Chapter 16, Dine With the Fowls

DISCLAIMER: Arty isn't mine. frowns. Unfortuantly.

R&R, please . It's been a bad week.

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They mused for a few more hours and got nowhere. Well, nearly. There was one lead: a story Artemis managed to dig up from some conspiracy theory website. It held mostly nuts, but one story caught his eye, partly because he had speculated it himself. A former British Secret Service agent who was active mostly during the Cold War. Many suspected he was a high-profile thief, with a business deal to do the U.K.'s bidding while he robbed various upper class. The government turned their heads, and he spied on neighboring countries. The thing that brought Artemis's attention was a piece of information the author had: The U.K. agent once special ordered a particular knife with a blade of diamond. There was credibility to the source.

But there was also a problem; even if this ex-agent had sticky finger when faced with gems, he was dead. Had been for over 5 years. And the knife was gone him.

Nor Holly or Butler really liked this theory. Holly said that whoever stole the knife was probably a common thief, and sold it to a jeweler. Butler doubted the ability of such a knife. "Who could afford such a weapon? "

"I could. He was well paid for his work. The stone wasn't like 14 c, maybe 2 if he saved enough. It wouldn't have been big either. I'm willing to bet he used it on missions, and since it wasn't metal could take it on planes if need be. But it would have to be quite small to pass without causing to much attention."

The group argued for another 30 minutes. Holly finally said she had to get some sleep, and she needed to report on activities. Her host had taken note of the fact there was a full moon that night.

"It's bad for the baby." He insisted. "The body sees the fetus as an invader, a virus. Most women have allergic reactions to pregnancies. So many children are born prematurely, as their mothers' bodies are trying to flush them out. Your magic will increase all possibility of an untimely delivery. From what I've read it the book-"

Rolling her one-hazel-one-deep-blue eyes she departed through the window. Artemis thought heard her mumble "Horny perverted little mud boy" or something to that effect.

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By the time Friday came Artemis had learned very little concerning the case. Holly stayed until Wednesday evening, brainstorming for hours with him, although in the end she had to leave. She left a line open 24/7 for any updates. There weren't many.

He was nervous. The demands had been casual clothing and no cell phones on either him or his father. It would be, as his mother declared, a true family dinner. To welcome in "Arty's new girlfriend", though it wasn't entirely official yet.

Tara requested one thing Artemis would be more than happy to give: that he sit beside her. He first cleared this with Artemis Sr., to insure Mother wouldn't expect the seat of honor to be hers. Timmy could either explain, or pull her by him when the time came.

A pale blue, light knit sweater with one horizontal stripes in cream heather gray and black, khaki dress pants, and brown hand-made loafers. He hoped by dressing down Tara would feel less pressured, a bit more relaxed. She had sounded nervous over the phone, when he called yesterday, asking him all sorts of questions over what colours would look best on her, should she bring a gift, et cetera. Meeting your future in-laws was nerve-racking, Artemis. Not they were so far they were talking marriage, he hadn't even kissed the girl yet! But he did recall his first real meeting with Minerva's father. It hadn't gone well. Stumbling over words, ungraceful movements, glares from his new girlfriend. He was only 16 at the time. Somehow the good Doctor had approved of the shy boy. But Minerva! She hadn't changed at all in the years he missed. Arrogant, annoying, intelligent….

"No." He said softly to himself. Tonight wasn't about Minerva. It was about making Tara feel welcome. She was so different from Minerva. So warm. Careful. Graceful, even if she claimed being so clumsily as having flooded all 3 stories of her house when she was a young girl.

Looking into the mirror Artemis straightened his sleeve with a slight tug, smoothed his raven hair with one hand and sigh, then checked his overall appearance. He wasn't vain. He just cared about how he looked. More than some.

With a shudder Artemis recalled a terrible experience as a teenage when he had to dress like a normal juvenile. Baggy pants, stupid thin t-shirt, floppy clown-like shoes and a "hoodie", ugly sweat shirt with a hood, hence the ridicules name. Not something very sensible. But a small price to pay for fine art. Still, he didn't like to dress sown very often. Minerva had rarely gotten him out of the suits and into jean, though he did humor her once or twice. Tara never tried, saying he looked "dashing" in the usual black, that many women wish for such a clean-cut man. She even bought him a tie, green with gold silk.

He stared into his eyes. He was getting in deep. Really deep. She was buying him clothing (a tie could objectively be called so). In every other thought it was about her, or somehow involved her in it. Sometimes he forgot she was just a business deal, not a close friend. But they were becoming close! She could understand! True, she wasn't as smart as he was, but once he explained she caught on quickly. Now he enjoyed illuminating the empty space in her head, she asked smart questions. And they nearly knew everything friends would know about each other. He had finally been told that her parents were dead, she had a deep love of piano music, and hated fish. He was trusted. And for once, he had a normal, regular friend.

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"You're an artist? How… bohemian."

