Timecrime - the opening scene;

The gavel hit the auctioneer's desk with a loud bang. "Sold 2,620 pounds. Thank you Mr. Campbell, I'm sure Mrs. Campbell will like that piece." Smiling Mr. Campbell, a thin older man wearing glasses, gave a nod and mouthed 'she will' silently in agreement.

"Our next item in the catalogue is number 42, very nice this time piece, a Chippendale style mahogany grandmother clock, dated 1900. It's from a good maker and there's a lot of interest shown. We have several commissioned bids and there also overseas and intercounty buyers on the internet." The auctioneer looked at the clock then scanned the audience seated in front of him.

"Let's start the bidding at 3,500 on commission, 4,000 internet, 4,500 commission, 5,000 internet. Commission bids are out. At 5,000 pounds internet, 5,500 in the room, 6,000 internet." There was a brief pause. " Are we still in sir?" He said looking at the bidder in the audience.

"It's still with the net." Another pause.

"Just look at that wonderful fret work and the gothic influenced carving to the frieze and door. There's a brass arch dialed three train clock movement, chiming on the hour and half hour."

"6,500 thank you sir. Internet are you still with us?"

"I'll take 100 pounds if you like. 100 we have, 6,700 back in the room. 6,800 internet. One more sir? Okay 6,850 it is. The internet is out. 6,850 pounds - any more bids? 6,850 going once. Going twice. Are we all finished?"

BANG

"Sold to buyer 179 for 6,850 pounds."

"Item number 43. Let's have a look, ah yes the blue vase."

Luigi turned and looked me, a big smile on his face. "Here we go Joe. Hey that rhymes," he giggled in an awkwardly childish way, especially for such a hard-nosed gorilla type. "Here we go - Joe."

I tentatively smiled back and returned my focus to the auctioneer.

"Listed as circa 50 A.D. - although no exact date has been ascertained, is this blue Imperial Roman cameo glass vase.

"There's not a scratch on this vase. A1 condition?

Mmmmh. Oh well, that's what we've been told and that's what we are selling. I'm sure you've all had a look at it. What shall we start with, 20,000 pounds?"

Luigi gave me a nudge and rubbed his hands together.

"You could own your very own 'Portland Vase' here. Very rare items like this should be selling at least 10 times this amount.

Who'll give me a start - 5,000 pounds?" Nobody stirred.

"3,000 anyone." Silence.

"Okay, we'll pass that one in. Take it away Frank." The auctioneer shook his head, uttering something indiscernible as the porter took the vase away.

Luigi stood up and looked angrily at me.

"The boss ain't gonna be 'appy with this Joe." His broad Italian accent seemed to intensify with his anger. "We'd better get back to the house and report to Mr. Infanta. 'Carlos'", he called out, speaking to another Infanta henchman who'd been standing just behind us at the back of the auction room. "Go pick up the vase, we'll take it back with us."

"We might have to wait till the auction is finished to pick it up Luigi." I told him.

"Okay. Carlos, you go wait for the vase. Bring it back to the house as soon as you get it. You Joe," There was a pregnant pause. "You - come with me!"

Time Piece

Previous news,

The powers that be, AKA KDP/Amazon, specifically the marketing dept, have unfortunately rejected the front cover for advertising! The gun pointing at their (My!) customers doesn't sit well with them, even though it's actually pointing behind them!

This may mean a simple change, but to what and certainly means a delay in sales! Or it could mean a total re-branding of the book with new ISBN etc.

Why on earth didn't anyone from KDP\Amazon mention this BEFORE they gave the go ahead to publish, I don't know!

So now we have a re-branded version of the same story. Cover changed, name changed - but all still a great read!