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    [Joe Pickett 18] • The Disappeared

    by C.J., Box,
    In “The Disappeared,” the 18th installment of C.J. Box’s Joe Pickett series, the Wyoming game warden is drawn into a high-stakes investigation when a British tourist vanishes near a luxury ranch. As Pickett delves deeper, he uncovers a web of corporate intrigue, environmental conflict, and local secrets. The novel explores themes of justice, loyalty, and the clash between progress and tradition in the American West. Box’s signature blend of suspense and vivid wilderness storytelling drives this tightly plotted mystery, showcasing Pickett’s unwavering moral compass amid escalating dangers. The book reinforces the series’ reputation for authentic settings and complex, action-driven narratives.
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    [Joe Pickett 18] • The Disappeared

    Chapter 23

    by C.J., Box,

    In this chap­ter, Joe arrives at the Wolf and learns that Nate has secured a room. Bar­tender Kim Miller offers him a beer, hint­ing she knows about his rough day, though Joe ini­tial­ly fears she’s refer­ring to his fir­ing. The con­ver­sa­tion shifts to a scan­dalous arti­cle by Bil­ly Blood­worth, which mocks the sheriff’s office and fea­tures a pho­to of Joe’s daugh­ter, Sheri­dan, dur­ing a raid. The arti­cle omits crit­i­cal con­text, paint­ing the law enforce­ment oper­a­tion as far­ci­cal. Joe is furi­ous, espe­cial­ly at the exploita­tion of his daughter’s image, but real­izes Blood­worth and Sophie have already left for Den­ver, evad­ing imme­di­ate con­fronta­tion.

    Joe’s anger dri­ves him to retal­i­ate by report­ing Blood­worth and Sophie to Col­orado author­i­ties for fraud, exploit­ing his remain­ing law enforce­ment con­nec­tions. Mean­while, Kim reveals an anony­mous call from some­one she believes is Steve Pol­lock, adding anoth­er lay­er of mys­tery. The call’s secre­cy sug­gests Pol­lock may be avoid­ing direct con­tact, rais­ing ques­tions about his motives. Joe’s frus­tra­tion mounts as he grap­ples with the fall­out of the arti­cle and the loom­ing threat to his career, feel­ing pow­er­less yet deter­mined to push for­ward despite the odds.

    Lat­er, Joe updates Mary­beth on the day’s events, includ­ing Nate’s the­o­ry that Mis­sy, Marybeth’s moth­er, orches­trat­ed the con­spir­a­cy against him. Mary­beth reacts with unchar­ac­ter­is­tic fury, vow­ing to cut ties with her manip­u­la­tive moth­er. The cou­ple dis­cuss­es their pre­car­i­ous finan­cial sit­u­a­tion and Joe’s impend­ing ter­mi­na­tion, though he clings to the slim hope of bureau­crat­ic recourse. Mary­beth, prag­mat­ic yet sup­port­ive, ques­tions whether con­tin­u­ing the inves­ti­ga­tion is worth the risk, but Joe resolves to per­se­vere, dri­ven by his sense of duty and stub­born­ness.

    The chap­ter under­scores Joe’s resilience in the face of pro­fes­sion­al and per­son­al crises. His deter­mi­na­tion to uphold jus­tice, even as his career crum­bles, con­trasts with the media’s sen­sa­tion­al­ism and polit­i­cal machi­na­tions. Marybeth’s unwa­ver­ing sup­port high­lights their part­ner­ship, while the unre­solved threads—Pollock’s call, Missy’s schem­ing, and Bloodworth’s escape—set the stage for fur­ther con­flict. Joe’s inter­nal strug­gle between duty and sur­vival encap­su­lates the chapter’s ten­sion, leav­ing read­ers antic­i­pat­ing his next move.

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    FAQs

    • 1. How does Billy Bloodworth’s article portray the Carbon County sheriff’s office, and why does this anger Joe?

      Answer:
      Billy Bloodworth’s article in the Daily Dispatch uses a derogatory and campy tone to depict the Carbon County sheriff’s office as incompetent, referring to them as “Countrified Keystone Kops.” The article focuses on the absurdity of the raid, particularly highlighting Sheriff Neal holding a blow-up sex doll and Sheridan standing over McKnight in the snow. Joe is furious because the article omits the legitimate reason for the raid (Bloodworth’s own claims about identifying the kidnapper) and instead sensationalizes the event to mock law enforcement. His anger escalates when his daughter Sheridan is portrayed in a misleading light, with a caption implying she was an “eager participant” in a debacle rather than a victim defending herself.

