Open Writing

There's nothing more to say, is there?' she says. 'I mean, I've said it all into that flaming tape-recorder of yours, haven't I? You know my life story by now, the full story. I can't go over it all again. There's nothing to add, no, nothing at all.'

'Hm,' I say, 'are you sure?'

'Of course I'm sure. I know you think I've left bits out but I haven't. At least, not on purpose . . . Well, I accept that there may be one or two things I've glossed over. We all do, don’t we? It's only natural.'

'Yes, that's probably true but -'

'After all, who would want to blurt everything out, every single detail? Nobody would, would they? There's always something that you don't want to reveal, some bit that doesn't really do you much credit, don't you think?'

'Well, it all depends .. . Now, as far as the Daily Blare is concerned -'

'Nothing criminal, mind .. . just silly or thoughtless things that I've said or done. . . words and actions, that's all. But hurtful. Nothing to cry about now or to do penance over. . . just stupidity, really. Not knowing the damage that can be done.'

'Damage? What damage?'

'No, please, I don't want to say any more. I've said too much already. And if you think I'm going to start telling the story all over again, I mean, if that's what you expect, then you've got another think coming, haven't you?'

'No, that's not what I expect. It's just that -'

‘And I won't name names just to please you. No, I will not name names. In fact, even if you offered me twice as much I simply wouldn't name names ... all those celebrities, politicians, tycoons and even journalists . . . they all trust me.'

'So their secrets are safe with you, then, are they?'

'Oh, yes, of course they are. I know what I know. And they know what I know. And they know that they can trust me not to -'

'Well, if that's the situation,' I say, standing up, 'the deal's off.'

'Hey,' she says, 'hang on a minute ... sit down ... let me think.'