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6:42 p.m. Passion Ministry

The eyes struck John with such force that he trembled. Ears roared. Something familiar. He squeezed the door knob for support. Tried to focus. He had encountered this biting sensation before.

The dark-haired man slipped past him, filling the room with an unusual intensity. Even Jimmy hesitated, ice cream dripping from a spoon.

“I’m Harold Holt,” the newcomer said, turning back. “Friend of Rachel’s. Call me Harry.” Eyes riveted on John’s face, he held out a hand.

Strong fingers crushing his own. John tasted ashes. Couldn’t break free from the blue glow. It bored into his soul. As Harry’s fingers slid away, John felt his life force follow. The spell was broken, like a snapping elastic.

He shuddered. Crushed his finger nails into his palm, easing the sting snaking up his forearm. The roar in his head intensified. He couldn’t think. What’s going on? Who is this man?

“You must be Rachel’s mother.” Harry’s blazing smile now targeted Maggie.

The air moved as Rachel opened the bathroom door.

“Rachel, honey,” Harry said, “you all right?” He moved like lightening beside her, grasping her shoulder.

John swallowed. Sagged against the door. Helpless. Watching Harry speak.

“Was just introducing myself to your folks. You look terrible, honey. Told you to take a pill.”

Grinning sympathetically, Harry turned to the others. The air bounced with electricity. “It’s the shock. Seeing you, Maggie.” He flashed Maggie an admiring look. “Hope you don’t mind me calling you that?”

Maggie’s face softened.

John briefly closed his eyes. If thine eye be evil, thy body shall be full of darkness. John tried to speak but couldn’t.

Harry edged back across the room. Took Maggie’s hand.

John grunted. He’s after us. He coerced his legs. Moved toward his family as though sinking in concrete. The room began to spin.

Harry kissed Maggie’s hand. She rewarded him with a stunning smile.

“I’m so glad I get to meet Rachel’s mom,” Harry said. “Now I know where her beauty comes from.”

Maggie began, “Why don’t you—”

Rachel groaned.

Maggie paused, then pressed on. “—join us for coffee?” She turned to John. “Darling...darling?”

Maggie’s screams seemed far away. John stared down. Blood seeped through his wrist bandages. Eyes rolled back into his head. Consciousness swept into a surreal past.