THE NIGHT OF THE LITTLE MAN
By Andamogirl
WWW
ACT TWO
In the Wanderer,
Later at night
En-route to Washington
Mini-Artemus entered the parlor suite and took his place on the couch, his clothes covered with bits of hay. He had a few straw strands stuck in his messy hair too.
He looked at Jim seated at the worki table and said, "I changed the horses' bedding and gave them a hay bale each." He sighed, saddened and added, "Lockpick didn't recognize me, I think."
Smiling, Jim stood. "Don't be sad. That's normal, Artie. You're a boy now. He is used to having a much older, taller, broader, 5 feet 11 inches tall Artie taking care of him. Don't worry, he will soon get used to you." He sat on the golden upholstered couch beside his partner-turned-into-a-boy and, smiling, he removed the straw strands from his tousled curls. "What do you want to do?"
Boy-Artie smiled and with enthusiasm said, "Prepare dinner! But I will need your help to take things from the top shelves. I can't reach them now." He moved from the couch and headed toward the galley, Jim on his heels. "I'm going to teach you how to make an apple p…"
Child-Artie was suddenly interrupted by a bright flash, followed by an earsplitting crack of thunder and a loud rumble. Startled, he jumped and then he made a bee line toward the couch. He jumped on it, pulled his knees up to his chest, grabbed a cushion and hugged it tightly, using it as a shield.
Heavy rain started drumming on the roof.
Another bolt of lightning illuminated the room for a brief second, followed by the pounding thunder. Mini-Artie clutched the cushion tighter. "Ji-im." Eyes wide open in terror, he watched the lightning illuminate the whole parlor car. Seeing that Jim was totally surprised by his odd behavior, he blushed, biting his lower lip nervously. "I don't like thunderstorms," he said barely audible, ashamed.
BOOM!
Mini-Artie buried his face into the cushion.
Jim knew that old Artie was gone, and 8-year-old Artie was present.
Sitting beside the boy, Jim patted his arm soothingly. "The older Artemus loves them… it even helps him to sleep. The boy you, doesn't. It's okay, calm down, you're safe. Nothing's going to happen," He said, comforting his mini-partner.
He had just said that, when a very loud thunder clap struck again, lightning flashing and lighting up the whole room.
Gasping, mini-Artie dropped the cushion to the floor and threw himself against Jim's chest and tucked himself there, his whole body trembling. He nestled his head under Jim's chin. "I'm scared…" he admitted, now very pale. "I was terrified of thunder when I was a boy… and I'm reacting like one right now, my brain's affected… I can't help it. I was terrified the bolt of lightning could reach me… and kill me in a big ball of fire. I saw a bolt of lightning strike a tree, behind the house, when I was 5 years old, burning it to the ground ... and since then I was scared of suffering the same fate during a thunderstorm."
BOOOOM!
The tremendous clap of thunder shook the car and made boy-Artemus jump. He let out a strangled cry and tensed up.
They had reached the heart of the thunderstorm.
One hand grabbing a fistful of Jim's shirt, boy-Artie snuggled closer to his partner's chest, squeezing his eyes tight shut. "I'm scared!"
Pulling boy-Artie in his arms, in a reassuring and protective gesture, Jim felt the small body nestled against him flinch at every crack. "Don't be scared, buddy, you're safe here, in the Wanderer." Smiling, he ran soothing circles in the mass of dark curly hair tucked below his chin. "Shhh, it's alright. The thunder can't reach you here, can't hurt you. I repeat. You're safe, Artie."
Mini-Artie relaxed somewhat. "You promise?"
Jim nodded. "Yes, I promise." And he kissed the top of his mini buddy's head.
Finally after a few minutes, Artie disentangled himself from Jim's embrace, pressed his trembling hands to his ears and said, "I'd like to go to my compartment now…"
The thunderstorm was still raging outside. The heavy rain was hitting the Wanderer with force, water spattering and dribbling endlessly down the windows.
Jim nodded. "Okay, I'm going to accompany you there…" He knew that Artie wanted only one thing now, to hide
Beneath his blankets.
Mini-Artie smiled. "Thank you."
BOOOOOOM!
Mini-Artemus gave a yelp and curled himself tighter into Jim's chest.
