Abduction Runs in the Family (2021) Movie Script
1
Hey. We're home.
Careful.
So what do you think?
This is your room.
Do you like it?
Her mother
on the south side of the park
near the woods for several hours
before the incident occurred.
Police could find no
trace of the young girl
nor any clues to
her whereabouts.
Anybody with-
That's not you anymore.
Your name is Sophie.
And you're my little girl.
You're going to like it here.
I promise to give
you the best life.
Essentially, what I'm saying is,
although the past
events of your childhood
shape your cognitive changes,
they don't dictate your future.
And what if someone
has never experienced
any traumatic events in
their life to overcome?
I would say consider
yourself very lucky.
As always, this is Alyssa
Manning, daring to be.
I can help you with the math.
All right, remember
when you carry the two,
you work from right to left.
Mm-hm.
I think that's it.
Hello.
Hi. We're back here.
I just stopped by to say
hello to my two favorite people
and to find a home for
my new batch of cookies.
You guys know anyone interested?
Me.
After your homework.
Ah, no fun, Mom.
I told Grace I'm big
enough for a real babysitter
so she doesn't always
have to watch me.
And I told her that I
don't have to do anything.
We stick together. Always have.
Even if I wanted to have
a stranger babysit you,
Auntie Grace would never let me.
That's right, because
babysitters just text
their boyfriends all night.
They don't have fun
like we do, right?
Right.
Oh, you're still good
for tomorrow night, right?
I've got that live show.
Yep, I'll be here.
Any plans for after the show?
You're bad.
Well?
Maybe.
I know what you guys
are talking about.
Emma!
I'll see you guys tomorrow.
Bye.
Bye.
You. Let's get
back to that math.
You've been asking me to do
a show together for years.
I have.
As a true crime fanatic,
I've always been
fascinated with your case.
Being taken right in
front of your own parents,
I mean, it struck fear
into parents everywhere.
And with my other
announcement tonight,
I thought it was the right
time to take Spencer up
on his idea to flip the script
and have him ask
me a few questions.
First of all, the obvious,
what was it like being
rescued and returned safely
to your parents
after seven years?
Well, it definitely
took some time to adapt,
but eventually, I fell
back into my life.
And I had relatively
normal high school years.
The attention
eventually waned and-
You then took that experience
and devoted your life
to studying psychology
and human behavior.
And now, look at you,
you're one of the most
celebrated personalities
in the podcast world.
And today, 25 years
after your safe return,
I understand you have
a big announcement?
Yes, the rumors are true,
I'm releasing my first book.
A personal memoir dealing
with the kidnapping.
It's a long time coming.
Should we take some live
questions from the listeners?
Yes.
In my case, I lived
out this horrific event
in the public eye,
so I not only had to
deal with the trauma,
but I had to deal with
the fame and attention
that came with
being little Alyssa.
That flew by. It's
been a wonderful show.
There is just one last
thing we haven't touched on.
I think I know where
you're going with this.
Sorry, but I think
everyone would like to know.
The man who kidnapped
you, Miles Simon,
will be released
from prison tomorrow.
How does that make you feel?
He served his time,
and I hope he used
the 25 years to heal,
and that he'll never
harm anyone else again.
Doesn't scare you or upset
you that he's a free man?
This has been great.
Thank you, Spencer.
Thank you.
And thank you
all for joining us.
As always, this is Alyssa
Manning, daring to be.
Great.
What a great show, guys.
Yeah, we'll have to do it again.
I'm gonna hold you to that.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you so much.
Bye.
You're my little girl.
Are you okay?
Yeah.
Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine.
First copy?
It's not final.
And we still need those
last edits from you,
but I figured with
the rushed release,
we could whet the
public's appetite.
Besides, what would a book
announcement be without a book?
This was brave.
I'm proud of you.
Hey, it was your idea to
incorporate the old journals.
That was smart.
It really sold me.
And I appreciate you pushing
me when things got tough.
It's my job.
And with Miles's release,
we can expect an avalanche
of media attention
and endless interview requests.
I was afraid of that.
Well, I have a game plan.
I guess you're at
the house so much,
you know my and Emma's
schedule by now.
Yeah, you could say that.
Hey, I gotta run, but I'll
see you in a couple days
for the release
strategy meeting?
Yes, you will.
Sarah?
Yeah?
I'm sorry I ever doubted you.
No, it's okay.
I knew it was hard on you
being assigned a new editor,
especially under
the circumstances.
Caroline was great,
and I know you trusted
her and her vision.
I'm just glad you gave
me and my ideas a chance.
Thank you, again.
I'm going to clean some things
up around here. Goodnight.
Okay. Bye.
Footage of
Miles Simon, now 62 years old,
walking out of
prison a free man.
Simon served 25
years for kidnapping
Alyssa Manning
over 30 years ago.
He released a statement
care of his lawyer-
She tried to wait up.
Sorry, I was watching the news.
I found out some info.
As part of his probation,
Miles will be placed in a
temporary living complex
and given a part time job,
probably something janitorial.
And there will, of course, be
a restraining order in effect.
You okay? You need
me to stay over?
No, I'm fine.
Thank you, I don't know
what I would do without you.
Of course.
You sure you're
okay to be alone?
Well...
Oh, gotcha.
And I'm out.
Have fun.
Thanks.
Goodnight.
Hello. Come on, baby,
let's go to bed.
So the only good thing
about my crazy long work
hours is they coincide
with your alone time.
Hi.
Hi.
I knew this day was coming,
but now that it's here,
I haven't really
processed it all.
Mm. Was he even
allowed to contact you?
He's not supposed to.
But I don't know what to expect.
Am I hypocritical for not giving
him a chance to apologize?
No.
I mean, I'm always preaching
about forgiveness and
letting go of the past.
I think this is
a little different.
One thing's for sure,
there will be reporters in
the front lawn tomorrow.
Well, I can stay with
you for a few days?
What about Emma?
What about Emma?
Look, Alyssa,
I don't know if I'm sending
all the right signals here,
but I am crazy about you.
Your signals are
landing just fine.
Okay, well, if we're gonna
have a future together,
then I know that that
future will include Emma,
so we can't continue to
grow if I'm not involved
with the most important
part of your life.
I know.
If I'm gonna be
around for a while,
Emma's gonna realize that
I'm more than your friend
who stops by to fix
things around the house.
Gonna be around for a while?
I'd like to be.
I'd like that too.
Mommy?
Honey, what are you doing up?
I tried to wait up for you.
I know. You
remember Grant, right?
My friend who...
Well, Grant's just here to
spend some time with me.
Hi, Emma. It's
good to see you.
Hi. Can I hang
out with you guys?
Honey, let's get
you back to bed.
She can hang out
for a bit, right?
We're just about
to start a movie.
Sure, yeah. Come on.
Come.
Hi, Alyssa.
You wanna take a walk with me?
Alyssa?
Alyssa?!
Alyssa?!
I need to use the bathroom.
Okay. Just give
me a minute, okay?
Let's order first
and I'll go with you.
I've really gotta go.
Emma, okay, just
give me a minute.
It's right over there.
I've been to that bathroom,
like, a hundred times.
Yes, and every time with me.
Please?
Okay, but hurry back. And
don't forget to wash your hands.
Okay.
Okay.
You all set?
Yeah, she'll have
the mac and cheese,
and I'll have a chicken salad.
All right.
Thanks.
Anything else to drink?
No. Maybe just
a brownie later.
All right.
Emma?
Emma, are you in there?
Emma?
Emma?!
Have you seen my daughter?
No.
Emma!
Have you seen my daughter?
Mm-mm.
Emma?!
Emma, oh, my god. Emma.
You scared me. Don't you
ever do that to me again.
I was just trying
to be funny, Mommy.
I'm sorry. I couldn't
see you, I got so scared.
I'll always be safe,
Mommy, I promise.
I'm sorry, sweetie.
I have a few questions.
Wondering if you
have any comments?
Come
on, baby. Come on.
Can we get a quick
comment? Just really quick.
Can you tell us how you feel?
Please leave us alone.
Ms.
Manning, Ms. Manning,
how do you feel about
Mr. Simon's release?
Tell them.
Tell them, Alyssa.
Tell them how it was.
Ms. Manning, Ms. Manning,
do you have any feeling
about Mr. Simon's release?
Alyssa, do you feel safe?
Should other parents-
No statement.
Please, Alyssa, we need to know.
Am I gonna be on the news?
Not if I can help it. Go
on up to your room, okay?
Okay.
Hi. It's a lot
worse than I thought.
We might need someone over here.
Okay. Thanks.
Bye.
Miles, Miles, Miles!
Hey, Miles!
Miles!
Miles, Miles, Miles!
Do you have any regrets
now that you're out of prison?
Do you plan on seeing Alyssa?
Little Emma, you
look just like your mom.
I totally freaked,
and Emma was there,
just playing.
We've established you will
continue to suffer the effects
of post-traumatic stress
disorder due to your trauma.
Accept it and don't beat
yourself up about it.
I mean, sure, the kidnapping
caused me sadness at the time
because I missed my parents,
but Miles never hurt me.
He only showed me love.
He took you away from a normal
childhood and isolated you.
Severe emotional distress or
physical reactions to something
that reminds you of
that event makes sense.
How are you feeling
about his release?
I feel like I'm supposed
to hate this monster
that people are
making him out to be,
and feel enraged about him
getting out, but I don't.
I feel for him.
I know he's not a monster
and I just want him
to find peace someday.
And what do you
really feel will happen
if your behavior continues?
It already cost me a marriage.
It's made it really hard
to find a new partner.
But my biggest fear is
that I'm damaging Emma.
You're feeling guilty
about your ex-husband?
I mean, the older Emma gets,
I realize that she might
need a man in the house.
But not Tony.
I mean, he can blame me all
he wants, but he was reckless.
He was the one who
was able to walk away.
Does she ask about him?
Not that much.
He emailed me the other
day, asking to see Emma.
I guess he's gonna be in
town for business this week.
But I didn't tell her.
I didn't wanna get her
hopes up to be crushed
like all the other times.
This is a heightened
time for you.
Maybe it's time to
trust and let go.
What happened to you is
your story, not hers.
Don't let the past keep you
from what the
present has to offer.
I know.
I get that.
Hell, I've spent my
life preaching it.
Maybe start small.
Perhaps have her spend the
night at a friend's house
or have someone other than
Grace take care of her.
You're a busy woman,
you could use the help.
How you doing?
Hanging in there?
I'm fine if I didn't
have to keep up with you.
Oh.
Alyssa, have you been in contact
with Miles since his release?
Go. Go!
It's like 25 years
ago all over again.
Interview requests, people
hiding out to snag a pic.
Must've been hard
for a kid, huh?
That's why my main
concern is Emma.
I don't want a picture
of her out there.
You know, I'm starting to think
that maybe it's not the
right timing for the book.
Or it's a great time to show
that you're strong, not afraid.
You know, this
isn't gonna be easy for us.
I do.
I also see more everyday
why I wanna be here
for you and Emma.
You know, maybe you're right,
maybe releasing the book
now is a real power move.
Mm. Yeah.
Yeah, it is.
So the team wants to nail
down the new release date
so you can announce it on
your "Wake Up" appearance.
What?
Nothing.
I'm ready.
Okay.
Well, you and Emma
can make a day of it.
There's a great park downtown
and it's right across the
street from the studio.
I'm sure she'd love that.
Right. I'm sure she would.
Mm.
Alyssa.
This book is an
amazing accomplishment.
I really think using
those intimate details
from your journals is gonna make
an emotional impact
on the reader.
It's just, those were
always only my memories,
and now they're gonna be out
there for the world to see.
Maybe that's a good thing.
A cleansing of sorts, hm?
Sorry, it's always hard to get
the whole team here on time.
I have to pick up Emma
from school at three.
I knew I was cutting
this too close.
Grace can't pick her up.
Can we reschedule?
Hey, this has been
on the books for weeks.
It's not normal for the
president of the publishing house
to come to a meeting,
let alone head it.
Is there anyone else, at
all, who can pick her up?
Hi.
Hi. Nice to meet you.
Hi.
Hey. I am stuck in a meeting.
I have a huge favor to ask you.
Of course. Anything.
You think you could
pick up Emma from school?
Sure.
Thank you. It's
three o'clock at the front gate.
Please text me
once you have her.
Got it.
How long is this gonna be?
Oh, not long. Is
everything okay?
Hey, Alyssa-
I'm sorry, I need
to make a call.
So sorry.
Hey.
Alyssa, what is going on?
