This is the first chapter of a story set just after the fourth book, and Artemis has to steal more paintings and give them to museums and art galleries.
Chapter 1: Assassination attempt
Artemis Fowl smiled as the door of his hotel room opened.
Artemis leaned back in his chair and raised an eyebrow. The man who had just walked in was around 27 years old with a moustache. He was wearing a blue jacket and jeans. Your average 27-year-old man…apart from the fact that he was holding a gun.
"Artemis Fowl, get ready to die" he said, and loaded his gun. He lifted up the gun and held it at 45 degrees in front of him, pointing it at the teenager sitting in front of him.
Artemis's smile never wavered, and he simply stared into the mans eyes and gave him a look full of scorn.
" I don't think that guy behind you is going to let you," replied Artemis and his eyes flickered to the big burly figure behind that man.
The man spun round, but he never saw his attacker. No, a broken neck made sure of that.
Butler stepped over the man on the floor and walked over to Artemis.
"Are you OK?" he asked, concern in his voice.
"Butler, if a man has just broken into your room and pointed a gun at you, would you expect to be O.K?" retorted Artemis, his gaze falling onto Butler's face.
But Butler was on his guard, he knew the answer to this one. What was it again? Oh yes-always expect the unexpected. Artemis's second favourite saying.
" No," replied Butler, "I would not expect you to be O.K, but according to you, I have to 'always expect the unexpected' so I expect you are O.K."
A genuine smile crossed over Artemis's face, but not for long, as he remembered the business at hand.
" Butler, did you get the things I asked for?"
" Yes, Artemis, I have them here."
Artemis cracked his knuckles. Excellent. The time had come to steal a painting.