      2. What ethical dilemma does Joe face when he requests a BOLO for Bloodworth and Sophie, and how does he justify his actions?

      Answer:
      Joe’s request for a BOLO (Be On the Lookout) for Bloodworth and Sophie is ethically questionable because he uses his law enforcement authority for personal retaliation rather than legitimate police work. He claims they are suspects in “defrauding an innkeeper” (due to their rejected credit card) and hints at “other violations,” but his primary motive is anger over the article. Joe rationalizes his actions by sarcastically thinking, “What could they do? Fire him again?” This reflects his frustration with the system and his impending termination, but it also shows a lapse in professional judgment, as he prioritizes personal vendetta over due process.

      3. Analyze the significance of Kim Miller’s revelation about Steve Pollock’s phone call. What might this suggest about the larger conflict in the story?

      Answer:
      Kim Miller’s report about Steve Pollock’s mysterious call adds tension and suggests hidden dynamics in the plot. Pollock refuses to identify himself, calls from a bar (avoiding caller ID), and hangs up when recognized, implying he has information he’s unwilling to share openly. This secrecy hints at deeper conflicts—possibly tied to Joe’s investigation or his firing. Pollock’s behavior aligns with the theme of distrust and manipulation in the chapter (e.g., Missy’s alleged scheming, Bloodworth’s biased reporting). It foreshadows potential revelations or betrayals, reinforcing the idea that Joe is surrounded by adversaries who operate in the shadows.

      4. How does Marybeth react to Nate’s theory about Missy, and what does this reveal about her character and their family dynamics?

      Answer:
      Marybeth responds to Nate’s theory with unprecedented fury, cursing and declaring she’s “absolutely done” with her mother, Missy. This outburst reveals her deep loyalty to Joe and her willingness to cut ties with family when they cross moral boundaries. Her reaction also underscores the toxicity of Missy’s actions, which Marybeth recognizes as not just harmful to Joe but to the entire family. Unlike Joe, who often internalizes conflict, Marybeth confronts it head-on, though she acknowledges the futility of challenging Missy directly (“She’d just deny it”). This moment highlights the strain Missy’s manipulation places on their marriage and their shared resilience in facing crises.

      5. Evaluate Joe’s mindset at the end of the chapter. How does his determination to “press ahead” reflect his professional identity and personal values?

      Answer:
      Despite being fired and facing public humiliation, Joe resolves to continue working as if nothing happened, thinking, “That’s all I know how to do.” This reflects his identity as a dedicated lawman who defines himself by duty rather than titles or approval. His stubbornness is both a strength (commitment to justice) and a flaw (ignoring practical consequences). Marybeth’s suggestion to “pack up and come home” contrasts with his instinct to persevere, showing his inability to quit even when logic dictates otherwise. The chapter ends on a note of defiant integrity, emphasizing Joe’s belief in action over self-preservation—a trait that fuels both his heroism and his vulnerabilities.

    Quotes

    • 1. “When I run into this Bloodworth guy, things are going to get real Western,” he growled.

      This quote captures Joe’s simmering anger after seeing the derogatory news article featuring his daughter. It represents his protective instincts and the tension between law enforcement and the press in the story.

      2. “She’s really crossed the line,” Marybeth said about Missy after she’d calmed down. “I’m absolutely done with her this time.”

      This emotional outburst shows the breaking point in Marybeth’s relationship with her mother Missy, revealing deep family tensions and the personal costs of the political conspiracy against Joe.

      3. “I don’t have an easy answer.” It killed him to admit it. “I’m still a game warden until I get the termination notice in writing from LGD.”

      This vulnerable moment highlights Joe’s professional crisis and his determination to continue doing his job despite the looming termination, showcasing his integrity and the story’s central conflict.

      4. “So you’re going to just press ahead as if nothing has happened?” “Yup.” Thinking, That’s all I know how to do.

      This exchange between Joe and Marybeth perfectly encapsulates Joe’s character - his stubborn dedication to his duty even in the face of personal and professional ruin.

    Quotes

    1. “When I run into this Bloodworth guy, things are going to get real Western,” he growled.

    This quote captures Joe’s simmering anger after seeing the derogatory news article featuring his daughter. It represents his protective instincts and the tension between law enforcement and the press in the story.

    2. “She’s really crossed the line,” Marybeth said about Missy after she’d calmed down. “I’m absolutely done with her this time.”

