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    Buried Prey

    by Sandford, John
    “Buried Prey” by John Sandford is a gripping crime thriller featuring detective Lucas Davenport. When the bodies of two missing girls are discovered decades after their disappearance, Davenport revisits a cold case that has haunted him since his early career. The novel alternates between the original investigation and the present-day pursuit of justice, exploring themes of persistence, guilt, and the passage of time. Sandford’s sharp prose and intricate plotting highlight the complexities of police work and the personal toll of unsolved crimes. A standout in the Prey series, this book delves into Davenport’s character while delivering a tense, satisfying mystery.
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    Buried Prey

    Chapter 13

    by Sandford, John

    The chap­ter opens with con­trast­ing per­spec­tives of Lucas Dav­en­port and the Jones killer. While Lucas wakes up com­fort­ably, the killer endures phys­i­cal agony after a gru­el­ing bike ride from Ver­mil­ion to the Twin Cities, exac­er­bat­ing his sad­dle sores and hem­or­rhoids. Lucas, mean­while, feels self-sat­is­fied after his inves­ti­ga­tion into the Jones case gains media atten­tion, hop­ing it will spur Min­neapo­lis cops into action. The killer’s dis­com­fort under­scores his des­per­a­tion, while Lucas’s con­fi­dence hints at his deter­mi­na­tion to close the case.

    Lucas revis­its his inves­ti­ga­tion by track­ing down three for­mer mas­sage-par­lor work­ers linked to the Jones case. He meets Dor­cas Ryan, who has aged well and lives a mod­est life. She iden­ti­fies a sus­pect, John Fell, from a set of com­pos­ite sketch­es, con­firm­ing Lucas’s sus­pi­cions. This break­through ener­gizes Lucas, mark­ing a piv­otal moment in the case. Ryan also pro­vides updates on the oth­er women: Lucy Landry, who strug­gles with addic­tion, and Mary Ann Ang, who mar­ried into wealth and left her past behind. Ryan warns Lucas against dis­rupt­ing Ang’s life, high­light­ing the eth­i­cal dilem­ma of reopen­ing old wounds.

    Next, Lucas vis­its Lucy Landry, who lives in a run-down apart­ment and appears disheveled. Despite her rough state, she cor­rob­o­rates Ryan’s iden­ti­fi­ca­tion of Fell, tweak­ing the sketch to bet­ter match her mem­o­ry. Their con­ver­sa­tion reveals Fell’s pat­tern of tar­get­ing women over the years, deep­en­ing Lucas’s resolve to appre­hend him. Landry’s men­tion of a TV inter­view with a sur­vivor, Kel­ly Bark­er, rein­forces the killer’s ongo­ing threat. Lucas leaves with renewed clar­i­ty but decides against con­tact­ing Ang, pri­or­i­tiz­ing her well-being over poten­tial leads.

    The chap­ter clos­es with the killer inca­pac­i­tat­ed by mus­cle spasms, hint­ing at his phys­i­cal decline. Mean­while, Lucas shifts focus to research, con­fi­dent he has enough evi­dence to iden­ti­fy Fell. The par­al­lel nar­ra­tives empha­size the killer’s vul­ner­a­bil­i­ty and Lucas’s strate­gic progress, set­ting the stage for a con­fronta­tion. The chap­ter bal­ances ten­sion with intro­spec­tion, explor­ing the moral weight of Lucas’s pur­suit and the killer’s dete­ri­o­rat­ing state.

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    FAQs

    • 1. What physical and psychological effects did the killer experience after his long bike ride, and how does this contrast with Lucas’s condition?

      Answer:
      The killer suffered severe physical discomfort from his arduous bike ride from Vermilion to the Twin Cities, including saddle sores, hemorrhoids, and muscle spasms in his back and legs. His obesity and lack of biking experience exacerbated these issues, leaving him in pain and lying facedown on his couch. In stark contrast, Lucas woke up feeling completely comfortable and self-satisfied, especially after seeing his front-page story about the Jones killer. This juxtaposition highlights the killer’s deteriorating physical state against Lucas’s confident, energized demeanor as he pursues the case.

      2. How does Dorcas Ryan’s current life compare to Lucas’s expectations of former massage-parlor workers, and what does this reveal about his assumptions?

