2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #2 discussion

Lucas uses Annie McGowan, the Channel 8 TV reporter (he’s slept with her) as a lure for maddog by giving her false information that will provoke him into action. However, they provided her surveillance soon after. Your thoughts about how Lucas handled this?

For some reason, I don't remember Lucas sleeping with her. I thought there was a promise to sleep with her in the future. Also, I remember him not answering the door when she showed up. I borrowed the audiobook, so I can't do a search or re-listen because I returned it.

Regardless, it is lousy that he used her without her knowledge. Most cops shy away from using civilians even when it isn't dangerous. I'm sure he thought they could protect her, but something can always go wrong. Davenport can stir up negative feelings in the reader.

Here, I thought that Lucas did not think out the possible repercussions that using Annie to provoke the serial killer would have. That leaves me with two options:
(1) Lucas was not as bright as his chief thought he was, or
(2) Lucas was willing to sacrifice Annie to the cause of catching the killer; or, perhaps even
(3) The chief approved such a sacrifice....?

Charlene, I felt like Lucas believed he could protect her. I don't believe he was willing to sacrifice Annie. His plan was good, but too many people made mistakes.

Sharon, of course you are right that Lucas believed that he and the force could protect Annie. I did not mean, literally, that he was willing to have her killed as a sacrifice; rather, I meant to say that he was knowingly setting her up to be a target every time he gave her a hint that would rile maddog.

Got it. You're right. He knew he was challenging maddog.

Sharon - I listened to the audio as well. I don't recall him sleeping with Annie at all and yes, he did not answer the door. And, yes, he knew she wanted to sleep with him and he used that to get what he wanted. Also, yes, I believe that Lucas thought that Annie would be protected.

@Charlene - my thoughts were option 2 when everything was taking place with this part of the storyline.

I don't think he is heartless or unfeeling. He thought he had everything under control, and would never allow the murderer close enough to hurt Annie.