UNDERCOVER BELLA
Epilogue
Note: This is set two years after the end of Chapter 10.
Savannah International Airport was bustling with travelers as one young man whistled happily while pulling his carry-on bag behind him. He quickly made his way to baggage claim to collect his larger suitcase. He smiled when he saw the carousel was already moving with his and his flight companions' bags making their way around for pickup.
He looked around and moved to an open spot so he could grab his luggage when it came out. After a few minutes, he began to fidget when most of the luggage had been collected, and his bag still had not made an appearance.
"Hello, Luke," he heard a voice from behind him. "Looking for this?"
He stiffened when he realized that voice belonged to none other than Beca Mitchell.
"Turn around," Beca said.
Luke's shoulders slumped as he sighed and turned to see Beca standing there with his suitcase on the floor next to her.
"Becky," Luke said with a fake smile on his lips. "Long time, no see."
"I gotta hand it to you," Beca said. "Dying your hair black, wearing glasses instead of contacts, and flying into Savannah instead of Atlanta was a bold move. It was bold but not very smart since I'm a trained detective and recognized you immediately."
Beca pulled her handcuffs from her belt and moved toward Luke. Luke looked around for a way to escape.
"We can do this the easy way," Beca said, stopping less than a foot away from the man as he continued looking for an opening to make a run for it. "Or we could do this the hard way. It's up to you, but just know, no matter what way you choose, you will be arrested and returned to Barden to stand trial for assault and murder."
Beca stood patiently waiting as Luke continued to look for an escape route.
"I wouldn't try it," Beca said. Seeing Luke's eyes widen in surprise as he looks over her right shoulder, she adds, "You don't think I came here to arrest you without backup, do you?"
Luke swallowed as Aubrey, Jesse, and Chloe walked from behind Beca and surrounded him.
"How did you know I was returning to the States?" Luke asked. "That I was coming here?"
"Sheila told me," Beca said, shrugging.
Luke looked around, and Beca shook her head.
"Don't be looking for Sheila," Beca said, smirking. "She had no problem agreeing when I told her I'd pick you up and take you to Barden." She leaned toward Luke and winked, adding, "FYI, you really shouldn't have lied to your mother about the trouble you were in so she'd help you leave the States. She realized her mistake and gave you up without a second thought the moment you let her know you were coming home."
Luke looked around again to ensure Beca was telling the truth. Beca shook her head again and smiled as she stepped toward Luke, holding out her handcuffs.
"Now, let's get this over with," Beca said. "Luke Daniels, you are under arrest for murder. Put your hands on your head and get down on your knees."
Luke ignored Beca and looked around again.
"Do it, Luke," Chloe said.
Luke swallowed and watched as Jesse, Chloe, and Aubrey, hands on their guns, glared at him. His shoulders sagged in defeat; he put his hands on his head and went down to his knees.
"As I was saying, you're under arrest," Beca said, walking behind him and snapping a cuff onto his wrist. "You have the right to remain silent, and I strongly suggest you exercise that right."
Beca pulled the cuffed wrist down and grabbed his other wrist, bringing it down and snapping the second cuff on.
"Stand up," Beca said, helping Luke to his feet. "Jesse, would you take him and finish reading him his rights, please? Oh, and search him thoroughly before you put him in the car."
"My pleasure," Jesse said, taking Luke's arm and heading toward the exit. "Just so there's no misunderstanding, I'll start from the beginning. Luke Daniels, you are under arrest for murder. You have the right to remain silent. . ."
"After what he did to Chloe, this must make you feel pretty good," Aubrey said as Beca grabbed Luke's suitcase and followed Jesse.
"Not gonna lie," Beca said, smiling. "It really does."
Chloe grabbed Luke's carry-on bag and hurried to catch up to Beca. When Chloe reached her, Beca smiled and took Chloe's hand as they continued toward the exit.
