Chapter 5

6:00 p.m. Passion Ministry

The Ministry’s lounge buzzed with excitement. Hundreds of pairs of eyes stared at the man dressed in white. The Apostle strolled with ease and self-control among his flock, stopping frequently for a hug, calling fans by their first name, bending to let an awe-struck child touch his fresh bandages.

Maggie watched from the doorway. To a casual observer, John exuded self-confidence and trust. Only she recognized, in his movement, the subtle signs of suffering and fatigue. You need rest, darling.

She was always wary when he was among the public and searched the room for Oscar Lavoie, the Ministry’s head of security. She spied the sandy-haired man slipping in and out of the throng, eyes constantly moving. He noticed her. Waved. Then returned to his duties.
She smiled, heartened by the impressive sight of the six-foot-four-inch former FBI specialist who often said he had abandoned the President to protect a saint.

Prior to the arrival of the ‘G-man’, as Jimmy affectionately called him, John had been the target of two assassination attempts. No assaults had been made on Oscar’s watch. Maggie felt some comfort knowing that the risk was minimal, as everyone was carefully screened at the entrance. More importantly, she knew that Oscar and his crew would die protecting John. Still, a bullet could come out of nowhere to strike her beloved, despite everything.

Something rustled, startling her.