Chapter 26
DECREPIT.
That was the word that came to mind as Decker studied the outside of the Baron mansion.
He had pounded twice on the battered double front doors and had heard nothing in return.
Jamison said, “Maybe he’s not home.”
“It’s a big house. Maybe he has to walk a long way to answer the door.And he told me he’s usually here.”
A few moments later they indeed heard footsteps approaching.
The door swung open and John Baron the Fourth looked back at them.
Decker noted that he was wearing the same clothes as the other night. His hair was just as disheveled and his eyes were full of sleep.
“Did we wake you?” Decker asked, giving him a long look, sinceit was late in the afternoon.
Baron smiled and stretched out his long frame.
“Actually, you did. I was up before, of course. Rolled out of bed right around noon as usual. This was just a refresher nap before I go to bed tonight.”
He glanced at a wide-eyed Jamison. “And who do we have here?” he said.
“We have here, Alex Jamison,” said Jamison. “I’m Decker’spartner.”
“Lucky you, Decker,” said Baron. “Now, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?”
“We’re investigating the murders,” said Decker.
“So you told me.”
“We’d like to ask you some questions.”
The smile remained at full wattage. “And why’s that?”
“Just routine.”
“Right. That’s what they say when they have no grounds toask questions but want to come in anyway. Well, I would be delighted, but only if the charming Alex here gets to ask questions too.”
He backed away and waved them in.
They stepped through and he closed the door behind them.
Jamison immediately shivered, because there was a chilly draft in the hall.
Baron noted this and said, “I don’t turn the heat on officiallyuntil January. So we have some months to go until warmth returns. Oil-fired furnace. Beastly expensive. And one must live within one’s means.”
He led them down the hall. As they passed open doorways on both sides of the grand passage they glimpsed rooms of immense size with decorations and furnishings from many decades ago. The atmosphere in each was one of decay.
“Quite aplace,” said Jamison.
“Actually the craftsmanship was abysmal and the materials were the cheapest available.”
“Why is that?” asked Decker.
“Because Baron the First was loath to part with a dime. I think his role model was Ebenezer Scrooge. But he wanted a symbol of his wealth on display for all the town to see. And this was the result.”