Chapter 5: The Envelope That Changed Everything
Nobody moved.
Mrs. Collins stood in the entryway with the white envelope in her hand. She looked uncomfortable, almost apologetic, as though she had arrived at the wrong time for a private argument.
Tara stared at the envelope.
Then she smiled.
It was the kind of smile she used when she wanted to convince people that nothing could possibly be wrong.
"Thank you, Helen," she said.
"I've been looking for that.""
Mrs. Collins didn't hand it over.
"You told me you wanted me to keep it safe.""
"I did.""
"You also told me not to mention it to Daniel.""
Tara's smile disappeared.
"I was embarrassed. I didn't want to make a big deal out of a simple mistake.""
Dad stepped closer.
"Then why did you accuse Ethan of stealing fifty dollars?""
Tara turned toward him.
"Because I thought the money in my purse was missing.""
"But you knew you'd received fifty dollars from Mrs. Collins.""
"I forgot about it.""
Mrs. Collins frowned.
"You didn't forget about it when you called me twenty minutes after leaving my house.""
Tara's eyes flashed.
"Helen, this is a family matter.""
"It became my matter when you asked me to hide something.""
"I didn't ask you to hide anything.""
Mrs. Collins held the envelope tighter.
"You told me not to tell Daniel about the payment.""
"Because it was none of his business!""
Dad's expression hardened.
"Why wasn't it my business?""
Tara turned to him, frustration rising in her voice.
"Because I earn money, too. I don't have to report every little thing I do to you.""
"Nobody is asking you to report every little thing. We're asking why you accused Ethan of stealing money you had already been paid.""
"I told you, I forgot!""
She said it loudly enough to make the windows seem to vibrate.
Mrs. Collins looked at Dad.
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"Would you like me to explain what happened from the beginning?""
"Please