Angeline didn't hate the shy young woman her son presented to her a mere thirty minutes before. So far there had not been any obvious bad qualities. The girl was young, maybe five years under Arty. She was dressed in a quiet way, nothing flashy or done to show. Her personality was evident in a simple black halter dress, a light knit rose-colour jacket that went to the knee, a black headband with faint glitter, and flats made suede in the same colour as the jacket. It brought the impression of a gentle, sweet persona, with a love of classical music and style. The originality showed; a hand-crafted brushed nickel locket, probably made by herself, the way she interrupted Arty, and laughed just a little too loud, marking her as 2nd class. This woman loved her independence.

That worried Angeline. The Fowl women were strong yes, noble, and clever. Tara was all these things. And it was becoming apparent she was strong-minded. Angeline knew her son liked his orders obeyed. Yes he believed in equality of the sexes, but for anyone of a lesser IQ he expected his views and orders to be seen as brilliant, to be abided by. Tara wouldn't do this, you could just tell. Although she was a nice girl, Angeline just didn't see any promise.

If Artemis knew she was evaluating this girl for marriage. Mistress Fowl shuddered at that conversation. Even she feared Arty's cool gazed sometimes.

Still…he would gain a lesson or two from this relationship, if anything.

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Tara couldn't tell if Mrs. Fowl liked her. So far she hadn't said or done anything that made her guest think otherwise. Mr. Fowl had been very polite, as had Artemis II. Artemis I asked her questions, told stories, and laughed along with her at "Arty". Angeline remained fairly quiet.

"Yes." Tara replied to Mrs. Fowl's comment.

"What kind of art?"

"A variety, mostly in a classical style influenced by a number of artist. Da Vinci, O'Keefe, Monet, Manet, Leibovitz."

"Annie Leibovitz?" Angeline was confused. "The photographer? Artemis said you paint."

"I do, but her perspective, her use of light and colour I love, and try to emanated in my own works."

"Ah." Mrs. Fowl said politely. "Yes."

"Do you favour any particular photo?" Artemis I asked.

"The Chrysler Building photograph, the one with the dancer on the gargoyle, taken in 1991."

Artemis noted his son's own raised eyebrows, as his were too, and he proceeded with his questions.

"I've seen the piece. I believe it was inspired by another photographer?"

"Margaret Bourke-White. She was Leibovitz's idol. It was Bourke-White's 1934 photo of herself on one of the gargoyles that inspired Annie's own 1991 picture. Personally I find the photo of Leibovitz taking the final shot more human. It has a certain bravery and aura to it."

"Very interesting." Mr. Fowl smiled. "I can see why Artemis talks of you so often. You have a lot in common."

Tara blushed. "Thank you. I think." She cast Artemis a teasing grin, showing she was only kidding. "I enjoy Artemis's company. He is quite enthusiastic about thing most find dull things I love discussing. "

She raised her eyes to his and cocked her head. A faint smile played across her lips. He smiled back, causing them to both turned a little pink. The two elder Fowl also seated at the table noticed this, exchanged a glance and share a smile of their own. Oh, to be young again!

Angeline broke the silence. "Arty told us you lived in America for a while."

Tara snapped out of it. "In New York, with my mother."

Separated parents? "Amazing, you do not have an accent. How old were you when you moved to Ireland?"

"Nearly 7. My sister we reluctant to leave; she loves America. We go back every so often so she can see her boyfriend. I love the city, but it's not the Green Isles. There's too much smoke in New York."

"You and you sister should come with us next month to Maine for the charity marathon Timmy is running in." Angeline invited warmly.

"Thank you! That's very kind. You run, Master Fowl?"

"Indeed. Ever since I got my prosthetic. I thought I ought to participate more in charity events and physical activities. I'm a changed man because of this." He nodded to the stiff leg he had stretched out. Artemis hadn't told Tara the story, but Sophia knew it. Russian Mafia.

"That is very noble, that you do it for charity." She shook her red tresses. I know of few who would go on to do so much after such an incident like yours. You are a great role model, Master Fowl."

"Thank you, Tara." He nodded kindly. "I like to think that. And you may call me Artemis. Or Timmy." His eyes twinkled.

The meal continued nicely with small take and the usual questions. Not prying questions. Questions about home, family et cetera. She tried her best to answer with giving away little as possible, but it was hard. And they were so nice. She had expected more of a challenge. More hoops to jump through. But they were being relatively easy. Did they trust Artemis so much, or did were they usually so uninvolved in his personal affairs?

When she glanced at Artemis she it confused him as well. Maybe not. Brown furrowed, he took a sip of his wine, and grasped her cold hand, smiling at the girl gently. Her returning smile was just as sincere.

"Tell her about your newest book, Arty." Angeline encouraged. Artemis was faintly annoyed, but complied describing the latest book on quantum physics, co-authored by Stephen Hawking's last protégé. Though no one at the table save Artemis himself understood quantum physics there was rapt attention.

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"I'm sorry." He said mournfully.

"For what?" Tara asked surprised. He hadn't done anything during dinner…that she knew of.

