This chapter is only focused on one scene and in multiple POVs.

Is the end a cliffhanger? Would it be considered one?

Hmmm….

TW for a lot of shots fired? a tearful goodbye? Chicago's saddistic machinations...

I don't own pitch perfect.

Chloe's head was spinning when she woke up on the cold hard floor. Her arms were bound by rope that was tightly wrapped around her body but she was nonetheless okay and in one piece. No pain, nothing bleeding, although she did notice that the jewelry that Beca gave her had gone missing.

It took a minute for her to take in her surrounding, the living room of some fancy mansion based on the décor. She was near one edge of a white sectional. To the other end of the sectional was Theo, his head bleeding from where he seemed to have been hit on the head, himself stirring awake.

Theo's eyes met Chloe, a flash of confusion, worry, and concern was in his eyes before his thoughts caught up with his reality.

"Where are we?" Chloe asked in hushed tones.

"My new place," Theo asked. "I moved as soon as I can after Beca's stunt with the syringes," he replied with a dry chuckle, trying to make light of the situation. "Chicago, he's out," he then quickly added.

Chloe nodded along, processing the information. From what she recalled of Beca's plans, she wasn't aiming to get him out for at least five more days, wanting to take care of some loose ends first, namely the Kommissar. Looks like the plans have changed, with Chicago making his own moves. Chloe wasn't sure why she was there with Theo, she assumed it was some kind of trap to draw Beca out. All she could truly remember was a white van popping up the corner of where she had parked on her way to restaurant she was meeting her friends in. Hands reached out of it, grabbing her from the street, with a cloth that smelt of chloroform covering her face. That was the last she remembered before waking up.

But what was Theo doing tied up in his own home? Did Chicago get the best of him too? If he figured out Theo double crossing him, was this his revenge? She was glad Theo was still safe, but she hardly thought Chicago would need him to lure Beca out.

Just what did Chicago had in mind?

They started to hear footsteps coming from the direction of a hallway accompanied by Chicago's humming. Theo quickly pretended to be unconscious again, a flash of fear in his eyes. But Chloe didn't follow suite. She turned to look at the direction Chicago was coming from, a look of defiance in her eyes.

Chicago looked cheerful as he marched into the living room, a hockey stick in hand. He was dressed rather plainly in black, probably wanting to keep a low profile. "Ah, you're already awake. I suppose that's good, we can talk before the guest of honor arrives."

Chloe took a deep breath and tried to keep herself calm. She was right about this being a trap for Beca, and she didn't quite know how to feel about it. On one hand, she knew Beca would come and save her. But on the other hand, she didn't want to. There was a crazed look in Chicago's eyes, and Chloe knew, she could feel it in her bones, he had something sinister planned of her. That's why Chloe hoped Beca wouldn't come, that she wouldn't play along, no matter how brilliant her quickly hatched plan would be to save her – because Chloe had no doubt that Beca would have one.

"What do you want, Chicago?" she asked, anger rising in her tone as she addressed the man who had orchestrated the death of so many innocent people. She still couldn't fathom how she considered him a friend before. But she supposed, it was because she wasn't like Beca. She knew there were people like Chicago out there, scum of the earth who got their way in everything, but she wasn't raised to face them head on. To study them, and play the dangerous games they played. Because no matter how trained she was in reading people in the court room, there were monsters she was never equipped to face before. Not when she had her eyes closed, her own naivete blinding her.

Chicago smiled and sighed. "You know, Chloe, things could have gone differently," he then started telling her off, sounding like a patient teacher scolding some kindergartener who made a mess of things, at least that's how it felt like to Chloe. "You could have been with me, sat next to my throne, and I would have given you the world at your feet."

Chloe laughed in disbelief. She's stopped trying to understand Chicago. The man was crazy, after all. Besides, she could never understand someone who would cross all the lines he did just for power. "Have you stopped to think for a second about all the things you've done? Have you tried to consider that maybe I don't want the world at my feet? Or that I don't want to be with someone like you."

