Chapter 12 The Booth Next Door

In the evening, Elliot drove Madeline to the auction. She parked in the underground garage and walked straight toward a metal door with no signage. Two security guards in black suits stood watch, earpiece in place. Their sharp gazes scanned everyone who approached them. Madeline smoothly presented a black-and-gold electronic invitation. After scanning it, the guards respectfully pulled open the heavy door for her. Beyond it stretched a dim passage sloping downward. Thick carpet covered the floor, swallowing all sound of footsteps. "There'll probably be a big turnout tonight," Elliot said as they walked side by side. "The hemlock varnish shelf doesn't show up often." Soon after they disappeared inside, another luxury car pulled up. Lisa stepped out, arm in arm with a fashionably dressed young woman. "Shirley, thank you for bringing me here today," Lisa said, her voice bright with excitement. It was her first time at an underground auction. Shirley Moore lifted her chin, clearly p