Search Jump: Comments
    Chapter Index
    Back to Story
    Cover of [Stone Barrington 03] • Dead in the Water
    Adventure FictionFictionThriller

    [Stone Barrington 03] • Dead in the Water

    by Stuart, Woods,
    In “Dead in the Water,” part of Stuart Woods’ Stone Barrington series, the suave attorney and former NYPD detective finds himself embroiled in a high-stakes legal thriller. While vacationing in the Caribbean, Barrington is drawn into a case involving a wealthy woman accused of murdering her husband at sea. As he investigates, he uncovers layers of deception, maritime law complexities, and dangerous adversaries. The novel blends legal intrigue with action, showcasing Barrington’s wit and resourcefulness. Themes of justice, trust, and survival underpin this fast-paced entry in the popular series, appealing to fans of courtroom dramas and adventure alike.
    PreviousNext
    [Stone Barrington 03] • Dead in the Water

    Chapter 12

    by Stuart, Woods,

    Stone Bar­ring­ton, weary and frus­trat­ed after an unan­swered call to Arring­ton, retreats to his char­tered yacht for rest. Upon wak­ing at dusk, he is greet­ed by Alli­son, a woman stay­ing near­by, who invites him to din­ner with the con­di­tion that they avoid dis­cussing her prob­lems. Stone agrees, fresh­ens up, and joins her on her yacht. The two share light­heart­ed ban­ter, set­ting a relaxed tone for the evening as Alli­son pre­pares din­ner and Stone mix­es mar­ti­nis, show­cas­ing their chem­istry and mutu­al com­fort.

    As they cook and drink, Alli­son reveals her cop­ing mech­a­nism for adver­si­ty: tem­porar­i­ly set­ting aside her trou­bles to gain clar­i­ty the next day. Stone admires her resilience and shares snip­pets of his own back­ground, includ­ing his career shift from the NYPD to law after an injury. Their con­ver­sa­tion flows eas­i­ly, blend­ing per­son­al anec­dotes with play­ful flir­ta­tion. Allison’s cheer­ful demeanor con­trasts with Stone’s lin­ger­ing dis­ap­point­ment over Arring­ton, sub­tly high­light­ing his emo­tion­al vul­ner­a­bil­i­ty.

    The din­ner pro­gress­es with smoked salmon, chick­en, and fine wine, fur­ther eas­ing the ten­sion between them. Allison’s play­ful teas­ing about Stone’s roman­tic life and her bold ques­tions about his income under­score their grow­ing inti­ma­cy. The atmos­phere becomes increas­ing­ly charged as Alli­son low­ers the lights and unties her blouse, sig­nal­ing her desire to aban­don their attor­ney-client rela­tion­ship for the night. Stone, fueled by alco­hol and attrac­tion, read­i­ly agrees, sur­ren­der­ing to the moment.

    Their phys­i­cal con­nec­tion is imme­di­ate and intense, cul­mi­nat­ing in a pas­sion­ate encounter. After­wards, Alli­son leads Stone to her cab­in, hint­ing at more to come. The chap­ter clos­es with their mutu­al sat­is­fac­tion and antic­i­pa­tion for fur­ther inti­ma­cy, mark­ing a turn­ing point in their rela­tion­ship as Stone tem­porar­i­ly sets aside his heartache over Arring­ton. The scene cap­tures their shared vul­ner­a­bil­i­ty and the escapism they find in each oth­er.

    Down­load PDF Sum­ma­ry

    FAQs

    • 1. How does Allison Manning cope with stressful situations, and what does this reveal about her character?

      Answer:
      Allison demonstrates a deliberate coping mechanism when faced with adversity: she addresses what she can, then completely puts the problem out of her mind until the next day, when she feels clearer. This approach reveals her resilience, emotional discipline, and ability to compartmentalize—traits likely honed through life experience. Her cheerful demeanor during dinner (“It’s a gift”) suggests she prioritizes mental well-being over dwelling on negativity. This strategy also hints at a pragmatic personality, as she focuses on actionable solutions rather than emotional paralysis, which aligns with her proactive behavior throughout the chapter (e.g., preparing dinner despite her distress).

      2. Analyze the significance of Stone and Allison’s decision to engage romantically. What factors contribute to this moment?

