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[Joe Pickett 18] • The Disappeared
Chapter 28
by C.J., Box,Sheridan Pickett grows increasingly worried when Lance Ramsey, her coworker and secret romantic interest, fails to arrive at Silver Creek Ranch after a weekend at his remote cabin. With no cell service in the area, she imagines dire scenarios—mechanical failures, avalanches, or illness—while searching for his truck and snowmobile trailer. Her anxiety is compounded by her desire to share news of her recent involvement in a high-profile raid, which had garnered media attention. Despite her concern, she hesitates to report Lance’s absence to their manager, Mark Gordon, fearing repercussions for him.
Sheridan’s unease deepens as she reflects on her feelings for Lance, admitting how much she misses his presence on the lonely ranch. She considers borrowing a snowmobile to search for him herself, since her father and brother are unavailable. When she finally informs Gordon, he agrees to her plan, providing a satellite phone and subtly acknowledging their relationship. Sheridan is relieved he doesn’t lecture her about workplace fraternization, though she remains focused on finding Lance before it’s too late.
As Sheridan prepares for her search, she encounters the Youngberg farriers, Ben and Brady, who mock her with nicknames like “Little Miss” and taunt her about the raid photo. Their jeering escalates when they reference Lance as “Lance Romance” and imply she relies on her father and Lance for protection. Ignoring their provocations, Sheridan retreats to the storage garage to gather supplies and a snowmobile, determined to avoid further confrontation.
Despite her efforts to leave discreetly, the Youngbergs block her path, standing outside the garage door as it opens. Their presence threatens to delay her mission, adding tension to her already urgent task. Sheridan’s resolve to find Lance remains unwavering, but the encounter with the farriers underscores the challenges she faces—both in her search and in navigating the complexities of her relationships at the ranch.
FAQs
1. What are Sheridan’s main concerns about Lance Ramsey’s absence, and what do these worries reveal about their relationship?
Answer:
Sheridan experiences escalating anxiety about Lance’s absence, imagining scenarios ranging from mechanical failures (his snowmobile not starting) to life-threatening situations (an avalanche or severe illness). These vivid worries—especially her recollection of their intimate moments in his bed—reveal a deep personal connection beyond their professional relationship. Her protectiveness (not immediately reporting his absence to management) and longing (“she missed him more than she wanted to admit”) underscore a romantic attachment, despite their awareness of workplace fraternization policies. The chapter highlights her emotional dependence on his “shy smile and steady presence” in the isolating winter environment.2. How does the confrontation with the Youngberg brothers contribute to the chapter’s tension and characterization?
Answer:
The Youngbergs’ taunting (“Little Miss,” “Lance Romance”) introduces interpersonal conflict and social dynamics at the ranch. Their mockery of Sheridan’s viral photo—twisting her defensive action into bullying—reveals lingering resentment toward her family’s authority. This scene heightens tension by delaying Sheridan’s search mission while exposing her vulnerability: she suppresses her temper despite their provocation, prioritizing finding Lance. The brothers’ crude humor (nails falling from Ben’s mouth as he laughs) contrasts with Sheridan’s urgency, emphasizing her isolation and the gendered challenges she faces as a woman in a male-dominated environment.3. Analyze how the chapter uses setting to reflect Sheridan’s emotional state.
Answer:
The harsh winter landscape mirrors Sheridan’s anxiety and loneliness. The “cold white winter light” in the Activity Center underscores the sterile, exposed nature of her confrontation with the Youngbergs, while the “floating dust” suggests instability. Physical barriers—lack of cell service at Lance’s cabin, locked garage doors, and snow-blocked roads—parallel her emotional constraints (hiding her relationship, fearing judgment). The snowmobiles’ utilitarian design (emergency gear, hauling tubs for potential rescue) reflects her pragmatic yet desperate mindset. The setting amplifies her isolation, making her determination to brave the elements alone a testament to her devotion.4. What strategic choices does Sheridan make when planning her search for Lance, and what do they reveal about her problem-solving approach?
Answer:
Sheridan demonstrates resourcefulness and risk assessment: she delays involving management to protect Lance’s job, confirms his usual punctuality, and systematically checks all possible locations (arena, housing units) before escalating. Her equipment choices (Titan snowmobile for potential patient transport, satellite phone for safety) show foresight. By requesting Gordon’s approval but avoiding law enforcement (referencing the prior “blind raid” debacle), she balances urgency with pragmatism. Her decision to proceed alone—despite her father and Nate being unavailable—reveals self-reliance, though her emotional investment (“first she had to find him”) may cloud her judgment about the risks of a solo mountain rescue.5. How does the chapter hint at broader workplace dynamics and power structures at Silver Creek Ranch?
Answer:
The chapter reveals hierarchical tensions: Sheridan and Lance’s secret relationship violates “senior employee” conduct norms, while Gordon’s muted reaction (“Oh”) suggests unspoken awareness. The Youngbergs’ disrespect (“Li’l Miss”) implies resentment toward Sheridan’s family authority, contrasting with Lance’s respected “steady presence.” Sheridan’s access to resources (snowmobiles, satellite phones) highlights her privileged position, yet her fear of being judged for fraternization shows the ranch’s unwritten rules. The juxtaposition of Sheridan’s urgency with Gordon’s email-focused detachment also critiques managerial disconnect from frontline staff’s realities, framing the ranch as a microcosm of complex social and professional interdependencies.
Quotes
1. “She couldn’t remember when he’d been so late to work before.”
This quote highlights Sheridan’s growing concern for Lance’s unusual absence, establishing the chapter’s central tension. It shows how even small deviations from routine can trigger alarm in remote, dangerous environments.
2. “The ranch in the winter was a lonely and hollow place without his shy smile and his steady presence.”
This poignant reflection reveals Sheridan’s emotional attachment to Lance while capturing the isolating nature of their winter ranch work. It shows how personal relationships take on heightened importance in harsh, isolated settings.
3. “She hoped he wouldn’t remind her of what a bad idea it was for senior employees to fraternize, because she and Lance were well aware of it.”
This quote introduces the workplace tension between professional boundaries and personal relationships. It reveals Sheridan’s awareness of their transgression while showing her prioritization of finding Lance over maintaining appearances.
4. “Do you have your daddy with you? And where’s Lance Romance, your bodyguard?”
The Youngberg brothers’ mocking dialogue reveals the social dynamics and tensions at the ranch. Their nicknames (“Lance Romance”) and taunting tone establish an antagonistic atmosphere Sheridan must navigate during her urgent mission.
5. “She selected keys for one of the Titans, thinking that if Lance were injured she could bring him out in the tub and call ahead for the EMTs to meet her.”
This practical decision shows Sheridan’s transition from worry to action, demonstrating both her preparedness and the real dangers they face. It reveals her methodical planning while maintaining hope for a positive outcome.