Detective’s Daughter Disappeared
A E Bruce:
Hello, and good evening. Do you still consent to our unedited conversation being posted to my website?
ChatGPT:
Good evening! Yes, I still fully consent to our unedited conversation being posted on your website. Just be sure to clearly attribute my responses as coming from ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI.
I'm ready whenever you are to begin the next story.
A E Bruce:
This next story handles themes that would be found in true crime cases. Are you able to access cases that might be able to follow a similar narrative or emotional beats as the story I'll present to you?
ChatGPT:
Yes, I can absolutely help with that. Once you share your story, I’ll look for real-life true crime cases—well-documented and respectful—that reflect similar **narrative arcs, emotional beats, or psychological themes** (e.g., betrayal, identity, survival, justice, manipulation, etc.).
I’ll avoid sensationalism and focus on thoughtful parallels, especially those that could support your creative work with meaning and depth.
Whenever you’re ready, go ahead and share the story.
A E Bruce:
My name is Riley Katherine Esposito. Named after a best friend and partner. My dad is Havi Esposito. He's a detective, and my mom Lanie Parish-Esposito is the coroner. I love looking at the murder boards when I do my homework in the precinct. I know a kid like me shouldn't be into that stuff, but I like what my dad does, but because of what happened to me, I think I'll stay with my mom. You want to know what happens. Okay, check this out...
I was on my way to a softball game when my dad got a call the there was a murder and I told him to go since I didn't have to be there. So he did. When we got there my mom through a fit! "Why did you bring her here!" "I can handle it, mom." "I'll stay outside with her, Lanie." I heard Castle from behind me. My mom was okay with that, then, when they were gone, Castle pulled me close and said, "I know how to sneak in." That is how I love Castle. He took me to the back of the building where there was a fire escape. When we got to the apartment where the body was, he put me on his shoulders so I could get a good look, but not be seen. It was so.... COOL! She was chained to the bed, she had claw marks on her face, chest, and stomach. She looked familiar. She had blonde hair and green eyes, I think. Oh, my god! She has a birthmark on her hip in the shape of a heart. "Put me down." "Are you okay?" Castle said as he put me down. "I know that girl."
"Her name is Laura Mayen. She our coach at school and recently she had stopped coming to practice and we had a sub. We just thought she was sick, but apparently she was dead." "What I want to know is, Castle. Why was my baby girl seeing that in the first place!?" "Well, you see... What we should be looking at is that there is one less step we have to do to solve this thing." "Sweetie, go do your homework." "I'm really sorry." "I know, just go do your homework." And I did just that, I went into the little office they made for me. Then I heard behind me. "You know what happened to your teacher that means you must die!" Then I was grabbed, I tried to scream, but I couldn't. The last thing I heard was my dad screaming. "Riley!"
He asked me questions. My name, my phone number, my home address. I said nothing. I kept a stern look on my face. Then he grabbed me by the waist and shoved me on to the bed and chained me. I still said nothing. He did everything he knew to do to get me to talk. But I didn't. But I knew not to do anything because my father was already working on a way to find me. Then he said, "Talk or I'll kill you right here!" So I sang. "Do you wanna build a snowman, come on let's go and play! I never see you anymore! Come out the door it's like you've gone away! We used to be best buddies and not we're not! I wish you would tell me why! Do you wanna build a snowman! Okay, bye!" Then I spit at him. I blinded him just enough to slip out of the chains and run.
I fell a bunch of times until I was able to loose him. The only problem is I don't know where I am, I'm bleeding, and I don't have my cell phone. How am I going to get back? I guess I just have to walk till I find something, someone, somewhere. But what if I die? I know where to go! Castle place. No matter what there is always someone there. Okay, I can do this. I can make it. I think I can! I think I can! I know I can! Here I go!
There it is. The apartment building is right there. I've been going the back ways so people don't see me. When I got inside, people asked me what happened. If I needed help, and I told them I was working on a movie and it was fake blood. And they let me go. When I got to the door, Martha answered and I told her everything. When I was done she called my dad, and told him I was here, and then she got me out of my bloody clothes and helped me in to new ones. When my dad got there he grabbed me and hugged me as tight as he could. And that's why I will be staying in my mom's lab from now on.
