“Well . . .” Marge sighed. “His condition never changes. I’m afraid this will go on for years.”

“I’ve seen that happen. It’s a terrible thing to watch.” The minister shook his head mournfully. “Now he’s still robust and peaceful, but not for much longer, I’m afraid. As the weeks and months go on, he’ll gradually deteriorate. You’ll see him getting thinner and thinner. He’ll curl up into a fetal position. His hair will become dry, his skin coarse and white. His eyes and cheeks will sink and he’ll look like a corpse, but they won’t let him go. The doctors, these scientists”—he spat out the word—“will keep him alive no matter how hopeless his condition. It’s a living hell. You will suffer watching him, and make no mistake, he will be suffering, too. His spirit is yearning to be set free.”

Even on the screen Lucy could sense the intensity and magnetism of Davidson’s appeal.

“He’s not afraid,” crooned the minister in Marge’s ear. “He wants to be released, to climb a sunbeam and join the angels.”

Marge’s eyes shone with faith and desire. “What must I do?” she asked.

“It won’t be hard,” he assured her. “All you have to do is unplug the equipment.” He dismissed the battery of machinery with a wave of his hand. “Then Barney’s soul will slip away. He will find the peace that passeth all understanding.”

“Will you help me?” asked Marge. “Will you stay with me?”

Lucy saw a flicker of hesitation cross Davidson’s face, but then he murmured, “Of course.”

“Thank you,” whispered Marge. “I think I’m ready. Should we do it now?”

“Yes,” said Davidson, taking her hand and leading her to the outlet behind the bed. Lucy stood transfixed as she saw Dave push Marge’s hand toward the plug.

“Just unplug it,” Davidson whispered. “Nothing simpler.”

He placed Marge’s hand on the plug and wrapped her fingers around it. Covering her hand with his, he pulled. The machinery sighed, and suddenly the room was deathly quiet.

Lucy realized she was holding her breath and gasped for air. Horowitz hissed, “Go.” The officer with the walkie-talkie spoke into it. “Now. Grab him.”

They rushed from the room, and Lucy watched as they reappeared on the screen. “David Davidson, I am arresting you for the attempted murder of Barney Culpepper. You have the right to remain silent . . .”

Lucy went to the doorway and watched as they led Davidson, handcuffed, down the long hospital corridor. Entering Barney’s room, she saw that Marge had already replaced the plug. She put her arm around her shoulders and stood with her, watching Barney’s chest rise and fall.