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[Stone Barrington 03] • Dead in the Water
Chapter 25
by Stuart, Woods,Stone Barrington is engaged in conversation with Jim Forrester when a middle-aged woman arrives at the scene. Dressed in a wrinkled silk dress and a straw hat, she introduces herself as Allison Manning, the widow of Paul Manning, a deceased writer. She claims to be his legitimate wife and presents a marriage certificate as proof. Stone, skeptical but intrigued, questions her further while ordering her a drink. The woman, who insists on being called Libby, reveals she has come to St. Marks to claim Paul’s estate, asserting she was never divorced from him and possesses a will naming her as the sole beneficiary.
Libby explains her history with Paul, stating they met while working at the Miami Herald and married 14 years prior. She admits he left her after four years but continued to support her financially until his death. Stone informs her that Paul’s estate is being handled in Connecticut, where another woman—also claiming to be his wife—has a more recent will. Libby dismisses this, insisting she is the only legal wife. Stone, wary of her motives, avoids offering legal advice but suggests her claim would need to be addressed in Connecticut, not St. Marks.
Frustrated, Libby declares her intention to seek a second opinion and investigate the murder trial surrounding Paul’s death. Stone grows increasingly concerned about her potential interference, especially if she involves local authorities like Sir Winston Sutherland. After she leaves for her room, Stone urgently calls Bob Cantor, requesting a copy of Paul’s divorce decree to verify Libby’s claims. He confides in Thomas Hardy, who finds the situation amusing but agrees to keep Libby away from Sutherland.
The chapter ends with Stone grappling with the complications posed by Libby’s sudden appearance. Her claims threaten to disrupt the ongoing legal proceedings and estate matters, adding another layer of complexity to an already convoluted case. Stone’s desperation to neutralize her influence underscores the tension, while Thomas’s amusement highlights the absurdity of the situation. The stage is set for further conflict as Libby vows to pursue her claims, ensuring more challenges lie ahead for Stone.
FAQs
1. What key revelation does Libby Manning make about her relationship with Paul Manning, and how does this create a legal complication?
Answer:
Libby Manning reveals that she was legally married to Paul Manning 14 years prior in Florida and they were never divorced, presenting a marriage certificate as proof. This creates a legal complication because Stone Barrington is currently representing another woman (Allison Manning) who claims to be Paul’s widow and beneficiary of his estate. If Libby’s claim is valid, it would invalidate the newer will and potentially make her the rightful heir, disrupting the existing estate proceedings in Connecticut.2. Analyze Stone Barrington’s reaction to Libby Manning’s arrival. What does his behavior suggest about his concerns in this situation?
Answer:
Stone exhibits immediate discomfort and wariness upon meeting Libby, asking for identification and probing her story carefully. His urgent call to Bob Cantor to verify Paul’s Florida divorce shows he views her as a serious threat to his case. His attempts to dissuade her from pursuing legal action in St. Marks (“I’m afraid you’ve come a long way for nothing”) and his warning to Thomas about Sir Winston Sutherland reveal his concern that her presence could complicate Allison Manning’s murder trial and estate claims.3. How does Libby Manning characterize her financial relationship with Paul Manning after their separation, and why is this significant?
Answer:
Libby states that Paul continued supporting her with monthly checks through his Miami lawyer until his death, which she relied on for living expenses (supplementing her modest income as a society columnist). This is significant because it establishes a continued financial relationship that could support her claim of being his legal wife. The missed payment (which prompted her trip) also demonstrates her financial dependence on Paul, motivating her to secure his estate.4. What strategic mistake does Stone make in his conversation with Libby, and how might it backfire?
Answer:
Stone inadvertently reveals that Paul’s estate is being handled in Connecticut and mentions the “more recent Mrs. Manning,” giving Libby critical information she could use to challenge the will. This might backfire by directing her to contest the estate in Connecticut rather than dismissing her claim entirely. His transparency—while attempting to discourage her—actually arms her with the knowledge needed to escalate the legal battle.5. Why does Thomas Hardy’s reaction to the “another Allison Manning” situation contrast with Stone’s, and what does this imply about their roles?
Answer:
Thomas chuckles at the absurdity of the situation, while Stone is visibly stressed. This contrast highlights their differing roles: Stone, as the lawyer, bears the legal burden of resolving conflicting claims, whereas Thomas serves as a more detached observer. Thomas’s amusement suggests he recognizes the dramatic irony of the predicament, while Stone’s urgency underscores his professional responsibility to protect his client’s interests.
Quotes
1. “I’m Paul Manning’s widow,” the woman said, “and I’m not very well, if the truth be told. However, I expect to be a lot better quite soon.”
This quote introduces the central conflict of the chapter—the sudden appearance of a woman claiming to be Paul Manning’s legal widow. Her cryptic statement about expecting to “be a lot better quite soon” hints at her financial motives and sets the stage for the legal battle over Manning’s estate.
2. “Paul and I were never divorced; we were married until the day he died.”
This declaration is the linchpin of Libby Manning’s claim to her husband’s estate. It directly contradicts the existence of the “other Mrs. Manning” and forces Stone to reconsider the entire legal foundation of the case he’s handling.
3. “You’re representing Allison Manning,” she said. “Why don’t you tell me what’s going on here?”
This moment marks a key turning point where the tables turn—the mysterious woman challenges Stone’s position rather than the other way around. It shows her assertiveness and shifts the power dynamic in their conversation.
4. “Well, tomorrow’s another day, and then I guess I’ll see what I can find out about this murder trial. Who’s the DA?”
This quote reveals Libby Manning’s determination to pursue her claim and her willingness to involve herself in the murder trial aspect of the case. It introduces a new layer of complication that Stone desperately wants to avoid.
5. “I’ve got another Allison Manning on my hands.”
Stone’s urgent phone call to Bob Cantor captures the shocking realization that threatens to upend his entire case. This concise statement perfectly summarizes the chapter’s cliffhanger ending and the legal nightmare now facing Stone.