"Like me?" Chicago asked, quite taken aback. "Like me, huh? Like a wealth man with power and influence? Someone with a corporation and law degree?" he continued to ask, his tone rising, as he paced back in forth in front of her. "Like me, who's killed? Is that it?" he then asked, his tone changing to amusement. "But isn't that what Beca Bella is? A killer?" Chicago continued to press her, his voice dropping low, an icy edge to his tone. "A mafia lawyer, who killed a prosecutor and who knows how many others? You don't seem to mind someone with blood on their hands… SO WHY NOT ME?"

Chicago smashed the vase next to Chloe with the hockey stick, and Chloe let a gasp escape from his sudden explosive nature as she cowered down closer to the floor, trying to avoid him, making herself smaller on the ground in case he turned around and got to her. Chicago took a minute to recompose himself, breathing hard, but his attention didn't seem to be on Chloe for a minute.

It was true what he said. Beca has killed.

She knew and understood that now. There was no excusing murder. But Chloe simply accepted it.

Because Beca had a code. There were lines she wasn't willing to cross. Sure.

But that wasn't the reason why Chloe simply accepted the darker parts of Beca and her life.

"Because she never pretended," Chloe replied, finding her voice, and looking up at him. Chicago snapped back his attention at Chloe with a curious look. "She never pretended her hands were clean. She may never talk about the things she's done, but Beca was honest. She never pretended to be innocent. She was kind, and she had a soft side she hid away so she can steel her heart against people like you. Beca never lied and accepted who she was, not like you. You're a monster, and you always tried to pain yourself a saint, blaming everyone else but yourself. But Beca's not like that. She always said she was the devil," she went on to say, feeling a surge of courage as she spoke. At the very least, she wasn't going to give Chicago the satisfaction of seeing her scared or even think he was correct with his misconceptions, "and she's the devil that's coming after you."

Rage briefly flashed in Chicago's eyes as he threw down the hockey stick aside, pulled out the gun he hid behind him, underneath his hoodie, and marched towards Chloe, ready to threaten her upon hearing what she had said. Behind him, Theo opened his eyes, as if he was ready to rush to Chloe's aid in case Chicago did anything. What she said got to him, it dug deep under his skin and unnerved him.

But before anything happened the doors that led into the private living room of Theo's new mansion had opened and in came Beca Bella, hands in the pocket of her suit, looking calm and unfazed. Theo smiled as if he had already won. Her presence was what they needed that moment.

Still, Chloe felt her heart beat in trepidation. Beca had come for her, and in a way, her presence filled her with hope.

But it also filled her with worry.

This was far from over.

Beca wasted no time, her heart beating in a rather erratic rhythm, one thought pulsing through her head.

This time she won't be too late.

She had to play it smart, and consider all possibilities. It was clear Chicago set a trap for her, but with Chloe's life on the line, she wasn't about to go in recklessly. So many scenarios ran through her mind, some inspired by real life situations she's witnessed and learned from the different enemies she's faced in her life. Beca had to ensure Chloe's safety, first and foremost. She needed to be sure Chicago was keeping her in the same place she had her go. She had to consider the fact that he might have her held elsewhere and no contact from him might lead to dire consequences from whoever was holding her.

Then there was the fact that the address was a familiar one. Theo's.

She had to consider the possibility that Chicago's done something to him. Maybe he was holding his brother there, and Chloe elsewhere. Maybe he tells her Theo is one place and Chloe in another, but actually had the locations switched. She had to be careful and get everything in place.

Before leaving, Beca made a quick stop with Jesse and Stacie. She had the same button camera fixed on her suit's button so she could record things stealthily. Stacie can access the live feed and if they need to, they could run quick searches. Especially if Chloe wasn't being held where Beca was going. This will also allow Jesse to contact local law enforcements when the time was right. Lilly was on standby and also bugged. Her instructions were to follow Beca, giving her a fifteen-minute lead. In case Chicago had his men search her, she wasn't bringing a weapon but rather have Lilly bring it to her, after they've lowered their guards and are taken care of by her trusted body guard.

