The invisibility coat, Oliver suggested. We could definitely sell that. And for a lot of money, I bet. It would solve all our problems.

Armando shook his head. Its not as simple as that. With great inventions come great responsibility. We cannot just sell an invention such as that to anyone. We must protect it. In the wrong hands, it can be used for great evil. In fact, I could have made a huge profit by selling my inventions to chemical and weapons companies, but Ive always turned them down.

Oliver was at least relieved to hear Armando put his morals first, but that didnt mean their situation was any less woeful. Besides, hed worked so hard on the coat he didnt want it to be for nothing.

There must be something we can do with the coat, Oliver said.

Armando stroked his chin. Youre right. We cant just drop it and move on. Your success is a huge deal for the entire scientific community.

Maybe I could wire the rest of it, Oliver said. Then we could tour it around the country. Give talks at all the science fairs. We wouldnt have to sell it if youre worried about it falling into the wrong hands, but there must be some other way to make money from it.

Armando nodded with enthusiasm. I agree that its a major breakthrough. People the world over will be amazed by your achievement. We must do the rest of the rewiring, then sell the coat to the correct people. He tapped his chin. Ill assign the rewiring task to Lucas. There are other things for you to do. Things more suited to your particular talents...

Oliver felt a little swell of pride in his chest. What other things do you need me to work on?

But Armando hesitated, as though in deep contemplation. Olivers sense of pride began to fade, replaced instead by a swirl of apprehension in his stomach.

Armando? he asked. What things do you mean?

Armando didnt answer. He seemed to be in two minds about continuing the conversation. Oliver was struck with a sudden thought. Did Armando know something about his powers? Was that what hed meant when hed said there were other things more suited to Olivers talents?

Finally, Armando turned his misty eyes to Oliver. I dont think youre ready to know, he said, his tone solemn.

Know what? Oliver asked, his voice now trembling slightly. He thought of the broken table leg, of the man and woman in his visions. He added, more insistently now, Please, I can handle it, whatever it is.

Armando was quiet for a long time.

Oliver, he said finally. Youre what is known as a Seer.

A what? Oliver stammered. Hed never heard the term before.

A Seer, Armando repeated. Its a power youre born with. And its a power that can be harbored, once youve learned how to handle it.

Can you teach me? Oliver asked. Are you a Seer too?