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additional exposure, when they were trying to keep a low enough profile to rebuild their lives.' ''t you have vindicated her?' '
    couldn't change the fact that she'd been married to a sick man, any more than I could change the fact that her children were flesh of his flesh."
    "You could have established them as innocent victims.' ' could have."
    "And others would have found the story interesting.' ' would the exploitation have been worth it? They'd moved to a new home in a new state. In the name of human interest, I'd have branded them all over again.' Tucking his hands in the pockets of his slacks, 16 rderek dropped his gaze to the large marble tiles. They ' variegated in shades of dark green, an urban version of a mossy forest floor. Atop their shiny finish, Sabrina's feet looked slender and graceful. With the slightest shift of his own foot, the hard leather soles of his loafers would bruise her. The analogy wasn't lost on him. He felt rough,
    @,`-*Imost uncouth beside Sabrina. He didn't feel that way with others, but others didn't r-()nvey the kind of di gnified fragility she did. Strength and all, she was fragile. She pricked his conscience. Hesitantly raising his eyes, he asked, ' you feel that I'm trying to exploit you?' ' are you here?' she countered, curious rather than impertinent. ''d have thought that the face before the camera did little of the groundwork.' ' incapable of doing the groundwork?' '. Too busy.' He shook his head. ' stories are mine. I do -them because they interest me. I have people doing other kinds of legwork, but I like to interview the principals myself.' ' won't be one of your principals.' ''m not trying to exploit you.' ''s a fine line "I'm not. I ' intentions may be honorable, but the fact is that any story you do will be broadcast from coast to coast. That won't do much for the low profile we try to keep.' ' may do some good for others in your position.' She gave a sad laugh. ' about now, charity isn't high on my list of priorities. I have my hands more than full trying to cope with ... cope with ...'Though her voice trailed off, her eyes continued to speak. 1 17 And Derek, who'd done his homework well, heard every word. She was trying to cope with endless days of constant child care, with one useless doctor's appointment after another, with the total disruption of what would, given her husband's standing, have been a socially active life. And through it all were worry and unsureness, questions without answers, a future in doubt. He steeled himself to press his bid, but it was hard, because her eyes held that pleading again. Then a beeping sound broke into his concentration. His watch. He'd set it to remind himself of a later appointment. He stabbed at the button in annoyance, asking himself why he'd set the alarm, knowing that it was his standard practice, wondering if it was crude. '/ he muttered and took a minute to get over his confusion. Then he asked, '
    you still write?' Her smile was sad this time, and she pressed a soft kiss to the baby's head before she spoke. ' don't have the time, much less the psychic energy.' ' it would be an outlet.', ' that what your work is for you?' ''s my vocation.' ' is it an outlet, too?, she asked. ' creative energy, yes.' He lowered his head and thought for a minute. ' nervous energy too, I suppose.' Tilhat makes you nervous?' He knew that he should be turning the questions around. He was the interviewer, and there was the business of maintaining a professional facade. But the facade seemed suddenly artificial, and Sabrina's clear gaze demanded better. ' life/ he answered. ' I'm going. What I want.' 18 y should those things make you nervous?' se I'm not always sure where I'll end up and ecau er that'll be where I want to be.' ere do you want to be?' don't know!' he said. Then, hearing his own
    'd" ft6stration, ran a handful of fingers through his dark and forced a dry chuckle. You re nearing the fu ar. ' you seem so ... Page 5
    Barbara Delinsky -