Chapter Three
Bidders
There was an air of restrained excitement among the men who occupied the chairs haphazardly grouped near the stage. The area referred to as the stage was really only a twelve inch rise from the main floor that lent this end of the room a split level appearance.
Tonight the room was cast in shadows except for the lights illuminating the stage and the only notable feature about it – a steel pipe that spanned its width from left to right, bolted to the side walls six feet above the floor.
Loughlin sat somewhat apart from the other men, farthest from the door connecting the stage to the adjoining annex. Although he shared the common purpose of those present, he made no contribution to the murmured comments that passed between them. While they were mostly perched at t
