Free Exit Row by Judi Culbertson

air for twenty years. And they weren’t exactly Roy and Dale.”
    â€œNo, they were better. But why is she here?”
    The receptionist peered over her half-glasses, surprised. “You didn’t know she and Jesse started Day Star? Will Dunlea, Ginger’s son, is the CEO.”
    â€œI didn’t know at all. Is Jesse here too?” She had not been as taken with Jesse Wilcox in the series. He had been generous and pleasure loving, but too strict about enforcing the rules.
    â€œOh, I haven’t seen him for ages. So sad the way his mind has gone. He mostly stays at their ranch in Colorado now.” She gave a sudden giggle. “Will and Ginger Lee look like twins. Plastic surgery is a wonderful thing.”
    Fiona didn’t like that comment about her almost-mother. “Is she still acting?”
    â€œNot for years. After the show ended, she tried, but she was typecast. Now she’s busy accepting civic awards and being a presence in New Mexico.”
    â€œI thought you said she lived in Colorado.”
    The receptionist grinned. “This is an airline, honey. These people hop in their helicopter to go to the supermarket. There’s an airfield at the Ranch, and Santa Fe has an airport too.”
    At Fiona’s look of surprise, she added, “Small. Three runways. But Day Star’s negotiating with a wilderness travel outfit to do charter flights from there.”
    â€œHuh. Did you tell anyone I was here?”
    â€œOh, Will’s not in yet. Ginger’s cooling her boots back there too.” She didn’t sound as if the prospect saddened her. “Most of us work from nine thirty to five thirty, except for two girls who take bookings in back until nine o’clock. But Will works Will-time.”
    â€œThis is your main office?” It seemed important to learn everything she could about Day Star.
    â€œPretty much. We have an airfield in Denver to maintain our planes. There’s always one or two there. But our flight attendants are trained by American in Dallas.”
    â€œWhat kind of—”
    She stopped as the door wheezed open again and a man came in. He had smooth light hair worn close to his head and was very tan. Inherited dimples that showed as he smiled at them. Intelligent blue eyes the shade of washed denim. The only anomaly was the narrow nose that ended in a sweeping point. Get him an Alpine hat and teach him to yodel!
    Still, he was impressive. His flashing teeth were perfect and he had the aura she was familiar with from interviewing celebrities for Gusto!
    â€œMom’s waiting for you,” the receptionist said, teasing.
    â€œHaven’t seen her in a bobcat’s age.”
    They both laughed. “And so is Miss—”
    â€œReina. Fiona.”
    â€œYes, Miss Reina. Pretty name, like a queen. She wants you too.”
    That smile again. “Now I’m flattered.” He disappeared down the light gray hall. Fiona noticed that he did not carry a briefcase.
    â€œMaybe you’d like to use the restroom first? It’s right around that corner.”
    So the receptionist could speak to Will Dunlea about her? But she said, “Sure.”
    The bathroom was small, with wallpaper in a pale peach half-circle design. A white basket of artificial flowers decorated the toilet tank. The sweet floral scent made Fiona think of funeral homes.
    She assumed she would have to wait to see Will Dunlea until he was finished with his mother, but when she came back into the lobby the receptionist pointed to the hallway. “Last door on the right. Just go in.”
    She found Will in there alone, arms spread over a huge burled walnut desk. Above his head, suspended by wire, was a paper model of what must have been the first Day Star plane. Jesse and Ginger Lee’s private ride.
    She sat down in the yellow leather chair he beckoned her toward.
    â€œWhat can I do for you, Fiona?”
    â€œI need some information,