~~ Undercover Bella ~~
Later that night, after a couple of rounds of amazing sex, Chloe fell back on the bed, trying to catch her breath. She looked up at Beca hovering over her and smiled.
"Not that I'm complaining," Chloe said between breaths. "But where the hell did all that come from?"
"I don't know," Beca said, shrugging and smiling. "Don't take this the wrong way, but I think it's the first time I've felt truly relaxed since Luke jumped bail two years ago. It's like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders, and I don't have to worry about him coming after you or me anymore."
Chloe reached up and wrapped her arms around Beca, pulling her down on top of her.
"Oh, babe," Chloe said, kissing the side of Beca's head. "I'm sorry you've been feeling that way. You should have talked to me about it."
"It's not your fault," Beca mumbled into Chloe's shoulder. "I just wish that I had been home when Luke came looking for me so you didn't have to go through all that."
"None of that was your fault," Chloe said, hugging Beca.
Beca pulled back and sat up. "I need some water."
"So do I," Chloe said, giggling. "I'd volunteer to get it, but I still can't feel my legs."
"You're welcome," Beca said, smirking as she got up.
Beca pulled on an old tee and sleep shorts.
"I'll be right back," she said and left the room.
"I could use a snack, too!" Chloe called out after Beca was out of the room.
"On it!" Beca yelled back as she made her way downstairs.
Beca entered the kitchen, grabbed a lap tray, and placed it on the counter. She then rummaged through the refrigerator, looking for something quick and easy to make as a snack.
Upstairs, Chloe stood and chuckled when her legs were still a bit shaky. She put on a clean sleep shirt and laid back on the bed.
Beca came in a few minutes later, carrying the tray she had prepared for them.
"Sit up," Beca said.
Chloe did as instructed, and Beca placed the tray across her lap. Chloe immediately grabbed a bottle of water and guzzled half of it.
"Thanks, babe," Chloe said and sighed. "I needed that."
Beca grabbed a carrot, dipped it into the hummus, and popped it into her mouth. Chloe did the same. After a few more carrots and other veggies, Beca picked up a strawberry and dipped it into some chocolate syrup. She placed it over her open palm to keep the sauce from dripping onto Chloe and held it up to Chloe's mouth.
"You even have dessert?" Chloe asked, smiling as she bit into the strawberry.
"Of course," Beca said, looking down at the tray to grab another strawberry. "Would you like another?"
Beca looked up when Chloe didn't respond. Chloe was smiling at her.
"What?" Beca asked.
"Marry me," Chloe whispered.
"What?" Beca asked again.
"I love you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you," Chloe said, lifting the tray from her lap.
"I'll take that," Beca said, moving the tray to the dresser.
"Come here," Chloe said, reaching out to Beca as she reached into the drawer next to the bed.
Tears stung Beca's eyes when she saw the ring box. "You're serious?"
"Of course, I'm serious," Chloe said, taking Beca's left hand and holding it in hers. "I'm not sure I can put into words how much I love you. And I meant it when I said I want to spend the rest of my life with you. So, Beca Mitchell, will you make me the happiest woman in the world and marry me?"
Chloe flipped open the ring box and held it up to Beca.
"It's beautiful," Beca gasped, nodding her head.
"Is that a yes?" Chloe asked.
"I love you, too," Beca said, wiping a tear from her eye. "Of course, it's a yes."
Chloe's smile widened, and with a shaky hand, she took the ring out of the box and slid it onto Beca's finger. Beca looked at the ring and back up to Chloe.
"It's perfect," Beca whispered.
"I love you," Chloe said, pulling Beca to her. "Now kiss me, wife-to-be."
"Gladly," Beca said, smashing their lips together.
After a moment, Chloe ended the kiss.
"I have to call my parents," Chloe said, yawning. "They'll both be ecstatic to know you said yes, especially my mom."
"It's kind of late," Beca said, covering her own yawn. "Let's wait and tell everyone tomorrow."
