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[Stone Barrington 03] • Dead in the Water
Chapter 40
by Stuart, Woods,Stone and Allison discuss the urgent need to remove a chartered motor yacht from English Harbour to avoid suspicion from local authorities. Allison reveals she arranged the charter using a satellite phone, surprising Stone with her resourcefulness. She contacts the broker, Fred, instructing him to have the yacht depart at 9 PM for Guadeloupe. Stone emphasizes the importance of timing, planning to dine publicly with Allison during the yacht’s departure to create an alibi. Their conversation highlights the tension and strategic maneuvering to outwit Colonel Buckler, who suspects Allison of attempting to flee St. Marks.
To further mislead authorities, Stone stages a phone call to the St. Marks airport, pretending to be Mr. Chapman, a fictitious charterer. He angrily cancels a supposed landing request, reinforcing the illusion that the yacht’s departure is unrelated to Allison. This ruse aims to divert attention and provide cover for their plans. The pair then prepare for dinner at the Shipwright’s Arms, ensuring they are seen relaxed and unconcerned. Their actions demonstrate a calculated effort to manipulate perceptions and undermine Buckler’s suspicions.
At the restaurant, Stone and Allison maintain their facade, engaging in casual conversation with Thomas, the bartender, who informs them of Buckler’s presence. The yacht departs as planned, observed by Buckler and Sir Winston, the minister of justice. Stone’s satisfaction is evident as the timing aligns perfectly with their alibi. Sir Winston’s cryptic remark about the “lovely evening” hints at his awareness, but Allison’s composed demeanor reinforces their innocence. The scene underscores the high-stakes game of deception playing out in plain sight.
The chapter concludes with Stone and Allison seated at their table, reflecting on the success of their plan. Allison’s compliance with Stone’s instructions—avoiding boats and the airport—shows her commitment to their strategy. Stone’s cautionary reminders highlight the ongoing risk, while Thomas’s witty remark about lying to Sir Winston adds a touch of levity. The interplay of tension, strategy, and subtle humor captures the chapter’s essence, leaving readers anticipating the next move in their intricate dance with authority.
FAQs
1. What technological device does Allison use to communicate with the yacht broker, and why is it significant in the context of the story?
Answer:
Allison uses a satellite telephone disguised as a laptop computer, with its antenna mounted at the top of the mast. This device is significant because it allows her to make calls from virtually anywhere on Earth, bypassing traditional communication limitations. In the story, this technology enables her to discreetly arrange for the motor yacht’s departure from English Harbour without raising immediate suspicion from authorities like Colonel Buckler. Stone’s surprise at the device highlights how advanced technology is being leveraged to outmaneuver their adversaries, emphasizing the theme of using innovation to gain strategic advantages in tense situations.
2. Analyze Stone’s strategy regarding the timing of the yacht’s departure and their dinner at the Shipwright’s Arms. Why does he consider this plan effective?
Answer:
Stone orchestrates the yacht’s departure for 9 p.m. while he and Allison dine at the Shipwright’s Arms to create an alibi. By being visibly present in public during the yacht’s exit, they appear unconcerned and uninvolved, deflecting suspicion from Allison. Stone reinforces this by staging a fake phone call to the airport, pretending to be “Chapman,” to further muddy the waters. The plan works because it exploits the authorities’ expectations: Colonel Buckler and Sir Winston witness the yacht leaving while Allison remains on the island, making her seem compliant. This misdirection buys them time and reduces scrutiny, showcasing Stone’s tactical thinking.
3. How does the interaction with Thomas at the Shipwright’s Arms contribute to the chapter’s tension and themes?
Answer:
Thomas serves as both a confidant and a source of critical information, heightening tension through his dual role. He reveals that Buckler received a call about “Chapman,” confirming Stone’s ruse is working, but also hints at the precariousness of their situation with his quip about lying to Sir Winston. This interaction underscores themes of trust and deception in a high-stakes environment. Thomas’s willingness to lie for them—while maintaining plausible deniability—adds layers of risk and complicity, reminding readers that their plan hinges on the cooperation of allies who operate in morally ambiguous ways.
4. Why does Stone emphasize that Allison should avoid the airport and other boats, even his own?
Answer:
Stone’s warnings reflect his understanding of the legal and political dangers Allison faces. Avoiding the airport prevents any perception of attempted escape, which could justify her immediate arrest. Similarly, staying off boats—including his—reduces the risk of accusations that she’s fleeing St. Marks. These precautions are vital because Colonel Buckler and Sir Winston are actively monitoring her movements. By limiting her visibility in high-risk areas, Stone minimizes opportunities for authorities to escalate their scrutiny, demonstrating his focus on controlling variables in a volatile situation.
5. Evaluate Sir Winston’s remark about the “lovely evening” and Allison’s response. What subtext is conveyed in this exchange?
Answer:
Sir Winston’s seemingly casual comment—”You wouldn’t want to leave us on such a lovely evening”—is a veiled threat, testing Allison’s compliance. His tone masks authority, implying he’s aware of the yacht’s departure and suspects her involvement. Allison’s calm reply (“Of course not”) and deliberate redirection of attention to the yacht’s exit project confidence, subtly undermining his insinuation. The exchange highlights the power dynamics at play: Sir Winston uses charm to intimidate, while Allison and Stone rely on performative nonchalance to deflect suspicion, illustrating the psychological warfare underlying their interactions.
Quotes
1. “I’m glad you still have the capacity for being frightened by something… He was on the point of jailing you, you know.”
This exchange between Stone and Allison highlights the gravity of their situation with Colonel Buckler, showing both the immediate danger Allison faces and Stone’s dry, protective demeanor. It sets the tense tone for the chapter’s central conflict.
2. “Technology is passing me by.”
Stone’s remark about the satellite phone underscores a key theme of the chapter - how modern technology (the satellite phone) becomes a crucial tool in their plan to misdirect authorities about Allison’s potential escape, while also showing generational adaptation to new tools.
3. “We are going to appear relaxed and happy and unconcerned about the yacht’s departure.”
This line captures the central strategy Stone devises - creating an elaborate ruse to maintain appearances while secretly orchestrating the yacht’s departure. It demonstrates the careful deception required in their precarious legal situation.
4. “I try always to tell Sir Winston the truth… except when I lie to him.”
Thomas’s witty remark reveals the complex moral landscape of St. Marks, where even allies must engage in deception. This quote showcases the local color and the network of complicity supporting Stone and Allison’s plans.
5. “Look… Colonel Buckler sees her, too… I believe he does… with satisfaction.”
This moment represents the successful execution of their plan, as the departing yacht creates the intended misdirection. Stone’s satisfaction marks a small victory in their ongoing battle with the authorities.