Bartholomew, a former high school and college lacrosse standout and the current vice president of Bartholomew Holdings, was recently incarcerated for violating a protective order in place for his estranged wife, Eleanor Bartholomew. He was released due to a technical flaw with the written order. On the day of his unexpected return to the area, Bartholomew allegedly confronted Hall in front of witnesses then fled the scene. Hall, a highly regarded domestic attorney in Montgomery County, Maryland, survived that confrontation but Bartholomew returned, and Hall died from a stab wound shortly thereafter.

A friend of Bartholomew who asked not to be named said Bartholomew had been inconsolable about the breakup of his marriage and his limited time with his son. He spoke often of his negative views of the justice system and its lack of concern for fathers in custody proceedings.

Malcolm Bartholomew has stated he believes his son’s unfair treatment caused serious harm to his mental state. The elder Bartholomew and his wife, Marian, are well known in the metro area for their charitable pursuits and sizeable donations to the arts community and to research technology at the University of Maryland.

Hall’s law partners and colleagues are in mourning for the loss of a person they call “an expert in her field,” a lawyer who was dedicated to her clients and friends.

Bartholomew has been taken into custody. His attorney could not be reached for comment. The police advise the investigation is ongoing.

Chapter Seventy-Seven
Gabby

Attending Jessa’s funeral turned out to be almost as stressful as watching her die in secret. People who claimed to know and love her took turns standing up and gushing about her talent and personality, her drive and commitment to truth. Her law partners welcomed guests. Retta stood stoic and motionless at the back of the church, with her husband, Earl, by her side. Jessa’s best friend, Faith, didn’t say a word, but the tears streaming down her cheeks spoke to her pain.

Gabby didn’t want to be there, shouldn’t be there, but she felt obligated in this last moment to honor Jessa. Not like the news stories, which focused on poor Darren rather than the woman he killed. Not like the people praising her during this ceremony. The mourners’ spokespeople talked from an impersonal distance, sounding as if they were reading from sympathy cards rather than talking about the real Jessa.

Gabby knew who Jessa was. Savvy, flawed, self-focused, and desperate to be better. That last part truly defined her. It was the piece Gabby would hold on to because it showed that people could want to change and take real steps to make the shift happen.