Nothing, I just...
Okay, well is there anything
I can do?
No, no.
I just have to go.
Oh.
Oh. You got it?
Yes.
You're in?
Mm-hm.
Hey.
Where are you?
We stopped to get milkshakes.
Where's Emma?
She's right here.
She's right next to me.
Hi, Mommy.
See?
Hi, baby. I've been
texting and calling you.
Oh, yeah, sorry,
I wanted to avoid
any distractions
while driving Emma,
so I put my phone
in the console,
and when we stopped,
I left it in the car.
I'm sorry. We're
heading home now.
I'm on my way.
Mommy.
Hi, sweetie.
We went out to
get milkshakes. See?
Oh, that's great. I
need to talk to Grant.
Why don't you go upstairs
and do your homework, okay?
Okay.
How could you do that?
I'm sorry, I just...
She asked if we could
stop for milkshakes,
and I don't know, I
didn't wanna say no.
Why didn't you ask me first?
Your instructions
were to text you
when I picked her up, and I did.
And then I just...
I knew you were an
important meeting,
and I didn't wanna
interrupt you.
Do you have any idea what
was going through my mind?
Look, I'm sorry.
I know you're trying to help
and you're doing
your best, but...
But what?
Maybe until Emma gets older,
I'm just not capable
of having a man around.
I'm really sorry.
Not as sorry as I am.
Emma.
The situation you've
just described with Grant
sounds like a pivotal
moment in your development.
I agree.
And once again, I failed.
I let my past derail my present.
I guess do as I
say, not as I do?
I have a thought.
Instead of running from it,
why not deal with
your past presently?
Miles is a free man.
It might do you good
to finally talk to him.
Just think about it.
That was so cool.
Can I be on TV next time?
Absolutely not.
Wow, this park is beautiful.
Wanna come play with us?
I wish.
I gotta head back to the studio
and take care of a few things,
but you guys have fun, okay?
Okay.
Hey, this airs Monday,
but we'll be in
touch before then.
Thanks, Sarah.
Bye.
Bye.
Can I go fly my kite?
Oh, sure. Stay where
I can see you, okay?
Okay.
Hello?
Hello?
Emma?
This isn't funny, Emma.
Hi. Miss, have you
seen this little girl?
She was just here.
She was flying a kite.
Didn't see her at all?
Emma?
Ma'am, I'm so sorry.
Have you seen my
daughter? Her name's Emma.
She was just there with me.
No.
Emma!
Emma!
You said you
walked away to answer a call.
I was right there.
Emma was right there and
then she was just gone.
So there was a brief time
when you didn't
have eyes on her.
Come on, Detective.
I know this is difficult,
but we need information.
Who knew you'd be there
today at that time?
Only people I know.
People you know are exactly
where we usually start.
Any family members or exes?
Oh, my god.
Her father is in town.
I'll call him.
Yeah, he wanted to see her.
You haven't contacted him?
No. No, he wouldn't
take me seriously.
Well, is he the kind of dad
that will snatch her
up and not tell you?
No.
No, no.
I don't know. I don't think so.
No, he's just...
He's angry.
At you?
Well, yeah, I haven't
exactly been lenient
with him seeing Emma, but
he wouldn't just take her.
Oh, you'd be surprised.
With parental kidnapping,
it's usually just an attempt
to spend time with the child.
They justify it as being
their right as a parent.
Him wanting to be around
was never the issue,
it was him not
wanting to be around.
Look, Detective,
Tony's no angel,
but no, no, this
doesn't sound like him.
The good news, if it is him,
these cases usually end in
the safe return of the child.
Tony's not answering.
I left a message, told
him it was urgent,
and to call Detective Barkley.
Was there anyone else
who knew you'd be there?
No.
But I can't help but thinking
this is all a really
big coincidence.
Miles?
He just got released from
prison, and now this happens?
Well, he's a person of interest.
We can't consider
him an actual suspect
based on coincidence.
But we can question him.
I'll get his info
from the captain.
Hold on there a sec.
Hi, I'm sorry,
I'm Alyssa's friend from...
Would you move?
Excuse me!
It's okay.
Alyssa!
It's okay, she's my friend.
You can let her in.
I'm so sorry. I came
as soon as I could.
Did you make any
actual announcements
when I was gonna be
shooting that segment?
No, not shooting, just the
air date, which is Monday.
But is it possible that somehow
someone found out my schedule
of when I was gonna
be at the studio?
Yeah, I suppose. I've answered
press requests all week.
I could've mentioned that we
were scheduled to tape today.
Well did you or didn't you?
I mean, I don't know, I've
had so many calls. Maybe.
Look, there was a
weird one this morning,
asking about when
you were shooting,
but I thought it was just press.
Or someone posing as press.
Did you get their name?
No, no, I...
What are we saying,
this was planned
around your appearance?
The speed at which
the abduction happened,
if that's what this is, seem
to be planned, not random.
Do you think it
was him? Miles?
This is his new address.
Captain has cleared
us to question him.
It's only about 10
miles from here.
10 miles?
In the meantime, you let us know
if you hear from the father.
If he is behind this and attempts
to take her out of state,
we need to hand it over
to the FBI, immediately.
Why don't you get
them involved now?
Not yet. I have my guys
trying to locate your ex.
And when they do, we'll know
whether this is an abduction
or a parental kidnapping.
Right now, we need to confirm
exactly what we're dealing with.
I'll go try and track down
who called this morning.
And you call me when you know
anything. We will find her.
Thank you.
Hey, I got you.
Call me.
We'll have an
officer stay with you.
No, I'm coming with you.
Alyssa, let us do our jobs.
Grace, I know Miles better
than anyone in this world.
I should come.
I can't legally
stop her from coming.
She's right, perhaps
she could be helpful.
Are you sure you're
okay to see him?
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
Hang back. Let us
search the place first.
22?
Mr. Simon.
Yeah?
I was told your parole officer
filled you in on why we're here.
Yep.
We would like to start
by searching the residence.
Do we have your consent?
Absolutely.
She's not here.
Hey.
Alyssa, wait.
Alyssa, hold on.
Get outta my way. Emma!
Emma, baby, where are you?!
Emma! It's okay, baby!
Emma?
Where is she? Where is she?!
What did you do to her?!
I could-
No, tell me where she is!
I could not hurt you or
your daughter, you know that.
I was just about to
tell the detective
I had a meeting this morning
with my parole officer.
Jack McKinney, right?
Yes, from 9:30 to 11.
After a quick stop to the
market, I came right back here.
There's no way I could've
made it downtown and back.
How did you know I was downtown?
It's all over the radio and TV.
They've been airing it
for the last two hours.
Look, Alyssa, I am so sorry.
I'm so sorry you're
going to this,
but I don't know where she is.
McKinney confirms his alibi,
says the login sheet shows
they met from 9:29 to 11:03.
All right. We'll let you go
on with your day, Mr. Simon.
Alyssa.
Can I talk to you?
It's your call.
Sit down.
You haven't changed a bit.
I know your concern right
now is to find your daughter,
but please, I never
thought I'd see you again,
I have something
to say just in case
we don't see each
other ever again.
One has a lot of time
to think in prison.
And for the longest time,
I tried to justify
what I did to you,
that I deserved you.
I suffered loss myself,
so I figured it was an
eye for an eye of sorts.
And then I realized it
came down to one thing:
I was selfish.
I destroyed a young life just
to fill a void in my own life.
I did damage that would
last you a lifetime,
and I'm so sorry.
Please forgive me.
I never hurt you.
I only showed you love and gave
you the best house I could.
I know.
Then how could I hurt you now?
I hurt for you.
Please, let me help you.
I don't think
that's a good idea.
This is a kidnapping.
I know what could be going on
through the mind of a kidnapper.
Please, let me help you.
All right, let's go.
Alyssa.
Thank you, but we'll
handle the investigation.
If you do have information,
you have Detective
Barkley's card.
Alyssa.
I hope you can forgive me.
All right, folks, that's enough.
Let's just clear it out.
I just spoke with the captain.
And?
They found Tony.
Emma was not with him.
But they still brought him to
the station for questioning.
Did he have an alibi?
That's all I know.
They're still considering
him a suspect for now.
You know the hardest part?
I don't know what I'm
supposed to be doing.
Am I supposed to just
sit here and wait
while my baby girl is
out there somewhere,
probably terrified?
Or what if she's-
Don't think like that.
Okay, Emma is alive and well,
and we're gonna find her.
You don't know that.
I would be searching
all day, all night,
if I knew where to start.
I should be out there.
Doing what, searching aimlessly?
The best thing you can
do right now is think.
Okay, most kidnappings
are by a familiar person
or a family member.
Is there anyone else you can
think of who fits that bill?
I did have one thought.
Grant.
Yeah, I had the same.
As your friend, I was
worried it might upset you.
But as a cop, I definitely
think we have to consider him.
Yeah, he's familiar, but
it doesn't make any sense.
Unless somehow, he blames Emma
for me breaking up with him?
Do you know where
he was this morning?
He said he was out of
town. San Francisco, I think.
But you haven't talked to him?
No. I mean, I ended
things pretty abruptly.
And I was kind of awful to him.
Okay, I'll tell
Barkley to bring him in.
No, no.
Not yet. Please.
Why?
Just give me a minute
to talk to him first.
I already hurt him.
Now I'm gonna have the police
bring him in for questioning
on the kidnapping
of my daughter?
I can't imagine how
you must be feeling,
but Emma is like
my daughter too,
and I don't think we should
leave any stone unturned.
Just let me give him
a chance to explain.
Okay.
I'm working a double tonight,
but I'll call in sick
to stay with you.
No. Just go.
Like you said, I
just, I need to think.
All right. But I will
check in on you later.
And there's a patrol car outside
in case you need anything.
Let me know if
you talk to Grant,
and I'll let you know if
I hear anything on Tony.
Emma? Is that you?
Emma.
Hey.
Oh!
I'm sorry.
I didn't think
the boys out front
would let a person of
interest just come see you.
What are you doing here?
Alibi stuck. They released me.
You reported me as a suspect.
No.
No?
Yes, but not like that.
They were asking about
family members or exes,
and I just, I remember
that you were-
I haven't even had a
chance to process the fact
that my daughter is missing
because I am too busy
defending my innocence!
I am her father!
And I'm in that station
and they are questioning
me like I'm the criminal!
I had to call my
coworkers this morning,
as witnesses, so they could
confirm that I was in a meeting.
Do you have any
idea how that felt?!
Okay, you are
really upset with me-
Really, Alyssa?!
I'm getting upset.
I get upset. So what?!
It doesn't mean that I'm
going to kidnap my daughter!
You have already robbed
me of a life with her.
I mean, this is what...
I had no choice. This
is what drove me away!
You've always been able to
see her whenever you wanted.
On your terms. She was never
my daughter, she was yours.
That is not true.
You never allowed her
to be ours.
That is not true!
It's not true?
How many times have you
overreacted, Alyssa?
I mean, you have practically
manifested this thing
every single day of her life.
And now, she actually
might be gone!
No, she is gone!
Okay, and if she is,
if she actually is missing
this time, it is your fault.
Oh, go! Just go!
Leave.
Ms. Manning, you okay?
Yeah. This is my ex-husband.
We were just talking.
Sounded like more
than just talking.
Mr. Manning, I
think you should-
Yeah, I'm going.
We're fine. Just
one minute, Officer.
Look, I love our daughter.
She's out there
somewhere, missing.
I'm gonna do everything
in my power to find her.
But not with you.
Officer, he's okay.
It's fine. It's fine.
Thank you.
Hey.
So glad to hear it from you.
I felt sick since
I've heard. Any news?
You know I would do anything
to help you find Emma.
Anything.
Have the police
contacted you yet?
No. Why would they?
Is that why I'm here?
You think I had something
to do with this?
I'm sorry, but they
have to question everyone
who was close to Emma.
You knew her. She trusted you.
You knew we were gonna
be downtown that day.
You are serious. Wow.
Okay.
I was out of town.
I had that conference in
San Francisco, remember?
I left early yesterday morning.
I got back late last night.
Right.
Right, I just...
See?
Flight to San
Francisco and back.
If it helps, I'll go to
the police right now.
I'll go make a statement.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry, I just, I feel
so hopeless and desperate.
And I- Then let me help you.
Okay? At least let
me be here for you.
I'll come stay with you.
Thank you, I just
need to find Emma.
Alyssa, would you just
let me help? Please?
Mommy! Please, help me!
I'm scared!
Scared!
