Book 1. Finding A Way.

Pressure at the recording

Garden Lodge, 3 days before the event.

It was almost 7:30 in the morning and Jim gave Freddie a light kiss before slipping out of bed, on tiptoe he was about to open the door when he heard a rub and a low moan.

-Darling...? Are you going to work?

-Oh sorry, murmured the Irishman. I didn't mean to wake you up.

-Don't apologize I wasn't in a deep sleep, the singer stretched his muscles and turned towards him. I've something to tell you.

-What is it?

-Come here, he cooed waving his finger at him.

Jim smiled and knelt down on the edge of the bed, putting his hand on his boyfriend's head. They sent each other a tender look then Freddie whispered:

-In a few days I will shoot the clip of my song "Made In Heaven" and I would like you to join me in the studio after work.

-Woul you invite me, asked his man very touched. I would really like to come but I don't know where it is.

-You don't have to worry about that, added Freddie softly. Terry will come and get you, it will be a first for him.

-Does at least he know where the Savoy Hotel is?

His boyfriend emitted a little laugh.

-He's a driver my dear, he know every corner of London.

-I just wanted to be sure, Jim laughed back. In that case I will gladly join you.

-I promise you won't be dissapointed darling, said the rockstar, kissing his cheek tenderly.

Thursday 4 July, 17h25.

Barely finished his work, Jim quietly put away his things. His day had gone very well, he had a good time in the company of long-time clients and most importantly he had finished his work earlier than expected. He hadn't bothered to call Terry at Garden Lodge however, because he must have already left and since outside the sun was shining, a few minutes late wasn't going to be a setback.

-Hello sir, can I ask you a question, an unfamiliar voice echoed.

Jim was rather surprised to be approached like this, he turned to stare the stranger in question and gave his approval. It was a fairly short woman rather well dressed with a warm and rather welcoming smile.

-At least I hope I don't bother you, she said softly.

-No you don't, my driver hasn't arrived yet, replied the Irishman calmly.

-I'd like to know if you know Freddie Mercury?

Her interlocutor raised an eyebrow.

-The singer?

-Yes him, exclamed the woman with a happy face.

-Well...more or less, muttered Jim feeling a bit uncomfortable. Why?

-I would like to know what's your relationship with him?

Seeming at first disposed to speak; the Irishman immediately retained what he was about to say. It wasn't a question a stranger was supposed to ask to a person and besides he remembered that Freddie had told him to be especially careful with suspicious people. Preferring to avoid finding himself in a delicate situation, he began to move away up the road in the wrong direction but behind him he heard that he was being followed.

-What's going on sir? I just want you to answer this question, said the woman peacefully.

-Leave me alone, retorted Jim more dryly.