Dead Until Dark

The next morning, Sam calls Sookie and asks her to check on a coworker, Dawn Green, who has missed her shift. Arriving at Dawn’s duplex, Sookie finds her murdered in her bed. She tells Rene Lenier, who lives across the street and is a Merlotte’s regular, to call the police. JB du Rone, Dawn’s neighbor, comforts Sookie­—they went to school together and even went on a few dates. JB tells Sookie that Dawn liked rough sex. When officers arrive, Sookie’s telepathy reveals to her that Rene and one of the officers, Kevin Prior, had sex with Dawn.

Sam, who is also Dawn’s landlord, arrives, and Sookie tries to read his mind. She can recognize his emotions, but she realizes that he is able to block his thoughts, which means that he is not fully human.

Detective Andy Bellefleur questions Sookie, and she inadvertently reveals her mind-reading ability. Although many people in Bon Temps are aware that she has some kind of telepathy, they choose to ignore it, instead calling her “crazy Sookie.” Andy looks disturbed at being confronted with her ability. He wants to question her later, especially about any connection between Sam and Dawn.