Lifting his little partner in his arms, feeling the small body tense up even more, Jim said, "It's alright, Artie. It'll be alright, I promise."
Then, with boy-Artie pressed against his chest, trembling, he headed toward the swinging door.
Once mini-Artemus was in his bunk, Jim lowered the blinds, blocking the flashes of bright light and raised the intensity of the lamp.
Thunder boomed outside, louder.
Boy-Artie grabbed his pillow and placed it on top of his head, trying to block out the sounds of the thunderstorm, but it didn't work.
He slid between the sheets then, moving to the bottom of the bed, hiding there. "Jim? What did you fear when you were a boy?" he asked, curious, his voice muffled by the fabric.
Jim smiled. "I used to be afraid of big, hairy, black spiders."
Mini-Artie let out a strangled whimper. "Spiders? Check under the bunk! Check everywhere! I'm scared of spiders too!"
Sighing, Jim facepalmed and thought, 'James, you idiot! Next time you should think twice before saying that to a child already scared by a thunderstorm!'
WWW
The next morning
It was mid-morning when Jim entered his de-aged partner's sleeping compartment, still lit by the lamp. He glanced at the chair placed alongside the bunk, where he had spent a good part of the night, holding his mini-partner's hand, until boy-Artie fell asleep, and then lifted the blind. Immediately sunny daylight poured into the small room.
He smiled, discovering Artie rolled in a ball in his bunk, tucked beneath a pile of blankets (he had piled them up there during the night), in the shape of a small bundle.
Marmalade was there too, perched on top of the blankets, sitting on her hind legs, contentedly licking her paws clean.
She stopped when the human stroked her head, and meowed hungrily.
Jim continued to stroke the cat between her ears and Marmie immediately pressed her face against the heel of his hand.
He chuckled. "You're not the only one to be hungry, Marmie, you know. Your owner is a stomach on legs." He sat on the edge of the bed and shook Artie's hand. "Wake up Artie! Breakfast is ready."
Meow!
He continued to smile, amazed. Artie's hand was petite, with small fingers and it was soft. He was used to his partner's hands being big, with long elegant fingers, and calloused. Fortunately, the cuts that streaked across his small knuckles were closed and had disappeared without a trace.
Meoow!
Shortly after, Artemus opened his eyes, yawned and stretched. "Hiya Jim," he said, cheeks flushed from sleep, extracting himself from the nest of the blankets with sleep-ruffled hair." He rubbed the sleep from his eyes. "Hello Marmie."
Jim smiled. The old Artie was back.
The cat stopped meowing, eyes on her owner and she purred and waved her tail in greeting.
Mini-Artemus scooped up the feline and pressed it against his chest. Marmalade immediately purred loudly and rubbed her neck against the boy's throat.
Jim smiled. "Marmie recognized you, I see."
Mini-Artie shook his head. "Maybe, I don't know. She's a very affectionate cat, you know – she loves everyone – that's why she always ends up on strangers' laps, and also, because she loves caresses." He glanced outside, at the blue sky and smiled. "Hey! The thunderstorm is gone!"
Jim nodded. "Yes, it's gone. I have prepared breakfast… doing my best not to burn the food – not much anyway, and the galley with it. You hungry?"
The boy nodded. "Famished!"
"Okay, take a shower then join me in the parlor. Everything will be ready… Don't bring the cat. They don't like water," Jim said.
Moving to his feet, dressed in striped pajamas, Artie shook his head. "No, don't wanna," he said, arms crossed over his chest resolutely.
Jim sighed. 8 year old Artie had surfaced, again. Puzzled he raised an eyebrow. "No? No to what?"
Holding Marmie tightly against his chest, the cat purring contentedly, Artie responded, "I don't wanna bathe! I'm not going to take a shower, or a bath. I'm like cats, I don't like water."
He's back in full 8-year-old-boy-mode, Jim thought and he frowned. "You're not a cat and you need to take a shower. No discussion!"
Boy-Artie huffed. "No. You can't force me to clean myself. You're not my mother, but my partner. No shower, no bath. No water – at all." He raised his chin defiantly and pursed his lips stubbornly. "You can't make me," He taunted Jim, while bouncing on his heels.