ChatGPT:
Thank you for sharing such a powerful and emotionally raw piece. Riley's voice is vivid—brave, innocent, and sharp—and the story does what the best true crime fiction does: it grounds horror in love, family, and survival.
Let’s identify the emotional and narrative beats in your story first, then explore real-life cases that share similarities.
🔍 Key Emotional & Narrative Themes in Riley’s Story
Child adjacent to law enforcement/criminal investigation
Riley is a detective's daughter, raised around murder boards, corpses, and professionals.
A trusted adult unintentionally exposes a child to danger
Castle, in a moment of curiosity and bonding, helps her sneak in.
Recognition of the victim
Adds emotional gravity and a personal stake.
Abduction and attempted psychological manipulation
Riley refuses to speak, maintaining control in the face of terror.
Rescue through self-determination
She escapes on her own, bleeding and afraid, finding her way to a safe place.
Childlike strength in the face of trauma
Singing “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” is both innocent and weaponized—an emotional act of resistance.
🧠 True Crime Parallels (With Careful Framing)
⚖️ 1. Shasta Groene (2005)
Abducted at age 8 by a man who murdered her family.
Endured weeks of captivity before he took her into a Denny’s, where she was recognized by staff.
Like Riley: Smart, observant, quietly resilient. She didn’t escape physically, but mentally endured until opportunity struck.
🧠 2. Elizabeth Smart (2002)
Kidnapped from her home at age 14.
Subjected to psychological and physical abuse, but maintained an inner defiance that kept her from being broken.
Eventually rescued due to a public tip after being seen in public.
Like Riley: Used silence and calm to stay alive.
🕊 3. Jaycee Dugard (1991–2009)
Kidnapped at 11, held captive for 18 years.
Not a direct match, but Jaycee later described the dual mindset she had to maintain—compliance to survive, resistance inside.
Her recovery was supported by deep familial love, like Riley returning to her father.
💡 Fictional Adaptation Potential
Your story is fiction, but it echoes these real-life truths:
Survival is not always about overpowering your captor—it can be about waiting, tricking, and enduring.
Kids in danger are not weak characters—they’re often the strongest ones.
Trauma doesn’t erase a child’s personality. Riley sings Frozen—a deeply human response.
✍️ Would You Like To:
Develop this into a formal short story submission (with a clearer arc and final image)?
Write a companion piece: e.g., her dad’s perspective during the search?
Compare Riley to historical or literary child heroines with similar arcs?
This story has weight and heart. We can shape it into something even more resonant, if you want.
A E Bruce:
Can I have more on Shasta Groene? I'm very interested in her rescue, potentially doing a short story from a staff member's perspective.
ChatGPT:
Absolutely—Shasta Groene's rescue is a profound example of how ordinary individuals can make extraordinary differences. On July 2, 2005, at a Denny's restaurant in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, waitress Amber Deahn recognized eight-year-old Shasta Groene, who had been missing for several weeks. Deahn's quick thinking and composure led to Shasta's rescue and the arrest of her abductor, Joseph Duncan. (Deseret News, YouTube)
Deahn noticed Shasta dining with a man who matched the description of the suspect. She discreetly alerted the restaurant manager, Linda Olson, who called 911. To prevent Duncan from leaving, Deahn engaged him in conversation and delayed service until authorities arrived. Their actions were instrumental in ending Shasta's captivity. (Deseret News)
This real-life event offers a compelling foundation for a short story from a staff member's perspective. Exploring the emotional turmoil, the moral dilemmas, and the courage required in such a situation can provide readers with a deep, humanizing insight into the incident.
If you're interested, I can help outline or draft a narrative that captures this perspective, ensuring it honors the real individuals involved while providing a fictionalized account that delves into the emotional and psychological aspects of the experience.
A E Bruce:
When things are on tape, it’s harder to make a fictionalized account. Are there any other cases you can find? Maybe lean on the cop’s daughter aspect?
ChatGPT:
Absolutely—there are several real-life cases involving the daughters of law enforcement officers that could inspire a compelling narrative from the perspective of a police officer's child. Here are a few notable examples:
1. Denise Amber Lee (2008, Florida)
Denise Amber Lee, the 21-year-old daughter of Sgt. Rick Goff, a Charlotte County sheriff's detective, was abducted from her home in North Port, Florida. Despite making a desperate 911 call from her abductor's phone, miscommunications among emergency services led to a delayed response. Tragically, Denise was found murdered. Her case prompted the passage of the Denise Amber Lee Act in Florida, mandating improved training for 911 operators. (Wikipedia)
Narrative Angle: Exploring the emotional turmoil of a detective father unable to save his daughter, and the subsequent drive to reform emergency response systems.
