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[Stone Barrington 03] • Dead in the Water
Chapter 22
by Stuart, Woods,The chapter opens with Stone preparing breakfast and waking Allison, who suggests a swim to wake up. Stone cautions her against swimming naked due to lingering press on the island, and they instead head to the Shipwright’s Arms to borrow a car. There, they encounter Hilary Kramer, a journalist who missed the press purge. Kramer inquires about their plans, but Stone declines to include her, citing strict business. The exchange highlights the ongoing media scrutiny surrounding Allison’s case and sets the stage for their visit to co-counsel Leslie Hewitt.
Upon arriving at Hewitt’s cottage, Stone is relieved to find the elderly lawyer lucid, unlike their last meeting. Hewitt requests Stone fetch milk from a nearby grocer, leaving Allison to tour the garden with him. Stone grows impatient with the errand, frustrated by the delay in discussing trial strategy. Returning, he discovers the milk was unnecessary, hinting at Hewitt’s occasional forgetfulness. He finds Allison and Hewitt deep in conversation, which they dismiss as gardening talk, though their demeanor suggests a more serious discussion.
Back in Hewitt’s study, the lawyer outlines the trial’s expected progression with confidence, dismissing Stone’s concerns about detailed preparation. Hewitt predicts the prosecution’s dramatic opening, followed by his own concise rebuttal, and anticipates the jury’s swift decision-making. Stone questions the lack of formal evidence disclosure and jury deliberation norms, but Hewitt brushes off his concerns, emphasizing cultural differences in St. Marks. His casual approach leaves Stone uneasy, especially when Hewitt abruptly ends the meeting without addressing key details or offering the promised tea.
The chapter closes with Allison expressing doubts about Hewitt’s mental state, mirroring Stone’s concerns. Their private exchange underscores the tension between Hewitt’s apparent eccentricities and the gravity of the upcoming trial. Stone’s frustration and Allison’s evasiveness about her conversation with Hewitt leave lingering questions about the lawyer’s reliability and the true nature of their discussion, casting a shadow over their preparedness for Monday’s proceedings.
FAQs
1. What was Stone’s reaction to being sent to buy milk by Leslie Hewitt, and what does this reveal about his character and concerns?
Answer:
Stone was annoyed at being sent on what he considered a trivial errand when they should have been discussing Allison’s trial strategy. This reveals his practical, goal-oriented nature and deep concern for Allison’s welfare. The chapter states he went “with ill grace” and was frustrated by the delay in critical preparations. His irritation also stems from Hewitt’s unpredictable lucidity, as Stone had previously seen him in a haze. This moment highlights Stone’s protective instincts and his preference for direct action over what he perceives as time-wasting activities.2. Analyze the strategic differences between how Sir Winston Sutherland and Leslie Hewitt plan to conduct their courtroom arguments, based on Hewitt’s description.
Answer:
Hewitt predicts Sutherland will deliver a “long and passionate” opening statement to impress the jury, while he plans a shorter, equally passionate one that will “gratefully” relieve the jury. This contrast suggests Sutherland relies on emotional endurance to sway jurors, while Hewitt employs strategic brevity. Hewitt also anticipates Sutherland’s closing will mirror his opening (which he calls “annoying”), while his own closing aims to move jurors “to tears.” These differences reveal Hewitt’s understanding of jury psychology and courtroom dynamics, valuing emotional impact over prolonged rhetoric.3. What does the interaction between Stone, Allison, and Hilary Kramer reveal about the media situation on the island post-press conference?
Answer:
The conversation reveals most international press were expelled after the press conference (“gone with the wind”), except for Kramer (who missed it) and a CNN pool crew. Kramer’s nonchalance about the conference (“I didn’t care…I’d already filed”) shows reporters prioritize exclusive access over official statements. Stone’s questioning about other journalists demonstrates his concern about ongoing media attention. The exchange highlights the authorities’ selective media control—allowing only essential coverage (CNN) while removing disruptive elements like the 60 Minutes crew.4. Why might Leslie Hewitt have intentionally sent Stone away to buy milk, and what significance could his private conversation with Allison hold?
Answer:
Hewitt likely fabricated the milk errand to speak privately with Allison, as evidenced by the already-full milk bottle Stone later discovers. Their “deep conversation” about more than gardening (despite Allison’s claim) suggests Hewitt shared sensitive information or strategy he wanted concealed from Stone—perhaps about trial vulnerabilities or Allison’s testimony. This mirrors legal tactics where attorneys sometimes separate clients to obtain unguarded information. The pat on Allison’s knee when Stone approaches further implies reassurance about confidential matters.5. Evaluate Hewitt’s unorthodox trial preparation approach. Is his confidence justified based on the cultural and legal context of St. Marks?
Answer:
Hewitt’s minimal preparation—declining detailed strategy sessions, trusting Stone’s questioning skills, and predicting a swift jury decision—reflects his deep understanding of St. Marks’ legal culture. His assertion that juries decide quickly to avoid “rudeness” aligns with local customs valuing efficiency over prolonged deliberation. While this approach unsettles Stone (used to rigorous U.S. preparations), Hewitt’s accurate predictions about Sutherland’s tactics and his own successful track record (“juries always love my closings”) suggest his confidence stems from cultural insight rather than incompetence. The chapter leaves ambiguous whether this is brilliance or concerning negligence.
Quotes
1. “I enjoy you naked, but I don’t want anyone else to.”
This playful yet protective remark from Stone to Allison captures their intimate relationship while also highlighting the ongoing tension of media scrutiny surrounding their case. It reveals Stone’s dual role as both lover and protector.
2. “In St. Marks, it is considered rude to keep anyone waiting, especially on so important a matter as Mrs. Manning’s life.”
Sir Leslie Hewitt’s observation about local jury customs provides crucial insight into the cultural differences in legal proceedings. The ironic contrast between the casual attitude toward deliberation and the gravity of a capital case underscores the story’s central tension.
3. “Then I will make an opening statement, which will be equally passionate, but very much shorter, for which the jury will be grateful, I assure you.”
Hewitt’s confident courtroom strategy reveals his understanding of legal persuasion and jury psychology. This quote showcases his self-assured approach to the trial while subtly critiquing the prosecution’s expected verbosity.
4. “You know, sometimes I think he’s not entirely all there.”
Allison’s observation about Hewitt’s mental state captures the chapter’s underlying tension about their lawyer’s reliability. This remark reflects the protagonists’ growing unease about placing Allison’s fate in the hands of an apparently senile attorney.
5. “Gardening.”
Allison’s repeated, overly simple explanation of her private conversation with Hewitt suggests hidden strategizing between them. This terse response to Stone’s questioning creates suspense about what might really have been discussed and foreshadows potential developments in their legal strategy.