Beca just needed to buy time and play along until then.

As she had expected, Beca was searched when she entered the premises. Chicago did have his guards around Theo's place. Beca moved about accordingly, not raising any suspicions and alarming any of the guards to make sure the camera captured the details and let Lilly know the info she needed to dispatch his guards stealthily and efficiently.

She was soon cleared and lead to the private living room area, the guards opening the door to let her in before closing them. Beca crossed the threshold of the room with her arms up, making sure not to agitate the already worked up Chicago, as she entered to find a lively scene of Chicago holding a gun, Chloe tied up and staring at him defiantly, and an injured Theo trying to get up on the floor behind him.

Chicago took note of her arrival and quickly pointed the gun at her, "Nice of you to join the party," he then said with a wicked grin. "I'm surprised my guards are still standing outside."

"I come in peace, you have hostages," Beca replied matter-of-factly. "If you heard me coming in anyway, all guns a blazing, you would hurt them. And I know you would have a way to know a fight had broken out, I'm not sure how you'd do it, but that's something I would consider putting in place after the stunt I pulled at the private bar."

Chicago grinned. "Well, at least your smart," he said, "But just how smart, I wonder?"

Beca tried to keep her cool. Fifteen minutes since her arrival, that's all she needed. Distract him long enough and Lilly would be there and they could turn the tables around, save Chloe and Theo, and put an end to Chicago's schemes. A little too soon for what she had intended, but she could always improvise.

The one thing she wouldn't let happen was let him win.

"Let them go, Chicago," Beca then said. "You have what you wanted. You have me here now, right?"

"No," he replied. "You don't make the rules right now, you can't make demands," he said knowingly. "So, why don't we see you beg for a minute? Hmm? On your knees, Beca Bella."

Beca took a deep breath, her eyes fixed on Chicago, but constantly remaining vigilant to where Theo and Chloe were. Chicago stood between them, it would be tricky to make any sudden movements. "You know, people don't always have to follow instructions," Beca said cooly, seemingly unyielding. Chicago looked at her curiously, but that wasn't meant for him.

That was meant for her friends, she wasn't alone after all. They could see it all transpire, hear what's going on.

Lilly could rush to their aid.

Jesse is free to make his moves and pull some strings.

Aubrey and Emily, now undoubtedly informed, could also make their plans and strategize.

And if they needed reassurance, Beca knew just what to say. "I know when I'm beat and when I'm not. I know when to adjust and bend to not get broken," she went on, going down on bended knees, keeping her hands up and her eyes straight on Chicago. "So, I know in the end that I'll win, Chicago, but if I have to humor you, if you need to gloat, then do. In the end, it's your funeral. It's only fitting to let you have your last words."

Chicago laughed. "Unbelievable," he said in between his laughter. "You really know how to entertain. Do you recall what you said? That you'll make me beg for you to kill me? How about you beg for your life instead?"

"Not really my style," Beca then said. "If you have to kill me then kill me, but at least I'll die with my dignity intact. All I ask if maybe a few last words."

Chicago grinned, "Alright then, I'll humor you," he said, keeping the hand holding his gun pointed at Beca while walking towards Theo, who was now on his knees. Chicago bent down to undo the rope that bound him and quickly walked a few steps behind him.

"Go grab the stick, brother," he instructed. Theo looked at him confused before looking towards Beca for any sign of reassurance or dissent. Beca nodded towards him, encouraging him to play along.

Chicago was cruel and sadistic, that much Beca knew and was betting on. Which meant it wouldn't be hard to buy time. He's the type who would want to savor the death of his victims, and it gives Beca the opportunity to both fight back and play along, maybe cause confusion.

Theo slowly crawled on his knees, not wanting to agitate Chicago even more. Once he reached the stick, he grabbed it and turned it a bit in his hands, feeling its weight. He looked deep at thought as he studied the thing, and Beca hoped that he didn't get any funny ideas.

