Chapter 3

The Fowl Manor

We reached the Fowl Manor around, hmm I'd say…noon? Yes, that's pretty accurate. When we got there, our "guide" seemed a little nervous.

"Well…I'll be goin' now," she said.

"What's wrong?" Mrs. Ampleshire asked.

"Oh, nothin' really…it's just…RUMORS…have surrounded this place for years. Just…be careful."

"I will." I told her.

I mean, I HAD to be careful…it was all in the job description. One slip-up and I'd be toast. French toast. With lots of syrup.

"I guess I'll be seein' you then…bye. Thanks for the ride."

"It was my pleasure. Good luck!" the woman said.

That was probably the last time I ever saw her. But, no matter. I had larger concerns ahead of me, such as:

What if I didn't get this job?

Who is this Artemis Fowl?

What "rumors" surround this place?

Do my socks really smell THAT bad? Jeez.

For now, I'd just have to focus on the job now, and worry later. (Which is easier said than done, trust me.)

I walked up as calmly and as boldly as I could to the gigantic front door. I smoothed the pleats on my short skirt as I stood there. I made sure my knee-high boots were tied tightly in neat little bows. I fixed my hair, rearranging the rogue strands that had come out of the messy bun. Then I tugged at my blouse, making sure it covered my midriff. Adults don't seem to like it much when it's showing, I've noticed.

I pulled the knocker and…

KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK.

I waited.

I heard footsteps on the other side. A very, very large, muscled man answered the door. He slowly unbolted the large cherry wood door, and very slowly opened it. "Good day, Miss. How may I assist you?"

I turned around to see where Blue jay was. I was scared. I mean, wouldn't YOU be? Here was this guy about three heads taller than me and muscled like some Hercules dude. But when I looked behind me, no one and nothing was there. (…maybe my socks DID smell that bad…?) Not even any birds. Whoa. Creepy, I thought. I looked down at the folded piece of newspaper I had acquired. It had the job listings in it and at the very top there was (wouldn't you know it) the exact job I was looking for. A maid at the Fowl Manor.

"Umm…yes. I'm applying for the job opening. As a maid. Here. May I speak with a certain…" I looked down at the paper. "Mr. Artemis Fowl II?"

"Yes, you may. But all of the job interviews must be done by me. My name is Dom, but I insist you call me Butler." The large man stated matter-of-factly. "Please, would you kindly follow me?"

"Okay…" I looked nervously around…

And walked in.