Read Online Kitty's Countryside Dream by Christie Barlow - Free Book Online

mesmerised by how fast this auctioneer could communicate and keep the auction moving at a steady pace.
    Crate after crate was sold and our lot was due up next. Unexpectedly I felt like my personal space had been invaded and was conscious that two men had shoved their way to the front, forcing their uninvited existence next to mine. Luckily Tom’s hands stayed firmly in place on the bar, his arms rigid, shielding me from the surge of the crowd.
    â€˜Right, these are the lots we want – the next ten crates are ours. Those birds will keep the restaurant equipped with meat at least until the weekend and at a fair profit too,’ said the first man who had just pushed past me.
    â€˜I’m on it, boss,’ replied the second man standing next to me.
    I was startled, staring at the men – they were going to bid on my chickens. Dread rose through my entire body and the realisation kicked in that my hens would not be seeing out their days clucking around an old lady’s farm but would more than likely be diced and served up on a hot plate in the local Chinese restaurant.
    The auctioneer’s voice bellowed, I listened intently and the first bid on my chickens was underway. The arm of the restaurant owner was punched in the air and his bid was registered. Hearing a shout from the back of the arena, the next bid was recorded. I strained my neck, trying to witness who the voice belonged to whilst the price was rising steadily.
    Both bidders were now against each other.
    â€˜Going, going …’
    â€˜Yep, boss, we have them.’
    â€˜Good lad.’
    A wave of dislike rushed through me. I blinked, my stomach churning; I couldn’t bear this. Staring with hatred at the two men standing next to me, I acted quickly. There was only one thing for it; swiftly catapulting my own arm upwards, I punched the air, taking Tom by complete surprise.
    â€˜Aha.’ My bid was noted.
    Gasp.
    Both men glared at me and one raised his arm again.
    I rolled my eyes at them and then in a manic flurry I copied.
    We were in direct competition. It was like a game of table tennis. Back and forth we went; there was no way on this earth they would be taking my chickens home tonight.
    â€˜For heaven’s sake, what are you doing?’ Tom hissed in my ear.
    I shrugged. ‘Saving my birds. This bidding lark is quite easy when you know how,’ I replied, glancing up to give him a frosty look.
    The entire population of market traders’ heads were now locked in my direction and even the birds appeared to be straining their necks through the cage, waiting for their fate to be confirmed.
    â€˜You can’t get attached to the chickens – they’re our livelihood,’ Tom said firmly.
    â€˜Just you watch me, Tom.’
    â€˜You’re costing us a fortune!’
    â€˜I don’t care how much it’s costing!’
    I had never been more determined in my life. I couldn’t let them be drenched in sweet and sour sauce; they deserved to enjoy their finer years of life clucking around the meadow.
    â€˜They’re over our budget now, boss,’ one of the men noted in a disgruntled manner.
    My arm was firmly in the air and it wasn’t moving.
    Tom let out a defeated sigh. ‘Kitty, you’re a big softy, and OK, you win; we’ll take the chickens home and keep the old birds happy.’
    â€˜I knew you would see sense.’
    â€˜Going, going …’
    I stared at the two men with sheer disgust.
    â€˜Gone to the lady wearing the overalls in the front row.’
    One of the two men stared at me and uttered a loud sigh whilst the other could be heard muttering abuse, but they both skulked off from the front of the crowd with not a chicken between them.
    The relief swept over me. Turning round towards Tom, I hugged him. I was ecstatic.
    â€˜Bold move, Kit – you’ve won all ten crates.’ Tom’s eyes met mine.
    â€˜Thank God,’ I