I have several more chapters, but I want a reaction before I post them. I know it's short, but please review!
Ho Chi Minh City in the summer. Four years (or rather, seven) had done nothing to improve Artemis Fowl's opinion of the place. Little had changed, except that the youth sprawled in the shade had upgraded their game systems. And Artemis had upgraded his friends. His informant this time was not a nervous Vietnamese man but someone much more intelligent, more clever, more informed and definitely more-
"Hello, Mulch. Glorifying yourself again?" The unsettling youth smirked at the dwarf's reaction, a combination of guilty start and terrified squeal. Mulch Diggums was crouched unhappily in the shade of a café umbrella, slathered in sunscreen and wearing enough clothing to smother a troll. While Artemis, although unhappy in the sun, could masquerade as one of its residents, the dwarf whose counsel he required could not.
"D'arvit, Artemis, you scared the dirt out of me," Mulch growled, his beard bristling. "How do you Mud People stand all this sun? Can we go inside? Better yet, can we go underground? No, wait, Butler couldn't fit. Wait- where's Butler?" Artemis fought to keep the amusement from his face as Mulch's self-centered (and fairly nonsensical) train of thought progressed. It wasn't until Mulch asked about Butler that the boy's mind was brought back around to the task at hand.
"There's no need to be concerned. He's equally efficient with a sniper rifle as with a close-range weapon. Do you have the information?" Artemis sat in the chair across from Mulch, lacing his fingers together on the slightly grimy tabletop. He waved away the waiter who came running up, though, given Mulch's disappointed expression, the dwarf had been about to order something to eat.
"Well, first I thought we might discuss my fee-"
"Mr. Diggums." Artemis' tone was utterly businesslike now. The change in his tone was enough to make Mulch blink in surprise. "You know I am more than capable of reimbursing you for your services, and that I have no reason to cheat you of any money that you are due. The information, please."
Reluctantly, Mulch drew a USB drive from his pocket and handed it to Artemis. "As far as I can tell, he's still alive. Everything I found out is on that drive, including his general whereabouts and who's keeping him. You'll be happy to know that it's not the Russians."
"Thank you," Artemis said, taking the USB and sliding it into his pocket. "I have calculated your fee and I believe this is the amount I owe you. You will find that the heartening nature of your report has resulted in an appreciable bonus." Artemis drew up a check as he spoke, signing it with a flourish. When Mulch took it his eyes widened, flicking from the check to Artemis' face.
"Wow. This is- and plus the advance- that's- wow. Are you sure about this?" Mulch was both pleased and intimidated, holding the check as if he wasn't quite sure what to do with it.
"Of course. You have been very helpful. I will not hesitate to call on your services again." Artemis stood as he spoke, making a curious gesture in the direction of a window that made an excellent vantage point. He turned to go, his spirits slightly lifted. "At this point, the failure would be on my part if I cannot rescue Antonius Butler."