommissar as an impulse.

"She's telling the truth Chlo." Beca wanted to say more things but she started coughing instead.

It was the first time their eyes met and Chloe could tell right away something was wrong with Beca.

"I'm not done with you." She says to Kommissar and she shot the lock of the door and rushed to reach Beca.

Chloe held Beca's face and looked at her closer. "What is it? What's wrong? What did they do to you?"

Beca couldn't move. She's not sure whether it was the drug or just the rush of being reunited with Chloe. Kommissar saw her pointing at the water bottles.

"They probably drugged her. Come on. Let's get her out." Kommissar said from behind Chloe.

Chloe let Kommissar help this time and they had Beca in between them with an arm each over their shoulders.

Chloe took her gun out in case they would meet more men on the way out.

"I'm assuming you brought a car?" Kommissar asked Chloe.

"Yup. This way."

Beca was riding her high and barely got a grip of the present. But Chloe and Kommissar were dragging her to the exit. They both had their guns out with their free hand and just like a game of whack-a-mole, shot at whoever popped out their way.

Chloe led them to where she parked her car. They put Beca in the back seat and Chloe sat with her at the back. She gently laid Beca's head on her lap and Kommissar rushed to the driver's side.

Chloe felt Beca holding on to her tight. "You're okay Bec. I got you. You're going to be okay."

"You shouldn't have come. They weren't going to hurt me."

"There was no way I wasn't going to come for you. I don't care about me."

"No you don't understand. My mom is working with the cartel. She and Carter are both in on it together."

"Carter Watkins?" Kommissar couldn't help but ask.

"Yes. The first time I woke up in the cage, he was there and he called my mom. It was a trap. They knew Chloe would come and if you came, Kommissar would too."

Beca was out of breath. It was a struggle to talk. She could feel Chloe tensing up. Chloe must be seething. But when she looked up, Chloe's look softened.

"Shh. It's okay Bec. Get some rest. You're safe. It won't be long now. I won't let anything happen to you."

Beca reached for Choe's hand that was gently stroking her cheeks and gave it a squeeze. "I'm really happy to see you. I missed you."

"Me too but I hate how you're in danger because of me."

She shook her head. Beca tried her best to stay awake but she was falling asleep.

"Carter and Gail what do you think of that?" Beca heard Chloe ask Kommissar.

"I never did trust Gail. But god I should've killed Carter a long time ago."

"Yeah instead you killed Brett."

"He was collateral damage. I'm sorry. I know you were very fond of him."

"Were Stacie, Pieter, Benji and CR collateral damage too?"

Chloe saw Kommissar's grip on the steering wheel tightened. Kommissar didn't say anything.

"Did you really do it?" Chloe pressed.

"Like I said we can kill each other when we get to the hideout. I have no excuse."

"I don't think I can ever forgive you for that."

"I know. I've never forgiven myself for what I've done too."

Chloe sighed. She looked down at Beca to calm herself and keep her from shooting Kommissar on the spot again. She would never forgive herself if anything happened to Beca.

"What are you planning to do? You know you can't be together especially now. But eitherway is a risk."

"I know. But it's too dangerous to stay in her life. I can't do that to her."

Chloe rubbed her thumb on Beca's cheek. She smiled despite everything. When she walked out of her apartment that day, she accepted that she would never be able to be with Beca like this ever again. She could swear she saw Beca let out a contented sigh. She looked so peaceful and nuzzled her face on her lap.

It was a smooth drive until something hit them hard from behind. Chloe held on to Beca tight instinctively.

"Fuck." Kommissar said. "We have company."

Then whoever was behind them started to open fire. The bullets broke the glass windows at the back and cracked the windshield. They both ducked but it was too dark to see and the headlights were blinding. Chloe and Kommissar shot behind them at random.

"Don't stop!" Chloe called out to Kommissar. "Keep going!"

They were hit from behind again. Harder than the first time. Beca could feel and hear everything that was happening but she still couldn't move.

"Go faster!"

"I'm trying!"

As if the onslaught from behind them wasn't enough, they could see headlights in front of them. There was another car in front coming straight at them. Kommissar tried to swerve the car to avoid the head on collision but the car ahead of them open fired and Kommissar was shot multiple times.

Chloe barely had time to react. She braced herself for impact and went to cover Beca with her body and became her human shield.

There was a loud crash and everything went black.

Beca woke up to the sound of the waves crashing and laughter around her. She could hear kids laughing but it was Chloe's giggles that made her open her eyes.

Beca squinted her eyes cause the sun was directly in her line of sight until Chloe came into view and blocked the sun.

"Good morning sleepy head."

"What happened? Where are we?"

"We're on the beach silly." Chloe says taking Beca's picture.

Beca lifted herself up and looked around. They were at the beach with the sun about to set. It was beautiful.

