Disclaimer: Not mine.
For Richer and for Poorer
He gives him a choice: his family, or wealth and freedom. Some part of him realizes instantly that this is a mistake, that this worm of a man should not be so privileged. If he's being honest with himself, he would rather see this disgusting and distant relative of his crumpled on the floor in a lifeless, bloodless heap. But this man has a son, and that son loves him with his all in spite of his cruelties.
Something inside lurches and knots when Roger hesitates, actually has to think about his answer. Barnabas thinks he shouldn't have had to give it some thought, that it all should have come naturally. But, of course, it doesn't. Not for this man. His fingers twitch against Roger's throat, long and sharp nails threatening to pierce his pulse point, because he knows his answer before it even settles in this simple man's simple mind.
But he gave him a choice, and death was never an option.
Roger chooses the money, and Barnabas still would rather see him dead than leaving, but a part of him can't help but think David will be that much better off without his father.
He does, after all, still – and will always – have his mother.