Who takes the lead in Chapter Twenty-six?

I don't know that I would say he's even in the position to take the lead, but Tom steps up in this chapter and takes the time to start checking up on things and looking out for the interests of his family. He looks into the strike, and the false information, along with the deflated earning. He also gets himself involved in another murder, while defending Casy........ but his mother won't let him run.....