Page 43 of Mercury Rising

“Not necessarily,” Mercury said. “Come on.”

As he led Eddie and Brooke through into the cinema room, Mercury had a lump in his throat. Even if he had to knock on every door on Queens Crescent to get that money, nothing would stop him from making sure Bodhi House remained open.

In the cinema room, beanbags and comfy chairs faced the projector screen. Mercury got Eddie and Brooke settled before sinking onto one of the chairs. His heart ached for them and what they had to face.

The others soon came in, everyone sharing scared glances as they found seats. Nick stood at the front, wringing his hands.

“Right, guys,” he began. “I’ve got some news and it’s not good.”

“Told you,” Eddie said.

Mercury turned and gently shook his head. This speech would be hard enough for Nick. It wasn’t time for interruptions.

“The charity that funds us is struggling,” Nick said. “Basically, they might have to sell the house.”

Everyone gasped.

“But…we won’t have anywhere to go,” Hassan said, his eyes filling with tears.

“Wait, wait,” Nick said, holding his hands up. “It’s not a done deal. Do you remember when Fenella came this morning?”

They nodded. The kids seemed to be stunned into silence, which was a first.

“Well, while she was here, Mercury offered to head up a campaign to get enough donations not just to buy the house—we want to set things up to keep us running for as long as possible.”

Hassan fixed on Mercury. “Why can’t you buy it? You have loads of money.”

“Hassan!” Nick said.

Mercury stood. “It’s okay, it’s a fair question. Even if I bought the house, the charity would still be struggling. One person’s money can’t keep things going indefinitely. But lots of people’s money can. We can do fundraisers and get a regular income. Then Bodhi House will be here for lots of other children who need it when you’re grown up and doing your own thing. Your kids might even come here.”

“We could open more places,” Anna said.

Mercury caught Nick’s eye and smiled.

“I’d like to work in one,” Olena added. “Like Nick.”

“Can we help?” Brooke asked.

Some of the other kids murmured their approval at this. It appeared they had a ready-made army to go into battle with.

“Firstly, you have to check with your parents,” Nick said. “Mercury will be handing out leaflets for you to take home tonight. Then we can start next Monday.”

“And any ideas you have will be gratefully received. This is your fight as well as ours,” Mercury added.

Eddie sprang up from his chair and dashed out of the room. Nick went to follow him when Mercury stayed him.

“Let me go,” he said. “Please.”

Nick seemed torn. “Okay. If you need me, I’m here.”

Mercury left Nick to all the other questions the kids were sure to have. Through the window, he saw Eddie sitting on one of the garden chairs, his head in his hands. With a deep breath, Mercury followed him outside.

He sat in the chair next to Eddie and waited for Eddie’s tears to subside. When he looked up, he seemed surprised to see Mercury.

“I expected Nick,” he said, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand.

“Do you mind it’s me?”