He felt a strange swell of jealousy in his chest. He thought hed be the only one working here. The thought of sharing his hero with another left a bad taste in his mouth.

Ive been meaning to tell you, Armando added, somewhat flippantly. Lucas has been at my side since day one. Hes the only person who has stuck with me through thick and thin. When Im not around, youll be working alongside him. Hell be showing you what needs to be done.

When youre not around? Oliver repeated, feeling an anxious shard lodge in his throat. Sharing his hero with someone else was one thing but having his hero not available was something else entirely! What do you mean? Where else would you be if not here?

Before Armando had a chance to reply, an approaching figure drew up beside them. Lucas too was an old man, though clearly not as old as Armando. Oliver estimated him to be in his eighties. If he had indeed been foreman of the factory for the last seventy years, he must have been around Olivers age when he started working there! That thought bothered Oliver even more.

Lucass lined face seemed stuck in a permanent frown, his features dragged downward from gravity, making him look as unhappy as Horatio the bloodhound. He eyed Oliver suspiciously.

Lucas, Armando said brightly. This is Oliver.

Lucass expression could only be described as cold. His eyes were very pale and very blue, and they seemed to penetrate right into Olivers soul. Clearly, Lucas didnt like the idea of sharing the old inventor with anyone either.

Hes working here, is he? Lucas said, his voice dripping with disgust.

Yes, Armando replied cheerfully, clearly not picking up on the hatred in Lucass voice. For the time being anyway. Tomorrow morning, Ill need you to show him the ropes and get him up to speed. I have some important business to attend to and will be out all day.

Oliver tore his gaze from Lucas to Armando, feeling suddenly panicked. This wasnt what hed imagined at all. Hed thought Armando would be teaching him, not this horrible scowling man who clearly hated him!

Come, come, Armando said. Dinner, then bed.

Wait… Oliver said, about to protest about the arrangements for the next day.

But Armando seemed suddenly very distracted. It was as though his focus had shifted instantly from Oliver to something else entirely.

Oliver looked over at Luas, at the intruder into his otherwise perfect life. Lucas locked eyes with Oliver. Slowly, a menacing grin spread across his face. Oliver gulped.

CHAPTER EIGHT

The next morning Oliver readied himself for the day, wearing a clean pair of the 1940s workmans overalls. He left his room and went to the factory floor, where Lucas was already waiting for him. There was no sign of Armando. Oliver gulped with trepidation.

Lucas glowered. He didnt even bother with a hello.