8:53 p.m. Passion Ministry

Hours later, Maggie found him in the chapel, lying across the marble altar. Moonlight pressed against the stained-glass windows, casting a strange light.

“Oh, John, I’ve been looking all over for you.” She lay her shawl across his shoulders. “What’re you doing here?”

“Sacrifice,” he whispered. “Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world...”

“You’re ill, darling.” She reached for him. “Please.”

John rolled to his feet. Threw off the shawl and roared, “Don’t touch us!” He strode past her and down the aisle. Turning suddenly, he thrust out an index finger. “Betrayer!”

Maggie flinched. “Please, let me help.”

“Thou art Judas!” His voice broke. “Blessed are those who are pure in spirit…oh, my dear, sweet Jimmy. So pure in spirit!” He spun, flung open a door and marched into the dark.

“It’s going to be okay,” Maggie called out. She hurried after him. “Darling, wait! I can help.”

John stopped, face discolored by shadow. “Help?! You?”

He grabbed her by the shoulders. “It’s your daughter who’s famous for ruining people’s beliefs. She brought him.” He glared at her. “You told her, didn’t you?”

“She wouldn’t betray us, John. Believe me, she told me—”

“Oh Maggie, how could you?” John’s knees buckled. “Hers is a Judas kiss. Why have you deceived us?”