A paddle rose,
No. 26: $10,000
Auctioneer: (screams) $10,000
Another paddle rose,
No. 9: $15,000
Auctioneer: (screams) $15,000!! Anybody else? No? 15,000 goes once...
Another paddle
No. 14: $25,000
Auctioneer: (screams) $25,000!! Anybody else? 25,000 going once...
Stranger: STOP
The auctioneer couldn't see the stranger's face, only a silhouette. Auctioneer squinted his eyes to see better but he couldn't.
Auctioneer: Sir! You can't join this auction. It's for members only. You have to leave.
The stranger is slowly walking towards the stage.
Stranger: Are you asking me to leave Kaplan!
Auctioneer Kaplan: Could you please come out of the shadows? Who are you, Sir?
Stranger: Are you Really asking me to leave Kaplan! (Says the man in a loud authoritative voice)
Auctioneer Kaplan: My goodness! Is that you Mr. Duncan! Jeez, I had no clue, Sir! Pardon me; where are my manners! (Kaplan gets off the stage and runs towards the strange guy who's still walking slowly towards the stage) This way, Sir. Please have a seat. (Kaplan says nervously. But the man doesn’t sit)
Kaplan is sweating profusely even though the temperature is set at 20 degrees. He couldn't take his eyes off of the man who’s devoid of all emotions, but the man is not even eyeing him from the corner of his eye as if Kaplan's existence doesn't matter at all. To the strange man, Kaplan is nothing but an annoying fly who's disturbing his quiet.
Avery Duncan looks at Kaplan for a few seconds then goes on staring at the stage. He's looking at the masterpiece on display, admiring it, scrutinizing it. He only heard the rumor that the piece has been unearthed but now he sees it, just a few feet away from him.
Duncan: Where did you get this book, Kaplan?
Auctioneer Kaplan: It was an anonymous donor. The donor didn’t even ask for money for the item.
Duncan: Do you have any idea What this is?
Auctioneer Kaplan: All I know is that it’s a fine replica of an ancient book but the original of this has been lost for millenniums. The replica is of the book that contains information of the Lost verse of the Epic of Gilgamesh, Sir. As it is a replica, although a fine one. We weren’t making a deal about it.
Duncan: I know what this is. Bring this over to my villa. We'll deal with the payments there. As of this moment, the auction is over.
Auctioneer Kaplan: But Sir…
Duncan: (turning his slightly towards Kaplan) Are you about to say something that will make feel like shooting you in the face! Hmm?
Auctioneer Kaplan: No no Mr. Duncan. I’ll send this over to your place right away.
Suddenly the curtains open. A woman walks inside the hall. Her elegant appearance couldn’t hide the displeasure she is wearing now on her face
Lady: And who gave you the authority to do that Duncan? Hmm?
The curtain closes. The lady walking closer to the stage and her chaperone following her.
Lady: You may have gotten money and power over the years but you don’t have the power to close off this auction. Only I do. (Looking over to the guests) I apologize to ask all of you to leave. This unfortunate turn of events has to be dealt with immediately. I’m sorry about the inconvenience. I’ll make sure to arrange a gathering to make it up to all of you. I’m sure you all understand.
No. 14 (Mr. Bromford): It’s alright Ms. Corbyn. We understand. We’ll take our leave. (Bids goodbye to the Lady)
No. 10 (Mrs. Matias): I’ll be looking forward to our Afternoon tea party Katherine. We have a lot to catch up to.
Ms. Corbyn:` Yes of course Aunt Celeste. I’ll see you soon.
The guests all left the hall and there were only three people left. Kaplan is in utter confusion as to whose orders to follow. He’s looking at both of them in utter confusion.
Duncan: Are you challenging my authority, Katherine? Hmm?
Katherine: No, I merely am challenging your motives, Avery. I was wondering, why such a refined man with impeccable taste would be bothered about such a replica. I was watching the whole ruckus through the CCTV footage. And believe me, your reaction has had me at a loss. You were looking at this piece like it was the original book, not the replica. It’s making me want to take a closer look.
Duncan: No need for that. I’ll tell you why. It isn’t the original. But if my assumptions are correct, this particular piece is going to lead me to the original. I have been looking for both of those for years now Katherine. You know how important it is for me.
Katherine: Then you should have answered the invite when it was sent. I already knew what it was but I was surprised to see your cancellation.
Duncan: I should have known. (sighs) This replica is worth millions. Imagine how much the real thing will cost. I think I take our friendship for granted too much.
Katherine: If we hadn’t been friends, I would have taken your theatrics as an act of offense. Look at this piece. Hmm, I think it’s been formed around 1000 B. C.
Duncan: Yes, by the looks of it, it's around 500 or 700 B. C. The real piece is around 1500 B. C. It’s strange how money seems worthless in front of these.
Katherine: Darling, Money is Money, just a piece of paper. It doesn’t give you power, it only helps you determine how much wealth you have. And yet it might come in handy when you try to acquire priceless items such as this.
Duncan: Isn’t that why we do what we do.
Suddenly Avery notices a small hole underneath the tablet. He pressed on it. A latch opens and a small piece of paper falls from there.
Duncan: (smirks at Katherine) Wonder what this is?!
Katherine: Oh stop smirking. Open it already.
P.S.: All that has been written is purely fictional. There is no Lost verse of Epic of Gilgamesh, as far as I know. I hope you all enjoy the story and take it as a story.
Thank you
