"Mr. Reddington, I think it's time to introduce Dembe to a sex surrogate. I've taken the liberty of contacting three women, all of whom are certified by the International Professional Surrogates Organization that I think would be a good match for him. Because of his background, he suffers from erotophobia; a fear of sex. However, lately he has begun to express a curiosity about and a longing for romance, sex and intimacy. He told me that he finally asked you if you enjoyed sex. That represents tremendous progress on his part. Obviously, we've been speaking about his feelings for years, but I've gone as far as I can with him. He needs to begin experiencing some of these things for himself."

Red sat opposite the doctor, legs crossed while he fiddled with the brim of his fedora. He had known this day was coming, but now that it was here, he was feeling more than a little uncertain. "I want to interview these women first. Are you completely certain that he is interested in women? I would not have a problem if he were attracted to men, but I would have a problem with you if you were trying to steer him away from his personal truth."

Doctor Benoit straightened his spine and replied, "We have discussed his desires and fantasies at length and they all revolve around women. He's sexually terrified of men and finds the idea of willingly having sex with one abhorrent."

Red found that answer acceptable. "I know we spoke before about setting him up with a sex surrogate, but that was before he mentioned having an interest. If he's open to the idea of having a full relationship with a woman, wouldn't it be better to give him some time to try to work it out for himself?"

"Dembe isn't used to being touched and, quite frankly, the idea of someone touching him intimately makes him extremely nervous. He's afraid he might strike out."

"I've barely touched him since he moved in with me," Red admitted, "I want him to trust me. I'm an affectionate man toward people I care about, but I'm worried that if I were to hug and kiss him, he would think it's a prelude to something else. I've made up my mind that he will have to approach me for physical affection."

"That's very wise, Mr. Reddington. It's been more than three years since he came to live with you and he has only just recently started to trust the bond that is building between you."

Red's lips quirked at that statement. "'Just recently?'" he repeated.

"Well, within the last year. When he first moved in with you, he feared that you wanted him as your personal sex slave, even after you had assured him you didn't. When he began to believe that, he was afraid that if he didn't do well with his studies, you would send him back to Nairobi."

"I didn't know that."

"He didn't want you to know; again, because he was afraid of displeasing you. He is beginning to feel love for you, Mr. Reddington. You are his savior and he's starting to see you as a father figure."

"It's been a long time since I've had the love of a child." Red sat quietly for a few moments as he let that feeling soak into his psyche. He looked at the man seated behind the desk. "When can I speak with these women?"

"They can be here in a few hours if you want to come back to my office."

"Perfect. Is four good?"

"I'll make it good. See you then."