Help!
Scared!
Scared! Scared!
Scared! Scared!
Hey. I brought food.
You need to eat.
I was on my way to work
and I saw Sarah's
car parked out front.
Got me to thinking,
you need anything?
We don't know
what to do, Alyssa.
We just wanna be here for you.
Thanks. Come in.
Yeah.
I told Barkley what you
said about Grant's alibi.
They're gonna question him,
even though he's not a suspect.
How do you know
he's not a suspect?
He was out of town.
He could be lying.
He's not.
Well, how do you know?
I saw his boarding passes.
That enough evidence for you?
Sorry.
It's okay. I know
you're trying to help.
I was reading online that
one of the biggest reasons
for kidnapping is that people
can't have children or adopt,
and they desperately want a kid.
I mean, is there anyone you
know who fits that description?
Most couples I know
already have kids.
Well, actually single women
in their late 30s are the most
common demographic
in those cases.
The important thing is to
trust that Emma is out there
and that she's safe.
And the team will find
her and bring her home.
You spend a lot
of time with Emma.
I mean, she trusts
you more than anyone
besides her own mother.
She's like a daughter to me.
So has she mentioned anyone?
Like another adult
she talks to or likes?
No. I mean, I know
she really likes Grant.
I gotta get to work.
I'll see if I can find out
more when I get to the station.
I'll walk you out.
Bye.
Hey. What the hell was that?
I don't know where
she was going with that.
Did you tell her I'm
not able to have children?
No, of course not.
She's the one who
told some random person
where you and Emma
were scheduled to be
the day she was abducted, right?
I'm being horrible.
You're going through this,
and we're running around like
children blaming each other.
I love you.
I know. I love you too.
Check on you after my shift?
And know that I will
be out there working
to bring Emma home.
Bye.
Bye.
I wasn't trying to eavesdrop.
I was just coming
to let you know
I should probably
head out as well.
You don't have to go.
You know, I wasn't
accusing anyone of anything.
I was just trying to help
by sharing what I read.
I know, it's- No.
Look, I'm sorry, I don't
deal with tragedy well.
I never know what to
say or how to behave,
and I just come
off as insensitive.
Just know that I'm trying to
help you in whatever way I can.
I know.
And I really do appreciate
that and your friendship. I do.
I unwrapped lunch and
left it in the fridge
for whenever you're ready.
Bye.
Bye.
Emma?
Seriously?
Did you actually let
her get in your head?
I'm sorry, but I looked up
some of the articles
that Sarah mentioned,
and I know how long you've been
wanting a baby of your own-
So you thought what, I would
kidnap Emma? And then what?
I don't know.
I just, I got this crazy idea
that maybe you took her
and you were planning
on leaving town.
I don't know.
Do you hear yourself?
I know, I'm not
thinking straight.
Why didn't you tell me that
you were trying to adopt?
You tell me everything.
Because I didn't wanna
get your hopes up, or mine.
And as you can see, it's
a good thing I didn't.
Well, you should've told me.
I could've been there for you.
It's not final, but
it doesn't look good.
This makes my
relationship with Emma
that much more important.
She is like mine, Alyssa,
in a very positive
and healthy way.
I'm blessed to have
her in my life.
I never really
doubted you, not really.
I...
You need to trust the
police and the process.
Promise me you'll do that.
I'll try.
I'm scared for you.
I think you should
call Dr. Kaye.
We'll get her back.
I know. I know we will.
And I need to say this
because, well, I
just need to say it.
What really hurts is that
you would question me
based on something
coming from Sarah.
I have always been
here for you and Emma.
She is the one
who just showed up
in your lives out of nowhere.
No, not exactly.
I mean, you remember,
she replaced Caroline.
Yeah, who mysteriously died
falling from her terrace.
What are you implying?
God, now I'm the one
thinking crazy thoughts, right?
Yeah.
Look, I'm done, I'm
done speculating
and creating these
ridiculous scenarios.
I'm gonna take your advice.
I love you.
I love you too.
I'm scared.
You know, I feel like I
should have had the tools
to control my thoughts
and to calm myself,
but I feel like I'm unraveling,
like I should be doing something
instead of just sitting
here and waiting!
All of this has
obviously brought back
familiar wounds to you.
You may help millions of
people, but you're still human.
Let's get back to Miles.
I already told you what he said.
But you never told
me if you forgave him.
I feel like he's the one person
who can actually
help me find Emma,
but everyone around me is
gonna think I'm out of my mind.
I don't.
I also think that with both
your parents being gone,
you see him as a lone
parental figure in your life.
We lean on our parents
in times of need.
He's not my father,
he's the man who kidnapped me
and took me away
from my real parents.
It's not the titles
we put on people,
it's the emotional connection.
Are you saying that I wanna
reach out to him for help
because I identify
with him as my father?
Yes, and as someone
who cared for you
and apparently still does.
There are a lot of
wounds still left to heal
after these 25 years.
My main concern is
finding my daughter,
and I'll do anything
I can to get her back,
even if it means going to
my own kidnapper for help.
I don't think I
should concern myself
with healing these
scars at the same time.
Unless that is the key
to bringing her home.
In the journals you let me read,
you only mentioned
some initial feelings
of fear and uncertainty.
Once you became acclimated
to your new surroundings
and got used to
living with Miles,
there were some touching moments
of love and selflessness.
No would blame you if you
didn't absolutely hate him.
Hey, Alyssa, it's Sarah.
I know this is a terrible time
and I hate to bring it up,
but the team is trying to
finalize the book release date.
I told them I would
talk to you about it-
Ms. Manning,
you have a visitor.
You can let him in.
Thank you.
Hey.
Hey.
Look, being apart these
few days has just shown me
how much I care about you.
And when you care about someone,
you don't just let
them hurt alone.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry that I was so cold
and that I thought,
even for a second-
I understand, you know?
And it just kills me that
you're going through this.
I missed you.
In case you're hungry.
And if not, you know
I got no problem
crushing two combo
platters by myself.
Weird.
What?
Who is it?
There's no caller ID,
but there's a video attached.
Mommy, they said
you have 24 hours
to find me or...
You'll never see me again.
You'll never see me again.
They said you would
know what that means.
Mommy, please!
I don't want to!
Officer, look.
What is it, ma'am?
Okay, Alyssa,
this is actually a good thing.
This means that Emma's alive
and she's out there somewhere.
We can find her.
But what if we don't?
What if- We will find her.
I promise.
Can you AirDrop this to me?
Yeah, of course.
All right, we're gonna
pass it to Detective Barkley.
A video like this usually means
that they want us
to find the victim.
Based on the timing,
it's most likely
a sick publicity stunt by
someone desperate for cash.
They didn't say
anything about cash.
If it was about that, then why
didn't they send this sooner?
Unless it's not even
about keeping Emma
or getting anything in return.
I'm gonna get
Barkley on the radio,
let him know to expect this.
All right, thank you, Officer.
What are you saying,
someone would take Emma
just to hurt her?
No, not Emma, me.
Who would wanna hurt you?
Who? Miles?
I can't help thinking
he's responsible for this,
or that he holds the
key to knowing who is.
I need to talk to him again.
No, what you need to do
is let the police handle it.
I've already done that,
and they did nothing,
not a single lead.
If this video is real,
I only have one day or my
daughter's gone forever.
Okay. But I'm coming with you.
No.
I need him to open up,
he's not gonna do
that with you there.
Then I'll wait in the
car. That's nonnegotiable.
Okay.
Backdoor. Come on.
I thought about what you said.
I think maybe you could help me.
Let's take a walk.
So what can I do you for?
You know, my whole
life, people have told me
I'm supposed to hate
you and never trust you.
I can't blame them.
But clearly, you don't
feel the same way,
or you wouldn't
be here right now.
I'm here because I
need to find my daughter.
And you understand
the mind of someone
who'd take a child away
from their parents.
Unfortunately, I do.
But I think this is different.
I don't think the reason they
took Emma is to keep her.
Why would you say that?
I'm just positive it isn't.
Well, maybe not the same goal,
but same type of abduction.
When I first heard about this,
I wondered if it would be
some sort of a copycat,
how I took you in
front of your parents.
Some sick people consider
it a feat worth duplicating.
When I worked at your school,
I took care to be kind to you.
I always greeted you with
a smile to gain your trust.
I'm wondering if the person
who took Emma did
the same thing.
When you put it like that,
it reminds me of the
horrible thing that you did,
manipulating a child.
I don't even know
why I'm standing here
talking to you right now.
Look, I read that article
of yours from college.
You mean "Consciously
Forgiving"?
That's the one.
Forgiving someone who
you know did things
that were unforgivable.
And I heard you on your podcast
talking about who you trust.
Trusting someone from
a current emotional place
with zero input from
past situations.
At least in this situation,
you have something to rely on.
Look, I know it
took me a long time,
but in the end, I
knew you trusted me.
I did.
Looking back as an adult,
I have no idea why.
Oh, I'd like to think
that I eventually earned
it with my actions.
And I would like to
gain that trust again.
Are you kidding me?
This really isn't
a good time, Sarah.
I know. Look, I'm sorry,
the team just won't stop.
Hey, we're under
a lot of pressure
to meet this deadline and...
All I need is your
approval on the new cover
and that one small
edit to the forward.
You can tell the team that
it's gonna have to wait.
I talked to Miles.
What? Why?
I needed to know
if he could help.
How can you trust him,
after what he did to you?
And you still don't know
if he's somehow responsible
for all of this.
Yeah, well, none of
it matters now anyway
because the police
have the video.
They can work from that.
What video?
Emma's alive.
Mommy, they said...
You have 24 hours to find me.
Wait.
You have 24 hours
to find me or...
Look, the blanket.
Look at the blanket beside her.
Blue with white clouds.
Wait.
Mommy, please!
Oh, my god.
What? What is it?
He placed me in a room
alone at the foot of the bed.
A blue blanket with white clouds
would be my sole comfort
for the next six years.
Can't believe I didn't see this.
No, it's my job to know
your book better than you.
And this video has
to be from Miles.
Come on.
Hey, Alyssa, the video
proves Miles is behind this.
You have to have the
police pick him up, now.
No, as soon as the police
get involved, he'll clam up.
If he's responsible, I
can get it out of him.
Oh, if he's responsible?
I'm sorry, I just, I keep
trying to convince myself
that he isn't this
monster we all know he is.
Okay, but please be careful.
I can't believe I trusted you.
What are you talking about?
Where is she?
I thought that's
why you came here,
so we can figure
it out together.
So you can make me look
like even more of a fool?
How am I making
you look like a fool?
The video! How do
you explain the video?
What video?
Please, please,
just be honest with me.
All I want is my
little girl back.
Mommy, they said...
You have 24 hours to find me.
You have 24 hours
to find me or-
When did you get this?
This morning,
But why didn't you
show it to me earlier?
I didn't know if
I could trust you,
which seems to be the case.
What changed?
You don't think I sent this?
Look at it!
Oh, my god.
It's the same blanket.
Yes. Police took it the same
day they took you from me.
Look, guys, I don't have
anything to do with this.
But I think I know who does.
My daughter Sophie.
Sophie?
Your daughter you
named me after?
Sophie's dead.
You told me she died.
Look, the real
reason I kidnapped you
wasn't because my
daughter Sophie died.
My wife became ill
and eventually passed.
It was up to me to
raise Sophie on my own.
But I did the best I could.
I mean, with the doctor bills
and with the regular bills,
I had to take three jobs,
and I had to leave
Sophie at home, a lot.
And eventually, my
neighbor called the county,
and they deemed me unfit,
and they took her from me.
Why didn't you
fight to get her back?
They shipped her halfway
across the country,
put her in some foster home.
So why take me? Why not just
go find her and kidnap her?
Look, I tried.
Every time I came close, they
sent her off to another home.
Eventually, I ran out of
resources to keep trying.
When she was gone,
I was devastated.
I didn't wanna live.
Then, I saw you at the school.
Why me?
I don't know how to explain it.
Your spirit, your sweetness
reminded me of Sophie,
and I was lonely and selfish
and clearly not in the
right frame of mind.
I just thought if I
could make you my Sophie,
then I could live again.
I convinced myself
that it would be like
she was never taken from me.
But how? How could you keep
that from me all this time?
I just thought if
you showed me sympathy,
that you'd be okay with
our lives together.
But I knew lying to
you, you'd be upset,
so I never said anything.
Where is Sophie now?
I don't know.
I received one letter after
trying to contact her for years.
The one thing I do know
is that she hates me.
