Free The MirrorMasters by Lora Palmer Page B

him," Kara said. "Madame Helena told me the original owner of the box was an inventor, and a fugitive in his world. Over a stupid law, I might add. What would that government have against technology, anyway?"
    "Umm, hello? Nuclear weapons and other machinery designed to kill people or destroy even an entire planet? Entertainment that consumes people's attention to the point that they don't actually spend real time together?" Jenny pointed out.
    "Good point," I agreed. "But aside from the destructive stuff that should never have been invented, people have to keep some balance in their lives. It's not the technology's fault if they don't. We seem to manage it just fine."
    "True, amazingly enough."
    "Anyway, enough with the philosophical," I said. "So, it was others who came here later that were responsible for what happened. Another man and his son, who was about our age."
    I glanced at Brian, searching for any reaction, any sign of recognition that would give away how much he knew about all of this. All I saw in his eyes were silent questions, probably the same questions we all had.
    We explained our theory that the others were looking for the fugitive because he had broken his homeland's law forbidding the use of technology. Either that, or they were looking for the MirrorMaster of the Prophecy, who was supposed to stop the disasters plaguing that planet.
    "And Madame Helena thinks the MirrorMaster is Leah?" David asked, his voice suddenly tight, hoarse.
    "Makes sense, doesn't it?" Kara said. "Nobody knows where she came from or who her birth parents are, much less where to find them."
    "Okay, so we're going to the social services agency to see what they do know today after work, right?" I cut in, wanting to end this uncomfortable conversation.
    "Wait, wait, wait..." David held up his hand, his expression pained. "Think about what you're saying here. This whole talk of aliens is crazy, not to mention dangerous. If word gets out, I wouldn’t want my sister ending up in a psych ward — or worse, in the custody of some security agency — if the wrong people believe you. How do you think the government would react to such allegations? You have a home and a life here, which you can't just throw away on what probably turns out to be pure fantasy. Kara, don't encourage her, please!" He paused, as if struggling with himself to seem reasonable, not bitter. "...But if you need to find out where you’re from, go ahead. Maybe getting some real answers will extinguish those wild ideas."
    The implications of what David was saying hit me full force in that moment, like a tsunami, unstoppable and inescapable. "What if it's true?" I said in a small voice. "I have no clue what to do about it, but I can’t just leave all those people to die! And word already has gotten out, David. Police Chief Jacobs wants this investigated. Celia told me yesterday that they found a key at the cemetery of a metal they'd never seen before."
    "So that was the big news?" Jenny frowned before quickly recovering herself.
    "Yeah. This could get bad." I sighed and crumpled my napkin, throwing it onto the table in front of me. Everything was happening so quickly! I felt like I’d stepped onto a roller coaster and could no longer escape the ride until I had seen it through.
    "We need to get that key," Jenny said, her tone suddenly fierce as she leaned toward me and fixed me with a piercing gaze. "You'll need it, Leah. I noticed there was a key to that box, and that key probably opens what's inside."
    "Take a step back, people!" David said. "You’re seriously thinking of, what, stealing evidence?"
    Jenny stared at him. "Without that evidence, they can't prove that there are aliens here. The trail won't lead back to Leah. Look, as long as we don't get caught, they'll never know the key didn't just become part of any metal surface nearby to disguise itself."
    "Sentient metal?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
    "What? Like that’s crazier than