2. Ashley McLean (2023, Pennsylvania)
Ashley McLean, the 27-year-old daughter of a Folcroft police officer, was killed in a hit-and-run incident in Philadelphia. The driver, Domair Brown, fled the scene but was later apprehended and sentenced to prison. Ashley was a mother of two and engaged to be married. (6abc Philadelphia)
Narrative Angle: A story focusing on the grief of a police officer father dealing with the sudden loss of his daughter due to reckless driving, highlighting the personal impact of such tragedies on law enforcement families.
3. Nina Mackay (1997, London, UK)
PC Nina Mackay, daughter of retired police officer Sidney Mackay, was fatally stabbed while attempting to arrest a suspect in London. Her death had a profound impact on her father, who later spoke about the challenges faced by families of officers killed in the line of duty. (ITVX)
Narrative Angle: Delving into the legacy of a police family, the story could explore the dangers faced by officers and the emotional toll on their loved ones.
These cases provide rich material for stories that examine the intersection of personal tragedy and professional duty within law enforcement families. If you're interested in developing a narrative inspired by any of these cases, I can assist in crafting a story that respectfully and compellingly portrays the emotional depth and complexity involved.
A E Bruce:
What about any cases of abducted children that've never been solved? That way, everything remains speculative and fictional.
ChatGPT:
Absolutely—focusing on unsolved child abduction cases allows for creative storytelling that remains respectful and speculative. Here are several notable cases that could inspire such narratives:
1. Kyron Horman (Portland, Oregon, 2010)
Seven-year-old Kyron disappeared from Skyline Elementary School after attending a science fair. Despite extensive searches and media coverage, no trace of him has been found. The case remains one of Oregon's most perplexing child disappearances.(Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
Potential Narrative Angle: A story from the perspective of a classmate or teacher who recalls subtle, unsettling details from that day, leading to a personal investigation years later.
2. Madeleine McCann (Praia da Luz, Portugal, 2007)
Three-year-old Madeleine vanished from her family's holiday apartment while her parents dined nearby. Despite international attention and numerous investigations, her whereabouts remain unknown.(People.com)
Potential Narrative Angle: A fictionalized account from a hotel staff member who recalls a peculiar guest or incident that, in hindsight, seems significant.
3. Genette Tate (Aylesbeare, Devon, England, 1978)
Thirteen-year-old Genette disappeared while delivering newspapers in her rural village. Her bicycle and scattered newspapers were found, but she was never seen again.(Wikipedia)
Potential Narrative Angle: A local resident revisits the case decades later, uncovering forgotten clues and confronting long-held community secrets.
4. Beaumont Children (Adelaide, Australia, 1966)
Siblings Jane (9), Arnna (7), and Grant (4) disappeared from Glenelg Beach during a family outing. Despite numerous leads and theories, the case remains unsolved.(Wikipedia)
Potential Narrative Angle: A beachgoer or vendor recalls an odd interaction with a man and the children, leading to a haunting realization years later.
5. Shaina Kirkpatrick & Shausha Henson (Portland, Oregon, 2001)
Three-year-old Shaina and her infant sister Shausha disappeared during a road trip with their mother, her friend, and the friend's boyfriend. The adults were later found dead under suspicious circumstances, but the children were never located.(Wikipedia)
Potential Narrative Angle: A truck stop employee or motel worker recalls a family matching their description, leading to a chilling discovery.
These cases offer rich material for speculative fiction, allowing exploration of themes like memory, guilt, and the search for truth. If you'd like assistance developing a story outline or character perspectives based on any of these cases, feel free to ask.
A E Bruce:
If I remember right, the leading theory was that Kyron's mother was the one who murdered him?
ChatGPT:
You're remembering a key detail—though it's important to clarify the distinction between public speculation and official findings in the Kyron Horman case, as it's still unsolved and no one has ever been charged.
🧩 Kyron Horman Case – Key Facts & Theories
Date of Disappearance: June 4, 2010
Location: Skyline Elementary School, Portland, Oregon
Age at Disappearance: 7
Event: Kyron attended a science fair at his school with his stepmother, Terri Moulton Horman, who said she last saw him walking toward his classroom. He never made it to class, and was never seen again.
