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[Stone Barrington 03] • Dead in the Water
Chapter 26
by Stuart, Woods,Stone confronts Allison aboard the yacht *Expansive*, urgently questioning her about Paul’s first marriage. He reveals that Paul’s ex-wife, Libby, has arrived at the Shipwright’s Arms, claiming rights to Paul’s estate. Allison is dismissive, insisting Libby deserves nothing, but Stone presses for details about their divorce. Allison admits she has never seen a divorce decree and recalls Paul had been sending Libby monthly alimony payments. Stone grows increasingly concerned about the legal implications, especially if the divorce was never finalized, which could complicate Allison’s inheritance.
Stone examines Paul’s will, confirming Libby is not mentioned, but remains wary. He explains that if the divorce is invalid, Libby could have legal claims as Paul’s surviving spouse. Allison downplays the threat, but Stone warns that Libby’s presence could destabilize Allison’s upcoming trial, especially if manipulated by adversaries like Sir Winston. The tension escalates as Stone emphasizes the need to remove Libby from the island quickly to avoid potential legal and reputational damage.
Allison suggests extreme measures to deal with Libby, but Stone admonishes her for reckless talk. He proposes negotiating a financial settlement to persuade Libby to leave. Allison reluctantly agrees, revealing she has over a million dollars in her bank account. Stone secures a blank check and signed documents from Allison, preparing to negotiate with Libby. His frustration is evident as he laments the lack of a divorce decree, which would clarify Libby’s legal standing.
The chapter ends with Stone leaving the yacht to handle the situation, underscoring the urgency and high stakes. Allison’s trust in Stone is tested as she hands over financial control, while Stone’s focus shifts to mitigating the risk Libby poses. The confrontation highlights the precariousness of Allison’s legal position and the potential for unforeseen complications in her defense. Stone’s actions reflect a strategic effort to neutralize threats before they escalate further.
FAQs
1. What is the central conflict introduced in this chapter, and why is Libby Manning’s arrival problematic for Allison?
Answer:
The central conflict revolves around the potential legal and financial threat posed by Libby Manning, Paul’s first wife, who arrives claiming rights to his estate. This is problematic for Allison because: (1) Libby’s claim could challenge Allison’s inheritance if their divorce was never legally finalized, (2) Libby might testify against Allison in her ongoing trial, and (3) her presence introduces unpredictability, as Stone fears she could be manipulated by adversaries like Sir Winston. The chapter highlights Stone’s urgency to resolve the matter quickly to avoid complications (e.g., “she’s a loose cannon, and she could turn out to be very dangerous”).
2. Analyze Stone’s strategy for handling Libby Manning. What does his approach reveal about his legal expertise and his relationship with Allison?
Answer:
Stone adopts a pragmatic, risk-averse strategy: (1) He prioritizes gathering evidence (e.g., seeking the divorce decree) to assess Libby’s legal standing. (2) He prepares to negotiate a financial settlement (blank check, signed documents) to expedite her departure, showing his understanding of leverage and compromise. (3) He rebukes Allison’s impulsive remarks (e.g., joking about violence), emphasizing professionalism. This reveals his legal acumen—balancing urgency with due diligence—and his protective yet authoritative dynamic with Allison, whom he guides firmly (“Not now, Allison; we have to talk”).
3. How does the chapter use dialogue to contrast Allison’s emotional reactions with Stone’s calculated approach? Provide examples.
Answer:
The dialogue underscores their contrasting perspectives:- Allison reacts emotionally, calling Libby a “bitch” and making rash threats (“I’ll shoot her myself”), reflecting her personal stake and temper.
- Stone remains methodical, focusing on facts (“Have you ever seen a copy of his divorce decree?”) and consequences (“Suppose she testifies…”). His tone is urgent but controlled (“Goddammit, I told you not to talk like that!”). This juxtaposition heightens tension while illustrating Stone’s role as the rational counterbalance to Allison’s volatility.
4. What potential legal complications could arise if Paul and Libby were never formally divorced? How might this impact Allison’s inheritance?
Answer:
If no divorce decree exists:- Libby could claim spousal rights under Florida or Connecticut law, potentially contesting the will’s validity or claiming a statutory share of the estate.
- Allison’s marriage to Paul might be void, rendering her inheritance invalid (e.g., bigamy laws).
- Alimony payments (if court-ordered) could become a liability for the estate. Stone notes this “worst case” scenario (“she might have some sort of rights as the wife”), emphasizing the need for documentation to resolve ambiguity.
5. Evaluate Allison’s statement: “Just tell her to call my lawyer… or go fuck herself.” Why does Stone reject this approach?
Answer:
Stone rejects Allison’s dismissive attitude because:- Legal risks: Libby’s unresolved claims could escalate into protracted litigation or invalidate Allison’s inheritance.
- Reputational harm: Hostility might provoke Libby to cooperate with adversaries (e.g., Sir Winston).
- Strategic urgency: Stone prioritizes neutralizing Libby quickly (“get her off the island”) rather than provoking her. His response underscores the gap between Allison’s emotional defiance and the nuanced realities of legal strategy.
- Allison reacts emotionally, calling Libby a “bitch” and making rash threats (“I’ll shoot her myself”), reflecting her personal stake and temper.
Quotes
1. “The first Mrs. Manning has just checked into the Shipwright’s Arms… She says she’s come to claim Paul’s estate.”
This quote marks the introduction of a major conflict in the chapter, revealing the unexpected arrival of Paul’s first wife who threatens Allison’s inheritance. It sets up the legal and emotional tension that drives the rest of the scene.
2. “Well, the absolute worst, legally, would be if they were never divorced. In that case, she might have some sort of rights as the wife…”
Stone’s legal analysis here presents the chapter’s central dilemma - the potential invalidity of Paul’s divorce. This quote encapsulates the high stakes and possible consequences that create urgency in the narrative.
3. “She’s a completely unknown quantity… she could turn out to be very dangerous.”
This quote highlights Stone’s professional concern about the unpredictable threat Libby represents. It shows his strategic thinking about how her presence could complicate Allison’s legal situation beyond just financial matters.
4. “Give me your checkbook… Sign it.”
This tense exchange demonstrates the extreme measures Stone believes are necessary to resolve the situation quickly. The demand for a blank check shows both the urgency of the matter and the level of trust (or desperation) in their relationship at this moment.
5. “If she wants more than that I’ll shoot her myself.”
Allison’s hyperbolic threat, while meant as dark humor, reveals her volatile emotions about the situation and foreshadows potential future conflicts. Stone’s strong reaction to this statement shows how seriously he takes even casual violent remarks given their circumstances.