![Cover of [Stone Barrington 03] • Dead in the Water](https://static.beescdn.com/summaryer.com/2025/07/20250723073745562.jpg)
[Stone Barrington 03] • Dead in the Water
Chapter 2
by Stuart, Woods,Stone Barrington, dressed in light tropical attire, enjoys the warm January evening at a bar in St. Marks. He orders a piña colada and notices a news report about a blizzard in New York, realizing his girlfriend’s flight is canceled. The bartender, Thomas Hardy, reveals he was once a NYPD officer who recognized Stone from his time on the force. The two bond over their shared background, and Thomas offers Stone use of his phone to call his girlfriend, who rebooks her flight for the next day.
As the bar fills with customers, Stone observes Sir Winston Sutherland, the island’s minister of justice, dining with a companion. Thomas explains that Sutherland is a powerful figure with ambitions to become prime minister. Their conversation shifts to a blond woman from a nearby yacht, who arrived alone after her husband disappeared during their Atlantic voyage. Thomas hints that she may face scrutiny from local authorities, particularly Sutherland, regarding her husband’s mysterious absence.
Thomas reveals that the woman will appear before a coroner’s jury the next day, with Sutherland leading the inquiry. Stone finds the situation intriguing, noting the potential challenges she faces in proving her innocence. The chapter underscores the island’s tendency to suspect foul play, adding tension to the woman’s predicament. Stone’s curiosity about her grows, but he decides against approaching her that night, feeling too intoxicated for a proper introduction.
The chapter blends Stone’s leisurely tropical experience with undercurrents of mystery and local politics. His interactions with Thomas provide insight into the island’s culture and power dynamics, while the unresolved question of the missing husband sets the stage for future developments. Stone’s personal concerns about his girlfriend’s delayed arrival contrast with the larger intrigue unfolding around him, creating a layered narrative.
FAQs
1. How does the contrast between Stone’s tropical setting and the New York blizzard serve to develop the story’s tension?
Answer:
The juxtaposition of Stone’s idyllic tropical experience with the New York blizzard creates immediate tension by highlighting his separation from his girlfriend. While Stone enjoys warm weather, light clothing, and piña coladas, the blizzard prevents his girlfriend’s arrival, disrupting their plans. This contrast emphasizes the unpredictability of life and foreshadows potential conflicts—both personal (their delayed reunion) and professional (the stranded travelers impacting Thomas’s business). The TV report specifically mentions airport closures, making Stone’s concern tangible and grounding the tension in real-world consequences.2. Analyze the significance of Thomas Hardy’s background as a former NYPD officer in St. Marks. How does this connection shape the narrative?
Answer:
Thomas’s NYPD past creates an instant bond with Stone, establishing trust and camaraderie in an unfamiliar setting. Their shared law enforcement background allows for candid conversations (like discussing Stone’s “bad deal” resignation) and provides exposition about Stone’s history naturally. This connection also positions Thomas as a valuable local informant—his insider knowledge about Sir Winston Sutherland and the missing husband case moves the plot forward. His dual perspective (NYC cop/St. Marks businessman) bridges cultural gaps, offering Stone both familiarity and local insights critical for navigating the island’s politics.3. What does the introduction of Sir Winston Sutherland and the blond woman from Expansive suggest about upcoming conflicts in the story?
Answer:
Sir Winston’s introduction as the ambitious justice minister—combined with the mysterious blond woman’s police involvement—foreshadows a legal/political conflict. Thomas’s remark that the woman must prove her innocence to Sutherland hints at a potential miscarriage of justice or power abuse. The husband’s disappearance and Sutherland’s reputation (“there’s more reason… to be careful”) suggest a high-stakes investigation where truth may be secondary to political agendas. This sets up Stone’s likely involvement, either as a witness, advocate, or investigator, especially given his legal background and proximity to the yacht.4. How does the chapter use sensory details to establish the atmosphere of St. Marks?
Answer:
Vivid sensory descriptions immerse readers in the tropical setting: Stone’s “short-sleeved silk shirt” and “woven leather loafers” contrast with NYC’s blizzard, emphasizing climate differences. The thatched-roof bar, “varnished mahogany” counter, and conch chowder evoke Caribbean authenticity. Auditory details like the bartender’s shifting accents (Bahamian to Brooklyn) and muted CNN broadcast deepen cultural layers. These details do more than set the scene—they highlight Stone’s dislocation (he notices everything) while making St. Marks feel alive, which later grounds the mystery in a specific, textured world.5. Evaluate Thomas Hardy’s role as both a comic relief character and a plot catalyst.
Answer:
Thomas provides levity through his playful accent shifts and witty remarks (“You’re too good for me, pal”), easing tension after Stone’s disappointment about his girlfriend. However, he crucially advances the plot: he reveals the blond woman’s suspicious circumstances, explains Sutherland’s influence, and provides communication tools (phone/fax). His bar also serves as a narrative hub where key characters (Stone, Sutherland, the woman) converge. This dual role makes him more than a stock “friendly bartender”—he’s a connective thread between the personal drama (Stone’s relationship) and the emerging mystery (the husband’s disappearance).
Quotes
1. “Stone showered, shaved, and got into some of his new tropical clothing—a short-sleeved silk shirt, Italian cotton trousers, and woven leather loafers, no socks. He found it an unexpected pleasure to dress so lightly in January; there was much to be said for winter in the tropics.”
This opening quote establishes the tropical setting and Stone’s immediate appreciation for the climate contrast, setting the tone for his island experience while subtly hinting at his privileged lifestyle.
2. “‘Shit,’ Stone said aloud. ‘Okay, you can turn the volume down again.’ ‘What you care, boss?’ the bartender asked, turning down the TV. ‘You already here.’ ‘Yeah, but my girl isn’t. She was due to leave at four this afternoon.’ ‘Bad luck, boss,’ the man said.”
This exchange introduces the first conflict of the chapter - the disrupted travel plans due to the blizzard - while showcasing the bartender’s local wisdom and Stone’s personal stakes in the situation.
3. “‘Were you ever a cop?’ Thomas shook his head. ‘No, but I heard about you. I was walking a beat in the Village when you left the force; everybody was talking about you, said you got a bad deal.’ ‘I can’t complain,’ Stone said. ‘I left with the full pension after fourteen years.’ ‘Yeah, but you took some lead with you, huh?’”
This revelation about Stone’s past as a wounded NYPD officer adds depth to his character and establishes an unexpected connection between the two men, creating instant camaraderie through shared professional background.
4. “‘On this island, foul play is always suspected,’ Thomas replied. ‘That lady is going to have to convince a number of people—that man first among them, that she is as innocent as a newborn lamb.’ ‘And how difficult is that likely to be?’ Stone asked. ‘It could be very difficult indeed,’ Thomas said.”
This exchange introduces the central mystery of the missing husband and establishes the local political dynamics through the looming presence of Sir Winston Sutherland, foreshadowing future conflict.
5. “‘Oh,’ Thomas said, ‘there’s more reason than that to be careful of Sir Winston.’”
This ominous closing remark about the Minister of Justice creates suspense and suggests the powerful political forces at play in St. Marks, hinting at future complications for both Stone and the mysterious yachting woman.