Dont worry, Mud Boy, said Holly. Ill keep a close eye on you, to make sure you stay on the straight and narrow.
I have two parents and a bodyguard already trying to do that.
Well then, maybe its time to let them.
The lounges doors slid open and Foaly clopped in excitedly, followed by Commander Sool and a couple of flunkies. Sool was obviously not as thrilled to be in the room as the centaur, and had brought the extra officers along just in case Butler got agitated.
Foaly grabbed Holly by the shoulders. Youre clear, he beamed. The Tribunal voted seven to one in your favour.
Holly scowled at Sool. Let me guess which one.
Sool bristled. I am still your superior officer, Short. I want to see that reflected in your attitude. You may have escaped this charge, but I will be watching you like a hawk from now on.
Mulch clicked his fingers in front of Foalys face. Hey, pony boy. Over here. What about me? Am I a free dwarf?
Well, the Tribunal decided to go after you for the grand theft auto.
What? spluttered Mulch. After I saved the entire city?
But, continued Foaly, considering the time already served for an illegal search, theyre prepared to call it even. No medal, Im sorry to say.
Mulch slapped the centaurs haunch. You couldnt just say that, could you? You had to draw it out.
Holly had not stopped scowling at Sool. Let me tell you what Julius told me shortly before he died, she said.
Please do, said Sool, his words dripping with sarcasm. I find everything you say fascinating.
Julius told me, more or less, that my job was to serve the People, and that I should do that any way I could.
Smart fairy. I do hope you intend honouring those words.
Holly ripped the LEP badge from her shoulder. I do. With you looking over my shoulder on every shift, I wont be able to help anyone, so Ive decided to go it alone. She tossed the badge on the table. I quit.
Sool chuckled. If this is a bluff, it wont work. Ill be glad to see the back of you.
Holly, dont do this, pleaded Foaly. The force needs you. I need you.
Holly patted his flank. They accused me of murdering Julius. How can I stay? Dont worry, old friend. I wont be far away. She nodded at Mulch. Are you coming?
What, me?
Holly grinned. Youre a free dwarf now, and every private detective needs a partner. Someone with underworld connections.
Mulchs chest swelled. Mulch Diggums, private detective. I like that. Hey, Im not a sidekick, am I? Because the sidekick always gets it.
No. Youre a fully fledged partner. Whatever we make, we split.
Holly turned to Artemis next.
We did it again, Mud Boy. We saved the world, or at least stopped two worlds colliding.
Artemis nodded. It doesnt get any easier. Maybe someone else should take a turn.
Holly punched him playfully in the arm. Who else has our style? Then she leaned in and whispered for his ears only, Ill be in touch. Maybe you might be interested in some consultancy work?
Artemis cocked one brow and gave a slight nod. It was all the answer she needed.
Butler usually stood to say goodbye, but on this occasion he had to make do with kneeling. Holly was barely visible inside the hug he gave her.
Until the next crisis, she said.
Or maybe you could just visit, he replied.
Getting a visa will be more difficult, now that Im a civilian.
Youre sure about this?
Holly frowned. No. Im torn. She nodded at Artemis. But who isnt?
Artemis treated Sool to his most scornful gaze. Congratulations, Commander, you have managed to alienate the LEPs finest officer.
Listen here, human, began Sool, but Butler growled and the words withered in the commanders throat. The gnome stepped quickly behind the larger of his officers. Send them home. Now.
The officers drew their sidearms, aimed and fired. A tranquillizer pellet stuck to Artemiss neck, dissolving instantly. The officers hit Butler with four, not taking any chances.
Artemis could hear Holly protesting as his vision blurred like an Impressionist painting. Like The Fairy Thief.
Theres no need for that, Sool, she said, catching Artemiss elbow. Theyve seen the chute already. You could have returned them conscious.
Sools voice sounded as though he were speaking from the bottom of a well. Im not taking any chances, Captain, I mean, Miss Short. Humans are violent creatures by nature, especially when they are being transported.
Artemis felt Hollys hand on his chest. Under his jacket, slipping something into his pocket. But he couldnt ask what because his tongue would not obey him. All he could do with his mouth was breathe. He heard a thump behind him.
Butlers gone, he concluded. Just me left.
And then he was gone too.
FOWL MANOR
Artemis came to gradually. He felt well and rested, and all his memories were in place. Then again, maybe they werent. How would he know?