Sighing, Jim pushed his physically and (obviously) mentally too - temporarily he hoped - de-aged partner, back on the bed. "Oh, really? Want to play mini-Artie? Okay… I wouldn't be so sure about that..."
Marmalade leaped to the floor.
Meooow!
His face severe, Jim placed a hand on the boy's chest, immobilizing mini-Artemus, pinning him on top of the bunk. Doing his best not to smile and to keep his tone stern, he said, "You will take a shower, or I'm going to torture you."
Boy-Artie blanched, opening his chocolate eyes wide in alarm. "Wha-at? Torture me? But-but-you can't! You're my best friend!"
Marmie let out another meow, louder as she was very, very, hungry.
His eyes full of mischief, Jim said, "Your mom told me a secret about you, the last time we were at Green Hill together: when you were a boy, you were extremely ticklish…" With that said, he snaked a hand beneath the pajama jacket and started to tickle mini-Artemus, everywhere.
Boy-Artie immediately erupted into a fit of giggles and squirmed. He searched for the 'tickle spot' and discovered it was the boy's stomach, around his navel, to be precise. "Ah! I think I have just found the tickle spot! Now I'm going to torture you, Artie… by tickling your tummy."
Mini-Artie squealed and laughed loudly. The boy, was writhing on the bed, bucking his hips, and couldn't help but giggle frantically as Jim tickled him. "Hahahaha! Stop! Please, stop!" he begged, tears in his eyes, trying to push back the hands 'torturing' him, trying to wriggle away.
But Jim was relentless. "I can tickle you for hours… Promise me to go to the bathroom to take a shower, and I will stop 'torturing you'." He said.
Marmalade was disappointed with the lack of attention she was getting and jumped off the bunk, still meowing hungrily. Louder. MEOW!
Seeing that her master was having fun, she decided to play a little too and she started licking Artie's face with her rasping pink tongue.
Mini-Artemus closed his eyes, laughing so hard that he was hiccupping.
Unmercifully Jim accelerated the tickling-torture. "So? Do you promise me to take a shower, buddy? If not, I'm going to continue the tickling." And he did just that, tickling the boy's sensitive navel.
Mini-Artie squirmed and laughed helplessly. "I promise. Stoopp! Please! I promise!"
Finally, Jim stopped tickling de-aged Artemus as he laughed with him. "Good!... " He pointed to the door. "You know where the bathroom is, now go!"
He moved back and mini-Artie stood. He was panting and wheezing.
Mini Artie suddenly hugged Jim's legs and looked up at the grown up. "That was funny! Could you torture me again? Maybe tonight?"
Chuckling Jim placed a hand on Boy-Artie's forehead and smoothed back his hair. "If you're a good boy, yes, now go! It's shower time."
WWW
Five days later
Washington Military Hospital
Dr. Stephen Henderson, CMO, opened the door of his office and smiled seeing James West standing in the corridor. "Good day, Jim, it's good to see you. Come in please… "
Standing to attention, Jim said, "Good day, Sir. Yes Sir." Glancing to his right, he called. "Artie, Dr. Henderson is ready to receive us…"
Mini-Artemus replied, "Later, 'm busy."
Dr. Henderson followed the other man's gaze and rolled his eyes. Four nurses where wrapped around a beaming mini-Artemus, all of them cooing.
Henderson frowned and cleared his throat. "Ladies, I think it's time for you to go back to your duties… " and immediately received a grouped shot of four glares.
Reluctantly, the nurses, one after the other, kissed boy-Artie goodbye, on his cheek or forehead, each ruffling his hair in affection, and then left the corridor, muttering about a tyrannical CMO.
Scowling, child-Artemus joined his partner standing beside the Chief Medical Officer. "I don't want to have a medical exam," he said, crossing his arms on his chest, chin up. He looked up at Henderson, still scowling. "I'm fine and I don't like doctors… they're mean."
Henderson stared at the mini-agent, unfazed. He had received a telegram from Jim West telling him that Artemus Gordon's mind had been affected by the de-aging machine too. He shifted randomly from 45 to 8 and from 8 to 45. So he wasn't surprised to see him react like this, like an 8-year-old boy.
