Freddie And The Fahrenheits

The Return Of The Beast

Wednesday, 1st December 1976

It had been a month since the boys had released their single and things had been going well. The public loved them and though the madness had fizzled out slightly, it was to be expected a month on. As for concerts, they'd been selling out most nights and had been getting good reviews. The boys had a good set list with the same familiar favourites, with a curveball or two thrown in there mostly for the hardcore fans, but also their own entertainment.

It was a nice day and so the group decided to go visit Miami. It was completely impromptu, like all their best ideas, and they decided to not call him and instead drive to EMI and surprise him.

"I hope Miami likes our surprise visit." Freddie said, smiling thoughtfully.

"I'm sure he will." Elton said. "I hope he likes our present as well."

"Now that I'm sure of!" David said, gently patting the gift bag next to him.

"Well if you're so sure, you don't have to wait long to find out." Freddie chuckled. "We're here."

He parked up as David picked up the little gift bag excitedly. He then let himself out, then Elton, then David who had taken the backseat. The three then looked at the building for only a split second before making a beeline for the entrance.

I'm so excited!" Freddie exclaimed. "He's done so much for us in the last few months and it's probably not often he gets any thanks for doing what he does."

"Yeah, it's sad really." Elton said. "But who needs thanks when you have us?"

"But surely he must need a break from us once in a while." David laughed. "We are a bit much."

"Yes, but not enough to not commit to being our manager!" Freddie said. "He has the patience of a saint!"

David felt a little awkward then, but he soon felt better when Freddie gave him a reassuring squeeze. It came with good timing too, because they now found themselves outside Miami's office.

Freddie knocked on the door, intending to surprise him.

"Hello?" An unfamiliar voice said from the other side of the door.

"Who's that?" Elton whispered.

"I don't know, I hope it's Miami and he's just got a sore throat or something." David said nervously.

"Well are you going to come in then?" The voice asked. "The door's open!"

This intimated the trio a little, an occurrence they'd never felt with Miami. Freddie had to be the brave one and open the door, which he very quickly regretted.

"You!"

"Well, well, well, if it isn't Freddie Mercury." The mysterious person, who definitely wasn't Miami, said as he puffed on a cigarette.

"Who is it Freddie?" David whispered, him and Elton having not entered the room yet.

"I have a feeling I know." Elton grimaced, sliding past the dumbstruck Freddie and finally getting in.

"Oh hello Elton, didn't expect to see you here."

Elton gasped, his suspicions being correct. "Ray Foster!"

"That's my name." He smirked. "Who's your other little visitor? Come on now, don't hide from old Ray. I won't bite."

David slinked in past the other side of Freddie. He was nervous and he hadn't even met him. Thinking on it, Elton hadn't either, but the two of them had heard many a horror story from Freddie about the negotiations Queen had had regarding A Night At The Opera and in particular Bohemian Rhapsody.