"For that. I know meeting my parents must be…difficult. It always is, no matter who's parents it is, and I think you handled it well, but still…it's the worst date to have, right."

"No." She was frowning. "I liked it. They're really nice people, Artemis, obviously they adore you. I enjoyed it."

He chuckled, ducking his head.

"Really." She insisted. "I felt welcome."

"So it wasn't torture?"

"No." She giggled.

"So had…fun?"

"Yes, I did. They're great. It was great. Save the fish.

"I'm sorry about that. " He grinned. "It won't happen again."

She shrugged. "No big deal. I filled up on salad. We could do it again, I need to lose weight." She joked.

"No you don't." Artemis protested softly. "You're perfect."

Tara smiled dreamily, and squeezed his hand. He looked at her, seemingly calculating something. After some more silence, Tara looked over to see him staring at her. She tilted her head, causing the auburn locks to slide on to his leather jacket seeing as they were sitting next to each other. "What?"

"Could I make it up to you?" He asked quickly, before he repeated his earlier comment. He was going to ask this anyways, might as well be now.

"There's nothing to make up!"

Artemis made a "pifh" sound. She glared.

"Even so. I'd like to."

She remained silent, but her gaze softened.

"Please Tara."

"How?"

Surely he didn't mean...that.

"I want it to be a surprise." Seeing her worried look and bitten lip he hastily said. "Nothing bad or too…ah, personal, Tara."

Did she really think so little of him?

The faint blush of pink on his usually pale cheeks made her smile again. However, she was sure her own face was heating up as well.

"Thank you. I think."

"So you will?"

"Mmmm." Was the only reply. Hopefully it meant "Mmmm…yes." She glanced down at her watch, then groaned. "I was suppose to be home 20 minutes ago! Sarah will be so mad! I'm sorry, I've gotta go."

"That's fine. Do you need a ride?"

"No, no…no. I'll catch a bus, or the metro."

"Nonsense. It will be no problem. Let me take you." He said impatiently.

A lie. I need a lie. Come on, give me a lie. Frantically she pried into her bank and cashed a convincing one.

"I don't think that's best. Sara-" She hesitated for effect. "Sarah has problems meeting new people…I don't think right now…we're getting past that but…" She glance up, apologetic. "Normally I would but at night, in the dark…" She left the unfinished sentence hanging in the air, leaving the rest up to the imagination.

"Right." Artemis said awkwardly.

"If it makes you feel better, you can walk me to the metro?"

He agreed. They walked without sound. Artemis was considering how his surprise was to be presented. It was kind of hard to wrap. Tara wondered what he was planning. When they reached the station she turned to him and open her mouth, then closed it opting to give him a kiss on the cheek instead.

"Bye, Artemis."

For someone with a Ph.D in kineseology, actions truly did speak louder than words. But pairing her together, you get one very confused Artemis.

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Angeline stared out the limo window. Her Timmy held her hand stroking it with his thumb.

The last 10 years had been marvelous, like they were before the Fowl name took him over. Like when they first married. When Artemis I left his family for Russia, on the Fowl Star, his cola ship, Angeline had been considering a separation. It was one thing neither her son nor husband knew, but she had. When he came home, his mind and body renewed, thing were brighter. She thought it wouldn't last. So far, it had. And she wasn't planning on letting go of the peace.

Then when they discuss Arty's future, Angeline's peace was threatened. But for Arty, she'd do anything. Even break the tranquility. When he requested searching on his own, she almost cried out. But she remained silent.

Tara wasn't the little gold digger slut Angeline imagined. She was sweet. Perfect for Arty. She could be a Fowl. She would be a Fowl.

Arty was obviously very fond of her. It really didn't require more than his happiness, and her cooperation. It was harsh, but it was the truth. She was lucky; she and Timmy were in love. But Tara…she like Arty, but was enough. Angeline didn't want to leave her place empty, nor did she want this nice girl and her son in an unhappy marriage. People do foolish thing when they're young.

Only time would give her the answer. If she had too, she was willing to be the future-in-law-from-hell if it was in Arty's best interest.

Timmy turned to her. It wasn't until after he was "dead" that she realized she still loved him that much.

"Alright, Ang? You're quiet."

"Yes." She smiled, and moved closer to her husband. Her loving spouse. Timmy. "I'm just thinking about our son."

"And his flame?"

"She's not quite that yet."

"He's pretty smitten."

"Yes."

"Is she?"

Angeline hesitated. "Yes. Very in love."

"And do you approve, Angel?"

"I do. She's a bright girl. Wonderful to Arty."

Timmy smiled, and hugged his wife. Angeline smiled as well, and thanked the maker for bringing her family back.

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Angeline isn't really going to be a big part of the plot, she's just here to give some insight into the Fowl's marriage, and to well…be there. We won't see her very much, maybe in another chapter or two, but apart from that, nope. She's a strong woman, and I like her a lot, but this isn't her story.

Please review. Any questions, feel free to Review or PM me.

-Dania