"Arty? Arty, are you in here?" I heard a feminine voice ask accompanied by the click-clack of heels against the hard wood flooring.
"Ah, yes, Mother, I am. Miss Stuart and I have just finished our interview." Artemis nodded.
I turned around to see a tall, pale woman walking towards us. She wore an emerald green suit with matching earrings—real emeralds, no doubt—and dark red lipstick. Her hair was a dark rosewood shade, almost black but shined red in the light. On her face was a wide, yet graceful, smile that lit up her beautiful features.
This was Artemis' mother? Wait, Artemis even had a mother? No. Surely he became an orphan at an early age and was sent to live with some distant uncle that either ignored him or exploited him and he became the evil little prick he is today. And even if he did have a mother, surely she was The White Witch or Nurse Ratched or something. But not this pretty, kind, adoring (judging by her nickname) woman who was probably capable of bringing puppies back to life with her used tissues.
Artemis stood up and I got the feeling that I really ought to, as well, so I got up as fast as I could.
"Good, good! We're going to be leaving soon, so…" Then she finally noticed my presence. "Ah, so this is Miss Stuart! How do you pronounce your name, dear, I only read it on your flier…"
"Um, like 'Kayla'. Pleased to meet you, ma'am." I said, holding out my hand to shake.
"'Kayla'? That's lovely! And so unique! So how do you do, Keilah?" she said, shaking my hand. When she withdrew her hand she held her hand to her chin and cocked her head, as if she was studying me. "Now, aren't you adorable! I can already tell the twins will love you—isn't she adorable, Arty?" she said, looking to her son for a response.
"I will make no comment." Was his icy reply. "Which does not translate to any specific answer." He added quickly, glaring at me. I raised my eyebrow back at him.
Mrs. Fowl looked puzzled for a moment, but continued. "As I said, I can already tell the twins will love you…Oh, goodness, I forgot to introduce myself! I am Angeline Fowl, Arty's mother. But of course you already know that!" She laughed a musical laugh as she linked her arm with mine. "So, Arty, I take it she's a yes?" She looked to her son.
So this was the moment of truth. Was I staying, or was I leaving?
Artemis looked at Butler for a moment, then turned his icy gaze to me.
I stared defiantly back. I was willing to do whatever they wanted me to do.
He then closed his eyes and said quietly, "Yes, Mother, I have found Miss Stuart sufficient in the field of childcare and she will be staying on for the time you and father are gone."