A/N: Again, I apologize for taking so long with this chapter. Hope you
enjoy!
Chapter 7
Flipping open his mini computer, Artemis quickly scanned the constant flow of information that was coming in. "Ok, Butler. It's been precisely three days, give or take a few hours, since the first occurrence up north. We've got a lot of work on our hands."
A rare smirk spread across Butler's face. Even Artemis could see it on the tiny screen, not that he shouldn't be able to, the screen was over a thousand pixels, he would be able to see a pimple on a fly. Frowning slightly, Artemis chastised fondly, "Is that emotion I see?"
Face neutral once again, Butler coughed and replied, "No. It's just that I can't see how you can do much while you're in the hospital."
"You'll be doing the dirty work, Butler. I'll be here. Remember, you're the brawn and I'm the brain, although I do give you more credit than being just the brawn. I want you, Holly and Foaly to go on a little trip."
"You want us to go north? Without you?"
Artemis exclaimed mockingly, "Why, you've read my very mind, Butler! I hope you don't make a habit of it." He could see Foaly leaning over Butler's shoulder, trying to catch a glimpse of the communications device. Typical Foaly, couldn't keep any technology away from him. "Ahem. Back to business, Butler. That's exactly what I want you do though. Go north, I'll be making my way up there sooner than you may think. Just don't expect me. I have some things to take care of here."
"Very well. Anything else?"
"Take care."
"No plans for us to carry through?"
"You have Foaly and Holly with you, I have complete confidence that they'll keep you safe, if that's what you're worried about. And I'm sure your mind is not completely useless."
"Right."
Holly was twirling her phase pistol expertly around her finger - practicing her quick draw. The gun was a beaut, and by Foaly's standards, it was pure art with a lethal edge to it. Designed specifically for damaging biological cells. It could shoot through an inch of solid steel without putting a hole in the metal and still get the target. Perfect for the LEP when there were Goblins insisting on hiding. Mind you, you still had to find your target behind the wall before it was any use.
"You know Holly, you really shouldn't be playing with that. It isn't a toy."
Holly rolled her eyes at Foaly, well aware that he wasn't concerned about the safety of her toying with the pistol, rather, he was concerned she'd damage the weapon. "Foaly, I'm a pro at dealing with guns. This what I do."
Foaly harrumphed and crossed his arms childishly. He knew it was pointless to argue with an LEP officer, especially one as hard headed as Holly. Turning his attention to where Butler sat hunched over his tiny communications device, he craned his neck to see if he could get a better look at Artemis's technology.
As if sensing Foaly's scrutiny, Butler shifted so that his back fully covered what he was using to talk to Artemis with. Sighing, Foaly hunkered down awkwardly. He missed the padded flooring in his Ops Booth, a lot easier on the hooves.
After what seemed an eternity, Butler finally sat up straight and faced the two people from the magic world. Almost with a grim sort of glee, he announced, "We're going north."
Once Butler's face had disappeared from view on the miniscule screen, Artemis quietly and efficiently put back his equipment into their original forms until he was once again left with a pen, a notebook and his watch. His ring would be coming into his plans, very soon.
"How long are you going to leave him here?"
"As long as it takes."
"As long as what takes?
"That's for me to know."
A pause ensued, then the doctor once again attempted to reason with the man on the other end of the phone line, "That's a little harsh, don't you think sir? Your wife has already contacted me with concerns for him."
"I'm sure he is in capable hands...I am quite shocked in truth that he's taking so much time."
"I beg your pardon?"
"Never mind, it doesn't concern you. Well that is all doctor, I just wanted an update to see whether or not my son is still on the premises and if he's done anything odd."
"Your son is perfectly sane, he's just read the few magazines we've allowed him, although he's been working an awful lot out of his notebook."
A bark of laughter rang through the earpiece and the doctor had to pull away momentarily. "Excellent. Keep me updated on anything else." Artemis Fowl senior hung up the phone and smiled contentedly.
