Chapter 22 Greta
Greta
Late that night, Greta woke to see Kaelee sitting at the desk illuminated by moonlight and a small desk lamp. Newsprint cuttings and photos were scattered over the surface. Greta wrapped one of the hotel robes around her and went over to stand behind Kaelee.
In Kaelee’s hand was a laminated clipping. The only reason it wasn’t crumpled unrecognizably was the laminate covering that was cutting into Kaelee’s hand. A tiny bead of blood welled up from her palm where the edge had sliced the skin.
Mr. Arthur Leopold (“Tripp”) Alden III of Raleigh announces the engagement of his daughter, Sabrina Alden, to Kyle Gray, a newly promoted senior vice president of marketing at Alden Enterprises. Gray is the son of Eustace and Irene Gray of Charlotte. A fall wedding is planned.
Under the text of the announcement were two pictures, one of a much younger Kaelee and one of a polished-looking man who was visibly older by at least a decade.
In the photo, Kaelee’s currently short-cropped hair was a waterfall of waves that flowed over her shoulders.
Her salmon-toned blouse had small sprigs of flowers, and there were no tattoos anywhere.
Tiny hoops—one set only—were visible in her ears.
Her smile looked strained, and her eyes looked sad.
Greta looked down at the desk. Another clipping on top of the mess seemed to be announcing Kaelee’s departure. It was mostly about her father, his donations, and how difficult the situation was for the family.
(Raleigh) Mr. Arthur Leopold (“Tripp”) Alden III of Raleigh reported his daughter Sabrina Alden missing on Tuesday.
Police have spoken to Miss Alden’s fiancé, as well as her sister and cheerleading squad.
Alden was to be a freshman at Duke University in the upcoming term, but she’d fallen in with bad elements in recent months.
“We want Sabrina to come home where she belongs. We are willing to pay for any leads in her whereabouts,” Mr. Alden told reporters.
There have been no ransom demands, and Mrs. Alden tearfully expressed her fear that her daughter was unable to contact her family.
Several prominent political figures and religious figures, along with Miss Alden’s fiancé, were present at the Alden residence.
“Tripp Alden, a long-time contributor to the Right Way fund, has supported vetting and training personnel who could bring back family values,” said local congressman Mitchell Edward Jones.
“He needs our help now. Join us in prayer for his lost daughter.”
Greta looked at the clippings scattered on the desk. “This was what was in the envelope?”
“Yes.” Kaelee stared at the assorted mess of articles.
“Short version? I was declared missing, and then my parents had a memorial. I’m not dead, legally, but they apparently were seeking that.
If I died, they could seize my trust fund.
” She tapped the corner of an announcement that the family was having a memorial so they could grieve and move on.
“Last year, I guess, they let the community know that I was ‘presumed dead’ … except he had my mobile number. He obviously knows I’m not dead. ”
She sounded more rage-filled than sorrowful, and for that Greta was grateful. She kept her voice gentle and low in the dark room and asked only, “What do you need?”
Kaelee looked back at her. “I don’t even know. I don’t want to cancel my book deals or destroy my newly established career. I know that.”
“Good.” Greta put a hand on Kaelee’s shoulder. “Is that what they’re asking? Is there anything else?”
Kaelee handed her a folded letter. “She has demands. This is her doing as much as his, I guess.”
Dear Brina,
I know you think you can leave your family and life behind. I’m sorry you and Kyle had a fight, but that’s no reason to turn your back on all of us. Your father is very frustrated at how your belligerence will reflect on him if you are discovered living your sinful life.
I was not pleased with the idea of having a memorial service, but he thought a memorial would help everyone move on. The event was well attended, and many people said nice things about you.
When his people delivered the news on your book deal, he was livid.
You look so much like me. If people were to see the photo of you or pick up that book, they’ll think we lied.
You have to understand that we simply wanted to stop all the questions.
We have tried to be patient while you have your little adventure, but your father says you were already finishing that last degree.
We can tell everyone you wanted to be independent and earn your way.
Your father spoke to the public relations team.
We have a good plan. You will ruin everything with this book and story about being a homosexual.
Sabrina, what were you thinking! You know how he gets, and his reputation will be tarnished if your indiscretions are revealed.
