Why is Duchess determined to go to New York City in the novel, The Lincoln Highway?

Duchess is determined to go to New York City to search for his father in an attempt to take care of what he called “unfinished business” (320). Duchess’ father abandoned him at an orphanage because he met a woman he liked. Later, his father made it appear Duchess had stolen a piece of jewelry, a theft that sent Duchess to the reform facility where he met Emmett.