The Last Invitation (14)

Police cars. Flashing lights. Neighbors on the sidewalk. Curtis wrapped in a blanket and sitting wide-eyed and visibly shaking in the back of an ambulance. The massive seven-bedroom, three-story French country–style family home was lit up, with the front door standing wide open.

This was quite a show. A big, scary show.

Darren turned on the detective. “Have you arrested my wife yet?”

The detective glared at him. “For backing out of her driveaway? No.”

“That’s not what happened, and you know it.” Darren looked past Jessa then started to walk away. “My attorney just got here. Now we’ll settle this.”

Jessa waited until he left to get the details. “What did happen?”

“His wife and son were in the car and he purposely ran into them from behind, blocking them in.” The detective pointed to the broken glass and banged-up SUV. “The crash isn’t in question because he admits he did it but claims he had no choice.”

The damage to the expensive vehicles suggested the hit wasn’t a little tap either. He’d aimed and crashed. Jessa couldn’t think of a single logical reason why he’d do that and further endanger his case. “Were his wife and son hurt?”

“Shaken up, but fine.”

“Why is he still walking around?” Jessa meant free, because it sounded like he should be in jail for this dangerous, unhinged stunt.

“He says she was trying to kidnap the kid and leave the jurisdiction.”

Something about the dismissive way the detective said kid, like the same way she might say pool table or sneakers, annoyed Jessa. “Ellie Bartholomew has temporary custody of Curtis, not Darren.”

“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.

She refused to be scolded like an inexperienced little girl who’d gotten caught doing something wrong. “Are you threatening me in front of the detective, Stan?”

He shook his head. “Expect an emergency motion tomorrow.”

“Good. I’m excited to tell the judge about this stunt.” Jessa watched him go over to Darren and try to calm him down. She could feel the detective staring at her, assessing. “What?”

“I’m wondering if you’d really be dumb enough to risk your reputation by telling Mrs. Bartholomew to flee the jurisdiction.”

Sounded like no one thought she could do her job. Jessa didn’t love that. “Come on. Really?”

“I’m familiar with your friend and those old allegations.” The detective’s expression didn’t give anything away. “It was years ago, but there isn’t a judge, police officer, or politician in the metro area who doesn’t know about that one. Hell, it made the national news.”