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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 25

    by C.J., Box,

    Sher­iff Neal express­es frus­tra­tion over a news­pa­per pho­to depict­ing him with a blow-up sex doll, which has made him and his depart­ment appear fool­ish. Joe Pick­ett and Nate Romanows­ki, present in Neal’s office, are eager to leave after giv­ing their state­ments. Neal dis­cuss­es the legal fall­out involv­ing Les McK­night, who was injured by Joe’s daugh­ter dur­ing a raid. McK­night may sue the depart­ment, but Neal hopes to nego­ti­ate a set­tle­ment by drop­ping assault charges in exchange for dis­miss­ing the law­suit. Joe remains wary of the messy legal pro­ceed­ings, rec­og­niz­ing McKnight’s plau­si­ble self-defense claim.

    Out­side Neal’s office, Joe notices a line of men wait­ing for con­struc­tion jobs at the Buck­brush wind farm head­quar­ters. Neal explains the eco­nom­ic ben­e­fits of the project, though Nate scoffs at the idea. Joe shifts the con­ver­sa­tion to Kate’s dis­ap­pear­ance, but Neal dis­miss­es the top­ic, sug­gest­ing Joe should also move on. Mean­while, Joe reflects on the recent surge in hos­pi­tal admis­sions, includ­ing McK­night, Joshua Teub­n­er (who suf­fered a gun­shot wound), and an elder­ly woman injured in a car acci­dent, rein­forc­ing the idea that trou­ble seems to fol­low him.

    Joe receives a call from Jeb Pry­or, the own­er of a local lum­ber mill, who hints at hav­ing impor­tant infor­ma­tion. Before Pry­or can elab­o­rate, the call drops. Short­ly after, Steve Pol­lock, a for­mer game war­den, reach­es out, agree­ing to meet Joe in Cheyenne to dis­cuss undis­closed events in Sarato­ga. Pol­lock is hes­i­tant but agrees to a pri­vate con­ver­sa­tion at a pub, insist­ing Joe come alone. Nate, wary of Cheyenne due to his past expe­ri­ences, offers to inves­ti­gate Pryor’s con­cerns and keep an eye on Joe’s daugh­ter, Sheri­dan, while Joe is away.

    Joe and Nate part ways, with Nate head­ing to the Wolf to switch vehi­cles and pur­sue his own leads, pos­si­bly relat­ed to Kate’s case or his con­spir­a­cy the­o­ries. Joe warns Nate against fur­ther vio­lent inter­ro­ga­tions, but Nate’s non­com­mit­tal response sug­gests he may not com­ply. The chap­ter ends with Joe prepar­ing to dri­ve to Cheyenne, uncer­tain of what Pol­lock will reveal but deter­mined to uncov­er the truth behind the chaos in Sarato­ga.

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    FAQs

    • 1. What is the significance of the newspaper article Sheriff Neal shows Joe and Nate, and how does it reflect on the department’s reputation?

      Answer:
      The newspaper article features a front-page photo of Sheriff Neal clutching a blow-up sex doll, originally published in the Daily Dispatch and now reprinted in the Rawlins Daily Times. This embarrassing incident makes Neal and his department appear foolish, particularly with an election looming in nine months. Neal laments, “We all look like a bunch of damn fools,” highlighting the public relations crisis. The situation underscores the challenges law enforcement faces when their actions are scrutinized in the media, especially when operations—like the raid on Les McKnight’s home—are perceived as excessive or poorly justified.

      2. How does the hiring line outside the Buckbrush wind farm headquarters contrast with the economic realities of Carbon County, and what does this reveal about the region’s economic cycles?

      Answer:
      The scene of blue-collar workers waiting in the cold for hiring at the Buckbrush wind farm reflects both hope and economic instability. Sheriff Neal notes that many applicants have been laid off for years, emphasizing the scarcity of construction jobs. While the wind farm promises short-term benefits like tax revenue and employment during construction, Neal acknowledges the long-term workforce will shrink, leaving the county to face another “bust” cycle. This mirrors the region’s history of boom-and-bust economies, where temporary projects provide relief but fail to create sustainable livelihoods, leaving workers vulnerable to future downturns.

      3. Analyze the ethical dilemma Joe faces regarding Les McKnight’s potential lawsuit and the sheriff’s proposed bargaining strategy.