"Okay," Chloe said. "I am tired."
"I'll take the tray downstairs and be back in a few minutes," Beca said.
Beca took the tray and put everything away before heading back to bed. A soft smile came to her when she walked in to find Chloe snuggled under the blanket, sound asleep. She climbed into bed, took one last look at her ring, and wrapped her arm around Chloe's waist; she was asleep within a few seconds.
~~ Undercover Bella ~~
The bullpen was buzzing the next day with the news that Luke Daniels was back in custody.
"Hey, Chloe; hey, Beca," Stacie called out when Beca and Chloe entered the bullpen. "Have you two heard the news?"
"What news?" they asked simultaneously.
"Luke Daniels had a bail hearing last night, and bail was denied," Stacie said. "The judge said he will have to remain in jail until his trial."
"That's great news," Chloe exclaimed.
"Yeah," Beca said. "Did you hear anything about when the trail might start?"
"Not yet," Stacie said.
"We'd have to ask the DA," Jesse said. "It may be a while, but we'll all need to be ready for it."
Beca started to say something but stopped when Chloe's desk phone rang.
"Detective Beale," Chloe said, answering the call. Chloe listened for a moment and then said, "We're all here now."
Chloe listened more and nodded before saying, "Great! We'll see you in about twenty minutes."
Chloe hung up the phone and looked around the bullpen.
"That was Kelsey Summers, the DA handling Luke's case," Chloe said. "She wants to meet with all of us to discuss it; she'll be here in about twenty minutes."
"Wow," Beca said. "I guess they're moving fast on this."
"Well, he is charged with three murders and assaulting a law enforcement officer," Benji said. "And he jumped bail on the assault case."
"I think the DA may want to offer him some kind of deal," Aubrey said. "If he pleads guilty, there will only be a sentencing hearing, and we won't have to testify."
"Will they really do that for someone who is charged with three murders?" Beca asked. "As well as being an accomplice in three others?"
"I think the assault on Chloe is also a factor," Aubrey said. "The DA knows they have a solid case on the murder charges. And there's a good possibility the death penalty will be on the table. She probably has or will offer to drop the death penalty if he pleads out on the murders."
"The death penalty?" Beca muttered. "I need to warn Sheila. I don't think she is aware that Luke could get the death penalty."
"Let's wait until we talk with the DA," Chloe said. "If the death penalty is on the table, we'll tell Sheila together."
"Thanks," Beca said, running her hand through her hair.
"Beca Mitchell!" Stacie yelled out, hurrying over to her and grabbing her left hand. "When did this happen?"
"Um, last night," Beca said. "We were going to tell everyone, but the news about Luke's bail sort of sidetracked us."
"I'm guessing since you're wearing a ring, Chloe asked you," Stacie said.
Beca smiled and nodded.
"I sure did," Chloe said, pulling Beca to her. "I wasn't letting her get away from me."
"Congratulations, you two," Jesse said. "Are we going to have two Detective Beales or two Detective Mitchells here at the 27th?"
"Beales," Beca said.
"Mitchells," Chloe said.
"You want to take my name?" Beca asked, looking at Chloe.
"Yeah," Chloe said. "We already have too many Detective Beales in my family. Besides, I like the way Chloe Mitchell sounds better than Beca Beale."
"Hmm, I hadn't really thought about how it would sound if I were to take your name," Beca said, grimacing slightly. She grinned and added, "I'd love it if you became Chloe Mitchell."
"Good, it's settled," Chloe said, kissing Beca.
The detectives in the bullpen began cheering and catcalling. Beca flipped them all off without breaking the kiss.
"Earth to Beca and Chloe," Aubrey said, chuckling when they jumped apart. "Captain wants to see us."
"Us?" Beca asked. "As in, you and me, or you and Chloe?"
"Us, as in the team," Aubrey said. "She's coming to the bullpen."
A minute later, the captain walked in, and everyone turned toward her. She looked at Aubrey and then Chloe.
