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[Stone Barrington 03] • Dead in the Water
Chapter 39
by Stuart, Woods,In Chapter 39, Stone Barrington confronts Allison Manning about her plan to flee St. Marks on a fast yacht to avoid her impending trial and possible execution for her husband’s murder. Stone warns her that escaping would make her appear guilty, jeopardize her public support, and result in a life as a fugitive. Allison, however, believes the trial is rigged against her and insists she has no other choice. She argues that the yacht’s speed and international waters will ensure her safety, but Stone counters that extradition and legal battles would drain her resources and freedom.
Allison’s desperation is evident as she tearfully defends her decision, stating that living as a fugitive is preferable to dying on the island. Stone, an officer of the court, refuses to aid her escape, emphasizing his ethical obligations. When Allison pleads with him to stay, he rejects her, fearing her actions endanger them both. Their tense exchange highlights Allison’s fear and Stone’s frustration, as he realizes he cannot dissuade her from her reckless plan.
The situation escalates when Stone spots police approaching the marina, forcing him to quickly hide Allison’s luggage and improvise a cover story. Allison plays along, offering drinks to the officers while Stone attempts to deflect suspicion. Colonel Buckler, the lead officer, questions them about the chartered yacht, but Stone and Allison deny any involvement, insisting the yacht is for another passenger. The colonel remains skeptical, placing Allison under restricted movement but lacking concrete evidence.
The chapter ends with a standoff, as Allison defiantly claims she looks forward to her trial and acquittal. The encounter underscores the high stakes of her situation and the mounting pressure from authorities. Stone’s efforts to protect Allison clash with her determination to escape, leaving both characters in a precarious position as the police close in. The tension sets the stage for further confrontation in the unfolding legal and personal drama.
FAQs
1. What are Stone’s main arguments against Allison’s plan to escape, and how does Allison counter these arguments?
Answer:
Stone presents several arguments against Allison’s escape plan: (1) She would be judged guilty without trial and hanged if caught, (2) Running would make her appear guilty and lose public support, (3) Extradition battles would drain her finances and restrict her freedom indefinitely, and (4) Living as a fugitive would be unbearable. Allison counters that she’s already doomed in St. Marks’ biased legal system, believes her fast yacht can evade capture, and argues that fighting extradition in U.S. courts is preferable to execution. She also dismisses public opinion as fleeting (“flavor of the week”) and accepts the risks of a hidden life as better than death.2. How does the chapter illustrate the power dynamics between St. Marks’ legal system and international pressure?
Answer:
The chapter reveals tension between St. Marks’ insular legal authority and growing international scrutiny. Stone highlights how U.S. political pressure (senators’ involvement) and global media attention (“world famous” coverage) could force the prime minister to intervene, suggesting external influence might override local corruption. However, Allison argues St. Marks historically operates with impunity (“nobody has ever cared”), and the 48-hour execution window leaves little time for effective intervention. This clash shows Sutherland’s local power may be challenged but not yet overcome by international norms, creating high-stakes uncertainty about which system will ultimately prevail.3. Analyze the significance of the policemen’s arrival in the final scene. How does it change the characters’ strategies?
Answer:
The policemen’s arrival forces immediate tactical shifts: (1) Stone abandons his moral argument to help hide evidence (tossing duffels), showing his protective instincts override professional ethics; (2) Allison must instantly play innocent despite her earlier resolve, serving drinks and feigning confusion; (3) Their improvised “casual drink” charade demonstrates quick collaborative deception under pressure. The scene heightens tension by confirming Stone’s fears of surveillance while testing their ability to think on their feet. The colonel’s specific knowledge about the yacht charter suggests authorities are monitoring them closely, making escape even riskier than initially presumed.4. What does the exchange reveal about Stone’s professional and personal conflicts in this situation?
Answer:
Stone faces multiple conflicts: (1) As a lawyer, he’s obligated to prevent crime (aiding escape) but can’t bring himself to turn Allison in (“instrument of your death”); (2) His fury at her “stupidity” clashes with compassion when seeing her fear (“tears welled up”); (3) He refuses to flee with her due to ethical boundaries (“not going to become a party to a crime”) yet risks complicity by hiding her luggage. These contradictions show him torn between duty, self-preservation, and emotional connection. His final warning (“we won’t be seeing each other again”) suggests he’s drawing a professional line, but the police arrival immediately forces him back into protective action.
Quotes
1. “They’re going to hang me anyway… Can’t you see the way this is headed? They’ve stacked the deck against me in every possible way.”
This quote captures Allison’s despair and her perception of the hopelessness of her legal situation. It reveals the central conflict of the chapter - her belief that the justice system is rigged against her, which motivates her desperate plan to flee.
2. “If they try to hang an American citizen under these circumstances, the world will fall on them. The pressure on the prime minister will be unbearable; he’ll have to cave in.”
Stone presents his counterargument about using international pressure rather than fleeing. This quote shows the political dimensions of the case and Stone’s strategy of leveraging Allison’s American citizenship and media attention.
3. “I’m not going to get caught. That boat over there is the fastest thing afloat between here and Miami… They don’t have anything that can stop us.”
This quote demonstrates Allison’s determination to escape and her confidence in her plan. It marks a key turning point where she fully commits to the risky escape attempt despite Stone’s warnings.
4. “I’m not going to become a party to a crime for you or anybody else, and I’m certainly not going to become a fugitive.”
Stone’s firm declaration establishes his ethical boundaries and professional limits. This moment shows the fundamental conflict between his legal principles and Allison’s survival instincts.
5. “You see, Colonel, I am quite looking forward to my trial and acquittal.”
Allison’s ironic statement to the police colonel shows her quick thinking under pressure. This quote reveals her ability to mask her true intentions and the tense cat-and-mouse game developing with the authorities.