While a lot of transactions were taken care of digitally, hand-written signatures were still considered the norm for bailouts as far as he could tell. That, or the officers he spoke with, had liked having his signature. Regardless of what the reasoning was, writing contact information down by hand took time. Too much time.

“You look like shit.” 

Duncan closed his eyes and resigned himself to his fate with an audible sigh. [color=9e0b0f]“That’s what happens to you when you have to fly over because your sibling messed up.”[/color] He glanced over his shoulder with narrowed eyes. [color=9e0b0f]“Again.” [/color]

Of course, that wasn’t the actual reason why he had come to the States. There was a conference three days from now in Washington DC. It could attract investors, the thing his research needed most. There was a lot riding on this one too, as he had already refused a serious cash infusion from Corleone’s foundation. It had been another humiliating blow by Giovanni, as his refusal to accept that support had angered most of his colleagues. Yet Duncan had high hopes for this conference. For the future. After all, he had brought his trump card. 

Just as he signed the final page, Errol expressed his impatience. The officer addressed him politely, to which Duncan added. [color=9e0b0f]“And I will not be doing it again.”[/color] It came out coldly, as it always did. Yet this time there was truth in it. Without funding, he had no income. At least not nearly enough to pay both Clementine’s rent and her many, [i]many[/i] bills. He had his savings, of course, but he would not spend those on his ungrateful sister. That was a line he refused to cross. 

Errol quickly offered to pay half the bill and did so before Duncan could refuse. He looked at the stack of money, then to Errol. [color=9e0b0f]“And where did you get all that?”[/color] He put down the pen. [color=9e0b0f]“Yes, I suppose I can see the resemblance.” [/color]

His remark wasn’t enough to push his half-brother away. Instead, Errol started to talk about his appearance again. [color=9e0b0f]“Try watching the news.”[/color] Was all Duncan returned. What else was there to tell? That someone had tried to kill him last night? He barely even knew the details of it, let alone the motive. [color=9e0b0f]“Why did you come here anyway Errol. You knew that I’d have this sorted.”[/color] To this day, he could never understand why Errol bothered to show up for issues like these, and not those that actually mattered. Their kind was oppressed, and Errol was one of the strongest Duncan knew. Yet he hadn’t ever used his powers responsibly, nor had he stepped up for mutantkind.  No, Giovanni’s prized second son had joined a gang, just like his father. Duncan couldn’t help but wonder if that wasn’t all just part of some bigger plot to merge their two gangs into one. The idea alone was reason enough not to get attached and to keep his eyes on his half-brother. Because if he was right, then taking care of it would be his responsibility. As would be the safekeeping of his other responsibility.

The one that the brothers both had to pay a sizable sum of dollars for to see. Not that it was worth it either – the girl felt the immediate need to call him out too. Exasperated, he said [color=9e0b0f]“Yeah, I know.”[/color]

It was painful to watch her be more affectionate toward Errol. Not only because of his own gripes with the Acosta-side, but also because he couldn’t imagine Errol setting the right example. 

With a handshake and thank you to the officer, Duncan finished his part of the transaction. Then answered Clementine. [color=9e0b0f]“Yes. We’re leaving as soon as I find a cab.”[/color] Duncan cautiously brushed past them toward the station’s exit. 

He was reminded of why he decided against living in New York himself the second he stepped outside. The overwhelming noise, crowded streets, and many cars made it look anything but peaceful. 

As his eyes darted uneasily over the many people, Duncan realized it wasn’t the city that made him uncomfortable. It was the thought of last night’s attempted assassination. She could be staring at him right now, and he wouldn’t have the faintest idea that she did.  

He stood still for a moment, scanning the streets more actively than he had done before.