Margo's Got Money Troubles
by Rufi Thorpe
Contents
Chapter Twenty-Two
Overview
Margo rushes home from JB’s after a surprise CPS visit by Maribel triggers an urgent home inspection. Maribel scrutinizes Margo’s OnlyFans work, the household setup, and Jinx’s recent methadone treatment, orders urine tests, and warns Jinx must be “clean” for Bodhi to remain. The threat of removal escalates the custody stakes and jeopardizes Margo’s 730 strategy.
Summary
Margo wakes blissful beside JB but finds six missed calls from Jinx. She rushes home on a sprained ankle to find Maribel from CPS conducting a surprise home inspection after a complaint alleging neglect and abuse. Margo hides her connection to JB and braces for questions.
Maribel questions Margo’s night away, confirms the OnlyFans account, and probes the ongoing 730 evaluation. While Margo nurses Bodhi, Maribel inspects the apartment and Margo’s room; Margo worries about forgotten syringes hidden in the closet but they go unnoticed. During a diaper blowout, Maribel insists on changing Bodhi herself and notes diaper rash, which Margo explains she treats.
At the table, Maribel asks about Jinx’s work and substance history. Margo discloses Jinx’s past addiction and that he started methadone about ten days earlier. Maribel orders urine tests for both Margo and Jinx and says she will contact family, the pediatrician, and Margo’s lawyer.
Before leaving, Maribel states CPS policy: caregivers must be “clean” to keep Bodhi in the home, implying Jinx must stop methadone despite it being treatment. Margo challenges the logic; Maribel maintains the court views methadone like heroin and warns a positive opiate screen endangers placement. Maribel departs with their samples, leaving Margo fearing CPS interference in the custody case.
Who Appears
- MargoMother under CPS scrutiny; rushes from JB’s, fields questions on OnlyFans, submits urine test, defends Jinx’s methadone.
- MaribelPregnant CPS worker; conducts surprise home inspection, questions caregiving and income, orders urine tests, warns about methadone policy.
- JinxMargo’s father and caregiver; anxious during inspection; on methadone ten days; submits urine sample; policy threatens his role.
- BodhiInfant examined by CPS; fussy, blowout diaper, minor diaper rash noted; remains with Margo pending results.
- SuzieRoommate; observes quietly, holds Bodhi during interview.
- JBMargo’s new romantic interest; drives her home quickly but stays outside to avoid scrutiny.