Chapter 2

Tuesday, March 23, 11:15 a.m. New York City, New York

“Look, Sheila, uh…Ms. Drysdale,” Virginia Darrow said. “I can promise a balanced piece. I’m not Hard Copy. John’s got millions of fans round the world who can’t get to the Ministry, see him in person. My interview’ll give them a chance to get up close and personal with this extraordinary man.”

She paused, tapping her desk. “Yes, understand your position, but no…please wait! Can I speak to John myself, perhaps, don’t—ohhh!”

Virginia hurled the cell phone. Swore. Tore at her hair.

The Easter holiday season, along with the Apostle’s concert, was howling in with the speed of a New England snowstorm. Every network was scrambling to land the coveted interview with the reclusive superstar.

Desperate for another shot in front of the camera, Virginia had lied about having an in at the Passion Ministry. Perry Kernan, of the American Broadcasting Network, had drooled. And offered her a chance.

One minor problem: Virginia didn’t know John the Apostle from Jack-in-the-Box.

Right on cue, in marched her new boss. Virginia forced her eyes upon the cherub-cheeked woman. Willing her not to see the phone lying six inches from her feet. “Everything okay?”

Virginia nodded, not trusting her voice. Perry would hear her failure. Her need. The work meant everything. Without it - the caress of the camera lens, the fluttering in her belly, the kick of recognition - Virginia’s life was as barren as an empty TV screen. She worked hard on her stunning external facade and breezy talk, but like any feigned balancing act, something could slip.

Perry smiled. Snapped her chewing gum. “Big guns wanted me to tell you how excited they are ‘bout the Apostle interview. Lookin’ at a twenty share, easy.”

She stooped. “Lot ridin’ on this, Darrow. ‘Course, don’t have to tell you that,” she added, tossing the phone.

Virginia watched as her cell bounced off the table into her lap.

Oh hell.