Episode 9 of "Found" opens with a terrifying nightmare gripping Gabi Mosley. In her dream, Trent arrests her for abducting Sir, while Lacey is in imminent peril, captured and strangled by Sir's sinister grasp. Awakening from the chill of the night, Gabi rushes to check on Sir in the basement. He appears unwell, but Gabi suspects he's merely putting on a facade. However, Sir is indeed ill, feverish and delusional, reliving the horrors of his childhood where his mother burdened him with babysitting and household chores.
Elsewhere, Gabi pens a confessional letter, acknowledging her involvement in Sir's kidnapping, and contemplates handing it to Trent. At the office, her photo graces the cover of a magazine, yet her heart is heavy with other concerns. Suddenly, Gloria, an elderly woman, and Harris, a man, approach her with news of Melissa's disappearance. Melissa, Harris's wife, is a social media sensation and an entrepreneur whose kidnappers demand a ransom of 2 million dollars—a sum Harris cannot afford.
The crisis team springs into action, but the DCPD looms, eager to take over for the glory. Yet, Gabi knows that without police assistance, finding Melissa would be a daunting task. Trent and Gabi's bond grows stronger, and she finds solace in his presence. She confides in him, revealing her intention to confess once Melissa's case is resolved.
Suspicion falls on Harris's companion when he's spotted with another woman. Gabi, along with the crisis team, storms into their home, only to find Harris and the woman scrambling to gather funds for the kidnappers. It transpires that Melissa, Harris, and the woman form an unconventional trio. Gabi determined to save Melissa, brings the ransom to the kidnappers. However, instead of Melissa, a gun barrels at Gabi. Luckily, Trent had summoned police backup, and they intervene, saving Gabi's life. The ordeal solidifies Gabi's decision to maintain a professional relationship with Trent.
Meanwhile, Mallory insists that DCPD should take charge of the case, but Trent argues for collaboration. Zeke offers to pay the ransom if Melissa is found alive. Lacey, shaken by the events, informs Gabi of her intention to take a break, sensing a growing distance between them. Gabi recalls Sir's warning that he would target Lacey if she ended "them."
In Sir's fever-induced delirium, he relives his mother's scorn, her preferential treatment towards his brother. Presently, Gabi seeks Sir's guidance, but he dismisses Melissa's plight as a ruse, comparing her to his own mother. Mallory declares that Gabi is officially off the case, and DCPD will assume control.
Once again, Sir's memory conjures the image of a woman who once brought him sustenance. In her presence, Sir found solace, and in return, she entrusted him with a journal. The lady's origins remain shrouded in mystery, yet a subtle bond with Gabi seems to exist.
Suddenly, Gabi's phone rings, Gloria's voice on the other end, threatening to terminate Melissa's life unless the ransom is paid. Margaret scrutinizes the photograph closely, her sharp eye detecting the kidnapper as Gloria's assistant, Marco, recognizable by his silhouette. Reluctantly, Gabi hands over the money and is horrified to learn that Gloria was the mastermind behind Melissa's abduction. As Gabi pleads for Melissa's release, Marco aims his gun at her, but she maneuvers deftly, evading the bullets.
In a wheelchair, Melissa lies unconscious, her face pale. Gabi rushes to resuscitate her, assisted by Gloria, but their efforts are in vain. Melissa has succumbed to asphyxia. Harris, heartbroken by Melissa's demise, fears for their daughter's safety.
Meanwhile, Mallory preaches to the masses, cautioning them against vigilantism, accusing Gabi of delaying Melissa's rescue. But Gabi remains unperturbed, hanging Melissa's portrait on the wall. This room serves as a shrine to all the victims who couldn't make it out alive.
Margaret returns to her therapist's office, realizing the depth of her need for healing. She now listens intently to her therapist's words. Lacey, on the other hand, demands the truth, particularly about the secrets hidden in the basement. Gabi confesses that she has imprisoned her darkness there, striving to solve kidnapping cases amidst the shadows. Though Lacey offers her unwavering support, Gabi knows it will take time to mend her broken heart. But she believes that one day, she will emerge from the darkness.
Gabi's distress is palpable; she couldn't save Melissa. In her conversation with Sir, he whispers that her care for him speaks volumes of her love. As she exits the basement, Sir's memories resurface, recalling his mother's fury when she discovered him reading the journal. His mother's words echo in his mind, a cruel prophecy that no one would ever love him.
The episode concludes with Lacey bringing Gabi joyous news; Tony has awakened.
