The man smiled again, apologetically and politely – so polite to Alfie it seemed surreal, as if he were asking the time. ‘Sorry, it’s just that when I noticed you come in, I thought I hadn’t seen you before. Often in these places you get to see regular faces, although most of the time you never get to know anyone’s name, so let me introduce myself, I’m Rupert. I’m very much looking forward to this, aren’t you? Apparently this product is well worth bidding for. Young and fresh, though not so sure about the fresh – often by that age they’ve already been broken in.’

Rupert laughed as Alfie swallowed down his bile. He knew he should say something, anything, as he didn’t want to draw any more attention to himself than necessary, but the words wouldn’t come out. He felt his legs beginning to shake, and the tightness in his chest felt like it was crushing down on him.

‘Are you all right? You look a bit peaky.’ Rupert stared at Alfie with a concern that only made the moment so much worse for Alfie. It was vile, twisted, perverse. The caring attitude Rupert showed was abhorrent because any minute now, Rupert would start bidding on Taylor without care or concern.

Forcing himself to say something at the same time as he swallowed hard, making sure he wasn’t going to throw up on Rupert, Alfie, knowing he didn’t even sound like himself, spoke in a small, strained voice, ‘I … I had something to eat on the way over; it hasn’t agreed with me. But to answer your question, yeah I’m new here, I’ve never done … I’ve never been to an auction before, I usually …’ He stopped, unable to bear what he was saying, but seeing Rupert looking at him with interest, he continued. ‘I usually sort it out another way. Through clubs and parties, though often the … the products there are older. I’m a friend of Sally and Anthony, by the way.’

Rupert grinned, his upper-class voice at odds with Alfie’s. ‘I haven’t met them, but I hear they’re good people, and how exciting for you that this is your first real auction; well you’re in for a treat. The action can get very heated. Though it’s a shame they’re not actually bringing the boy here because when they do, even if you don’t win the bid, if you’re lucky, often you’re able to …’

Alfie cut in, ‘Sorry, sorry, I don’t feel very well …’ And with that Alfie ran out of the side entrance to be sick.