'November 12, 1992

A man came to our house today. He said that his name is Gil Grissom, and he works for the Las Vegas Crime Lab. He asked to speak with mom, so she came down to talk to him. I don't know what they talked about, but I suppose it was important.'

'January 19, 1993

Mom told me a few surprises today, she said that Eddie is soon going to be my stepfather. That makes me happy. He's also going to move in, which means that we won't have to move somewhere else. She also said that she's pregnant. I'm going to have a brother or sister!'

'March 10, 1993

Mom and Eddie got married today, in the garden behind the house. That Grissom guy was here again too. I think he and mom have become friends. Eddie doesn't seem to like him though. Mom's stomach has gotten big, she says the baby will come in about 3 months; I can't wait.'

'June 14, 1993

Mom went into the hospital today, because she started to go into labor.'

'June 15, 1993

Early this morning, my baby sister was born. Her name is Lindsey Grace Willows. She is so cute. When Mom came home from the hospital today with her, I got to hold her. She's so tiny, it's amazing. I love Lindsey.'

'June 30, 1993

I've decided to give up my sports for awhile, just until Linds is old enough to teach her. I want to be with my sister, and I can't do that if I'm gone on competitions. Plus I can help Mom with her, since she is going to college now to get a new job.'

I was very interested in the diary, but it was past midnight already, and I was tired. I had to hide the stuff again, but I couldn't just put it under my pillow again. So I looked around the room.

As I wandered around, I noticed a loose floorboard. So I tried to move it, and to my surprise, it lifted up.

It looked like a good place to hide the things, so I started to put them inside the space in the floor, when I noticed something. There was a pile of papers inside, tied together.

Again, my heart was racing. I untied the papers, and I unfolded the first paper. It was a letter, addressed to me.

'April 3, 1994

Dear Lindsey,

I hope you get to read this someday. I want you to know that I will never forget you, although you are too young to remember me. I have no idea when you will read this. I don't even know if you will have heard of me. I left a few days ago; I'm running away.

I know I'm only 10, but I think I can make it, that I'll be fine. I've been watching the house though, and they still haven't done much about it. Maybe I'm just hoping in vain…Don't worry Linds

My diary might help to explain things, it should be in my desk, but that's assuming that everything has stayed the same. I've taken part of my diary and put it here with this letter. The pages should help you to understand why I left. They will also tell you where I am. Trust me, you'll be able to find me if you follow my clues.

I hope you will find me.

Love

Lydia Michaels'

I just sat on my floor in total disbelief. Then I started to read through the rest of the diary, including the pages I had just found. They painted a picture of my family that I hadn't known, that I didn't want to know.