She doesn't want to have
anything to do with me.
We have to find her.
Do you have a
picture or anything?
Yeah, I have one.
I know this picture.
I knew this was Sophie
because of her necklace.
I remember thinking
I wanted one,
and I asked you,
but you said no.
That was the only thing I
was ever able to give her.
Look, I don't know where she is,
but I'm sure she still
has that blanket.
She brought it with
her when they took her.
I bought an identical
one and gave it to you.
She must still have it.
Or you're full of it and
you're lying through your teeth.
Grant.
What?
Why would you believe
him after everything
he's lied to you about?
We're going to the police.
Look, you can do whatever
you want. I'm tired of lying.
But I think you're right,
I think this is personal.
It's revenge.
From Sophie?
Yeah, that's why I think it
was important to tell you now,
that her last letter,
she made it clear
that the only person
she hated more than me was you.
But why?
The life I gave
you in her place.
Look, she didn't get that
beautiful home like I thought.
She was just shuffling around
from bad home to bad home.
Okay, we have to tell
everything to Grace and Barkley
so they can find Sophie.
Do you have any
information on her?
Birth certificate,
Social Security?
I lost her birth
certificate a long time ago.
Birth date?
Yeah. Yeah.
And we can take this picture
with us? Show the police?
Sure, but be careful.
It's the only one I have.
Thank you.
Grace isn't answering.
But Barkley should
be at the station.
Okay, I'm gonna
drop you off at home.
I'm gonna head down to my office
'cause my buddy in HR does
background checks all day long
and it's crazy
what they can find
with just a name
and a birth date.
Plus, if Sophie was in
the foster care system,
then there must be
a record, right?
I agree.
Thank you.
We're gonna find her. Okay?
Okay.
I don't understand.
I'm handing you a lead,
more than a lead, a suspect.
And I told you, someone
owning the same blanket as you
from 30 years ago hardly
makes them a suspect.
We will look into the
Sophie Simon thing.
It's not much to go on.
Not much? Detective, I'm
giving you a name and a photo.
What the hell have you given me,
except for a bunch of stories?
Look, I promise you, we're
doing everything we can.
Meet me there.
I don't get it.
I've got a picture.
I've got a name.
I've got a birth date.
And you got all that from
the man who kidnapped you,
and did 25 years
in prison for it.
Think about it, don't you think
he could be trying
to mislead us?
But his theory makes sense.
Because you want
it to make sense.
But if you look at it
objectively, it's quite a stretch.
If this theory came
from a viable source,
it would hold a
little more validity.
Well, at least he's
trying to help me.
All you guys are doing are
telling me to be patient.
You try being patient when
your child's life is at stake.
Alyssa, think about what
this man is capable of doing.
All I care about is
finding my daughter.
If that takes using him,
then I'm okay with that.
And as my best friend, you
should be okay with that too.
Give me the picture.
Okay, I'll get an age
progression image run on this.
We can get an idea of what
she would look like today.
Thank you.
It could take a bit,
so try to be patient.
But I'll make sure
it's my top priority.
In the meantime, promise me
you'll stay away from him.
I can't afford to do that.
Hey. Did you find anything?
Well, yes and no.
I cross-referenced her name
and date of birth in the system
and I got a possible match.
That's great. Where is she?
Deceased, unfortunately.
No, that's not possible.
Well, I'm afraid it can.
I mean, Miles said he hasn't
heard from her in years, right?
I mean, it's either that or...
Or what?
Or he's lying to us.
I don't know, Alyssa, you know?
Maybe everyone else's right.
How much can we
really trust Miles?
You're talking about a
standard HR computer program
with limited information.
And if Sophie's been in and out
of foster care her whole life,
who knows what kind of mix-ups
gonna be in her background info?
Yeah, I guess.
I'll see you in a bit?
Okay. Sorry I don't
have better news.
Bye.
What, you don't pick
up the phone anymore?
I've been worried sick.
I've been calling to find
out how it went with Miles.
I mean, last I knew, you
were rushing out of here
to go confront him.
Are you okay?
I never noticed
that charm before.
What charm?
The S charm on your necklace?
Oh, yeah.
S for Sarah.
I got it in college.
It's kind of cheesy, but
it's my good luck charm.
It's identical to
the one Sophie wore.
Who?
It's your job to know my
book better than me, remember?
Oh, yeah.
Duh. I guess I never
thought of it before.
Huh.
That's because I never
actually mentioned it
in my journals or my book.
And the one photo I
ever saw of Sophie,
she was wearing
that exact necklace.
Well, that's a pretty
crazy coincidence.
Is it?
I mean, how did you just step in
and replace my previous editor?
You know how.
Honey, she died in an accident.
They think it was an accident.
What are you saying?
Miles believes that
Emma's kidnapper is Sophie,
his other daughter.
His other daughter?
He hasn't seen her for 30 years,
but one thing's for sure,
last time he saw her,
she was wearing that necklace.
Listen to what you're saying.
You're talking about the
man who kidnapped you
and held you captive
from your real parents.
Why aren't you more surprised
to hear that Sophie's
not really dead?
Wow, you have become
completely paranoid.
My name starts
with the letter S,
so I kidnapped your daughter?
I'm not crazy.
I am perfectly clear
about what I'm saying,
and I'm perfectly clear
about something else.
You're off my
book. You're fired.
All of this because of
some theory from Miles?
I am the reason that
there is a book!
Right, because you found me,
and I told you everything
because you prodded me
for detail after detail!
It's called being your editor.
I am sorry to tell you this,
but the world doesn't revolve
around you and
your trauma, okay?
You can continue to point
the finger at everybody
who actually cares about you,
but eventually, you may
have to come to terms
with the fact that you
may never see Emma again.
You were the one who suggested
we go to the park that day.
And you were the
last one who saw us.
Where were you
after you left us?
This is absurd.
I'm leaving.
Oh, I am not gonna be
accused and interrogated
by somebody who is
supposed to be my friend.
I know.
I know you told me to
stay away from him,
but I think I who Sophie is,
and Miles is the only
person who can confirm it.
Who?
I'll let you know if I'm right.
Alyssa, I'm coming there.
No, don't. Please.
I'll call you back.
Hey. What did
you wanna show me?
Okay, there is somebody
I never told you about,
who's new in my life
and who's spent a lot
of time around Emma.
Who?
If I show you a picture,
do you think you'd
recognize Sophie?
Yeah, I think so.
It's her.
It's Sophie.
How did you-
Her name's Sarah.
She's my book editor.
It all makes sense now,
how she randomly
came into my life,
got close to me,
got close to Emma.
None of this was a coincidence.
When was the last
time you saw her?
Right before I got here.
She's been acting
really strange lately.
And after I saw that
picture of yours,
I realized she had
the same S pendant.
I practically accused
her of kidnapping Emma.
Well, then, she knows
the window is closing.
She'll be on the move.
I know she has her.
We have to find her.
You're coming, right?
Of course. Of course.
Sarah?!
I'll let you in.
Look.
Emma?
Emma?
Alyssa.
She was here.
She was right here.
Where would she have taken her?
I don't know, but they
got out of here fast.
Let's look around, see
if we can find something.
Oh, my god.
What?
What did you find?
It's a deed. Sophie
bought our old home.
What?
Yeah, look.
She bought the entire compound.
Why would she do that?
I have no idea.
It's Grant.
Hey.
Where are you?
At Sarah's.
It's her. She has Emma.
What?
We think we know
where she might've gone.
Where?
Where Miles kept me, an old
artists' colony just off of-
Exit 52.
I know that place.
Actually, I'm pretty close.
I'm on my way.
Wait, no.
It could be dangerous.
Wait. Grant!
Let's go.
Grace, hey, I'm glad I got you.
I'm out at that abandoned
artists' colony off Exit 52.
Alyssa's on her way.
We think it's Sarah.
Oh, my god.
What happened?
I called Grace and the police.
Who shot you? Was it Sarah?
I don't know, I didn't see...
Stay here, stay out of sight.
Mommy, Mommy!
Emma!
Alyssa, no!
Emma? Emma?
Mommy!
Emma!
Emma!
Get away from her!
Shut up!
Stop! Stop.
It's me you hate.
You're right, I hate
your guts. Hers too.
I tried to find you. I did.
But they made it impossible.
They wouldn't even tell
me where they sent you.
No, but what really happened?
You replaced me, so
you stopped looking.
No. I thought you were happy.
I assumed they sent you
to a wonderful family,
much better than I
could've ever given you.
They didn't.
I know, and I'm so sorry.
Sure, you're sorry now, huh?
After you got your do-over
daughter, you know what I got?
Oh, I got bounced from
foster home to foster home.
And every night, I
would go to bed hoping
that you would come and save me.
All I wanted was to know
that you still loved me.
I never stopped
loving you. Never.
Yeah. Yeah, but you
loved her more, didn't you?
Now can you imagine how it feels
to have your father
tell people you're dead
so that he can move
on with his life, huh?
To find out that he called
his new daughter by your name,
do you know how sick that is?
We can't change what happened,
but we can control
what happens right now.
What do you want?
I want you to pay.
How, by taking my daughter
away from me?
Yes!
Yes!
Then, he'll know he's
responsible for ruining your life
and making you lose the most
important thing to you, huh?
And then, you will
finally hate him,
the way he deserves to be hated.
There has to be a way
for us to get past this,
for us to all walk out of
here and heal from this.
Aww, are you seriously going all
Dr. Manning on me
right now, huh?
Did you not hear what
I just said, huh?
Why are you doing this, Sophie?
Well, it started by
getting rid of Sophie
and vanishing off
the face of the earth
to be reborn as Sarah.
And then, I just had to find
a way to make Alyssa trust me.
And I realized, oh, who
would she trust more
than her own editor?
Caroline's death wasn't
an accident, was it?
Well, she was never gonna
let go of her prized client.
Fortunately for me,
her condo balcony is so
slippery in the rain.
Why not just kill
me? Why take Emma?
Her daughter goes missing
at the same time
as your release?
Of course, you'd be
the main suspect.
I just didn't realize
that perfect little Alyssa
actually adhering to all
that forgiveness crap
she spouts on her podcast.
God, why can't you
just hate him, huh?
He deserves it! He
ruined your life too!
He didn't ruin my life,
because I didn't let him.
Not yet.
But you will now.
Come on.
Move! Go!
Oh.
I swear, I will
kill her if you move.
Sophie, stop!
Hurt me.
Okay? They have nothing
to do with this.
This was all my fault.
Please, let's sit down.
Let's talk about it.
But please, do not hurt her.
Of course! Once again,
protecting your precious Alyssa.
You know, I'm taking that one
with me. I'm her mommy now.
No!
We are gonna have so much fun.
No!
Hey.
Are you all right?
Okay. Come on.
Here, go to your mommy.
It's okay.
Mommy, Mommy!
It's okay.
It's okay, you're safe.
Hey.
Cream and two sugars?
Thanks for meeting me.
Yeah. It's good to see you.
So where's the little one?
I was hoping to
officially meet her today
to hopefully get
to know her better.
They're coming, but...
It's not gonna happen, is it?
I've been thinking a
lot the past few weeks,
and I'm so thankful for
you helping me find Emma.
And I do, I forgive you.
Thank you.
Not because I
condone your actions,
but because it's what
I've needed to fully heal.
Who knew that would
be the lasting result
of all this nightmare?
That being said,
I think it's best if I
officially put you in my past.
And that includes
you knowing Emma.
I understand.
I'm not your little Sophie.
I'm Alyssa, and I need to
leave Sophie in the past.
I think I need to
do the same thing.
I will stay out of your
lives. You have my word.
Goodbye, Alyssa.
Goodbye.
Hi, Mommy.
Honey, hi. Hi.
Can I go ride my hoverboard?
Go for it. Yeah.
Thank you.
Yep, you got it.
How'd he take it?
Okay?
I'm fine.
She's safe now, and so am I.
Come on.
Ooh
Ooh
It's no surprise the
way you make me feel
A pain deep inside,
your touch longs to heal
If I could pretend,
if I have the chance
We would be close, we
would still believe
In what the future holds
I come undone, I fall apart
Without you right
here by my side
You're no saint,
you're no hero
Just an ordinary
savior, so come save me
Save me
I want you to know
I want you to bleed
I want you to shed
the crystal tears
I want to hurt you, I
want to feel your pain
To know that you are real
'Cause I can't believe
that you're still the one
To save me from my life
I come undone, I fall apart
Without you right
here by my side
You're no saint,
you're no hero
Just an ordinary savior
I come undone, I fall apart
Hey. We're home.
