Jay tells his men to keep an eye on me while he goes to speak with someone. I look to the ground, blocking the sights as much as I can, though I’m powerless against the sounds of people bidding on people. Some offer weapons and ammo in addition to nova, and one even offers his horse. Once someone is sold, another one is brought to take their place. It’s sickening, especially witnessing how well organized this whole thing is.
Jay returns with a fat man who smokes a thick cigar, his face sweaty even though it’s rather cold. He whistles and asks, “Where the hell did you find this one?”
“Special delivery that almost got me killed.” Jay pulls me forward. “This here’s the auctioneer. He runs this show, so you better show respect.”
I try to speak through my gag, because I’m starting to realize this isn’t just about scaring me.
“Let him speak,” the auctioneer says, puffing out smoke from his cigar.
The moment they pull out the gag, I tell Jay, “Hector sent you to get me. Take me to see him.”
The auctioneer gasps. “What the fuck does Hector have to do with this?”
Jay gives me a warning look. “Relax, I’m not doing anything he didn’t tell me to. He was very clear about bringing him here first thing.”
“Whywould he do that without seeing me first? You’re not making any damn sense.” I get a punch to my ribs as an answer.
“He’s got a mouth on him,” Jay tells the auctioneer. “My orders were to bring him here and let the highest bidder buy him, as long as it’s for the arena.”
The auctioneer gives me a once-over. “You sure? I can probably get more on him from one of the whorehouses.”
“I’d love to see that, but orders are orders.”
“Well, most of the houses have representatives here today, so it’s gonna be interesting. Nothing like a good bidding war to get the blood pumping.”
“Take me to Hector!”
This time, I fight back when they hit me. I tackle the Raider to my right, making him fall on his back. Before they can pull me back, I smash my boot into his face enough times to either kill him or leave him in a coma. More Raiders come to assist, shoving me to my knees while a crowd gathers. I know better than to call for help while surrounded by enemies, but the word still itches at the tip of my tongue.
“Get him to his feet,” the auctioneer says. When they do, he grabs the front of my shirt and tears it open so he can pull it off of me. “This can be over quickly if you do what I say. Justwalk up to the platform over there and let me do the talking. We should be done in—”
I spit at his face. “Take me to Hectornow!”
“Hold the bitch.”
They tighten their grip, and the auctioneer pulls my head sideways by the hair. With his other hand, he brings his cigar to my neck.“Don’t!”I scream a second before I’m hit with scorching pain.
“Now you behave,” the auctioneer hisses. “I can sell you off in a much worse state than this.”
Through the piercing pain and the smell of my own cooked flesh, I think of what I would have said to one of my squad members if they were in this situation. It would have probably been to shut up and play along until they find a chance to strike back and escape.
I swallow what little spit I have left in my mouth and say, “Okay.”
The auctioneer pats my cheek. “Glad we understand each other. Take him away.”
They drag me toward the platform while Jay calls from behind, “By the way, I forgot to mention he’s a Defender! Make sure everyone knows that!”
*
“A Defender!”the auctioneer roars into his megaphone.
Raiders hurry closer, booing and cursing. Things fly in my direction and some hit until the auctioneer puts a stop to it. The people in the crowd stand around three lines of chairs where only a few people sit. They seem different from the rest,elegant and composed. Their clothes differ in color, seemingly on purpose.
Despite the cold air, I’m sweating heavily, which makes the burn on my neck hurt even more. I hope to be done with this auction as fast as possible, even if it means leaving as somebody’s property. I'll be able to better think and plan away from this madness.
One positive thought manages to shine through—at least Josh isn’t here.I’ve no way of knowing what happened after Buck chased his buggy, but for the sake of my sanity, I choose to believe he’s safe.
I somehow block most of the auctioneer’s words, only catching parts when he promises glorious victories in the arena to whoever bids the highest. Then the bidding starts—a back-and-forth that keeps getting higher. It starts with seven different parties competing until only two bidders remain: House Fernandez and House Powell. The jumps between sums get smaller as they reach ridiculous figures, but both bidders seem stubbornly determined to win. I look around, trying to spot Hector in the crowd of hateful faces. If he’s going to put a stop to this at the last minute, now’s the fucking time.
