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[Stone Barrington 03] • Dead in the Water
Chapter 20
by Stuart, Woods,The chapter opens with the arrival of media personnel eager to cover Allison Manning’s case, prompting Stone Barrington to delay the press conference until the next morning. To manage the growing crowd, Stone increases security at the marina while Allison, visibly anxious, drinks martinis to calm her nerves. Stone reassures her, emphasizing the importance of a clear-headed presentation the following day. The media’s intense interest is evident as they charter flights to attend, setting the stage for a high-stakes public appearance.
That evening, Stone cooks dinner for Allison aboard her yacht, a rare gesture that lightens the mood. Their conversation reveals Allison’s past with her late husband, Paul, who never cooked for her, contrasting with Stone’s willingness to care for her. The shared meal and banter provide a brief respite from the looming press conference, though the underlying tension remains. Outside, the bar is crowded with journalists, but police ensure their distance, allowing Allison and Stone a moment of privacy before the storm of publicity.
The next morning, Stone and Allison face a chaotic press conference at the Shipwright’s Arms, where a large crowd of reporters and cameras awaits. Stone sets ground rules, announcing that Allison will only make a statement and take no questions. He delivers a detailed account of the legal proceedings in St. Marks, highlighting the unusual judicial system and the challenges Allison faces. The media’s aggressive questioning focuses on the legal intricacies, but Stone maintains control, emphasizing the need to protect Allison from self-incrimination.
Allison then steps forward to share her story, recounting Paul’s sudden death at sea and her struggle to sail alone to St. Marks. Her emotional testimony captivates the audience, but the press conference ends abruptly as Stone enforces his no-questions rule. The media rushes to photograph Allison’s yacht, while Stone escorts her to safety, leaving the journalists clamoring for more. The chapter closes with the pair retreating to Stone’s rented room, awaiting the fallout from the highly publicized event.
FAQs
1. What precautions did Stone take to manage the media presence and protect Allison before the press conference?
Answer:
Stone implemented several security measures to handle the media influx and safeguard Allison. First, he postponed the press conference from 6 PM to the following morning at 10 AM to accommodate late arrivals and reduce immediate pressure. He also coordinated with Henry and Arliss to double the guard presence at the marina, ensuring journalists couldn’t intrude. Additionally, he observed police officers stationed near the Shipwright’s Arms to prevent reporters from approaching the marina. These steps reflect Stone’s strategic planning to control the narrative and shield Allison from undue stress or harassment before her public statement.2. How does Allison’s account of Paul’s death during the press conference contrast with the legal charges she faces in St. Marks?
Answer:
Allison’s emotional retelling of Paul’s death paints a picture of a tragic accident: she describes him collapsing from a sudden illness while she was stranded atop the mast, later burying him at sea after futile attempts to save him. This narrative emphasizes her vulnerability and lack of motive. However, St. Marks’ authorities have charged her with murder, implying deliberate wrongdoing. The stark contrast between her story (a grieving widow surviving against odds) and the legal allegations (premeditated homicide) underscores the tension between public perception and the judicial system’s skepticism, which Stone hopes to leverage for sympathy.3. Analyze Stone’s strategy during the press conference. How did he balance transparency with protecting Allison’s legal interests?
Answer:
Stone employed a carefully structured approach to the press conference. He began with his own detailed statement, educating reporters on St. Marks’ unusual legal procedures (e.g., judge-controlled jury selection) to frame the case as unfair. He then allowed a 30-minute Q&A but restricted topics to systemic issues rather than Allison’s actions, avoiding prejudicial details. When Allison spoke, he enforced a no-questions rule to prevent her from being trapped into harmful admissions. This strategy balanced transparency (humanizing Allison’s story) with caution (safeguarding her from self-incrimination), aiming to sway public opinion without compromising her defense.4. What does the interaction between Stone and Allison during their dinner reveal about their relationship dynamics?
Answer:
Their dinner scene highlights a blend of camaraderie, tension, and underlying attraction. Stone’s decision to cook for Allison—a gesture she appreciates as novel—shows his protective, nurturing side, while her teasing about his “seduction” tactics reveals playful cynicism. Their banter (“You are a cynic” / “Nailed you, huh?”) suggests mutual flirtation and comfort, but Allison’s nervousness about the media (and reliance on martinis) contrasts with Stone’s calm reassurance. This dynamic underscores their evolving bond: professional boundaries blurring into personal connection, which may complicate their attorney-client relationship amid the high-stakes case.5. Why might the media frenzy surrounding Allison’s case be both an advantage and a risk for her defense?
Answer:
The media attention presents a double-edged sword. On one hand, widespread coverage could pressure St. Marks’ authorities to act more transparently, as Stone hopes, by exposing irregularities in their legal system. Public sympathy from Allison’s heartfelt story might also deter harsh treatment. On the other hand, excessive scrutiny risks distorting facts, inviting sensationalism, or provoking the local judiciary to dig in defensively. Additionally, Allison’s emotional state (e.g., needing alcohol to cope) could be exploited by opponents. Stone must navigate this delicate balance, using the media as leverage while preventing it from undermining her case or well-being.
Quotes
1. “It can’t be bad… When the authorities get wind of what’s happening, I hope to see a change in their attitude.”
This quote captures Stone’s strategic optimism about the media attention surrounding Allison’s case. It shows his belief that public pressure could influence the legal proceedings, revealing an important theme of media power versus judicial systems.
2. “You forget, I’d been with Paul forever, and he wouldn’t so much as make himself a sandwich. Once, when I was sick and couldn’t cook, I saw him eat beans straight out of the can rather than heat them.”
Allison’s anecdote provides crucial characterization of her late husband Paul, subtly reinforcing potential motives and painting a picture of their strained relationship. This domestic detail becomes significant given the murder accusation.
3. “My name is Allison Manning; I am the widow of Paul Manning, the writer, with whom some of you may be familiar… Now I must place my faith in Stone Barrington and Sir Leslie Hewitt… I hope we will meet again in happier times.”
Allison’s press conference statement is the chapter’s climax, combining her public persona as a grieving widow with subtle appeals to sympathy. The closing line particularly stands out for its poignant hope amidst adversity.
4. “There were two ranks of cameras, high and low, and the TV reporters stood by, microphones in hand, for their own comments. The print journalists stood in clutches or sat on the grass, notebooks at the ready, and photographers were everywhere.”
This vivid description of the media frenzy effectively sets the scene for the pivotal press conference. The imagery underscores the intense public scrutiny surrounding the case and its transformation into a media spectacle.