The Arctic Incident by Eoin Colfer Read Free Book Online Page B

evenly.
    Butler cocked his weapon. “Hello, Captain. Come down slowly, and don’t try any of your . . .”
    “Put your gun away,” said Holly, her voice layered with the hypnotic mesmer .
    Butler fought it, his gun barrel shaking erratically.
    “Put it down, Butler. Don’t make me fry your brain.”
    A vein pulsed in Butler’s eyelid.
    Unusual, thought Holly. I’ve never seen that before.
    “Don’t fight me, Mud Man. Give in to it.”
    Butler opened his mouth to speak. To warn Artemis. She pushed harder, the magic cascading around the human’s head.
    “I said, put it down!”
    A bead of sweat ran down the bodyguard’s cheek.
    “PUT IT DOWN!”
    And Butler did, gradually and grudgingly.
    Holly smiled. “Good, Mud Man. Now back up to the car, and act as though nothing’s wrong.”
    The manservant’s legs obeyed, ignoring the signals from his own brain.
    Holly buzzed up her shield. She was going to enjoy this.
    Artemis was composing an e-mail on his laptop.
Dear Dr. Guiney,
    Because of your counselor’s tactless interrogation of my little Arty, I have taken him out of school for a course of therapy sessions with real professionals in the Mont Gaspard Clinic in Switzerland. I am considering legal action. Do not attempt to contact me, as that would only serve to irritate me further, and when irritated I generally call my attorneys.
    Sincerely,
Angeline Fowl
    Artemis sent the message, allowing himself the luxury of a small grin. It would be nice to watch Principal Guiney’s expression when he read the electronic letter. Unfortunately the button camera he’d planted in the headmaster’s office could only be accessed within a one-mile radius.
    Butler opened the driver’s door, and after a moment slipped into the seat. Artemis folded the phone into its wallet. “Captain Short, I presume. Why don’t you stop vibrating, and settle into the visible spectrum?” Holly speckled into view. There was a gleaming gun in her hand. “Really, Holly, is that necessary?” Holly snorted. “Well, let’s see. Kidnapping, actual bodily harm, extortion, conspiracy to commit murder. I’d say it’s necessary.” “Please, Captain Short,” smiled Artemis. “I was young and selfish. Believe it or not, I do harbor some doubts over that particular venture.”
    “Not enough doubts to return the gold?”
    “No,” admitted Artemis. “Not quite.”
    “How did you know I was here?”
    Artemis steepled his fingers. “There were several clues. One, Butler did not conduct his usual bomb check under the car. Two, he returned without the items he went to fetch. Three, the door was open for several seconds, something no good security man would permit. And four, I detected a slight haze as you entered the vehicle. Elementary, really.”
    Holly scowled. “Observant little Mud Boy, aren’t you?”
    “I try. Now, Captain Short, if you would be so kind as to tell me why you are here.”
    “As if you don’t know.”
    Artemis thought for a moment. “Interesting. I would guess that something has happened. Obviously something that I am being held responsible for.” He raised an eyebrow fractionally. An intense expression of emotion for Artemis Fowl. “There are humans trading with the People.”
    “Very impressive,” said Holly. “Or it would be, if we didn’t both know that you’re behind it. And if we can’t get the truth out of you, I’m sure your computer files will prove most revealing.”
    Artemis closed the laptop’s lid. “Captain. I realize there is no love lost between us, but I don’t have time for this now. It is imperative that you give me a few days to sort out my affairs.”
    “No can do, Fowl. There are a few people underground who would like a word.”
    Artemis shrugged. “I suppose, after what I did, I can’t really expect any consideration.”
    “That’s right. You can’t.”
    “Well then,” sighed Artemis. “I don’t suppose I have a choice.”
    Holly smiled. “That’s right, Fowl, you