      Answer:
      Joe recognizes the ethical complexity of Neal’s plan to bargain with McKnight, who was injured during the raid. McKnight could credibly claim self-defense against unidentified intruders, and the raid’s justification—owning a sex doll—seems flimsy. Neal proposes dropping assault charges in exchange for McKnight withdrawing his lawsuit, but Joe worries this negotiation could backfire or appear unjust. The situation tests Joe’s commitment to fairness, as he prefers to avoid involvement in what he views as a legally and morally messy compromise. It also highlights the tension between law enforcement’s operational mistakes and accountability.

      4. What does Steve Pollock’s phone call reveal about his state of mind and his potential role in Kate’s disappearance?

      Answer:
      Pollock’s hesitant, secretive call suggests guilt, fear, or unresolved conflict about events in Saratoga. He speaks softly, as if hiding, and initially resists meeting Joe, claiming he’s leaving Wyoming for good. His bitter remark—”Shit happened”—implies regret or trauma. Pollock’s insistence on secrecy (no recorder, no witnesses) and his question, “I can trust you, can’t I, Joe?” reveal paranoia or awareness of wrongdoing. His behavior positions him as a key witness—or possibly a perpetrator—in Kate’s case, though his reluctance to talk suggests he may possess damaging information he’s afraid to share.

      5. How does Nate’s attitude toward interrogations and investigations differ from Joe’s, and what does this reveal about their contrasting approaches to justice?

      Answer:
      Nate operates with aggressive, extra-legal tactics, as seen when he volunteers to “get [Josh Teubner’s] phone” or implies coercive interrogation methods. Joe, by contrast, prioritizes due process, warning Nate to avoid hospitalizing more locals. Nate’s eagerness to pursue “conspiracy theory–related” leads also contrasts with Joe’s focus on tangible evidence. Their dynamic reflects differing philosophies: Nate embraces vigilante-style justice, while Joe adheres to institutional protocols, even when flawed. This tension underscores the broader theme of how far individuals should go to uncover truth—and at what cost to ethics or collateral damage.

    Quotes

    • 1. “We all look like a bunch of damn fools. I look like the biggest fool of all.”

      Sheriff Neal’s frustrated admission captures the fallout from the botched raid involving the sex doll, highlighting the professional embarrassment and political consequences he now faces. This sets the tone for the chapter’s theme of institutional failures.

      2. “Trouble does seem to follow you around, doesn’t it?”

      This recurring observation about Joe Pickett encapsulates his character’s role as both protagonist and unwitting chaos magnet. The phrase bookends key scenes, becoming a thematic refrain about unintended consequences.

      3. “I’m in Cheyenne, but I’m on my way to Arizona. I find that I can’t stand this cold and wind anymore now that I don’t have to be out in it.”

      Steve Pollock’s evasive yet revealing phone call hints at deeper mysteries while showcasing the author’s talent for atmospheric dialogue. The weather metaphor subtly suggests his desire to escape more than just climate.

      4. “Game warden to game warden. It’ll just be between us. No one at headquarters needs to know we talked.”

      Joe’s attempt to establish trust with Pollock reveals both his investigative instincts and the story’s undercurrent of institutional distrust. This exchange foreshadows potential conflicts between personal ethics and official duties.

      5. “Maybe both,” Nate said. “Drop me at the Wolf so I can get out and switch over to my outfit. Yours is too cold inside with this crappy door.”

      Nate’s ambiguous response about his intentions, coupled with the practical detail about the truck, perfectly captures his enigmatic personality and the gritty realism of their working relationship.

    Quotes

    1. “We all look like a bunch of damn fools. I look like the biggest fool of all.”

    Sheriff Neal’s frustrated admission captures the fallout from the botched raid involving the sex doll, highlighting the professional embarrassment and political consequences he now faces. This sets the tone for the chapter’s theme of institutional failures.

    2. “Trouble does seem to follow you around, doesn’t it?”

    This recurring observation about Joe Pickett encapsulates his character’s role as both protagonist and unwitting chaos magnet. The phrase bookends key scenes, becoming a thematic refrain about unintended consequences.

    3. “I’m in Cheyenne, but I’m on my way to Arizona. I find that I can’t stand this cold and wind anymore now that I don’t have to be out in it.”

