J.D. keeps quiet about Henry Jr.’s threats because he is glad that his family approves of what he is doing. Cutting hair lets him buy the things he wants, and he is proud because he is skilled at cutting hair. That night, he decides that he will find a way to retaliate against Henry Jr, concluding that the man is only angry because J.D. “cut[s] kids’ hair better and cheaper” (76).

J.D. and Jordan brainstorm different ways to stop Henry Jr., finally deciding on the idea of challenging Henry Jr. to a barber competition. If J.D. wins, he will be allowed to keep cutting hair. For the rest of the night, J.D. is excited by the possibilities in Jordan’s solution.

J.D. leaves a note for Henry Jr., challenging him to a barber competition and asking him to check “yes” or “no.” A few days later, J.D. gets the note back and is amazed to see that “Henry Jr. had checked the ‘Yes’ box” (82).