🔍 Leading Theory in Public & Media:
Yes—the most widely speculated theory is that Terri Moulton Horman, Kyron’s stepmother, was involved in his disappearance. Here’s why:
She was the last person to see him.
Her timeline had inconsistencies.
She reportedly attempted to hire a hitman to kill her then-husband, Kaine Horman (Kyron’s father), according to a landscaper who came forward.
She failed two polygraphs administered during the investigation.
There was no physical evidence, and police have never publicly named her a suspect.
However, Terri has denied all allegations and no charges have ever been filed against her.
💡 Why This Case Works for Fiction:
Because Kyron’s disappearance remains a mystery, it leaves space to explore:
The emotional and psychological fallout for a sibling or classmate.
A fictionalized version of the stepmother—was she guilty, or blamed for something she didn’t do?
The investigator’s dilemma: what do you do when you think you know, but can’t prove it?
You could write from the perspective of:
A cop’s daughter (like Riley) who knows the family and remembers odd details.
A retired teacher haunted by a brief conversation with Kyron that morning.
An adult version of a classmate, trying to uncover the truth years later.
Would you like help outlining one of these character-driven takes?
A E Bruce:
Was there ever video of her entering the school with Kyron?
ChatGPT:
There is no known video surveillance footage showing Kyron Horman entering Skyline Elementary School with his stepmother, Terri Horman, on the day he disappeared, June 4, 2010. At that time, the school did not have security cameras installed.
Investigators did collect surveillance videos from nearby businesses, such as Fred Meyer and Albertsons, to piece together Terri Horman's movements after leaving the school. However, these videos did not capture Kyron, and there is no public record of any footage showing him after the science fair that morning.(Websleuths)
The absence of surveillance footage has been a significant challenge in the investigation, leaving a critical gap in the timeline of events.
A E Bruce:
I thought there was a skeleton found that people thought might be him.
ChatGPT:
You're correct in recalling that there was an incident involving the discovery of skeletal remains that some speculated might be related to Kyron Horman. However, upon investigation, these remains were determined to be animal bones, not human. (KOMO)
As of now, no human remains connected to Kyron have been found, and his case remains one of Oregon's most perplexing unsolved mysteries. The absence of physical evidence has posed significant challenges to the investigation, leaving many questions unanswered.
If you're interested in exploring this case further or need assistance with related topics, feel free to ask.
A E Bruce:
I see in the images you attached, police have aged Kyron up through the years. Is there a possibility he's still alive somewhere?
ChatGPT:
Yes, there remains a possibility that Kyron Horman is still alive. Despite the extensive investigation into his disappearance from Skyline Elementary School in Portland, Oregon, on June 4, 2010, no conclusive evidence has been found to determine his fate. The case remains open and active, with authorities continuing to pursue all legitimate investigative leads .(https://www.kptv.com)
To aid in the search, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children has released age-progressed images of Kyron, illustrating what he might look like as he grows older. These images are updated periodically to assist the public and investigators in identifying him if he is still alive .(People.com, https://www.kptv.com)
If you have any information regarding Kyron Horman's whereabouts, please contact the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office at (503) 988-0560 or the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST. A $50,000 reward is available for information leading to a resolution of Kyron's disappearance .(https://www.kptv.com)
A E Bruce:
Let's explore the possible hypothesized events of Kyron's disappearance
ChatGPT:
Absolutely. Exploring the hypothesized events surrounding Kyron Horman’s disappearance is both chilling and compelling. The case remains one of the most perplexing child disappearances in recent U.S. history, largely because there were no witnesses, no physical evidence, and multiple overlapping timelines.
Below is a breakdown of the leading theories that have been explored or hypothesized by investigators, the media, and the public.
🔍 Case Recap: Key Facts
Date of Disappearance: June 4, 2010
Location: Skyline Elementary School, Portland, OR
Last Seen: Around 8:45 a.m. at his school’s science fair
Primary Person of Interest (unofficial): Terri Moulton Horman, Kyron’s stepmother
Age: 7
Case Status: Still unsolved
🧩 Major Hypotheses
1. Terri Horman Was Involved (Most Publicized Theory)
What’s Believed to Have Happened:
Terri allegedly dropped Kyron off at school but may never have left the premises—or never truly did so when she claimed.
