DVD Extras Include: Murder by Nev Fountain

Author:Nev Fountain
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: General Fiction
Publisher: Big Finish Productions, Ltd.
Published: 2012-03-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

Mervyn had experienced a lot of strange things that week, but even he, now battle-hardened against the unexpected, was utterly unprepared for the phone call from Robert Mulberry.

‘We’re going to re-record “The Burning Time” commentary.’

‘What?’

‘We’re doing it at BBC TV Centre, the day after tomorrow. Can you make it?’

‘You’re not serious. How the hell did you get permission to do another DVD commentary, after all the protests? Not to mention the murder? Have your bosses gone completely mad?’

‘I pitched it as a tribute to Marcus Spicer. The BBC is scared of protests, but they’re equally determined not to look like they give into pressure groups. “The Burning Time” DVD is coming out, whether the Godbotherers like it or not.’

‘The timing is in shockingly bad taste. For goodness’ sake, couldn’t you have waited a couple of months?’

‘It’s in the schedules. It’s been announced.’

‘I’m not doing it Robert. Absolutely not.’

‘It’s going to be very special. You as his friend, colleague and script editor should really be there. We’re going to have Marcus’s widow there, too, to share her memories of Marcus and how he wrote “The Burning Time”.’

Cheryl?

‘All right, Robert. You win. I’ll be there.’

* * *

Once again, Mervyn emerged from the tube and crossed the road to TV Centre. He’d been in and out of the building more times that month than he had in the past decade.

This time, the protest outside was bigger, noisier and more television-friendly. A huge easy-to-read banner had been unfurled adorned with the words ‘JUDGEMENT DAY IS AT HAND’. Some of the more attractive female protesters had dressed up in sexually provocative Vixens costumes (complete with added horns and forked tails) and hung ‘This Is Against God’ signs around their necks; a breathtaking example of Cake-Having-And-Eating that could nestle comfortably in the pages of any national newspaper willing to evoke moral outrage while still featuring pictures of near-naked women. Not surprisingly, the photographers were snapping away at them with gusto.

The Godbotherers were obviously energised by the press coverage. This time it wasn’t just the BBC covering what was happening on its own doorstep. Cameras from every major television network were there. At the centre of it, basking in the limelight, was Lewis Bream. He was in his most tightly pressed, cardboard-looking suit, and his smile was so fixed and broad it looked like he’d bought it from a joke shop. He was talking to two journalists. He saw Mervyn approaching, and gave a cheery wave.

‘Good day, Mr Stone. This gentleman is from the Evening Standard and this lady is from The Star. Would you like to help them with their articles? They’re interested in eyewitness accounts of Mr Spicer’s demise.’

‘You were there?’ said one. ‘You were in the room when Marcus Spicer died?’

‘How did it happen?’

‘Was it like The Omen? Did he claw at his neck or scream like he’d swallowed holy water?’

They looked at him expectantly, like cartoon vultures holding knives and forks and tying on their napkins. Lewis hovered by them, waiting.

‘I believe one of the commandments is “Thou shalt not bear false witness”,’ said Mervyn darkly.

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