I would have to agree with everybody here.
Nick is a straight shooter and anyway, wouldnt 
gain squat for doing this.
Plus, I have had this happen myself on 2 cels 
recently, were they bid right to my max and then 
stopped.
It could be shill bidding, but there really is 
no way to tell.
I got my Tomoyo cels, even for those prices, and 
I am happy.
And thats a nice Kuro Neko, so be happy too!!