“Quiet!” the groom hissed, trying to hold his determined young wife still.
Suddenly, Maggie pushed free of Sheila and hurried into the throng after them. Their movements created a stir, and the Passionates began whispering, craning their necks and shifting position, trying to see and hear what was going on.
Out of the corner of her eye, Maggie spied Oscar, who shot a startled glance in her direction as he noticed her shoving through the multitude. He immediately tensed, whispered into his headset, and began sweeping the faces of the followers around him, always keeping his boss in his peripheral vision. John slipped easily through, his followers reverently clearing a path, as he stalked the unsuspecting couple. The stage lights suddenly came up like a rising sun.
“Well, I don’t care what they say about faith,” the young blonde whined, her voice now clearly heard by all. “I wanna see blood.”
“John!” Maggie shouted, struggling against the tide of Passionates stumbling out of their leader’s way.
Oscar dropped his head and charged, tossing aside members of the flock as though they were made of fleece. Ignoring their startled cries, he thundered toward the blonde.
“Blood!” the Apostle whispered in the bride’s ear. She shrieked, turned, then stumbled back into her husband’s arms, just as Oscar arrived. He stopped and stood between John and the couple.
“John!” Maggie cried, grabbing at her lover’s tunic. “Please! Don’t—
“Blood!” John shouted, raising both arms over his head.
The auditorium was painfully silent. All eyes stared at the man they revered, whom they had paid thousands to see.
John inhaled deeply and concentrated on trying to relax. Slowly his arms dropped to his sides and Maggie squeezed his right hand. He forced a smile at the frightened young woman. She remained dazed, so John swung to face more of the speechless crowd. “You want to see blood?” he asked, his voice light. “What am I, folks, some freak show?” He grinned, to show them that everything was fine.
The blonde giggled. A few of the Passionates chuckled.
John smiled again. This time, it was genuine and lit up his face and eyes. He slowly tore off his dressings, oblivious to the discomfort. Stunned, his flock stared.
“Of course, you want to witness my blood, my divine gift.” He held up his bleeding wrists. “We are all truly blessed by God.”
The applause started slowly, then grew until the auditorium vibrated.
