Chapter 16! Woot! This a bout to get good...

Artemis Fowl II walked along the Irish Coast holding the small hand of his son and wishing for Holly to be there as well. It would make the experience so much more complete.

The wind blew the salty air into his face and the sun warmed his skin. It was rare for the sun to be out in this part of Ireland, which was almost constantly covered with clouds, and it made Artemis happy for the first time in the past few years.

Finn skipped along beside him, occasionally stopping to pick up a rock, which meant that a couple times he had almost pulled Artemis over. But Artemis didn't mind. As the wind whipped at his raven colored hair, he thought of how it would feel to leave his life on the surface. To be stuck underground for weeks, months, maybe years. He didn't know how the fairies did it.

In the past few years, he had also discovered a passion for the outdoors. He actually enjoyed things such as hiking, much to his surprise. Apparently all of Butler's nagging his charge to work out had paid off in more ways that one. Besides the fact that he could defend himself now, and he enjoyed spending time outdoors doing activities, he had also built up some muscle, which was actually noticeable when he wore t-shirts instead of his customary dress shirts. Juliet had encouraged him to wear less formal clothes all the time and maybe only once and a while, but he did still prefer his dress shirts and pants.

Right now, however, he was wearing a dark gray t-shirt and a beige jacket that did wonders for his complexion, according to Juliet, along with jeans, as much as he hated to admit it. But at least he wasn't walking along the beachfront in an Armani suit.

As Finn stooped to pick up another rock, Artemis's cell-phone vibrated in his pocket. He fished it out as Finn straightened again. He flipped the device open and held it to his ear.

"Butler? What is it?"

"Artemis, you might want to come back fairly quickly here," Butler said, his voice sounding small through the phone's speaker.

"Is there a problem?" Artemis asked, alarm building in his tone. His mind began to run through possible scenarios. They had stopped walking and now stood in the middle of the path, people going about their business all around the worried father and his son whose pockets were bulging with stones.

"You might say that," Butler replied. "Holly's here," he paused, "again. She's crying, but won't tell anyone what's wrong. My guess is that you'll be able to coax something out of her."

Artemis nodded once. "I'll be there as soon as I can." He closed the phone and looked down at Finn.

"I'm sorry, but we have to go home now." Finn's face fell. Artemis sighed. "I promise that we'll come back soon."

Finn gave Artemis big puppy dog eyes. "You promise?"

Artemis knelt down in front of him and nodded. "I promise."

Finn brightened a little. "I got lots or rocks anyway."

"That you did," Artemis said, glancing at the boy's pockets. He then stood and began to lead Finn back to the Bentley.

Artemis helped Finn get buckled in the back, then slid in front of the wheel. What reason could Holly possibly have to see him again? They just weren't getting anywhere. One minute she's giving him more options, the next she's showing up at the Manor crying. What if the rest of his family had seen her? That would spell disaster for him and not to mention the entire fairy race. Especially if it was Myles…

Artemis shook his head, dispelling these thoughts from his mind. He would not assume worst case scenario. He had to be positive for Holly was obviously upset about something if she had come to the Manor in such a distressed state. Artemis pushed a little harder on the gas pedal, barely breaking the speed limit. He had to get home.