Baron cocked the hammer.
“Do it, rich boy, do it. I dare you,” squealed Ross.
Decker said, “He wants you to do it, John, because then he knows I’ll have to arrest you. It would be like he’d be killing you too, just like he did your parents. You gonna let him sucker you like that?”
Baron pressed the barrel against Ross’s forehead and heldit there until the old man started to shake with fear and tears spilled out of his eyes.
Then he uncocked the hammer and handed it to Decker with a smile. “You can’t be serious. I’m far toohigh-and-mightyto fall for that.”
Ross cursed and spit at him, even as Baron righted the wheelchair, lifted the old man up, and placed him back in it.
“Come on, Mr. Ross, I’lleven push you right up to the paddy wagon. You can ride to jail with your son. Two peas in a thoroughly rotten pod.”
Decker leaned down to stare at Ross.
“You were wrong.”
“About what?” snapped Ross.
“Therearesome things illegal in Baronville.”
As they headed back up through the woods Baron looked over at Decker.
“The only friend Ihave is Cindi Riley.”
“I know.”
“Until now, that is.” He paused and stopped pushing the wheelchair. “I count you and Alex as friends. It’s very clear where I would be without both of you caring enough to figure out the truth to all this.”
Decker glanced over at him. “I believe in second chances, John, because I got one, right when I really needed it. How about you?Do you believe in them?”
Baron looked around at the grounds that were once part of his family’s elegant estate.
“I didn’t, until a few minutes ago.”
“Well, that’s all that really counts.”