Page 33 of Mercury Rising

“You don’t have to do it,” Nick said, “if you’re too scared.”

Mercury had been trussed up like someone at a seedy club in downtown Berlin.

“Can two people go up at the same time?” he asked the instructor.

“Of course.”

“Then I challenge Mr Nicholas Campbell to a race to the top.”

The kids all cheered. To Mercury’s excitement, Nick seemed unsure.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Hands up who disagrees,” Mercury said.

Every kid and even the instructor raised their hand.

“Outvoted,” Mercury said. “Strap him up.”

Nick glanced around nervously then pulled himself together. “Fine. Don’t come crying to me when you lose.”

“Okay,” Mercury said. “Let’s make this a little more fun. If I win, I’ll pay for everyone to have takeaway when we get to the House.”

Once again, the kids cheered.

The instructor helped Nick into the groin straps. Mercury couldn’t tear his eyes away. With a bulge like Nick sported, he didn’t have the willpower to avert his gaze.

“And if I win?” Nick asked.

“Erm…you pay for the takeaway.”

“Either way, we get takeaway,” Eddie said. “Nice one. I’m Team Mercury.”

He stood behind Mercury. In no time, the kids were standing behind their chosen gladiator. It was a fairly even split. Eddie, Brooke and Olena had chosen him. He winked at them.

“Watch and learn, kids. Watch and learn.”

The instructor tugged at both Mercury’s and Nick’s ropes one final time.

“You’re good to go. Remember, if you freak out, the ropes have got you.”

“Pah,” Mercury said, walking up to the line. “Freak out. As if.”

Nick stood next to him. “You’ve changed. You were crapping your Calvin Kleins a minute ago.”

Mercury stared straight ahead. “Now my honour is at stake. I’ll have you know, the Morrisons have a long line in the armed forces. Courage is part of our DNA.”

Eddie stood forward. “On your marks.”

Mercury shook his body. He was determined to win this. No matter how terrifying.

“Get set.”

Both he and Nick put a foot forward. It appeared Nick was as competitive as Mercury.

“Go.”

Mercury launched himself to the wall.