Then two little girls crashed into her laughing and tugging at both her arms.

"Mommy. Come on. You've been napping for forever. You promise you'd play with us."

"You heard them muchkins." Chloe stood up and shook the sand from her hands and thighs.

Then Chloe reached out her hand for Beca to take. "Come on babe. Don't keep them waiting."

Beca was still very confused but took Chloe's hand anyway. Chloe helped her up and gave her a quick kiss. She then pulled away and took another picture using the camera that was around her neck.

If Beca was dreaming, she definitely didn't want to wake up. She was starting to get everything mixed up. Was this her reality? Did she just wake up from a nightmare?

"Mommy! Come on!" The two little girls called out to them again.

Were those her kids?

Chloe was laughing and intertwined their fingers. Beca and Chloe walked hand in hand along the beach in the sunset with two crazy little girls running around them.

"Try and catch us Mommy!" She heard them call out to her again.

Beca turned to Chloe. She had the most beautiful smile. She was beaming.

Chloe nodded to where the kids were. "You and I both know they're calling out for you. So get your cute butt out there."

There was something in the way Chloe said it that Beca found herself giving in to the demands and ran after the two little girls. She caught one that looked very much like Chloe and started laughing along with them. Then she felt the other one jump from behind her and had her little arms around her neck. They were rolling in the sand now. She felt so happy. This was perfect.

She looked up behind them and saw Chloe walking towards them now taking pictures of them along the way. Beca sat up and pulled Chloe to sit down next to her to watch the sunset.

The two little girls were restless and wouldn't stop running around. Their laughter and excited squeals were music to her ears. Beca leaned in to kiss Chloe.

"Is this what heaven looks like?" She couldn't help but ask.

"Yes." Chloe rested her head on Beca's shoulders. "And this is where I'll be waiting for you."

"Why? Where am I going?"

"You can't stay here yet."

"Why not? I want to be here with you. I am here with you."

Chloe sighed and lifted her head from Beca's shoulders to look at her. "I need you to do something for me, okay?"

"Anything. What is it?"

"I need you to wake up for me."

Beca's heart was suddenly ripped out of her chest. This was all a dream. This perfect life that she had wasn't real.

"But I don't want to leave you here. What if I want to stay here with you instead?"

"But it's not yet your time. Don't worry about me. I'll be fine. You still have so much more life to live. There's so much more life has to offer you and I'm excited to see where it takes you."

"But you won't be there. I won't like it if you're not there."

"I'll always be with you Bec. I'll always be in there." Chloe pointed to Beca's heart then to hers. "Just like how you'll always be in here."

"No. Chloe no. I want to stay here with you." Beca grabbed both of Chloe's hands now so afraid that she would disappear at any moment.

"Wake up Bec. It's time for you to wake up."

Beca was crying so hard now clutching on to Chloe. "No. I'm not leaving you here. I love you. I love you. I love you Chlo. Please let me stay. I don't want to go."

"I know and I love you too so so much. I'm not going anywhere. I promise I'll always be with you."

Beca pleaded some more. She made the mistake of closing her eyes then she felt Chloe's lips on hers then nothing.

Beca heard the beeping machines first. She slowly opened her eyes and when she did, she saw Jessica, Beth and Ashley all around her crying. Aubrey was there too. It was Jessica who wrapped her arms around her neck and hugged her. "Oh my god Becs. You're alive. Oh my god. You're okay."

Beca blinked a few times. "Where's Chloe?"

She didn't need to hear Jessica's answer. She knew.

"I'm so sorry Becs. She didn't make it. She fought so hard."

It turns out Beca woke up just minutes after Chloe flatlined.

"Where is she? I want to see her."

Beca was put on a wheelchair and was pushed to a room not far from hers. Aubrey was following closely behind. She'd been crying too. She then saw Chloe on a bed with Luke standing over her with his head down.

"She caught most of the impact from the crash. We did everything we can." Luke said when Beca was next to her bed. He was also barely holding it together.

Beca couldn't take her eyes off of Chloe then. Her hands were shaking when she reached for Chloe's. It was still warm. She forced herself to stand and gently cupped Chloe's face.

"Becs." Jessica stepped in and tried to stop her.

"No!" Beca pulled away from Jessica and snapped at her. Jessica stepped back. "She's still here. I know it."

Beca focused on Chloe again.

"Chlo?" Beca says with trembling lips. "It's my turn to ask you to do something for me, okay? Please wake up. Please."

Beca could remember glimpses of what happened before the crash. She remembers feeling Chloe's stronghold around her body in those last seconds. It's what kept her alive. Chloe saved her life and she was just here fighting for her last breath. It wasn't fair.

"I don't want to do this without you Chlo. Please. For me."

Everyone else stayed back as Beca broke down and wailed for Chloe to wake up.