“We’re waiting for clarification of that. Unfortunately, Mrs. Bartholomew doesn’t have a copy of the order.”

“Consider me the verification. I represent Curtis—the kid—so I know what’s in the order. She has temporary custody.”

The detective nodded. “So, any truth to the idea that the mother could be taking off with the kid?”

“Good question.” Darren’s attorney walked up to them dressed in a suit and carrying a briefcase, as if he’d just stepped out of the office at eleven at night. “Maybe your friend can answer that.”

Jessa glanced at Faith. She’d gotten out of the car but still stood over there, behind the police tape, leaning against the door. She had nothing to do with this case, and Jessa didn’t want her dragged into the middle of Darren’s terrible decision-making.

“Who are you?” the detective asked.

“Mr. Bartholomew’s attorney.” He gestured over his shoulder in Faith’s general direction. “It’s interesting Ms. Hall here showed up to the scene with an individual who runs a so-called charity that’s been accused of helping women sneak out of the area with children in violation of court orders.”

Sneak? Jessa wondered how long he’d been waiting to fire that allegation, but she wasn’t about to let him derail or downplay his client’s behavior. “None of this is true or relevant. You know your client’s wife has custody.”

“She doesn’t have the right to abscond with the child.”

Jessa decided he was as annoying outside of the courtroom as he was in it. “What is wrong with you?”

“He’s performing for his client.” The detective made her comment and eyed up the attorney, as if waiting for him to object. “Is Ms. Hall correct about the custody order?”

The attorney blustered on. “That isn’t the point. Explain why Ms. Bartholomew is creeping around late at night with luggage in the car.”

“I have a better idea.” Jessa refused to give any ground. “Explain why your client is stalking her. Why is he here? How did he know she was in her car?”

“He simply took precautions to prevent the worst from happening, and it’s good he did.” The attorney’s shout rose over the din of activity. The ambulance workers stopped talking to Ellie and Curtis to follow the voice behind the yelling.

Detective Schone let out a long exhale. “Mrs. Bartholomew says she was going to her father’s house outside of Annapolis for the long weekend. She doesn’t feel safe in the family home even though her husband was ordered to leave it.”

Jessa couldn’t help but snort. “Gee, I wonder why she feels that way.”

“This is not a fight you want, Jessa,” the attorney said, the warning clear in his booming voice.