Angeline Fowl scowled slightly, "What is it dear? Is Arty alright?"
Her husband's smile widened, "Oh he's doing just fine. Just as I suspected, he'll be home soon I'm guessing."
"Did the doctors find anything wrong with Arty?"
"No, of course not. Why should there be?"
Rolling her eyes, Angeline replied, "Well, you only put him into a mental hospital."
Walking over the private bar, Artemis Fowl senior poured himself a glass of brandy and took a sip before he answered his wife. He didn't really want her anger directed at him now. He was too pleased with how Artemis was working. Settling down in the seat across from his distressed wife, he thought carefully on his words. "Well, I merely put him in there as a test." Seeing the shock register with his wife, he continued on hastily, "Yes, you see I have had a feeling that some funny business has been going on. Namely illegal business."
"But you already know that Arty promised that that was it."
"You think that he's telling the truth?"
"He's our son. We have to trust him." Angeline thought a second then reworded her last phrase, "Well, I certainly have to trust him, even if you don't."
"Do you remember a while back? Arty was mentioned he was working on something, so I had him followed sometimes...discreetly of course, Butler would have caught on if I was on their tails constantly. So it was only a couple of times that I did have someone watching. Apparently he had something he'd designed that he was trying to sell. Something called an E- cube. Although I'm tempted to say that it was far more likely that x-box thing that all kids play. Or perhaps even one of those game cubes. You get the idea. Our son is so brilliant that he can design and make computer consoles for entertainment."
"Which tells us what?"
"Our son is indeed a brilliant mind."
Angeline raised a brow, she was already aware of her son's intelligence, she just didn't realize the extent of it. "Why the mental hospital? Why would he do his dealings with such secrecy?"
Artemis Fowl senior flapped his hands at that, as if to ward off her questions, "That's easy, he simply wants to keep his intelligence a secret."
Standing up, Angeline began to pace, "Seriously, Artemis. This is the most outrageous thing I've ever heard you say! X-box indeed, that came out a while ago."
"That's beside the point. Artemis is up to something. He's contacted Butler and they're up to something."
At that moment, Butler knocked on the door and peeked in. "Begging your pardon, but I have an urgent family matter to attend to up north. Juliet will be remaining here, but it is imperative that I leave immediately. And with Artemis in the hospital for a bit, I figured that it'd be permissible for me to take a bit of time away."
Artemis nodded his head and watched Butler close the door behind him, then smugly he turned to his wife, "What did I tell you?"
"You heard the man, family."
"We are his family, Angeline. You just mark my words, something's up."
Back at the hospital, Artemis quietly stepped out of his cell and padded softly down the darkened halls. It was lights out time and Artemis could see in the passed cells that the people within the rooms were childishly curled up into cozy positions. His goal was to reach the end of the hall, that's all.
His heart pounded within his chest and he gripped a hand there as if to hold in the sound. This was the first time to really do anything exciting without Butler by his side. Peering around the corner, he noted that one of the security guards was coming his way and he quickly back away, eyes searching for a hiding place. Nothing could be hid behind, instead he put on his most arrogant look and walked with purpose around the corner. The beam of a flashlight flicked to his face, blinding him like a rabbit on the road. "Ah, my good man. Perhaps you can help me?"
The guard cautiously stepped forward, "What are you doing out of your room?"
Artemis snorted haughtily, "Room? Here? Do I look like a belong here?"
The flashlight lowered down to the hospital blue jumpers Artemis was wearing. Before the guard could come to the obvious conclusion, Artemis quickly replied, "My cousin is here," he tapped a finger to his head, "Has it in his mind that everyone has to dress like him or be ignored." He shrugged and crossed his arms, giving the impression that he was tired of explaining further.
"I don't know. Name?"
Scowling fiercely, Artemis retorted, "Name? You don't need my name!"