Now was not the time to be a hero. He had to play along, and she did her best to communicate that thought in her eyes, hoping Theo would just meet her gaze.

"You know, you've been bad lately, brother," Chicago said, pointing the gun at him. "But for the sake of our shared blood, I'm willing to overlook that. I'll forgive you. I'll even give you Babel, if you want. It's yours for the taking."

Theo didn't dare look back at Chicago, he kept his eyes fixed on the stick before briefly meeting Beca's gaze. The look in his eyes told her all she needed to know. They both understood where this was going. Theo knew his brother well, after all. He grew up under his shadow, years of torment and fear of him controlling his very actions. Beca felt bad for him. If Don Fabio had been anything other than an honorable mafioso who took her in, trained her, and built her up, then she could have been in the same position, serving someone like Paulo in fear.

But Don Fabio was not Charles Walters, Sr. Paulo was not as crazy as Chicago. As for Beca, she was forged of steel, a sharp wit, and an indomitable will. Theo was not. He was soft-hearted, and a bit simple at times with his wants and desires. Beca could see that in his desire to right his brother's wrongs. He just wanted to be free.

Theo knew and understood, that Chicago offered him a kind of freedom.

But it was a freedom that still bound him in shackles and chains of fear of Chicago.

"Well, what are you sitting there for, brother?" Chicago asked, sounding impatient before giving a deep sigh. "Do I really have to spell everything to a moron like you?"

Theo gave out a nervous chuckle. "You know me, brother, I'm a little slow most times," he replied.

"Kill her," Chicago said with a smile, pointing his gun once more at Beca before back at Theo. "If you kill Beca Bella, then you're free, brother. Make her feel the pain, make her beg, make it last."

"No!" Chloe cried out while Theo nodded.

"You got it, brother," Theo said, slowly picking himself up the floor and taking one painful step at a time towards Beca. Chicago readjusted his aim, to keep the gun pointed at Beca, once and a while aiming it at Chloe when she looks like she might do something to intervene.

Theo looked nervous, that much she could tell. Beca was ready to play a long and fight him, make sure it doesn't hurt as much if need be, for as long as she doesn't sense Chicago's bloodlust grow, or sense him get antsy and be trigger happy.

But as soon as Theo reached the hallway point between Beca and Chicago, he stood still and froze for a minute before taking a deep breath and raising his arms, the stick firmly in his hands, ready a to strike.

"I'm sorry," he said to Beca with a sad smile.

Beca tensed, she could sense what was coming.

Theo attacked, but not her. He swiftly turned and smacked Chicago in his head with the stick. It took him off guard, causing him to drop the gun on the ground. Theo kicked it away as he rushed towards Chicago and Beca was quick on her feet to rush towards Chloe.

"Go!" Theo exclaimed as Chicago started to fight back, trying to take the stick away from Theo. He was still a bit disoriented from the initial attack, and Theo took full advantage of it.

Beca in the meantime made quick work of the rope that bound Chloe, no time to waste. The sooner she could get Chloe out to safety, the sooner she could help Theo. Lilly could very easily arrive in the middle of it all too.

Beca helped Chloe up and placed a protective hand around Chloe as they ran towards the double doors she had entered. There were two guards there, Beca was confident she could take them on easily, and steal a weapon off one of the hoodlums Chicago hired. They could take the back exit where security was lighter. Things were developing rather quickly, but Beca could make snap decisions as she went on. If she could hide Chloe somewhere nearby, she could take care of the guards and help Theo disarm Chicago before reinforcements arrive too. Theo wasn't exactly the bets fighter, but she had no doubt that he could handle taking Chloe to safety while Beca stayed behind. It was another option worth considering.

But fate had other plans.

Beca heard Theo, who had been thrown on the ground and overpowered by his brother, cry out, "Look out!"

It happened all too quickly.

