The Fatal Fortune by Jayne Castle Read Free Book Online Page B

table seemed to be glowing very faintly. Probably her imagination, she told herself. Either that, or some lighting trick. No telling what gadgets were concealed under or in the table.
    Finally Madame Zoltana began to speak. The words came out faintly, with what sounded like a great deal of effort. Guinevere leaned forward to hear clearly.
    "I see many things," Madame Zoltana whispered. "Some are insignificant. You are not married. You live alone, although there is a man who shares more and more of your life these days. You have a younger sister, a very beautiful sister, who has at times been a trial to you. You work in an office, using a typing machine of some sort, but you aren't a secretary or clerk." Madame Zoltana frowned. "I don't understand. . . . Ah, yes, it becomes clear. You own your own business, one that involves secretaries and clerks and various other kinds of office personnel. At times, you, too, do such work."
    Guinevere was startled, by the references both to Carla and to the fact that she herself wasn't just an employee of Camelot Services. This woman had definitely done some research. Guinevere kept her mouth shut, waiting for Madame Zoltana to continue.
    "You are thirty years old. This man with whom you are presently involved is somewhat older, perhaps in his mid thirties." Zoltana's brow wrinkled slightly. "But even though he is only a few years older than you, in some ways he is much older. He has perhaps seen too much of some things in life. Perhaps this is why he needs you. He is very strong in many ways." Zoltana hesitated and her brow relaxed. "Ah, yes, he is a good lover."
    Guinevere flushed in spite of herself. She would have to remember to mention that last observation to Zac.
    Madame Zoltana fell silent for a few minutes, and Guinevere began to wonder if the session was already over. But the psychic did not look up from the faintly glowing bowl. She appeared to be contemplating something she saw in the crystal depths. "There is something more that has to do with this man, but it is not clear. I told you that I would not put myself to the effort of reading the future for you, but I am getting hints of it. I cannot ignore them. Do you wish me to look forward?" Madame Zoltana did not raise her head.
    "How much?" Guinevere asked dryly.
    "Another twenty dollars."
    She would consider it as expenses having to do with the investigation, Guinevere decided. Zac always kept a precise expense account when he was working. She reached into her wallet and withdrew another twenty. "All right. Tell me what you see."
    "It has to do with this man in your life. There are indications of danger." Zoltana hesitated again. "I cannot tell if the danger is aimed at him or emanates from him. Perhaps both." Another tense pause. "I see fear in you. Fear of this man you love. There is a threat, and you do not know how to deal with it. You, too, are in danger. You must be very, very careful, because when the moment of truth arrives you will not be certain you can trust this man."
    Guinevere realized she was holding her breath. The nervousness she had been experiencing was now tinged with dread. She forced herself to take a calming breath, reminding herself that creating this kind of vague fear was Madame Zoltana's stock in trade. Guinevere had to admit the woman was surprisingly good at it. Angry at her own unexpected gullibility, Guinevere tried to shake off the uneasy sensation that was enveloping her. She waited tensely for Madame Zoltana to continue. The psychic continued to stare into the crystal bowl, her forehead lined again with concentration, but eventually she sighed and sat back, breaking the spell. Her blue eyes were fixed on Guinevere's face.
    "I can tell you no more today. I am at the limit of my abilities. If you wish to know more, you must return at another time. Please go now. I must rest."
    Madame Zoltana got to her feet, steadying herself with a hand on the back of her chair. Reaching for a cigarette, she