"I can't let you leave till you give me sort of ID sir. Regulation. Besides, what do you think you're doing wandering around here at such a late time?"
"Like I said, my cousin goes here. Although it's past the visiting hours, I have the Doctor's permission to remain till I see my cousin off to sleep. Comforts him."
"Very well. Exit's down there on your right." The guard indicated with his flashlight.
"Thanks."
Artemis Fowl senior sat before the door. It had been five days, three since Butler had left, but five days since Artemis had been dropped off at the hospital. Five days! What was his son doing? Angeline had long ago retired for the night, but he couldn't sleep knowing that his son could be coming home any time now.
Gnawing on his lip he let his energy out by bouncing his foot on the floor. It was already ten past four in the morning, surely Artemis would come home tonight, or rather, this morning. As if their minds were in sync, Artemis chose that moment to quietly open the front door.
"About time son. Your mother has been sick with worry over you." He stood up and straightened his robe.
A little worse for wear, Artemis brushed himself off, suddenly conscious of how dirty he must appear. "Well, what can I say? Perhaps I like to make an entrance."
Artemis's father chortled gleefully. "Of course."
Wearily, Artemis shut the door behind him and headed for the stairs.
"Where do you think you're going?"
"Sleep was on my mind. But obviously you have something else to say."
Coming to rest an arm on his son's shoulders, Artemis Fowl senior led him off towards the library where a dying fire was banked for the night. "Actually, I have a confession."
Artemis wisely kept his tongue still.
"Artemis, I've been in the business for years now. I know the look, I know the feeling and I most certainly know when my son is keeping secrets from me."
Feigning shock, Artemis pulled from his father's embrace and answered, "This on top of everything! Accusing me of illegal activity when I've kept to my word not to." It wasn't quite the truth, but it was closer to it than his father realized.
"Nonsense. Besides, I've had my dealings. Still do in fact." He let his son absorb that last part. "I just had to keep Angeline happy. The whole front of going legal and respectable was for your mother's sake. But who can deny the excitement?"
Artemis knew exactly what his father meant.
"So what are you into right now?"
Did he dare share his thoughts with his father? Suddenly suspicious, Artemis shot back, "What was with the mental hospital?"
Artemis Fowl senior coughed into his hand, "Ahem. It was a test. To see how you would react, what you would do, what tricks you have up your sleeve."
"Ah."
"I'm thoroughly impressed with what you've come out with. Very impressed indeed."
Artemis didn't receive praise from his father very often and this small comment went straight to heart. He beamed and let his father in on some of his smaller dealings, that was how his mother found them the next morning. Everything seemingly back to normal between the two...little did she know.
Up north somewhere
Butler could feel the strength draining from him. A storm had hit upon them a day into their trip towards Murmansk The trip up north was relatively uneventful. They'd had to travel by air – incredibly expensive considering they had Foaly with them. Butler had insisted leaving the private jet behind for Artemis's use.
Cupping gloved hands to his mouth, Butler shouted into the wailing winds, "Holly, we need to get some shelter!"
Unheeding Butlers call, Holly pushed forward. Only a little further and they'd be able to rest safely and warmly in the abandoned chute building. She was lucky of course. Foaly had permitted her to sit on his back for the last little bit. She'd kept falling behind the hulking Butler and he'd freeze whenever he stopped to wait for her.
Foaly shouted back, "Just a bit further Butler."
Through the deepening darkness, Foaly could see Butler nod wearily. Just then, a light filled the sky. Through the frozen snow hitting there numb faces, Butler could distinctly see a red ball of light speed across the sky, followed by another with a bluish tinge.
"What the-?"
The lights paused and hung in mid air before them. No bigger than a meter in diameter, they were like mini suns in the surrounding darkness. The glowing masses hovered closer towards the three groundlings. As if conversing with one another they edged closer and closer, then in mutual agreement, they sped off in unison.
Butler blinked the light spots from his eyes and looked over to where Holly and Foaly had been. That was the problem though – they weren't there.
