3:56 p.m. Passion Ministry

Up in their private box, Maggie and Jimmy watched as Rosario began singing one of John’s inspirational tunes. Despite the boy’s appeals to be in the audience, his father had refused, and asked Maggie to keep him company.

The room was well appointed with washroom, microwave and theater-style reclining chairs. A small fridge was jammed with Jimmy’s favorite drinks and treats. And just above the light switch glowed a red panic button.

Three years ago during a performance, the door had burst open. Oscar charged in. Andrew, syringe drawn, was hard on his heels. While Maggie was preoccupied scooping ice cream, Jimmy had climbed onto the trashcan and pushed the button. Maggie had witnessed many of John’s temper flashes, but nothing like that eruption.

She regarded the dark-headed lad now. A boy with a man’s mind. Poised for greatness. Will we be able to protect you? Your secret?

It had been easier when he was younger. Now he thirsted for knowledge and experiences beyond the Ministry. Who were they to stop him? It was for this reason that she had pushed John to agree to the twice-weekly school trips, hoping that this new stimulation would be enough.

But the boy became hooked. The compulsion for more was becoming overwhelming.

“He treats me like such a baby!”

Maggie blinked, reverie broken.

Jimmy pushed his fists against the window. “What’s he think? Gonna contract Ebola and die if I sit next to outsiders?”

Maggie ruffled his curls. “No, darling. We’ve been through this a thousand times. Your health. We just want to protect you.”

“I’m sick of my health! I wanna live like other kids, go to a real school, have my own friends.” He looked down at the audience. “Kids everywhere’re having fun and I...I’m stuck in prison. Like the Count of Monte Cristo.”

“I know it feels that way, honey. Just for a little longer, until you’re stron—”

“Y’mean, you’re gonna let me go out more? On my own? Wow!” He shot into her chest.

Maggie’s stomach twisted. The words had just popped out. She didn’t dare tell Jimmy she didn’t mean it, that John would never completely release him from their protected confines. Not until Jimmy, and the world, were ready.

Her eyes flipped down to the people filling the concert hall. You’re so lucky. Oblivious to the real passions behind our Ministry.

Even Andrew appeared to be enjoying himself.

Maggie had once dedicated her life to a religious cult leader, forsaking her family. For the past seven years, her devotions were to John and Jimmy. At times, she ached for her former life. Though rigid and frequently harsh, it had been blissfully free of thought and responsibility and...of freely-given and received love. She clenched her hands. Glanced at Jimmy. Love is so complex.

“...think Brendan depends too much on pyrotechnics,” Jimmy was saying, picking at his teeth. “Father’s spectacular enough on his—oh!”

The bowl of popcorn slipped from Jimmy’s hand. Darby attacked the fallen kernels. Covered in goose bumps, Jimmy pulled himself into a fetal position. Began to rock.

“Jimmy? Jimmy?”

His face flooded with terror.

Maggie kneeled beside him. “What’s wrong? Can’t you breathe?”

As quickly as the attack had arrived, it retreated. Jimmy fell into her arms. Sobbing.
“What’s wrong, honey? What’s wrong?”

“I want my father.”