By the time relatives arrived, the dining room was decorated with balloons, flowers, and photographs of Kaylee from previous birthdays. Tara had ordered another cake, while I placed the strawberry cake I had brought from Atlanta beside it. Everyone wished Kaylee a happy birthday, but I could see how uncomfortable she felt. She stayed close to me, occasionally looking toward the garage. Tara smiled for the guests and acted like a loving stepmother. Rick even joked that Kaylee was finally becoming responsible. I had to remind myself to remain calm and let the evidence speak.

When Tara and Rick eventually stepped into the garage, Kaylee looked at me and quietly asked if I was ready. My sister started recording on her phone while Kaylee turned up the baby monitor. Their voices filled the room. At first, Tara complained about the guests and the birthday preparations. Then Rick mentioned the missing forty dollars. Tara laughed and admitted that he had taken it, explaining that blaming Kaylee had been easier because nobody would question the punishment. Rick then asked whether Kaylee had agreed to sign the residential program documents. Tara replied that she would make her sign them after the party. My hands tightened around the edge of the table as I heard her say, “Keeping that heater unplugged made her much easier to control.”