Chapter 7
Flipping open his mini computer, Artemis quickly scanned the constant flow of information that was coming in. "Ok, Butler. It's been precisely three days, give or take a few hours, since the first occurrence up north. We've got a lot of work on our hands."
A rare smirk spread across Butler's face. Even Artemis could see it on the tiny screen, not that he shouldn't be able to, the screen was over a thousand pixels, he would be able to see a pimple on a fly. Frowning slightly, Artemis chastised fondly, "Is that emotion I see?"
Face neutral once again, Butler coughed and replied, "No. It's just that I can't see how you can do much while you're in the hospital."
"You'll be doing the dirty work, Butler. I'll be here. Remember, you're the brawn and I'm the brain, although I do give you more credit than being just the brawn. I want you, Holly and Foaly to go on a little trip."
"You want us to go north? Without you?"
Artemis exclaimed mockingly, "Why, you've read my very mind, Butler! I hope you don't make a habit of it." He could see Foaly leaning over Butler's shoulder, trying to catch a glimpse of the communications device. Typical Foaly, couldn't keep any technology away from him. "Ahem. Back to business, Butler. That's exactly what I want you do though. Go north, I'll be making my way up there sooner than you may think. Just don't expect me. I have some things to take care of here."
"Very well. Anything else?"
"Take care."
"No plans for us to carry through?"
"You have Foaly and Holly with you, I have complete confidence that they'll keep you safe, if that's what you're worried about. And I'm sure your mind is not completely useless."
"Right."
Holly was twirling her phase pistol expertly around her finger - practicing her quick draw. The gun was a beaut, and by Foaly's standards, it was pure art with a lethal edge to it. Designed specifically for damaging biological cells. It could shoot through an inch of solid steel without putting a hole in the metal and still get the target. Perfect for the LEP when there were Goblins insisting on hiding. Mind you, you still had to find your target behind the wall before it was any use.
"You know Holly, you really shouldn't be playing with that. It isn't a toy."
Holly rolled her eyes at Foaly, well aware that he wasn't concerned about the safety of her toying with the pistol, rather, he was concerned she'd damage the weapon. "Foaly, I'm a pro at dealing with guns. This what I do."
Foaly harrumphed and crossed his arms childishly. He knew it was pointless to argue with an LEP officer, especially one as hard headed as Holly. Turning his attention to where Butler sat hunched over his tiny communications device, he craned his neck to see if he could get a better look at Artemis's technology.
As if sensing Foaly's scrutiny, Butler shifted so that his back fully covered what he was using to talk to Artemis with. Sighing, Foaly hunkered down awkwardly. He missed the padded flooring in his Ops Booth, a lot easier on the hooves.
After what seemed an eternity, Butler finally sat up straight and faced the two people from the magic world. Almost with a grim sort of glee, he announced, "We're going north."
Once Butler's face had disappeared from view on the miniscule screen, Artemis quietly and efficiently put back his equipment into their original forms until he was once again left with a pen, a notebook and his watch. His ring would be coming into his plans, very soon.
"How long are you going to leave him here?"
"As long as it takes."
"As long as what takes?
"That's for me to know."
A pause ensued, then the doctor once again attempted to reason with the man on the other end of the phone line, "That's a little harsh, don't you think sir? Your wife has already contacted me with concerns for him."
"I'm sure he is in capable hands...I am quite shocked in truth that he's taking so much time."
"I beg your pardon?"
"Never mind, it doesn't concern you. Well that is all doctor, I just wanted an update to see whether or not my son is still on the premises and if he's done anything odd."
"Your son is perfectly sane, he's just read the few magazines we've allowed him, although he's been working an awful lot out of his notebook."
A bark of laughter rang through the earpiece and the doctor had to pull away momentarily. "Excellent. Keep me updated on anything else." Artemis Fowl senior hung up the phone and smiled contentedly.
