Chapter Thirteen
“Carmella gave Heather a strong sedative and sat by her bedside all night. Heather tossed and turned. Once she startled Carmella by crying out. Madam Celia let her sleep until late the next morning, the day of the auction. She was unusually quiet while they prepared her. She showered and was rubbed with perfumed oil. Her fingernails and toenails were painted bright red to match the lipstick and gloss. Her thick black hair was brushed to a high sheen. She slid her tiny feet into open toed five inch black heels.
The collar was buckled around her neck and a silver chain attached to the collar. At a signal Madam Celia took up the chain and led Heather out to the big reception hall where she was directed to the raised pedestal facing the bidders and their attendants. She noti
