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[Stone Barrington 03] • Dead in the Water
Chapter 27
by Stuart, Woods,Stone arrives at the Shipwright’s Arms, seeking Mrs. Manning but is told she’s unavailable. After a brief exchange with the bartender, Thomas, he decides to wait for her to appear for dinner. Stone retreats to his room to prepare a document, attempting to contact Bob Cantor unsuccessfully. When he returns downstairs, he finds Libby Manning at the bar and invites her to dine. Their conversation reveals Libby’s background and her connection to Allison, the woman Stone is defending. Stone subtly probes Libby’s intentions while maintaining a cautious demeanor.
During dinner, Stone spots Sir Winston Sutherland, a feared prosecutor known for targeting American women, and warns Libby to avoid him. Their discussion shifts to Paul Manning’s will, which Stone presents to Libby, revealing she’s been left with minimal support. Libby reacts angrily, threatening legal action, but Stone advises against it, highlighting the financial and emotional toll a lawsuit would take. He proposes a settlement: a lump sum payment in exchange for her dropping any claims against Allison.
Stone offers Libby $400,000, presenting a check and a legally binding document to ensure the payment’s validity. He emphasizes the benefits of accepting the offer, including financial security and avoiding a protracted legal battle. Libby hesitates, questioning Allison’s reliability, but Stone reassures her, explaining that the money is hers regardless of Allison’s fate. The tension builds as Libby weighs her options, torn between immediate gain and potential future leverage.
Ultimately, Libby agrees to the deal, signing the documents with Thomas as a witness. She plans to leave the next morning, and Stone arranges her transportation. The chapter concludes with the resolution of their negotiation, leaving Stone relieved but aware of the ongoing challenges with Allison’s trial. The interaction underscores Stone’s strategic thinking and ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics while protecting his client’s interests.
FAQs
1. What strategies does Stone use to negotiate with Libby Manning, and why are they effective?
Answer:
Stone employs a combination of psychological insight, financial incentives, and legal pragmatism in his negotiation with Libby. First, he appeals to her self-interest by offering a lump-sum payment (\(360,000) that exceeds her current alimony, framing it as a "wise investment." He then counters her unrealistic demand (\)1 million) with a firm but fair compromise ($400,000), backed by a legally binding document to ensure payment. Stone also highlights the risks of litigation (e.g., Allison cutting off payments, prolonged court battles) and leverages Libby’s fear of Sir Winston Sutherland to emphasize urgency. His calm, methodical approach—combined with prepared documents and flight reservations—creates a sense of inevitability, leaving Libby with little room to refuse.
2. How does the chapter characterize Sir Winston Sutherland, and what role does he play in the tension of the scene?
Answer:
Sir Winston Sutherland is portrayed as a menacing antagonist whose presence escalates the scene’s tension. Stone describes him as “the worst nightmare of any white woman traveling alone” in the country, accusing him of targeting American women for capital crimes and rushed executions. This characterization serves two purposes: (1) It underscores the stakes for Allison’s trial, and (2) It intimidates Libby, making her more receptive to Stone’s offer. Sutherland’s arrival at the restaurant forces Stone to whisper warnings, and Libby’s reaction—downing her drink and nervously blinking—reveals her vulnerability. His role epitomizes systemic corruption, heightening the urgency for Libby to leave and accept Stone’s deal.
3. Analyze the significance of the document Stone prepares before meeting Libby. What does it reveal about his professionalism?
Answer:
The document Stone drafts (a binding agreement guaranteeing the $400,000 payment) showcases his meticulous preparation and legal acumen. By having Allison’s signature preemptively added and presenting it alongside a check, he demonstrates foresight—anticipating Libby’s distrust of verbal promises. The document also includes a clause allowing Libby to sue if payment is stopped, which reassures her while protecting Allison from future disputes. This tactic reflects Stone’s dual role as both negotiator and attorney: He balances empathy (“trying to do the right thing”) with cold pragmatism (e.g., noting Allison’s heirs would be less accommodating). His efficiency—printing, sealing, and witnessing the papers swiftly—highlights his ability to control high-stakes situations.
4. How does the dialogue between Stone and Thomas at the bar foreshadow later events in the chapter?
Answer:
Thomas’s advice to Stone—”handle this lady gently”—foreshadows Stone’s shift from confrontation to persuasion. Initially, Stone plans to “disturb” Libby against her wishes, but Thomas’s warning prompts him to adopt a more diplomatic approach (waiting for dinner, offering drinks). This sets the tone for the negotiation, where Stone avoids aggression and instead uses charm (“Good evening”), flattery (“the lovely Allison”), and logical appeals. Thomas’s later role as a witness to Libby’s signature also ties back to his earlier intervention, reinforcing his function as a stabilizing influence in Stone’s strategy.
5. Evaluate Libby Manning’s motivations for accepting Stone’s offer. What does her decision reveal about her character?
Answer:
Libby’s acceptance stems from a mix of financial desperation, fear, and calculated self-preservation. Her outburst (“That utter and complete shit”) over Paul’s will reveals wounded pride and financial insecurity, while her rapid blinking suggests suppressed anxiety. Though she initially bluffs (“I’ll get a lawyer”), Stone’s arguments expose her weak position: Her alimony is modest (\(3,000/month), and litigation would drain her resources. Her final demand for \)1 million seems performative, as she quickly folds for the guaranteed $400,000. Ultimately, Libby prioritizes immediate security over pride or revenge, highlighting her pragmatism—but also her lack of leverage and emotional volatility.
Quotes
1. “His name is Sir Winston Sutherland… and he is the worst nightmare of any white woman traveling alone in this country.”
This quote introduces the antagonist’s menacing reputation, establishing the high-stakes danger surrounding Allison’s case and foreshadowing potential threats to Libby Manning.
2. “Suppose Allison gave you, say, ten years of alimony, all at once. That would be three hundred and sixty thousand dollars in your bank account, right now.”
This represents the pivotal negotiation moment where Stone makes his strategic financial offer to resolve the conflict, showcasing his legal acumen and understanding of human motivations.
3. “No, sir; I want a million dollars… Allison has authorized me to offer you four hundred thousand dollars, and not a cent more.”
This exchange captures the tense back-and-forth of legal negotiations, revealing both Libby’s greed and Stone’s firm boundaries in handling the delicate situation.
4. “If you demand more, Allison will fight you, and she’s the one with all the money.”
Stone’s blunt assessment demonstrates his strategic use of power dynamics in negotiations, emphasizing the reality of legal battles where resources determine outcomes.
5. “The money’s still yours. But if she hangs and you sue her estate, then you’ll have to fight Allison’s heirs, and they’re going to care even less about you than she does.”
This chilling yet pragmatic argument combines the looming threat of Allison’s execution with cold financial realities, ultimately convincing Libby to accept the settlement.