Page 64 of Mercury Rising

“Seems like you had quite a night.”

They had left a couple of bottles of champagne in the room as well as food wrappers. It did resemble very posh student digs.

“Mrs Wimpole forced us into sampling the Professor’s summer punch,” Nick explained. “My apologies for us leaving things in this state. It won’t take a minute to clear up.”

He went to move when Madeline held her hand up. “Nonsense. Mercury can do it. I’m having some friends over for a late lunch.”

“Who?”

“Josh and Arvid.”

Mercury turned to Nick. “Arvid is the one who met that busker and now they’re head over heels. He’s even moved in.”

“Warm Hearts?” Nick asked.

“That’s the one,” Madeline replied.

“I couldn’t get that song out of my head all Christmas,” Nick said. “And who’s Josh?”

“Another neighbour,” Mercury explained. “He’s been going through a tough time. His husband has had cancer.”

“Of the balls,” Madeline chimed in.

“Yes, thank you, Mother. Testicular cancer. Thankfully, it appears they’ve caught it in time.”

Madeline stretched. “Poor sod. The radiotherapy has really kicked his ass. Thank goodness chemo wasn’t needed.”

They lapsed into silence. Mercury was impressed that Nick appeared to be taking this in his stride. Usually, when Mercury brought a guy home, they would fawn all over Madeline, asking for behind-the-scenes gossip.

“I suppose I’d better ask. What’s going on with you two?” Madeline asked.

She’d gained a reputation for being fiercely direct. It was one of the many things he adored about her.

“I’m being terribly unprofessional and becoming involved with Mercury,” Nick said, equally as forthright. Mercury’s heart soared when Nick took hold of his hand.

Madeline grinned. “I’m sure it happens in all walks of life. I’ve had the odd dalliance with a colleague in my time.”

“I’m fully aware of that,” Nick said.

“No doubt,” Madeline replied. “I would prefer the press not to get hold of this. Mercury has had quite enough of their intrusion in his life this year.”

Mercury hadn’t even considered that his and Nick’s romance would be of interest to the newspapers.

“It may be a little late for that,” Mercury said. “Bobby ran into us yesterday.”

Nick straightened up at the mention of Mercury’s friend’s name.

“And he was his usual viper-tongued self, I presume,” Madeline said. “That boy is a walking stereotype.”

“No need to worry,” Mercury continued. “We grassed him up to Mrs Wimpole.”

Madeline cackled. “Then I don’t fancy his chances. She may be a horrific gossip but she loves Mercury here. Me, not so much. Will you stay for lunch?”

Mercury shook his head. “I’ve got to take Nick home.”

“It’s an early start tomorrow morning. We’re holding a barbecue for the kids,” Nick said.

“They’re so excited,” Mercury said. “We took them to Brighton on Friday. Honestly, Mum, one of the boys, Eddie, had never seen the sea before. His face when he took it all in. I could have cried.”