      Answer:
      Lucas initially expected former massage-parlor workers like Dorcas Ryan to fit the stereotype of “broken-down” women with substance abuse issues, based on his past experiences. However, Ryan defies these expectations—she appears as a well-put-together woman in her late forties or fifties, resembling a schoolteacher or bookkeeper. This contrast challenges Lucas’s preconceived notions and underscores the diversity of life trajectories. It also reflects his growth in recognizing that people can overcome difficult pasts, as Ryan has maintained a stable, respectable life despite her earlier profession.

      3. What investigative breakthrough does Lucas achieve during his interview with Dorcas Ryan, and why is it significant?

      Answer:
      The breakthrough occurs when Ryan identifies the Identi-Kit image of John Fell, matching the composite created by Kelly Barker. This confirmation gives Lucas the “hunter’s pleasure” of a case “snapping into focus,” as it validates his suspicion that Fell is the Jones killer. The moment is significant because it provides tangible progress in a long-stalled investigation, linking Fell to the historical crimes and potentially to more recent attacks. It also reinforces the importance of witness testimony in cold cases.

      4. Why does Lucas decide not to interview Mary Ann Ang/Morgan, and what does this reveal about his character development?

      Answer:
      Lucas chooses not to interview Ang/Morgan because he learns she has built a stable life—married to a wealthy man, with children—and fears reopening her traumatic past might “mess her up.” This decision reflects his growth since the 1980s, when he might have pursued the lead without considering the human cost. Now, he prioritizes ethical considerations over investigative thoroughness, recognizing that some truths aren’t worth unearthing if they harm innocent lives. It shows his maturity in balancing justice with compassion.

      5. How does the chapter use contrasting settings (e.g., Lucy Landry’s apartment vs. the killer’s home) to emphasize thematic differences between the characters?

      Answer:
      Landry’s cluttered, bohemian apartment in a converted warehouse—with its onion-smelling elevator and hungover occupant—mirrors her chaotic life of failed spiritual pursuits and alcoholism. Meanwhile, the killer’s home is a place of physical agony, where he collapses in pain. These settings contrast with Lucas’s orderly investigative process and Ryan’s tidy home, symbolizing the spectrum of survival after trauma. The environments reflect each character’s psychological state: Landry’s disarray, the killer’s decay, and Lucas’s controlled determination.

    Quotes

    • 1. “Most cases had a moment or two when a fact or an idea snapped into focus, when you knew you’d just taken a large step, and this was one of those times.”

      This quote captures the pivotal moment when Lucas feels the breakthrough in his investigation, as Dorcas Ryan identifies the suspect’s face. It represents the thrill of detective work and the satisfaction of progress in a cold case.

      2. “We’re lucky we lived through it. If she’s doing good, jeez, it’d be an awful shame to mess her up.”

      Dorcas Ryan reflects on the dark past shared by the massage parlor workers and the ethical dilemma of reopening old wounds. This highlights the lasting trauma of their experiences and Lucas’s moral consideration in pursuing leads.

      3. “If I were putting a face on him, with this computer or whatever it is, that’s what I’d draw. There’s something not quite right around the mouth, but it’s pretty good.”

      Lucy Landry’s identification of the suspect’s face, complete with her artistic correction, demonstrates the collaborative process of criminal investigation. This moment reinforces the growing certainty about the killer’s identity through multiple witness accounts.

      4. “I hate to think about that.”

      Lucas’s terse response to Landry’s question about potential unknown victims reveals his professional detachment battling with human empathy. This understated line speaks volumes about the emotional toll of confronting a serial killer’s possible full body count.

      5. “He might have screwed up a few lives through simple inexperience, way back when, but he didn’t need to screw up another, by showing up on her doorstep with questions about a massage parlor.”

      This introspection shows Lucas’s character growth and ethical consideration as an investigator. It contrasts his younger self’s approach with his current maturity, emphasizing the human cost of investigations beyond just solving cases.

    Quotes

    1. “Most cases had a moment or two when a fact or an idea snapped into focus, when you knew you’d just taken a large step, and this was one of those times.”

    This quote captures the pivotal moment when Lucas feels the breakthrough in his investigation, as Dorcas Ryan identifies the suspect’s face. It represents the thrill of detective work and the satisfaction of progress in a cold case.

    2. “We’re lucky we lived through it. If she’s doing good, jeez, it’d be an awful shame to mess her up.”

