‘Many of the Kamasan village artists receive commissions from all over Bali to produce large and dramatic panels on cloth,’ said Simona, ‘but these old ones are the most valuable.’

‘Yes, it’s wonderful to expose visitors to classical traditional art,’ Grace said. ‘It’s the ideal way for them to appreciate its history and meaning, as opposed to the stuff that floods the tourist market.’ It occurred to her that many visitors to the Kamasan Hotel might not realise they were looking at valuable originals. She had to hand it to Johnny. He never did anything by halves.

Kevin began to point out the order in which the paintings would go under the hammer and explain how the auction would be conducted with the bidders on phones as well as those in the room.

‘Hey, Gracie.’ Johnny’s voice rang out. ‘Pretty special work, eh? Got your eye on something?’ He smiled as he came towards her, followed by an entourage that included Madame Pearl, Rosie Chow and Mr Wija Angiman, the CFO from the Kamasan. No doubt he’d be watching to make sure Johnny didn’t go nuts in the bidding, thought Grace. Kevin smiled and excused himself, moving away to prepare for the auction before Johnny reached her.

After they’d all greeted each other, Johnny turned to Rosie. ‘I’ll sit in the third row. I don’t want to appear too keen,’ he said, grinning.

‘You’re first here,’ said Grace. ‘That’s keen.’

‘I came early to decide which ones I’m buying and have a cocktail,’ said Johnny. ‘Excuse me while I take a look at the bidders’ list.’

Grace glanced over a few minutes later and was surprised to see Johnny frowning. She was about to go and check if everything was all right when Steve tapped her on the shoulder to ask for her help with the filming run sheet.

Soon enough, people began to trickle in. Interesting crowd, thought Grace as she mingled, asking if they were agreeable to being filmed, and most were happy to oblige. Only one Chinese man vehemently objected, while another agreed to be filmed so long as the amount of any bid he made was not disclosed. Grace alerted Mateo to these special cases.

Then she headed out to the patio, which was now crowded, and spotted Johnny on his phone looking annoyed, his back to the crowd. She stood to one side watching him, and when he got off the phone, he turned and saw her, shrugged and came over.

‘What’s up?’ asked Grace.

‘Competition. Another bidder is here, and apparently he’s after what I’m after.’

‘How do you know that?’