RC.

Ch3 ....... G

I'm snapped out of my uneasiness by a man's voice speaking through a microphone. He's announcing the start of the auction.

It's obviously organised in favour of the Carter foundation and will help fund the actions to be undertaken in the coming year.

Two beautiful young women are giggling, hanging onto the arms of ageing men. As if encouraging them to participate, as if it were an exciting game.

The audience seems suddenly galvanised by what's coming up.

Away from the crowd, I lean against the wall with my arms folded over my chest.

(I'm curious.)

I've never been to an auction before... I wonder what it's like.

The auctioneer begins the auction with a modern work of art by an in vogue, New York artist.

A hand rises, then another... The price soars quickly and I can't believe what I hear!

Auctioneer:"20 000 dollars here...
25 000... Yes, 27 000... Oh! 30 000 dollars over there!!"

Do they even realise the irony of the situation? We're so far from the poor person's issues... For the people here, it's all just a game.

The works of art come one after another and so do the dollars. Sculptures, paintings, manuscripts...

(I need to get out and get some fresh air!)

I have to stay for Carter. I can't let him down now, it would be impolite. But what I see next glues me to the spot.

The auctioneer is holding a beautiful young woman by the hand. She's giggling like a school girl, as the man explains the reason for her presence.

Auctioneer:"Gentlemen you will have the opportunity to spend an evening with this delightful young woman. So place your bids."

He's kidding!

Pinch me, I'm dreaming! It must just be a joke, a teaser, an interlude during the auction.

My heart sinks as I see Carter raise his hand laughing. What?!

I'm not staying a minute longer! I'm leaving! And on the double!

I rush up the stairs towards the exit. I almost feel like I'm coming back from Dante's inferno.(I know, I tend to exaggerate).

         

                          ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇

As I breath the fresh night air it's as if I was cleaning myself of everything I had seen or heard in there.

I close my eyes an instant and burst into nervous laughter at the absurdity of the situation. And to think I was changing my mind about Carter!

???:"Is everything ok, miss?"

When I open my eyes again, I see Stewart's kind face looking at me.

(No, nothing's ok!)

T:"Yes, I'm fine... I just needed to get a little fresh air. I was suffocating in there."

Stewart looks at me. He can tell something's wrong.

Stewart:"What happened?"

(Nothing in particular.)

T:"Nothing really... I just felt like I was in the lion's den."

He straightens up. He seems to understand what I'm talking about without me having to explain further.

T:"What's your real name, Stewart?"

He looks at me a little taken-aback.

Stewart:"Jake."

T:"Jake, could you take me home please?"

Jake:"I'm not sure Mr. Carter would agree..."

T:"He's my boss, not my damn babysitter!!"

He seems to be hesitating.

T:"I'll take a cap, it'll be simpler."

Jake:"No come on, I'll take you."

Jake reluctantly opens the Limousine door for me to step inside.