Chicago fired a shot at Beca, and Chloe was quick to shield her with her own body.

Before she knew it, Beca could feel Chloe's weight on her own as she tried to keep her up. She felt the warm wetness of the blood pooling from Chloe's shoulders, as the two sank into the ground on the floor.

Beca was in shock.

This happened before.

A memory long buried of how her adoptive mother died.

Beca's blood grew cold, fear gripping her heart. The fear of loss.

No, not again.

Not anymore.

She's not going lose someone again.

She can't.

"I'm okay, Beca, I'm okay," she heard Chloe reassure through gritted teeth, snapping Beca's attention back to the present. But Chloe was growing pale in her arms, as the blood continued to pool. Beca tried to stabilize her by leaning her against the wall while on the floor, putting pressure on the wound.

"Stay with me then," she said, her own voice erratic. It was hard to keep herself cool and composed under the circumstance, especially with the panic settling in. She wasn't about to lose Chloe. She was not going to lose Chloe. "Just stay with me."

Chicago looked poised to fire again but Theo was quick on his feet. "This has to end, Chicago!" he cried out, as he tried to wrangle the gun free.

Another shot fired as Chicago and Theo looked at each other, the gun between them.

Theo dropped down on the floor, coughing up blood, as he was quickly bleeding from his abdomen. The double doors of the private living area swung open and in came Lilly, fast as lightning. Chicago wasted no time in running out into the elevated patio deck and flung himself off the side of it. Lilly hesitated her pursuits for a moment, checking in on Beca and Chloe. She settled on stabilizing Chloe.

"Go check on him," she heard Chloe say faintly, but Beca didn't move not until Lilly nodded to make ensure her that she's got Chloe.

Beca rushed to her feet and checked on Theo, on the ground, her hands quickly trying to apply pressure on his wound. Theo gave her a faint smile, a tear falling down his cheek. "S-sorry," he said again.

"Don't be an idiot and stop apologizing," Beca replied, trying her best to still sound reassuring. She could tell from the amount of blood he's lost that his chances were grim. "Did you really have to play the hero?" she asked, tears running down her cheeks.

Funny, at first she didn't really think much of him. Theo was an airhead, a puppet, an idiot that Chicago manipulated. But he won her over. Everyone had a turning point and when he reached his, Theo's sincerity and desire for change made Beca see the good in him. The part of him that reminded her of what she could have been had fate dealt her with a terrible hand. She saw someone who was a victim of circumstance finally understanding that they could actually do something to change things.

All because she stood to defy his brother and actually did. Because Beca made him believe that it wasn't actually impossible to do so.

Now she might have just gotten him killed.

Theo chuckled. "I-I've been running all my life, hiding from-from my brother… I-I was… scared… scared to death of the con-con-sequences if-if… if I didn't play along... it had… it had to end," he struggled to say. "Promise me, Beca," he said, reaching for his phone from his inner suit pocket and placed it in one of Beca's hands, his own placed over hers, giving it a tight squeeze. "He-he's escaped just-justice so many times… not anymore… promise me…"

Beca nodded fighting the tears back.

Damn it, she really did care about Theo in the end.

And it surprised her.

Sirens rang in the end, law enforcements arriving. Hope might still be there, no matter how slim.

"Hang in there, bro," Beca said.

Theo smiled brightly. "Did-did I do good?" he then asked.

Beca shook her head but then nevertheless nodded. "Now, stop talking and save your strength."

"Thank you, Beca," was Theo's reply with a soft sincerity in his tone. "For giving me… a chance… for-for everything…"

"Thank me when this is over," Beca replied, giving him a reassuring smile.

Theo gave soft nod, his hands loosening their grip on Beca's on.

"Stay with us, Theo," Beca then said, not able to fight back the tears now.

Theo smiled weakly, his hands going limp, as he closed his eyes.

Chicago didn't deserve a POV here so I didn't give him one but fret not, he's not getting away.

Addio means goodbye, btw

UPNEXT: more TW stuff…