Buried Prey
Chapter 21
by Sandford, JohnIn Chapter 21, Del, Shrake, and Jenkins arrive at Lucas’s house after Weather summons them urgently. She expresses concern that Lucas, driven by anger over Marcy’s murder, will kill the perpetrator once he identifies him, potentially jeopardizing his career. Weather fears the fallout if Lucas acts impulsively, especially given his past relationship with Marcy, which could fuel speculation and political backlash. She proposes the officers intervene to ensure Lucas isn’t present during the suspect’s capture, suggesting they handle the situation discreetly to protect him from consequences.
The officers reluctantly acknowledge Weather’s concerns, agreeing that Lucas is likely to act recklessly. Weather clarifies she isn’t opposed to the killer being eliminated but insists it shouldn’t be Lucas who does it. She emphasizes the need for plausible deniability, hinting that the suspect should appear armed to justify any lethal action. The conversation ends with Shrake warning against further discussion to avoid conspiracy implications, but the group concedes Weather’s points are valid.
Later, Lucas returns home and interacts with Letty, who probes him about the investigation. Lucas shares his theory that Hanson’s disappearance is linked to Marcy’s killer, suggesting the perpetrator eliminated Hanson to cover their tracks. Letty warns Lucas to be careful, hinting she and Weather are aware of his intentions. The chapter underscores the tension between Lucas’s pursuit of justice and his loved ones’ fears for his future.
The chapter closes with Lucas meeting Quentin Daniel, his former boss, to discuss the case. Daniel, now retired, agrees to talk, hinting at unresolved guilt over past failures. The encounter sets the stage for deeper revelations about the Jones case and Marcy’s murder, leaving Lucas’s next steps uncertain as he balances personal vendetta with professional duty.
FAQs
1. What is Weather’s primary concern regarding Lucas’s pursuit of Marcy’s killer, and what solution does she propose to the other officers?
Answer:
Weather’s primary concern is that Lucas will kill Marcy’s murderer in a fit of anger, which could lead to professional and legal repercussions due to their past relationship. She fears this would spark media scrutiny, political interference, and damage Lucas’s career. Her proposed solution is for the other officers (Del, Shrake, and Jenkins) to intervene by ensuring Lucas isn’t present during the killer’s capture or arranging for someone else to eliminate the suspect. She emphasizes that while she doesn’t care about the killer’s fate, she wants to protect Lucas from the consequences of taking justice into his own hands (e.g., “As long as it’s not Lucas who does it… I think one of you should do it”).
2. How does the chapter illustrate Lucas’s psychological state and self-perception regarding the case?
Answer:
The chapter reveals Lucas’s guilt and self-blame over Marcy’s death and the unresolved Jones girls case. Weather explains that Lucas believes he “should be able to control everything” and sees the current tragedy as a continuation of his past failures. Del counters that Lucas was the only one who took action during the Jones case, but Lucas’s internalized responsibility persists. His obsessive focus on the killer (“he dreamed of the mysterious Fell”) and Letty’s warning (“this is the time you gotta be really careful”) further underscore his emotionally charged, reckless mindset.
3. Analyze the ethical dilemma presented in Weather’s conversation with the officers. How does the chapter frame the tension between justice and legal consequences?
Answer:
The chapter frames a moral gray area: Weather and the officers tacitly agree that Marcy’s killer deserves death but recognize that extrajudicial killing—especially by Lucas—would have severe legal and reputational costs. Weather’s pragmatic suggestion (“it would be convenient if [the killer] were [armed]”) hints at manufacturing justification, while Shrake’s mention of “conspiracy” underscores the ethical line they’re skirting. The tension arises from conflicting values: personal vengeance vs. institutional accountability, and the officers’ loyalty to Lucas vs. their duty to uphold procedural justice. The scene leaves the dilemma unresolved, emphasizing the complexity of their roles.
4. How does the dynamic between Weather and the officers reflect their relationships with Lucas?
Answer:
Weather’s authoritative tone (“Sit down, everyone”) and the officers’ unease highlight her role as an outsider who commands respect through her intelligence and connection to Lucas. Del’s prior attempt to discuss Lucas’s feelings shows his closeness to Lucas, while Jenkins and Shrake’s hesitation reflects their professional camaraderie. Their shared nod of agreement with Weather’s plan reveals a unified protective instinct, blending personal loyalty with pragmatic cop culture. The scene also contrasts Weather’s surgical precision in addressing problems with the officers’ more blunt, action-oriented approach (e.g., Jenkins’ quip about “playing checkers in Stillwater”).
5. What narrative purpose does Letty’s brief interaction with Lucas serve in the chapter?
Answer:
Letty’s conversation with Lucas reinforces key themes: her insight (“you’re not worried enough”) mirrors Weather’s concerns, emphasizing the family’s shared understanding of Lucas’s impulsiveness. Her mention of Jennifer Carey (a journalist) subtly raises stakes about media exposure, while her curiosity about the case bridges the domestic and professional spheres. The exchange also deepens characterization—Letty’s maturity (“Would not [blab] unless you told me I could”) and Lucas’s trust in her showcase their bond. Her warning foreshadows potential violence and ties back to Weather’s earlier plea for intervention.
Quotes
1. “He’s going to find the guy, and then he’s going to kill him. Even if what he does is legitimate, he’ll be in a lot of trouble… And Lucas is so angry, I don’t think he’ll be careful enough.”
Weather expresses her fear that Lucas will take revenge for Marcy’s murder in a way that could ruin his career. This quote captures the central tension of the chapter - the conflict between justice and personal vengeance.
2. “He feels terrible about the Jones girls, like he could have done more back then. And he thinks that letting this man go then probably got more girls killed. And now Marcy, and he sees it all going back to the beginning: he thinks it’s his fault.”
This reveals Lucas’s psychological burden and motivation, showing how past failures haunt him and drive his current actions. It’s key to understanding his character arc in this chapter.
3. “I don’t particularly care if somebody kills him… As long as it’s not Lucas who does it.”
Weather’s pragmatic yet morally complex stance shows her priorities - protecting Lucas matters more than abstract justice. This quote highlights the ethical dilemmas faced by the characters.
4. “You worry too much.” “You’re right. And you’re not worried enough.”
The exchange between Lucas and Letty perfectly encapsulates their relationship dynamic while foreshadowing potential danger. Its terse, back-and-forth nature makes it particularly memorable.
5. “But he didn’t dream of rhinos; he dreamed of the mysterious Fell. I do not like thee, Dr. Fell…”
This poetic ending reveals Lucas’s subconscious preoccupation with the case through a literary allusion. It’s both a clever turn of phrase and significant character insight.