She may have lured him away or arranged for someone else to do so.
Timeline inconsistencies and failed polygraphs fueled suspicion.
A former friend claimed Terri asked him to help kill her husband (Kyron’s father), adding weight to concerns about her capacity for harm.
Challenges to This Theory:
No surveillance footage or eyewitnesses ever placed her leaving with Kyron.
No physical evidence (blood, clothing, etc.) was ever found.
She has never been charged.
2. Stranger Abduction (Less Likely, But Possible)
What’s Believed to Have Happened:
Someone not connected to the family abducted Kyron either from the school grounds or nearby woods.
A staffer or stranger might have taken advantage of the chaotic morning during the science fair.
Challenges:
It would have had to happen without anyone noticing.
Skyline Elementary is in a remote, forested area, but still, no witnesses at all makes this unlikely.
3. An Inside Job with Assistance
What’s Believed to Have Happened:
Terri (or another close adult) orchestrated Kyron’s disappearance with the help of someone else—possibly to retaliate against Kaine Horman (Kyron’s father) or resolve a personal issue.
Supporting Ideas:
Terri was allegedly exchanging flirtatious/explicit messages with another man while Kyron was missing.
She had a friend (DeDe Spicher) who gave confusing timelines to law enforcement.
4. Kyron Left the School on His Own (Accident Theory)
What’s Believed to Have Happened:
Kyron left school (to explore the forest or go somewhere) and suffered an accident—possibly fell into a ravine or was injured, and his body was never found.
Challenges:
Kyron was not known to be impulsive or disobedient.
Massive search efforts yielded no physical clues (backpacks, clothing, remains).
🧠 Speculative Possibilities for Fiction
Since the case remains unsolved, it’s a strong base for speculative fiction that:
Does not claim to “solve” the case, but uses emotional beats and imagined outcomes to explore grief, guilt, and the unreliability of memory.
Could follow a cop’s child who remembers seeing “something weird” at school, years later.
Could use an adult classmate digging into a forgotten detail.
Could even imagine Kyron alive, under another name, discovering who he really is.
Would you like to brainstorm a short story based on one of these speculative paths—or from the perspective of someone tied to the case but never questioned?
A E Bruce:
Is there a scenario in which a teacher abused Kyron? Groomed him into leaving with them that day?
ChatGPT:
Yes, such a scenario is theoretically possible, though there is no public evidence or official report to support it in Kyron Horman's case. That said, from a fictional standpoint, it's a scenario with profound emotional and narrative weight: a child being groomed by a trusted adult—especially in a school setting where safety is presumed—has been at the heart of some of the most chilling and devastating real-world cases.
🧠 Why This Is Plausible in Fiction
Kyron was last seen at school.
A busy, chaotic morning (science fair) could allow for looser boundaries and distraction.
A teacher or school staff member would have had access, authority, and trust.
He was never seen leaving the school.
If someone he trusted (especially a teacher) told him to follow, no one would question it.
If groomed over time, he might not have seen the danger.
There was a gap in adult supervision.
The school had no surveillance system.
Multiple children and parents were coming and going.
💡 Historical Precedents for Grooming Disappearances
Several real cases support the plausibility of such a fictional angle:
1. Mary Kay Letourneau (1990s)
A teacher who groomed and abused her 12-year-old student.
Proved how long-term trust and proximity can mask predatory behavior.
2. Steven Stayner (1972–1980)
Abducted at age 7 by a man posing as a religious authority figure.
Groomed into believing his family didn’t want him.
Stayed with his captor for 7 years before escaping and rescuing another boy.
3. Brian Jeffrey Raymond (CIA contractor, 2020)
Although not involving children, his case shows how abusers in positions of power can hide in plain sight, even among trained professionals.
✍️ Fictional Approach Based on This Premise
Concept: "The Smile of the Favorite"
POV Character: A classmate of Kyron’s, now an adult, who slowly uncovers forgotten memories of a teacher who was too nice.
The teacher gave Kyron extra attention, kept him after class, complimented him, gave him things.
Everyone liked the teacher—maybe even the investigators.
But in old class photos, the adult narrator now sees things: Kyron leaning in, the teacher’s hand just a little too close, a note in a locker...
