Page 96 of Mercury Rising

He got his phone out of his pocket.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea, “Lotty said. “We’ve had a bit to drink now.”

“Better to do it with friends,” he replied.

With a shaking finger, he found the Bodhi House account. To his amazement the follower count had gone through the roof.

“What the fuck?”

Instantly, Lotty and Jeannie were snuggled into each side of him and peering at the screen.

“The images,” Lotty exclaimed.

Mercury clicked on the first one. It was a beautiful shot of Hassan dealing cards. He had a joyous smile on his face.

“He’ll have just told a joke,” Mercury said.

“Who captured that?” Jeannie asked, but there was no credit.

Mercury was surprised that Nick had obviously paid a photographer. He didn’t think he would spend their meagre resources on such a thing.

“Click that video,” Lotty said.

He did. It was Eddie. Mercury’s breath caught in his throat. Jeannie squeezed his leg.

“Not now, mate,” Eddie was saying. “I haven’t done my hair. Brooke!”

The video stopped.

“Oh my god,” Mercury said. “Brooke is doing the socials.”

That was too much. Mercury dropped his phone and sobbed.

He was so full of pride and there was only one person in the whole world who would understand and share it.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

The next morning, Mercury let himself out of Jeannie’s house. It was early and Queens Crescent was deserted.

It was a short walk of shame home but he still didn’t want people thinking he was coming home after a night of passion. It didn’t look like he’d ever have one of those again.

Thankfully, he made it past Mrs Wimpole’s without the slightest hint of a curtain twitching. Even she had to sleep some time.

When he got in, he froze. The radio was blaring out in the kitchen and he definitely didn’t leave it on. Then the unmistakable voice of his mother began to sing along. Apart from an ill-advised musical number for the Royal Variety Performance, Madeline hadn’t been called upon to sing professionally. Something Mercury remained grateful for.

It had to happen sooner or later. She’d been away for weeks. Of course she would come home.

Slowly, he wandered into the kitchen. Madeline was chopping fruit.

“Hello,” he said.

“Oh, hello.”

“What are you making?”

“A Greek yoghurt smoothie. They’re to die for. Do you want one?”

Mercury nodded.