Okay, guys. I feel a bit guilty about the lapse in updates, especially because this long-awaited chapter is so skimpy. My intent was to write a nice, long chapter, but with great disappointment, I hit a wall and failed to scale it. As a result, this is only a small peek into Red's fast-talking mind. I wouldn't describe it as filler, since Red's thoughts actually inform what's to come, and why. That said, if you were to skip over this chapter entirely, you wouldn't be completely lost, but putting the pieces together wouldn't be easy.
As Red would say, so... shall we get started?
Disclaimer: I have zero affiliation with both The Blacklist and Boston Legal.
Chapter Eight
Red wasn't often at a loss for words, but then again, he wasn't often in a situation like this, either. In an effort to buy himself a moment to think it over, he excused himself to use the men's room. He promised Denny that he would return with another round of scotch, knowing it would buy a little more time.
Red's mind raced to weigh his options.
He could change the subject, then call Lizzie to break the news. "Turns out, Tom was right. Your biological father is alive. Actually, he's Denny. Will you fly out to Boston tomorrow for a paternity test, just to be sure?"
Eh.
He could also change the subject with Denny, then call Lizzie and try to convince her to fly in without saying why. That seemed a little back-handed. Red didn't want her to feel manipulated. Would it be better if he admitted that he had something serious to discuss, but would prefer to do it in person? She'd want to know why he couldn't just tell her when he came home. How would be respond to that? Beg her to trust him, and promise that she would soon understand his reasons? That approach would likely stir up unwelcome memories of their early interactions.
Red certainly didn't want that.
On the other hand, he could first divulge the news to Denny, and then call Lizzie after. But what if he's wrong? What if the girl in the photograph wasn't Lizzie? It wasn't inconceivable that Lizzie could have an unknown half-sister. It would be unconscionable to get Denny's hopes up only to shatter them.
That would destroy him.
There was also one entirely different approach. Red could quietly gather the necessary DNA evidence, and then order an expedited paternity test. If they match, he'll tell them. If they don't, no one needs to know. No harm, no foul.
Yes. That appeared to be the safest route. Resuming a normal conversation with Denny would be no easy feat. Red could only hope that he was up for it.