Placing a soothing hand on his partner's small shoulder, Jim said, "No they're not. For example, Harry's not mean, right?"
Boy-Artie shook his head. "No, Harry's a good man and a good doctor, and he's family. It doesn't count." He looked at Jim with pleading eyes. "Can I go back to the nurses? Pleaaaase?"
Leading, and pushing his little partner toward the door of Henderson's office, Jim said, "After the medical exam, okay? Not before, come on!"
Boy-Artemus pouted and rubbed his sweaty palms together in a nervous-looking gesture. "You're mean too, James."
Ignoring that, Jim marshaled child-Artie toward the examination table. He grabbed his boy-sized partner under the armpits and lifted him up, sitting him on it. "Behave for the good doctor, Artemus." He said, raising a severe finger.
New pout.
Henderson moved beside Jim. "Remove your jacket, cravat, waistcoat and shirt Artemus," he said, pulling out his stethoscope from the pocket of his white coat.
Mini-Artemus frowned. "There's no need, I'm fine." And he moved backward, against the wall covered with Henderson's diplomas, pulling his knees to his chest. "Let me alone. You're mean!"
Sighing, Jim said, "Okay, wait for me here buddy. I won't be long." And then he left, leaving his mini-partner growling at Henderson like a mini-bear.
He came back a couple of minutes later accompanied by two lovely nurses. He pointed at mini-Artie. "He needs some help."
Immediately mini-Artemus moved to the edge of the examination table and grinned when the two nurses kissed his cheeks, one each.
Mary, the blond nurse started to take boy-Artie's clothes off, then when he was bare-chested, Denise, the brunette, took him in her arms. "Everything is going to be okay, Artemus," she said. "The doctor is not going to hurt you."
Henderson put the cold, round part of the stethoscope on Artie's chest, sending goosebumps down his young patient's skin.
Mini-Artemus gasped, shivered and kicked the doctor, in his knee.
Boy-Artie chuckled – but Henderson wasn't amused. Jim frowned in disapproval, but mini-Artie ignored it, nestling his head against Denise's shoulder.
Dr. Henderson listened to the boy-Artemus's heartbeat, nodded and then placed the end of his stethoscope on boy-Artie's back – moving cautiously out of reach of his feet. After a moment, he said, "Now take a deep breath and then breathe out."
Mini-Artie complied feeling the doctor moving the metal circle of his stethoscope on his back and said, "I'm fine, see?"
Henderson didn't respond, verifying that everything sounded alright with the lungs, in several places. He took his stethoscope off and placed it around his neck.
Mary kissed boy-Artie's hair. "Shhh… it's going to be alright, Artemus. The doctor has to chart your height and weight; he needs to examine your eyes, ears and your throat. It's a standard medical examination, don't be afraid."
Mini-Artemus raised his chin bravely. "I'm not scared."
Henderson checked the mini agent's eyes, ears and throat, then he checked his weight and height. Finally, he said, "Everything is normal. You're in good health Artemus."
Mary and Denise helped mini-Artie to put his clothes back on, and then Henderson added, "You may leave now. I'll see you later, in the President's office."
Boy-Artemus kissed Mary's cheek, then Denise's cheek and bolted toward the door. "Come on, Jim! Let's go! I need to pee!" And he opened the door.
Stephen Henderson glanced at Jim and said, "Good luck with him."
In the corridor, mini-Artie glared at the Chief Medical Officer and stuck his tongue out at him. Then he made a beeline toward the restrooms.
WWW
In the Oval Office
One hour later
President Ulysses S. Grant, cigar in hand, looked down at the nervous boy standing in front of him – or almost, as he was half hidden behind James West.
He smiled and said, "Take a step forward, Artemus. I'm not going to eat you."
But mini-Artie didn't move.
Looking down at his little partner, seeing a look of devastation on his face, Jim asked, soothingly, "What is it, buddy?"
Boy-Artie completely disappeared behind Jim this time and wrapped his arms around his thigh. "I don't want the President to see me like this. He's gonna send me back home, he's gonna separate us… "
Pivoting, Jim put one knee to the floor and took his mini partner by his shoulders. "He won't, if you convince him not to. It's up to you now, buddy." He stood and smiled. "Do your best."
The 'older' Artemus surfaced.