Careful.
So what do you think?
This is your room.
Do you like it?
Her mother
on the south side of the park
near the woods for several hours
before the incident occurred.
Police could find no
trace of the young girl
nor any clues to
her whereabouts.
Anybody with-
That's not you anymore.
Your name is Sophie.
And you're my little girl.
You're going to like it here.
I promise to give
you the best life.
Essentially, what I'm saying is,
although the past
events of your childhood
shape your cognitive changes,
they don't dictate your future.
And what if someone
has never experienced
any traumatic events in
their life to overcome?
I would say consider
yourself very lucky.
As always, this is Alyssa
Manning, daring to be.
I can help you with the math.
All right, remember
when you carry the two,
you work from right to left.
Mm-hm.
I think that's it.
Hello.
Hi. We're back here.
I just stopped by to say
hello to my two favorite people
and to find a home for
my new batch of cookies.
You guys know anyone interested?
Me.
After your homework.
Ah, no fun, Mom.
I told Grace I'm big
enough for a real babysitter
so she doesn't always
have to watch me.
And I told her that I
don't have to do anything.
We stick together. Always have.
Even if I wanted to have
a stranger babysit you,
Auntie Grace would never let me.
That's right, because
babysitters just text
their boyfriends all night.
They don't have fun
like we do, right?
Right.
Oh, you're still good
for tomorrow night, right?
I've got that live show.
Yep, I'll be here.
Any plans for after the show?
You're bad.
Well?
Maybe.
I know what you guys
are talking about.
Emma!
I'll see you guys tomorrow.
Bye.
Bye.
You. Let's get
back to that math.
You've been asking me to do
a show together for years.
I have.
As a true crime fanatic,
I've always been
fascinated with your case.
Being taken right in
front of your own parents,
I mean, it struck fear
into parents everywhere.
And with my other
announcement tonight,
I thought it was the right
time to take Spencer up
on his idea to flip the script
and have him ask
me a few questions.
First of all, the obvious,
what was it like being
rescued and returned safely
to your parents
after seven years?
Well, it definitely
took some time to adapt,
but eventually, I fell
back into my life.
And I had relatively
normal high school years.
The attention
eventually waned and-
You then took that experience
and devoted your life
to studying psychology
and human behavior.
And now, look at you,
you're one of the most
celebrated personalities
in the podcast world.
And today, 25 years
after your safe return,
I understand you have
a big announcement?
Yes, the rumors are true,
I'm releasing my first book.
A personal memoir dealing
with the kidnapping.
It's a long time coming.
Should we take some live
questions from the listeners?
Yes.
In my case, I lived
out this horrific event
in the public eye,
so I not only had to
deal with the trauma,
but I had to deal with
the fame and attention
that came with
being little Alyssa.
That flew by. It's
been a wonderful show.
There is just one last
thing we haven't touched on.
I think I know where
you're going with this.
Sorry, but I think
everyone would like to know.
The man who kidnapped
you, Miles Simon,
will be released
from prison tomorrow.
How does that make you feel?
He served his time,
and I hope he used
the 25 years to heal,
and that he'll never
harm anyone else again.
Doesn't scare you or upset
you that he's a free man?
This has been great.
Thank you, Spencer.
Thank you.
And thank you
all for joining us.
As always, this is Alyssa
Manning, daring to be.
Great.
What a great show, guys.
Yeah, we'll have to do it again.
I'm gonna hold you to that.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you so much.
Bye.
You're my little girl.
Are you okay?
Yeah.
Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine.
First copy?
It's not final.
And we still need those
last edits from you,
but I figured with
the rushed release,
we could whet the
public's appetite.
Besides, what would a book
announcement be without a book?
This was brave.
I'm proud of you.
Hey, it was your idea to
incorporate the old journals.
That was smart.
It really sold me.
And I appreciate you pushing
me when things got tough.
It's my job.
And with Miles's release,
we can expect an avalanche
of media attention
and endless interview requests.
I was afraid of that.
Well, I have a game plan.
I guess you're at
the house so much,
you know my and Emma's
schedule by now.
Yeah, you could say that.
Hey, I gotta run, but I'll
see you in a couple days
for the release
strategy meeting?
Yes, you will.
Sarah?
Yeah?
I'm sorry I ever doubted you.
No, it's okay.
I knew it was hard on you
being assigned a new editor,
especially under
the circumstances.
Caroline was great,
and I know you trusted
her and her vision.
I'm just glad you gave
me and my ideas a chance.
Thank you, again.
I'm going to clean some things
up around here. Goodnight.
Okay. Bye.
Footage of
Miles Simon, now 62 years old,
walking out of
prison a free man.
Simon served 25
years for kidnapping
Alyssa Manning
over 30 years ago.
He released a statement
care of his lawyer-
She tried to wait up.
Sorry, I was watching the news.
I found out some info.
As part of his probation,
Miles will be placed in a
temporary living complex
and given a part time job,
probably something janitorial.
And there will, of course, be
a restraining order in effect.
You okay? You need
me to stay over?
No, I'm fine.
Thank you, I don't know
what I would do without you.
Of course.
You sure you're
okay to be alone?
Well...
Oh, gotcha.
And I'm out.
Have fun.
Thanks.
Goodnight.
Hello. Come on, baby,
let's go to bed.
So the only good thing
about my crazy long work
hours is they coincide
with your alone time.
Hi.
Hi.
I knew this day was coming,
but now that it's here,
I haven't really
processed it all.
Mm. Was he even
allowed to contact you?
He's not supposed to.
But I don't know what to expect.
Am I hypocritical for not giving
him a chance to apologize?
No.
I mean, I'm always preaching
about forgiveness and
letting go of the past.
I think this is
a little different.
One thing's for sure,
there will be reporters in
the front lawn tomorrow.
Well, I can stay with
you for a few days?
What about Emma?
What about Emma?
Look, Alyssa,
I don't know if I'm sending
all the right signals here,
but I am crazy about you.
Your signals are
landing just fine.
Okay, well, if we're gonna
have a future together,
then I know that that
future will include Emma,
so we can't continue to
grow if I'm not involved
with the most important
part of your life.
I know.
If I'm gonna be
around for a while,
Emma's gonna realize that
I'm more than your friend
who stops by to fix
things around the house.
Gonna be around for a while?
I'd like to be.
I'd like that too.
Mommy?
Honey, what are you doing up?
I tried to wait up for you.
I know. You
remember Grant, right?
My friend who...
Well, Grant's just here to
spend some time with me.
Hi, Emma. It's
good to see you.
Hi. Can I hang
out with you guys?
Honey, let's get
you back to bed.
She can hang out
for a bit, right?
We're just about
to start a movie.
Sure, yeah. Come on.
Come.
Hi, Alyssa.
You wanna take a walk with me?
Alyssa?
Alyssa?!
Alyssa?!
I need to use the bathroom.
Okay. Just give
me a minute, okay?
Let's order first
and I'll go with you.
I've really gotta go.
Emma, okay, just
give me a minute.
It's right over there.
I've been to that bathroom,
like, a hundred times.
Yes, and every time with me.
Please?
Okay, but hurry back. And
don't forget to wash your hands.
Okay.
Okay.
You all set?
Yeah, she'll have
the mac and cheese,
and I'll have a chicken salad.
All right.
Thanks.
Anything else to drink?
No. Maybe just
a brownie later.
All right.
Emma?
Emma, are you in there?
Emma?
Emma?!
Have you seen my daughter?
No.
Emma!
Have you seen my daughter?
Mm-mm.
Emma?!
Emma, oh, my god. Emma.
You scared me. Don't you
ever do that to me again.
I was just trying
to be funny, Mommy.
I'm sorry. I couldn't
see you, I got so scared.
I'll always be safe,
Mommy, I promise.
I'm sorry, sweetie.
I have a few questions.
Wondering if you
have any comments?
Come
on, baby. Come on.
Can we get a quick
comment? Just really quick.
Can you tell us how you feel?
Please leave us alone.
Ms.
Manning, Ms. Manning,
how do you feel about
Mr. Simon's release?
Tell them.
Tell them, Alyssa.
Tell them how it was.
Ms. Manning, Ms. Manning,
do you have any feeling
about Mr. Simon's release?
Alyssa, do you feel safe?
Should other parents-
No statement.
Please, Alyssa, we need to know.
Am I gonna be on the news?
Not if I can help it. Go
on up to your room, okay?
Okay.
Hi. It's a lot
worse than I thought.
We might need someone over here.
Okay. Thanks.
Bye.
Miles, Miles, Miles!
Hey, Miles!
Miles!
Miles, Miles, Miles!
Do you have any regrets
now that you're out of prison?
Do you plan on seeing Alyssa?
Little Emma, you
look just like your mom.
I totally freaked,
and Emma was there,
just playing.
We've established you will
continue to suffer the effects
of post-traumatic stress
disorder due to your trauma.
Accept it and don't beat
yourself up about it.
I mean, sure, the kidnapping
caused me sadness at the time
because I missed my parents,
but Miles never hurt me.
He only showed me love.
He took you away from a normal
childhood and isolated you.
Severe emotional distress or
physical reactions to something
that reminds you of
that event makes sense.
How are you feeling
about his release?
I feel like I'm supposed
to hate this monster
that people are
making him out to be,
and feel enraged about him
getting out, but I don't.
I feel for him.
I know he's not a monster
and I just want him
to find peace someday.
And what do you
really feel will happen
if your behavior continues?
It already cost me a marriage.
It's made it really hard
to find a new partner.
But my biggest fear is
that I'm damaging Emma.
You're feeling guilty
about your ex-husband?
I mean, the older Emma gets,
I realize that she might
need a man in the house.
But not Tony.
I mean, he can blame me all
he wants, but he was reckless.
He was the one who
was able to walk away.
Does she ask about him?
Not that much.
He emailed me the other
day, asking to see Emma.
I guess he's gonna be in
town for business this week.
But I didn't tell her.
I didn't wanna get her
hopes up to be crushed
like all the other times.
This is a heightened
time for you.
Maybe it's time to
trust and let go.
What happened to you is
your story, not hers.
Don't let the past keep you
from what the
present has to offer.
I know.
I get that.
Hell, I've spent my
life preaching it.
Maybe start small.
Perhaps have her spend the
night at a friend's house
or have someone other than
Grace take care of her.
You're a busy woman,
you could use the help.
How you doing?
Hanging in there?
I'm fine if I didn't
have to keep up with you.
Oh.
Alyssa, have you been in contact
with Miles since his release?
Go. Go!
It's like 25 years
ago all over again.
Interview requests, people
hiding out to snag a pic.
Must've been hard
for a kid, huh?
That's why my main
concern is Emma.
I don't want a picture
of her out there.
You know, I'm starting to think
that maybe it's not the
right timing for the book.
Or it's a great time to show
that you're strong, not afraid.
You know, this
isn't gonna be easy for us.
I do.
I also see more everyday
why I wanna be here
for you and Emma.
You know, maybe you're right,
maybe releasing the book
now is a real power move.
Mm. Yeah.
Yeah, it is.
So the team wants to nail
down the new release date
so you can announce it on
your "Wake Up" appearance.
What?
Nothing.
I'm ready.
Okay.
Well, you and Emma
can make a day of it.
There's a great park downtown
and it's right across the
street from the studio.
I'm sure she'd love that.
Right. I'm sure she would.
Mm.
Alyssa.
This book is an
amazing accomplishment.
I really think using
those intimate details
from your journals is gonna make
an emotional impact
on the reader.
It's just, those were
always only my memories,
and now they're gonna be out
there for the world to see.
Maybe that's a good thing.
A cleansing of sorts, hm?
Sorry, it's always hard to get
the whole team here on time.
I have to pick up Emma
from school at three.
I knew I was cutting
this too close.
Grace can't pick her up.
Can we reschedule?
Hey, this has been
on the books for weeks.
It's not normal for the
president of the publishing house
to come to a meeting,
let alone head it.
Is there anyone else, at
all, who can pick her up?
Hi.
Hi. Nice to meet you.
Hi.
Hey. I am stuck in a meeting.
I have a huge favor to ask you.
Of course. Anything.
You think you could
pick up Emma from school?
Sure.
Thank you. It's
three o'clock at the front gate.
Please text me
once you have her.
Got it.
How long is this gonna be?
Oh, not long. Is
everything okay?
Hey, Alyssa-
I'm sorry, I need
to make a call.
So sorry.
Hey.
Alyssa, what is going on?
Nothing, I just...
