Streiker's Bride - Softcover

"For both of us, Mr. Whinnet. I can't imagine what you wanted to see me about," she said carefully.

He glanced at her before drawing his chair up to the desk. "I suppose that's true." Then he leisurely donned reading glasses and took up a file folder that had been lying open on his desk. It suddenly seemed to Adair that he was reluctant about this whole matter, whatever it was.

"Are you familiar with the name Fletcher Streiker?" he asked.

"Yes, he's the rich philanthropist who owns this building," she answered.

"Among other things," he said drily. "He asked me to give this to you." And he laid the file folder in front of her.

She opened her mouth in astonishment, then slowly began to leaf through the folder. It was full of newspaper clippings, brochures, letters, and scraps. "I don't understand."

"He would like for you to know more about him. The folder contains information that he has personally selected about himself and his priorities. That is, a lot of what you may read or hear about Mr. Streiker is preposterous, but all this here is accurate. Not complete, of course, but true."

Adair closed the folder in her hands. "I . . . still don't understand. Does he know me? Why does he want me to know about him?"

"Yes, he knows a good deal about you. And he wants you to know as much about him, in the event that . . . you may want to meet him someday."

"Well," she laughed, "I will be happy to meet him without reading his life history!" She thought, I've heard everything now. How vain.

"That's not the way he wants to do it," Whinnet said quietly. "Mr. Streiker is particular about keeping his privacy intact. If after reading this material you do want a meeting with him, there will be certain stipulations attached."

"Yes? What?" asked Adair.

Whinnet paused. "For you to meet him face to face, knowing who he is, will necessitate--er, an assurance of your loyalty, and confidentiality." "What are you talking about?" asked Adair.

"You have to marry him."