Father's Financial Ruin and Death

Larry Decker's gambling debts catch up with him. A menacing loan shark, Naaman "Bobo" Silver, visits the house, threatening Theo. Larry tries to get Theo to help him access his mother's trust fund, but the lawyer, Mr. Bracegirdle, refuses. In a rage, Larry hits Theo. Shortly after, Larry dies in a drunk-driving car crash, having relapsed into alcoholism. His death leaves Theo alone with Xandra, who is indifferent to him. This event is the final catalyst for Theo's decision to run away.