The Auction
Finally. I was going to get my hands on that little mermaid in the tank poster! My bibliophilia bunker won’t be complete without it. All I had to do was outbid everyone at the auction. And there were a lot of people. Maybe this wouldn’t be so easy after all. I noticed Cathe whispering furiously with a woman who looked vaguely familiar. The other woman shook her head and slunk through the crowd until she was out of sight.
Maybe the mystery woman was a silent backer? I knew Cathe wanted the poster for her game room but that was surprising. Why hadn’t I thought of that? OH well, too late now.
I took a stroll around the room, weaving through the chattering groups. There were Marji and Liz, both EverAfter Mystery authors, sitting in the front row, ready to bid. I know that the poster would look great in her office but it would complete my bibliophilia collection perfectly. Maybe I should head that way and see what their bidding strategy was.
That’s when I saw Sandy standing by the easel that held the hidden poster. I casually wandered in her direction.
“Looks like a good crowd tonight.” I leaned closer and whispered, “Let me take a peek at it. Just once. No one will know.”
“No chance, toots.” Sandy snorted at me and shook her head. “We’re all here to bid on the poster. Some of us for more altruistic reasons than others.”
I clutched my non-existent pearls. “Are you implying that I’m just here to purchase that gorgeous poster only to hide it away in my bunker?”
She raised an eyebrow. “That’s exactly what I’m implying.”
“Oh well, you’re right,” I said, totally unabashed. “I’d let Denise visit it though.”
“How magnanimous of you,” replied Sandy, her tone dry.
“I’m sorry to interrupt,” said a young woman, anxiously wringing her hands. “The auctioneer is about to start and I need you to sit in your seats.”
Sandy waved her hand forward, motioning me to proceed here to the velvet cushioned chairs. I took another glance at the curtain and then found my seat. The auctioneer stepped to the podium and began detailing the illustrious history of the poster. Then with a flourish, he grabbed the pull rope and, with a tug, brought the curtain down.
And the easel was empty. Everyone gasped. Someone screamed. There was a call for a doctor. No, sorry. That was my imagination.
Chaos reigned as people began pointing fingers and accusing each other of stealing the poster. That’s when I heard, “I’m after her,” and saw Sandy sprint after someone. I couldn’t tell who it was. I shook my head. This was way too much excitement for me. I decided to cut my losses and head home.
As I was leaving, I saw Liz Tolsma hiding in the corner, a worried look on her face. Huh. I wonder what that’s about. And was she wearing that oversized trench coat earlier?
Who’s Got That Poster?
Find out in this next book in the Ever After Mysteries, combining beloved fairy tales and mysteries. Silencing the Siren offers a retelling of “The Little Mermaid” that will keep you gripped to the edge of your seat as you watch the story unfold.
Visit all the authors’ websites to get entries in and find out who took off with that poster!
Rebekah Jones – Jan 4
Chautona Havig – Jan 5
Cathe Swanson – Jan 6
Marji Laine Clubine – Jan 7
April Hayman – Jan 8
Liz Tolsma – Jan 9
Sandy Barela – Jan 10
Denise Lauren Barela – Jan 11
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