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[Stone Barrington 03] • Dead in the Water
Chapter 38
by Stuart, Woods,Stone, feeling thirsty after work, visits a bar where he meets Sam, the skipper of a high-speed yacht named *Race*. The yacht, capable of reaching 60–70 knots, is a custom-built vessel designed for racing. Sam reveals he is in St. Marks to pick up charter clients, Mr. and Mrs. Chapman, who are expected to arrive by evening for a midnight departure to St. Thomas. The conversation shifts to the yacht’s specifications, charter logistics, and costs, with Stone expressing casual interest but ultimately dismissing the idea due to the high price tag of $65,000 per week.
Sam offers Stone a tour of *Race*, showcasing its luxurious interiors, including four cabins, a well-equipped saloon, and advanced navigational gear. The yacht’s design prioritizes speed, resulting in slightly reduced living space. After the tour, Stone inquires about incoming flights at the local airport, as Sam’s clients are supposedly arriving by air. Thomas, the bartender, checks and confirms no flights are scheduled, raising suspicions about the legitimacy of the charter arrangement.
Stone’s curiosity leads him to board *Expansive*, where he finds Allison packing duffel bags and accessing a safe. Despite her attempts to dismiss him, Stone persists, questioning her plans. Allison initially denies any intention to leave but eventually admits she plans to depart after midnight. The scene suggests she is preparing for a sudden and secretive departure, possibly linked to the mysterious charter clients Sam mentioned.
The chapter builds tension through Stone’s investigative demeanor and Allison’s evasive behavior. The discrepancies in Sam’s story about the charter clients and the lack of scheduled flights hint at a larger, undisclosed scheme. Stone’s persistence uncovers Allison’s planned escape, setting the stage for further revelations about her motives and connections to the yacht’s mysterious charterers. The chapter ends with an air of suspense, leaving readers eager to uncover the truth behind the unfolding events.
FAQs
1. What are the key details about the yacht “Race” revealed in Stone’s conversation with Sam?
Answer:
The yacht “Race” is a high-performance, one-off motor yacht designed by a Miami-based racing boat designer and built at the Huisman yard in Holland. It can reach speeds of 60 knots in reasonable seas and up to 70 knots in calm conditions. The yacht is 67 feet long, draws six feet of water, and has four cabins (one luxurious owner’s cabin and three smaller but plush cabins). It is based in Fort Lauderdale and charters for \(55,000 per week (dry) or \)65,000 all-inclusive. The yacht is currently refueling in St. Marks to pick up a charter party, the Chapmans, before heading to St. Thomas.2. Why does Stone become suspicious about Allison’s plans, and what evidence does he find?
Answer:
Stone becomes suspicious when Allison claims she isn’t feeling well and asks him to return later, which seems unusual given their prior interactions. Upon boarding her boat, Expansive, he finds multiple packed duffel bags near the steps and Allison rummaging through drawers while closing a safe with important papers. Additionally, her closet is nearly empty, with only a few items remaining. These signs indicate she is preparing to leave abruptly. When pressed, Allison eventually admits she plans to depart “sometime after midnight,” confirming Stone’s suspicions that she is fleeing.3. Analyze the significance of the airport information Stone obtains from Thomas. How does it connect to the yacht’s charter plans?
Answer:
Stone learns from Thomas that no aircraft are expected at St. Marks’ airport that day or night, and any unauthorized landing would result in severe penalties. This contradicts Sam’s claim that the Chapmans are flying in to board Race by midnight. The discrepancy suggests the “Chapmans” may not exist or are using a false identity, raising questions about the legitimacy of the charter. This could imply illegal activity, such as smuggling or evasion, tying into Allison’s sudden departure plans—hinting at a coordinated escape or clandestine operation.4. How does the author use dialogue to characterize Sam and Stone in their bar conversation?
Answer:
The dialogue reveals Sam as a laid-back yet professional yacht captain, evident in his casual but knowledgeable descriptions of Race (e.g., “sixty knots in reasonable seas”) and his willingness to give Stone a tour. His transparency about charter logistics (e.g., deposit requirements) shows experience. Stone, meanwhile, is portrayed as inquisitive and strategic, asking probing questions about the yacht’s itinerary and the Chapmans while masking his true intentions. His offer to buy Sam a drink and feigned interest in chartering demonstrate his social adeptness and investigative approach.5. What broader themes or conflicts might this chapter foreshadow based on Stone’s discoveries?
Answer:
The chapter foreshadows themes of deception and flight, with Allison’s packed bags and the dubious yacht charter suggesting imminent danger or criminal activity. The strict airport regulations contrast with the Chapmans’ alleged arrival, hinting at a breach of laws or a covert plot. Stone’s role as an investigator or protector may expand as he uncovers these inconsistencies, setting up a conflict between truth and concealment. The luxury yacht’s involvement also introduces themes of wealth and privilege enabling evasion or corruption, which could drive the narrative forward.
Quotes
1. “Sixty knots in reasonable seas; seventy in a raging calm.”
This quote showcases the impressive capabilities of the yacht “Race,” highlighting its extraordinary speed and performance. It sets the tone for the yacht’s significance in the chapter and hints at its potential role in the unfolding plot.
2. “Fifty-five grand, dry, sixty-five all in, booze and everything.”
This quote emphasizes the exclusivity and high cost of chartering the yacht, underscoring the luxurious and elite world the characters inhabit. It also provides insight into the financial stakes involved in the story.
3. “Sometime after midnight,” she said finally.
This quote marks a key turning point in the chapter, revealing Allison’s planned departure and signaling a moment of tension and confrontation. It underscores the secrecy and urgency driving her actions, adding suspense to the narrative.