One Call
Taking the phone with shaking fingers, Artemis sifts through all the options, the excuses, the explanations, in his head. Glancing at the number on the phone's screen, he lost his train of thought. It was not familiar.
He shot a questioning look at Butler, who stared back with a carefully blank stare. Artemis put the phone to his ear, listening as it rang once, twice, then as a prosaic female voice answered.
"Butler, mon ami, is that you?"
Artemis couldn't stop the smile that was slowly spreading across his face, as he heard that familiar voice. Butler left, giving Artemis some not-so-subtle privacy. He could hear the grin in his own voice when he answered.
"No, although I'm sure I could put him on if I am not satisfactory."
Silence, then a small gasp. Artemis flinched as a loud crashing came through the tiny speakers.
She spoke again. "Artemis." The name sounded rusty on her tongue, unused. "Artemis. My God."
"Yes, it's me, minus an eye, in a sense, but otherwise intact."
"Minus a…" More silence. "I… I think I'm in shock. You're… alive. My God."
"That's redundant."
"What?" She sounded far away, lost in thought.
The phone suddenly disappeared from Artemis's grasp. Butler sent an exasperated look his way before turning his attention to the phone, and the girl at the other end. "You had better get comfortable, long story coming your way." He waited a moment, then, "Yes, it's true. I still can't believe it myself."
He handed the phone back to Artemis, whispering, "Take it easy on her. It's been three years." This time he left the small house completely, shutting the door with a glance backward, a warning in his eyes.
Putting the phone back to his ear, Artemis perched on the edge of an overstuffed chair.
She said only one word, but it conveyed innumerable emotions. "Artemis."
"Minerva."