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[Stone Barrington 03] • Dead in the Water
Chapter 36
by Stuart, Woods,The chapter opens with an inquest into the deaths of Chester Appleton, Alene Sanders, and Elizabeth Manning, held in the same village hall as a previous inquest. The proceedings are nearly identical, except for the absence of Sir Winston Sutherland. Stone and Thomas testify, followed by Harvey Simpson, the mechanic who maintained Chester’s airplane. Simpson confidently asserts that the aircraft, particularly the port engine, was in excellent condition, with no signs of potential failure. Despite his thorough maintenance, he cannot explain the engine fire that led to the crash, leaving the cause a mystery.
During the inquest, Marvin, a jury member and relative of Alene Sanders, questions who will be held accountable for her death. Simpson reveals that Chester had no insurance, having stopped payments due to financial strain. This revelation underscores the tragic lack of recourse for the victims’ families. The jury quickly returns a verdict of “death by misadventure,” concluding the proceedings. Stone interacts with journalists Hilary Kramer and Jim Forrester, who probe for details about Elizabeth Manning’s background and the documents she reviewed, though Stone remains evasive.
After the inquest, Stone obtains Elizabeth Manning’s death certificate for her mother’s legal proceedings. The coroner remarks on the simplicity of this case compared to the previous one, though Stone notes its lack of intrigue. Returning to the Shipwright’s Arms, Stone receives a fax from Arrington, who is enjoying her time in California and mentions a prestigious book review assignment. Stone realizes she never received his heartfelt letter, as it was lost in the crash, and resolves to write to her again.
The chapter blends procedural detail with personal moments, highlighting the unresolved mystery of the crash and its emotional fallout. Stone’s interactions with the journalists and his delayed communication with Arrington add layers of tension and introspection. The narrative maintains a steady pace, balancing legal formalities with character-driven subplots, while leaving key questions unanswered for future development.
FAQs
1. What were the key findings from Harvey Simpson’s testimony about the condition of Chester Appleton’s airplane before the crash?
Answer:
Harvey Simpson, the qualified aircraft mechanic, testified that Chester’s airplane was in excellent condition prior to the crash. He had conducted an annual inspection just a month before and a 50-hour inspection three days prior, finding no major issues. The port engine was relatively new with only 510 hours of use (rated for 2,000 hours), and all airworthiness directives were up to date. Simpson replaced two broken exhaust brackets—a common issue—but found no fuel leaks or exhaust problems that could explain the fire. His testimony emphasized the mechanical soundness of the aircraft, leaving the cause of the fire unexplained.2. How does the chapter highlight the financial and legal consequences of the crash for the victims’ families?
Answer:
The chapter underscores the lack of financial recourse for the victims’ families. Marvin, Alene Sanders’ brother-in-law, questioned who would compensate for her death, but Simpson revealed Chester had no insurance (having stopped payments due to cost) and minimal assets. Similarly, Elizabeth Manning’s elderly mother, Marla Peters, would receive no insurance benefits. Stone obtained Manning’s death certificate to probate her estate, but the coroner’s verdict of “death by misadventure” legally absolved any party from liability. These details illustrate the human cost beyond the crash itself, leaving families without meaningful compensation.3. Analyze the significance of the journalists’ presence at the inquest. What might their questions reveal about their suspicions or narrative interests?
Answer:
Hilary Kramer (Times) and Jim Forrester (New Yorker) attended ostensibly due to a lull in news, but their probing questions suggest deeper suspicions. Kramer pressed Stone about Elizabeth Manning’s purpose in St. Marks (reviewing Paul Manning’s will) and their marital timeline, hinting at a potential scandal or inheritance angle. Forrester’s passive note-taking contrasts with Kramer’s aggressive tone, possibly reflecting their differing agendas—Kramer seeks immediate facts, while Forrester may be crafting a broader story. Their presence also foreshadows media scrutiny of Stone’s upcoming case, as Kramer’s skepticism (“Is there something you don’t want me to know?”) implies unresolved intrigue.4. Why does Stone’s realization about his undelivered letter to Arrington carry emotional weight, and how might it influence his subsequent actions?
Answer:
Stone’s delayed realization that his heartfelt letter to Arrington was lost in the crash (it was in Libby Manning’s purse) compounds his emotional turmoil. His initial hurt over her breezy, impersonal fax—which ignored their relationship tensions—shifts to self-reproach for forgetting the letter’s fate. This epiphany likely motivates him to rewrite the letter (“I’ll write her tomorrow”), suggesting a renewed effort to communicate his feelings. The moment underscores themes of miscommunication and unintended consequences, while humanizing Stone’s vulnerability amid professional duties. It also sets up potential future conflict or reconciliation with Arrington.
Quotes
1. “Harvey Simpson straightened in his seat. ‘Yessir, it certainly was. I did an annual inspection on the airplane last month; I always kept it right up to snuff.’”
This quote is significant as it establishes the mechanic’s confidence in the aircraft’s condition, creating mystery around the cause of the crash. It represents the technical testimony that contradicts the crash’s occurrence.
2. “‘Harvey, Alene Sanders, who got killed in that crash, was my wife’s sister-in-law. What I want to know is, who’s going to pay for killing her?’”
This emotional question shifts the focus from technical details to human consequences, highlighting the personal tragedies behind the crash and the lack of financial recourse for victims’ families.
3. “‘Chester stopped paying the insurance last year. Said it was too much, it was going to break him.’”
This revelation explains the financial desperation behind the crash’s aftermath, showing how economic pressures can compound tragedy. It’s a turning point that answers a key question about liability.
4. “‘We find that Chester Appleton, Alene Sanders, and Elizabeth Allison Manning met their deaths by misadventure,’ he said, then sat down.”
The official verdict of “misadventure” provides closure to the inquest while leaving unanswered questions about the true cause of the crash, representing the chapter’s legal resolution.
5. “Then it hit him: his letter had gone down with Chester’s airplane, in Libby Manning’s purse. She had never received it.”
This realization provides personal insight into Stone’s character and relationships, while cleverly tying together the crash’s consequences with the protagonist’s personal life.