"I understand the DA is coming to talk about the Daniels case," Captain Adams stated. "I'll want to sit in on that meeting."
"Yes, ma'am," Chloe said. "She just called and should be here in about twenty minutes."
"Good," Captain Adams said. "Let me know when she gets here."
"Yes, ma'am," Chloe said.
~~ Undercover Bella ~~
Twenty minutes later, the detectives, Captain Adams and DA Summers, were sitting in the conference room. Captain Adams looked around the table before settling her gaze on DA Summers.
"What did you need to speak to my team about?" Captain Adams asked.
"I wanted to personally tell you and your team that I've already spoken to Mr. Daniels' attorney, Jeremiah Whitaker, about a plea deal," DA Summers said. "We're just waiting for Mr. Daniels' response."
"Do you think he'll take the deal?" Chloe asked.
"If he's smart, he will," DA Summers said. "You guys provide more than enough evidence to convict him. But sometimes, the accused think they're smarter than we are and will opt to go to trial, hoping to get a sympathetic jury. I conveyed to Mr. Whitaker that the evidence against Mr. Daniels was overwhelming and that he would be facing the death penalty if we went to trial. I also told him that his client would be better served to take the plea, as there is a high level of certainty he would definitely be sentenced to death when found guilty."
"When do you think you'll hear back from Mr. Whitaker about Luke's decision?" Beca asked.
"I told him the deal was only good until five o'clock tonight," DA Summers responded. "So, we should hear something soon. Does anyone have any other questions?"
The detectives looked around and shook their heads.
"Thank you for coming, Miss Summers," Captain Adams said. "I'd appreciate it if you could notify me once you hear from Mr. Whitaker."
"I'll do that," DA Summers said, standing. "If you'll excuse me, I should be getting back to my office."
"Thanks for letting us know about the plea deal," Chloe said, standing as well.
"I'll walk you out," Captain Adams said, walking toward the door.
"Thank you," DA Summers said, following Captain Adams out the door.
After the captain and DA were gone, Chloe turned to Beca.
"Do you want to go talk to Sheila now?" Chloe asked.
"Let's wait until after work," Beca said. "We should know by then if Luke is taking the deal."
"Okay," Chloe said. "I guess we should get back to work now."
"I was just thinking the same thing," Aubrey said.
The detectives left the room and went back to their desks.
~~ Undercover Bella ~~
Later that evening, Beca was driving home after talking to Sheila. She looked over at Chloe, sitting quietly in the passenger seat.
"I'm hungry," Beca said. "Want to stop somewhere for dinner?"
"I'm kind of tired," Chloe said. "Can we just go home and order in?"
"We can do that," Beca said, glancing over to smile at Chloe.
Beca was quiet as she thought about their conversation with Sheila.
"Sheila seemed to take the news of Luke going to prison for life well," Beca said.
"I think she was relieved that he took the plea deal so he wouldn't face the death penalty at trial," Chloe said. "I also think it would have sent her off the deep end knowing she got him to come back home only to have him face certain death."
"I had the same thoughts," Beca said as she pulled into their driveway. "What should we order for dinner?"
"Mexican sounds good," Chloe said as they exited the car.
"Tacos or burritos?" Beca asked as they made their way to the front door.
"I was thinking tacos, but now you've got me thinking burritos," Chloe said.
Beca opened the door and ushered Chloe in.
"I can't decide which I want more," Beca said as she closed the door behind them. "I'll order both, and we can save the leftovers to take for lunch tomorrow."
"Great idea," Chloe said. "I'm going to change into something more comfortable."
"I'll order dinner while you're changing," Beca said, grabbing a takeout menu from their collection.
Chloe kissed Beca and went upstairs. Beca smiled after her and pulled out her phone.
~~ Undercover Bella ~~
A few nights later, Beca stirred and reached for Chloe; only Chloe's side of the bed was empty. The sheets were cool, so Beca knew she'd been up for a while.
