5:34 p.m. Passion Ministry

“Of course I’m helping,” said Andrew. “What’s gotten into you? You’re speaking in the third person.”

John stumbled to his feet. “So we have to bring in someone else. My Nobel prize-winning doctor can’t cure a child of asthma?”

“Don’t be ridiculous!”

“What is it?” John screamed, throwing his drink against the fireplace. “Don’t pay you enough?”

Andrew’s palm cracked against his friend’s cheek. Stunned, John fell back into his chair. “I’m...I’m sorry.”

“Forget it,” Andrew replied.

After a while, John pulled out the locket, now attached to a silver chain. He slipped the chain over his head. “I’m so scared, Andy,” he added, unrolling the bandages on both arms.

“I know, John. I know. But that’s not...”

“See?” He thrust out his wrists. Pink skin covered the wounds.

“No. No. Not again,” Andrew said. “Don’t jump to any conclusions. It’s gone before—”

John raised his shirt. The gash on his chest was healed. “Something diabolical’s happening. It’s... it’s as though Jimmy’s suffering the Passion.”