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[Stone Barrington 03] • Dead in the Water
Chapter 32
by Stuart, Woods,Stone Barrington, preparing an opening statement for Allison Manning’s trial in his rented room, is interrupted by Thomas, who informs him that two police officers are downstairs requesting him. The officers refuse to explain their purpose but take the guest registration forms before escorting Stone to their car. Despite his protests, Stone is taken to Government House, where he assumes he’s being arrested, possibly due to his involvement in Allison’s case. The journey is tense, with Stone speculating about the charges, but the officers remain cryptic, only hinting that he’s in “a lot of trouble.”
Upon arrival, Stone is led through the building to a waiting room, where he observes the formal yet worn surroundings, including a portrait of the prime minister. The officers then direct him into a lavish office, where he’s left alone until Sir Winston Sutherland, the minister of justice, enters. Sir Winston greets Stone warmly, dismissing any notion of an arrest and framing the encounter as a pretrial meeting between opposing counsel. He invites Stone to a balcony lunch, offering champagne and pleasantries, though Stone remains wary of the sudden hospitality.
Over lunch, Sir Winston engages Stone in seemingly casual conversation, touching on topics like the recent plane crash of Chester, Allison Manning’s background, and Stone’s own circumstances. Stone answers cautiously, denying any prior connection to Allison or her late husband. Sir Winston’s questions grow more pointed, probing Stone’s involvement in the coroner’s inquest and Allison’s identity. Stone deflects, but the tension rises as Sir Winston’s friendly demeanor masks an underlying interrogation.
The chapter culminates with Sir Winston producing a slip of paper and directly asking Stone about Elizabeth Allison Manning’s true identity. Stone’s internal reaction—“Oh, shit”—signals his realization that Sir Winston is onto something significant. The encounter, framed as a polite lunch, reveals itself as a strategic move by Sir Winston to extract information, leaving Stone in a precarious position as the trial approaches. The chapter ends on a cliffhanger, hinting at deeper secrets surrounding Allison’s case.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of Stone being taken to Government House by the police officers, and how does this scene establish tension in the narrative?
Answer:
The scene creates tension through ambiguity and authority. Stone is forcibly taken to Government House under unclear circumstances, with officers refusing to explain why (“You in a lot of trouble, man”). The location itself is ominous, as Stone notes the jail is in the basement. This establishes a power imbalance and foreshadows legal threats, especially since Stone is defending Allison Manning—a potentially controversial role in St. Marks. The tension escalates when Sir Winston later claims it’s merely a “pretrial meeting,” leaving readers questioning his true intentions.2. Analyze Sir Winston Sutherland’s demeanor during his interaction with Stone. How does his behavior contrast with the initial police encounter, and what might this reveal about his character?
Answer:
Sir Winston employs a facade of hospitality—champagne, a balcony lunch, and faux concern (“I hope the two officers were not officious”)—that starkly contrasts the officers’ brusque commands (“Get in the car”). This juxtaposition highlights his manipulative nature. His charm serves to disarm Stone while subtly probing for information (e.g., questioning Allison’s identity). The contrast suggests Sir Winston wields power through both intimidation (via the police) and calculated diplomacy, reinforcing his role as a politically savvy antagonist.3. Why does Stone’s internal reaction to Sir Winston’s question about Elizabeth Allison Manning (“Oh, shit”) signal a critical turning point in the chapter?
Answer:
Stone’s panic reveals the question’s gravity: Sir Winston is scrutinizing Allison’s identity, implying he suspects deception. This moment shifts the chapter from polite tension to high stakes, as Stone realizes the minister may uncover damaging secrets. It also underscores Stone’s vulnerability—his legal strategy (and possibly Allison’s safety) hinges on maintaining her credibility. The expletive, rare in Stone’s composed narration, emphasizes the threat Sir Winston poses, setting up future conflict.4. How does the chapter use physical setting to reflect power dynamics? Provide specific examples.
Answer:
Settings mirror hierarchy and control. The police station’s oppressive atmosphere (ceiling fans, “open to the air”) reflects colonial authority, while Sir Winston’s lavish office—with its balcony view and “perfectly chilled” champagne—symbolizes his dominance. Stone is physically escorted through these spaces, emphasizing his subordinate status. Even the “benevolent-looking” prime minister’s portrait looms over the waiting room, a reminder of institutional power. These details reinforce St. Marks’s systemic control over outsiders like Stone.5. Evaluate Stone’s decision to comply with the police despite his suspicions. What does this reveal about his understanding of the local legal system?
Answer:
Stone’s compliance (“walked toward the car without another word”) shows pragmatic awareness of St. Marks’s authoritarian norms. He recognizes resistance could escalate danger, trusting Thomas to intervene later. His internal monologue—speculating that representing Allison might itself be a crime—reveals his grasp of the system’s corruption. By prioritizing caution over confrontation, Stone demonstrates a survival instinct shaped by the island’s unchecked power structures, where legal rights are tenuous at best.
Quotes
1. “‘Am I under arrest?’ ‘Get in the car,’ the man repeated.”
This tense exchange captures the abrupt, authoritarian nature of Stone’s detainment, setting the ominous tone for the chapter. The officers’ refusal to answer basic questions highlights the power dynamics at play in St. Marks.
2. “‘You in a lot of trouble, man.’ ‘What kind of trouble?’ ‘You see pretty quick.’”
This cryptic warning from the officer creates suspense while revealing the arbitrary nature of justice in St. Marks. The vagueness suggests Stone’s predicament stems from political motivations rather than legal ones.
3. “‘Oh, I hope the two officers were not officious,’ Sir Winston said, sounding genuinely concerned. ‘Am I under arrest?’ ‘Of course not, my dear fellow, of course not.’”
This exchange reveals Sir Winston’s manipulative charm and the stark contrast between his polite facade and the threatening reality of Stone’s forced appearance. The juxtaposition highlights the chapter’s theme of deceptive appearances.
4. “‘Tell me—who, exactly, is, or perhaps I should say was, Elizabeth Allison Manning?’ Stone took a long swallow of his champagne. Oh, shit, he thought.”
This climactic moment reveals Sir Winston’s true agenda and Stone’s realization of the danger. The internal monologue perfectly captures the protagonist’s dawning comprehension that he’s been maneuvered into a trap.