Zinnia Read Free Page A

have caught the mysterious prism when she entered the building. The thought that he had her face on tape brought a wave of relief.
    One way or another he would discover her identity.
    Things were under control.
    In the meantime, he had to deal with the business of getting himself married. Nick clamped down the iron restraints of his willpower and looked at Hobart.
    “Mr. Batt, you force me to tell you some details of my situation that I would have preferred to keep confidential.”
    Hobart looked more nervous than ever. “Details?”
    “You have asked me why I don’t simply go down-town to the offices of Synergistic Connections and register like other people. There are some reasons why it would not do me any good to go the normal route.”
    “I see.” Hobart coughed slightly. “What reasons would those be, Mr. Chastain?”
    Nick smiled humorlessly. “For starters, you may have noticed that I own and operate a casino. How many of New Seattle’s fine, upstanding families would want one of their daughters to marry a man in my profession?”
    Hobart flushed. “I admit your, uh, choice of occupation would not be acceptable in some circles. But, uh, unless you intend to confine your search for a bride to the daughters of the most socially prominent families—”
    “I do, Mr. Chastain. I most certainly do intend to marry a woman from one of New Seattle’s most elite families.”
    “Oh, my.”
    “I have a few other small problems, Mr. Batt. I trust you will view them as challenges.”
    Hobart closed his eyes. “Yes, Mr. Chastain?”
    “I’m an untested, unclassified talent,” Nick said gently.
    Hobart did not open his eyes. “Would you consider getting yourself rated?”
    “No.”
    Hobart groaned and opened his eyes. “Synergistic Connections only handles classified talents and prisms. Psychic-power-level compatibility between two people is just as important to a successful marriage as other types of compatibility.”
    “You’ll have to work without a rating for me.”
    Hobart’s hand fluttered. “But it will be extremely difficult to find anyone who will marry an untested talent.” He brightened. “Unless, of course, you know for certain that you possess only a minimal amount of power.”
    “I’m afraid I’m not a weak talent.”
    “I see.” Hobart gripped the arms of his chair. A hunted expression appeared in his eyes. “Precisely what sort of talent do you possess, Mr. Chastain?”
    “I’m a matrix.”
    Hobart collapsed in despair. “A powerful, untested matrix-talent who wishes to marry into prominent circles. Impossible. It can’t be done. No offense, sir, but no one in the better social classes will want you in the family.”
    “I find that money can often smooth the way in those circles just as it does at every other social level.” Nick paused. “I have a great deal of money, Batt.”
    Hobart licked dry lips. “You said there were other problems?”
    “Challenges, Hobart. Not problems. A marriage counselor must think positive. The last of the challenges I expect you to overcome is that I’m a bastard.”
    “I’m well aware of that—” Hobart broke off abruptly. He turned an unpleasant shade of pink. “I see. You meant it literally?”
    “Yes. My parents were never married. My father was a Chastain. He died before I was born. I’m related by blood to the Chastains of Chastain, Inc. here in New Seattle but they like to pretend that I don’t exist. I have no respectable family connections at all.”
    “Good grief.”
    There was no need to say anything more on the subject, Nick thought. They both knew that the stigma of being a bastard was a serious handicap for anyone searching for a spouse from a decent family at any level of society. It was a nearly insurmountable obstacle for a man who hoped to marry into the highest circles.
    But being a bastard was also highly motivating, Nick thought grimly. No one could appreciate the value of respectability as much as someone who did