6:29 p.m. Passion Ministry

By the time she had dried herself and tied back her hair, most of the audience had left. The network crew was in pack-up mode. A towel thrown across his shoulders, John was high-fiving Brendan and listening intently Philip Ede, the man she knew to be the Ministry’s financial guru.

Brendan spotted her. Hurried over.

“Where’ve you been?”

“Brendan!” She kissed and hugged him. Ran her hands to the small of his back, then whispered, “Thanks for that amazing experience!” Patting his bum with one hand, she replaced the keys with the other, then stepped back and watched his face flush. “Was in the ladies’ room.”

“Never mind that! John’s waiting. Come on!” He grabbed her arm. Propelled her across the stage.

Great! This was her chance.

John gripped her right palm. Laid his other hand over top. “I wanted to thank you. It’s Gina, right?”

She winced. Elbow smarting.

“You okay?”

Virginia nodded. Pain forgotten as the warmth of his flesh and gaze burned through her. His voice was soft, slight accent delightful.

“You’re very brave and...” He laughed. Her pulse zipped. “Very quick.”

Say something, you idiot! But she just smiled. Awestruck.

He reached for her head. “Dear Lord, you’re bleeding!” He gestured to a chair. “Please, sit down. Oscar! Get Andrew.”

Virginia sat gratefully. Despite her feeble protestation, John handed her purse to Oscar, then stood behind her. She twisted. Saw him lay his palms on her wound.

Her head roared. A hot flush seeped along her spine. Pooled in her skull and right elbow. All pains vanished.

She closed her eyes. Welcomed the wash of energy. And the sound of her mother’s voice inside her head.

“Gina? Arnie, come quick! It’s Gina! Oh my baby, you’ve come home.”