Oliver, my dear boy, Armando said, looking up from behind one of the oldest-looking computer models that Oliver guessed was from the seventies. How can I help you?

Lucas was standing in a policemans pose beside Armando. He looked at Oliver sinisterly. Yes, how can we help, Oliver? Are you struggling with your task today?

Oliver narrowed his eyes at Lucas. He was scared to challenge him but he couldnt stand by and watch the wicked man take credit for all his hard work and ingenuity.

The coat, Oliver began, his throat thickening with anxiety. Its… you know that its…

Marvelous, Armando replied with a nod. Quite marvelous.

Beside him, Lucas looked triumphant.

But Oliver tried.

Armando interrupted, Actually, Lucas, I was meaning to ask whether you could collect the bats and owls. Its time for their annual maintenance.

We have Oliver for that now, Lucas replied.

I need him today, Armando replied. You can show him how to operate the birds another time.

Lucas hesitated. He looked indignant, like hed sucked a lemon. Clearly he didnt want to leave Oliver alone with Armando. But he had no choice. Armando had given him an instruction. So after a moment of floundering, he finally nodded and left the room, cheeks blazing.

The moment the door shut, Oliver turned to Armando.

The coat! he blurted. I made the coat! It was me, not him!

Armando chuckled and nodded. I know, Oliver. Its okay, I know.

Oliver paused. You know?

Yes, of course, Armando replied. Lucas doesnt have the talent to make this. He looked down at the invisible patch in his hand. Nor the perseverance. I must say its quite amazing. You have a real talent, Oliver. Im proud of you.

Oliver felt all the fight leave his body. It was such a relief to know Armando had already figured it out and that he didnt have to fight for recognition. But then he remembered the other reason hed needed to see Armando; the men in suits. His anxiety came back in full force.

Armando, he said, there were men in the factory. The landlord, I think. Is he trying to sell the place?

Armando looked somewhat perturbed by the news. The landlord was here? Ah. Yes. Well, you werent supposed to find out about that, Oliver. Financial problems are for me to worry about, not you.

So its true. The factory is in financial difficulties. What are we going to do? Will the factory close?

Armando paused. He patted the seat next to him. Come, Oliver. Let me talk to you.

Oliver went and sat beside him, his stomach swirling with anticipation.

Its true that we are in a dire financial position, Armando began. And it is entirely my doing. All these years Ive devoted my time, talent, and effort toward inventions to help mankind. And yet Ive not succeeded in selling a single one.