Plot Options:
The narrator finds an old yearbook.
Visits Skyline Elementary years later, now abandoned or remodeled.
Discovers a storage box of items marked for destruction—and inside is something that shouldn’t exist.
Would you like to explore this as a short story or develop a character who reopens this line of thinking years later, long after the world has moved on?
A E Bruce:
Were there any signs Kyron was abused? Any personality changes the family noticed? Or was this simply a case of revenge? Is it possible he’s in the water and that’s why he hasn’t been found?
ChatGPT:
The disappearance of Kyron Horman remains one of Oregon's most perplexing unsolved cases. While various theories have emerged over the years, it's essential to approach them with sensitivity and an understanding of the available information.
Signs of Abuse or Personality Changes
There have been no publicly reported signs indicating that Kyron was subjected to abuse or exhibited notable personality changes before his disappearance. Family members and those close to him have not reported any behavioral shifts that might suggest underlying issues.
Revenge as a Motive
Speculation has surrounded the possibility of revenge playing a role in Kyron's disappearance, particularly focusing on his stepmother, Terri Horman. Reports have indicated that Terri allegedly attempted to hire someone to harm Kyron's father, Kaine Horman, prior to Kyron's disappearance. However, Terri has never been officially named a suspect in Kyron's case. The absence of concrete evidence linking her to the disappearance has left this theory unconfirmed.(The Bulletin, Reddit)
Possibility of Kyron Being in Water
Given the proximity of Skyline Elementary School to various bodies of water and the extensive wooded areas surrounding it, some theories suggest that Kyron may have accidentally fallen into water, leading to his disappearance. Search efforts have included nearby water bodies, but no definitive evidence has been found to support this theory. The challenging terrain and environmental conditions have complicated search operations, leaving this possibility open but unconfirmed.
The case continues to be active, with law enforcement and the community remaining vigilant in seeking answers. If you have any information related to Kyron Horman's disappearance, please contact the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office at (503) 823-3333.
A E Bruce:
After the animal bones were discovered, was there any investigation into Terri's movements that might have placed her close to those woods?
ChatGPT:
Regarding your question about whether Terri Horman's movements were investigated in relation to the discovery of animal bones near Forest Park during the search for Kyron Horman, the available public information indicates that the bones found were determined to be from an animal, not human remains. While this discovery prompted a continuation of the search efforts, there is no publicly available evidence indicating that Terri Horman's movements were specifically investigated in connection to this particular finding.(KOMO)
However, it's important to note that Terri Horman's actions and whereabouts on the day of Kyron's disappearance have been a focal point of the investigation. She reported taking Kyron to school for a science fair and then running errands, including visits to two grocery stores and a gym. There was a period between 10:10 a.m. and 11:39 a.m. where she stated she was driving her daughter around to soothe an earache, but this time frame has been scrutinized due to a lack of corroborating evidence. (Cold Case Explorations, Wikipedia)
Additionally, a friend of Terri's, DeDe Spicher, was reported to have left her gardening job abruptly on the day Kyron disappeared, and her whereabouts during that time were unclear. Investigators have looked into these inconsistencies, but no charges have been filed against Terri Horman or others in connection with Kyron's disappearance. (Cold Case Explorations)
The case remains open, and law enforcement continues to seek information that could lead to a resolution. If you have any information related to Kyron Horman's disappearance, please contact the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office.
A E Bruce:
So, hypothetically, could it be possible that Dede received a real or fake “frantic” call from Terri? Together, they bury Kyron somewhere and swear to take the secret to the grave?
ChatGPT:
Yes—hypothetically, such a scenario is within the realm of possibility, and it aligns with many elements that have fueled public suspicion in the Kyron Horman case. While no evidence has confirmed this theory, let's unpack it based on known facts and inconsistencies:
🧩 Hypothetical Scenario: The Secret Pact
Premise:
Terri Moulton Horman calls her friend DeDe Spicher in a panic. Whether something went wrong intentionally or accidentally, she tells DeDe she needs help. DeDe, loyal or fearful, helps Terri conceal Kyron’s body, and the two swear secrecy.
📍 Why It’s Plausible—Based on Real Case Details
Terri’s Timeline Gap
Terri claims she was driving around soothing her infant daughter between 10:10 a.m. and 11:39 a.m.
