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[Joe Pickett 18] • The Disappeared
Chapter 18
by C.J., Box,Sheriff Neal and his team, accompanied by Joe, Nate, and Sheridan, assemble a convoy to investigate a remote cabin in the Snowy Range after receiving a tip from Eli Jarrett, a known local troublemaker. Jarrett, while collecting elk antlers, stumbled upon the cabin and photographed a blonde woman in the window—potentially linked to the disappearance of Kate. The group prepares to traverse the snow-blocked road, with Neal renting snowmobiles to navigate the deep accumulation. The urgency is palpable as they aim to reach the cabin before nightfall, with Joe noting the sheriff’s grudging acknowledgment that Joe’s knack for trouble might finally be useful.
The cabin belongs to Les McKnight, a reclusive trapper who had previously been expelled from Silver Creek Ranch for unauthorized trapping. Sheridan recalls McKnight’s presence at the ranch around the time Kate vanished, adding credibility to the theory that he may be involved. Neal reveals that Jarrett sold the photos to Billy Bloodworth, a British reporter, who published them online, complicating the investigation. Joe contacts the ranch manager to confirm McKnight’s timeline, while the group sets off toward the mountains, aware that the media is already circling.
As the convoy passes through Saratoga, Sheridan notes the inevitable gossip their high-profile procession will spark. The terrain shifts to snow-covered wilderness, and Joe spots Billy Bloodworth and Sophie, Kate’s sister, tailing them. Neal expresses frustration at Bloodworth’s interference, criticizing the media’s practice of paying for tips. Joe warns that the reporter will demand access to the investigation, but Neal dismisses the idea. Meanwhile, Nate remains unusually quiet, admitting that the new evidence undermines his broader conspiracy theory about Kate’s disappearance.
The group arrives at a plowed turnaround at the end of the highway, where they prepare to unload the snowmobiles for the final leg of the journey. The tension builds as they gear up to confront McKnight, with the possibility of finding Kate—or answers about her fate—looming. The chapter ends on a note of anticipation, with the team poised to venture into the treacherous snowbound landscape, their mission fraught with both hope and uncertainty.
FAQs
1. What key discovery did Eli Jarrett make that led to this law enforcement operation, and how did it connect to Kate’s disappearance?
Answer:
Eli Jarrett, a known shed collector with a history of DUIs and meth use, discovered a cabin in the Snowy Range while searching for elk antlers. Upon reviewing photos he took of the cabin, he noticed a blonde woman in the window. This connected to Kate’s disappearance when Sheriff Neal realized the cabin belonged to Les McKnight, a trapper who had been ordered off Silver Creek Ranch (where Kate vanished) the previous summer. The timeline and location suggested McKnight might have been present during Kate’s disappearance, making him a person of interest.2. How does the chapter illustrate the economic and social dynamics of “shed wars” in Wyoming?
Answer:
The chapter explains that shed collecting (gathering dropped elk antlers) has become a lucrative activity, with prices reaching \(15/pound and large sets fetching \)800. This economic incentive leads to territorial conflicts called “shed wars,” where collectors compete aggressively for access to prime areas. The lack of regulations exacerbates tensions. Eli Jarrett’s attempt to “get a jump on his competition” by visiting wind-blown meadows early exemplifies this culture. The phenomenon also reflects Wyoming’s resource-driven economy, where niche industries like antler collection can provide significant income.3. Analyze the significance of Sheriff Neal’s remark: “Maybe [trouble] worked out in our favor this time.”
Answer:
This comment reflects Neal’s acknowledgment that Joe Pickett’s notorious tendency to encounter trouble (a running theme in their interactions) has serendipitously aligned with the investigation. Earlier, Neal had criticized Joe for attracting chaos, but here he admits that Joe’s involvement—combined with Sheridan’s connection to McKnight and Eli’s accidental discovery—has advanced the case. The remark underscores how chance events (Eli’s photos, Sheridan recognizing McKnight) can transform perceived liabilities into investigative breakthroughs, while also hinting at the story’s broader theme of unpredictability in law enforcement.4. How does the chapter portray the tension between law enforcement and the media, particularly through Billy Bloodworth’s actions?
Answer:
The chapter highlights this conflict through Bloodworth’s purchase of Eli’s photos for publication instead of sharing them with authorities. Sheriff Neal expresses typical law enforcement disdain for such media practices, criticizing Bloodworth’s prioritization of an “exclusive” over the investigation. The UK reporter’s payment for tips is framed as ethically questionable. This tension escalates when Bloodworth and Sophie join the convoy uninvited, forcing Neal and Joe to contend with media interference during a sensitive operation—a realistic depiction of how journalists can both aid and complicate criminal investigations.5. What does Nate’s reaction to the new developments reveal about his character and theories?
Answer:
Nate’s grumbling that the discovery “doesn’t work in my overall conspiracy theory” shows his intellectual rigidity and preference for elaborate explanations over straightforward ones. While Joe seems vindicated by the tangible lead (hence his “aha” remark), Nate appears disappointed that a simple suspect like McKnight undermines his more complex hypotheses. This moment characterizes Nate as a contrarian thinker who distrusts obvious answers, contrasting with Joe’s pragmatic approach. It also subtly questions whether Nate’s theories—while compelling—might overlook simpler truths in favor of grand narratives.
Quotes
1. “‘Why can’t this stuff ever happen on a nice summer day?’ he said.”
This opening line from Sheriff Neal sets the tone for the harsh winter conditions the characters face while investigating. It subtly underscores the adversity they’ll encounter in their search for Kate, framing the physical challenges of their mission.
2. “‘Eli used to work in the mine in Hanna before it went bust. Picked him up a few times for DUI. Likes meth, too.’”
This characterization of the informant Eli Jarrett reveals the unreliable nature of their lead while painting a vivid picture of rural Wyoming’s socioeconomic struggles. It creates tension about the credibility of their information regarding Kate’s disappearance.
3. “‘That puts McKnight on the ranch where Kate disappeared.’ Suddenly, Billy Bloodworth and Sophie’s theory sounded more plausible, Joe thought.”
This pivotal moment marks a significant turn in the investigation, connecting the trapper McKnight to the disappearance scene. Joe’s internal realization shows the narrative shifting toward validating earlier suspicions, raising the stakes of their mountain pursuit.
4. “‘Remember when I told you trouble always follows you around?’ Neal asked. ‘Yup.’ ‘Maybe it worked out in our favor this time.’”
This exchange between Neal and Joe encapsulates their complex professional relationship while hinting at the story’s central irony - that Joe’s reputation for attracting chaos might finally lead to resolution. It serves as both callback and foreshadowing.
5. “‘I’m thinking this new development really doesn’t work in my overall conspiracy theory,’ Nate said. ‘Aha,’ Joe said with a hint of glee.”
This dialogue reveals Nate’s intellectual honesty about his theories while showing Joe’s satisfaction at seeing his friend’s skepticism challenged. Their dynamic adds depth to the investigative process and the chapter’s thematic tension between facts and speculation.