Artemis cut short his mental celebration. They were not out of the vault yet. He turned the grips back to their original position, then yanked the bar towards him. Both keys popped from their holes. With the touch of a button, the pole snapped back to its original length. Artemis did not reassemble the scooter just yet. The pole might be needed to search other boxes.
Artemis studied the locker through the X-ray panel before opening the door any wider. He was searching for any wires or circuits that could trigger secondary alarms. There was one, a circuit-breaker attached to a portable klaxon. It would be extremely embarrassing for any thief if the authorities were alerted by the raucous wailing of a foghorn. Artemis smiled. It seemed as though Crane & Sparrow had a sense of humour. Maybe he would employ them as his lawyers.
Artemis unhooked the headphones from around his neck, popping off the earpieces. Once the wire inside was exposed, he twisted a length around each side of the breaker. Now he could safely pull the breaker apart without opening the circuit. Artemis pulled. The klaxon remained silent.
At last the box lay open before him. Inside, a single tube stood propped against the rear wall. The tube was fashioned from perspex and contained a rolled-up canvas. Artemis removed the tube, holding it up to the light. For several seconds he studied the painting through the transparent plastic. He could not risk opening the tube until they were safely back in the hotel. A hasty job now could cause accidental damage to the painting. He had waited years to obtain The Fairy Thief, and he could wait a few more hours.
The brush work is unmistakable, he said, closing the box. Strong strokes. Thick blocks of light. Its either Herve or a brilliant copy. I do believe weve done it, Butler, but I cant be sure without X-ray and paint analysis.
Good, said the bodyguard, glancing at his watch. That can be done at the hotel. Pack up and lets get out of here.
Artemis shoved the cylinder into his backpack, along with the reassembled scooter. He clipped the keys to his retainer and slotted the brace over his teeth.
The vault door slid open just as the Irish youth lowered himself into his trainers. Bertholts head appeared in the gap.
Everything all right in here? asked the bank official.
Butler folded the blueprint and slotted it into his pocket.
Fine, Bertholt. Excellent, in fact. You may escort us to the main level.
Bertholt bowed slightly. Of course, follow me.
Artemis was back in the role of argumentative teenager. Thanks so much, Berty. This has been a real blast. I just love spending my holidays in banks, looking at papers.
All credit to Bertholt. His smile never wavered.
Kurt was waiting for them by the X-ray arch, his arms folded across a chest the size of a rhinos. He waited until Butler had gone past, then tapped Artemiss shoulder.
You think youre really smart, dont you, boy? he said, grinning.
Artemis grinned back. Compared to you? Definitely.
Kurt bent over, hands on knees, until his eyes were level with Artemiss. I was watching you from the security booth. You didnt do a thing. Your kind never does.
How do you know? asked Artemis. I could have been breaking into those safety deposit boxes.
I know all right. I know because I could see your feet the whole time. You barely moved an inch.
Artemis grabbed his ring of keys from the tray, running after Butler to catch the lift. You win this time. But Ill be back.
Kurt cupped a hand around his mouth. Bring it on, he shouted. Ill be waiting.
* * *
Chapter 3: Nearly Departed
P OLICE P LAZA, H AVEN C ITY, T HE L OWER E LEMENTS
Captain Holly Short was up for a promotion. It was the career turnaround of the century. Less than a year had passed since she had been the subject of two g Internal Affairs inquiries; but now, after six successful 1 missions, Holly was the Lower Elements Police Reconnaissance squads golden fairy. The Council would soon meet to decide whether or not she would be the first female major in LEPrecons history. And to tell the truth, the prospect did not appeal to her one bit. Majors rarely got to strap on a set of wings and fly between land and stars. Instead they spent their time sending junior officers topside on missions. Holly had made up her mind to turn down the promotion if it were offered to her. She could live with a smaller pay cheque if it meant she could still see the surface on a regular basis.
Holly decided it would be wise to tell Commander Julius Root what she planned to do. After all, it was Root who had stood by her through the inquiries, and it was Root who had recommended her for promotion in the first place. The commander would not take the news well. He never took any kind of news well; even good news was received with a gruff Thank you and a slammed door.
Holly stood outside Roots office on that morning, working up the courage to knock. And even though, at one metre exactly, she was just below the average fairy height, Holly was glad of the extra centimetre granted by her spiky auburn hair. Before she could knock, the door was yanked open and Roots rosy-cheeked face appeared in the doorway.