Buried Prey
Chapter 16
by Sandford, JohnThe chapter opens with Lucas Davenport speeding through the streets in his Lexus, responding to an urgent call from his colleagues Jenkins and Shrake. With a restrained suspect, Berg, in the backseat and his partner Del Capslock by his side, Lucas is tense and confused about the emergency. The urgency in Jenkins and Shrake’s voices suggests a dire situation, though the specifics remain unclear. Upon arriving at the scene, Lucas learns the devastating news: his close friend and colleague, Marcy Sherrill, has been shot and killed during a violent home invasion at the Barker residence. The shock of her death leaves Lucas momentarily frozen, struggling to process the reality.
Del takes charge, driving Lucas across town to the crime scene while Lucas clings to denial, insisting there must be a mistake. Del, however, believes Jenkins’s report is accurate, given his reliability. The atmosphere is heavy with dread as they navigate through traffic, Lucas’s mind racing with disbelief. Upon arrival, they encounter a chaotic scene with Bloomington police securing the area. Detective John Rimes confirms Marcy’s death and provides grim details: two others, including another officer, were injured in the attack. A blood trail suggests the shooter was wounded but escaped in a white cargo van.
Inside the Barker home, Lucas is confronted with the brutal aftermath. Marcy lies lifeless on the floor, her injuries fatal and instantaneous. The scene is marked by overturned furniture and bloodstains, painting a picture of the violent struggle. Rimes shares witness accounts describing the shooter as a large, bearded man, and assures Lucas that DNA evidence will help track him down. Despite the professional tone of the investigation, Lucas is overwhelmed, stepping outside to compose himself as grief takes hold.
Del, recognizing Lucas’s distress, arranges to take him home, insisting someone else should inform Marcy’s family. Lucas, struggling to speak through his tears, is consumed by sorrow and the weight of the loss. The chapter ends with Del guiding Lucas away from the scene, leaving the investigation in the hands of the responding officers. The emotional toll of Marcy’s death is palpable, setting the stage for Lucas’s determination to seek justice in the chapters to come.
FAQs
1. What urgent situation prompts Lucas to drive recklessly at the beginning of the chapter, and how does this set the tone for the events that follow?
Answer:
Lucas receives a frantic call from fellow officers Jenkins and Shrake about an emergency, causing him to speed through traffic with a detained suspect (Berg) in the backseat. This immediate sense of urgency establishes a tense, chaotic tone that escalates when Jenkins reveals that Marcy Sherrill has been fatally shot. The reckless driving mirrors the emotional turmoil and impending doom that permeates the chapter, foreshadowing the devastating news about Marcy’s death and the violent crime scene Lucas encounters later.2. Analyze how the author builds suspense during Lucas and Del’s drive to the crime scene. What literary techniques are employed?
Answer:
The author builds suspense through Lucas’s internal monologue (“yelling out reasons why it couldn’t be right”) and Del’s silent skepticism (“shook his head”). The repetition of Lucas’s denial (“they would have transported her”) contrasts with Del’s grim acceptance, creating dramatic irony. Sensory details like “the sick feeling of doom in his gut” heighten tension, while the frantic pace of the drive (noted by specific streets and speeds) mirrors the characters’ racing emotions. The delayed revelation of Marcy’s fate keeps readers engaged until the scene’s tragic climax.3. How does the physical description of the crime scene, particularly Marcy Sherrill’s body, contribute to the emotional impact of the chapter?
Answer:
The stark imagery of Marcy’s body—her open eyes, the “small hole under her chin,” and the “big puddle of blood”—visually underscores the brutality of her death. The “bloody handprints” on her blouse humanize her, emphasizing failed attempts to save her. The contrast between her “blank” eyes and the chaotic surroundings (overturned furniture, blood trails) amplifies the shock. These details force Lucas (and the reader) to confront the reality of her death, triggering his physical collapse (“began to shake”) and marking a pivotal emotional turning point.4. What critical investigative clues emerge from the crime scene, and how might they connect to broader themes in the story?
Answer:
Key clues include the shooter’s description (“big fat guy with a black beard”), the blood trail suggesting he was wounded, and the witness account of a “white cargo van.” These details hint at a targeted attack, possibly linked to Lucas’s earlier interview with the Barkers about the “Jones investigation.” The van’s mention ties back to prior events (likely a recurring motif), while the DNA reference foreshadows forensic resolution. The violence against law enforcement (Marcy and Hill) suggests escalating conflict, positioning this event as a catalyst for future plot developments.5. Evaluate Lucas’s psychological state after learning of Marcy’s death. How does his reaction compare to Del’s, and what does this reveal about their characters?
Answer:
Lucas exhibits denial (“can’t be right”), physical distress (“couldn’t find his voice”), and overwhelming grief (“tears streaming”), revealing his deep emotional attachment to Marcy. In contrast, Del remains pragmatic—reholstering his weapon, driving calmly, and later guiding Lucas (“Let’s get you home”). Their dynamic highlights Lucas’s impulsivity and capacity for vulnerability versus Del’s stoic professionalism. Del’s insistence on shielding Lucas from notifying Marcy’s family (“not you”) further shows his protective role, underscoring their bond and contrasting coping mechanisms in crises.
Quotes
1. “Something bad, man, something really bad.”
This quote captures the urgency and dread Lucas feels when receiving the emergency call about his colleagues. It sets the tone for the chapter’s escalating tension and foreshadows the tragic events to come.
2. “They’re not transporting her… She’s gone, man. That’s what they’re telling us.”
This devastating revelation about Marcy Sherrill’s death represents the emotional climax of the chapter. Jenkins’ blunt delivery underscores the shocking finality of the loss, hitting both Lucas and the reader with full force.
3. “And all the way, with the sick feeling of doom in his gut, Lucas was yelling out reasons why it couldn’t be right.”
This passage powerfully illustrates Lucas’s denial and emotional turmoil as he struggles to process Marcy’s death. The visceral description of his “sick feeling of doom” makes his grief palpable to readers.
4. “She was wearing a white silky blouse with bloody handprints down the front, where somebody had tried to tend to her. Her eyes were blank as the sky.”
This haunting visual description of Marcy’s body serves as the chapter’s most poignant moment. The contrast between the white blouse and bloody handprints, along with the sky metaphor, creates a lasting, tragic image.
5. “It’s him. It’s the van. It’s the guy.”
Lucas’s terse realization about the killer’s identity shifts the narrative from grief to determination. This moment plants the seed for the coming manhunt, showing Lucas beginning to channel his pain into purpose.