12:30 p.m. La Crosse

Now, as she drove up to the Ministry’s security gate, she tried to look relaxed. Her research into the Passion Ministry had been disappointing. No overt signs of financial shenanigans. John received a salary rumored to be on par with that of a rector in a large church. Some of the millions, generated by music sales and television revenues during John’s twice-yearly spectacles, went into charities and foundations. All legit.

No one came in or out of the compound without submitting to background checks or forking over two thousand dollars per week.

She waited anxiously as the beefy guard took her cash and reviewed her documents. He jabbed a huge finger towards her. Shook his head.

Virginia’s heart plummeted. What if he frisked her? Under her armpits, she had taped a tiny camcorder, memory cards and a miniature camera. And batteries in the small of her back. “Is…uh…is there something wrong?”

“Depends.”

Be cool, Gina. Be cool. “On what?”

“What you’ve got in that there box.”

“Whhhaat box? I haven’t—” She paused. The man was grinning. “Oh!” Praying something electronic wouldn’t fall out, she reached for the doughnuts. “Please take one. Take two!”

“Don’t mind if I do,” he replied, snatching three. Stuffed one into his mouth while waving her in.

Thank God, I’m a sugar addict, she thought, driving up the steep forested road. She glanced down at her carefully chosen “Passionate outfit”: colorful wrap-around skirt, billowy blouse and white scarf. Even flip-flop sandals, which she guessed were de rigueur inside the enclave. Hard to believe. Me, knockin’ on the pearly gates in flip flops.

She inhaled deeply. Excited by the sharp scent of cedar and the adventure ahead, she steered into the parking lot. 

Near the entrance, Virginia hesitated. Stroked the straps of her straw bag. Later, she would tuck in her camcorder, its lens slotting into a specially cut hole. Satisfied, she joined the stream of visitors. Eager to meet the man who would be her first divine seduction.