    Dorcas Ryan reflects on the dark past shared by the massage parlor workers and the ethical dilemma of reopening old wounds. This highlights the lasting trauma of their experiences and Lucas’s moral consideration in pursuing leads.

    3. “If I were putting a face on him, with this computer or whatever it is, that’s what I’d draw. There’s something not quite right around the mouth, but it’s pretty good.”

    Lucy Landry’s identification of the suspect’s face, complete with her artistic correction, demonstrates the collaborative process of criminal investigation. This moment reinforces the growing certainty about the killer’s identity through multiple witness accounts.

    4. “I hate to think about that.”

    Lucas’s terse response to Landry’s question about potential unknown victims reveals his professional detachment battling with human empathy. This understated line speaks volumes about the emotional toll of confronting a serial killer’s possible full body count.

    5. “He might have screwed up a few lives through simple inexperience, way back when, but he didn’t need to screw up another, by showing up on her doorstep with questions about a massage parlor.”

    This introspection shows Lucas’s character growth and ethical consideration as an investigator. It contrasts his younger self’s approach with his current maturity, emphasizing the human cost of investigations beyond just solving cases.

    FAQs

    1. What physical and psychological effects did the killer experience after his long bike ride, and how does this contrast with Lucas’s condition?

    Answer:
    The killer suffered severe physical discomfort from his arduous bike ride from Vermilion to the Twin Cities, including saddle sores, hemorrhoids, and muscle spasms in his back and legs. His obesity and lack of biking experience exacerbated these issues, leaving him in pain and lying facedown on his couch. In stark contrast, Lucas woke up feeling completely comfortable and self-satisfied, especially after seeing his front-page story about the Jones killer. This juxtaposition highlights the killer’s deteriorating physical state against Lucas’s confident, energized demeanor as he pursues the case.

    2. How does Dorcas Ryan’s current life compare to Lucas’s expectations of former massage-parlor workers, and what does this reveal about his assumptions?

    Answer:
    Lucas initially expected former massage-parlor workers like Dorcas Ryan to fit the stereotype of “broken-down” women with substance abuse issues, based on his past experiences. However, Ryan defies these expectations—she appears as a well-put-together woman in her late forties or fifties, resembling a schoolteacher or bookkeeper. This contrast challenges Lucas’s preconceived notions and underscores the diversity of life trajectories. It also reflects his growth in recognizing that people can overcome difficult pasts, as Ryan has maintained a stable, respectable life despite her earlier profession.

    3. What investigative breakthrough does Lucas achieve during his interview with Dorcas Ryan, and why is it significant?

    Answer:
    The breakthrough occurs when Ryan identifies the Identi-Kit image of John Fell, matching the composite created by Kelly Barker. This confirmation gives Lucas the “hunter’s pleasure” of a case “snapping into focus,” as it validates his suspicion that Fell is the Jones killer. The moment is significant because it provides tangible progress in a long-stalled investigation, linking Fell to the historical crimes and potentially to more recent attacks. It also reinforces the importance of witness testimony in cold cases.

    4. Why does Lucas decide not to interview Mary Ann Ang/Morgan, and what does this reveal about his character development?

    Answer:
    Lucas chooses not to interview Ang/Morgan because he learns she has built a stable life—married to a wealthy man, with children—and fears reopening her traumatic past might “mess her up.” This decision reflects his growth since the 1980s, when he might have pursued the lead without considering the human cost. Now, he prioritizes ethical considerations over investigative thoroughness, recognizing that some truths aren’t worth unearthing if they harm innocent lives. It shows his maturity in balancing justice with compassion.

    5. How does the chapter use contrasting settings (e.g., Lucy Landry’s apartment vs. the killer’s home) to emphasize thematic differences between the characters?

    Answer:
    Landry’s cluttered, bohemian apartment in a converted warehouse—with its onion-smelling elevator and hungover occupant—mirrors her chaotic life of failed spiritual pursuits and alcoholism. Meanwhile, the killer’s home is a place of physical agony, where he collapses in pain. These settings contrast with Lucas’s orderly investigative process and Ryan’s tidy home, symbolizing the spectrum of survival after trauma. The environments reflect each character’s psychological state: Landry’s disarray, the killer’s decay, and Lucas’s controlled determination.

    Note