I am just playing devil's advocate, but is it 
possible that someone else asked for the deputy 
to bid either before your request or for a higher 
bid than you?  

Maybe that person that the deputy bid for instead 
flaked out, thus leaving the deputy no choice but 
to sell it on his/her site?

It was just a thought.  Like you, I'd be 
frustrated as well if it were a cel I wanted. If 
you are correct, then that is a really lousy way 
to do business.

jINx