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[Stone Barrington 03] • Dead in the Water
Chapter 10
by Stuart, Woods,The chapter opens with Stone, Thomas, and Allison leaving jail, where Allison had been held. Despite her incarceration, Allison describes her experience as surprisingly tolerable, even mentioning interesting conversations with a fellow inmate. Stone, exhausted from stress, struggles to stay awake during the drive. The group arrives at a restaurant, where an insurance investigator approaches Allison, offering financial support for legal expenses. Stone excuses himself to make urgent phone calls, signaling the mounting pressure of the case.
Stone contacts his colleague Bill Eggers, expressing frustration over the seemingly unjust legal proceedings against Allison, who faces a potential death sentence. He reveals his concerns about the erratic behavior of their local barrister and the tight timeline before the trial. Eggers offers support, but Stone acknowledges the dire situation, emphasizing the need for swift action. The conversation underscores the gravity of Allison’s predicament and Stone’s determination to fight against the odds.
Next, Stone calls Bob Cantor, a retired cop, to enlist his help in gathering evidence. He instructs Cantor to travel to the Canary Islands to investigate the last known whereabouts of Allison and her late husband, Paul Manning, aboard their yacht, *Expansive*. Stone hopes to find witnesses who can testify to the couple’s harmonious relationship, countering the prosecution’s narrative. Cantor agrees but expresses skepticism about the feasibility of proving Allison’s innocence without direct evidence.
Stone then coordinates logistics with his secretary, arranging Cantor’s travel and requesting a barrister’s robe for himself. The chapter concludes with Stone confronting Allison, indicating a serious conversation about her case. His grim demeanor hints at the escalating stakes and the need for full transparency between them. The tension builds as Stone prepares to confront the harsh realities of the trial ahead.
FAQs
1. What are Stone’s primary concerns regarding Allison Manning’s legal situation, and what steps does he take to address them?
Answer:
Stone is deeply concerned that Allison is being unjustly prosecuted and faces the death penalty (“they’re going to hang her”). He recognizes the lack of evidence in her favor and the urgency of the timeline (trial set for the following Monday). To address this, he takes proactive steps: (1) He contacts Bob Cantor to investigate the Canary Islands for witnesses who can testify about Allison and Paul Manning’s relationship dynamics. (2) He requests a background check on Paul Manning to uncover potential exculpatory evidence. (3) He arranges for a barrister’s robe and prepares for trial, acknowledging the need to prove Allison’s innocence despite the lack of witnesses. These actions reflect his strategy to build a defense from circumstantial evidence and character testimony.
2. How does Allison describe her jail experience, and what does this reveal about her character?
Answer:
Allison describes her jail experience surprisingly positively, noting the food was “pretty good,” she had a private cell, and she engaged in “fascinating conversations” with a fellow inmate. This portrayal suggests resilience and adaptability in adversity. Her focus on the positive aspects (unlike typical jail horror stories) and her gratitude toward Stone (“I can’t thank you enough”) reveal a pragmatic and appreciative demeanor. Additionally, her ability to connect with others (e.g., the shoplifting neighbor) hints at social intelligence, which may later prove useful in garnering sympathy or support for her case.
3. Analyze the significance of the interaction between Allison and the insurance investigator. How might this impact the plot?
Answer:
The insurance investigator’s appearance introduces a potential financial lifeline for Allison’s legal defense (“cash for legal expenses”). This interaction suggests that Paul Manning’s policies could fund her case, alleviating one practical obstacle. However, it also raises questions: Is the investigator genuinely helpful, or does he represent hidden interests (e.g., the insurance company avoiding payout)? The scene foreshadows future conflicts—financial support could empower Stone’s defense strategy, but the investigator’s motives might complicate the narrative if he becomes a rival or antagonist in uncovering the truth about Paul’s death.
4. How does Stone’s conversation with Bill Eggers highlight the challenges of practicing law in a foreign jurisdiction?
Answer:
Stone’s call to Eggers underscores the jurisdictional and cultural hurdles he faces. Eggers’ shock (“That’s the craziest thing I’ve ever heard”) emphasizes the absurdity of the situation by U.S. standards, while Stone’s frustration (“I wish I were hearing about it instead of living it”) reflects his isolation in an unfamiliar legal system. The discussion about the local barrister (“gaga”) and the rushed trial timeline illustrates Stone’s lack of control and reliance on potentially unreliable local expertise. This exchange reinforces themes of disorientation and the need for creative problem-solving in cross-border legal practice.
5. Evaluate Stone’s emotional state in this chapter. How does it influence his decision-making?
Answer:
Stone exhibits stress and exhaustion (e.g., struggling to stay awake due to worry, describing himself as “feeling pretty grim”). Yet, his emotions drive decisive action: He channels anxiety into mobilizing resources (Cantor, Eggers) and prioritizing tasks (witness searches, background checks). His urgency (“tonight if possible”) reflects heightened stakes. However, his curtness (e.g., “Don’t ask” to Alma about Arrington) hints at frayed patience. This balance between productive action and underlying tension suggests his emotional state is both a motivator and a potential liability, as fatigue or impulsivity could cloud judgment in future high-pressure moments.
Quotes
1. “I have this perfectly innocent woman for a client who it seems is being railroaded by the judicial system in this godforsaken island country, and unless I can think of something fast they’re going to hang her.”
This quote captures Stone Barrington’s desperate realization of the grave injustice facing his client, Allison Manning. It highlights the extreme stakes of the case (a potential hanging) and his perception of the legal system’s corruption.
2. “If I’m going to get this woman off I’m pretty much going to have to prove that she didn’t do it.”
Stone articulates the nearly impossible burden of proof he faces in defending Allison. This quote underscores the reversal of legal norms where the defense must prove innocence rather than the prosecution proving guilt.
3. “That’s impossible… There were no witnesses.”
Bob Cantor’s response emphasizes the hopelessness of Stone’s situation, reinforcing how dire the circumstances are for Allison’s defense with no exonerating evidence available.
4. “I’m going to have to do it anyway.”
Despite the impossibility, Stone’s determined response shows his commitment to justice. This quote represents the turning point where he resolves to pursue every possible avenue to save his client.
5. “I’m feeling pretty grim, and I’m going to tell you why.”
This ominous statement to Allison signals a crucial confrontation where Stone must share hard truths about her case. It foreshadows difficult revelations about the legal battle ahead.