Angeline Fowl scowled slightly, "What is it dear? Is Arty alright?"
Her husband's smile widened, "Oh he's doing just fine. Just as I suspected, he'll be home soon I'm guessing."
"Did the doctors find anything wrong with Arty?"
"No, of course not. Why should there be?"
Rolling her eyes, Angeline replied, "Well, you only put him into a mental hospital."
Walking over the private bar, Artemis Fowl senior poured himself a glass of brandy and took a sip before he answered his wife. He didn't really want her anger directed at him now. He was too pleased with how Artemis was working. Settling down in the seat across from his distressed wife, he thought carefully on his words. "Well, I merely put him in there as a test." Seeing the shock register with his wife, he continued on hastily, "Yes, you see I have had a feeling that some funny business has been going on. Namely illegal business."
"But you already know that Arty promised that that was it."
"You think that he's telling the truth?"
"He's our son. We have to trust him." Angeline thought a second then reworded her last phrase, "Well, I certainly have to trust him, even if you don't."
"Do you remember a while back? Arty was mentioned he was working on something, so I had him followed sometimes...discreetly of course, Butler would have caught on if I was on their tails constantly. So it was only a couple of times that I did have someone watching. Apparently he had something he'd designed that he was trying to sell. Something called an E- cube. Although I'm tempted to say that it was far more likely that x-box thing that all kids play. Or perhaps even one of those game cubes. You get the idea. Our son is so brilliant that he can design and make computer consoles for entertainment."
"Which tells us what?"
"Our son is indeed a brilliant mind."
Angeline raised a brow, she was already aware of her son's intelligence, she just didn't realize the extent of it. "Why the mental hospital? Why would he do his dealings with such secrecy?"
Artemis Fowl senior flapped his hands at that, as if to ward off her questions, "That's easy, he simply wants to keep his intelligence a secret."
Standing up, Angeline began to pace, "Seriously, Artemis. This is the most outrageous thing I've ever heard you say! X-box indeed, that came out a while ago."
"That's beside the point. Artemis is up to something. He's contacted Butler and they're up to something."
At that moment, Butler knocked on the door and peeked in. "Begging your pardon, but I have an urgent family matter to attend to up north. Juliet will be remaining here, but it is imperative that I leave immediately. And with Artemis in the hospital for a bit, I figured that it'd be permissible for me to take a bit of time away."
Artemis nodded his head and watched Butler close the door behind him, then smugly he turned to his wife, "What did I tell you?"
"You heard the man, family."
"We are his family, Angeline. You just mark my words, something's up."
Back at the hospital, Artemis quietly stepped out of his cell and padded softly down the darkened halls. It was lights out time and Artemis could see in the passed cells that the people within the rooms were childishly curled up into cozy positions. His goal was to reach the end of the hall, that's all.
His heart pounded within his chest and he gripped a hand there as if to hold in the sound. This was the first time to really do anything exciting without Butler by his side. Peering around the corner, he noted that one of the security guards was coming his way and he quickly back away, eyes searching for a hiding place. Nothing could be hid behind, instead he put on his most arrogant look and walked with purpose around the corner. The beam of a flashlight flicked to his face, blinding him like a rabbit on the road. "Ah, my good man. Perhaps you can help me?"
The guard cautiously stepped forward, "What are you doing out of your room?"
Artemis snorted haughtily, "Room? Here? Do I look like a belong here?"
The flashlight lowered down to the hospital blue jumpers Artemis was wearing. Before the guard could come to the obvious conclusion, Artemis quickly replied, "My cousin is here," he tapped a finger to his head, "Has it in his mind that everyone has to dress like him or be ignored." He shrugged and crossed his arms, giving the impression that he was tired of explaining further.
"I don't know. Name?"
Scowling fiercely, Artemis retorted, "Name? You don't need my name!"
"I can't let you leave till you give me sort of ID sir. Regulation. Besides, what do you think you're doing wandering around here at such a late time?"
