Scientology’s Gold Base in Riverside County, California, has been shrouded in mystery for years. The heavily guarded compound houses up to 1,000 members of the Sea Org, the church’s elite inner core. Ex-members who have left report harsh working conditions, abuse and the existence of a double-wide trailer housing facility known as “The Hole.” In a rare insider’s view of Gold, Valerie Haney tells of her years as Scientology first lady Shelly Miscavige’s personal steward and how after two decades in the Sea Org, with conditions at the base leading her to contemplate suicide, Valerie makes a bold move.