Page 45 of Mercury Rising

Eddie pulled a face. “You’re pretty noisy yourself.”

Mercury playfully swatted him on the shoulder. “Hey, you’re on my side.”

“I am and I will help. I promise.”

“That’s the spirit,” Mercury said, getting up. “Come on. The others will be worried about you.”

Eddie nodded and got up.

The rest of the house had moved back into the main room when they got there. Nick was helping Hassan set up yet another board game.

“Eddie,” Hassan said. “Are you playing?”

“Okay, before that we need a young people’s meeting. No adults allowed.”

“Looks like we’re not wanted,” Mercury said.

Nick glanced from Eddie to Mercury. He seemed unsure. Mercury walked over to the office door.

“Fine,” Nick said, following him. “Would you be so kind as to knock on the door when we’re allowed out?”

Nick and Mercury went into the office, closing the door behind them.

“What did you say to him?” Nick asked.

“Not much,” Mercury replied. “Did you know it’s his birthday next week?”

Nick nodded. “Cath planned a picnic in the garden. The weather is supposed to be nice.”

Mercury chewed on a fingernail. “Can I ask something and you not go off on the deep end?”

“Possibly, although I’m not making any commitment.”

Mercury fiddled with a pen. “If I had an idea that would really make his birthday special that would cost a weeny bit of money…”

“Mercury—”

“Please, hear me out. What if I were to give a donation? I know it’s against a million rules. The kids don’t have to know it came from me. Just say the money has started coming in and you’ve taken a tiny slice. Please, Nick.”

Nick shook his head. “I don’t know. What happens when it’s another kid’s birthday?”

“Jeez, I’ll give enough for all of them. You strike a hard bargain.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“I know. I really want to do this.”

Nick nodded. “I can see that. My my, we really have got our hooks into you.”

“It’s true. I’ve been Bodhi’d.”

Nick took a step closer. “We found a part of you that was always there.”

Mercury’s heart almost pounded out of his chest. Nick was right. He’d never been so fired up about anything before.

“I think I quite like it,” Mercury replied, softly.

“I think I do too.”