Chaper two
There wasn't a single cloud over Boston. The sun shone brightly despite the chill of the breeze rolling in from the harbor. The city seemed to sparkle, and Denny was right. Raymond did love what he did with the balcony: not a damn thing.
Seeming to read Red's thoughts, Denny interrupted the comfortable silence. "I was never one to disturb perfection."
"No?"
"No."
Closing the last page of Red's lengthy immunity contract, Denny let out an exasperated sigh. The paperwork was flawless, and he knew that Red already knew this.
"Raymond."
"Denny?"
"Tell me why you're really here."
"For all the work I've done for the FBI.. hell, for this country, some powerful people still want me behind bars. It would be foolish to not get a second opinion, because this is my second chance, Denny, and I don't intend to squander it."
"Of course, but sti-"
Red cut him off. "Surely you understand the gravity of the situation. If this fails, I can only run or go to prison. I'm tired of running, Denny. I want to finally rest. I want the luxury of solitary moments without looking over my own shoulder, and with the knowledge that there will be many more to come. And I want her t-"
This time, he cut himself off. That was a mistake. His relationship with Lizzie was a well-kept secret. Was. They would go public soon, but not until he was officially cleared of his nearly-countless charges. Not until it was safe for her, and damnit, it wasn't safe yet. Denny won't let this one go. Raymond was sure of it.
He could just leave now. He doesn't have to give up anything else. Why not stand up and go? Just stand up. Just stand.. Stand. Stand!
Oh, hell. He's missed this. The view of the Boston skyline, scotch in one hand, cigar in the other, and Denny. Friendships never came easily to Red, but he and Denny were synced so comfortably, as if they were never apart. He could finally admit to himself how much he had missed this, and this too was a second chance that he couldn't squander.
"Who is she, Raymond? Who's your second chance? Tell me about her."
"SHE is besides the point, Denny. That's my freedom, right there, in your hands."
"Your evasive attitude is as infuriating as ever."
Lizzie wouldn't want him to lose a friend over this. Lizzie would want to meet him someday. But... would she want him to out them now? If so, how will he protect her? Will he even have to? Red detests uncertainty. It's one of the most effective means of torture.
Denny was openly staring at him now, both imploring and annoyed. Digging in with his mental spurs, his mind was racing.
Think fast, Reddington.