*The Penthouse*
Sean's hand guided me back through the marbled hallways to the elevator, but as we approached, the doors swung open, and we stood face-to-face with the appraiser, Justinian.
"Oh, good evening Marcus," said Justinian.
I felt the grip on the back of my neck suddenly tighten, pinching off the blood flow to my head. I arched and reached up to grab his hand, trying to loosen the tension, but Sean didn't seem to notice. He was distracted by the smaller man in the elevator.
"Er- Hey Justin… Yeah, a good one," Sean stammered.
And he physically lifted me by my neck to set me in the elevator, moving me out of Justinian's way. I started to drift warily to the floor as I became light-headed from the pinch, unable to croak a word.
"Uh, good auction?" Sean asked.
"Good for us
