Jennipher's meeting at City Hall had seemed to go fairly well. Or, at least she had done everything she could to make things turn out decently. Now, all she could do was wait and hope that enough of the planning committee would vote in her favour. Hopefully the Community Centre in College Point would be spared in favour of tearing down an old warehouse to build the park.

But there really was nothing else Jenni could do on the matter. President of the Borough of Queens she may be, but that didn't mean she had any power in this city.

Normally at this point, Jenni would have started making her way back to Queens, heading back to the office to keep working, but since she had already needed to be at City Hall, she had scheduled another appointment for later in the day.

An appointment that wouldn't arrive for another three hours. Not even close to enough time to bother trying to get back to the Borough Hall through traffic, but far too long for Jenni to be willing to sit in a chair somewhere in City Hall.

So out the front door and onto the street Jenni went, her navy blue pumps clicking on the cement, shoes which perfectly matched her navy blue pinstriped pantsuit she was wearing.

It really didn't take long to find a little coffee dinner type place that wasn't overly crowded, and inside Jenni walked, setting her briefcase down beside a chair and sitting at the counter. "Coffee please?" She asked as a waitress came over. And, while Jenni figured that she might as well have lunch while she was there, she was just going to start with a coffee.

Open meetings were something Roland enjoyed about City Hall. Shopping for real estate as he was, the president of the Queens borough seemed to be just the person to talk to. Due to the cameras, security checkpoints and varied police personnel, he kept his visit brief and waited outside for her to leave. It wasn't long before she appeared, moving down the streets with an air of confidence. Roland followed, slowly stalking in a practiced manner which came naturally to him. Being aloof was simply not allowed for Roland.

She seemed well put together, her pinstriped suit tracing lines over her features. Roland wore his usual casual bit of khaki and white. Pausing outside the shop, he watched as a businessman put his coins in for a paper. As the man retrieved it and let the door swing shut, Roland's reflexes snapped out and caught the door, relieving the box of an extra paper for himself. Feeling as if enough time had passed, he tucked it under his arm and entered the coffee shop. He saw her at the counter, a steaming cup of coffee before her. He took a seat one stool over from hers, placing the paper on the empty one between them to discourage people from getting in between them.

The waitress made her way to him. "Coffee." It arrived, though the waitress seemed none too pleased at his lack of charm. Roland assumed most people in the city were like that. He took a sip of the hot java and turned to look at her. Time for the chance meeting routine. "Excuse me, aren't you Jennipher Carlson?" A thin, metallic card came from his pocket and he placed it on the counter between them. Stamped in small letters, it had the name of Ronald Turpit and a phone number. Roland had considered putting various roles under the name for particular situations, but the solid card spoke volumes. They were all lies anyway.

While she was waiting for her coffee, Jenni glanced over a menu that was sitting on the counter near her. Pretty typical fare, nothing that stood out, but there were definitely a number of options that she would have to decide between when she ended up actually ordering.

"Can I get you anything else?"

Jenni looked up to see the waitress back, with her coffee. She shook her head as she pulled the mug closer and dumped a couple creamers in. "Not quite yet," she said. "I think I'll just stick with the coffee for now. Thank you."

After taking a couple sips of her coffee, not the best for sure, but it wasn't horrible enough that the taste needed drowned with sugar, Jenni reached down to her briefcase to pull out her day planner. Or at least that's what everyone else in the world called it, to Jenni it was simply 'her book', though Jordan had often teased about it being her lifeline; as long as she had her book, somehow she was able to do just about anything.

There was a small frown on her face, her forehead creased because of the memory, as she straightened back up in her chair. It was getting easier to think about Jordan, but that still didn't mean that it was easy to think about him. Still, progress was progress, and maybe one day she would actually be able to sit there and remember the good times together without also crying.

By this point, Jenni had opened her book, one of those big ones with a whole page for a single day, up to the previous week. This was why the book was so important to her, Jenni didn't just use it as a planner like most people did, recording appointments and such, she used it for everything. Since it was always open on her desk whenever she was working, Jenni would always write whatever thoughts or ideas for other projects that came into her mind in it.

But before she could really start making her way through the backlog of thoughts and plans, Jenni heard a voice beside her. Turning her head, she saw a man sitting two seats down from her, also with a coffee in front of him on the counter, asking if she wasn't Jennipher Carlson.

It was still strange to her, being recognized. Sure, she was a public official, had run for office, and all of that, but she wasn't important enough to have most people know her.

