After a quick lunch at the cafe, Artemis and Butler headed down the street to their hotel.

  As they passed a quaint candle shop, Artemis paused.

  “Just a moment, Butler. I’ve been meaning to get a gift for Mother…”

  Inside the shop, Artemis found the perfect candle for Angeline Fowl’s boudoir. He turned towards the sales clerk and was shocked to see the same girl from the restaurant arguing with the clerk.

  Impossible!

  The shopkeeper said something in an impatient tone as the girl fumbled with her wallet. “One second, I know it’s here someplace!” Artemis spotted a Euro on the ground at the girl’s feet. Picking it up, he handed it to her.

  “Looking for this?” he asked. Relief washed over the girl’s features. “Yes, thank you!” She hurriedly paid the man and left the shop with her candle. Artemis shoved his money into the man’s hand and rushed after the girl, who was standing ouside, waiting for someone.

  “Not very lucky are you?” He asked her, casually standing next to her as if waiting at a bus stop.

  The girl’s brow furrowed. “Wha-”

  “I saw you at the Cafe,” He explained quickly. The girl blushed and stared down at her ballet flats. “Ohhhhhh, that…”

  Artemis held out a hand. “Artemis Fowl,” he introduced himself. The girl quickly shook his hand. “I’m EmmaLi,” She said, smiling shyly. “Thanks for helpng me out back there. I…”

  “Don’t mention it. So what brings you to Italy?”

  “Well, my brother’s girlfriend works for the Canadian embassy. She gets to travel all over the world, and he gets to tag along…They’ve been to France, Spain, Egypt, China, India, and now Italy. They left for Italy when I was thirteen. Two years later, when I was old enough to travel alone, she and my brother let me come here for the summer. I was taking an art course here. I just graduated from it, and we wanted to celebrate at that cafe, but…Well, they cancelled our reservations. My brother and his girlfriend just went to see if there was another restaurant nearby.”

  Before Artemis could respond, the same young couple EmmaLi had been talking to earlier pulled up on a pair of Vespas.

  EmmaLi hurriedly introduced them. “Uh, Artemis, this is my brother Marcus and his girlfriend Dianne.”

  “Nice to meet you, Artemis.” Dianne said, stepping off her Vespa and shaking Artemis’s hand. She was tall with short chestnut hair and a dazzling smile. Her olive tank top and filmy brown summer skirt added to the friendly aura around her. ”I’m Dianne Wilkison. I work with Foreign Affairs at the Canadian Embassy.”

  “So I’ve heard,” Artemis replied, trying a smile.

  “Who’s this?” EmmaLi’s boyishly handsome brother squinted at Artemis in a don’t-mess-with-my-lil-sister look on his face. “He your boyfriend?”

  EmmaLi slapped her brother’s arm. “Shut up. He’s just a guy I met. Don’t be so rude!”

  Marcus’s expression softened. He chuckled lightly.

  Dianne smiled again. “Well, Artemis, how’d you like to come to our place for dinner tonight? We’re going to celebrate EmmaLi’s graduation.”

  Artemis was surprised by the sudden invitation. “I’d like it very much. Thank you,” He replied.

  EmmaLi clapped her hands girlishly. Her light yellow dress floated as she hopped onto the back of her brother’s motor scooter. ”See you tonight, Artemis!”

  “Six o’clock. Sharp!” Marcus yelled over his shoulder as they rode off down the street.