Holly was as angry as never before and the reason of her rage was Artemis the second. Or more precisely, his words which still echoed in her head.I always get what i want and nothing is going to stop me, he said. That disgusting mud man!Almost boiling from fury, she switched on the filter in her helmet that allowed to see thru shields. Then adjusted the power on her Neutrino to three.
It didn't take long examine the private residence . On the road leading to the front entrance, were a few dark figures.
Fowl manor.
Artemis and Nika Medici were sitting very close to each other. More exact, Artemis sat in his huge office armchair and the elf stood on his left side leaning on the armrest. Both of them were studying the screen watching the path leading to the main entrance, that was recorded by cameras Buter had installed. Periodically Artemis would click the mouse on the icon for them to stop, that was the only way that allowed them to notice a filtered elf."Well how is it?" Once again asked lieutenant Medici, patting the young mans shoulder."I looked just a second ago!" He answered with a well hidden irritation.Medici mentally knocked this enoying mud man with a candlestick. It didn't help."Look again." She said, also starting to become irritated. "The more, the better. Or Must i prove it myself?"
Without even suspecting Nika's desire to knock him out with a candlestick, Artemis wanted to spill the cup of coffee on her head. Undoubtedly, this elf awoke a sadist in him. Perhaps, just like Holly.
Nika got tired of waiting for Fowl to undertake any actions, therefore she bent a little forward, softly covered the mouse with her palm guiding the cursor and clicked on the button "STOP". The computer executed the command, showing Medici an empty path in greenish tones.
"What did I say?" Grinned Fowl. "You must listen to those who are smarter."
"You don't say! " There was obviously mistrust in her voice.
Fowl turned his head and stared at her.
"I don't quite understand your mistrust. That you must listen to those who are smarter?"
Nike awarded him with a dazzling smile.
"Oh no! I simply doubt that I must to listen to your opinion."
Artemis bit his lip.
"I am inclined to consider, that you trying to offend me, elf ! " He said coldly. "And besides that, you are saying that I'm an idiot. Well let me remind you that I have the highest IQ in Europe."
But Lieutenant Medici didn't stay in his debt.
"Then you should know that the whole Legion is in love with Holly," She noticed.
"What does that has anything to do with my IQ?"
"Let me explain." Said Medici.
Artemis stopped the image and established that there where no traces of unbidden visitors.
"You, Fowl, certainly are a genius, but there are things which even you do not understand."
He blinked.
"Interesting, and what is that?"
"For a start, how many girls have you been seeing?"
"Listen, Medici, we are not sitting her to discuss my personal life!"
"Relax, Fowl it is a part of my explanation."
"Why don't you call me Artemis."
Nika frowned.
"It is more convenient for me that way. And why didn't you answer my question?"
"Well, all right. I did see a few woman and don't let that surprise you. I'm not saying that there were much, but I had them."
"Progress. And now describe to me, how did you feel towards them."
Artemis stopped the image again and didn't find anything interesting.
"Medici, doesn't it seem to you that you are asking too much?" Inquired the young man.
The girl smiled.
"Believe me Fowl, it will do you good."
"Well." Artemis sighed and looked down at the floor. "I didn't ask neither of them on a date myself. Honestly, to me they seemed boring."
"Sounds as if you are anything but normal."
Fowl looked furiously at Nika.
"If you want to play a role of the psychologist make it up to the mark!"
Artemis twisted his face but all the same continued.
" All of them suggested to go on a date themselves. And I didn't stay long with any of them."
Nika wanted to ask a following question, but understood, that it will be better to allow the boy to continue. At least, in this case a wave of aggression won't fall on her shoulders.
"Honestly, they reminded one another. Identical character, almost a standard appearance, the same interests. I could not tell apart Jill from Vanessa if you understand what i mean. At times I even confused there names," Here it seemed to Nika that Artemis grinned, " and it costed me a number of brain cells. All these girls also appeared to be very jealous. Moreover, I found all of them equally silly and limited.
This time the the girl stopped the video. And again, nothing.
"How did they look?"
"I would say, almost the same. Basically blondes, sometimes brunettes. Tall and thin. Even too thin."
Medici tugged at the lock of her hair.
"Say, Fowl, did you ever," a brief pause; "did you ever love one of them?"
Artemis shook his head.
"And what if you would meet a girl unlike them? A short girl, red-headed, harmonious and flexible? And she would be clever. Could you grow to love her?"
Artemis slowly nodded.
"Probably."
"Then look at Holly."
Artemis almost opened his mouth from the amazement.
"How can you say that?" He asked.
Medici lifted her eyebrows.
"Well if Holly isn't good enough for you, then I do not know who is!"
Artemis sighed wearily.
"Well at first, she is good enough. Secondly, she is even too good. And thirdly, I – am an immoral type."
"You are afraid to love her." Prompted Lieutenant Medici.
Artemis sighed again.
"What do you mean "afraid"? I simply shouldn't. And she too."
"Can I ask? Do you believe …?"
"In love at first sight?" Artemis-junior interrupted her. "No"
Nika twisted her finger at her temple.
"Actually I wished to ask about the Stockholm syndrome."
"I did not know that you are familiar with such expressions!"
"Fowl, don't change the subject!
Artemis frowned.
"Alright. I don't trust in a Stockholm syndrome. Especially in Holly having it."
"Too bad" Nika said instructively. "Even if I after several hours of talking with you, it starts to appear in me, poor Holly should look at you very favorably. You know, Fowl when this adventure will be over, I will be the first to drink at your wedding. For the Stockholm syndrome!"
"Looks like you are flying on cloud nine, Medici! I suggest you come down from there." They heard a sonorous voice whence from the window sill. "I don't have syndrome. Especially not a Stockholm syndrome!"
Artemis and Nika turned around instantly. On a window sill sat Holly, and she lookedmad.
Please review!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!