      Answer:
      Their intimate encounter stems from a confluence of emotional vulnerability and attraction. Stone is hurt by Arrington’s absence (“feeling hurt by Arrington, feeling incautious”) and physically weary, while Allison seeks distraction from her own troubles (“no talking about my problems”). Alcohol lowers inhibitions (martini and wine), and their mutual attraction is evident in playful banter (“you must be sensational in bed”). The moment also reflects a temporary suspension of their professional relationship (“forget about the attorney-client relationship”), suggesting both prioritize personal connection over formal boundaries in this charged situation. The scene underscores how emotional states and circumstances can override rational judgment.

      3. Compare and contrast Stone and Allison’s backgrounds based on their self-disclosures during dinner. How might these differences influence their dynamic?

      Answer:
      Stone grew up in urban New York (Village) with artisan parents, pursued law and policing, and now balances legal work with freedom. Allison hails from a Connecticut colonial village, studied art, and married into wealth. Their backgrounds reveal contrasting trajectories—Stone’s career-driven path versus Allison’s more privileged, creative upbringing. These differences create an intriguing dynamic: Stone’s pragmatic NYPD experience contrasts with Allison’s refined tastes (wine expertise, yacht lifestyle), yet both show adaptability. His middle-class roots and her upper-middle-class upbringing might explain her directness (“How much money do you make?”) versus his measured responses, but their shared wit and resilience bridge these gaps.

      4. What role does setting play in this chapter, particularly the yachts and St. Marks location?

      Answer:
      The maritime setting—a secluded harbor in St. Marks—creates an intimate, insulated atmosphere that heightens the characters’ interactions. The yachts symbolize transient lifestyles (Stone’s charter, Allison’s blue yacht) and serve as confined spaces that force proximity, accelerating their connection. St. Marks’ tropical vibe (“it wasn’t all that cold”) adds a vacation-like escapism that encourages relaxation of norms. The yacht’s luxurious details (electric table, concealed bar) reflect Allison’s affluent world, contrasting with Stone’s simpler “tiny head” shower space. This dichotomy mirrors their backgrounds while the secluded location allows their relationship to unfold without external scrutiny.

      5. Evaluate how dialogue contributes to character development in this chapter. Provide specific examples.

      Answer:
      Dialogue reveals key traits: Allison’s boldness shines in blunt questions (“How much money do you make?”) and playful teasing (“you must be sensational in bed”), showcasing her confidence. Stone’s dry humor (“boyish charm”) and self-deprecation (“That’s me”) reflect his grounded nature. Their exchange about coping mechanisms (“It’s a gift”/“I’ll start right now”) demonstrates mutual admiration for resilience. Professionally detailed backstories (e.g., Stone’s NYPD career) build credibility, while flirtatious banter foreshadows their romantic tension. Allison’s directive tone (“no talking about my problems”) contrasts with Stone’s accommodating responses, establishing a push-pull dynamic that deepens their characterizations through interaction.

    Quotes

    • 1. “‘It’s a gift,’ she said. ‘For my whole life, when faced with something awful, I do as much as I can, then I put it out of my mind. I mean really right out of my mind. Then I find that the next day, things seem clearer.’”

      This quote captures Allison’s philosophy of coping with adversity, revealing her resilience and emotional management strategy. It stands out as a key insight into her character and serves as a turning point in the conversation where she shares her personal wisdom with Stone.

      2. “‘You can cultivate it if you work at it.’”

      A concise yet powerful follow-up to Allison’s previous statement, this quote emphasizes the idea that emotional resilience can be developed through practice. It reinforces the chapter’s theme of personal growth and adaptability in challenging circumstances.

      3. “‘Let’s forget about the attorney–client relationship for the night,’ she said.”

      This pivotal quote marks the transition in Stone and Allison’s relationship from professional to personal. It represents a key moment of emotional vulnerability and connection between the characters, showcasing how they choose to comfort each other in difficult times.

      4. “‘Now we can start working on the next time,’ she said, ‘and we can practice waiting.’”

      A playful yet meaningful closing line that encapsulates the chapter’s themes of living in the moment while acknowledging future possibilities. The quote beautifully balances immediacy with anticipation, reflecting the characters’ complex emotional states.

    Quotes

    1. “‘It’s a gift,’ she said. ‘For my whole life, when faced with something awful, I do as much as I can, then I put it out of my mind. I mean really right out of my mind. Then I find that the next day, things seem clearer.’”

    This quote captures Allison’s philosophy of coping with adversity, revealing her resilience and emotional management strategy. It stands out as a key insight into her character and serves as a turning point in the conversation where she shares her personal wisdom with Stone.

    2. “‘You can cultivate it if you work at it.’”

