“Darren’s attorney intends to file an ethics complaint with the bar then file a motion in the case—a public document—regarding your competency.”

Destroy her. That was the obvious goal here. Make it so that her testimony would be discounted. Never mind that she didn’t have enough information to actually have a legal opinion yet.

She decided to point out the obvious. “I’m not the one who slammed into my spouse’s car in a driveway.”

“They’re accusing you of conspiring with a woman who is known to assist allegedly abused women. Your friend, Faith. The belief is you are predisposed, thanks to your relationship with Faith or otherwise, to side with the wife in the Bartholomew case.”

“The wife’s name is Ellie.”

He threw the document on her desk. “Are you listening to me?”

“Of course.” Jessa searched for the right words, any words, to convince him. Like it or not, he was the boss, and she couldn’t yell at him unless she wanted to be unemployed and flailing without a safety net. “You know Faith. You’ve used her as an expert witness in more than one case, despite all the old rumors. And, for the record, those rumors were started by Mr. Young back then to hide the fact he’d killed his family. He muddied the waters enough to get away with it.”

“What did or did not happen in an unrelated case is not the issue today.”

She didn’t bother to point out that he was the one relating the cases, not her. “Darren Bartholomew is angry because he can’t control me or charm me, or whatever he’s trying to do.”

“You’ve been talking with the wife’s attorney and to Dr. Downing, the child psychologist assigned to do the custody evaluation.”

“That’s my job,” she pointed out.

His exasperated exhale filled the room. “I know this is a bullshit claim against you, Jessa.”

“That’s good to hear.” At least they agreed on something.

“But we can’t ignore the allegations that you’re pushing an agenda here.” He held up his hand when she started to respond. “No one in the firm is saying it, but it’s being said. We still believe in you, but Stan, Darren’s attorney, is following the orders of his client and making this situation very difficult.”

“This is asinine.” Jessa tried to lower her coffee mug without slamming it down. When she heard the crack, she knew she’d been unsuccessful.

“If you withdraw, Darren and his attorney will stand down. They will work with his wife’s counsel to pick a new GAL.”

“You mean someone with the Darren seal of approval.” Energy pinged through Jessa. It was all she could do to stay in her chair. To pretend to be calm while tiny explosions destroyed her from the inside.