"Like I said, my cousin goes here. Although it's past the visiting hours, I have the Doctor's permission to remain till I see my cousin off to sleep. Comforts him."
"Very well. Exit's down there on your right." The guard indicated with his flashlight.
"Thanks."
Artemis Fowl senior sat before the door. It had been five days, three since Butler had left, but five days since Artemis had been dropped off at the hospital. Five days! What was his son doing? Angeline had long ago retired for the night, but he couldn't sleep knowing that his son could be coming home any time now.
Gnawing on his lip he let his energy out by bouncing his foot on the floor. It was already ten past four in the morning, surely Artemis would come home tonight, or rather, this morning. As if their minds were in sync, Artemis chose that moment to quietly open the front door.
"About time son. Your mother has been sick with worry over you." He stood up and straightened his robe.
A little worse for wear, Artemis brushed himself off, suddenly conscious of how dirty he must appear. "Well, what can I say? Perhaps I like to make an entrance."
Artemis's father chortled gleefully. "Of course."
Wearily, Artemis shut the door behind him and headed for the stairs.
"Where do you think you're going?"
"Sleep was on my mind. But obviously you have something else to say."
Coming to rest an arm on his son's shoulders, Artemis Fowl senior led him off towards the library where a dying fire was banked for the night. "Actually, I have a confession."
Artemis wisely kept his tongue still.
"Artemis, I've been in the business for years now. I know the look, I know the feeling and I most certainly know when my son is keeping secrets from me."
Feigning shock, Artemis pulled from his father's embrace and answered, "This on top of everything! Accusing me of illegal activity when I've kept to my word not to." It wasn't quite the truth, but it was closer to it than his father realized.
"Nonsense. Besides, I've had my dealings. Still do in fact." He let his son absorb that last part. "I just had to keep Angeline happy. The whole front of going legal and respectable was for your mother's sake. But who can deny the excitement?"
Artemis knew exactly what his father meant.
"So what are you into right now?"
Did he dare share his thoughts with his father? Suddenly suspicious, Artemis shot back, "What was with the mental hospital?"
Artemis Fowl senior coughed into his hand, "Ahem. It was a test. To see how you would react, what you would do, what tricks you have up your sleeve."
"Ah."
"I'm thoroughly impressed with what you've come out with. Very impressed indeed."
Artemis didn't receive praise from his father very often and this small comment went straight to heart. He beamed and let his father in on some of his smaller dealings, that was how his mother found them the next morning. Everything seemingly back to normal between the two...little did she know.
Up north somewhere
Butler could feel the strength draining from him. A storm had hit upon them a day into their trip towards Murmansk The trip up north was relatively uneventful. They'd had to travel by air – incredibly expensive considering they had Foaly with them. Butler had insisted leaving the private jet behind for Artemis's use.
Cupping gloved hands to his mouth, Butler shouted into the wailing winds, "Holly, we need to get some shelter!"
Unheeding Butlers call, Holly pushed forward. Only a little further and they'd be able to rest safely and warmly in the abandoned chute building. She was lucky of course. Foaly had permitted her to sit on his back for the last little bit. She'd kept falling behind the hulking Butler and he'd freeze whenever he stopped to wait for her.
Foaly shouted back, "Just a bit further Butler."
Through the deepening darkness, Foaly could see Butler nod wearily. Just then, a light filled the sky. Through the frozen snow hitting there numb faces, Butler could distinctly see a red ball of light speed across the sky, followed by another with a bluish tinge.
"What the-?"
The lights paused and hung in mid air before them. No bigger than a meter in diameter, they were like mini suns in the surrounding darkness. The glowing masses hovered closer towards the three groundlings. As if conversing with one another they edged closer and closer, then in mutual agreement, they sped off in unison.
Butler blinked the light spots from his eyes and looked over to where Holly and Foaly had been. That was the problem though – they weren't there.