    A concise yet powerful follow-up to Allison’s previous statement, this quote emphasizes the idea that emotional resilience can be developed through practice. It reinforces the chapter’s theme of personal growth and adaptability in challenging circumstances.

    3. “‘Let’s forget about the attorney–client relationship for the night,’ she said.”

    This pivotal quote marks the transition in Stone and Allison’s relationship from professional to personal. It represents a key moment of emotional vulnerability and connection between the characters, showcasing how they choose to comfort each other in difficult times.

    4. “‘Now we can start working on the next time,’ she said, ‘and we can practice waiting.’”

    A playful yet meaningful closing line that encapsulates the chapter’s themes of living in the moment while acknowledging future possibilities. The quote beautifully balances immediacy with anticipation, reflecting the characters’ complex emotional states.

    FAQs

    1. How does Allison Manning cope with stressful situations, and what does this reveal about her character?

    Answer:
    Allison demonstrates a deliberate coping mechanism when faced with adversity: she addresses what she can, then completely puts the problem out of her mind until the next day, when she feels clearer. This approach reveals her resilience, emotional discipline, and ability to compartmentalize—traits likely honed through life experience. Her cheerful demeanor during dinner (“It’s a gift”) suggests she prioritizes mental well-being over dwelling on negativity. This strategy also hints at a pragmatic personality, as she focuses on actionable solutions rather than emotional paralysis, which aligns with her proactive behavior throughout the chapter (e.g., preparing dinner despite her distress).

    2. Analyze the significance of Stone and Allison’s decision to engage romantically. What factors contribute to this moment?

    Answer:
    Their intimate encounter stems from a confluence of emotional vulnerability and attraction. Stone is hurt by Arrington’s absence (“feeling hurt by Arrington, feeling incautious”) and physically weary, while Allison seeks distraction from her own troubles (“no talking about my problems”). Alcohol lowers inhibitions (martini and wine), and their mutual attraction is evident in playful banter (“you must be sensational in bed”). The moment also reflects a temporary suspension of their professional relationship (“forget about the attorney-client relationship”), suggesting both prioritize personal connection over formal boundaries in this charged situation. The scene underscores how emotional states and circumstances can override rational judgment.

    3. Compare and contrast Stone and Allison’s backgrounds based on their self-disclosures during dinner. How might these differences influence their dynamic?

    Answer:
    Stone grew up in urban New York (Village) with artisan parents, pursued law and policing, and now balances legal work with freedom. Allison hails from a Connecticut colonial village, studied art, and married into wealth. Their backgrounds reveal contrasting trajectories—Stone’s career-driven path versus Allison’s more privileged, creative upbringing. These differences create an intriguing dynamic: Stone’s pragmatic NYPD experience contrasts with Allison’s refined tastes (wine expertise, yacht lifestyle), yet both show adaptability. His middle-class roots and her upper-middle-class upbringing might explain her directness (“How much money do you make?”) versus his measured responses, but their shared wit and resilience bridge these gaps.

    4. What role does setting play in this chapter, particularly the yachts and St. Marks location?

    Answer:
    The maritime setting—a secluded harbor in St. Marks—creates an intimate, insulated atmosphere that heightens the characters’ interactions. The yachts symbolize transient lifestyles (Stone’s charter, Allison’s blue yacht) and serve as confined spaces that force proximity, accelerating their connection. St. Marks’ tropical vibe (“it wasn’t all that cold”) adds a vacation-like escapism that encourages relaxation of norms. The yacht’s luxurious details (electric table, concealed bar) reflect Allison’s affluent world, contrasting with Stone’s simpler “tiny head” shower space. This dichotomy mirrors their backgrounds while the secluded location allows their relationship to unfold without external scrutiny.

    5. Evaluate how dialogue contributes to character development in this chapter. Provide specific examples.

    Answer:
    Dialogue reveals key traits: Allison’s boldness shines in blunt questions (“How much money do you make?”) and playful teasing (“you must be sensational in bed”), showcasing her confidence. Stone’s dry humor (“boyish charm”) and self-deprecation (“That’s me”) reflect his grounded nature. Their exchange about coping mechanisms (“It’s a gift”/“I’ll start right now”) demonstrates mutual admiration for resilience. Professionally detailed backstories (e.g., Stone’s NYPD career) build credibility, while flirtatious banter foreshadows their romantic tension. Allison’s directive tone (“no talking about my problems”) contrasts with Stone’s accommodating responses, establishing a push-pull dynamic that deepens their characterizations through interaction.

    Note