Mini Artie finally complied, rubbing his sweaty palms against his pants. "Yes, Sir." He looked down at his feet. His black boots were very shiny…
Grant puffed on his cigar, slowly, observing the boy silently, from head to toe. Mini Artemus was dressed in a blue suit adapted to his size. He had a light blue cravat and a silver waistcoat. "You are a very elegant boy, Artemus," he finally said.
Boy-Artemus looked up at Grant with big, watery, pleading eyes. "Let me stay with Jim Mr. President, please, please." He sniffed noisily.
Puppy-dog eyes didn't work. Grant didn't soften and he frowned. "Jim West is a magnet for trouble, my boy; it would be too dangerous for you to stay with him, so, it's a no. You're 8."
Mini-Artie shook his head, "No, Sir. I'm not 8, but actually 45."
The President nodded. "But your body is, son." He smiled seeing his de-aged agent scowl, chin upward. "What about becoming a cadet at West Point? You were a fantastic officer during the war without any military training… with a complete one and with your intelligence, your brilliant scientific mind, your pragmatism, your strong willpower and your inventiveness, I'm sure you could be a general before you reach 40. While waiting to meet the age requirement to be a cadet, you could return to your mother's home. I'm sure that Mrs. Gordon would be delighted to have her little boy back with her."
Colonel Richmond standing beside Grant, on his left smiled. "Don't forget his sense of discipline Sir, I bet he'll be a general at 30," he said. "And that's a very good idea."
Mini Artie felt his face heating up with pleasure but shook his head vehemently. "No, Mr. President. I don't want to go to my mom's home. I don't want to be a cadet at West Point. I want to stay with Jim. Period. I'm maybe a boy - physically I mean, but I'm still me in my head - most of the time. I can help. Of course I won't accompany Jim on assignments, it would be too dangerous for me, but I can stay in the Wanderer and help him there, in my lab." He lifted his chin bravely and added, "Jim and I are partners, Sir. I want us to be partners for the rest of our lives. I won't accept losing him. Never! You won't force me to do what I don't want to do!" Then, frowning, showing his determination, he crossed his arms over his chest like some petulant child.
He's 8! The three men thought in concert.
Grant chuckled, "A strong willed little man with a fiery temper… You're Artemus Gordon alright." He turned around and looked at Dr. Henderson standing on his right. "Your report doctor?" he asked.
Dr. Henderson, CMO of the U.S. Washington Military hospital looked down at the boy almost standing at attention beside James West and smiled. "Artemus is 8 and in perfect health and everything about him checks out as normal for his age. If we can call the situation he's in normal, Sir. If he has physically de-aged considerably, it didn't affect the man he is, or almost. He's still Artemus Gordon, 45 in his head… but not always, sometimes he's 8. For example, he was 8 when I made him undergo a medical examination in my office, this morning… He kicked me in the knee and stuck his tongue out at me…" He trailed off; his lips pressed tightly together, and paused.
Embarrassed, Mini-Artie blushed and looked down at his shoes again and he nervously twisted one of his curls around his left index finger.
Amused, Jim snorted with suppressed laughter.
Enveloped in a cloud of smoke Grant frowned in disapproval.
Sheepish, apologetic, Mini Artie murmured, "I'm sorry, Doctor – that was the 8 year old boy me who did that, not the old me."
Imperturbable, Dr. Henderson continued, "And he's 45 right now. That machine has affected his brain too. He'll act like a boy, from time to time. Oh, it's nothing serious, but I strongly recommend he be placed under constant supervision, Jim's supervision. Jim will act like a big brother, when needed, andtake care of him. My conclusion is: let Artemus stay with Jim, Mr. President." He smiled and added, "And you know we can't separate them. They're two sides of the same coin, always together, forever."
Grant nodded. "Alright, I'm going to follow your recommendation Stephen." He looked at Jim. "Jim, you'll watch closely over your very young partner here from now on."
Mini Artemus beamed in delight, eyes filled with tears, jumping with joy like the boy he was. "Partner? You said partner? You mean I can stay with Jim Mr. President? Be his partner?"
The President nodded and gave boy-Artie a stern look. "Yes, you can, but on one condition – and I order you to follow it. You stay on the Wanderer. Am I clear?"
