As shppicked up her suitcase a tanned blond man jumped down the steps orthe plane.“Mrs. Page?”His wide smile seemed overbright.“I’m Edward Hardy, Mr. Caley’s pilot. Let me take your case. Mr. Caley has been delayed, but he called in to say he would be here shortly. As it turns out, it’s not a problem, because we haven’t yet got clearance for takeoff.”Lorraine stepped inside, and Edward moved ahead of her to indicate a plush leather easy chair. He stowed her case away in a compartment at the rear of the plane, keeping up a friendly conversation.“If you need the bathroom it’s right here, and the bedroom is just beyond.”She flicked him a glance, but the remark was innocent.“If you need to wash, or do whatever ladies do. In the meantime, can I offer you a drink? We have champagne, chilled Chardonnay or a nice Merlot, if you prefer. There’s gin, whisky, vermouth, or I can make up a cocktailanything you want.”Lorraine felt intensely self-conscious as she sat stiffly in the leather easy chair.“Just ice water, please.”