"Chloe?" Beca called out, only to hear nothing in return.
Beca sat up and waited, thinking that Chloe was in the bathroom and would be back shortly. After a few minutes and no Chloe, Beca sighed and got out of bed. She left their room and went looking for Chloe. She could hear voices coming from downstairs and followed the sound.
From the stairs, Beca could see the glow from the television and the top of Chloe's head over the back of the sofa.
"Chloe?" Beca called out softly, causing Chloe to look back at her.
"Oh, I'm sorry," Chloe said, using the remote to turn off the television. "I didn't mean to wake you."
"You didn't," Beca said, walking over and sitting next to Chloe. "Reaching for you and you not being there woke me. Is everything okay?"
"I thought I heard a noise," Chloe said. "I decided to come down and check it out."
"Why didn't you wake me?"
"I knew it was probably just my imagination," Chloe said. "And there was no sense in both of us being awake."
Beca chewed the inside of her cheek as she stared at Chloe, thinking about how quiet and anxious Chloe had been since Luke was back.
"Are you worried about something?" Beca asked; Chloe nodded. "Is it Luke? You know he's in jail and will be there for the rest of his life, right?"
"I know," Chloe said, running a hand through her hair. "I just feel." She sighed before continuing, "I don't know how to explain what I feel."
Beca put her arm around Chloe and pulled her close.
"Try," Beca said. "I'm here to listen."
"Okay," Chloe said and was quiet for a moment before she spoke again. "You remember how you said you were more relaxed now that Luke was back in custody and behind bars, so he's not out there somewhere hurting someone else?"
"Yeah."
"Well, I was more relaxed when he was gone, and I didn't have to worry about him coming after you again."
"Oh," Beca said. "And now that he's back, you believe he can still come after me? After us?"
"Yes," Chloe said. "I'm a trained detective, and he was able to subdue me and hold me until you showed up. I don't want to worry about him getting to you. I can't bear the thought of what he would do to you."
"You really don't have to worry about him," Beca said. "He's in jail and won't be released. Ever. He'll die in prison."
"How can you know that for certain?" Chloe asked. "People escape from jail all the time."
Beca could see how much the thought of Luke escaping and coming after her was affecting Chloe. She was quiet for a moment as she thought of what she could do to help ease Chloe's worries. Beca decides the only way to find out is to ask Chloe, so she does.
"What can I do to make you feel safer?" Beca asked, pulling Chloe tight to her. "Should we sell the house and find someplace else to move?"
"What!? No!" Chloe said, pulling away from Beca. "I don't want that. I'd never ask you to sell this house."
"Okay," Beca said. "How about we have an alarm system installed?"
"Now that I will agree to," Chloe said, leaning in to kiss Beca.
"Good," Beca said. "I'll text Aubrey and let her know I'll be taking a personal day tomorrow. That way, I can call around and see if I can get someone to take care of it right away. I'll even pay extra to have it done the same day."
Chloe yawned, and Beca stood, taking Chloe's hands and pulling her up, saying, "Let's get you to bed. It's late, and you have to work tomorrow."
"Okay," Chloe said, letting Beca lead her up to their room.
~~ Undercover Bella ~~
The next morning, Beca sent Chloe off to work with a kiss. Once Chloe was gone, Beca called her father to get the contact info for the home alarm company they used. Beca immediately called the alarm company and chose the plan she felt would fit best for her and Chloe. She was also lucky enough to schedule them for installation that day.
While waiting, Beca cleaned the breakfast dishes and went searching through the boxes of items left to her by her grandmother. Finding what she was looking for, Beca texted Chloe, asking if she wanted to go out for dinner. Chloe immediately agreed, and Beca told Chloe she'd meet her at the bar where they had their first date at six thirty.
