Question D

[Jonetta]

When Mirabelle’s children are temporarily placed in foster care with the Groves, Lucy reaches out to the assigned caseworker Jennifer Mendez who is less than cooperative. What were your initial impressions? Did they change after learning her history? When it became clear that either she or Charlie were involved with the drug cartel, which did you suspect more?

[Anita]

I thought at first that she had a chip on her shoulder the size of a redwood. My opinion did change as her story was reveled. I always suspected Charlie, I just didn't like him.

[Robin]

I agree with Anita. At first this woman wasn't cooperative, but she did seem to care about the children's well-being. Charlie was my suspect at this point.

[Jonetta]

It took me some time to figure this woman out but once it became clear her commitment was to the children she was responsible for, I wanted to know more about her. After Lucy explored her background, I did a complete turnaround.

I always suspected Charlie. I only suspected her for a hot minute.

[Melissa]

I felt her attitude was a bit much and I did suspect that something was off. When we learned that a CPS employee was involved I immediately suspected Charlie though. This was when his curiosity and many questions finally hit me.

[Sharon]

At first I thought she was a hardened social worker and didn't like to give up her free time. Many people in this line of work need their days off to unwind. My boss's husband works for CPS. I see his long hours but the system binds his hands a lot.

I didn't look at Jennifer as a bad guy when I saw her with Bella. She cared, at least that was my impression.

[Jonetta]

You had better instincts than I did, Sharon, as I was on the fence about her for a bit longer.