Buried Prey
Chapter 4
by Sandford, JohnIn Chapter 4, patrolman Lucas Davenport faces a dilemma: whether to report his findings to the Homicide department or pursue the investigation independently. Temporarily in plainclothes, he fears losing control of the case if he involves more experienced detectives. Deciding to act alone, Lucas drives to the Mississippi River to search for a homeless man described by a mailman as living in makeshift refrigerator boxes under an oak tree. The urgency of the missing children case propels him forward, despite the risk of being reassigned or reverting to uniformed duty.
Lucas arrives at an affluent neighborhood near the river and parks illegally, identifying himself as a cop to a resident named Art Prose. Prose informs him that the homeless man was evicted weeks earlier but directs Lucas to the site under the oak tree. Lucas examines the area, finding a hidden trail leading to the boxes covered by plastic sheeting. The makeshift shelter is littered with trash, suggesting recent habitation. Determined to uncover clues, Lucas crawls inside the cramped, foul-smelling box, where he discovers a hidden compartment.
While inspecting the compartment, Lucas finds a stash of pornographic images, including one depicting a young girl in an explicit act. The discovery shocks him, confirming his suspicions about the homeless man’s potential involvement in the missing children case. Energized by the breakthrough, Lucas rushes back to Prose’s house to call his superior, Lieutenant Daniel, and report the findings. He emphasizes the disturbing nature of the material, urging immediate action.
Daniel orders Lucas to secure the site and await his arrival. The chapter ends with Lucas poised to escalate the investigation, having proven his instincts correct. The discovery not only advances the case but also solidifies Lucas’s determination to pursue justice, despite his unofficial role. The tension between his autonomy and the constraints of his position adds depth to his character and the unfolding mystery.
FAQs
1. What dilemma does Lucas face at the beginning of the chapter, and what factors influence his decision?
Answer:
Lucas faces the dilemma of whether to report his findings to the overnight Homicide team or continue investigating independently. As a patrolman temporarily in plainclothes, he worries that involving more experienced detectives might result in losing control of the case, as happened previously. His desire to prove himself and maintain autonomy outweighs protocol, leading him to pursue the lead alone until his superior, Daniel, intervenes. This decision highlights Lucas’s ambition and the tension between hierarchy and initiative in police work.2. How does the description of the homeless man’s living quarters contribute to the chapter’s atmosphere and plot development?
Answer:
The detailed depiction of the refrigerator boxes, plastic sheeting, and scattered trash creates a grim, unsettling atmosphere that underscores the man’s marginal existence. The discovery of hidden pornography—particularly images of young girls—transforms the setting from a simple homeless encampment to a potential crime scene. This shift raises stakes, validates Lucas’s investigative instincts, and propels the plot forward by linking the man to the missing children case. The environment’s squalor also contrasts sharply with the affluent neighborhood nearby, emphasizing themes of hidden danger.3. Analyze Lucas’s reaction to finding the pornographic photo. What does this reveal about his character and professional mindset?
Answer:
Lucas’s physical response (shaking hands, adrenaline rush) and exclamation (“Jesus Christ”) reveal both his shock at the disturbing content and his excitement at uncovering a critical clue. His comparison of the rush to “kicking Wisconsin in hockey” shows his competitive drive and pride in independent success. Professionally, his immediate recognition of the photo’s significance—linking it to the missing girls—demonstrates sharp intuition. However, his decision to call Daniel afterward suggests he understands the limits of his authority, balancing ambition with procedural awareness.4. How does the chapter use secondary characters (e.g., Art Prose, the mailman) to advance the investigation?
Answer:
Secondary characters serve as conduits for key information. The mailman’s tip about the “crazy guy with the basketball” directs Lucas to the encampment, while Art Prose confirms the man’s absence and provides access to the site. Prose’s wife (though off-page) offers potential eyewitness details, reinforcing community involvement. These interactions highlight how police work relies on civilian cooperation, while also subtly critiquing the neighborhood’s detachment—Prose admits they rarely noticed the man until his presence became a nuisance.5. Evaluate the significance of the chapter’s title, “Buried Prey,” in relation to its events and themes.
Answer:
The title operates both literally and metaphorically. Literally, it references the hidden pornography “buried” in the cardboard box, which may connect to the missing girls (the “prey”). Metaphorically, it speaks to broader themes: the homeless man’s buried existence beneath societal notice, the buried instincts Lucas must dig into to solve the case, and the buried secrets lurking beneath the surface of an idyllic neighborhood. The title foreshadows darker revelations while encapsulating the chapter’s exploration of concealment and discovery.
Quotes
1. “There was no way that Daniel would be back in his office yet, and since Daniel was his sole contact on the case, Lucas felt justified in running along on his own, until Daniel pulled him off.”
This quote captures Lucas’s internal conflict about protocol versus initiative, showing his determination to pursue the investigation despite his junior status. It sets up the chapter’s tension between bureaucratic procedure and instinctive police work.
2. “The site should be easy enough to find, the carrier said, because it was right across a chain-link fence a few hundred yards north of Lake Street.”
This seemingly mundane description gains significance as it leads to the discovery of the homeless man’s hideout - the pivotal location where critical evidence is later found. It demonstrates how routine police work can uncover important clues.
3. “He was holding a pornographic photograph, torn from a badly printed magazine. The woman—girl—in the photo was either very young, or looked very young.”
This shocking discovery represents the chapter’s turning point, transforming a routine follow-up into a potentially case-breaking development. The description’s clinical tone contrasts powerfully with the disturbing content.
4. “The rush was like kicking Wisconsin in hockey.”
This vivid simile captures Lucas’s exhilaration at making a significant find on his own, comparing it to an athletic triumph. It reveals his competitive nature and the adrenaline-fueled satisfaction of police work.
5. “I found where that street guy was staying. He had a stash of porn, with some really young women in it. Like, girls. Young girls.”
This terse phone conversation with Daniel encapsulates the chapter’s climax, where Lucas’s independent investigation pays off with disturbing evidence that may connect to the missing girls case. The repetition of “young girls” emphasizes the gravity of the discovery.