
In a noisy city park, the flamboyant inventor Fred Ajax rushes with his burly partner Sailor Burns, both worried that Ajax’s latest gadget, the Skin‑of‑Delight lamp, has left their company on the brink of ruin. Their morning takes a wild turn when a small boy in crew‑cut hair and oversized glasses fires a pea‑shooter that actually dents Sailor’s dome. Ajax, half amused and half intrigued, and the sailor, stunned yet good‑natured, confront the mischievous youngster, setting the stage for an unlikely meeting.
The youngster, only seven, explains that a stern guardian—formerly a colleague of his father—has forced him into relentless training for a mysterious career, leaving no room for ordinary play. His cleverness and confidence catch Ajax’s eye, while Sailor sees a spark of untapped potential. Both men, each driven by their own desperation, begin to wonder whether they might coax the prodigy into a partnership that could rescue their failing venture, without yet knowing how deep the boy’s secrets run.
Language
en
Duration
~30 minutes (28K characters)
Release date
2026-01-09
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1932–2023
Best known for sweeping historical sagas like The Kent Family Chronicles and the North and South trilogy, he brought major moments in American history to life for millions of readers. Before becoming a blockbuster name in historical fiction, he also wrote prolifically in science fiction and fantasy.
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