Chapter 6

A gentle breeze on my face woke me. I opened my eyes and saw that a window was slightly open. I sat up and remembered that I was in the Jacobs' suite.

I left my room and found Ann, who was watching the news and drinking coffee.

Ann looked up from her coffee and smiled. "Good morning, Sue. I put breakfast on the table for you."

"Thank you," I replied with a smile, going over to sit at the table where Ann had laid out cereal, a muffin and juice.

Ann stood up and switched off the TV. "I need to go get dressed. You'll have to help me Sue, and tell me what's suitable London dress." She gave me another smile.

I returned it. "All right." I began to eat the cereal as Ann left for her room.

She came back out in short jeans that reached a little past her knees, and a light purple, buttoned shirt.

I laughed and shook my head. "Where do you think you are-the Bahamas? It's too cold to wear that."

Ann laughed and glanced down at her jeans. "I suppose it is. I'll be back in a minute."

She left and came back wearing full-length jeans and a long-sleeved turtleneck.

"It may be cold," I told her with another shake of my head; "but not that cold! You don't need a sweater."

"This would be too hot? All right." Ann left again.

I was finished with my breakfast. I decided it was time to do some exploring and investigating on my own. These people had been very kind, and I hated to leave them. But I wasn't going to let myself trust so easily. And maybe I could find out a few things about Mr. Grote.

I grabbed a napkin and a pen and scribbled a note to Jason and the Jacobs.

Thanks for everything. See you around town.

I drew a little heart and signed my name, leaving it on the table in plain sight. Quickly and quietly, I let myself out of the hotel.

I ran all the way to the auction house. I knew that was where Jason would be going, so this would be the right place to investigate.

Fifteen minutes past, and I glanced at my watch. Ten. Jason would be here.

I spotted him, Dale and Ann in the crowd of people waiting for the auction to start. I was at the back.

The auction began, so I stayed to watch. Everything seemed normal.

"Lot 95: a collection of paintings from the Han period. Do I see 50,000?" the auctioneer called out.

"50,000!" yelled a man.

"100,000?"

"200,000!"

The auctioneer looked slightly surprised. "200,000! Do I see 250?" He looked around as there was silence. "Sold! To this gentleman for 200,000."

I yawned. Auctions were boring; I'd hoped that this one would be a little more entertaining.

"Item 96," continued the auctioneer. "If you will direct your attention to the screen, you will notice that this is another item from the Prominent Company. It's called the Dragon's Fire. Shall we start the bidding with 200,000. Do I see 200?"

The price went from 200,000 to 300, and I was beginning to think that there was nothing special about this auction.

Then I heard a man shout, "450,000!"

I gasped, along with many other people. 450,000? Who was this man, was he mad?

"450,000!" called the auctioneer. "450. Do I see 475? No? Then we stay at 450. Going once…twice…sold! To Lord Brownlow, for 450,000."

Lord Brownlow. Of course.

I was glad that the auction was over-it had been the most tiresome event I had been to in a long time.

The sound of voices caught my attention, so I looked around the corner. Men were loading a crate on a truck, and it looked like they were being very careful.

I wanted to find out what was in the crate, but of course I couldn't simply ask. So I watched.

"Careful, Robinson. I said careful!" cried one of the men, as another man's grip slipped and he dropped his end of the crate.

"Stay back!" he yelled at the other men. "I can handle this."

"No, don't! You can't, Robinson, it isn't safe!"

"It hasn't hurt anyone yet, it's probably harmless."

"You don't know that," warned the there man.

Robinson ignored him and opened the crate. He looked inside and suddenly let out a yell, going limp.

I gasped. Whatever was in the crate, it was obviously very dangerous. Did Jason know that? Was this crate was he was looking for?

I heard sirens behind me and I turned around.

My eyes widened at the sight that greeted me. Police surrounded the entrance, and an ambulance was parked with paramedics rushing out. And everywhere there were… men in space suits?

I watched as they quickly loaded the crate into a truck.

Suddenly I felt a hand on my shoulder, and looked up to see a police officer.

"What are you doing here, little girl?" he asked me. "It isn't safe! Go home, go on."

I sighed quietly and left the scene. But if Jason hadn't seen what had happened here, I would have a lot to tell him!

~TBC~