And yet this gentleman recognized her at a dinner, not even at City Hall, or her offices in Queens.

"I am," Jenni said quietly as she flipped her book shut once more and reached out for the card the man was sliding across the counter toward her. "And what can I do for you, Mr. Turpit?" She asked, glancing up at the man after reading the card.

Straight and to the point. Carlson was already someone Roland felt he could work with. The card changed hands and her eyes were focused on the man acrss from her, emanating an aura of business and professionalism, two things Roland admired. Placing the mug of coffee to the side, he turned on the stool to face her at an angle. " I have been following the College Park business in the news recently. While it may be a small item in the great scale view of things, it seemes like a valiant effort to champion the plight of the children, who undoubtedly gain from the center and its meager resources."

It was a simple plan, really. Now that he was free of Mondragon and its reach, Roland was truly free. However, freedom came at a price. While his work would continue unabated, he needed legal fronts to give him reputable records and alibis, should events like the Rockefeller fiasco occur in the future. Appearing as a philanthropist, working for the children of the city, was one of the tried and true methods of many criminals in the city. Even the elected ones. Best to join the bandwagon and become a face among many than stick out like a sore thumb. He continued with his lines.

" It seems that the crux of the problem is the condition of the center. I grew up in similar ciircumstances and we were not fortunate enough to have even such a place to avoid the harsh realities of the street. Fortunately, I pulled myself up by my own bootstraps and made something of myself. I wondered if I might be able to contribute to the refurbishing of the center. Or perhaps a new center could be raised within the confines of the proposed park, giving the city its park, the children a new facility and a park to play in, solving everyone's problems. I could write a check, but I would prefer to have more of a hands on role here. Simply throwing money at a problem does not always fix it. Becoming part of the solution is usually best." He put his best smile on. He had been practicing in front of the mirror, lighting his eyes up to make it seem more real.

As the man spoke, Jenni casually sipped at her coffee. She was rather surprised, though; Mr. Turpit had actually been following the issues with the College Point Centre before he had run into her? He actually knew what the problems behind it all were? Many of the people who used the centre knew it was run down, and were starting to hear of the city's plans to turn the area into a park, but most hadn't put two and two together.

Not only had Mr. Turpit put two and two together, he was also offering to help, funding so that the centre could be fixed up and refurbished. "That is quite the offer, Mr. Turpit," Jenni said, turning on her stool slightly as well so it was easier to look at the man. "I'm not sure if you've actually seen the building or not yet, but it is in rather rough shape, and the groups there don't have the money to find a new, better equipped building, either."

Jenni paused when he said that he would prefer to become involved rather than simply writing a cheque. Paused and examined the man for a moment. If he really meant what he was saying here, if he would actually follow through with it, this was exactly the kind of man Jenni had been looking for. Getting people to simply write cheques for causes was important, most things would never be done without those who wrote cheques and walked away Jenni knew, but the people who had the money and wanted to stay involved in these community projects...you were normally able to get so much more from them, even if it was just them convincing one other person to help out.

"Your help would be greatly appreciated," Jenni said sincerely as she turned her attention back to her book. Opened the front cover, she pulled out one of her own business cards she had tucked there. Then she dug through the book to find where her pen had hidden itself before flipping to the back where she had phone numbers written.

"If you call Beverly here," Jenni continued, handing the card over after writing a name and number on the back. "She'll be able to tell you various things you'd be able to do to help. She's the woman in charge of the building committee for the College Point Centre.

Apparently, most of these places haven't had joint funds to fix their buildings up, the individual groups have fended for themselves trying to get money to keep going. And there are some buildings that are much worse off, College Point is just the most urgent because of the city's plans."

Carlson's eyes and body language said that she was not only listening but was open to the idea. She was turning to face Roland as he had done toward her. Friendly wasn't so difficult. It was slightly preferred to intimidation. Slightly. "I'm not sure if you've actually seen the building or not yet, but it is in rather rough shape, and the groups there don't have the money to find a new, better equipped building, either." Smiling, he offered some hope to the woman." Nothing that some elbow grease and hard work can't solve. Cash never hurt anyone either, so I am told." The charm tap was turned another notch.