Okay, well is there anything
I can do?
No, no.
I just have to go.
Oh.
Oh. You got it?
Yes.
You're in?
Mm-hm.
Hey.
Where are you?
We stopped to get milkshakes.
Where's Emma?
She's right here.
She's right next to me.
Hi, Mommy.
See?
Hi, baby. I've been
texting and calling you.
Oh, yeah, sorry,
I wanted to avoid
any distractions
while driving Emma,
so I put my phone
in the console,
and when we stopped,
I left it in the car.
I'm sorry. We're
heading home now.
I'm on my way.
Mommy.
Hi, sweetie.
We went out to
get milkshakes. See?
Oh, that's great. I
need to talk to Grant.
Why don't you go upstairs
and do your homework, okay?
Okay.
How could you do that?
I'm sorry, I just...
She asked if we could
stop for milkshakes,
and I don't know, I
didn't wanna say no.
Why didn't you ask me first?
Your instructions
were to text you
when I picked her up, and I did.
And then I just...
I knew you were an
important meeting,
and I didn't wanna
interrupt you.
Do you have any idea what
was going through my mind?
Look, I'm sorry.
I know you're trying to help
and you're doing
your best, but...
But what?
Maybe until Emma gets older,
I'm just not capable
of having a man around.
I'm really sorry.
Not as sorry as I am.
Emma.
The situation you've
just described with Grant
sounds like a pivotal
moment in your development.
I agree.
And once again, I failed.
I let my past derail my present.
I guess do as I
say, not as I do?
I have a thought.
Instead of running from it,
why not deal with
your past presently?
Miles is a free man.
It might do you good
to finally talk to him.
Just think about it.
That was so cool.
Can I be on TV next time?
Absolutely not.
Wow, this park is beautiful.
Wanna come play with us?
I wish.
I gotta head back to the studio
and take care of a few things,
but you guys have fun, okay?
Okay.
Hey, this airs Monday,
but we'll be in
touch before then.
Thanks, Sarah.
Bye.
Bye.
Can I go fly my kite?
Oh, sure. Stay where
I can see you, okay?
Okay.
Hello?
Hello?
Emma?
This isn't funny, Emma.
Hi. Miss, have you
seen this little girl?
She was just here.
She was flying a kite.
Didn't see her at all?
Emma?
Ma'am, I'm so sorry.
Have you seen my
daughter? Her name's Emma.
She was just there with me.
No.
Emma!
Emma!
You said you
walked away to answer a call.
I was right there.
Emma was right there and
then she was just gone.
So there was a brief time
when you didn't
have eyes on her.
Come on, Detective.
I know this is difficult,
but we need information.
Who knew you'd be there
today at that time?
Only people I know.
People you know are exactly
where we usually start.
Any family members or exes?
Oh, my god.
Her father is in town.
I'll call him.
Yeah, he wanted to see her.
You haven't contacted him?
No. No, he wouldn't
take me seriously.
Well, is he the kind of dad
that will snatch her
up and not tell you?
No.
No, no.
I don't know. I don't think so.
No, he's just...
He's angry.
At you?
Well, yeah, I haven't
exactly been lenient
with him seeing Emma, but
he wouldn't just take her.
Oh, you'd be surprised.
With parental kidnapping,
it's usually just an attempt
to spend time with the child.
They justify it as being
their right as a parent.
Him wanting to be around
was never the issue,
it was him not
wanting to be around.
Look, Detective,
Tony's no angel,
but no, no, this
doesn't sound like him.
The good news, if it is him,
these cases usually end in
the safe return of the child.
Tony's not answering.
I left a message, told
him it was urgent,
and to call Detective Barkley.
Was there anyone else
who knew you'd be there?
No.
But I can't help but thinking
this is all a really
big coincidence.
Miles?
He just got released from
prison, and now this happens?
Well, he's a person of interest.
We can't consider
him an actual suspect
based on coincidence.
But we can question him.
I'll get his info
from the captain.
Hold on there a sec.
Hi, I'm sorry,
I'm Alyssa's friend from...
Would you move?
Excuse me!
It's okay.
Alyssa!
It's okay, she's my friend.
You can let her in.
I'm so sorry. I came
as soon as I could.
Did you make any
actual announcements
when I was gonna be
shooting that segment?
No, not shooting, just the
air date, which is Monday.
But is it possible that somehow
someone found out my schedule
of when I was gonna
be at the studio?
Yeah, I suppose. I've answered
press requests all week.
I could've mentioned that we
were scheduled to tape today.
Well did you or didn't you?
I mean, I don't know, I've
had so many calls. Maybe.
Look, there was a
weird one this morning,
asking about when
you were shooting,
but I thought it was just press.
Or someone posing as press.
Did you get their name?
No, no, I...
What are we saying,
this was planned
around your appearance?
The speed at which
the abduction happened,
if that's what this is, seem
to be planned, not random.
Do you think it
was him? Miles?
This is his new address.
Captain has cleared
us to question him.
It's only about 10
miles from here.
10 miles?
In the meantime, you let us know
if you hear from the father.
If he is behind this and attempts
to take her out of state,
we need to hand it over
to the FBI, immediately.
Why don't you get
them involved now?
Not yet. I have my guys
trying to locate your ex.
And when they do, we'll know
whether this is an abduction
or a parental kidnapping.
Right now, we need to confirm
exactly what we're dealing with.
I'll go try and track down
who called this morning.
And you call me when you know
anything. We will find her.
Thank you.
Hey, I got you.
Call me.
We'll have an
officer stay with you.
No, I'm coming with you.
Alyssa, let us do our jobs.
Grace, I know Miles better
than anyone in this world.
I should come.
I can't legally
stop her from coming.
She's right, perhaps
she could be helpful.
Are you sure you're
okay to see him?
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
Hang back. Let us
search the place first.
22?
Mr. Simon.
Yeah?
I was told your parole officer
filled you in on why we're here.
Yep.
We would like to start
by searching the residence.
Do we have your consent?
Absolutely.
She's not here.
Hey.
Alyssa, wait.
Alyssa, hold on.
Get outta my way. Emma!
Emma, baby, where are you?!
Emma! It's okay, baby!
Emma?
Where is she? Where is she?!
What did you do to her?!
I could-
No, tell me where she is!
I could not hurt you or
your daughter, you know that.
I was just about to
tell the detective
I had a meeting this morning
with my parole officer.
Jack McKinney, right?
Yes, from 9:30 to 11.
After a quick stop to the
market, I came right back here.
There's no way I could've
made it downtown and back.
How did you know I was downtown?
It's all over the radio and TV.
They've been airing it
for the last two hours.
Look, Alyssa, I am so sorry.
I'm so sorry you're
going to this,
but I don't know where she is.
McKinney confirms his alibi,
says the login sheet shows
they met from 9:29 to 11:03.
All right. We'll let you go
on with your day, Mr. Simon.
Alyssa.
Can I talk to you?
It's your call.
Sit down.
You haven't changed a bit.
I know your concern right
now is to find your daughter,
but please, I never
thought I'd see you again,
I have something
to say just in case
we don't see each
other ever again.
One has a lot of time
to think in prison.
And for the longest time,
I tried to justify
what I did to you,
that I deserved you.
I suffered loss myself,
so I figured it was an
eye for an eye of sorts.
And then I realized it
came down to one thing:
I was selfish.
I destroyed a young life just
to fill a void in my own life.
I did damage that would
last you a lifetime,
and I'm so sorry.
Please forgive me.
I never hurt you.
I only showed you love and gave
you the best house I could.
I know.
Then how could I hurt you now?
I hurt for you.
Please, let me help you.
I don't think
that's a good idea.
This is a kidnapping.
I know what could be going on
through the mind of a kidnapper.
Please, let me help you.
All right, let's go.
Alyssa.
Thank you, but we'll
handle the investigation.
If you do have information,
you have Detective
Barkley's card.
Alyssa.
I hope you can forgive me.
All right, folks, that's enough.
Let's just clear it out.
I just spoke with the captain.
And?
They found Tony.
Emma was not with him.
But they still brought him to
the station for questioning.
Did he have an alibi?
That's all I know.
They're still considering
him a suspect for now.
You know the hardest part?
I don't know what I'm
supposed to be doing.
Am I supposed to just
sit here and wait
while my baby girl is
out there somewhere,
probably terrified?
Or what if she's-
Don't think like that.
Okay, Emma is alive and well,
and we're gonna find her.
You don't know that.
I would be searching
all day, all night,
if I knew where to start.
I should be out there.
Doing what, searching aimlessly?
The best thing you can
do right now is think.
Okay, most kidnappings
are by a familiar person
or a family member.
Is there anyone else you can
think of who fits that bill?
I did have one thought.
Grant.
Yeah, I had the same.
As your friend, I was
worried it might upset you.
But as a cop, I definitely
think we have to consider him.
Yeah, he's familiar, but
it doesn't make any sense.
Unless somehow, he blames Emma
for me breaking up with him?
Do you know where
he was this morning?
He said he was out of
town. San Francisco, I think.
But you haven't talked to him?
No. I mean, I ended
things pretty abruptly.
And I was kind of awful to him.
Okay, I'll tell
Barkley to bring him in.
No, no.
Not yet. Please.
Why?
Just give me a minute
to talk to him first.
I already hurt him.
Now I'm gonna have the police
bring him in for questioning
on the kidnapping
of my daughter?
I can't imagine how
you must be feeling,
but Emma is like
my daughter too,
and I don't think we should
leave any stone unturned.
Just let me give him
a chance to explain.
Okay.
I'm working a double tonight,
but I'll call in sick
to stay with you.
No. Just go.
Like you said, I
just, I need to think.
All right. But I will
check in on you later.
And there's a patrol car outside
in case you need anything.
Let me know if
you talk to Grant,
and I'll let you know if
I hear anything on Tony.
Emma? Is that you?
Emma.
Hey.
Oh!
I'm sorry.
I didn't think
the boys out front
would let a person of
interest just come see you.
What are you doing here?
Alibi stuck. They released me.
You reported me as a suspect.
No.
No?
Yes, but not like that.
They were asking about
family members or exes,
and I just, I remember
that you were-
I haven't even had a
chance to process the fact
that my daughter is missing
because I am too busy
defending my innocence!
I am her father!
And I'm in that station
and they are questioning
me like I'm the criminal!
I had to call my
coworkers this morning,
as witnesses, so they could
confirm that I was in a meeting.
Do you have any
idea how that felt?!
Okay, you are
really upset with me-
Really, Alyssa?!
I'm getting upset.
I get upset. So what?!
It doesn't mean that I'm
going to kidnap my daughter!
You have already robbed
me of a life with her.
I mean, this is what...
I had no choice. This
is what drove me away!
You've always been able to
see her whenever you wanted.
On your terms. She was never
my daughter, she was yours.
That is not true.
You never allowed her
to be ours.
That is not true!
It's not true?
How many times have you
overreacted, Alyssa?
I mean, you have practically
manifested this thing
every single day of her life.
And now, she actually
might be gone!
No, she is gone!
Okay, and if she is,
if she actually is missing
this time, it is your fault.
Oh, go! Just go!
Leave.
Ms. Manning, you okay?
Yeah. This is my ex-husband.
We were just talking.
Sounded like more
than just talking.
Mr. Manning, I
think you should-
Yeah, I'm going.
We're fine. Just
one minute, Officer.
Look, I love our daughter.
She's out there
somewhere, missing.
I'm gonna do everything
in my power to find her.
But not with you.
Officer, he's okay.
It's fine. It's fine.
Thank you.
Hey.
So glad to hear it from you.
I felt sick since
I've heard. Any news?
You know I would do anything
to help you find Emma.
Anything.
Have the police
contacted you yet?
No. Why would they?
Is that why I'm here?
You think I had something
to do with this?
I'm sorry, but they
have to question everyone
who was close to Emma.
You knew her. She trusted you.
You knew we were gonna
be downtown that day.
You are serious. Wow.
Okay.
I was out of town.
I had that conference in
San Francisco, remember?
I left early yesterday morning.
I got back late last night.
Right.
Right, I just...
See?
Flight to San
Francisco and back.
If it helps, I'll go to
the police right now.
I'll go make a statement.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry, I just, I feel
so hopeless and desperate.
And I- Then let me help you.
Okay? At least let
me be here for you.
I'll come stay with you.
Thank you, I just
need to find Emma.
Alyssa, would you just
let me help? Please?
Mommy! Please, help me!
I'm scared!
Scared!
Help!
Scared!
