Girl vanished from her bed in 1991 — 9 years later mom plays her old recording toy…and was shocked

He’s been talking for the past 20 minutes. Through speakers, Charles’s voice filled the observation room. He spoke calmly, almost proudly, as if describing a successful business venture.

I took her that night, Charles said. October 15th, 1991. Elaine was working her night shift.

I carried Izzy downstairs to the princess room I’d finished building. She was sleeping, didn’t even wake up. One detective leaned forward.

And the window? I opened it, made it look like an abduction. Everyone bought it. He actually smiled.

Nine years she lived down there. I told her the world had ended. Nuclear war.

We were the last two people alive. She believed every word. Elaine’s knees went weak.

Morrison guided her to a chair. Why, the detective asked. Why did you do this? Charles shrugged.

She was mine. My creation. Why shouldn’t I keep her? I gave her everything she needed.

Food, toys, attention. And when she was old enough. He paused.

We were rebuilding humanity. That’s what I told her. She needed to have my baby to save the species.

How did we miss the room? The other detective asked. You did a standard walkthrough, Charles said dismissively. Not a deep search.

I’d cluttered the basement with tools and equipment. You took one look and moved on. The false wall I’d built two years earlier during a renovation.

I even filed fake permits. Showed you false blueprints. The room was soundproofed.

No ventilation to the main house. Completely undetectable. Elaine whispered to Morrison.

He was always gifted with carpentry. So precise. So organized.

I worked nights. Never suspected. Her voice broke.

If Matthew hadn’t been so reckless tonight. We might never have found her. Morrison nodded grimly.

Let’s go back. You’ve heard enough. In the interview room.

Elaine sat heavily. What about Matthew? Why did he break in? Matthew Tenko has been very honest. Morrison said.

When we raided the house. He was ranting about Charles. Apparently there’s been rivalry between them for years.

He consulted his notes. In their sick group. Charles was the star.

He made the most videos. Had the most compliant victim. The others would take turns sharing their material.

But Charles’s videos were always requested as a bonus. He was proud of that status. Elaine felt sick.

Her daughter reduced to entertainment for monsters. Matthew became obsessed. Morrison continued.

He developed desires for Izzy. But couldn’t find where Charles kept her. So he decided to steal the video collection.

He broke in through the back door tonight. Didn’t expect you to be there. He attacked me.

Elaine said quietly. Tried to. We know.

He confessed to that too. Said you reminded him of Izzy. Morrison’s voice was gentle.

Mrs. Rhodes. Your daughter is going to need extensive therapy. She may seem okay on the surface.

But nine years of psychological manipulation and abuse. There will be deep trauma. I know.

Elaine said. But she’s alive. We have a chance.

Morrison stood. Let’s reunite you with your daughter. They found Izzy in the corridor with Sarah Martinez.

The girl jumped up when she saw Elaine. Mommy? They embraced. Both crying.

Elaine breathed in her daughter’s scent. Still amazed she was real. Alive.

Here. An officer will escort you to the hospital soon. Sarah said.

For the examination we discussed. They moved to a quiet waiting room. Izzy curled against Elaine on a worn couch.

For a while, neither spoke. The weight of everything that had happened. Everything that would need to happen.

Pressed down on them. Then Izzy began to cry. Not the confused tears from earlier.

But deep, wrenching sobs. The officer told me everything. And I think they were right.

Dad lied to me. She gasped. About everything…