Let's put on our tinfoil hats and go one by one. I like the thought processes, and seeing that I'm rewatching True Detective, let's give it a go.
Kayla is in inpatient rehab or has been in/voluntarily committed for psychiatric reasons (called 253B in MN): When was the last time we saw ‘signs of life’? When was the last time Nick mentioned her? It’s been a while. Bob (or others) may be staying with Nick to help with the kids during her absence.
This could be spot on. Nick and April have definitely been gallivanting together. No telling where Kayla ended up—could be rehab or worse, a grave.
Divorce arc is already in play: The boss bitch lawyer (BBL) Kayla hired may have gotten through to her. BBL has compelled the second house for sale so Kayla gets some cash. If Nick claims destitution, courts can compel the future funds from this sale to pay for her needs, legal counsel, etc.
While I’d like to think Kayla has the guts to file for divorce, she’s in a tough spot—broke and struggling. Nick’s got the money, she doesn’t. If anything, she’ll have to bide her time until Nick faces the music with his plea deal or another charge involving the kids. Right now, it’s just too early for her to take that step.
CPS and/or Bob have demanded no streaming in the house with the kids: As the source of his income, it’s unlikely the State would demand no streaming. However, for the sake of the kids, and the fact that he broadcast mere feet from their bedrooms, CPS can demand no streaming within the home. The kids may have expressed this wish. Nick is too lazy to get his ass over to the second home to stream, and knows this would be fodder for gossip.
I see it more as a parental requirement than a CPS one, like you mentioned. Still, there’s no solid proof that the kids are actually staying at Nick's address. My guess is they’re probably off-site somewhere, especially with charges still hanging over him.
Nick and/or Kayla have failed drug or alcohol tests and/or the “recovery” counselor did not sign off on productive participation: This would trip up the CPS reunification of the kids with Kayla and Nick. Perhaps CPS has demanded that grandparent (s) be present in the home, or a variety of other treatment plans.
This would have been documented. I hear Minnesota Public Records was quite the source which is why they must come out of hiding for all that is holy and just.
One or more of the kids have gone rogue: Also plausible. Nick’s black eye, Kayla’s hugging her eldest and admitting parental failure, and the child testing positive are all damning. There is no confirmation that all the children were returned to Nick’s home. Plenty of teenage boys turn on their fathers, particularly when they feel protective of their mother or sister. This kid could be causing a variety of complications for the CPS or even the criminal case if they are willing to testify. (It’s a stretch to say the 9 yo girl would be that rouge kid, but also a possibility if the dosing was intentional and she’s said so.)
I can’t help but think the boys might turn against their mother for letting April get close to their father. Given how "Christian" they are, I suspect the two oldest have pretty much cut ties with both parents. Kayla might have said, "These are the consequences of our actions," trying to ask for forgiveness regarding the drugs, but I don’t think that was any kind of admission of guilt to the Polyqule.
I also have my suspicions Aaron is in touch with the two older sons. The way he talks about their mother and shows concern—corny as it sounds—makes me think he could be reaching out to *them* in secret. He could be the one “voice of reason” they trust against their degenerate parents.
Aaron or others may have come forward with more evidence in the CPS or criminal case: This is a black hole for information but also entirely possible. If so, it presents far more challenges to both cases depending on the evidence provided. Kayla’s family or even Bob and Celeste may have turned on him with evidence or testimony to bad behavior. Maybe even April or Kayla. Each party has reasons to do so. It’s a stretch, but who knows?
I’d like to think that the best parents call out their kids on their crap, but I don’t see Nick’s parents doing that—they would’ve done it already if they had any intention. Kayla will likely end up being the scapegoat for Nick’s family.
As for Kayla's side, I remember one of them had a history reporitng the drugs or child neglect—was it her sister or cousin? Regardless, I think her family will stick by her and come to her rescue. Nick’s family? They’ll throw her under the bus just to protect the trust fund and reputation (whatever's left of it). Money talks, and they know it.
Kayla and April are conspiring against Nick: Biggest stretch theory but I could get my mind around their collusion to prove that Nick’s the unfit parent, possible abuse allegations, more information about drugs, et al. Keep in mind April has already told (false?) stories of Aaron being abusive.
Now that would be a serious plot twist. But based on Aaron's recent comments about April saying, "If Nick left Kayla, he wouldn't leave me!" along with her latest cryptic posts on Instagram, I can't help but think she might actually go to extreme lengths against Kayla—maybe even murder and make it look like suicide. I know that sounds dark and twisted, but honestly, I wouldn’t put it past her if it meant securing that trust fund.
Remember, Aaron mentioned before he married April, she was a factory girl, "working so hard, her body was breaking down and he had to save her." That always weirded me out.
April has a victim complex or she's out for something to gain. Either way, it can be dangerous, even deadly. Shit! There are entire networks dedicated to shows about women who’ll kill for money, love, and fame. We could be watching April's in real time.