Scared! Scared!
Scared! Scared!
Hey. I brought food.
You need to eat.
I was on my way to work
and I saw Sarah's
car parked out front.
Got me to thinking,
you need anything?
We don't know
what to do, Alyssa.
We just wanna be here for you.
Thanks. Come in.
Yeah.
I told Barkley what you
said about Grant's alibi.
They're gonna question him,
even though he's not a suspect.
How do you know
he's not a suspect?
He was out of town.
He could be lying.
He's not.
Well, how do you know?
I saw his boarding passes.
That enough evidence for you?
Sorry.
It's okay. I know
you're trying to help.
I was reading online that
one of the biggest reasons
for kidnapping is that people
can't have children or adopt,
and they desperately want a kid.
I mean, is there anyone you
know who fits that description?
Most couples I know
already have kids.
Well, actually single women
in their late 30s are the most
common demographic
in those cases.
The important thing is to
trust that Emma is out there
and that she's safe.
And the team will find
her and bring her home.
You spend a lot
of time with Emma.
I mean, she trusts
you more than anyone
besides her own mother.
She's like a daughter to me.
So has she mentioned anyone?
Like another adult
she talks to or likes?
No. I mean, I know
she really likes Grant.
I gotta get to work.
I'll see if I can find out
more when I get to the station.
I'll walk you out.
Bye.
Hey. What the hell was that?
I don't know where
she was going with that.
Did you tell her I'm
not able to have children?
No, of course not.
She's the one who
told some random person
where you and Emma
were scheduled to be
the day she was abducted, right?
I'm being horrible.
You're going through this,
and we're running around like
children blaming each other.
I love you.
I know. I love you too.
Check on you after my shift?
And know that I will
be out there working
to bring Emma home.
Bye.
Bye.
I wasn't trying to eavesdrop.
I was just coming
to let you know
I should probably
head out as well.
You don't have to go.
You know, I wasn't
accusing anyone of anything.
I was just trying to help
by sharing what I read.
I know, it's- No.
Look, I'm sorry, I don't
deal with tragedy well.
I never know what to
say or how to behave,
and I just come
off as insensitive.
Just know that I'm trying to
help you in whatever way I can.
I know.
And I really do appreciate
that and your friendship. I do.
I unwrapped lunch and
left it in the fridge
for whenever you're ready.
Bye.
Bye.
Emma?
Seriously?
Did you actually let
her get in your head?
I'm sorry, but I looked up
some of the articles
that Sarah mentioned,
and I know how long you've been
wanting a baby of your own-
So you thought what, I would
kidnap Emma? And then what?
I don't know.
I just, I got this crazy idea
that maybe you took her
and you were planning
on leaving town.
I don't know.
Do you hear yourself?
I know, I'm not
thinking straight.
Why didn't you tell me that
you were trying to adopt?
You tell me everything.
Because I didn't wanna
get your hopes up, or mine.
And as you can see, it's
a good thing I didn't.
Well, you should've told me.
I could've been there for you.
It's not final, but
it doesn't look good.
This makes my
relationship with Emma
that much more important.
She is like mine, Alyssa,
in a very positive
and healthy way.
I'm blessed to have
her in my life.
I never really
doubted you, not really.
I...
You need to trust the
police and the process.
Promise me you'll do that.
I'll try.
I'm scared for you.
I think you should
call Dr. Kaye.
We'll get her back.
I know. I know we will.
And I need to say this
because, well, I
just need to say it.
What really hurts is that
you would question me
based on something
coming from Sarah.
I have always been
here for you and Emma.
She is the one
who just showed up
in your lives out of nowhere.
No, not exactly.
I mean, you remember,
she replaced Caroline.
Yeah, who mysteriously died
falling from her terrace.
What are you implying?
God, now I'm the one
thinking crazy thoughts, right?
Yeah.
Look, I'm done, I'm
done speculating
and creating these
ridiculous scenarios.
I'm gonna take your advice.
I love you.
I love you too.
I'm scared.
You know, I feel like I
should have had the tools
to control my thoughts
and to calm myself,
but I feel like I'm unraveling,
like I should be doing something
instead of just sitting
here and waiting!
All of this has
obviously brought back
familiar wounds to you.
You may help millions of
people, but you're still human.
Let's get back to Miles.
I already told you what he said.
But you never told
me if you forgave him.
I feel like he's the one person
who can actually
help me find Emma,
but everyone around me is
gonna think I'm out of my mind.
I don't.
I also think that with both
your parents being gone,
you see him as a lone
parental figure in your life.
We lean on our parents
in times of need.
He's not my father,
he's the man who kidnapped me
and took me away
from my real parents.
It's not the titles
we put on people,
it's the emotional connection.
Are you saying that I wanna
reach out to him for help
because I identify
with him as my father?
Yes, and as someone
who cared for you
and apparently still does.
There are a lot of
wounds still left to heal
after these 25 years.
My main concern is
finding my daughter,
and I'll do anything
I can to get her back,
even if it means going to
my own kidnapper for help.
I don't think I
should concern myself
with healing these
scars at the same time.
Unless that is the key
to bringing her home.
In the journals you let me read,
you only mentioned
some initial feelings
of fear and uncertainty.
Once you became acclimated
to your new surroundings
and got used to
living with Miles,
there were some touching moments
of love and selflessness.
No would blame you if you
didn't absolutely hate him.
Hey, Alyssa, it's Sarah.
I know this is a terrible time
and I hate to bring it up,
but the team is trying to
finalize the book release date.
I told them I would
talk to you about it-
Ms. Manning,
you have a visitor.
You can let him in.
Thank you.
Hey.
Hey.
Look, being apart these
few days has just shown me
how much I care about you.
And when you care about someone,
you don't just let
them hurt alone.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry that I was so cold
and that I thought,
even for a second-
I understand, you know?
And it just kills me that
you're going through this.
I missed you.
In case you're hungry.
And if not, you know
I got no problem
crushing two combo
platters by myself.
Weird.
What?
Who is it?
There's no caller ID,
but there's a video attached.
Mommy, they said
you have 24 hours
to find me or...
You'll never see me again.
You'll never see me again.
They said you would
know what that means.
Mommy, please!
I don't want to!
Officer, look.
What is it, ma'am?
Okay, Alyssa,
this is actually a good thing.
This means that Emma's alive
and she's out there somewhere.
We can find her.
But what if we don't?
What if- We will find her.
I promise.
Can you AirDrop this to me?
Yeah, of course.
All right, we're gonna
pass it to Detective Barkley.
A video like this usually means
that they want us
to find the victim.
Based on the timing,
it's most likely
a sick publicity stunt by
someone desperate for cash.
They didn't say
anything about cash.
If it was about that, then why
didn't they send this sooner?
Unless it's not even
about keeping Emma
or getting anything in return.
I'm gonna get
Barkley on the radio,
let him know to expect this.
All right, thank you, Officer.
What are you saying,
someone would take Emma
just to hurt her?
No, not Emma, me.
Who would wanna hurt you?
Who? Miles?
I can't help thinking
he's responsible for this,
or that he holds the
key to knowing who is.
I need to talk to him again.
No, what you need to do
is let the police handle it.
I've already done that,
and they did nothing,
not a single lead.
If this video is real,
I only have one day or my
daughter's gone forever.
Okay. But I'm coming with you.
No.
I need him to open up,
he's not gonna do
that with you there.
Then I'll wait in the
car. That's nonnegotiable.
Okay.
Backdoor. Come on.
I thought about what you said.
I think maybe you could help me.
Let's take a walk.
So what can I do you for?
You know, my whole
life, people have told me
I'm supposed to hate
you and never trust you.
I can't blame them.
But clearly, you don't
feel the same way,
or you wouldn't
be here right now.
I'm here because I
need to find my daughter.
And you understand
the mind of someone
who'd take a child away
from their parents.
Unfortunately, I do.
But I think this is different.
I don't think the reason they
took Emma is to keep her.
Why would you say that?
I'm just positive it isn't.
Well, maybe not the same goal,
but same type of abduction.
When I first heard about this,
I wondered if it would be
some sort of a copycat,
how I took you in
front of your parents.
Some sick people consider
it a feat worth duplicating.
When I worked at your school,
I took care to be kind to you.
I always greeted you with
a smile to gain your trust.
I'm wondering if the person
who took Emma did
the same thing.
When you put it like that,
it reminds me of the
horrible thing that you did,
manipulating a child.
I don't even know
why I'm standing here
talking to you right now.
Look, I read that article
of yours from college.
You mean "Consciously
Forgiving"?
That's the one.
Forgiving someone who
you know did things
that were unforgivable.
And I heard you on your podcast
talking about who you trust.
Trusting someone from
a current emotional place
with zero input from
past situations.
At least in this situation,
you have something to rely on.
Look, I know it
took me a long time,
but in the end, I
knew you trusted me.
I did.
Looking back as an adult,
I have no idea why.
Oh, I'd like to think
that I eventually earned
it with my actions.
And I would like to
gain that trust again.
Are you kidding me?
This really isn't
a good time, Sarah.
I know. Look, I'm sorry,
the team just won't stop.
Hey, we're under
a lot of pressure
to meet this deadline and...
All I need is your
approval on the new cover
and that one small
edit to the forward.
You can tell the team that
it's gonna have to wait.
I talked to Miles.
What? Why?
I needed to know
if he could help.
How can you trust him,
after what he did to you?
And you still don't know
if he's somehow responsible
for all of this.
Yeah, well, none of
it matters now anyway
because the police
have the video.
They can work from that.
What video?
Emma's alive.
Mommy, they said...
You have 24 hours to find me.
Wait.
You have 24 hours
to find me or...
Look, the blanket.
Look at the blanket beside her.
Blue with white clouds.
Wait.
Mommy, please!
Oh, my god.
What? What is it?
He placed me in a room
alone at the foot of the bed.
A blue blanket with white clouds
would be my sole comfort
for the next six years.
Can't believe I didn't see this.
No, it's my job to know
your book better than you.
And this video has
to be from Miles.
Come on.
Hey, Alyssa, the video
proves Miles is behind this.
You have to have the
police pick him up, now.
No, as soon as the police
get involved, he'll clam up.
If he's responsible, I
can get it out of him.
Oh, if he's responsible?
I'm sorry, I just, I keep
trying to convince myself
that he isn't this
monster we all know he is.
Okay, but please be careful.
I can't believe I trusted you.
What are you talking about?
Where is she?
I thought that's
why you came here,
so we can figure
it out together.
So you can make me look
like even more of a fool?
How am I making
you look like a fool?
The video! How do
you explain the video?
What video?
Please, please,
just be honest with me.
All I want is my
little girl back.
Mommy, they said...
You have 24 hours to find me.
You have 24 hours
to find me or-
When did you get this?
This morning,
But why didn't you
show it to me earlier?
I didn't know if
I could trust you,
which seems to be the case.
What changed?
You don't think I sent this?
Look at it!
Oh, my god.
It's the same blanket.
Yes. Police took it the same
day they took you from me.
Look, guys, I don't have
anything to do with this.
But I think I know who does.
My daughter Sophie.
Sophie?
Your daughter you
named me after?
Sophie's dead.
You told me she died.
Look, the real
reason I kidnapped you
wasn't because my
daughter Sophie died.
My wife became ill
and eventually passed.
It was up to me to
raise Sophie on my own.
But I did the best I could.
I mean, with the doctor bills
and with the regular bills,
I had to take three jobs,
and I had to leave
Sophie at home, a lot.
And eventually, my
neighbor called the county,
and they deemed me unfit,
and they took her from me.
Why didn't you
fight to get her back?
They shipped her halfway
across the country,
put her in some foster home.
So why take me? Why not just
go find her and kidnap her?
Look, I tried.
Every time I came close, they
sent her off to another home.
Eventually, I ran out of
resources to keep trying.
When she was gone,
I was devastated.
I didn't wanna live.
Then, I saw you at the school.
Why me?
I don't know how to explain it.
Your spirit, your sweetness
reminded me of Sophie,
and I was lonely and selfish
and clearly not in the
right frame of mind.
I just thought if I
could make you my Sophie,
then I could live again.
I convinced myself
that it would be like
she was never taken from me.
But how? How could you keep
that from me all this time?
I just thought if
you showed me sympathy,
that you'd be okay with
our lives together.
But I knew lying to
you, you'd be upset,
so I never said anything.
Where is Sophie now?
I don't know.
I received one letter after
trying to contact her for years.
The one thing I do know
is that she hates me.
She doesn't want to have
anything to do with me.
