Disclaimer: I'm in no way connected to The Blacklist, and I'm not profiting from this story.

Chapter one:

"DENNY! You old fat cat." Red boomed, arms open, before pulling his old friend into a hearty embrace. "I see you won't be fitting into your Navy Blues again anytime soon."

Poking a finger into Red's ribs, Denny grinned. "Just wait until you're my age. Think you'll want to cut back on the Scotch and cigars anytime soon? You're looking at your future, my friend. Denny Crane. Fat and happy."

"Denny, where's your old Ruger? You never go anywhere without it."

"You're still a sneaky sonofabitch, Raymond. And here I thought that was only a hug. Shirley hates it." In a lowered voice, he added, "I've got it strapped to my ankle."

Red grinned. "My flamingo." Then added, "Speaking of Shirley, how is the old battle ax? The kids? Tell me I won't want to wrestle you for her again."

"Don't start with me, Raymond. Shirley Schmidt will always be off-limits. She's a goddess. She's MY goddess."

"She didn't take your name."

"Of course not! Can you imagine the power of SHIRLEY CRANE? The world would tremble and collapse."

"She refused."

"Damn right. Did you expect differently?"

Red smiled fondly. "Never."

"Oh, the kids! You remember Donnie. I just made him partner. You know, I'm proud of the little pinko. We're changing the signs tomorrow. Crane, Schmidt, and Crane."

"Perfect."

"Sebastian's at Harvard Law, now. Blood of my blood, that one. Shirley thought we were too old. My legacy is ageless! The boy's gonna be president, Raymond. I can feel it."

"I'll have to hire someone else to cast it, but he has my vote."

"Of course."

"I thought you had a daughter."

"Yes." He paused. "Just the one. Elise."

"And?" implored Red

"She really took after Shirley. Orange of my eye. A firey lefty social worker. And you will NOT believe this..."

Dismissing his urge to tell him that it's apple, Red pressed "My breath is baited, Denny. Out with it."

Denny was beaming. "I'm gonna be a grandpa!"

"That's wonderful news! Congratulations! We'll have to discuss our business with cigars instead of waiting until after." Reaching into his inner coat pocket, he pulled out a small and well-worn, leather-bound cigar case. Proffering one to his friend, he said, "The finest that money can buy, and suitable for the many momentous aspects of this day."

"Come, Raymond. You'll love what I've done with the balcony."

Red smiled. "Lead the way, my friend."