As with most adults, the intellect of Artemis Fowl had them stumped. It was good to know that he still held his advantage mentally. He had nothing else. Though, now he thought on it, he wasn't sure when his last meal had been. Mulch had eaten most of what they had. But for a change, he hadn't lied. Those gave him an ache in the pit of his stomach these days depending on who he was lying to.

He pondered bating the woman or walking away but he decided against either. He would wait and see what she did next before deciding his own next move. This was not a situation in which he had all the constants let alone all the variables.