Page 30 of Mercury Rising

“Ooh, what?”

“Bill’s passed his counselling diploma. He can now practice. Fancy going down a whole new career path at fifty-five!”

Her grin betrayed her words.

“Pah. You’re proud of him. You can’t fool me,” Mercury said.

Gwen blushed. “I am really. When he got laid off, I really worried.”

“I remember. It’s absolutely brilliant the way he’s turned this around.”

“Thanks, love. Helped a lot by you and your mother. We’ll never forget it.”

Mercury leapt up. “Tell you what,” he said, dashing over to the refrigerator, “why don’t you start your night off right? Or finish it?”

He retrieved a bottle of champagne and took it over to Gwen.

“Less of the sauce, young man,” Gwen said. “Thank you.”

Their relationship had transcended employer and employee. Mercury and Madeline lavished Gwen and her family with the same gifts they did anyone else in their lives. Madeline had taught Mercury from an early age that money should be shared.

“What are your plans, my love?”

He raised his ankle. “Bugger all.”

“That’s only in the evenings. Get yourself out and about. It’s a beautiful day. Mercury Morrison does not sulk. Remember?”

He flopped down on the chaise longue. “Yes, Gwen,” he said with a sigh. “I remember.”

Once she’d gone off to her date with Bill, Mercury threw on a pair of shorts and a short-sleeved shirt. He caught sight of himself in the mirror. His mother stared back. They were two peas in a pod with raven-dark hair and bright blue eyes. Yet, he’d inherited his father’s Syrian olive skin. Not a bad combination even if he said so himself.

“Stop moping,” he said to his reflection.

By the time he got out onto Queens Crescent, his spirits had lifted. He would mooch over to Queens Parade and buy a whole treasure trove of culinary treats to veg out in the garden with. It was another sunny day. With the house to himself, he didn’t have to be on his own.

He got out his mobile and called Bobby.

“Hi, babe,” Bobby said.

“Hey. How do you fancy a lazy afternoon in the garden followed by an even lazier evening with a movie and treats?”

“No can do, my love,” Bobby replied. “I’m in Glasgow.”

“Oh, you never said.”

“I didn’t want you sticking your lip out because you’re under house arrest.”

“I wouldn’t stick my lip out.”

“You bloody would.”

Mercury sighed. “Fine. Have a great time.”

“Try Jeannie.”

“She’s in Milan.”

“Lotty?”