The boy nodded, stood at attention and saluted. "Yessir, Sir, crystal clear, Sir."
Ulysses S. Grant saluted in response, and then he ruffled the boy's hair with affection. He looked at Jim again and said,. "Jeremy Pike will work with you, as your new partner; till Artemus becomes the man he was before. No discussion."
Jim nodded. "Yes Sir. Does that means that I'm reinstated?"
Ulysses S. Grant smiled. "No you're not. I never accepted your resignation, so you can't be reinstated in the Secret Service. Your lone wolf little escapade to find your partner was – an unauthorized leave of absence. I hope it will be the only one. But 'm glad you did, because you effectively found your partner. You were right, Jim, he wasn't dead." He looked down at the boy. "Welcome back, Artemus."
Beaming, Mini-Artemus – 8 years old again in his head - threw himself against Grant's legs. "Thank youuuu!" and Ulysses S. Grant couldn't help but grin with affection. He gave a small chuckle.
It was actually kind of adorable.
WWW
Later on the Wanderer
Washington railroad yard depot
Mini-Artemus toyed with his almost-completely-burnt food, his stomach knotted with angst. "Jim? What if Loveless can't re-age me?" he asked his partner sitting in front of him at the table.
Jim smiled. "That's simple; I'll take care of you Artie, because you're my little brother. We'll stay here together, till I retire. Then you'll have a new partner and your adventures will continue without me. I hope that you'll come see me at my ranch in Mexico."
The boy nodded, smiling. "I will, I promise. But I'd prefer to be the man I was again. I was accustomed to the old me and if I reverted to being myself I could have adventures with you again." He touched his face. "Seeing me like this in the mirror still surprises me each time." He took a sip of water and added, "And if my brain – which is affected – de-ages too, definitively?"
Pouring himself a cup of coffee, Jim sighed. "In that case, you will go back home, Artie and start a new childhood with your mom and Harry."
Boy-Artie nodded sadly. "I will forget everything… you, my life… it's a horrible thought." He sniffled, dropped his fork on his plate, yawned loudly and rubbed his tired eyes. "' m tired J'm," he slurred closing his eyes and promptly sticking his thumb in his mouth.
Jim giggled. The 8-year-old boy was back.
Mini-Artie let out a sob, and tears welled up in his eyes. "I want to see my mom and Harry," he said, tears rolling down his rounded cheeks. "I miss them… I miss my dad too."
In a flash, Jim's face grew somber. "I know buddy… We'll go to Green Hill after you're 45 again. You'll see your mom and Harry…"
Child-Artie let out a heart-wrenching sob. "But not my dad… He's gone. I think about him every day." Then, he cried softly.
Jim felt his throat tighten with a sense of fellow feeling. "I'm sorry."
Boy-Artemus was slowly listing to the side, off his chair, dozing, when Jim caught him before he hit the carpeted floor, taking him in his arms. "Got you!"
Child-Artie immediately put his arms around Jim's neck and burrowed his face in his partner's chest, "I need to sleep J'm…"
Cradling the boy-Artie in his arms, Jim chuckled. "I'm taking you to your bed. You're less heavy than the last time I took you in my arms like this, buddy," he said. "And fortunately you're alive, not dead, killed by a pirate-or-something of that kind."
Holding boy-Artemus against his chest, he left the parlor suite, and Marmalade followed suit.
WWW
Artemus's sleeping compartment
Mini-Artemus was already half-asleep when Jim gently laid him down on his bed. He lifted his head, fluffed the pillow, drew the blanket and bedspread over his partner, and tucked him in. He sat down alongside him and said, "You've had a long weary day, sleep tight buddy." Moving in closer, Jim leaned over his best friend and petted boy-Artie's hair with affection and brushed a curl off of his forehead. "Good night, partner, have nice dreams. See you tomorrow morning."
Eyes closed, boy-Artemus smiled tiredly. "Thank you Jim. Good 'ight," he said sticking his thumb in his mouth again.
Jim stood and lowered the blind.
Marmalade leaped on top of mini-Artie's legs, once he was tucked in and rolled in a ball there and closed her amber eyes.
