"Finally." And despite the clear frustration in his voice, the man does spare a moment to thank her before grasping his cane and brushing past.

Coming to New York had been a mistake. He told himself that, though -- he did reclaim a few things of Neal's. A consolation at best, if you could call it that. Now it felt even more important not to leave those things in that apartment.

To Archie, when they were finally outside: "This city isn't exactly for the thrifty; where have you been staying?"