Buried Prey
Chapter 20
by Sandford, JohnIn Chapter 20, Lucas Davenport sets out to investigate the disappearance of Hanson, a man connected to the cold case of the Jones girls. After obtaining directions from Deputy Sheriff Clark Childress, Lucas drives to Hanson’s cabin near Lake Vermilion, pushing his Porsche to make good time. During the drive, he reflects on the recent murder of his friend Marcy Sherrill, grappling with intense emotions and an overwhelming urge for revenge against Fell, the suspected killer. Despite recognizing the futility of vengeance, Lucas struggles to control his anger and focus on the task at hand.
Upon arriving at Hanson’s cabin, Lucas meets Deputy Childress, who escorts him to the property. The cabin is sealed pending investigation, but Childress grants Lucas access. They examine Hanson’s boat, stored in a garage filled with outdoor equipment, but find no immediate clues. Lucas shares his theory that Hanson’s disappearance might be linked to the Jones case, given the timing—Hanson vanished the day after the girls’ bodies were discovered. Childress acknowledges the coincidence but remains skeptical, agreeing to help Lucas interview Hanson’s fishing buddies, Tony Cole and Bill Kushner.
Hanson’s daughter, Sedakis, arrives and expresses shock at the possibility her father was murdered. Lucas explains his suspicion that Hanson may have inadvertently encountered someone connected to the Jones case during his investigation. Sedakis recalls her father’s involvement in the case years earlier, though she was too young to remember details. The conversation underscores the emotional weight of the investigation for both Lucas and Hanson’s family, as they grapple with unresolved grief and unanswered questions.
The chapter concludes with Lucas preparing to interview Hanson’s friends, hoping to uncover any overlooked leads. The deputy’s assistance and Sedakis’s cooperation highlight the collaborative nature of the investigation. Lucas’s internal conflict—balancing his desire for justice with the need for professionalism—adds depth to his character, as he navigates both the procedural and emotional challenges of the case. The chapter sets the stage for further exploration of Hanson’s disappearance and its potential ties to the Jones murders.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of Hanson’s cabin being sealed, and why does Lucas need to access it?
Answer:
The cabin is temporarily sealed by authorities until they can confirm what happened to Hanson, as he has disappeared under mysterious circumstances. Lucas needs to access it because he suspects a potential connection between Hanson’s disappearance and the murder of his friend Marcy Sherrill, as well as the Jones case Hanson worked on years earlier. The timing of Hanson’s disappearance—the day after the Jones girls’ bodies were found—creates a suspicious coincidence that Lucas wants to investigate further by examining Hanson’s property and speaking with his associates.2. How does the chapter portray Lucas’s emotional state and internal conflict regarding Marcy’s death?
Answer:
The chapter reveals Lucas’s profound grief and struggle with revenge fantasies. He experiences vivid flashbacks of Marcy and acknowledges his inability to accept her death. While he rationally understands that killing Fell won’t bring Marcy back and could harm his family, his anger and desire for vengeance persist. This internal conflict is highlighted by his self-awareness (“the little man at the back of his mind”) contrasting with his overwhelming emotional drive, suggesting he may not fully control his actions if he encounters Fell.3. What details about Hanson’s boat and fishing habits might be relevant to the investigation?
Answer:
Hanson’s boat is an older, scratched aluminum Lund—a common fishing boat for walleye—with a small motor. Its curved bottom makes it unstable for standing, supporting the theory that Hanson could have fallen overboard. However, the boat’s condition and the peaceful nature of Lake Vermilion make such an accident seem unlikely unless impaired or forced. Lucas also inquires about Hanson’s fishing buddies (Tony Cole and Bill Kushner), suggesting he suspects either an accident witnessed by others or foul play involving acquaintances.4. Why does the deputy, Clark Childress, express skepticism about Lucas’s travel time, and what does this reveal about Lucas’s character?
Answer:
Childress initially doubts Lucas’s estimated 3.5-hour drive, insisting it will take “more like four,” but Lucas arrives faster by pushing his Porsche’s speed (“went a little deeper into the Porsche”). This highlights Lucas’s impulsive, determined nature—he prioritizes the investigation over caution, mirroring his emotional urgency about Marcy’s case. The detail about his car (a high-performance Porsche with police lights) also underscores his unconventional, resourceful approach to police work.5. How does the chapter build suspense around the potential connection between Hanson’s disappearance and the Jones case?
Answer:
The suspense arises from layered coincidences: Hanson worked the Jones case years ago; he vanished right after the Jones girls’ bodies were rediscovered; and Lucas hints that someone might have silenced Hanson for knowing too much. The daughter’s shocked reaction (“You think somebody might have killed him?”) amplifies the mystery. By focusing on Hanson’s boat, fishing buddies, and isolated cabin location, the chapter plants clues while leaving open whether his death was accidental, linked to the Jones case, or unrelated.
Quotes
1. “Like most smart people, Lucas was able to stand back from himself, at least at times, to examine thoughts, motives, feelings. He knew that he was running out of control.”
This quote reveals Lucas’s self-awareness about his escalating desire for revenge, showing his internal struggle between rational thought and emotional impulse. It captures a key turning point in his psychological state as he grapples with grief.
2. “He realized he was having a hard time recognizing that Marcy was gone, and there wasn’t a damn thing he could do about it, and that killing Fell would not answer the problem he was having with her death, would not bring her back, and could have devastating consequences for himself and his family.”
This powerful moment of clarity shows Lucas confronting the futility of revenge, representing the chapter’s exploration of grief and justice. It’s particularly impactful as it reveals his awareness that vengeance won’t heal his pain.
3. “The little man at the back of his mind could whisper all of that to him: and yet, that realization had little effect on the urge for revenge.”
This eloquent metaphor illustrates the tension between reason and emotion, showing how Lucas’s intellectual understanding can’t override his primal instincts. It’s a key insight into human psychology and the nature of vengeance.
4. “That’s a pretty heavy coincidence… But it could be nothing but that.”
This exchange between Lucas and Childress captures the central mystery of the chapter - whether Hanson’s disappearance is connected to the Jones case. It represents the careful balance investigators must maintain between suspicion and objectivity.
5. “I remember he was working day and night. We used to talk about it. He never was sure that the street person di…”
This truncated quote from Hanson’s daughter hints at unresolved questions from the Jones case, suggesting Hanson may have had lingering doubts. It’s significant as it implies there might be more to discover about the historical case.