Page 41 of Mercury Rising
“I certainly do. Firstly, I want to create a social media presence for Bodhi House. Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Show the world what wonderful things go on here. Once we’ve got those set up, I’ll do an interview with Nick and promote it on my channels.”
Nick exhaled. “I’m not sure about that, Mercury. I really don’t want paparazzi outside. We cannot lose sight that we are here to protect the children first and foremost.”
Mercury shrugged. “I honestly don’t think they’d be interested. I’m old news. None of the socials will feature the kids without pixelating their faces. We can check with their parents first if it makes you feel better.”
“Nick,” Fenella said. “We can’t hope to inspire help if we don’t let people in, just a little. I understand your caution. I think we can afford to be a little more flexible.”
Nick held his hands up. “I know when I’m outgunned.”
“I like this,” Fenella said. “Do you really think we could do it?”
“At the risk of sounding like a spoilt rich kid, if it’s money you want, it’s money I can get you.”
Fenella got up and high-fived him. “Then you have my backing. Let’s save this place.”
Mercury had no doubt he would get on with Fenella. They seemed to have the same adventurous streak. Now all he had to do was come up with the goods.
This was his chance to show Nick and the rest of the world what he could do.
CHAPTER TEN
“Do you want to sit or stand?” Mercury asked.
“Whichever makes me look more natural,” Nick replied. “I am not enjoying this.”
Nick stood by the window like an awkward catalogue model. That would not work.
“Here,” Mercury said.
Taking hold of Nick’s muscular shoulders, Mercury guided him into his chair. He rested one of Nick’s arms on the desk.
“What do I do with the other one?”
At the moment, it hung limply.
“Oh, my goodness,” Mercury exclaimed. “What do you usually do with it?”
“I’ve absolutely no idea.”
They both burst into laughter. Mercury had filmed thousands of videos. Yet, he had always been the focal point. He was not used to directing others and Nick would clearly struggle to take a selfie.
“Rest it on your thigh,” Mercury said.
Before he made the finishing touches to the camera, there came a loud knock at the door.
“I’ll get it,” Mercury said. “Don’t you dare move a muscle.”
Mercury opened the door to find Eddie standing there.
“What are you doing?” he asked. “We’re bored.”
“We’re in the middle of something right now, Eddie,” Mercury said. “We’ll be out in ten minutes max. Can’t you watch a movie or go outside? It’s a gorgeous day.”
Eddie peered over Mercury’s shoulder. “Is that a tripod? Are you making a film? It’s not porn, is it?”
“Eddie!” Nick exclaimed.
“Of course it isn’t porn,” Mercury said. “He’s got all his clothes on. Now off you pop and we’ll be right out.”
