Page 15 of Mercury Rising

“That would be wonderful,” Mercury replied. “Put my name down.”

He grabbed Nick’s tea and his own black coffee and wandered through to the office. Nick had been speaking to a social worker. Now he typed furiously on his laptop. Mercury placed the mug down and stood back.

Nick carried on, engrossed.

“Erm…” Mercury said.

“What?”

“Erm…” Mercury repeated, more forcefully.

Nick stopped. “What’s the matter?”

“I made you a cup of tea.”

Grinning, Nick shook his head. “You’re more needy of attention than half of the kids. Am I going to have trouble with you?”

Mercury slumped down in his chair. “Hey, I’ve worked hard today.”

Nick turned in his chair. “This is only day one, Mercury. Although you have got on with things better than I expected. Now let’s see what you’ve created.”

He peered into the cup as if it contained a malevolent spirit. Looking up, he raised an eyebrow to Mercury.

“Seems almost good enough to drink.”

Mercury raised his hands. “Hurray. My first victory at Bodhi House.”

“And all without the help of the butler.”

“I don’t have a butler, thank you,” Mercury snapped.

Mercury knew he shouldn’t technically speak to a boss like that. However, he fully intended to shut down the assumptions on his life. It was bad enough that catty Gavin had him down as a rich kid who couldn’t peel a potato.

“I’m sorry,” Nick said. “I’ve never met a rich person who isn’t a criminal before.”

Mercury frowned. “What do you think I’m doing here?”

“You know what I mean. Rich with legit money. I bet you’ve never met anyone like me before either.”

“I wouldn’t say that.”

“I bloody would. It’s okay to admit it.”

Mercury had been backed into a corner. “Okay, fine,” he said. “Can’t you see? That’s why I’m determined to get something out of this instead of sulking. I want to be of use, Nick.”

The door banged, making the whole house shudder. A chorus of raised voices approached.

“Now’s your chance. It’s opening time.”

Nick got up. Mercury remained pinned to the chair. He was as nervous as he’d been standing up in court.

“You coming?” Nick asked.

“Is it stupid to admit I’m scared?”

Nick’s expression softened. “It shows you care. That’s a good sign. Now come on, they won’t eat you.”

“Are you guaranteeing that?”