Free Benjamin Franklinstein Meets the Fright Brothers by Matthew McElligott

neighbor,” said Victor. “He wasn’t murdered. He died of a heart attack.”
    Jaime rolled her eyes. “Did you do an autopsy? I didn’t think so. Now, listen carefully. There are only a few of us left, and every time we speak on the electrophone or go out in public, we put ourselves at risk. I’m in great danger right now. Don’t make me repeat myself.”
    â€œSorry,” said Victor.
    â€œYou guys figured out the Wright brothers have been awakened. That confirms our suspicions. Their Custodian stopped responding to our messages several weeks ago.”
    â€œForgive me,” said Franklin, “but when you say ‘our’ messages, do you mean you and your parents?”
    â€œMy parents disappeared months ago,” said Jaime. She paused and took a deep breath. “Now it’s just me and a handful of other Custodians from the Order. We call ourselves the Promethean Underground.”
    â€œP-U!” said Scott. “That’s funny!”
    Jaime scowled. “We’ve been working in secret, gathering whatever information we can. This latest business with the Wright brothers has us very concerned.”
    â€œWhy?” asked Franklin. “What are they planning?”
    â€œWe have no idea, and that’s why we need your help. We do know that the brothers appear to be under the control of someone calling himself the Emperor. We believe he’s done something to their Custodian.”
    â€œYou said my own Custodian was killed,” said Franklin. “Did this Emperor awaken me for the same reason he awakened the Wright brothers?”
    â€œWe believe so.”
    â€œThen why am I not under his control as well?”
    â€œWe don’t know. For some reason, you were immune. After he failed with you, he tried again, this time with the brothers.”
    â€œWait a minute,” said Victor. “That phone call at Ernie’s that made Ben go crazy—that must have been the Emperor calling.” He filled Jaime in.
    â€œI’m sure that was him,” she agreed. “And it sounds like he hasn’t given up trying to control Ben. We have to make absolutely sure that never happens.”
    â€œDon’t worry,” volunteered Scott. “We turned off the phone.”
    â€œThat won’t be enough,” said Jaime. “One of our Custodians has connections. We’ll make sure your number can’t be traced to your home.”
    â€œI never thought of that,” said Victor.
    â€œOf course you didn’t,” said Jaime. “Now we need to go on the attack. It’s time to do some investigating at the Right Cycle Company.”
    â€œDo you think that’s wise?” asked Victor. “We know the Emperor is still trying to control Ben. Maybe one of the other Custodians should go.”
    â€œThe other Custodians—what’s left of them—are guarding their own inventors. I’d go myself, but I have my hands full working for the Underground. But you’re right about Dr. Franklin. He should stay far away from that place.”
    Franklin nodded. “If not me, then who?”
    Jaime sighed. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but it has to be these two.”
    â€œWe could call the police,” said Scott. “Or the army.”
    â€œWe can’t trust anyone. As it is, the mayor and several important officials appear to be under the Emperor’s control.” Jaime glanced at her watch. “I have to go. I’ve been here too long already.”
    â€œHow do we report back to you?” asked Victor.
    â€œTake this,” said Jaime. She handed Victor a cell phone. “Call the number in the address book, leave a message, then destroy the phone. When the time is right, I’ll contact you. Until then, you’re on your own.” She stood up. “Dr. Franklin, it’s been an honor.”
    â€œGodspeed, Jaime. Please send my regards to the