We have to find her.
Do you have a
picture or anything?
Yeah, I have one.
I know this picture.
I knew this was Sophie
because of her necklace.
I remember thinking
I wanted one,
and I asked you,
but you said no.
That was the only thing I
was ever able to give her.
Look, I don't know where she is,
but I'm sure she still
has that blanket.
She brought it with
her when they took her.
I bought an identical
one and gave it to you.
She must still have it.
Or you're full of it and
you're lying through your teeth.
Grant.
What?
Why would you believe
him after everything
he's lied to you about?
We're going to the police.
Look, you can do whatever
you want. I'm tired of lying.
But I think you're right,
I think this is personal.
It's revenge.
From Sophie?
Yeah, that's why I think it
was important to tell you now,
that her last letter,
she made it clear
that the only person
she hated more than me was you.
But why?
The life I gave
you in her place.
Look, she didn't get that
beautiful home like I thought.
She was just shuffling around
from bad home to bad home.
Okay, we have to tell
everything to Grace and Barkley
so they can find Sophie.
Do you have any
information on her?
Birth certificate,
Social Security?
I lost her birth
certificate a long time ago.
Birth date?
Yeah. Yeah.
And we can take this picture
with us? Show the police?
Sure, but be careful.
It's the only one I have.
Thank you.
Grace isn't answering.
But Barkley should
be at the station.
Okay, I'm gonna
drop you off at home.
I'm gonna head down to my office
'cause my buddy in HR does
background checks all day long
and it's crazy
what they can find
with just a name
and a birth date.
Plus, if Sophie was in
the foster care system,
then there must be
a record, right?
I agree.
Thank you.
We're gonna find her. Okay?
Okay.
I don't understand.
I'm handing you a lead,
more than a lead, a suspect.
And I told you, someone
owning the same blanket as you
from 30 years ago hardly
makes them a suspect.
We will look into the
Sophie Simon thing.
It's not much to go on.
Not much? Detective, I'm
giving you a name and a photo.
What the hell have you given me,
except for a bunch of stories?
Look, I promise you, we're
doing everything we can.
Meet me there.
I don't get it.
I've got a picture.
I've got a name.
I've got a birth date.
And you got all that from
the man who kidnapped you,
and did 25 years
in prison for it.
Think about it, don't you think
he could be trying
to mislead us?
But his theory makes sense.
Because you want
it to make sense.
But if you look at it
objectively, it's quite a stretch.
If this theory came
from a viable source,
it would hold a
little more validity.
Well, at least he's
trying to help me.
All you guys are doing are
telling me to be patient.
You try being patient when
your child's life is at stake.
Alyssa, think about what
this man is capable of doing.
All I care about is
finding my daughter.
If that takes using him,
then I'm okay with that.
And as my best friend, you
should be okay with that too.
Give me the picture.
Okay, I'll get an age
progression image run on this.
We can get an idea of what
she would look like today.
Thank you.
It could take a bit,
so try to be patient.
But I'll make sure
it's my top priority.
In the meantime, promise me
you'll stay away from him.
I can't afford to do that.
Hey. Did you find anything?
Well, yes and no.
I cross-referenced her name
and date of birth in the system
and I got a possible match.
That's great. Where is she?
Deceased, unfortunately.
No, that's not possible.
Well, I'm afraid it can.
I mean, Miles said he hasn't
heard from her in years, right?
I mean, it's either that or...
Or what?
Or he's lying to us.
I don't know, Alyssa, you know?
Maybe everyone else's right.
How much can we
really trust Miles?
You're talking about a
standard HR computer program
with limited information.
And if Sophie's been in and out
of foster care her whole life,
who knows what kind of mix-ups
gonna be in her background info?
Yeah, I guess.
I'll see you in a bit?
Okay. Sorry I don't
have better news.
Bye.
What, you don't pick
up the phone anymore?
I've been worried sick.
I've been calling to find
out how it went with Miles.
I mean, last I knew, you
were rushing out of here
to go confront him.
Are you okay?
I never noticed
that charm before.
What charm?
The S charm on your necklace?
Oh, yeah.
S for Sarah.
I got it in college.
It's kind of cheesy, but
it's my good luck charm.
It's identical to
the one Sophie wore.
Who?
It's your job to know my
book better than me, remember?
Oh, yeah.
Duh. I guess I never
thought of it before.
Huh.
That's because I never
actually mentioned it
in my journals or my book.
And the one photo I
ever saw of Sophie,
she was wearing
that exact necklace.
Well, that's a pretty
crazy coincidence.
Is it?
I mean, how did you just step in
and replace my previous editor?
You know how.
Honey, she died in an accident.
They think it was an accident.
What are you saying?
Miles believes that
Emma's kidnapper is Sophie,
his other daughter.
His other daughter?
He hasn't seen her for 30 years,
but one thing's for sure,
last time he saw her,
she was wearing that necklace.
Listen to what you're saying.
You're talking about the
man who kidnapped you
and held you captive
from your real parents.
Why aren't you more surprised
to hear that Sophie's
not really dead?
Wow, you have become
completely paranoid.
My name starts
with the letter S,
so I kidnapped your daughter?
I'm not crazy.
I am perfectly clear
about what I'm saying,
and I'm perfectly clear
about something else.
You're off my
book. You're fired.
All of this because of
some theory from Miles?
I am the reason that
there is a book!
Right, because you found me,
and I told you everything
because you prodded me
for detail after detail!
It's called being your editor.
I am sorry to tell you this,
but the world doesn't revolve
around you and
your trauma, okay?
You can continue to point
the finger at everybody
who actually cares about you,
but eventually, you may
have to come to terms
with the fact that you
may never see Emma again.
You were the one who suggested
we go to the park that day.
And you were the
last one who saw us.
Where were you
after you left us?
This is absurd.
I'm leaving.
Oh, I am not gonna be
accused and interrogated
by somebody who is
supposed to be my friend.
I know.
I know you told me to
stay away from him,
but I think I who Sophie is,
and Miles is the only
person who can confirm it.
Who?
I'll let you know if I'm right.
Alyssa, I'm coming there.
No, don't. Please.
I'll call you back.
Hey. What did
you wanna show me?
Okay, there is somebody
I never told you about,
who's new in my life
and who's spent a lot
of time around Emma.
Who?
If I show you a picture,
do you think you'd
recognize Sophie?
Yeah, I think so.
It's her.
It's Sophie.
How did you-
Her name's Sarah.
She's my book editor.
It all makes sense now,
how she randomly
came into my life,
got close to me,
got close to Emma.
None of this was a coincidence.
When was the last
time you saw her?
Right before I got here.
She's been acting
really strange lately.
And after I saw that
picture of yours,
I realized she had
the same S pendant.
I practically accused
her of kidnapping Emma.
Well, then, she knows
the window is closing.
She'll be on the move.
I know she has her.
We have to find her.
You're coming, right?
Of course. Of course.
Sarah?!
I'll let you in.
Look.
Emma?
Emma?
Alyssa.
She was here.
She was right here.
Where would she have taken her?
I don't know, but they
got out of here fast.
Let's look around, see
if we can find something.
Oh, my god.
What?
What did you find?
It's a deed. Sophie
bought our old home.
What?
Yeah, look.
She bought the entire compound.
Why would she do that?
I have no idea.
It's Grant.
Hey.
Where are you?
At Sarah's.
It's her. She has Emma.
What?
We think we know
where she might've gone.
Where?
Where Miles kept me, an old
artists' colony just off of-
Exit 52.
I know that place.
Actually, I'm pretty close.
I'm on my way.
Wait, no.
It could be dangerous.
Wait. Grant!
Let's go.
Grace, hey, I'm glad I got you.
I'm out at that abandoned
artists' colony off Exit 52.
Alyssa's on her way.
We think it's Sarah.
Oh, my god.
What happened?
I called Grace and the police.
Who shot you? Was it Sarah?
I don't know, I didn't see...
Stay here, stay out of sight.
Mommy, Mommy!
Emma!
Alyssa, no!
Emma? Emma?
Mommy!
Emma!
Emma!
Get away from her!
Shut up!
Stop! Stop.
It's me you hate.
You're right, I hate
your guts. Hers too.
I tried to find you. I did.
But they made it impossible.
They wouldn't even tell
me where they sent you.
No, but what really happened?
You replaced me, so
you stopped looking.
No. I thought you were happy.
I assumed they sent you
to a wonderful family,
much better than I
could've ever given you.
They didn't.
I know, and I'm so sorry.
Sure, you're sorry now, huh?
After you got your do-over
daughter, you know what I got?
Oh, I got bounced from
foster home to foster home.
And every night, I
would go to bed hoping
that you would come and save me.
All I wanted was to know
that you still loved me.
I never stopped
loving you. Never.
Yeah. Yeah, but you
loved her more, didn't you?
Now can you imagine how it feels
to have your father
tell people you're dead
so that he can move
on with his life, huh?
To find out that he called
his new daughter by your name,
do you know how sick that is?
We can't change what happened,
but we can control
what happens right now.
What do you want?
I want you to pay.
How, by taking my daughter
away from me?
Yes!
Yes!
Then, he'll know he's
responsible for ruining your life
and making you lose the most
important thing to you, huh?
And then, you will
finally hate him,
the way he deserves to be hated.
There has to be a way
for us to get past this,
for us to all walk out of
here and heal from this.
Aww, are you seriously going all
Dr. Manning on me
right now, huh?
Did you not hear what
I just said, huh?
Why are you doing this, Sophie?
Well, it started by
getting rid of Sophie
and vanishing off
the face of the earth
to be reborn as Sarah.
And then, I just had to find
a way to make Alyssa trust me.
And I realized, oh, who
would she trust more
than her own editor?
Caroline's death wasn't
an accident, was it?
Well, she was never gonna
let go of her prized client.
Fortunately for me,
her condo balcony is so
slippery in the rain.
Why not just kill
me? Why take Emma?
Her daughter goes missing
at the same time
as your release?
Of course, you'd be
the main suspect.
I just didn't realize
that perfect little Alyssa
actually adhering to all
that forgiveness crap
she spouts on her podcast.
God, why can't you
just hate him, huh?
He deserves it! He
ruined your life too!
He didn't ruin my life,
because I didn't let him.
Not yet.
But you will now.
Come on.
Move! Go!
Oh.
I swear, I will
kill her if you move.
Sophie, stop!
Hurt me.
Okay? They have nothing
to do with this.
This was all my fault.
Please, let's sit down.
Let's talk about it.
But please, do not hurt her.
Of course! Once again,
protecting your precious Alyssa.
You know, I'm taking that one
with me. I'm her mommy now.
No!
We are gonna have so much fun.
No!
Hey.
Are you all right?
Okay. Come on.
Here, go to your mommy.
It's okay.
Mommy, Mommy!
It's okay.
It's okay, you're safe.
Hey.
Cream and two sugars?
Thanks for meeting me.
Yeah. It's good to see you.
So where's the little one?
I was hoping to
officially meet her today
to hopefully get
to know her better.
They're coming, but...
It's not gonna happen, is it?
I've been thinking a
lot the past few weeks,
and I'm so thankful for
you helping me find Emma.
And I do, I forgive you.
Thank you.
Not because I
condone your actions,
but because it's what
I've needed to fully heal.
Who knew that would
be the lasting result
of all this nightmare?
That being said,
I think it's best if I
officially put you in my past.
And that includes
you knowing Emma.
I understand.
I'm not your little Sophie.
I'm Alyssa, and I need to
leave Sophie in the past.
I think I need to
do the same thing.
I will stay out of your
lives. You have my word.
Goodbye, Alyssa.
Goodbye.
Hi, Mommy.
Honey, hi. Hi.
Can I go ride my hoverboard?
Go for it. Yeah.
Thank you.
Yep, you got it.
How'd he take it?
Okay?
I'm fine.
She's safe now, and so am I.
Come on.
Ooh
Ooh
It's no surprise the
way you make me feel
A pain deep inside,
your touch longs to heal
If I could pretend,
if I have the chance
We would be close, we
would still believe
In what the future holds
I come undone, I fall apart
Without you right
here by my side
You're no saint,
you're no hero
Just an ordinary
savior, so come save me
Save me
I want you to know
I want you to bleed
I want you to shed
the crystal tears
I want to hurt you, I
want to feel your pain
To know that you are real
'Cause I can't believe
that you're still the one
To save me from my life
I come undone, I fall apart
Without you right
here by my side
You're no saint,
you're no hero
Just an ordinary savior
I come undone, I fall apart