Kyle has mended his heart, and of late, your father has suggested that your cousin has been an aid in that.
We had hoped your sister would fulfill this duty, but she made other choices for her marriage.
Cousin Jordan is such a good girl, and Kyle is willing to honor his commitment to your father by marrying Jordan.
He would still marry you, or we can have that wedding for him and Jordan all in order before you return.
Then we will pick a younger boy for you.
Nothing will work out if you insist on claiming to be one of those women, though. Good Christian ladies follow their father, then their husband, and God forbid, if he passes, you have a son to look after you. Without firm guidance, well, look at your own situation!
You must stop this nonsense and come home, Brina.
Your father’s candidate this year is campaigning on a platform of strict morality, and your rebellion must end before it embarrasses everyone.
Come home. We’ll have a party to celebrate your return, like you’re Lazarus returned to the living or the prodigal son come home.
It’s time to set things right. You owe it to your father.
Julia (Mom) Alden
Greta finished reading and winced. “Does she always sign letters to you that way?”
“I guess when you fail so badly at motherhood you need to find some way to pretend you are a mother,” Kaelee said. Her shoulders were tight with anxiety or rage or some combination.
“Is your cousin in danger?” Greta asked.
“You mean, has anyone told Jordan that Kyle raped me? I have no idea. I thought about calling her, but maybe he’ll be different with her.
I don’t know. I’ll still probably call her.
He was awful. I gagged the first time he kissed me, and I think it hurt his feelings.
” Kaelee had a faraway look in her eyes.
“I told them that night, said that I preferred women, that I couldn’t marry him. ”
“Oh, honey,” Greta murmured, stroking a comforting hand down Kaelee’s arm and back. “How old were you when that happened?”
“Eighteen. I was planning to start college in the fall, and … honestly, I was too young to marry anyone, but Tripp was sick of my disobedience. He told me that if I was going to act like a spoiled brat he was going to make the decision for me. Marry Kyle or no tuition, no Duke, no anything.”
“Bastard.”
“Yes. Both of them.” Kaelee made a noise that was probably intended to be a laugh. “Kyle was Daddy’s clone. He did whatever he was told. Honestly, he didn’t want a wife, but I came with a promotion to VP in the company at only twenty-eight. A raise? More influence? He agreed to take me.”
“And no one thought how young you were was disturbing?” Greta gaped at the thought.
“Darlin’, in his version of morals, if a woman can bleed, she can breed.
The candidates he backs are the ones who see no issue with child brides.
I was practically on the shelf for that sort of conservative man.
” She looked over her shoulder again, met Greta’s gaze, and said, “Kyle said my father told him that a lot of women say no at first, but that he was saying yes for me.”
Tears trickled down her cheeks.
“You will not have to deal with him. Not Tripp Alden and not Kyle Gray.” Greta glared at the pages. “I’m so sorry that no one protected you before, but you are not alone.”
“They had a memorial, even though they knew I wasn’t dead,” Kaelee whispered. “They would rather I be dead than a lesbian. I don’t even know what to do with that.”
“You don’t have to do anything with it.” Greta took her hands and pulled her to her feet.
“We’ll talk to legal, and we’ll make sure you’re safe and secure at any events.
I know a few lawyers through my ex’s firm, too.
Good ones. And when you do events, either Charlie will travel with you, or Toni will.
She’s already agreed to do a four-city tour with you.
And if neither of them can be with you, I will be.
I swear to you that you will not be left alone. ”
“You can’t be with me everywhere. Not on campus or at the gym or the grocery—”
“We can figure this out. I swear we can.” Greta wrapped her arms around Kaelee.
“Whatever it takes. As your friend, your editor, and whatever else I am, I will have your back, Kaelee Carpenter. Whatever they said about Sabrina Alden being gone, you are not. You are a phoenix that rose from the ashes of their mistakes.”
“I’m scared,” Kaelee admitted.
“I know, but we can figure it out. We won’t let them near you.
” Greta cupped her face in both hands. “I care about you. Let me help with this, okay? You’re not a teenager facing them all on your own this time.
You have friends, money, and a life we will not let them interfere with.
Plus, you still have the courage you had to leave their cage.
We’ll keep you away from them. I swear it. ”
Kaelee nodded.