WWW
The Wanderer
The next morning
Jeremy Pike leaned over the bunk, smiling, and watched mini Artemus sleep soundly and said, "He's a cute and adorable little boy – it's hard to imagine it's Artemus."
Jim nodded. "He's not 5 feet 11 inches tall anymore, he's not solidly built anymore, but it's him alright. Physically he's 8, but he's still 45 in his head, but sometimes he's really 8, because that machine affected both his body and his mind. And you're right, he's cute."
Mini Artie slowly opened his eyes. "He, is right here and he can hear you, you know? And I'm not cute and adorable," he said, as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes with his right hand.
Jim chuckled. 'Old' Artie was back. "Well, I wouldn't say that. I know at least a dozen women in Washington who find you cute and adorable."
Mini Artemus stretched and yawned. "Dozens, plural, you mean? Good morning, hello Jeremy, it's good to see you again. How do you do?"
Pike chuckled. "I'm alright, thank you, Artemus. Your voice is different too; your baritone voice is gone. You're really a boy." He shook his head still amazed. "That's really incredible! I didn't know one could de-age someone like this. But with Loveless anything is possible – here's the proof."
The boy sat up on his bunk, hair wild, eyelids puffy and his stomach rumbling. "Mmm, the proof's hungry. Is breakfast ready?"
Jim smiled. "You're always hungry Artie, but I suppose a growing boy is always hungry too. I prepared breakfast. Well I did my best to."
Mini Artie shook his head. "I'm so hungry I could eat anything, that's why I'm going to eat what you prepared Jim. It's probably burnt, because I can smell it from here. But next time, I'll make breakfast, dinner and supper – I'll have a lot of free time on my hands."
WWW
Later
Jim, mini-Artemus and Jeremy had just finished eating a barely edible breakfast when there was a knock at the door.
Jim stood up and headed toward the rear part of the parlor car.
He opened the door, revealing Colonel Richmond standing on the platform of the train, holding against him a large, heavy packet wrapped in brown paper. "Colonel! Good day, Sir. Do come in, please."
Richmond smiled. "Good day, gentlemen." Then he shook the agent's hand. He placed the packet on top of the writing table and then shook Jeremy's hand before ruffling the boy's hair. "I have something for you Artemus. It's a present from the President."
Mini Artie opened his eyes wide in surprise. "A present for me? From the President?" Richmond nodded. The boy removed the brown paper discovering what was inside – along with the adults there: dozens of books of different colors and sizes piled up. "Books!" he made a childish squeal of delight. "New books!" He noticed an envelope half slid in the first one and opened it. He took out a card and read, "Dear Artemus, I hope these books will keep your never-stopping brain busy during your stay on the Wanderer. Signed Ulysses S. Grant." He pocketed the card and then read a few titles: "Notre Dame de Paris, Les Misérables, Ivanhoe, Quentin Durward, El ingenioso hidalgo don Quixote de la Mancha… it's fantastic! I have books written in French, in English, in Spanish, in Russian…" He looked at Richmond. "Tell the President thank you for me, Colonel. It's a beautiful present. I love it!"
Richmond nodded. "I will." He knelt so as to be at the boy's level and said, "I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry. I really thought that you were dead. But thankfully you weren't. I should have listened to your partner. He was convinced that you were alive, and he was right."
Mini Artie nodded. "It's alright Sir. Everyone is capable of making a mistake especially when it involves Loveless's duplicates."
The Colonel stood up and looking at Jim and Jeremy said, "Speaking of Loveless, your new assignment is to find him and make him re-age Artemus."
Pike sighed. "That won't be easy Colonel, unless Loveless chooses deliberately to show himself, in order to draw us into a trap."
Mini Artie nodded. "And perhaps he will if he still wants to de-age Jim to make his successor of him, and me mini-Jim's play friend."
Richmond nodded. "You have your orders, gentlemen. Be careful." He looked down at the boy and added, "You stay on the train, understood? Besides reading books, I'm sure you'll find many things to do while your partners are looking for Loveless, starting with his last hideout."
Mini Artemus nodded, "Yes, Sir."
Richmond smiled and left the parlor car. Jim placed a hand on the boy's shoulder and said, "Let's carry all those books to your compartment."
Tbc.