Page 103 of Before Eve
I. Am. Free.
CHAPTER 50
“My name’s Laura Kader.My father is Grayson Kader, a known humanitarian, a banker, and a recent candidate for president.
“As far back as I can remember, he took his anger out on my mother, redirecting to me upon her passing. He has routinely beaten me, withheld nourishment, and locked me away for days on end.
“I ran from home and changed my name because I couldn’t see any other way out. Though I was scared for this to come to light, I knew it had to. Without my father’s knowledge, I planted a camera in my room and documented a conversation between Noah Riley and my father. In exchange for Noah’s financial support in my father’s run for presidency, he agreed that Noah could use me as he wanted, and my body to be returned for a funeral.
“This has brought to light numerous other things that were unbeknownst to me, including human trafficking involving Grayson and Noah, as well as other abuse victims who have bravely stepped forward.
“At this time, that is all I want to say. I ask that you respectmy privacy and give me the space I need to deal with the fallout.”
This is my official statement to the press upon several things happening:
Noah is arrested, as well as Amelia.
Women come forward with detailed accounts of abuse they endured at the hands of my father, dating back decades before I was even born. Others come forward regarding Noah.
Investigators uncover videos that Grayson recorded of the beatings he gave my mother, other women, and recent ones of me that he shared with Noah Riley.
Clips of those videos hit the news. I receive an outpouring of support, as do all the victims. The media coverage is overwhelming. I talk to so many official people, I can’t even keep track.
I knew Grayson was dark, disturbed, and evil, but the sheer depths of his wickedness seems to know no end as every day something new comes to light.
Only one week has gone by since I was rescued. It feels like much longer, each hour of each day passing in a blur of media, investigators, and various other things.
I’ve been staying with Brynn, who continues to be a true lifeline. She is the reason why I am alive right now.
“Hey,” Brynn says, plopping down next to me on the bed in their guest room. “Mom’s making fajitas for dinner. Cool?”
I hug Brynn. “Thank you for everything.”
She waves me off as she looks around the room. “Mom says to start thinking about how you want to decorate.”
“What?”
“This is your room now, doofus. You didn’t think you were leaving, did you?”
Happy tears spring free. I hug her again. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
I pull from the hug. “How’s your dad doing?”
“Getting by. He carries so much guilt.”
