Read Online Bride of the Castle by John Dechancie - Free Book Online

worlds,” Max 2 told his double. “It’s that simple.”
    â€œSwap . . . worlds,” Max 1 repeated mechanically.
    â€œYou still have the one-bedroom apartment near the university, right?”
    â€œMax,” Hochstader said, a bit exasperated, “don’t you realize who this is? It’s you! A you that could have been if you’d had a bit more luck. Look around. Great house, isn’t it? In this universe, you’re a resounding, unqualified success. ” He turned to the other Max. “Right?”
    Max 2 nodded. “Right. And I have Andrea. In this world, we were married. I have my own agency. Dumbrowsky Taylor Burke. Most of our accounts are blue chip, strictly top drawer.”
    Max 1 rubbed his temples and sat down heavily in a green leather armchair. “None of this,” he said in a lost little voice, “makes any sense.”
    â€œHe’s just a little freaked,” Hochstader said, strolling over to the bookshelves. “He’ll come around.”
    â€œBut why?” Max 1 blurted, looking up at his double. “Why would you want to trade places with me?”
    â€œThe grass is always greener,” Hochstader murmured, running a finger along a shelf of leather-bound volumes. “Like I said, Max. People always want something different.” He angled one book out from the shelf. “You have any porno here?”
    â€œIt’s a long story,” Max 2 said, “but let’s say I need a change. The pressure, the obligations . . . going into business for yourself isn’t the easiest thing in the world. I’m not sorry I did it, but it’s wearing kind of thin. Frankly, I’m bored with my life. But it would be all new to you.”
    â€œBut how could you leave Andrea? Or is she going with you?”
    â€œNo, she stays.” Max 2 seated himself on the matching sofa. “Look, you have to realize that I’ve been with Andrea ten years. A lot can happen to a relationship in that time, let alone a marriage. I need a change. I need freedom. I’d give anything in the world to be in your shoes. You’re free, no strings, no obligations. You can do what you want. Live in a garret, write poetry—anything.”
    â€œBut Andrea . . .”
    â€œI’ve had Andrea,” Max 2 said forcefully. His tone was more than a little bitter. “You’ve been pining away for her for ten years, or so Hochstader tells me. I want to be free of her.”
    Hochstader walked over and stood between the twins. “You two had better swap clothes.” From somewhere upstairs came the sound of running water. “Quickly, too, I’d say.”
    Max 2 rose. “Right,” he said, and undid his robe.
    Max 1 looked at Hochstader, then at his doppelganger. “No,” he said firmly. “I’m not going through with it.”
    Max 2 wheeled on Hochstader. “You said it was all arranged.”
    â€œOh, he’s just a little zoned out,” Hochstader said. “He’ll come around.”
    â€œNo,” Max said, thumping the armrest with a fist. “This is insanity. I won’t do it.”
    Max 2 stood with arms akimbo, glaring at Hochstader. “We had a deal!”
    Hochstader sighed. “Yes, we did.” He withdrew a strange weapon from his overcoat pocket. “And I’m afraid I can’t let you queer it, Max.”
    Max 1 looked at the gun pointed at him. It was fairly conventional at the grip and trigger end, but the business end terminated in a bell-shaped flange made of fine woven gold wire.
    â€œWhat the hell’s that?” he asked, paling.
    â€œA pocket de-tuner. We’re an anomaly in this universe. All it takes is a little tweaking to send either of us spinning out of it. That’s what this thing does, but it has the accuracy of a blunderbuss. Watch.”
    Hochstader aimed the thing at a lamp on a table in a far corner. Max heard a faint