She was already thanking him. Roland surmised that she wasn't a mutant, since she seemed to be free of the usual anxieties and paranoia that the majority of them seemed to carry. Considering the lack of onlookers, he saw no need to hide his own gift. The segue into quasi-legal arrangements required a modicum of trust. As she seemed to be looking for something, Roland guessed it was a pen, as she gave him a business card. He allowed his own fountain pen to appear in his hand, which he placed on the counter near her. She had found her own pen, but this way, there was no mistake should something find its way into his hand later. Her own card went into his pocket manually.

Studying her features without beinbg too obvious, he nodded at the appropriate points. " I don't see why I couldn't help with these projects. I have plenty of money and time. Do you suppose I might be able to lease some office space in one of these buildings? Or somewhere else, if you believe a conflict of interest would develop? I travel often, so having somewhere to sit and study the areas locally would undoubtedly aid me. If not, I certainly understand." Just like the mutation, best to get everything right out in the open. The things he intended to expose, anyway.

Cash certainly was helpful. That was something Jenni was finding more and more true with each day as Borough President, in large part because of everything the people of Queens expected and wanted her to do, despite the budget she was alloted. Cash was always helpful, she just needed to come about getting it in different ways than the city.

As she was writing Beverly's name and number on the back of her business card, Jenni noticed a pen had been set on the counter between them. With a glance at it as she handed the card over, she noticed that it was an expensive looking fountain pen, a far cry from what she had been using.

Jenni frowned slightly, wondering how it had gotten there. That wasn't the kind of pen you just carried around in your pocket, after all, and she hadn't noticed Ronald with a briefcase.

Jenni's mind was briefly drawn away from the mysterious appearance of the pen by Ronald's offer to help with other projects as well. Jenni blinked as she turned to face him once more. "That is quite the offer," Jenni commented, a slight smile teasing the corners of her lips. "I'm sure the people of Queens will be quite appreciative once you get to work.

"As for office space, I'm afraid I can't help you there," Jenni continued. "I'm in politics, not real estate, after all. I even ran my campaign out of my apartment, for the most part. But I'm sure there are plenty of places around."

That said, Jenni flipped her book closed once again. It didn't stay open unless she was actually using it, or it was sitting on her desk, never had. But then the slightly confused frown returned to her face, and Jenni looked back at the man sitting two seats down from her. "I do have a couple of questions for you, though, Mr. Turpit," she said. Not that they were bad questions by any means, Jenni was just curious about the man sitting beside her.

"That pen," she started. "I don't even bother carrying fountain pens in my briefcase because they can be bulky and a pain. Please tell me you don't just carry it around in your pocket." The problem was, Jenni realized as she finished speaking, how did the man have that pen if he didn't just carry it in his pocket, because she didn't see a briefcase or anything leaning against his seat like she did. Her frown deepened ever so slightly.

"And why Queens, Mr. Turpit?" Jenni continued. "Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled that you are wanting to help out in Queens, I'm just curious as to why you are choosing Queens over anywhere else. I mean, there's even problems right here in around downtown that could use help from someone like you."

She shut her mouth. She had asked her questions, and hopefully they wouldn't drive Ronald away from helping as he had offered, but any more of her speaking right then possibly would do just that.

Her smile and apparent natural charm glowed as she saw a potential ally before her. Roland watched her eyes move with the appearance of the pen. While it didn't throw her off of her game, it certainly seemed to continue to pull her attention and eyes. While unfortunate that she couldn't help him in his search for real estate, it was more of a query into insider information for the area. Roland was more than capable of finding and paying for a new place to sleep.

Now it appeared as if Miss Carlson had a few questions of her own? Roland remained quiet and did his best to answer as honestly as he allowed himself to."That pen," she started. "I don't even bother carrying fountain pens in my briefcase because they can be bulky and a pain. Please tell me you don't just carry it around in your pocket." Roland smiled. It was almost genuine. He saw no reason to hide his gift. It was already becoming apparent to his foes, so perhaps being as open to his possible allies was a good strategy, as well. " Oh, of course. I do have a case for it." The case appeared neatly before him, the pen leaving their sight. He then turned the case toward her and opened it, the pen inside." I am a mutant. I can move things around. I suppose it has become so natural to me that even slight nuances such as these are commonplace to me. I hope it doesn't offend you."

