Page 99 of Mercury Rising

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“Why are you crying then?” Hassan asked.

“Because I’m happy, silly.”

Hassan looked behind Mercury and his mouth dropped.

“Is that…”

“My mother, yes. Hassan, I’d like you to meet Madeline Morrison.”

Poor Hassan looked lost for words.

“Hello,” Madeline said. “And who are these two beauties?”

“Anna and Olena,” Mercury replied.

“Come on,” Olena said, tugging at his hand. “The others are waiting.”

She had barely registered Mercury’s famous mother. It appeared Hassan and Olena watched different movies.

He followed the giggling teenagers down the hallway and into the main room. He glanced back in time to see Hassan take Madeline’s hand.

“Allow me,” he said.

“I’m charmed,” Madeline replied.

Eddie and Brooke were sitting on the sofas. Brooke came and gave him a hug. Eddie remained still.

“Brooke, this is my mum.”

Brooke’s eyes widened. “You’re Madeline Morrison. Shit. Eddie, it’s Madeline Morrison.”

But Eddie shrugged and glanced away.

“Eddie?” Mercury asked. “How are you?”

“Like you care.”

There it was. The impact of him leaving the House staring him right in the face. He looked at Madeline, who gave him a kind smile.

“Who is going to show me this place that my son has been going on about for weeks?” she asked.

“Me,” Hassan yelled. “Please, let it be.”

“How about it’s all of you?” Mercury asked. “In fact, there’s nothing my mum loves more than a game of ping-pong.”

“A what?” Madeline asked but was silenced by a withering glare from Mercury.

“Yes—remember that holiday in France? You’ll have to play this lot. They are amazing.”

“Come on,” Hassan said excitedly.

Mercury dumped the bag of sweets down on the table. “Here you go. Make yourselves sick. Eddie, can I have a word?”

Eddie didn’t seem inclined to move.

“Please,” Mercury added.

“You should at least listen to him,” Brooke said.

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