“I know who you are,” Tracy said with a touch of scorn.
“Uh-oh!” Kelly said. “I have the uncomfortable feeling that my reputation precedes me. I hope you don’t hold it against me that I did that segment on cardiac surgeons and Medicare.”
“I felt it was underhanded,” Tracy said. “Kim was under the impression that you were sympathetic when he agreed to do the interview.”
“I was to an extent,” Kelly said. “After all, I did present both sides of the issue.”
“Only in regard to falling professional incomes,” Tracy said. “Which you made the focus. In reality that’s only one of the issues that concern cardiac surgeons.”
A pink blur raced past Kelly and Tracy and drew their attention to the rink. Becky had increased her speed and was now tensing as she streaked backward. Then, to the delight of the impromptu audience of shoppers, she executed a perfect triple axel. More applause erupted.
Kelly let out a faint whistle. “Your daughter is a phenomenal skater.”
“Thank you,” Tracy said. “We think she is a phenomenal person.”
Kelly regarded Tracy in an attempt to interpret her comment. Kelly couldn’t quite decide if it were meant to be disdainful or merely informative. But Tracy’s face gave little hint. She stared back at Kelly with a soulful but undecipherable expression.
“Did she get her skating talent from you?” Kelly asked.
Tracy laughed freely, letting her head fall back in true amusement. “Hardly,” she said. “I’ve never had a pair of skates on my clumsy feet. We don’t know where she got her talent. One day she just said she wanted to skate, and the rest is history.”
“My daughter says Becky’s going to the Nationals this year,” Kelly said. “That might make a good story for WENE.”
“I don’t think so,” Tracy said. “Becky was invited, but she’s decided not to go.”
“I’m sorry,” Kelly said. “Gosh, you and the good doctor must be crushed.”
“Her father’s not terribly happy,” Tracy said. “But to be honest, I’m relieved.”
“Why is that?” Kelly asked.
“That level of competition extracts a high price from anyone, much less a prepubescent child. It’s not always mentally healthy. It’s a lot of risk without a lot of payoff.”
“Hmmm,” Kelly said. “I’ll have to give that some thought. But, meanwhile, I’ve got a more pressing problem. I’m trying to do a piece for tonight’s eleven o’clock news since today’s the sixth-month anniversary of AmeriCare’s merger of the Samaritan with the University Med Center. What I wanted was the community’s reaction, but I’ve run into a lot of apathy. So I’d love to get your husband’s feelings on the issue since I know he’d have an opinion. By any chance is he coming here to the rink this afternoon?”
“No,” Tracy said with a giggle, as if Kelly had suggested an absurdity. “He never leaves the hospital until six or seven on weekdays. Never!”
“Too bad,” Kelly commented, while her mind rapidly processed various contingencies. “Tell me, do you think your husband would be willing to talk with me?”
“I really have no idea,” Tracy said. “You see, we’ve been divorced for a number of months, so I couldn’t guess how he feels about you at the moment.”
“I’m sorry,” Kelly said with sincerity. “I didn’t have any idea.”
“No need to be sorry. It was best for everyone, I’m afraid. A casualty of the times and a clash of personalities.”
“Well, I can imagine being married to a surgeon, particularly a cardiac surgeon, is no picnic. I mean, they think that everything pales in importance compared to what they do.”
“Hmmm,” Tracy responded noncommittally.
“I know I couldn’t stand it,” Kelly said. “Egotistical, self-centered personalities like your former husband and I don’t mix.”
“Maybe that’s saying something about you,” Tracy suggested.
“You think so?” Kelly said. She paused for a moment, recognizing she was dealing with a gentle but quick wit. “Maybe you’re right. Anyway, let me ask you this: Would you have any idea where I might find your former husband right now? I’d really like to talk with him.”
“I can guess where he is,” Tracy said. “He’s probably in surgery. With all the fighting for OR time at the med center, he’s had to do all three of his weekly cases on Friday.”