"And why Queens, Mr. Turpit? Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled that you are wanting to help out in Queens, I'm just curious as to why you are choosing Queens over anywhere else. I mean, there's even problems right here in around downtown that could use help from someone like you." Next came a rare moment for Roland. Perhaps all of this, the talk, the lies, the truth, it was all for this very reason." Believe me, there is plenty of money moving around Manhattan. Manhattan will be fine." He paused for a moment, his fingers drumming against the counter. No reason to go halfway with a thing." The truth is, I am sure Queens needs help as much as anywhere else. I see this as an opportunity to do a small thing for a good cause. I am a bad man. There's no reason to go into particulars, but let's say that doing this sort of thing is like a penance for me. Won't make much difference in the end, but if I can help mend a fraction of the lives I've destroyed, so be it." Cat was as out of the bag as it was going to be. Nothing to do now but see if she stormed out.He really wouldn't blame her if she did.

Jenni jumped slightly as the case for said pen suddenly appeared on the counter at the same time as the pen disappeared. She probably would have jumped when the pen first appeared as well, but hadn't actually seen it materialize as she had the case. A moment later, Ronald was turning the case toward her, opening it to reveal that the pen was now properly inside, and telling her that he was, indeed, a mutant.

As if that hadn't been obvious the moment she had actually seen the case appear out of thin air on the counter. But now that the shock of its sudden appearance was over, Jenni relaxed in her seat once more.

"And why in the world would you being a mutant offend me?" Jenni asked, her tone casual, almost unconcerned. She really wasn't, to be honest. If this man had actually done his research into her, which he seemed to have done based on the fact that he was able to pick her out in a diner in Manhattan, he had to know that her late husband had been a mutant.

Apparently that wasn't the end of Ronald's show and tell. As the man continued, Jenni tensed up, probably more like how he had been expecting her to when he shared that he was a mutant.

By the time that he had finished speaking, Jenni was facing her coffee on the counter once more, not looking at the man beside her. "Plausible deniability," Jenni said softly without turning. "If you're willing to donate your money to charitable projects in Queens, that's really all I need to know."

Even as she was saying this, Jenni was grinding her teeth. If Ronald was as bad a man as he had implied he was...part of her, the lawyer in her, was insisting she look into it, wanting justice to be done. But she had no idea what he had done in the past, no proof, nothing. The other part of her, the humanitarian in her, was trying to push that knowledge away and not worry about it. If all it took was good people trying, then there would be issues like the shape the Community Centre was in.

The initial parlor trick had its desired effect, though it quickly appeared that only the sudden appearance and disappearance had done the startling."And why in the world would you being a mutant offend me?" Roland shrugged slightly, the case returning to his person." Some people are more skittish than others. I should have guessed that someone in politics wouldn't scare easily." He stifled a small chuckle at himself.

His confession of sorts, as vague as it had been, seemed to have more of an effect than the parlor trick could have. This time, Carlson remained facing forward toward her drink. Now, at this moment in time, all was well. Money could flow and children could smile. but then the words slipped from her lips. "Plausible deniability." It really wasn't her fault as it was a common tactic and catchphrase of many politicians. Only the fact the Roland had heard these words from Slate in a moment of vulnerability did he not take to them so well.

His crystalline eyes stared and burned a hole into her temple. Killing her on the spot was no real option, nor was hurting her. She had only made a mistake. She would not even know the mistake she had made. No, it was best for Roland to just let it slide. For now. " I suppose this meeting never took place either then. I will have the money wired to your cause." He turned on his seat, a neat stack of quarters next to the finished cup of coffee.

“Based on what I've seen from my fellow politicians, you should be thankful that I don't hate mutants,” Jenni pointed out. The vast majority of people in politics, Jenni had found, were at best worried about mutants, and at worst the strongest advocates of the detention camps. There was a reason that the Registration Act had been able to get passed into law as easily as it had.

But apparently Ronald thought that because she required plausible deniability, this meeting with him here never happened. Well, she still didn't really know what it was she was trying to be able to deny, should it ever come to that...

“There is nothing wrong with meeting with a true philanthropist,” Jenni told the man even as he was stacking quarters beside his coffee mug. Jenni was still not looking directly at him, though. Though to her, Ronald was a true philanthropist, wanting to actually help the people who really needed it, not simply donating money to museums and such so that galas would be thrown to show off to other rich people how much they had 'helped'.

“I don't know anything more than that, that you're wanting to help the needy in Queens,” she continued, her voice low. “Nor do I need to know. And to be honest, as far as I'm concerned, if people have a problem with that, they can increase my budget so I can make sure I'm only dealing with 'reputable' people, but since that's never going to happen, I have to take what people say they are at face value.”