    This emotional outburst shows the breaking point in Marybeth’s relationship with her mother Missy, revealing deep family tensions and the personal costs of the political conspiracy against Joe.

    3. “I don’t have an easy answer.” It killed him to admit it. “I’m still a game warden until I get the termination notice in writing from LGD.”

    This vulnerable moment highlights Joe’s professional crisis and his determination to continue doing his job despite the looming termination, showcasing his integrity and the story’s central conflict.

    4. “So you’re going to just press ahead as if nothing has happened?” “Yup.” Thinking, That’s all I know how to do.

    This exchange between Joe and Marybeth perfectly encapsulates Joe’s character - his stubborn dedication to his duty even in the face of personal and professional ruin.

    FAQs

    1. How does Billy Bloodworth’s article portray the Carbon County sheriff’s office, and why does this anger Joe?

    Answer:
    Billy Bloodworth’s article in the Daily Dispatch uses a derogatory and campy tone to depict the Carbon County sheriff’s office as incompetent, referring to them as “Countrified Keystone Kops.” The article focuses on the absurdity of the raid, particularly highlighting Sheriff Neal holding a blow-up sex doll and Sheridan standing over McKnight in the snow. Joe is furious because the article omits the legitimate reason for the raid (Bloodworth’s own claims about identifying the kidnapper) and instead sensationalizes the event to mock law enforcement. His anger escalates when his daughter Sheridan is portrayed in a misleading light, with a caption implying she was an “eager participant” in a debacle rather than a victim defending herself.

    2. What ethical dilemma does Joe face when he requests a BOLO for Bloodworth and Sophie, and how does he justify his actions?

    Answer:
    Joe’s request for a BOLO (Be On the Lookout) for Bloodworth and Sophie is ethically questionable because he uses his law enforcement authority for personal retaliation rather than legitimate police work. He claims they are suspects in “defrauding an innkeeper” (due to their rejected credit card) and hints at “other violations,” but his primary motive is anger over the article. Joe rationalizes his actions by sarcastically thinking, “What could they do? Fire him again?” This reflects his frustration with the system and his impending termination, but it also shows a lapse in professional judgment, as he prioritizes personal vendetta over due process.

    3. Analyze the significance of Kim Miller’s revelation about Steve Pollock’s phone call. What might this suggest about the larger conflict in the story?

    Answer:
    Kim Miller’s report about Steve Pollock’s mysterious call adds tension and suggests hidden dynamics in the plot. Pollock refuses to identify himself, calls from a bar (avoiding caller ID), and hangs up when recognized, implying he has information he’s unwilling to share openly. This secrecy hints at deeper conflicts—possibly tied to Joe’s investigation or his firing. Pollock’s behavior aligns with the theme of distrust and manipulation in the chapter (e.g., Missy’s alleged scheming, Bloodworth’s biased reporting). It foreshadows potential revelations or betrayals, reinforcing the idea that Joe is surrounded by adversaries who operate in the shadows.

    4. How does Marybeth react to Nate’s theory about Missy, and what does this reveal about her character and their family dynamics?

    Answer:
    Marybeth responds to Nate’s theory with unprecedented fury, cursing and declaring she’s “absolutely done” with her mother, Missy. This outburst reveals her deep loyalty to Joe and her willingness to cut ties with family when they cross moral boundaries. Her reaction also underscores the toxicity of Missy’s actions, which Marybeth recognizes as not just harmful to Joe but to the entire family. Unlike Joe, who often internalizes conflict, Marybeth confronts it head-on, though she acknowledges the futility of challenging Missy directly (“She’d just deny it”). This moment highlights the strain Missy’s manipulation places on their marriage and their shared resilience in facing crises.

    5. Evaluate Joe’s mindset at the end of the chapter. How does his determination to “press ahead” reflect his professional identity and personal values?

    Answer:
    Despite being fired and facing public humiliation, Joe resolves to continue working as if nothing happened, thinking, “That’s all I know how to do.” This reflects his identity as a dedicated lawman who defines himself by duty rather than titles or approval. His stubbornness is both a strength (commitment to justice) and a flaw (ignoring practical consequences). Marybeth’s suggestion to “pack up and come home” contrasts with his instinct to persevere, showing his inability to quit even when logic dictates otherwise. The chapter ends on a note of defiant integrity, emphasizing Joe’s belief in action over self-preservation—a trait that fuels both his heroism and his vulnerabilities.

    Note