5:55 a.m. Passion Ministry

Her panicked voice penetrated his fugue state. John stirred.

The Watcher glanced down, momentarily distracted.

Maggie seized her chance, ripping her fingernails across his face. “John! Darling, please. Help me. John!”

John grunted. Rolled over, eyes blinking. His beloved Maggie, her lovely face warped in panic, in the grip of a madman.

“Maggie!” John wailed. He staggered. Slipped to his knees. To his hands. “Maggie!” He hauled himself up.

“John!”

“Maggie, I’m coming!” Drawn by her voice, John clawed at the side of the hill.

Maggie twisted.

The Watcher grunted. Smacked Maggie’s head.

She gave a startled half-scream and collapsed.

The Watcher slipped behind a tree. Waiting.