Buried Prey
Chapter 25
by Sandford, JohnThe chapter opens with Lucas Davenport injured after a violent confrontation with Hanson, a suspect in multiple child murders. Del, his colleague, assesses Lucas’s wounds—a deep cut on his forehead and a slashed shoulder—before they are treated by paramedics. Lucas is taken to the hospital, where a plastic surgeon stitches him up. During the procedure, Lucas calls his wife, Weather, who is alarmed but reassured by the surgeon. Meanwhile, Jenkins, another officer, confirms Hanson was killed during the altercation, and evidence at his home—including trophies and VHS tapes—links him to the murders of the Jones sisters and other victims.
At the hospital, Lucas recovers from the anesthesia while Del updates him on the aftermath. Hanson was shot dead by Jenkins during the struggle, and the woman he held hostage, Betty Ludwig, escaped with minor injuries. The investigation reveals disturbing evidence in Hanson’s home, such as locks of hair and personal items from victims. Lucas expresses relief that he won’t have to view the incriminating tapes. The sheriff’s department is briefed, though tensions arise over the lack of prior coordination. Lucas defends his impulsive actions, explaining he acted to protect Ludwig, despite the risks.
After being discharged, Lucas returns home, where Weather scolds him for his recklessness. His injuries make resting uncomfortable, but colleagues Jenkins and Shrake visit to confirm the shooting was justified. Public Safety Commissioner Rose Marie Roux holds a press conference, declaring Hanson responsible for at least six child murders, including his uncle and Marcy Sherrill. The case will require extensive investigation to identify all victims. Rose Marie and Weather later admonish Lucas for his behavior, urging him to appreciate his team’s loyalty.
The chapter concludes with reflections on the aftermath. Funerals are held for Sherrill, Hanson, and the Jones sisters, while Todd Barker, another victim, survives a lung infection. Hanson’s relatives attempt to sue the state for property damage but settle quietly to avoid public scrutiny. The BCA’s DNA advancements are highlighted, showcasing their role in solving the case. Lucas, mostly healed after two weeks, contemplates the events alone, leaving the reader with a sense of closure but lingering questions about justice and the toll of his work.
FAQs
1. What were the key events that occurred during the confrontation with Roger Hanson, and how did Lucas Davenport’s actions impact the outcome?
Answer:
During the confrontation, Lucas rushed into the house after Hanson, who had taken a woman (Betty Ludwig) hostage with a knife. Despite initially thinking Hanson was unarmed, Lucas acted quickly to protect the woman, resulting in him being slashed on the forehead and shoulder. His aggressive intervention created an opportunity for Jenkins to shoot Hanson twice in the chest, neutralizing the threat. Lucas’s injuries, while painful, were not life-threatening. His actions likely saved Betty Ludwig from serious harm, as Hanson was described as “nuts” and potentially willing to kill her. The chapter emphasizes Lucas’s split-second decision-making and willingness to put himself in danger to protect others.2. How does the chapter illustrate the aftermath of violent confrontations for both law enforcement and perpetrators?
Answer:
The chapter shows multiple layers of aftermath: physical (Lucas’s wounds requiring stitches), procedural (the sheriff’s department investigating the shooting), emotional (Weather’s anger at Lucas’s recklessness), and legal (the justified ruling on Jenkins’s shooting). For the perpetrator, Hanson’s death ends his killing spree, but investigators still must piece together his crimes through trophies like hair, underwear, and VHS tapes. The chapter also touches on broader consequences, such as Darrell Hanson’s abandoned lawsuit due to fear of public association with Roger. These details collectively portray the complex ripple effects of violent encounters.3. Analyze the significance of the DNA evidence in this case and its broader implications for future investigations.
Answer:
DNA played a pivotal role in identifying Roger Hanson through his relative Darrell’s DNA test, which “pointed the finger” at Roger. The BCA lab boss highlights this as a breakthrough, suggesting a future where everyone is traceable via familial DNA. This method not only solved cold cases (like the Jones sisters’ murders) but also deterred Darrell Hanson’s lawsuit, showing its power beyond forensics. The lab’s “DNA World Tour” T-shirts, though mocked, symbolize a shift toward ubiquitous genetic tracing—a theme the chapter presents as both promising and ethically ambiguous.4. How does the chapter portray the interpersonal dynamics between Lucas and his colleagues/family after the shooting?
Answer:
The chapter reveals deep bonds and tensions: Del questions Lucas’s judgment but stays by his side at the hospital; Jenkins and Shrake worry Lucas resents their “pushing him around,” prompting Weather to remind Lucas they’re his “best friends.” Weather herself oscillates between medical caregiving and furious reprimands, underscoring her dual role as spouse and doctor. Rose Marie Roux joins in scolding Lucas, showing how professional and personal relationships blur. These interactions highlight the trust and conflict inherent in high-stakes law enforcement careers.5. What thematic contrasts does the author draw between the funerals of Marcy Sherrill, Brian Hanson, and the Jones sisters?
Answer:
The funerals reflect starkly different legacies: Marcy Sherrill’s ashes are spread on her family farm, honoring her as a victim and loved one. Brian Hanson, despite his crimes, receives a veteran’s burial, hinting at unresolved complexities. The Jones sisters are laid to rest near grandparents, symbolizing restored familial bonds severed by violence. Roger Hanson’s body, meanwhile, is dismissed with “no idea what happened to it,” emphasizing society’s rejection of unrepentant killers. These contrasts explore themes of memory, justice, and how communities mourn differently based on moral weight.
Quotes
1. “I wanted to get my hands on him. I was right behind him when he went in the house, he didn’t have a gun, so I went straight in and then he had the woman and a knife and I was moving so fast I just kept going. It seemed like the best way to keep her from getting cut.”
This quote captures Lucas’s split-second decision-making during a life-threatening confrontation, showing his instinct to protect a hostage despite personal risk. It reveals his tactical thinking and commitment to saving lives even in chaotic situations.
2. “They got trophies. Locks of hair, underwear, a kid’s necklace. And home movies… They’ve got VHS movies of the Jones girls.”
This chilling revelation about the killer’s souvenirs underscores the dark nature of the crimes and provides closure to the investigation. The tangible evidence serves as proof of Hanson’s guilt while highlighting the tragedy of his victims.
3. “He says he’s never going to make that mistake again… He’s got a garage gun now, for when he takes the garbage out.”
This darkly humorous quote from Todd Barker reflects how the violent events have permanently altered civilian behavior. It shows the lasting psychological impact of trauma and how people adapt (sometimes excessively) to perceived threats.
4. “He suggested that it opened whole new doors to a time when, effectively, everybody in the country would be traceable through DNA.”
This quote foreshadows significant changes in criminal investigation techniques, highlighting both the promise and potential privacy concerns of advanced DNA technology. It represents a key thematic element about evolving police work.
5. “Lucas finally sat alone in his den, when the house was momentarily empty, and thought about it all.”
This introspective moment serves as the chapter’s emotional conclusion, showing Lucas processing the case’s physical and psychological toll. The quiet reflection contrasts with the preceding action and violence, providing closure.