Page 27 of Brave Horizons (Barrington Billionaires #19)

TOPEKA

Topeka had been taken to a news station, an unfamiliar environment buzzing with activity.

She had been whisked away the moment they arrived, quickly cleaned up and styled.

Now, in full makeup and a smart outfit that felt foreign on her, she stood in a small room, clutching a piece of paper with her prepared statement.

The room was cold, sterile, and the fluorescent lights buzzed overhead.

Topeka glanced at herself in the mirror, hardly recognizing the polished reflection staring back.

She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves.

The statement in her hand was thorough, meticulously crafted by the Kinross team.

She had done her best to commit it to memory, but they assured her it was fine if she decided to read it.

A soft knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts. A young woman with a headset peeked in, offering a reassuring smile. “We’re ready for you, Ms. Majors. Whenever you’re ready.”

Topeka nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. She followed the woman down a corridor lined with posters and awards, the hum of conversations and the clatter of equipment growing louder as they approached the studio.

Finally, they reached the set, a bright space dominated by cameras and lighting rigs.

The anchor, a composed woman with a warm smile, approached her. “Topeka, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Lydia. Don’t worry, you’re in good hands. We’ll make this as smooth as possible.”

Topeka forced a smile, appreciating the anchor’s attempt to put her at ease. She was guided to a chair in the center of the set, the cameras adjusting their focus as she sat down. The lights were blinding, and she had to squint to see the faces around her.

“We’ll be recording in two minutes,” Lydia said, taking her place next to Topeka. “Just take deep breaths. You’re doing a brave thing. Remember this isn’t live but you don’t have a lot of time, according to your people, so we won’t have the chance to do another take.”

Topeka nodded, clutching the paper tightly. She glanced around the set, feeling the weight of the moment settle on her shoulders. She wasn’t speaking for herself; she was speaking for everyone who had been hurt by her father’s actions. She took a deep breath, forcing herself to focus.

The countdown began, and the room fell silent. Topeka felt her heart in her throat as the cameras started rolling. Lydia introduced the segment, her voice calm and professional, before turning to Topeka.

“Today, we have a special guest, Topeka Majors. You all may recognize her from the national manhunt to locate her safely. I can assure you as she sits in our studio, she is safe. She has a statement she wishes to share with us. Topeka, the floor is yours.”

Topeka took another deep breath, unfolding the paper in her hands. She glanced at the words she had memorized. They’d been carefully written for her and she hoped they would accomplish what everyone intended. She looked up, meeting the camera’s lens, and began to speak.

“My name is Topeka Majors,” she started, her voice steady but her hands trembling. “I want to address the rumors and the news that has been circulating about my disappearance. I am not missing, nor am I a victim of abduction.”

She paused, gathering her thoughts. The cameras seemed to zoom in, capturing every detail of her face. She continued, her voice growing stronger with each word.

“I have been in hiding because I fear for my life. My father, Carmine Majors, along with his associates, are involved in dangerous and illegal activities. I have evidence of their crimes, and I am here to ensure that the truth is known. I am in protective custody, and I urge the authorities to take immediate action against those responsible. I’ve gathered and turned over ample evidence that will help paint a clear picture of how corrupt and dangerous my father is. ”

Topeka glanced down at the paper, then back up at the camera.

“I want to assure everyone that I am safe. I am not in danger from those who are protecting me—the people named on the news. I am worried about retribution from my father and his associates. I am willing to testify and provide all the evidence I have gathered but need to ensure that I am alive in order to do so.”

Lydia nodded encouragingly, signaling for her to continue.

“I urge anyone with information to come forward. Together, we can ensure that justice is served, and no one else has to suffer or die from their actions. Thank you.”

Topeka finished, her voice trembling slightly at the end. She exhaled deeply, feeling the tension release from her body. Lydia smiled and opened her mouth to speak again but Topeka cut in.

“Wait, sorry, I have one more thing to say if that’s okay.”

Lydia nodded for her to go on.

“Dad,” she began, her voice unwavering, “I know you’re watching this. I want you to hear me loud and clear. I am not afraid of you anymore. You’ve caused enough pain and suffering. You’ve taken lives, destroyed families, and manipulated your way through the system. But it ends now.”

She paused, letting the weight of her words sink in.

“You can try to find me, you can try to silence me, but it won’t work.

I have people who believe in justice, who will protect me, and who will ensure that you face the consequences of your actions.

I have already turned over everything I’ve gathered.

Your associates are being watched, and the net is closing in. ”

Topeka’s voice grew stronger with each word.

“You taught me to be strong, to stand up for myself, and now I’m using that strength against you.

I will not back down. I will testify. I will see you brought to justice.

You may have controlled me for a long time, but no more. I am free, and I am fighting back.”

She could feel the tension in the room, the silent support of those around her. She took one last deep breath, her gaze never wavering from the camera.

“This is your final warning. Surrender, cooperate, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll have a chance to redeem yourself. But know this: I will not stop until you are held accountable for every crime you’ve committed. The world knows now, and they will not turn a blind eye.”

Topeka finished, her heart pounding in her chest. Lydia nodded, a look of admiration in her eyes. “Thank you, Topeka. Your bravery is remarkable, and we hope that justice will prevail.”

The cameras stopped rolling, and the room buzzed with activity once more. Topeka felt a mix of relief and exhaustion wash over her. She had done it. She had faced her fear and spoken her truth.

Alex appeared at her side, his hand gently squeezing her shoulder. “You were incredible, Topeka. You did it.”

“We need to get out of here though,” Topeka said, a quiver in her voice .

“Remember it’s recorded, not live. Your father doesn’t know you’re here.”

“It’s not because of that. I don’t want to be here anymore. I can’t believe I just did that.”