“Damn it, Mioko!” Sprite shouted, getting into the ancient woman’s face. “Why the hell did you do that?”

“Why hell you lie to me?” the old woman asked back.

The crowd was still too loud and excited to pay much attention. They were much more concerned about placing their bids.

“I didn’t lie to you.”

“No lie!” Mioko shouted.

A level head returning again, Sprite ducked her stance and peered through other auctioneers to see if her mark was still there. He was, apparently too aroused by his potential buys to notice their fight.

The old woman followed her look.