Hi Cattie's journal! This is thrilling, exciting, and a bit scary.

That was Timmy. We're hiding in the snow with bags of clothes, waiting for the cab.

I bet they haven't even noticed we're gone.

Yeah, or are just looking inside.

Wouldn't want their precious baby Melanie to catch cold.

Oh no, of course not. I find your sarcasm hilarious.

Why thank you, dearest Caitlynn. Hey C, do you think your mom realizes how much her life has gone downhill since she married my dad?

Maybe if she still had a single ounce of detective skills still in her. Grocery clerks don't need many skills, T.

Ha, true. What an idiot.

I just can't wait until we get to Dad's.

"So that's you're plan, huh?"

"Mom? What are you doing here?" Cattie asked teh woman peering over her shoulder.

"Guess I still have some of that detective skill left in me after all. You aren't going anywhere. Richard!"

"Run!" Timmy grabbed Cattie's hand and they tore off toward the cab driven by a man Shawn worked with 20 years ago. Luckily, the cab was coming around the corner at that very moment.

The kids hopped in and Cattie yelled, "Go! Get to the airport as quick as you can!"

The two watched Richard and Juliet attempt - to no avail, of course - to chase the speeding car.

We made it to the airport, but I'm sure the police are on our tail by now. The ticket lady isn't cooperating even though Timmy gave her his school ID and was perfectly clear.

Cattie showed the woman her school ID. "My dad is a frequent flyer, why is this a problem?"

"You are too young to buy a ticket without a parent."

"My dad is who I'm meeting. His name is Shawn Spencer."

"Oh, why didn't you say so before! He helped me find a lost bag, and saved my job. Where in California are you headed?"

"Santa Barbara. Hurry!"

Cattie payed for the tickets and shoved the rest of the money in her pocket, then she and Timmy rushed toward security at top speed.

We made it through security. Well, Timmy's tying his shoes. Problem is, I can see my mom and Richard trying to gain access. Probably left the Andersons' to watch the others.

Timmy and Cattie bolted toward their gate. "Please let us on."

"We're being chased," Cattie added.

The pilot, a man you may know as Detective Buzz McNab deep undercover for Chief Lassiter, approached. "I'm taking them on." He ushered them into the tunnel with him as he told the woman at the front desk, "They're with me."

"Do we know you?" Timmy asked.

"I'm a friend of her father's. Here, come sit in the cockpit."

"Are we allowed?"

"I have orders to keep you hidden until we're in the air."

"Are you our pilot?" Cattie asked.

Buzz shook his head, "No, but the pilot is my brother-in-law."

We're in First Class with Detective McNab. I'm scared because Mom and Richard are on the plane with us. They're in Coach and can't see us, but it's still scary!

Detective McNab told us Daddy and Chief Lassiter are meeting us there. We're heading to an emergency court session. Mommy and Richard will sure be surprised when Head Detective Spencer's lawyer serves them subpoenas and tells them to be in court in an hour!

I guess I should tell you the whole story, including parts I left out. Actually, since Timmy and I have to testify anyway I can probably get away with just telling you about one time.

"You burnt it? You idiots!"

*smack*

Timmy and I are on the floor. Timmy's apologizing even though it's my fault. I was the one who set the timer, after all.

I taste burnt, so I get the feeling Richard's punishing us by forcing us to eat the burnt pizza.

He punches me in the back, then tries to shove more in. I almost wish Mom was here so she could finally see we aren't just accident prone.

I'm on my feet until he punches me in the jaw and jams more pizza in.

When the pizza's gone and Richard's done, Timmy and I scrape ourselves off the floor. Timmy helps me rinse the blood from my mouth in the bathroom.

We hurry to the closet. Timmy's favorite sweater is ripped, but I'll fix it tomorrow with some thread.

We're preparing to land, so Timmy and I have to pretend to be asleep under some blankets in case Mom or Richard come up.

"Daddy!" Cattie rushed over to her father who scooped her up into a bear hug.

Chief Lassiter grabbed Timmy's hand. "We really need to go."

"Timmy, Lassie. Lassie, Timmy."

Shawn chuckles. "Thirteen years ago I would have found that hilarious."

"Get back here! Shawn, I'll have you arrested for kidnapping!" Juliet calls.

Lassiter let's go of Timmy who follows Shawn as he races to the spot where his car is parked.

Lassiter walks calmly over to Richard and Juliet. He whistles. "You sure have changed, O'Hara."

Hornstock chooses this moment to approach, handing both Juliet and Richard papers.

"What is this?" Juliet asks.

"You can't serve us!" Richard cries in anger.

Lassiter smirks. "See you in court, Dick."

I'm scared. We both are. We all are, Squirt

Timmy and I are gonna be called soon. We have to talk about all the bad stuff Richard did to us. If we lose, Daddy and McNab and Lassiter could all lose their jobs at least, and maybe go to jail for helping us run away. If we win, Daddy gets to keep me forever. I'm not sure what happens to Timmy since his mom is dead, but Chief Lassiter - Uncle Carlton - promises Timmy's gonna be okay.

The judge is calling my name. Here goes nothing!