2:02 p.m. Passion Ministry

Though bored with Oscar’s bureaucratic rubbish, Virginia was enjoying herself. Bewitched by his voice.

Bingo. His real name popped into her mind. “Look, Oscar, I told the truth. I used to be in TV. That was years ago. I got out. Hated the bull, know what I mean?”

“Yeah, sur—”

A terrifying sound pierced the air.

Virginia wheeled as a woman rushed up to the glass door. Before Virginia could react, Oscar slid it open.

“It’s Jimmy! You’ve got to come!” The woman yanked desperately on Oscar’s jacket. “He’s had an attack.”

“What?” Oscar glanced quickly at Virginia.

Virginia couldn’t believe her luck. The panicked blonde was the Apostle’s lover. And she knew Jimmy was his son. She had handled enough potentially explosive interviews to know when to play ‘Cheshire Cat’ and disappear in plain view, all the while lapping up the fireworks.

“Okay, Maggie. Be right there.”

“No!” Maggie cried. “Now. You’ve got to come now!”

The hallway door opened. A guard stuck his head in. “What’s going on?” Behind him, a group of Passionate wannabes surged forward, stumbling into the room.

Maggie pleaded, “Please, Oscar. Please!”

With the guard’s help, Oscar moved the small crowd aside. Then he and Maggie slipped out into the corridor.

Virginia edged to the wall. Shuffled across to the other door. Almost wet herself when it opened. Closed it quickly, leaving the melee behind.