    Steve Pollock’s evasive yet revealing phone call hints at deeper mysteries while showcasing the author’s talent for atmospheric dialogue. The weather metaphor subtly suggests his desire to escape more than just climate.

    4. “Game warden to game warden. It’ll just be between us. No one at headquarters needs to know we talked.”

    Joe’s attempt to establish trust with Pollock reveals both his investigative instincts and the story’s undercurrent of institutional distrust. This exchange foreshadows potential conflicts between personal ethics and official duties.

    5. “Maybe both,” Nate said. “Drop me at the Wolf so I can get out and switch over to my outfit. Yours is too cold inside with this crappy door.”

    Nate’s ambiguous response about his intentions, coupled with the practical detail about the truck, perfectly captures his enigmatic personality and the gritty realism of their working relationship.

    FAQs

    1. What is the significance of the newspaper article Sheriff Neal shows Joe and Nate, and how does it reflect on the department’s reputation?

    Answer:
    The newspaper article features a front-page photo of Sheriff Neal clutching a blow-up sex doll, originally published in the Daily Dispatch and now reprinted in the Rawlins Daily Times. This embarrassing incident makes Neal and his department appear foolish, particularly with an election looming in nine months. Neal laments, “We all look like a bunch of damn fools,” highlighting the public relations crisis. The situation underscores the challenges law enforcement faces when their actions are scrutinized in the media, especially when operations—like the raid on Les McKnight’s home—are perceived as excessive or poorly justified.

    2. How does the hiring line outside the Buckbrush wind farm headquarters contrast with the economic realities of Carbon County, and what does this reveal about the region’s economic cycles?

    Answer:
    The scene of blue-collar workers waiting in the cold for hiring at the Buckbrush wind farm reflects both hope and economic instability. Sheriff Neal notes that many applicants have been laid off for years, emphasizing the scarcity of construction jobs. While the wind farm promises short-term benefits like tax revenue and employment during construction, Neal acknowledges the long-term workforce will shrink, leaving the county to face another “bust” cycle. This mirrors the region’s history of boom-and-bust economies, where temporary projects provide relief but fail to create sustainable livelihoods, leaving workers vulnerable to future downturns.

    3. Analyze the ethical dilemma Joe faces regarding Les McKnight’s potential lawsuit and the sheriff’s proposed bargaining strategy.

    Answer:
    Joe recognizes the ethical complexity of Neal’s plan to bargain with McKnight, who was injured during the raid. McKnight could credibly claim self-defense against unidentified intruders, and the raid’s justification—owning a sex doll—seems flimsy. Neal proposes dropping assault charges in exchange for McKnight withdrawing his lawsuit, but Joe worries this negotiation could backfire or appear unjust. The situation tests Joe’s commitment to fairness, as he prefers to avoid involvement in what he views as a legally and morally messy compromise. It also highlights the tension between law enforcement’s operational mistakes and accountability.

    4. What does Steve Pollock’s phone call reveal about his state of mind and his potential role in Kate’s disappearance?

    Answer:
    Pollock’s hesitant, secretive call suggests guilt, fear, or unresolved conflict about events in Saratoga. He speaks softly, as if hiding, and initially resists meeting Joe, claiming he’s leaving Wyoming for good. His bitter remark—”Shit happened”—implies regret or trauma. Pollock’s insistence on secrecy (no recorder, no witnesses) and his question, “I can trust you, can’t I, Joe?” reveal paranoia or awareness of wrongdoing. His behavior positions him as a key witness—or possibly a perpetrator—in Kate’s case, though his reluctance to talk suggests he may possess damaging information he’s afraid to share.

    5. How does Nate’s attitude toward interrogations and investigations differ from Joe’s, and what does this reveal about their contrasting approaches to justice?

    Answer:
    Nate operates with aggressive, extra-legal tactics, as seen when he volunteers to “get [Josh Teubner’s] phone” or implies coercive interrogation methods. Joe, by contrast, prioritizes due process, warning Nate to avoid hospitalizing more locals. Nate’s eagerness to pursue “conspiracy theory–related” leads also contrasts with Joe’s focus on tangible evidence. Their dynamic reflects differing philosophies: Nate embraces vigilante-style justice, while Joe adheres to institutional protocols, even when flawed. This tension underscores the broader theme of how far individuals should go to uncover truth—and at what cost to ethics or collateral damage.

    Note