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[Stone Barrington 03] • Dead in the Water
Chapter 13
by Stuart, Woods,The chapter opens with Stone Barrington waking up beside Allison Manning, his client, after a night of intimacy. Reflecting on their impulsive connection, Stone acknowledges his own vulnerabilities and Allison’s possible motivations—whether driven by fear of her impending legal peril or simple desire. Their playful morning is interrupted by a knock from Hilary Kramer, a reporter from *The New York Times*, who has arrived unexpectedly to interview Allison. Stone advises Allison to meet Kramer discreetly, and they arrange to talk at a nearby pub, where Stone plans to join them as her attorney.
At the Shipwright’s Arms, Stone introduces himself to Kramer, explaining his role in Allison’s case. Kramer reveals she flew in after hearing about the story on the AP wire. When Allison arrives, the reporter begins a thorough interview, probing the details of Allison’s legal situation. Stone strategically hints that media pressure could influence the outcome, subtly urging Kramer to investigate further. He also alludes to potential bias from Sir Winston Sutherland, St. Marks’ Minister of Justice, sparking Kramer’s curiosity.
Kramer’s skepticism grows as Stone and Thomas, the pub owner, encourage her to confront Sutherland directly. Stone offers off-the-record insights into St. Marks’ flawed justice system, leaving Kramer stunned. Realizing the story’s gravity, she decides to extend her stay, arranging for a room and transportation to Government House. Thomas assists with logistics, while Kramer secures photos of Allison and Stone for her article, planning to contact Allison’s late husband’s agent for additional material.
As Kramer departs to pursue the story, Allison questions whether the interview went well. Stone reassures her, noting Kramer’s engagement but warning they must maintain a professional demeanor in public. Despite the tension, their private connection remains undeniable, though Stone humorously suggests abstaining from intimacy—a plan he quickly doubts they’ll follow. The chapter ends with a sense of cautious optimism as the media’s involvement could shift the legal battle in Allison’s favor.
FAQs
1. How does the chapter establish the relationship dynamics between Stone and Allison?
Answer:
The chapter portrays a complex, intimate relationship between Stone and Allison, blending professional boundaries with personal attraction. Despite Allison being Stone’s client, their physical relationship develops due to a mix of emotional vulnerability (Allison’s potential mortality) and mutual desire (“maybe she was just horny”). Stone acknowledges the ethical gray area but rationalizes it due to distance from oversight bodies. Their playful, sexually charged banter (“Speaking of service…”) and mutual satisfaction highlight a connection beyond attorney-client relations, though Stone later recognizes the need for discretion around outsiders like Hilary Kramer.
2. What role does media intervention play in Allison’s legal situation, and how does Stone strategically engage with it?
Answer:
Stone views media coverage as pivotal to influencing public opinion and potentially swaying Allison’s case. He explicitly tells Hilary Kramer that press pressure could improve Allison’s chances, framing Sir Winston Sutherland’s actions as politically motivated (“an ax to grind”). By feeding Kramer off-the-record details about St. Marks’ flawed justice system, Stone aims to shape a narrative that paints Allison as a victim. His tactics include leveraging Kramer’s curiosity (“Why don’t you ask Sir Winston?”) and emphasizing urgency (“they could hang her as early as next week”) to provoke investigative reporting.
3. Analyze the significance of the setting (e.g., the yacht, Shipwright’s Arms) in shaping the chapter’s tone and plot developments.
Answer:
The confined space of the yacht creates an intimate, isolated atmosphere that fuels Stone and Allison’s relationship, while also heightening tension when external forces (like Kramer) intrude. The Shipwright’s Arms serves as a transitional space where private conflicts become public: Kramer’s arrival forces Allison to switch from lover to interviewee, and Stone shifts from partner to legal representative. Thomas’s pub also acts as an information hub, facilitating plot advancements (e.g., offering transportation and lodging) and underscoring the clash between local culture and foreign media scrutiny.
4. How does Hilary Kramer’s character serve as both an ally and a potential threat to Stone and Allison?
Answer:
Kramer is an ally insofar as her reporting could generate sympathy for Allison, but her sharp intuition (“woman’s intuition”) and investigative instincts pose risks. She immediately questions the legitimacy of the situation (“Is this some practical joke?”), signaling skepticism that could uncover inconsistencies in Stone’s or Allison’s accounts. Her demand for photos and quick adaptation to the island’s logistics (e.g., arranging Federal Express) demonstrate her professionalism, which Stone must carefully navigate—balancing transparency with secrecy to avoid undermining Allison’s legal position.
5. Evaluate Stone’s ethical dilemma as an attorney in this chapter. What justifications does he provide, and how might his actions impact Allison’s case?
Answer:
Stone grapples with violating attorney-client boundaries by sleeping with Allison, rationalizing it through distance from oversight (“a long way from the Ethics Committee”) and personal weakness (“never been any good at saying no to women”). While this intimacy strengthens their alliance, it risks compromising his objectivity and could discredit both if exposed. His later insistence on appearing “very correct” around Kramer shows awareness of the stakes. If discovered, the relationship could undermine Allison’s credibility in court and paint Stone as exploitative, jeopardizing her defense.
Quotes
1. “Stone didn’t know what had motivated her to make love to him—maybe the realization that she might have no more than a week to live and the desire to make the most of it; or maybe she was just horny. For himself, he had been disappointed, angry, jealous, drunk, and, oh yes, horny.”
This quote captures the raw, human complexity of the characters’ motivations—blending vulnerability, existential urgency, and dark humor. It reveals Stone’s self-awareness about his ethical boundaries (or lack thereof) as a lawyer and sets the tone for their fraught relationship.
2. “‘I don’t know any other way to tell it,’ Allison replied.”
A deceptively simple line that underscores Allison’s authenticity amid mounting legal and media scrutiny. It contrasts with the performative nature of the coming interview and hints at her psychological state facing potential execution.
3. “‘Off the record, I think that will depend greatly on what the press has to say about this. If enough pressure can be brought to bear in the media, her chances will improve a lot.’”
Stone’s blunt admission reveals the cynical reality of leveraging media influence in legal battles. This strategic insight exposes the intersection of justice and public perception in high-stakes cases.
4. “‘I think it could hardly have gone better.’”
Stone’s satisfied assessment of the reporter interview—juxtaposed with Allison’s earlier sexual remark—creates dramatic irony. The quote marks a turning point where media manipulation becomes their primary weapon against the island’s corrupt justice system.
5. “‘We’d better be very correct everywhere, except in bed,’ Stone replied. ‘I’d suggest we give up sex for the duration, but I don’t th…’”
This truncated confession perfectly encapsulates the chapter’s central tension: the collision of professional ethics, survival instincts, and human desire. The unfinished thought mirrors their unresolved predicament.