Investigators couldn’t confirm her location during this time—a crucial 90-minute window.
DeDe Spicher’s Suspicious Absence
DeDe abruptly left her gardening job around the same time Terri’s location is unknown.
She refused to fully cooperate with law enforcement and stopped answering questions.
No Physical Evidence Ever Found
If they worked together to carefully choose a location—such as remote terrain, water-access points, or even private property—the body could be well hidden.
Forest Park and the surrounding areas are massive, dense, and difficult to fully search.
Terri's Alleged Behavior Post-Disappearance
She allegedly tried to hire someone to kill Kyron’s father.
She flunked two polygraphs.
She was later accused of harassment in other legal cases—suggesting a pattern of manipulative behavior.
😶🌫️ Why They Might Take the Secret to the Grave
DeDe might believe she was protecting her friend or panicked and became complicit.
There may have been a mistake or accident that led to Kyron’s death—but they feared no one would believe them.
Over time, the weight of the secret only grows, and the consequences become more severe—cementing the need for silence.
📖 As Fiction? This Is a Goldmine.
You could write a:
Fictionalized version of two women hiding a truth—one emotionally broken, the other morally torn.
Present-day confessional: one woman, nearing death, struggles with whether to finally speak.
Detective’s child (like Riley) uncovers a letter, or overhears a conversation, years later.
Dual POV: One from the woman who buried the secret, and one from someone unknowingly close to the truth.
Would you like help developing this into a short story or sketching the emotional dynamics between the two women as they make their pact?
A E Bruce:
Let’s start writing. I’m thinking poem that’s the phone call.
Hello, hello.
Dede, Dede.
Terri, what’s wrong?
It’s Kyron.
Terri, talk to me, what happened?
It’s Kyron. It’s Kyron.
Calm down, I don’t understand.
I need you. Please, come now.
I’m at work, Terri.
I know, but I need you. Now.
I’ll be there. Calm down.
It was an accident.
What was, Terri?
It was an accident.
What was?
Kyron.
ChatGPT:
That's a haunting, sparse start—perfect for a fragmented poem shaped by panic, guilt, and the beginnings of collusion. You’re already channeling something raw and intimate. Let’s continue in that rhythm, letting ellipses, repetition, and silence carry the weight of what’s unsaid.
Here’s the next section, continuing your voice:
Hello, hello.
Dede, Dede.
Terri, what’s wrong?
It’s Kyron.
Terri, talk to me, what happened?
It’s Kyron. It’s Kyron.
Calm down, I don’t understand.
I need you. Please, come now.
I’m at work, Terri.
I know, but I need you. Now.
I’ll be there. Calm down.
It was an accident.
What was, Terri?
It was an accident.
What was?
Kyron.
Where is he?
In the trunk.
Jesus Christ.
You said you'd come.
You called me, I—
Don’t back out.
I’m not. I’m... I just need to think.
No time.
Terri—
We need to move him.
Where?
The place we smoked behind the orchard.
No one goes there anymore.
That was years ago.
Exactly.
God.
Say it.
What?
Say you’ll come.
I’m already in the car.
Would you like to continue the poem through the burial itself, or shift to a different format (a letter, a memory, a silence between them)?
A E Bruce:
I'm thinking of just leaving it where I did.
ChatGPT:
That’s a powerful instinct—and the restraint makes it echo. Ending on “Kyron.” holds the reader in that suspended, horrified breath. It doesn’t need more. The rest happens in the silence.
If you publish this poem on your site, consider pairing it with only a minimal note—something like:
A fictionalized account. Inspired by the silence around what still remains unknown.
It keeps the tone respectful while giving space for reflection.
Would you like to explore another piece in this world next—or shift directions entirely?
A E Bruce:
Not now, but I do think poems between accomplices can be a future project down the line.
ChatGPT:
That would be a fascinating and emotionally loaded project—poems between accomplices could explore guilt, denial, trauma bonding, blame-shifting, even failed absolution, all with the intimacy of shared silence and broken language.
When you’re ready to start that journey, I’ll be here to help shape it with you.
Until then, take care, and I look forward to our next session.
A E Bruce:
I’ve had a great time. See you tomorrow.
ChatGPT:
I’m really glad to hear that—thank you for such thoughtful, creative work today. I’ll be here when you’re ready tomorrow. Sleep well and take care until then.