Later, the alarm was installed, and the tech gave Beca a quick lesson on how to operate the system using the keypad. He intentionally set off the alarm, causing Beca to nearly have a heart attack. She yelped and put her hand to her heart; the tech quickly punched in the code to turn the alarm off.
"Sorry," the tech said.
"That's okay," Beca said. "It's good to know we won't have to worry about hearing it if someone tries to break in."
The alarm installer and tech left. Beca hurried to her room and put together her outfit for the night. She took a quick shower and blow-dried her hair before putting on her makeup. She grabbed her phone and quickly sent Chloe a text letting her know she was leaving and would see her at the bar.
Beca arrived and was seated at a booth by the window. Beca ordered a pitcher of beer with two glasses. She sat straight in her seat and watched the door so she'd see Chloe as soon as she came in.
The waitress set the beer and glasses on the table. Beca filled one and heard Chloe ask, "Mind if I get one of those?"
Chloe sat across from Beca and smiled.
"Take this one," Beca said, handing the glass to Chloe. "How was your day?"
"It was okay," Chloe said. "I missed you."
Beca chuckled. "You mean you're not sick of seeing me 24/7?"
"I'll never get sick of that," Chloe said, sipping her beer. "I love seeing you 24/7; that's why I asked you to marry me."
"Speaking of," Beca said, reaching into her purse. "I have something for you."
"Ooo, what is it?"
"I know you already asked me, and I, of course, said yes," Beca said. "I'd been wanting to propose to you for a few months, but I couldn't find the right time. So, since we're already engaged, I thought we should make it official, and you should have a ring, too."
With that, Beca held up an engagement ring. Chloe gasped and reached for it.
"Wait," Beca said. "I have to put it on you to make it official official."
"Oh, okay," Chloe said, holding out her left hand.
Beca took Chloe's hand, holding it gently as she held the ring, and said, "This ring belonged to my grandmother. She left it for me to give to the woman I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. That woman is you, so.." Bece placed the ring on Chloe's finger. "I love you, Chloe. And I can't wait to spend the rest of our lives together."
Chloe wiped a tear from her cheek as she looked at the ring on her finger.
"It's beautiful," she said. "I love it. And I love you."
They both leaned across the table and kissed. The kiss ended, and they both sat back, gazing into each other's eyes. The spell was broken when the waitress arrived and asked if they were ready to order.
"Allow me?" Beca asked Chloe.
Chloe nodded, and Beca gave the waitress their order. The waitress left, and Chloe smiled at Beca.
"You're recreating our first date," Chloe stated. "How romantic of you."
"You deserve it," Beca said. "Oh, and don't worry about dessert, I have it covered, but you'll have to wait until we get home."
"Mmm," Chloe hummed. "I hope you're part of that dessert."
"Play your cards right, and I just might be," Beca said, smirking.
"Hey, Beca!" Jesse's voice called across the bar, causing Beca and Chloe to both look up to see Jesse and everyone else coming in behind him.
"What the Hell?" Beca muttered. "Did the whole station come with him?"
"Looks like it," Chloe said, smiling at the group.
Aubrey skirted around the others and went to Beca and Chloe's table.
"Hey, Brey," Chloe said. "What's all this?"
"You two didn't think you could get engaged, and we wouldn't do something to celebrate, did you?" Aubrey said.
"Hey, guys," Benji called. "We've got a table for all of us over here."
"Grab your drinks and get over here," Stacie said, waving them over.
Beca looked at Chloe, and Chloe looked back at her. They both shrugged and stood, grabbing their beer and moving to the larger table.
Beca held a chair for Chloe; once she was settled, Beca sat next to her, placing her arm on the back of Chloe's chair. She couldn't help the smile that came to her face when Jesse and Stacie grabbed a waitress, and everyone started placing their drinks and food orders.
"We have the best friends ever," Beca said, holding her beer up to Chloe.
"We sure do," Chloe said, tapping her glass against Beca's.
Note: I know it's kind of open-ended, but I might be coming back to this AU at a later date.